Back for a second opinion

[youbet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WasToldThereWouldBeNoMath I have an opportunity to take a buyout at Megacorp that would give me 18 months salary plus payout all my deferred, unused, and accrued vacation. I will be 52 but can retire with a pension and have health care in retirement. No debt. No college expense for kids. I keep detailed, "real" expense records and have forecast for major purchases such as cars, roofs, etc. down the road.

This seems to be about as good as it gets. Check to see if your employer will challenge you collecting unemployment benefits, likely not. That would give you another few months (maybe longer depending on COVID-19) of some income and make your success rate a tad higher.

I left Mega 14 yrs ago with a situation similar to yours except I didn't have a choice. It's been great!

[OldShooter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WasToldThereWouldBeNoMath ... I know that the vast majority here subscribe to the 100% or bust theory ...

I come at this from a little different angle than most.

Whatever number you get reflects a specific set of parameters evaluated against history. Here is what the FireCalc page says about the future: [FAQ] "How can FIRECalc predict future returns from past performance?" [Answer] "It can't."

So my apostate view is that 90%, 95%, and 100% are all the same number as far as looking forward is concerned.

There is an old joke about economists: "How do you know economists have a sense of humor?" "They use decimal points."

I would suggest a similar joke for retirement calculators: "How do you know that retirement calculator designers have a sense of humor?" "They deliver exact percentages."

If I were to design a calculator, my most optimistic conclusion might be delivered as "You're looking pretty good, but be prepared to adapt as your world changes." and my least optimistic might be something like: "Buddy, you're only looking good in the best of best-case future scenarios. Keep working."

[Chuckanut]

Your buyout is more proof I worked for the wrong people....

Take the money and run.

[Katiek]

You mention you have a pension as well. The more your pension covers your expenses, the more certain I would be and the less concerned about market volatility over the next few years.


But since you were set for 3 years and are getting such a good severance (that may well not be included if there is a round of layoffs), I would say "Bye and Out"

[imnontrad]

Since the healthcare is covered, if you have something you'd rather do, take the leap. You have the opportunity to retire, travel, or if you want, start your own business.

If you have company stock in your 401K, you can also remove that completely as a NUA. You will pay income tax on the cost basis only. You do not pay tax on the appreciated value until you sell the stock - and at the capitol gains rate. This may save you thousands over keeping it in the 401K/rolling over to an IRA.

[RockLife]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WasToldThereWouldBeNoMath I was here months ago and appreciate all the advice. Slightly different question this time. I have an opportunity to take a buyout at Megacorp that would give me 18 months salary plus payout all my deferred, unused, and accrued vacation.

Steve Miller once said, "Go on, take the money and run!". I tend to agree with the old boy.

[MarkiePippo]

When I was let go the severance specifically did not allow me to take unemployment. It was no big deal as unemployment at the that time in my state was not worth filling out the forms for. I just tried to recuperate from 30 years of B.S.

[MarkiePippo]

Oh I forgot.

Take it! Take it! Take it!

[WasToldThereWouldBeNoMath]

I am taking it! Thanks all for your advice here.