I agree, I'd like to shop when I retire but my grandmother is 90 and says she always planned to go shopping when she retired. Money isn't the issue...her eyes got really bad and she had to give up driving. Depending on your children to transport you and be patient while you cruise the aisles of yor favorite quilt stores may not happen for all of us. We don't live close or I'd be happy to do it for her. I've tried sending her fabric but it's not the same & I can appreciate that.
Find the joy of today and cherish the fabric for now and the future. I have had a couple of older friends pass and their children chose me to receive their stash....it's a wonderful legacy to see the fabric choices and the special pieces of kids clothes from MANY years ago. Absolute treasures. I've used old thread without any problem and love to give a nod to my friends in projects, too.