another newbie

[lb]

I've been reading this board for a year or so, and
seeing all the new folks, decided it was time for me
to announce myself.

I've just hit my one year ER anniversary. I was a EE
in high tech for 25 years and was ready to make the
leap after the latest turn down in the industry. I was
glad that I was able to get one of my unemployed
friends hired to replace me, so my retirement actually
helped another family out!

I just turned 50, am single (except for a dog), own
my house (all paid up). I don't really budget (haven't
balanced my checkbook in years), but am naturally
frugal. I like to travel - have found guided hiking
trips are my current interest. So this year, it's two
trips - April to Tuscon and August to Scotland.

I've enjoyed lurking on this board - there are alot of
commonalities and encouragement to make the jump
and enjoy ER. I can't say I got much encouragement
from coworkers and friends, so it was nice to see
others who have done this. I think the biggest
difference I have found in my setup from others here
is that I actually do use a broker, as I have never been
that interested in investing. It is one thing I am willing to pay for.

Hello to eveyone!

[wabmester]

Using a broker is different than using a fee-based financial adviser. Brokers are just salesmen, and their interests are rarely aligned with yours. Hire a good CFP with access to DFA funds. The funds are run by bright people, and since the advisor generally takes a fixed percentage of your assets, they have an incentive to grow your assets.

Oh, and welcome aboard! I decided to leave high tech a couple years ago when it looked like things were going to be flat for a while. Turns out the options I left behind would be worth a million bucks or so today, but I still think I made the right move.

[TheFIREman]

August to Scotland.

See you here during the Festival then! Just don't try to get a hotel room in Edinburgh!

[lb]

Using a broker is different than using a fee-based financial adviser

I'll be staying with my broker, though he is more of a financial advisor, running his own group with a partner - I wanted to mention it as an alternative to doing it on your own. I actually am in fee-based managed accounts, so it is just a little higher than the operating costs and 12b charges of no-load mutual funds, but I feel that in the 25 years I have been with the same person, I have done well. I concentrated on the saving part. I do agree if I was starting now at a young age, that I probably would be able to set up my own plan and not worry too much. I have tried occasionally to study up, but just can't get interested. At least I am doing better than someone who would just park the money in CDs when you can't decide what to do.

As for high tech, I enjoyed the first 22 or so years, including the telecom bubble (which I managed to profit from), but after the latest downturn, I think I had enough.
I never managed to switch from hardware to software and the hardware jobs have gone the way of the mechanical engineers.

Just don't try to get a hotel room in Edinburgh!

The first ten days are in the highlands, with the tour provider handling the rooms. Then it's on to Edinburgh on our own - we did make a reservation at a B&B already. I'm hoping we won't need a car but can see lots just walking.

[TheFIREman]

A car would be a definite no-no, especially in August. If the weather is even a patch on last summer, you should have a great time. I feel that it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but then I live here.

I never managed to switch from hardware to software and the hardware jobs have gone the way of the mechanical engineers. *

And the software jobs have gone to the Far East....