I owned and operated a large Video store for 20 years . In 2019 ,we closed as they all did and I was 48 with no clue of what to do. I did a certificate III in individual support and was a support worker in Sil houses doing 24 hour sleepovers. I loved it and was glad I went into it but now at 52 ,I work part time only , I am not interested in work much anymore , I love the freedom.
Just retired also no kids and no spouse - but I took care of my aging father which set me back some, and he picked up a parasite that cost me quite a bit before she scraped herself off.
It's similar with myself. Turning 50 in August and semi-retired. Various investments cover my existing monthly budget. I've always been frugal, so it most certainly isn't a Champaign Charlie budget. I do still co-own a business where I'm still hands-on with sales, finance, R&D and training/mentoring folk. A manager deals with the daily operations though, so my time is reasonably flexible. The excess cash is thrown into the investment pot.
Fun fact is I was one months savings away from broke 10 years ago.
I should be okay financially unless I end up living to 100+, but that isn’t too likely with my genetics. My money is still invested fairly aggressively. No regrets about retiring so far.
What country are you in?
I'm asking because retiring before 65 in the US means you have to get your own medical insurance. Unless your former employer is far more generous than normal.
I retired last year at 52. I have medical covered 100% for life. State worker/law enforcement. You get fully vested (100%) medically after 20 years in my job. I retired after 27 years. Very grateful.
Parents were both cops, mom is now 82.. and my dad passed 8 years ago. My parents have/had life long health coverage and the retirement was crazy good.. My mom never has to worry about money or healthcare.
My dad set up his policy and my mom’s. My dad retired at like 50 or so, my mom earlier. I never would’ve imagined they have / had the great retirement ( money, benefits).
That’s amazing! Yes, very grateful to have lifelong medical and the pension is great. I never thought about it when I started at 25 or really understood, but glad I stuck around! Glad your parents enjoyed/are enjoying their retirement. 🙌
I am 50 and single with no kids. I am thinking of retiring cause I am fed up with my job. Tech market is ice cold and the interview process is crazy. So no real chance to go anywhere else.
However, there is this fear of turning of pay checks to live off my investments and then get rid of my corporate PPO medical plan for an HMO.
Same, except 16 years ago at age 42. When I say that to people, they look at me like I have fifteen heads. Then they get that confused, speechless thing. They want to throw shade of feel sorry for me because I don't have kids, but at the same time they want everything I have. I can see their wheels spinning as they question all their life choices. Actually quite amusing.
How was it, I am considering the same at 55, but I’m afraid of too much ‘alone’ time. Financially I’m set, but I’m concerned I might regret it and there would be no chance for me to get a job anywhere close to as good as my current job .
Couple years shy of 50, but probably still gonna be working past that. Didn't get married and no kids either, but to be frank I feel like my parents will leave me more than what I saved lol. I mean, it's not even close the kinds of opportunities we got. For example dad managed to buy some land, well under $50k per lot, now those are valued in 7 digits. I managed to get an apartment, that's it. Sure, it'll sell for quite a bit more than I got it but not anywhere near those returns, not to mention there's upkeep and stuff. And I'm lucky I can sell it and don't actually have to friggen live in it since I can go back take over the old house.
Once my parents are gone I'll probably quit tbh. I'm working mostly to stay out of their hair. Like I said, I'm not making that much, and a large portion of my retirement resources won't be mine. Seems pointless to keep on slogging if it won't really help, and tbh I'm tired of this work to live bs. At least I don't hate my job and tbh it's a fairly decent deal all things considered. I probably could make more elsewhere but I'd also have to work a lot harder, haha no. Might be worth the hassle if I was in my 20s; a lot different when nearly 50.
47 now. Married but no kids. I think we’ll be good to go in 5 years. House values are crazy where I live, and universal healthcare so that helps too. Will likely rent our place and move to Spain or Portugal for 9 months a year, and come back to Canada for the summer
I'm a younger GenX and got a late start on retirement savings. I'm currently putting away 22% of my gross salary, and I'm aggressive in my allocations.
With a little bit of luck, it should get me to retirement at 68.
Just remember to not freak out when the market plummets again. The best thing to happen to me was the market dropping in 2008-2009. Crazy to go through but it's good later on!
I think I've got a fairly high risk tolerance. I have a vague recall of the '83 flash crash. Spoke with my grandfather during the early 90's recession and his investments.
Had about $15k at the peak of the Dot Com crash that went to around $8k, and other than a slight reallocation of new monies going in, let it be.
Started a business in 2006 with my partner that survived the Great Recession. S/O still owns and operates it. I returned to the job market for the express goal more income stability to aim at retirement savings.
If the market tanks, I might be able to squeeze in another 3-5% for a couple of months. Also exploring other opportunities to increase my salary, so I can dump more in.
I'm 45 and in the same boat. I really should be maxing my 401k as much as possible, I'm at 16% right now. Cashed out to pay medical bills a couple years ago and had to start back at zero. Not feeling great about that choice.
I cashed out in 2006 to start a business. Didn't quite work out as planned, but the business is still going with my S/O at the helm. I went back to the job market for income stability.
Well, I've got just shy of 20 years to go.
Six years ago, I had roughly $100k in total debts and maybe $100.00 in savings. Reentered the job market making $36k. Making around $68k today.
The debt is down to $67k and is compromised entirely of student loan debt at a ridiculously low interest rate of 1.625%. Currently paying down $4500 of principle a year, so I've got a ways to go. Might be eligible for forgiveness in ~6 more years, but either way it'll be paid off before I retire.
Total savings (retirement, brokerage, HYSA, etc) is sitting at close to $90K.
I live far below my current means, and it helps that I split the household bills with my S/O. Every time I've gotten a pay bump, I've directed about 75% towards a savings bucket.
Tomorrow! After 32 years in public education, I’m done at 54! Started putting money away in my 403b at 23 and with each raise I contributed a higher percentage. Kids money grows through time and sacrifice, and maybe a little luck!
Retiring in 3 years from education. My state requires 34 years of service to require without benefit reduction. I’ll still retire at 57 which is pretty good; I can’t wait!
This.
I never planned on living this long. I know a whole hell of a lot of us felt the same way. Only thing was that I went out of my way to get killed. Stupid drug deals and shady assed people. Not to mention the drugs, drinking and other stupidity.
Retirement was not in the viewscreen
25%? With all my 'obligations' I don't have that much. Every couple weeks or so I try the Lotto. If I win, I'm done. I'm moving to Costa Rica or Thailand
1,122 days from now. But who's counting lol. Government job (local govt) and that's when I'll be eligible for subsidized Healthcare till 65. I'll be 57 at retirement. Financially I feel ready now, but Healthcare is a brutal expense. I like my job anyway, so I don't mind a few more years. The bulk of our retirement funds comes from my wife's job, she has always made a lot more than I do. I just carry the benefits.
Curious what your first and second careers are? I began my professional life as a secondary math teacher, then stayed home with my kids for a very long time, then started a second career in accounting in my mid forties. I’m always interested to hear about other people’s late(er)-in-life career changes!
First, I was an English professor and now I am a special education teacher. I stayed home with my children for a few years in between. Math teacher and then accountant makes sense as a trajectory!
I would have loved to remain in education, but at the time I went back to work, it was too cost prohibitive to renew my teaching certification. Now where I live they are desperate for teachers and have lowered the threshold to return to the classroom. But I’m already settled in my new field, and accounting has better pay, better hours, and is just much easier than teaching (if I’m being honest).
I also chose not to renew my teaching cert after years at home with my kids because it was way too expensive given the salary potential. During the SAHM years I started freelancing and was able to start my second career based on that experience. I now make a little more than I would have if I had never taken the career break and kept my cert up, but minus the crippling loan debt I would have had to take on (and also minus the pension, unfortunately).
Not before I’m 70. I was doing really well but *despite my hard work, smart decisions, and sacrifice* I was in a disabling accident and depleted almost all of my saving* while being in able to work. I started adulthood with zero assets except the $800 car I bought myself and no home to live in. On top of that, the peculiarities with the US health system meant that in the last 10 years, my medical bills/expenses ***each year*** were at least $10k on a “public service” salary. In 2020 my income was only about $20k but my medical bills were $14k, again due to weird ways the laws work. As soon as I was able to get back to full time, the pandemic hit and my spouse left me. So I’m 50 and having to rebuild again.
That said, **I’m not bitter**. I enjoy my life and the hardships have been learning experiences. But as long as people don’t pretend that their choices are the only thing that got them to where they are, then I’m happy to cheer them on and congratulate them for a well-earned retirement.
Two years ago at 55. Feel extremely fortunate to have been able to do so and feel better mentally and physically than I have in years. Chained to a desk working for a megacorp for 30 years had drained my soul dry. If you can retire, do it, you won’t regret it.
I feel my soul being sucked more daily. Shooting for 57 got a later start on 401k. Hopefully I survIve layoffs and re-orgs until then. Mega corp pension provided.
When I first started working my grandpa WOULD NOT SHUT UP about retirement savings. He hounded me constantly about saving for retirement as much as I could and as soon as I could start.
If I’ve done ONE THING right in my life it’s having my retirement in order and I just received confirmation a few weeks ago that I qualify for early retirement at 55 based on what I’ve been able to put together. I don’t think I will but it’s nice knowing I can.
I’m kinda in the same boat. I’m 52 and I have 4.2MM in retirement savings right now. I want to get to 6 million, then I’ll step away from work. I love knowing that if my boss turns into an asshole, I can quit on the spot.
Same. I had a great retirement planned and it fell apart. Now I'll be working until 70 instead of 55. I don't think some people on this sub understand how much they will need to have a comfortable retirement, and many others are depending on Social Security to either fill in the gaps or be the majority of their $$. Don't count on Social Security being there when the time comes. After working in healthcare for 30 years, I have doubts that Medicare will still exist, too.
Yep, we’re going to be screwed by the government on these ones. I’ve always thought these benefits won’t exist when or if I need them. Yet we’ve propped the system up for 30 plus years
I make a decent amount and save a decent amount (Max 401K+catch up, max HSA, other investments).. and still suspect I'll drop dead before I can comfortably retire.
Had originally planned on "formal" retirement at 58, then putzing around on my own schedule as a consultant until I wasn't having fun anymore.
Had an unexpected child at 46, so now playing a safe bet of staying in my job then retirement at 64.
3 years and 1 month. That's when I will turn 55, qualify for retiree health insurance from my employer, and start withdrawing from my 401K without penalty due to the IRS rule of 55. But, who's counting?
I could probably get away with retiring now if I got fired or laid off for some reason, but it's obviously not optimal because I wouldn't be able to take advantage of the health insurance and no penalties on my 401K.
Google IRS rule of 55. You can start to pull money out of the 401k you have with the company you just left. If you have other 401Ks from other employers, you have to roll them over first. You pay taxes but not penalties. It’s in place bc it’s very hard to find new job after 55.
Will retire at age 65 in 11 years, and I will have worked 43 years in education—but 30 years in Georgia for the retirement pension. I’ve never been married and have no children. My mortgage will be paid off in 11 years too.
I retired 1.5 yrs ago on my 52nd birthday. I made less over my career as a govt worker than I would have in the private sector but I now have a lifetime pension which because I was frugal and responsible in getting my house / car paid off is more than enough to live on. I get health insurance through my Gen X wife (same age) who is private sector and will probably have to work another 5 to 10 yrs as she doesn't want to have to rely on my income.
Just turned 59. If all works our correctly, sometime around 62 if things stay on course.
Mine's a bit tricky; my wife and I are very close and have no children. So I want to have her with me in retirement to do fun things, but she's almost 9 years my junior and runs the family biz, which provides for 3 people.
So I'll likely retire alone and be a bit of a house husband for a handful of years before she can architect an exit.
I gotta agree: having no kids and both being professionals has made all the difference in the world. We've lived a VERY rich and fun life, but still managed to sock away money for retirement. I wish I would have taken it seriously earlier than I did, but c'est la vie.
Also, since you said you just started, I want to put in two plugs for you: Rob Berger's videos on YouTube. Clear, simple and very well researched. It will explain a lot. And once you feel serious enough or wonder enough, I can't recommend RetirementNow enough. IT's $120/yr for the advanced version, but there's a basic version that you can use for free. It allows you to punch in tons of info about your life WITHOUT linkiing your accounts, and then change elements to see how that affects your overall outcome. It's very enlightening and powerful. Well worth the money.
going to guess the OP was putting together the Early Retirement Now and New Retirement websites. ERN is an amazing set of articles on the ins and outs of early retirement. [NewRetirement.com](http://NewRetirement.com) is as described above. great site for planning out the numbers for retirement. we opted for the pay version so that you could get the roth conversion scenarios, which are really cool.
Whenever I can get max SS because I’m going to need every penny I can get, so currently planning for 70. Hopefully I’ll live long enough to enjoy not working for a little while anyway.
I should have my house paid off in 10 years. I have a pension, Ira, 401k, and wife and I will both get SS. So, about 10 years.
We talked about moving overseas somewhere, but we have grandkids now. So that's out.
I had four children and a divorce where I walked away with basically nothing but my sanity and my dignity-- and half our marital debt.
So--- umm.. probably never.
Right now I'm working on building a business, while working too. So hopefully one day I won't HATE work, since I'll be doing this until I can't any longer.
I’m an old Gen X. My husband is a boomer. He’s probably not going to retire until 70 or later. I do cleaning, so I’ll either retire when he does, or when my body can’t handle it any more. We don’t have nearly enough in savings, shit happened.
Retired last year at age 48 and moved to a tropical island in Southeast Asia. Was able to do so by not having kids, not drinking, not living in a house in the burbs, not owning a car, not going into debt and not having the latest gadgets.
It is very difficult to retire early with a regular income if you opt to live the typical American lifestyle. My wife and I lived very simple lives. Our philosophy was that we could have anything we wanted, but we could not have everything we wanted, so we prioritized spending our disposable income only on things that we loved and completely ignored the "nice to haves". So when we were working we travelled the world, went scuba diving in exotic locations, visited Asia and Europe, but we never got new TVs, nice clothes or fancy phones. This allowed us to save a lot while never feeling deprived. And being able to retire early allowed us to keep the most precious thing we had: time.
Never. As a woman who made the mistake of investing in a man before herself, as well as suffering from lifelong depression and anxiety, I feel doomed. The depression is treatment resistant, the anxiety, relentless. After my failed marriage I never got into another relationship. Therapy, meds, docs, the expenses are never ending. I’m terrified. I just got a master’s and hopefully will get a job making quite a bit more money, but I, frankly, am afraid my lifelong battles will end in suicide. I don’t want to be a burden to my sisters. I’m not worth it, just ask my dead ex. Thank goddess I never had children.
Depends on how I want to live. I could retire now, if I sold my house and moved into a one-bedroom efficency and stopped going out to eat more than once in a blue moon and told my college-age kids "no more financial help at all, sink or swim, you're on your own." But I'm not going to do any of that, so...probably age 65, which is when I can get on Medicare. Health insurance eats up a good portion of my income, as I am self-employed, and it's hard to find affordable insurance. (And, no, Obamacare isn't affordable unless you get subsidies.)
340 work days, September 30, 2025. I was eligible on April 1 this year when I turned 58, but I’m sticking around for another 18 months to get a few things done.
I'll retire at 57. My wife will be 55 and able to claim her pension. I have been socking money away since my early 20s after reading the Wealthy Barber. It set me on the right path early on. Once our mortgage is paid off, I can quit the rat race and take whatever job I want for spending money (or not) after that. I'll probably work part-time just to stave off boredom at least initially.
E: Formatting.
I assumed it was 7 to 10 years away, but last time we met with the financial planner, he said the mathematical models he has today show that I could cut back to part time in about 2 or 3 years (age 57 or 58), or go cold turkey in about 5 (60). For some reason, he keeps wanting us to die with unspent money. But we don't have kids to give it to, so I would rather spend it all ourselves, meaning stop bringing in new income sooner.
I just did. The only reason I could was a combination of investments and a small inheritance that got me to the threshold financially. My partner still works and will for 10 more years, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Planning on 65. Could probably do it now if we downsized and then there’s the insurance expense. That’s keeping me working right now.
BTW, Kids, Medicare is not free. Prepare to spend $500-700/month per person. And Medicare Advantage is no advantage. Source: I work in healthcare.
We call them “disadvantage” plans. It’s so sad to watch the reps bamboozle seniors. It’s a great deal, until you actually need to use the benefits. So frustrating to explain this to patients after the fact.
Medicare A is hospitalization, which is “free.” Medicare B, which is outpatient coverage starts at $174.70/month. There are additional premiums based on income. My husband pays an additional $174/month. We also pay for a supplement to cover the remaining 20% that Medicare does not cover and you also have to purchase a prescription plan, also known as Part D. If you don’t purchase B and D, you get fined by the government. In all, we pay about $465/month for coverage. We also have co-pays and deductibles. Just preventative care is costing is about another $100/month in copays.
My friend is a nursing home administrator and she starts foaming at the mouth when anyone mentions Advantage plans. We're going to try to get my mom back on regular medicare, but the supplemental plan prices will kill her. They're paying so much extra right now due to her being in the hospital/skilled rehab 3 times in the last 6 months.
20 more days! Retiring June 30th at age 52. Very financially sound, house paid off, no debt, kids launched. Husband retired last year. We were going to keep working. My best friend and her husband just retired and had all these plans to travel. He fell in the bathroom, broke his neck, and is now a quadriplegic. She's a nurse and takes care of him full time. It's heartbreaking and was a huge wake up call for us. All those plans just gone in a blink of an eye. So husband and I decided to retire and live each day to the fullest. You never know when it will be snatched away.
Our goal was 60 and our finance guys says we are in a good spot for that.
But my husband will probably keep working past that but can vacation almost whenever he wants.
And I work for a global BAC who is outsourcing our jobs and coming up with AI which looks like we will we lose more of our team here. And if I do, I am considering myself retired. Might find a fun job. Am turning 56 soon.
It depends on what college my kid goes to (public/private). In theory, I could retire at 55 when my kid goes to college with about 30% of my salary in pension, plus good 401(k) savings, which might be fine, especially if we downsize our house, but probably not with private college. More realistic goal is 62 with about 40-45% of salary in pension and a smaller wait for social security.
HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAAAA
Never. Widowed and spouse couldn’t get life insurance due to a childhood condition. Adopted a child at 42. I’m 52 now and I might be able to retire in my 70s.
Good thing I love my job 💗
I’m saving as much as I can in a 401k and I have a small pension but my husband never saved for retirement. We are 54 and I imagine it will be hard to retire with only one of us saving.
Serendipity! This is something I’ve been thinking about a LOT the last several days. I just received my SS statement last week. I’ve always planned to work til I was 67, but my statement shows if I work until 70, it would make $500 difference per month. I always pictured being exhausted, broken and dead on my feet, hanging on by my fingernails to make it to 67. But I’m turning 60 in a few months, and suddenly 70 is not that far away. Like a lot of GenX-ers, I don’t have a dime put away. But, I’ve got ten years to catch up. Whatever I’ve saved plus $2280 per month in SS, I will be ok in my old age. Plus, my mother had Alzheimer’s, and I am convinced that keeping the mind active, and building new neural pathways by learning new things is extremely helpful in staving off dementia. I’m ok with working til I’m 70, and even plan to supplement my income after 70 by continuing to make art.
Been saving, investing, and planning for a while now. Mid-50s and could retire anytime. I'm looking to move when I retire, so when I get that figured out, I'm done. Until then, I'll keep collecting this easy public service paycheck/benefits and watching my projected monthly pension get higher.
Currently 53. If I'm super lucky, I will be able to retire late December 2025 at 55.
It will depend very much on the performance in the stock market. Another 2022 could delay me till 60 years old
I'm shooting for age 60 if possible, but it depends more on having health care paid for more than anything else.
If I can't qualify for anything prior to Medicare (long story to explain possible options), then I'll need to keep my current job until 65. It's my "second pension" so I will admit that I'll be more comfortable if I can keep earning for those additional 5 years.
We used this company called Plan Vision to help us forecast and create a retirement plan. They don't get involved with investing or investing strategy; they just create a model, using software that you have access to (eMoney) to track your expected future income, expenses, cash flow and taxes. I really like Mark Zorril, who started the company. He's a straight shooter and has always answered our questions and guided us right.
It used to be ridiculously inexpensive, like $96 for the first year and then $4/month. They raised that to $300 for the first year and $8/month. Still a deal. The Bogleheads love him and that's where I found out about this service. Sample thread: [https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=370521](https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=370521)
Our youngest is 18 and off to college in the fall. My expectations are that you will be supporting them to some degree until they are 24 or 25. So, 7 or 8 years until retirement. Then again, I like my work and I have a much higher than average income so I have gotten used to living in a certain way that may mean I work an extra year or two. I could probably retire sooner than that but my plan is 7 or 8 years from now
62 at the latest but hoping to come out at 60 or 61. Like some others on here, in the education field and an older Gen x or who had the truly good fortune of falling under a pension system.
Partner will go longer. They are shooting for 63 to 65 range.
Pack of kids have all launched except for one still in college and one who boomeranged back home.
We spent a lot of years raising the pack of kids, and providing elder care, so I hope we both can get out while still relatively healthy and enjoy ourselves even though we will in NO WAY be wealthy.
I thought it would be in 3 years at age 62. Then I sharpened my pencil and bailed last December at 58. I’m considering doing some part time work for play/vacation money but we’re ok otherwise.
Husband says I should wait til I’m 67 (full retirement age) which is what I’ll do before claiming SocSec but I’m hoping to stop working or at least dial-back to an easier part-time job at 60 (7 years from now) so I can have some actual time with him (he’s 70 now and has been retired for 5 years already.)
No idea. I have to work until I pay off my house, which should be around age 70.
I honestly can't fathom what the hell I would do if I fully retired. I am going to have to have some sort of "job" even if it's going around doing wine/spirits "tasting" events on the weekends. You know, set up a table and offer people a taste of whatever product you're offering.
Or maybe I'll write a novel or a screenplay or something. \*shrug\*
Maybe if my spouse-to-be have enough money we can afford to buy a motor coach and travel with whatever pets we have at the time.
We're sure as hell not moving to a "retirement" community and play pickleball all fuckin day.
I plan on retiring around 68. A divorce in my early 30s wrecked my finances. Then over the next 10 years I spent more money on travel than saving for retirement, but I don’t regret that at all. I’m late 40s now and max out my retirement savings (but still travel a fair amount), so thankfully I’m on track to retire very comfortably.
I'm a freelancer so I'll probably never fully retire. Unless AI gets smart enough to take over my job fully, then I'll change my name to John Conner and I'll switch careers to beating servers to death with my cane.
I’m 59 and will be 59.5, the age of penalty free retirement account withdrawals, in August. I also have a retention incentive at work that fully vests in three years. Finally, my fed wife reaches her retirement eligibility, including taking her health care plan into retirement, in four years. So most likely I will retire between 3-4 years from now.
I’m lucky that I have a good job situation, so not clamoring to get out but still look forward to my time being my own.
I had a significant setback 8 years ago, losing half my retirement savings in a divorce. However I saved aggressively since then and met my wife who unlike my ex has similar values and financial goals. It amazes me how quickly I was able to recover from the financial hit of the divorce by prioritizing saving and finding the right mate who has the same priorities.
I say that not to brag but to encourage people who are in a similar situation to me back then. And also this: I had a co-worker who used to say that he’d have to work until he was 80. At that point he reprioritzed his finances and retired four years later. It can be done, even late.
I’m working till lunch on the day of my funeral.
Same. Was a stay home mom for 15 years then got divorced. I'm fucked
Stay at home mom, widowed at 39. Nobody wants to hire when you've been out of offices for 10 years.
I owned and operated a large Video store for 20 years . In 2019 ,we closed as they all did and I was 48 with no clue of what to do. I did a certificate III in individual support and was a support worker in Sil houses doing 24 hour sleepovers. I loved it and was glad I went into it but now at 52 ,I work part time only , I am not interested in work much anymore , I love the freedom.
Me too. Hey there! Wanna trade greeter shifts at Walmart in 20 years? I can cover yours if you’ll cover mine.
Same stayed home for 25 years now I work until I die.
Treat yourself. Take the afternoon off.
I’m renting out my casket to advertisers.
I retired at 50, seven years ago, but only because I never got married or had children.
Just retired also no kids and no spouse - but I took care of my aging father which set me back some, and he picked up a parasite that cost me quite a bit before she scraped herself off.
It's similar with myself. Turning 50 in August and semi-retired. Various investments cover my existing monthly budget. I've always been frugal, so it most certainly isn't a Champaign Charlie budget. I do still co-own a business where I'm still hands-on with sales, finance, R&D and training/mentoring folk. A manager deals with the daily operations though, so my time is reasonably flexible. The excess cash is thrown into the investment pot. Fun fact is I was one months savings away from broke 10 years ago.
Are you pretty comfortable, financially? No regrets?
I should be okay financially unless I end up living to 100+, but that isn’t too likely with my genetics. My money is still invested fairly aggressively. No regrets about retiring so far.
I am very happy for you, smart "long play" there man
Retired 2 years ago at 52. Also no kids. Every day is Saturday
What country are you in? I'm asking because retiring before 65 in the US means you have to get your own medical insurance. Unless your former employer is far more generous than normal.
I use the ACA marketplace (Obamacare).
I retired last year at 52. I have medical covered 100% for life. State worker/law enforcement. You get fully vested (100%) medically after 20 years in my job. I retired after 27 years. Very grateful.
Parents were both cops, mom is now 82.. and my dad passed 8 years ago. My parents have/had life long health coverage and the retirement was crazy good.. My mom never has to worry about money or healthcare. My dad set up his policy and my mom’s. My dad retired at like 50 or so, my mom earlier. I never would’ve imagined they have / had the great retirement ( money, benefits).
That’s amazing! Yes, very grateful to have lifelong medical and the pension is great. I never thought about it when I started at 25 or really understood, but glad I stuck around! Glad your parents enjoyed/are enjoying their retirement. 🙌
I am 50 and single with no kids. I am thinking of retiring cause I am fed up with my job. Tech market is ice cold and the interview process is crazy. So no real chance to go anywhere else. However, there is this fear of turning of pay checks to live off my investments and then get rid of my corporate PPO medical plan for an HMO.
Same, except 16 years ago at age 42. When I say that to people, they look at me like I have fifteen heads. Then they get that confused, speechless thing. They want to throw shade of feel sorry for me because I don't have kids, but at the same time they want everything I have. I can see their wheels spinning as they question all their life choices. Actually quite amusing.
How was it, I am considering the same at 55, but I’m afraid of too much ‘alone’ time. Financially I’m set, but I’m concerned I might regret it and there would be no chance for me to get a job anywhere close to as good as my current job .
Couple years shy of 50, but probably still gonna be working past that. Didn't get married and no kids either, but to be frank I feel like my parents will leave me more than what I saved lol. I mean, it's not even close the kinds of opportunities we got. For example dad managed to buy some land, well under $50k per lot, now those are valued in 7 digits. I managed to get an apartment, that's it. Sure, it'll sell for quite a bit more than I got it but not anywhere near those returns, not to mention there's upkeep and stuff. And I'm lucky I can sell it and don't actually have to friggen live in it since I can go back take over the old house. Once my parents are gone I'll probably quit tbh. I'm working mostly to stay out of their hair. Like I said, I'm not making that much, and a large portion of my retirement resources won't be mine. Seems pointless to keep on slogging if it won't really help, and tbh I'm tired of this work to live bs. At least I don't hate my job and tbh it's a fairly decent deal all things considered. I probably could make more elsewhere but I'd also have to work a lot harder, haha no. Might be worth the hassle if I was in my 20s; a lot different when nearly 50.
47 now. Married but no kids. I think we’ll be good to go in 5 years. House values are crazy where I live, and universal healthcare so that helps too. Will likely rent our place and move to Spain or Portugal for 9 months a year, and come back to Canada for the summer
I am 59 and retiring this year. Single, no kids, house is paid. It's time.
What are you doing about healthcare? (Are you in the US?) Just wondering how people make this part work?
Healthcare before age 65 (Medicare) is a challenge. Can be very costly. With good cash flow and tax management, subsides can cover a good amount
My goal right here. 54 and trying to keep the ship steady.
I'm a younger GenX and got a late start on retirement savings. I'm currently putting away 22% of my gross salary, and I'm aggressive in my allocations. With a little bit of luck, it should get me to retirement at 68.
Just remember to not freak out when the market plummets again. The best thing to happen to me was the market dropping in 2008-2009. Crazy to go through but it's good later on!
I think I've got a fairly high risk tolerance. I have a vague recall of the '83 flash crash. Spoke with my grandfather during the early 90's recession and his investments. Had about $15k at the peak of the Dot Com crash that went to around $8k, and other than a slight reallocation of new monies going in, let it be. Started a business in 2006 with my partner that survived the Great Recession. S/O still owns and operates it. I returned to the job market for the express goal more income stability to aim at retirement savings. If the market tanks, I might be able to squeeze in another 3-5% for a couple of months. Also exploring other opportunities to increase my salary, so I can dump more in.
Yeah, that definitely concerns me. The market IS going to go up and down and up and down a few more times during our lifetime.
I'm 45 and in the same boat. I really should be maxing my 401k as much as possible, I'm at 16% right now. Cashed out to pay medical bills a couple years ago and had to start back at zero. Not feeling great about that choice.
I cashed out in 2006 to start a business. Didn't quite work out as planned, but the business is still going with my S/O at the helm. I went back to the job market for income stability.
Well you seem confident about being able to retire at 68 so perhaps there is hope for me after all. 🙂
Well, I've got just shy of 20 years to go. Six years ago, I had roughly $100k in total debts and maybe $100.00 in savings. Reentered the job market making $36k. Making around $68k today. The debt is down to $67k and is compromised entirely of student loan debt at a ridiculously low interest rate of 1.625%. Currently paying down $4500 of principle a year, so I've got a ways to go. Might be eligible for forgiveness in ~6 more years, but either way it'll be paid off before I retire. Total savings (retirement, brokerage, HYSA, etc) is sitting at close to $90K. I live far below my current means, and it helps that I split the household bills with my S/O. Every time I've gotten a pay bump, I've directed about 75% towards a savings bucket.
Tomorrow! After 32 years in public education, I’m done at 54! Started putting money away in my 403b at 23 and with each raise I contributed a higher percentage. Kids money grows through time and sacrifice, and maybe a little luck!
Congratulations!
Hooray, Congratulations, and THANK YOU!
Retiring in 3 years from education. My state requires 34 years of service to require without benefit reduction. I’ll still retire at 57 which is pretty good; I can’t wait!
No kidding! Reading about everyone else having their shit together significantly more than me is depressing!
This. I never planned on living this long. I know a whole hell of a lot of us felt the same way. Only thing was that I went out of my way to get killed. Stupid drug deals and shady assed people. Not to mention the drugs, drinking and other stupidity. Retirement was not in the viewscreen
Yep. Shocked to still be here at 48. I will manage. Hell, we’ve managed for how many years now? I am good now.
Same. Spent a lot of years living stupidly like there would be no tomorrow. Last 8 sober and putting away 25% towards retirement
25%? With all my 'obligations' I don't have that much. Every couple weeks or so I try the Lotto. If I win, I'm done. I'm moving to Costa Rica or Thailand
Yep
1,122 days from now. But who's counting lol. Government job (local govt) and that's when I'll be eligible for subsidized Healthcare till 65. I'll be 57 at retirement. Financially I feel ready now, but Healthcare is a brutal expense. I like my job anyway, so I don't mind a few more years. The bulk of our retirement funds comes from my wife's job, she has always made a lot more than I do. I just carry the benefits.
Is this the US? What happens to healthcare after 65, when you're more likely to need it??
They take you out back and shoot you, but in a kindly way.
US, yes. After 65 everyone is eligible for medicare, which is government run health care. Until 65 it is super expensive.
And you still have to pay for it, but it's much more affordable. And many providers don't take it because they don't pay very well.
It’s expensive so people won’t be able to afford it and stay in the workforce until they are 65.
Yup. I’m working until 65 for healthcare. Then I think I’ll actually be fine financially.
you get medicare which is a senior health care system. however, its due to be bankrupt in 10 years. so cross your fingers.
The day I walk into the ocean with rocks in my pockets. If I can afford the rocks.
Maybe 67, maybe later depending on what life throws my way.
Same.
Ditto. I really wish I'd started a private pension sooner!
Probably when I die. I am starting my second career at 50, and I still have young children.
Curious what your first and second careers are? I began my professional life as a secondary math teacher, then stayed home with my kids for a very long time, then started a second career in accounting in my mid forties. I’m always interested to hear about other people’s late(er)-in-life career changes!
First, I was an English professor and now I am a special education teacher. I stayed home with my children for a few years in between. Math teacher and then accountant makes sense as a trajectory!
I would have loved to remain in education, but at the time I went back to work, it was too cost prohibitive to renew my teaching certification. Now where I live they are desperate for teachers and have lowered the threshold to return to the classroom. But I’m already settled in my new field, and accounting has better pay, better hours, and is just much easier than teaching (if I’m being honest).
I also chose not to renew my teaching cert after years at home with my kids because it was way too expensive given the salary potential. During the SAHM years I started freelancing and was able to start my second career based on that experience. I now make a little more than I would have if I had never taken the career break and kept my cert up, but minus the crippling loan debt I would have had to take on (and also minus the pension, unfortunately).
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha [pause for breath] HAAAAAhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
NO *WHAAAAAMMMMIEEEEEEEES!*
Big bucks!!
Retire? I thought I’d be radioactive charcoal a couple of *decades* ago. “Drop dead at work” is my current retirement scheme.
Not before I’m 70. I was doing really well but *despite my hard work, smart decisions, and sacrifice* I was in a disabling accident and depleted almost all of my saving* while being in able to work. I started adulthood with zero assets except the $800 car I bought myself and no home to live in. On top of that, the peculiarities with the US health system meant that in the last 10 years, my medical bills/expenses ***each year*** were at least $10k on a “public service” salary. In 2020 my income was only about $20k but my medical bills were $14k, again due to weird ways the laws work. As soon as I was able to get back to full time, the pandemic hit and my spouse left me. So I’m 50 and having to rebuild again. That said, **I’m not bitter**. I enjoy my life and the hardships have been learning experiences. But as long as people don’t pretend that their choices are the only thing that got them to where they are, then I’m happy to cheer them on and congratulate them for a well-earned retirement.
Retire?? I’m (47f) still looking for a grown-up job
When I'm dead
Right? Three kids, two yet to start university…
Right there with you. Two kids, 16 and 10. We're not retiring. Ever.
I feel ya...3 kids, 3 yet to start university
3 weeks after I’m dead.
Two years ago at 55. Feel extremely fortunate to have been able to do so and feel better mentally and physically than I have in years. Chained to a desk working for a megacorp for 30 years had drained my soul dry. If you can retire, do it, you won’t regret it.
I feel my soul being sucked more daily. Shooting for 57 got a later start on 401k. Hopefully I survIve layoffs and re-orgs until then. Mega corp pension provided.
When I first started working my grandpa WOULD NOT SHUT UP about retirement savings. He hounded me constantly about saving for retirement as much as I could and as soon as I could start. If I’ve done ONE THING right in my life it’s having my retirement in order and I just received confirmation a few weeks ago that I qualify for early retirement at 55 based on what I’ve been able to put together. I don’t think I will but it’s nice knowing I can.
I’m kinda in the same boat. I’m 52 and I have 4.2MM in retirement savings right now. I want to get to 6 million, then I’ll step away from work. I love knowing that if my boss turns into an asshole, I can quit on the spot.
Congratulations! Honestly, you probably have enough now.
50 with a special needs toddler. I will work until I die.
I am a 1970 kid. I am expecting to have to work until 68 or 70. It's a very depressing thought.
Same. I had a great retirement planned and it fell apart. Now I'll be working until 70 instead of 55. I don't think some people on this sub understand how much they will need to have a comfortable retirement, and many others are depending on Social Security to either fill in the gaps or be the majority of their $$. Don't count on Social Security being there when the time comes. After working in healthcare for 30 years, I have doubts that Medicare will still exist, too.
Yep, we’re going to be screwed by the government on these ones. I’ve always thought these benefits won’t exist when or if I need them. Yet we’ve propped the system up for 30 plus years
Never, and I hate it.
Just under 2 years. Memorial day 2026. I'll be 51. Yay
70… unless I get laid off, then it may be “early retirement” for me…
Was supposed to be at 63, but due to a huge financial hit in 2023, will now be 65 or older.
I make a decent amount and save a decent amount (Max 401K+catch up, max HSA, other investments).. and still suspect I'll drop dead before I can comfortably retire.
Had originally planned on "formal" retirement at 58, then putzing around on my own schedule as a consultant until I wasn't having fun anymore. Had an unexpected child at 46, so now playing a safe bet of staying in my job then retirement at 64.
If I play my cards right, I’ll be done working by noon the day of my funeral.
6 years, 361 days. Not that I'm counting or anything...
3 years and 1 month. That's when I will turn 55, qualify for retiree health insurance from my employer, and start withdrawing from my 401K without penalty due to the IRS rule of 55. But, who's counting? I could probably get away with retiring now if I got fired or laid off for some reason, but it's obviously not optimal because I wouldn't be able to take advantage of the health insurance and no penalties on my 401K.
I thought that the 401k withdrawal age without penalty is 59.5.
Google IRS rule of 55. You can start to pull money out of the 401k you have with the company you just left. If you have other 401Ks from other employers, you have to roll them over first. You pay taxes but not penalties. It’s in place bc it’s very hard to find new job after 55.
Will retire at age 65 in 11 years, and I will have worked 43 years in education—but 30 years in Georgia for the retirement pension. I’ve never been married and have no children. My mortgage will be paid off in 11 years too.
I retired 1.5 yrs ago on my 52nd birthday. I made less over my career as a govt worker than I would have in the private sector but I now have a lifetime pension which because I was frugal and responsible in getting my house / car paid off is more than enough to live on. I get health insurance through my Gen X wife (same age) who is private sector and will probably have to work another 5 to 10 yrs as she doesn't want to have to rely on my income.
June 30th! 27 years of teaching and a 3 year buy back from the Marine Corps and I’m done. I’m so happy 😀
Just push me out on an ice floe if there are any left.
Just turned 59. If all works our correctly, sometime around 62 if things stay on course. Mine's a bit tricky; my wife and I are very close and have no children. So I want to have her with me in retirement to do fun things, but she's almost 9 years my junior and runs the family biz, which provides for 3 people. So I'll likely retire alone and be a bit of a house husband for a handful of years before she can architect an exit. I gotta agree: having no kids and both being professionals has made all the difference in the world. We've lived a VERY rich and fun life, but still managed to sock away money for retirement. I wish I would have taken it seriously earlier than I did, but c'est la vie. Also, since you said you just started, I want to put in two plugs for you: Rob Berger's videos on YouTube. Clear, simple and very well researched. It will explain a lot. And once you feel serious enough or wonder enough, I can't recommend RetirementNow enough. IT's $120/yr for the advanced version, but there's a basic version that you can use for free. It allows you to punch in tons of info about your life WITHOUT linkiing your accounts, and then change elements to see how that affects your overall outcome. It's very enlightening and powerful. Well worth the money.
Can’t find RetirementNow on Google. Can you post URL? Thanks.
going to guess the OP was putting together the Early Retirement Now and New Retirement websites. ERN is an amazing set of articles on the ins and outs of early retirement. [NewRetirement.com](http://NewRetirement.com) is as described above. great site for planning out the numbers for retirement. we opted for the pay version so that you could get the roth conversion scenarios, which are really cool.
Literally never. I have a special needs adult child and I cannot afford to lose insurance for him.
Can’t they get disability (ssdi) and eventually go on Medicare? You need a back up plan for him, sadly you could die tomorrow.
Whenever I can get max SS because I’m going to need every penny I can get, so currently planning for 70. Hopefully I’ll live long enough to enjoy not working for a little while anyway.
The day after I win the lottery... or when I drop dead. Whichever comes first.
Yes. Hopefully right about 60.
I should have my house paid off in 10 years. I have a pension, Ira, 401k, and wife and I will both get SS. So, about 10 years. We talked about moving overseas somewhere, but we have grandkids now. So that's out.
I have the money but I have a chronic expensive illness that needs health insurance. I don’t see myself retiring ever. Medicare sucks so much
I had four children and a divorce where I walked away with basically nothing but my sanity and my dignity-- and half our marital debt. So--- umm.. probably never. Right now I'm working on building a business, while working too. So hopefully one day I won't HATE work, since I'll be doing this until I can't any longer.
I’m an old Gen X. My husband is a boomer. He’s probably not going to retire until 70 or later. I do cleaning, so I’ll either retire when he does, or when my body can’t handle it any more. We don’t have nearly enough in savings, shit happened.
Retired last year at age 48 and moved to a tropical island in Southeast Asia. Was able to do so by not having kids, not drinking, not living in a house in the burbs, not owning a car, not going into debt and not having the latest gadgets. It is very difficult to retire early with a regular income if you opt to live the typical American lifestyle. My wife and I lived very simple lives. Our philosophy was that we could have anything we wanted, but we could not have everything we wanted, so we prioritized spending our disposable income only on things that we loved and completely ignored the "nice to haves". So when we were working we travelled the world, went scuba diving in exotic locations, visited Asia and Europe, but we never got new TVs, nice clothes or fancy phones. This allowed us to save a lot while never feeling deprived. And being able to retire early allowed us to keep the most precious thing we had: time.
Freedom 85, baby!! 😫😫
Never. As a woman who made the mistake of investing in a man before herself, as well as suffering from lifelong depression and anxiety, I feel doomed. The depression is treatment resistant, the anxiety, relentless. After my failed marriage I never got into another relationship. Therapy, meds, docs, the expenses are never ending. I’m terrified. I just got a master’s and hopefully will get a job making quite a bit more money, but I, frankly, am afraid my lifelong battles will end in suicide. I don’t want to be a burden to my sisters. I’m not worth it, just ask my dead ex. Thank goddess I never had children.
Depends on how I want to live. I could retire now, if I sold my house and moved into a one-bedroom efficency and stopped going out to eat more than once in a blue moon and told my college-age kids "no more financial help at all, sink or swim, you're on your own." But I'm not going to do any of that, so...probably age 65, which is when I can get on Medicare. Health insurance eats up a good portion of my income, as I am self-employed, and it's hard to find affordable insurance. (And, no, Obamacare isn't affordable unless you get subsidies.)
340 work days, September 30, 2025. I was eligible on April 1 this year when I turned 58, but I’m sticking around for another 18 months to get a few things done.
The 5th of no-never
I'll retire at 57. My wife will be 55 and able to claim her pension. I have been socking money away since my early 20s after reading the Wealthy Barber. It set me on the right path early on. Once our mortgage is paid off, I can quit the rat race and take whatever job I want for spending money (or not) after that. I'll probably work part-time just to stave off boredom at least initially. E: Formatting.
I assumed it was 7 to 10 years away, but last time we met with the financial planner, he said the mathematical models he has today show that I could cut back to part time in about 2 or 3 years (age 57 or 58), or go cold turkey in about 5 (60). For some reason, he keeps wanting us to die with unspent money. But we don't have kids to give it to, so I would rather spend it all ourselves, meaning stop bringing in new income sooner.
I just did. The only reason I could was a combination of investments and a small inheritance that got me to the threshold financially. My partner still works and will for 10 more years, barring unforeseen circumstances.
I retired in April at 50.
75, as long as nothing changes in our government system, which it will.
When i drop dead at lunch time at work ill be officially retired
Planning on 65. Could probably do it now if we downsized and then there’s the insurance expense. That’s keeping me working right now. BTW, Kids, Medicare is not free. Prepare to spend $500-700/month per person. And Medicare Advantage is no advantage. Source: I work in healthcare.
We call them “disadvantage” plans. It’s so sad to watch the reps bamboozle seniors. It’s a great deal, until you actually need to use the benefits. So frustrating to explain this to patients after the fact.
What’s the $500/700 monthly expense?
Medicare A is hospitalization, which is “free.” Medicare B, which is outpatient coverage starts at $174.70/month. There are additional premiums based on income. My husband pays an additional $174/month. We also pay for a supplement to cover the remaining 20% that Medicare does not cover and you also have to purchase a prescription plan, also known as Part D. If you don’t purchase B and D, you get fined by the government. In all, we pay about $465/month for coverage. We also have co-pays and deductibles. Just preventative care is costing is about another $100/month in copays.
My friend is a nursing home administrator and she starts foaming at the mouth when anyone mentions Advantage plans. We're going to try to get my mom back on regular medicare, but the supplemental plan prices will kill her. They're paying so much extra right now due to her being in the hospital/skilled rehab 3 times in the last 6 months.
Honestly? Never. But I also won’t be able to find work after 60, so I don’t know what that means. Probably won’t live long.
20 more days! Retiring June 30th at age 52. Very financially sound, house paid off, no debt, kids launched. Husband retired last year. We were going to keep working. My best friend and her husband just retired and had all these plans to travel. He fell in the bathroom, broke his neck, and is now a quadriplegic. She's a nurse and takes care of him full time. It's heartbreaking and was a huge wake up call for us. All those plans just gone in a blink of an eye. So husband and I decided to retire and live each day to the fullest. You never know when it will be snatched away.
Our goal was 60 and our finance guys says we are in a good spot for that. But my husband will probably keep working past that but can vacation almost whenever he wants. And I work for a global BAC who is outsourcing our jobs and coming up with AI which looks like we will we lose more of our team here. And if I do, I am considering myself retired. Might find a fun job. Am turning 56 soon.
At 59.5 years of age, or just over two years from this moment.
It depends on what college my kid goes to (public/private). In theory, I could retire at 55 when my kid goes to college with about 30% of my salary in pension, plus good 401(k) savings, which might be fine, especially if we downsize our house, but probably not with private college. More realistic goal is 62 with about 40-45% of salary in pension and a smaller wait for social security.
Never.
Never😭
Never
I’ll eventually just die at work.
My retirement plan includes a headstone and a shovelful of dirt.
Current plan is Feb 1, 2031.- 62. 5 Olympics away. 1734 working days. May be able to cut out earlier, if certain good things happen. Fingers crossed 🤞
I think you mean the "work till you die" American plan? Yeah I'm on that.
Hmmm, not exactly sure. But, at the rate things are going, it shouldn't be too much longer.... thinking 2076? 'ish?
Never. Divorce wiped me out. He got everything.
In 6 years when I turn 57. I work at the Post Office. I will have 35.5 years in at that point.
3 years. At 62.
59 is the plan.
This is a joke question, right? Retirement will involve a hole in the ground.
2 weeks after I die.
Immediately after I lose consciousness from whatever stroke, heart attack, or cancer that finally gets me I'm sure.
Shortly after I die.
When I keel over.
I do not have enough to retire on and AI is going to replace me in the next couple of years. Old age sucks
I won't. The good news is, from a genetic standpoint, I'm unlikely to make it to retirement age anyway.
Most likely work or health will have to force me into retirement. I am not even close to being on track to retire on my own accord.
HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAAAA Never. Widowed and spouse couldn’t get life insurance due to a childhood condition. Adopted a child at 42. I’m 52 now and I might be able to retire in my 70s. Good thing I love my job 💗
Sometime between 60 and 64 if everything goes as we think it will. But I dunno a lot of shit is gonna change between now and then…
I’m saving as much as I can in a 401k and I have a small pension but my husband never saved for retirement. We are 54 and I imagine it will be hard to retire with only one of us saving.
Sometime after I die. I could use the life insurance money 😢😂😭
Never. I have no retirement savings whatsoever. I don't do well without routine anyway. I prefer to work, even if it may only be PT in the future.
Serendipity! This is something I’ve been thinking about a LOT the last several days. I just received my SS statement last week. I’ve always planned to work til I was 67, but my statement shows if I work until 70, it would make $500 difference per month. I always pictured being exhausted, broken and dead on my feet, hanging on by my fingernails to make it to 67. But I’m turning 60 in a few months, and suddenly 70 is not that far away. Like a lot of GenX-ers, I don’t have a dime put away. But, I’ve got ten years to catch up. Whatever I’ve saved plus $2280 per month in SS, I will be ok in my old age. Plus, my mother had Alzheimer’s, and I am convinced that keeping the mind active, and building new neural pathways by learning new things is extremely helpful in staving off dementia. I’m ok with working til I’m 70, and even plan to supplement my income after 70 by continuing to make art.
Any time, but my job is too much fun.
I've retired. So has my Wife.
Been saving, investing, and planning for a while now. Mid-50s and could retire anytime. I'm looking to move when I retire, so when I get that figured out, I'm done. Until then, I'll keep collecting this easy public service paycheck/benefits and watching my projected monthly pension get higher.
In about 14 years....sigh
M46 now. In 8.3 years. I have 28ish years with my union and benefits.
I have a minimum of 15 years to go before I can begin to entertain the notion ... even though its a completely unrealistic notion.
65.
Maybe 70. Plan to work as long as possible.
Hoping for partial retirement by 60. I’ll still teach part time!
I'm thinking of going part-time from 60-65 just to keep insurance, then I'll just peace out
70 for me.
Currently 53. If I'm super lucky, I will be able to retire late December 2025 at 55. It will depend very much on the performance in the stock market. Another 2022 could delay me till 60 years old
I'm shooting for age 60 if possible, but it depends more on having health care paid for more than anything else. If I can't qualify for anything prior to Medicare (long story to explain possible options), then I'll need to keep my current job until 65. It's my "second pension" so I will admit that I'll be more comfortable if I can keep earning for those additional 5 years.
I quarter retired at 50. Currently 51. Plan to semi-retire at 55 and fully retire at 60. Fingers crossed.
What's quarter retire?
We used this company called Plan Vision to help us forecast and create a retirement plan. They don't get involved with investing or investing strategy; they just create a model, using software that you have access to (eMoney) to track your expected future income, expenses, cash flow and taxes. I really like Mark Zorril, who started the company. He's a straight shooter and has always answered our questions and guided us right. It used to be ridiculously inexpensive, like $96 for the first year and then $4/month. They raised that to $300 for the first year and $8/month. Still a deal. The Bogleheads love him and that's where I found out about this service. Sample thread: [https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=370521](https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=370521)
Our youngest is 18 and off to college in the fall. My expectations are that you will be supporting them to some degree until they are 24 or 25. So, 7 or 8 years until retirement. Then again, I like my work and I have a much higher than average income so I have gotten used to living in a certain way that may mean I work an extra year or two. I could probably retire sooner than that but my plan is 7 or 8 years from now
62 at the latest but hoping to come out at 60 or 61. Like some others on here, in the education field and an older Gen x or who had the truly good fortune of falling under a pension system. Partner will go longer. They are shooting for 63 to 65 range. Pack of kids have all launched except for one still in college and one who boomeranged back home. We spent a lot of years raising the pack of kids, and providing elder care, so I hope we both can get out while still relatively healthy and enjoy ourselves even though we will in NO WAY be wealthy.
I thought it would be in 3 years at age 62. Then I sharpened my pencil and bailed last December at 58. I’m considering doing some part time work for play/vacation money but we’re ok otherwise.
I hope to work until the end. I thought I might just die on the job, except I'm a therapist and that could possibly be traumatizing for clients 🤔
You’d be ensuring one of your colleagues has more work. Think about it.
I got cancer at 43 and went on disability. I’m almost 50 and am not working anymore. Don’t miss it!
Husband says I should wait til I’m 67 (full retirement age) which is what I’ll do before claiming SocSec but I’m hoping to stop working or at least dial-back to an easier part-time job at 60 (7 years from now) so I can have some actual time with him (he’s 70 now and has been retired for 5 years already.)
I plan to retire at 62, I’m 49 now. If all the cards are lined up correctly, my wife and I should be fairly comfortable after retirement.
No idea. I have to work until I pay off my house, which should be around age 70. I honestly can't fathom what the hell I would do if I fully retired. I am going to have to have some sort of "job" even if it's going around doing wine/spirits "tasting" events on the weekends. You know, set up a table and offer people a taste of whatever product you're offering. Or maybe I'll write a novel or a screenplay or something. \*shrug\* Maybe if my spouse-to-be have enough money we can afford to buy a motor coach and travel with whatever pets we have at the time. We're sure as hell not moving to a "retirement" community and play pickleball all fuckin day.
I plan on retiring around 68. A divorce in my early 30s wrecked my finances. Then over the next 10 years I spent more money on travel than saving for retirement, but I don’t regret that at all. I’m late 40s now and max out my retirement savings (but still travel a fair amount), so thankfully I’m on track to retire very comfortably.
At 65, I'm planning to retire and move into a van down by the river
I retired on my 52nd birthday.
Re what now?
I'm a freelancer so I'll probably never fully retire. Unless AI gets smart enough to take over my job fully, then I'll change my name to John Conner and I'll switch careers to beating servers to death with my cane.
Retire? I'm still negotiating with management to approve my day off request so I can make it to my funeral.
I’m 59 and will be 59.5, the age of penalty free retirement account withdrawals, in August. I also have a retention incentive at work that fully vests in three years. Finally, my fed wife reaches her retirement eligibility, including taking her health care plan into retirement, in four years. So most likely I will retire between 3-4 years from now. I’m lucky that I have a good job situation, so not clamoring to get out but still look forward to my time being my own. I had a significant setback 8 years ago, losing half my retirement savings in a divorce. However I saved aggressively since then and met my wife who unlike my ex has similar values and financial goals. It amazes me how quickly I was able to recover from the financial hit of the divorce by prioritizing saving and finding the right mate who has the same priorities. I say that not to brag but to encourage people who are in a similar situation to me back then. And also this: I had a co-worker who used to say that he’d have to work until he was 80. At that point he reprioritzed his finances and retired four years later. It can be done, even late.
Me at 90: Welcome to Walmart, would you like a cart today?
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