Retiring at 50: Could You Follow This Woman's Extreme Savings Plan?

Here's the story of Marlene Konkoly, who found creative ways to spend less and save more so she can retire at 50. This story is the first in our series about Extreme Savers.

    Americans may be living longer, but our retirement plans aren’t keeping up. Which means people are living longer with smaller bank accounts. But Marlene Konkoly will retire at age 50. How did she do it? She contributes a whopping 45 percent of the gross annual income she earns as a procurement officer for an automotive finance company to her retirement—all while owning a home and remaining debt-free. Konkoly is actually well ahead of the retirement savings curve compared to many of her fellow Americans. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, fewer than half of Americans even know how much money they would need to retire. And nearly a third of employees who had access to a defined contribution plan such as a 401(k) did not …

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PATCH FACTS

5 Things Sept. 24: Moms Paddle, Joe Andruzzi Foundation and More

Your Patch Facts for the day.

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section. 1. High near 68, low around 42 There will be increasing clouds with a high near 68. Northwest wind will be 3 to 8 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 42. Southwest wind will around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 2. Moms Paddle Norton Kayak Company and Norton Parks and Recreation Department will host a Moms Paddle 5 p.m. today. This event is for ages 12 and older. Cost is $55 per adult, $50 per teen and $50 for seniors. 3. Financial Aid and Your Retirement A financial aid information night will be held …

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Longtime Southeastern Coach Retires

After 31 years James Carini's era is over.

By Liz Zarrella The season has just ended for the girls’ basketball team at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School, however, more than just another season- it is the end of an era.  This year, their devoted coach, James Carini, retires.  It all started 31 years ago when Carini joined Southeastern Regional. He always loved basketball, having played in high school and college, and agreed to “temporarily” fill in as coach of the girls’ team before becoming the boys’ permanent coach.  While coaching the girls, he soon noticed their keen eagerness to listen and learn the game.  He observed their strong work ethic and that whether they won or lost, they never quit. He admitted that by the time this “temporary” duty was up, “they …

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Area Fire Officials Gather for NFD Chief's Last Day [VIDEO]

Norton Fire Chief Richard Gomes readies for retirement.

As the procession of area fire officials drew closer to Norton Fire Department, Chief Richard Gomes prepared to say goodbye to the many people who supported him throughout his career.  After 40 years working in the department, one year on call and 39 in a full-time position, Gomes is retiring.  “Rick brought a lot of professionalism to fire service,” said Rehoboth Fire Chief Robert Pray. “He’s a leader in mutual aid.”  While Gomes and his wife Theresa plan on spending the winter in Florida, it won’t be all rest and relaxation during his retirement. Gomes plans on continuing his position evaluating fire officials for promotions and teaching at Bristol Community College.  “It’s definitely the right time for my family and I. We planned this …

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VIP OF THE WEEK

Norton Patch VIP of the Week: Elaine Jackson

Head librarian to retire this month.

The same year Norton Public Library celebrated its 125th birthday, head librarian Elaine Jackson will be retiring this month after more than 20 years of service.  Jackson has her masters in library science. While she was going to school, she saw an ad for a head librarian at the Berklee Public Library. Though she wanted to be a school librarian, she took the job at Berklee and stayed there for two years.  “We had a great time. We still get together for dinner,” Jackson remembered fondly.  Prior to arriving in Norton, Jackson also worked at the Raynham Public Library for 22 years.  But of course Jackson’s most recent role as head librarian at Norton Public Library will be the one the community will remember the most. Even though the library…

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Terri Gary

8:17 am on Monday, June 13, 2011

Hi Elaine, So sorry I missed your retirement party on June 5. I was in Nashville, TN at this time but wanted to be there to honor one who has done so much for the children as well as adults for this town. Much success to you in everything you do from here on out... Blessings, Terri Gary   more ›

Search Plan for New Fire Chief in the Works

Selectmen to decide if search will be extended outside Norton Fire Department.

With the current Norton Fire Chief Richard Gomes set to retire July 28, the search is on for his replacement. While Town Manager Michael Yunits will select the next chief, selectmen choose who they will accept applications from. During the meeting last night, selectmen discussed testing within Norton Fire Department again, or extending their reach to the outside. While selectmen chairman Bradford Bramwell wants to give current Norton firefighters the opportunity to be promoted, other members of the board disagreed.  “I think we have very good candidates, but why limit ourselves?” asked selectman Timothy R. Giblin.  Selectmen Robert Kimball agreed, saying “I think we need to get the best for our buck. I prefer an open candidate list.”  …

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Chief Gomes To Retire in 2011

Norton Fire Chief Richard Gomes gave his resignation last night at the selectmen meeting.

More change at the top is in store for Norton, as Fire Chief Richard Gomes announces his resignation and upcoming retirement some time in 2011. The 40-year veteran of the fire department informed Acting Town Manager James Purcell this week that he intended to retire, saying he was giving advanced notice to the town so that the department and the emergency management division can deal with the transition in an orderly way. Purcell's resignation as Town Manager was official on Jan. 24, but selectmen appointed him Acting Town Manager at this week's meeting. He will stay at the helm for several days a week until the board selects a replacement and the person arrives and is settled into his new post. Gomes said in a letter, read to the board by…

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Outgoing Town Manager Will Be Sorely Missed

Jim Purcell leaves Norton a better town than he found it.

Town Manager Jim Purcell officially retires this week, ending a nearly decade-long run as Norton’s top administrator. And as with everything during his successful stay here, he’s doing it his way – quietly and professionally. It is not easy to be a Town Manager. People expect you to provide more services for less money. You have to deal with a wide range of employees and town officials. You have to negotiate union contracts. And your professional life is carried out in a fishbowl, where your successes are expected and your mistakes magnified. There are many different styles utilized by town managers. Some are brash, leading in an outwardly confrontational manner. Others are behind-the-scenes kind of folks, trying to show as little as …

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