53 and frozen

[target2019]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seagypsy Since I originally posted, some positive things have happened at work which have reduced my stress level. I'm really not impulsive but I often overanalyze things. I realized that if I am willing to wait until year end to decide, I'll be that much closer to 12/21/2015. It's not like I can sell my house and move clear across the country in mere seconds (drat). I'll work on getting my financial house in order then plot my escape. The thought of spending more money for health insurance than I have to does seem silly and wasteful. For now, I'll take lots of deep breaths and a few steps forward.

It really was a worthwhile exercise. The discussion and time spent on the analysis is now part of your future decision-making. You really are in a good position. Keep collecting data and build an asset allocation. Talk to Fidelity and Vanguard. Then take more steps.
Good luck to you!

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seagypsy Since I originally posted, some positive things have happened at work which have reduced my stress level. I'm really not impulsive but I often overanalyze things. I realized that if I am willing to wait until year end to decide, I'll be that much closer to 12/21/2015. It's not like I can sell my house and move clear across the country in mere seconds (drat). I'll work on getting my financial house in order then plot my escape. The thought of spending more money for health insurance than I have to does seem silly and wasteful. For now, I'll take lots of deep breaths and a few steps forward.

Good plan. With all the planning and organization that tou can do to set yourself up in the best possible way, the time will pass quickly and you will be in a much better position to FIRE!

[Golden sunsets]

DH is a retired Federal Employee with FEHB. If you have selected BCBS Standard Option your monthly premium is 186.14 and the govt pays 413.49. If you have Basic Option your premium is 127.99 and the Gov't pays 383.99. These plans are unbeatable, cost wise and I can't imagine that the rates offered on the exchanges will be anywhere near as low as these rates. And these aren't High Deductable policies. Co-pays are nominal. I would not forego that type of benefit. When DH turned 65 we switched from Standard to Basic, reducing our costs further and it is fantastic coverage for such a low rate. At 65 the policy covers 100% of costs not covered by Medicare, except for RX, and those costs are heavily subsidized with minimal copays, so the costs we are all told that we will incur for health care in our retirement are significantly underwritten when you have a combination of Medicare and FEHB. I would think long and hard before giving up this type of benefit.

Having said this, it is not easy to stay in a job that one dislikes, but as you get closer to ER day, as one poster commented, it should get easier, knowing that the days are dwindling.

[martyp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seagypsy Since I originally posted, some positive things have happened at work which have reduced my stress level. I'm really not impulsive but I often overanalyze things. I realized that if I am willing to wait until year end to decide, I'll be that much closer to 12/21/2015. It's not like I can sell my house and move clear across the country in mere seconds (drat). I'll work on getting my financial house in order then plot my escape. The thought of spending more money for health insurance than I have to does seem silly and wasteful. For now, I'll take lots of deep breaths and a few steps forward.

Sounds like a good decision.

[RAE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyb I am a federal employee, planning to retire before the end of this year. I recommend you try to stick it out long enough to be able to retire with the FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefit) program. It's a good deal, and while Obamacare may impact it, I don't expect it to go away altogether or be severely damaged. I base that on nothing besides my own opinion. Welcome!

I was a fed. employee also - been retired for 3 years now. I tend to agree that it would be best to stick it out, if you can, so that you can retire with FEHB. I know you hate your job, but there may be ways to minimize the pain........what about LWOP (leave without pay)? Will the agency you work for grant some LWOP, if you request it? You can take a certain amount of hours per year of LWOP without it affecting your retirement annuity....not sure what the amount is anymore, but I'd look into it. Between taking all of your annual leave, some sick leave, and perhaps some LWOP, the two years will go by faster than you think. You'll hopefully have a long retirement even if you retire in two years at age 55.......carrying the FEHB plan into retirement with you will look better and better as the years go by.