Ivinstan, perhaps you are giving me less credit than I deserve. I have researched ACA, Medicare, and COBRA and, while I am not a SME I do understand how they work, although I have only recently been looking into the ACA. I was using $60k family income because if I don't have a job, we will both be taking SS and possibly some combination of taxable investments and I'm using high projections for a "worst case". However, I also played with several other scenarios and income levels from different sources, including still working some but without any benefits, and I am still researching. As I'm sure you know, the 2017 open enrollment period has not begun so one can only obtain quotes for 2016 rates. I received a quote from work for COBRA as well, although it is, again, for 2016 rates. As for Medicare, my mother is on Medicare and I read the Medicare booklet each year and I have researched it and Medigap plans with the idea that DH would go on it if I leave my job. If I have questions about any of these insurance options, I know where to go for answers and don't intend to blunder blindly into any choices for such an important decision. Also, as I said in a previous post, COBRA would only be for me, not DH. He would go on Medicare/a Medigap policy.
NanoSour, thank you for the warm welcome and encouraging comments. In many ways, just knowing I can afford to retire helps a lot! Since I track almost every dime we spend in Quicken, I have a pretty good grasp on our spending and you are correct. We have expenditures we could cut (like paying someone else for lawn care) but I include them because we haven't cut them yet and I am basing the figure on historical data. The $60k does include taxes and it is a high end projection so if we come in less that will be great but at least I am prepared if we end up spending up to that amount.
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