After almost two years, thought I'd finally de-lurk and join in all the fun!!! I am a teacher, DH is a minister. SO, no big stock options in our future! We've been married a little over a year (DH is 52 and I am 45), I've been married before (2 DS - both in college). DS1 will graduate from Boston college next month, and is coming home to go to law school; DS2 is finishing his sophomore year at Gustavus Adolphus here in Minnesota - he wants to be a doctor. Glad they both know how to apply for scholarships and loans!!!
My divorce in mid-2000 basically wiped out everything I had (long story - glad I have 2 great kids out of the deal) so I started over, used my meager savings to buy a house, got lucky as to the location and sold 2 years ago when both kids were gone, reaping a fairly large benefit, which I rolled over into the house we now live in. DH has never made much money, has never been married until now, and has no benefits from his church, BUT on the plus side he is a fantastic human being AND he is Frugal with a capital F. Good things!
I am glad I have a DB pension through my work, and that we have been able to save like crazy. I am hoping to retire in 10 years (DH says he is never retiring - we'll see) when I am 55. I think we can do it, given the pension and DH continuing to work until he is eligible for what little social security is there at that time. I've firecalc'd it to death, and it looks like it will work. Only problem is, I love to travel (have been to all 50 states - now am working on all 7 continents) so that may be the fly in the ointment. Anyway, we have around $65,000 in 403b (YUCK on the choices there!!) and Roths. Just started an IRA for DH (he has never bothered to think about retirement), and around $35,000 in other investments. Doesn't seem like much for our ages, but considering this has all accumulated in the last 4-5 years on a teacher's salary, I am not going to beat myself up about it (too much, anyway!). We drive older cars that are paid for, have no credit card debt, and the house (which I had built, so at the moment everything is fairly new) will be paid off by the time we retire.
I teach Junior High English and Math in an alternative setting within a regular school - most of my students have probation officers, and other assorted issues. I feel like I make a difference, but it is stressful. I figure if I retire and we end up needing money I can always substitute teach part time.
I am open to comments/questions, etc. Thanks for reading!! (BTW, if anyone was wondering, my last name is Solliday, and being a teacher and all... hence the moniker "Solid A" :
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