Welcome to the board, Tekward!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tekward
Beyond the financial side, how did you prepare for RE over your last 5 years of full time work? I want to be able to RE at 55, but I will work to 60 if I'm enjoying it.
|
I retired from the submarine force 4+ years ago and spouse is starting a three-year Reserve pay billet. As long as you like what you're doing, and don't mind the risk of being asked to do it in the desert once in a while, then the Reserves sounds like a good deal to keep going.
But as for your civilian job, you might want to craft your own exit plan. Better to leave at the top of the game, with the entire office sorry to see you go and giving you a fond farewell sendoff, than to leave because your boss has been replaced by a jerk or the company has been acquired by MegaCorp and is being shaken out. Otherwise, as long as it's fun, just keep socking away the cash.
If you haven't already run your numbers through FIRECalc, try to estimate those lump-sum expenses in your future... braces, replacement vehicles, a new roof & kitchen applicances, and (oh, yeah) the weddings. I wonder which the new bride & groom would rather have-- a $2000 wedding reception or a $2000 check. Or a $10K reception vs a home down payment.
We kept our investment allocations the same but we made sure that we'd used all our work's medical & transition benefits. We made a list of things we wanted to do as soon as we retired (like surfing lessons). We also
read this post.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tekward
Has anyone ER'd with children in college? My youngest finishes when I'm 59.
|
Not yet-- ours just turned 14...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr._johngalt
My ER also survived two (2) divorces. A former "friend" on this board frequently scoffed, but this is absolutely true, which makes me a real anomaly here.
|
You make ER sound so simple when you leave out the little details-- like allowing your second spouse's full-time paycheck to support you for a few years before you nail her with the prenup...