April 2025 Retirement-55 Monthly Newsletter

Month 1: April 2025

Investment Strategies

It was a quiet first month of retirement. The market stayed flat to slightly down, holding off a potential Bear Market trigger in mid-April. We’re now waiting patiently for our next Bull Run, watching for our “golden cross” signal: the 10-day moving average crossing above the 20-day.

We’ll manage our detailed investment strategies through our IRA account and keep you updated with every trade on the Trading Page. This account is our long-term passive income engine, targeting $2,500/month in 2025 and $5,000/month by age 60.

April Income: $983, from:

• VZ option roll at $42 – $295
• Interest – $194
• NVDA option – $389
• Other: NCLH, RGTI, QBTS

The account value is up ~1% in April, down ~10% YTD, with over 50% still in cash.

Income & Budgeting

We made it through Month 1 without touching our 401(k), using cash savings to supplement income. We stuck to 92% of our budget — with some positive surprises (insurance & tax credits). Entertainment was over, but planned.

Building a Brand

This area stalled a bit. We focused on upgrading the site and took time away from blogging. Our April 9 goals weren’t completed and will carry into May. We’re rethinking the blog cadence (daily may be too ambitious) and focusing on growing followers. Spread the word!

Retirement Planning & Lifestyle

This is why we retired — time well spent:

• Golf: Played 8 rounds, averaging 104. Goal is to break 90.
• Travel: Cape Cod, Jersey Shore, Dayton OH.
• Projects: Cleaned garage, organized closets, power washed house/patio.
• Health: Started morning routine to prioritize healthy breakfast, 30 minute workout, and reading time.

Retirement-55 Portfolio Snapshot

Net worth: Flat from Q1

Assets & expenses both down ~$6,000

401k, brokerage: Flat

Deferred stock: Forfeited (retirement)

Crypto: Slight increase

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