Single Best Thing You Have Learned Here

[savory]

#1 - Learned to have confidence in results of Firecalc and I-ORP. Confidence came from seeing how others used the programs and interpreted the data plus the excellent support provided by regular users.

#2 - Learned how others who have retired early fared with similar or less assets than we have. It provided confidence to see that others can do what you are planning to do......and some can do it with a lot less fortunate circumstances. Reading about other's experiences provided lots of checks on concerns I had such as how to manage taxes in retirement....lots of good discussions on this.

Same.

 

[JoeWras]

I never thought of using the time between ER and getting SS to do IRA conversions to Roth, since income will be low.

It is obvious now! I learned this in the first weeks visiting here and that tidbit hooked me. Since then, many more nuggets have been ingested.

 

[Ed B]

I agree that it is hard to pick one, but perhaps the most helpful is reading real life time-proven examples of people who retired early with retirement revenue well below the 80% of actively employed income suggested by most articles and websites. My own calculations didn't agree with the 80% rule of thumb but with so much noise about it out in the wild I would have my doubts.

I think the difference between the norm here and the 80% target is LBYM while employed and being debt free, or near debt free, when retiring. With little to no debt at retirement and living at or below projected retirement income while still employed it is clearly evident that one can live on much, much less.

 

[aja8888]

I've learned that if I come here with a question (stupid or otherwise), I will get a well thought out set of answers or opinions.

(I have also learned that spellcheck is my friend)

 

[travelover]

I couldn't pick just one, there have been too many pearls here.

OP here. Ironically, I suggested one to make it easier, or so I thought. Feel free to expand.

 

[Elbata]

So many great threads, but one of my favorites: "What have you read recently".

Someone recommended "Why Nations Fail". I've always wondered, why are a few countries so blessed, and most are poor in relation. This book delved into the history, explaining ideas easy to understand.

Nogales, Mexico-Nogales US. Same people, but a huge difference in life quality.

 

[Keim]

So many great threads, but one of my favorites: "What have you read recently".

Someone recommended "Why Nations Fail". I've always wondered, why are a few countries so blessed, and most are poor in relation. This book delved into the history, explaining ideas easy to understand.

Nogales, Mexico-Nogales US. Same people, but a huge difference in life quality.

Here's another you may like-The Five Pillars of Prosperity by William Bernstein.

 

[Elbata]

Here's another you may like-The Five Pillars of Prosperity by William Bernstein.

Yep. Enjoyed that one too. Thanks for the suggestion. Also an excellent book.

 

[TGL405]

I have learned the true meaning of "it depends".

 

[athena53]

Most practical tip: get hearing aids at Costco. DH and I had never ventured into one, figuring that we didn't need their mega-quantities. Over time, though, a bigger ad bigger proportion of the grocery budget is spent at Costco, with very little waste (maybe more paper goods stacked in the garage) and lower overall costs.

In general, though, it was so helpful to be referred to this board by someone on another board after I abruptly quit at age 61- 4 years earlier than planned. I found a whole group of people for whom that was perfectly normal, and who were thoroughly enjoying life after Megacorp.

 

[Out of Steam]

I've been lurking a couple of years, but only posting a short time.

So far, the need for doing real-world budget tracking before committing to retirement.

I just saw, and like, the idea of doing Roth conversions between retirement day and claiming Social Security.

 

[38Chevy454]

Having real people examples to gain the confidence to be able to retire early. The engineer in me knows the logical part, but the people on here showing it can be done and helpful hints that make it even better.

 

[Ed B]

Having real people examples to gain the confidence to be able to retire early. The engineer in me knows the logical part, but the people on here showing it can be done and helpful hints that make it even better.

I am not an engineer but I work in application software development for engineering plm systems. I smiled when i saw your answer and mine are the same and you are an engineer.

 

[Hermit]

I would say mostly on the investment side. Index funds and such way back. Also, withdrawal strategies....have learned a lot there as well.

Have also learned that posting about the virtues of annuities or FA's usually does not bring positive reply's.

In the same sentence no less!

 

[street]

I have gave this some thought but I really can't put my finger on one best thing. For me I have learned so much from so many different topics I don't have a best. The people here have helped me in so many areas that I hadn't had a clue before I came here.

 

[GalaxyBoy]

That it CAN be done!

 

[JackJester]

How to manage my own Portfolio vs paying someone to do it; namely I learned about https://portfoliocharts.com/ from this forum ...which is a great tool that allows for predicting a portfolio's impact on SWR.

 

[bbbamI]

I didn't know there was going to be a test....

I've been here ten years as well. Learned about asset allocation, SWRs, expense ratios and the disturbing fact that lemons have poop on them.

There's no doubt in my mind, the knowledge from members of this forum have given dh and I the best chance of a successful retirement.

Thanks everyone...

 

[Christine]

VPW

If you don't know it's Variable Percentage Withdrawal - from longinvest this thread:

http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=120430

 

[Osprey]

Have learned many great lessons. The discussions on the dilemma on whether to go into OMY mode or retire when eligible have been helpful as I approach retirement eligibility. Love getting others perspectives on these difficult decisions.

 

[brucethebroker]

Can't name one thing, but I enjoy the "one size does not fit all" stories of retirement, early or otherwise. I was always interested in interviewing youngish retirees while I was still in career mode, but hanging out here has really taken that interest to a new level. Thanks, everyone.

 

[misshathaway]

How the ACA works with retirement income. Some of the posts were even specific to my state.

 

[John Galt III]

Using Roth conversion to create income so that I can qualify for the ACA health insurance. Also this site was a great source of info on how to avoid the traps in the first year of the ACA. Very valuable time saver, sanity saver.

 

[Amethyst]

Credit card offers. Never paid attention to them previously.

How to fix things yourself. People here have been better than self-help sites.

 

[Eagle43]

Once you've won the game, stop playing.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Early Retirement Forum mobile app