Hello, I have enjoyed reading the many threads over the last few years although I have not posted much prior to now since I did not have anything concrete to offer. Each persons situation seemed so unique that I gleaned a little bit from almost every thread.
Life is amazing. I was very tired of my job and performing it in a very mercenary mode. No pleasure. Just as I was thinking of quitting I was offered a severance package. Squeezing out at just over 52 yrs old.
I am not sure I am the type to stay retired but I am going to give it a try. I easily have jobs remodeling inside and outside the house to last 2 years if I spread them out properly. Plus, I have lot of outdoor hobbies which I have mostly neglected due to long and mundane workweeks.
Financially, I think we are going to be okay. About $2.5mil invested 50% bonds, 30% stocks and 20% 5yr CD ladder. Split equally between T.Rowe Price and Vanguard. Mostly tax-exempts on the bond side for now to lower my tax profile through 2009. Our average budget needs (minus medical premiums) has been $24K - $28K per year depending on vacations and household emergencies.
No kids. Just the DW and I. No debt. DW is planning to work 2-3 more years to lock in higher pension levels. Prior to her retirement, we hope to start selling everything (house, cars, etc) and travel the world for a year before picking another place to settle down. This is something we have done before and really enjoyed (most of the time). We'll see if the world seems safer then.
Thanks to everyone for the great guidance and patience shared on this ER forum. I'm sure there are more, such as myself, who are influenced by you even though we are not online and letting you know it.
Life is amazing. I was very tired of my job and performing it in a very mercenary mode. No pleasure. Just as I was thinking of quitting I was offered a severance package. Squeezing out at just over 52 yrs old.
I am not sure I am the type to stay retired but I am going to give it a try. I easily have jobs remodeling inside and outside the house to last 2 years if I spread them out properly. Plus, I have lot of outdoor hobbies which I have mostly neglected due to long and mundane workweeks.
Financially, I think we are going to be okay. About $2.5mil invested 50% bonds, 30% stocks and 20% 5yr CD ladder. Split equally between T.Rowe Price and Vanguard. Mostly tax-exempts on the bond side for now to lower my tax profile through 2009. Our average budget needs (minus medical premiums) has been $24K - $28K per year depending on vacations and household emergencies.
No kids. Just the DW and I. No debt. DW is planning to work 2-3 more years to lock in higher pension levels. Prior to her retirement, we hope to start selling everything (house, cars, etc) and travel the world for a year before picking another place to settle down. This is something we have done before and really enjoyed (most of the time). We'll see if the world seems safer then.
Thanks to everyone for the great guidance and patience shared on this ER forum. I'm sure there are more, such as myself, who are influenced by you even though we are not online and letting you know it.