Hi there-- I'm scared

[2B]

I was just about to make an flaming jab at Canada but it seems out of place at this point. I lived in Washington State a while and went in and out of Canada -- mostly Western Canada. I like the people and never had any issues with anyone. Going east and it's easy to run into their left wing lunatic fringe that hates the US and the horse we rode in on.

BTW, the American revolution was probably the only revolution in history that took years of conflict before "redressing grievences" turned into a demand for severing the political bond. Canada and the rest of the Commomweath should thank the US because it started the ball rolling for greater autonomy for the remaining colonies.

[Nords]

Originally Posted by Maximillion

Nords, you must be a Politician because all of a sudden your view is everybody's view.?
You speak for this Board??
How do you know what the majority of Canadians think, have you ever met any , talked to any, taken an independant census with meaningful numbers??
Tell yourself, every day in every way I'm getting better and better and better, take a* coated Aspirin and a deep breath because you are on your way to a Heart Attack

Sorry, folks, this troll food has to be served before I can move on to the next step.

I'm not sure that you're getting it, Max, but my conscience obligates me to try again.

Board posters can report offensive posts to the moderators, and they can also send us PMs. *You're currently running #1 on my complaints list. *In fact, now that mike-1's off the board, you are my complaints list. *My view happens to be the same as the view of all the other people who've had enough of you.

My opinion on your fellow citizens is just that-- my opinion, hence my use of the phrase "I feel". *Besides you, mike-1, and Hyperborea, none of the board's other Canadians seem to feel obligated to be as offensively anti-American as you are. *But that's just my opinion.

I'm trying to suggest ways that you can improve your manners in your posts. *I look forward to seeing a behavior change but I'm not naive enough to expect it. *However I ran across some words from Taylor Larimore this morning that say it better than I ever will. *He's racked up over 20,000 posts at the Vanguard Diehards board over the last eight years, and here's his advice: *"I will make a suggestion for the few posters who are guilty (you know who you are): *Please avoid personal attacks when you disagree with something someone has written. *A rude, insulting poster destroys his or her own credibility. *If you have a differing point of view--simply share it with us." *An example of Taylor's advice would be your use of the word "moron."

Now that I've finished, we'll feel free to continue to edit your posts. *If that doesn't work then we'll start deleting them. *We also have the options of blocking your ability to contribute to the board and blocking your ability to even access the board. *Your behavior will determine what happens next.

[Jarhead*]

Originally Posted by Cut-Throat

I tend to agree with you here Jarhead. There is an over-concentration with financial safety on this forum.*

Cutthroat: You'll get no argument from me regarding your above quote.

One of the problems on a board like this is that the age being open-ended, and playing fields not being level for everybody, we're all over the ball-park re: retirement requirements.

For a pretty reasonable solution, as you stated is a look-see at Firecalc.

All in all though, it's been my experience in the years I've been retired, that I've witnessed very few retirements busted from financial reasons, but have known a few that couldn't handle being anonymous. (Ego).

As Nords is fond of stating, "You have to be flexible enough to handle your own entertainment."

Jarhead

[2soon2tell]

Did Ted change his name and move to Canada?

[OHjosh]

"Sorry for the 4th degree hijack of your thread."

Thanks-- man I was REALLY getting scared by some of the posts!

The $80K I have is in a range of mutual funds and I have another $3k in cash. The rest of my money ($424K) is in a range of retirement funds, but my fin adv says he can arrange to dole out a certain % of that before the 59 and a half IRA cash out age.

I checked firecalc and it "thinks" that with my social security and assuming I trade down my home around age 60, I have a 95% chance of meeting my goal of $35K per year. *

In regard to this job, I desperately want to "take a spin". *But the people I speak with in my developing job network are equally divided on how "deadly" such a decision would be to getting future management-level employment in my chosen field (non profit servcies). *I really wanted to stop at age 55 (4 years from now), or if I really liked what I was doing, age 60. *But the heavy hitters in my corner say no matter what, stick with this job until I get another. *The problem is I am almost physically fed up and a June release is what I was tying my mind to.

Have others moved back into the managment work force after quitting and taking a six month or one year hiatis? *how hard was it to do so?

Finally, on the financial fear side... I have great trust in my ability to manage MY finances, but very little for the average American. *My major fear is what all that debt will do to the stock market when large numbers of people start going belly up. *They will take my nest egg down from their stupidity!

Thansk for everyone's input. *It is so helpful to hear how people do this and sleep at night!

[wildcat]

The $80K I have is in a range of mutual funds and I have another $3k in cash. The rest of my money ($424K) is in a range of retirement funds, but my fin adv says he can arrange to dole out a certain % of that before the 59 and a half IRA cash out age

OK, I just wanted to be sure you knew you could touch it and it is not off limits.

In regard to this job, I desperately want to "take a spin".* But the people I speak with in my developing job network are equally divided on how "deadly" such a decision would be to getting future management-level employment in my chosen field (non profit servcies).* I really wanted to stop at age 55 (4 years from now), or if I really liked what I was doing, age 60.* But the heavy hitters in my corner say no matter what, stick with this job until I get another.* The problem is I am almost physically fed up and a June release is what I was tying my mind to.

The last people I would listen to in this situation would be the people from work - they are still working right? hint hint* *

Lastly, what is the situation with your SO?* Still working or will continue to work if you were to ER?* Hell, if that's the case, what are you worried about?

[Jarhead*]

Originally Posted by Cut-Throat

Jarhead,

I posted this last week, but you probably didn't see it.



************************************************** ****************************
Jarhead - Are you watching the Masters?


I am not a golfer, but I have my HDTV on for the masters. The flowers and grounds are spectacular on High Definition TV. I mute the sound and listen to Jazz music on my stereo. Laptop in my lap, on this forum, Glass of wine on the end table! - I like to Multiprocess totally worthless activities.*

************************************************** *******************************

Cutthroat: Oh yeah, I watched the Masters. I generally
watch the 4 "Majors" every year. (PGA, Masters, U.S. Open
British Open). Pretty much pass on the rest of them. (I'd rather play).

Incidentally, my wife would disagree with you re: Golf being a totally
worthless activity. (Without playing golf, and fly-fishing, she would
have more of me than she bargained for)

You'll have a clearer understanding of that concept, when your
wife quits working.

Jarhead, whose wife says "Thank God he plays golf"

[Nords]

Originally Posted by Jarhead*

Fact of the matter, though, I have to agree with him re: retiring after the heavy lifting is over, and the effect of inflation, or recession, for that matter, have on a retired couple.
With just the two of us to financially worry about, (you'll have to take my word on this), it's been relatively pain-less. (And a whole lot of fun).
Common sense, and a little experience doesn't hurt though.

Originally Posted by Cut-Throat

I tend to agree with you here Jarhead. There is an over-concentration with financial safety on this forum.
Yes, it's possible to run out of money, but it seems like a lot of financial plans here involve the worst case of everything.
This is not how I chose to live life. Way too much worrying. FireCalc is a 'worstcase' historical tool' - that is good enough for me.
If I worried about all the what ifs in life, I would never leave home in the morning to drive in traffic - Which is far riskier than believing in a portfolio that survives FireCalc.
Everyone has to get comfortable with THEIR plan - and then enjoy life!

Originally Posted by Jarhead*

One of the problems on a board like this is that the age being open-ended, and playing fields not being level for everybody, we're all over the ball-park re: retirement requirements.

It's interesting to note we're telling people that ER can best be understood by being experienced, and then telling the ERs that retirement spending can best be understood by experiencing it instead of obsessing over FIRECalc. You would think that, having made the first transition, we wouldn't need so much help getting through the second.

My personal "Ruh-roh" was running Financial Engines' Monte Carlo simulator right after 9/11 and realizing that we could probably make it if inflation stayed at 3%, the long-term historical average. But ER fell apart if the simulator's inflation hit 3.5%, and I knew that the actual previous 30 years' inflation average had been 5%. Of course the financial picture has brightened considerably since then and I've learned a lot about inflation, FIRECalc, & Monte Carlo's drawbacks. No worries.

Without extensive disclaimers, I'd still hesitate to tell someone (especially a new poster) that they can take a 5-6% SWR. While we don't worry about our own personal situations because we know them so well, it always seems to take a long time for a poster's financial picture to emerge. Most are reluctant to share it at first (rightfully so) or later realize that they didn't appreciate the significance of other info. What initially may be our "No problem, quit tomorrow!" response could turn into a "Have you considered part-time employment?" caveat. Especially when someone ERs face-first into a bear market.

Jarheads, your words of calm wisdom help me to relax about our property taxes going from $1500 to $2550 in three years. While the percentage trend is alarming, the magnitude is perhaps not an issue. Would you mind chatting with my mother-in-law the next time a three-pound bag of oranges goes up 25 cents?

Originally Posted by OHjosh

"Sorry for the 4th degree hijack of your thread."
Thanks-- man I was REALLY getting scared by some of the posts!

Well, now you've really been welcomed to the board... I'm afraid it won't get any better. But our coverage of such a wide range of topics is all too hard to find at just any discussion board, let alone in a single thread. I think it's because we all have such short attention spans.

Originally Posted by OHjosh

In regard to this job, I desperately want to "take a spin". But the people I speak with in my developing job network are equally divided on how "deadly" such a decision would be to getting future management-level employment in my chosen field (non profit servcies). I really wanted to stop at age 55 (4 years from now), or if I really liked what I was doing, age 60. But the heavy hitters in my corner say no matter what, stick with this job until I get another. The problem is I am almost physically fed up and a June release is what I was tying my mind to.
Have others moved back into the managment work force after quitting and taking a six month or one year hiatis? how hard was it to do so?

Not me. But perhaps neither have the people who are giving you such "advice".

Even if they know what the heck they're talking about, consider that their objectivity may be influenced by their own lack of interest (or insecurity!) about retirement and by their motivation to keep you working with them. If you're ready to go in June then that's what you should do. Financially you seem to have it covered, and the rest can work itself out.

We suggest sabbaticals & long vacations because it's a safe way for people to feel that they have a net before they make the ER leap. However I can't remember anyone who actually kept working after a sabbatical. Most have dreaded the return date, discovered they can no longer tolerate the office routine & politics, and put in their papers as fast as possible ("Thanks, can I go burn through my vacation time now?"). The sabbatical is the nudge that helps you let go of the first trapeze to leap for the next one.

Originally Posted by OHjosh

Finally, on the financial fear side... I have great trust in my ability to manage MY finances, but very little for the average American. My major fear is what all that debt will do to the stock market when large numbers of people start going belly up. They will take my nest egg down from their stupidity!

It'll never happen. People's oversized mortgages may deprive them of their houses and turn them into renters, but they'll keep their savings. The vast majority of Americans, especially Boomers, will keep working until their 70s because they haven't saved enough for ER. Not only will they not cash in their stocks, they'll keep buying new ones. Their payroll taxes will even help fix the Social Security & Medicare funding gaps!

[OHjosh]

This is probably my last post on this thread... then I will start reading the other threads, learn and help others.* (God, please!)

"The last people I would listen to in this situation would be the people from work - they are still working right? hint hint"* *

The people I trust at work (there are three exec staff, all wanting to leave) say we can stick it out together (at least until one of us quits or finds work, then I suspect all hell breaks loose!). But most of my network people don't work at my business, and they are high level people (exec directors).* I am not lookign to join their heights or headaches.* I would like to become what* I call a "bottom feeder", just take a low level even temporary job that falls my way that is enough to cover expenses or reduce the withdrawal per year.

So I think I am far more ready to leave come June-- less stressing, thanks to hearing the experience of others here.*
I mean, in 17 years, you would think I should be able to find a job paying 30K or more SOMEWHERE!

I am picking up a copy of Work Less, Live More.

"Lastly, what is the situation with your SO?* Still working or will continue to work if you were to ER?* Hell, if that's the case, what are you worried about?"*

My SO (53) has no plan to retire and should be out of debt within 5 years (developed prior to us getting together).* At that point, he should also be able to contribute to our nestegg-- or should I let him take over more of the "operational" financing so to speak and just let my nestegg grow?* At $27K a year, it won't be much though.
His major contribution to me in the near term would be the health care benefit.

Thanks to all who have helped me grow... OHjosh

[1rose]

We don't stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.

Magic !

[newguy88]

Originally Posted by 1rose

We don't stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.

Magic !

You are right on that count.