New Here - 47 and close to ER

[ksr]

Hello - I've been lurking and reading here for a few weeks. I've wanted to jump into a couple of threads, but thought I ought to introduce myself first. I'm 47 and will be semi-retiring in the next year (still deciding the exact month that I will run screaming from mega-corp ).

Just a little background - I have always been a saver and believed in LBYM, but got really serious about it when I was 32. I had just changed companies/jobs, and realized that the job change wasn't enough - I needed to plan an escape from megacorp. At the time, I thought it would take 10-12 years, but understimated what it would realistically take. Even as I was planning I knew it wasn't necessary to be fully RE - semi-RE would make me happy as long as I could do something I liked. I think I'm there now. Firecalc tells me I could RE, but there just isn't much cushion for my ultra-conservative nature, and I already have a PT j*b that I like very much (I've almost always had something else going on along with FT employment, whether it was a small business or an enjoyable PT j*b).

I've already learned so much from this forum. I thought I had a really good handle on money matters, and have been surprised at how much I could learn. There is some incredible knowledge here! I've determined that I need to do a better job with asset allocation. And also that I'd better get serious about arranging for health insurance before I go. I am planning to go with a high-deductible HSA plan, but hadn't appreciated all the ins and outs of getting a policy.

That's about it. I look forward to hanging around here some more.

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Kathy, welcome. It's never dull around here, and lots of great knowledge as you noticed.

Curious as to your motivation for maintaining a second, part time job right along. Was it all financial? Do you plan to use those skills or jobs part time after retirement, or just pull the plug?

Enjoy the board!

 

[megacorp-firee]

Welcome Kathy. Yes this site has some very knowledgeable people who are very helpful. Best of luck in your semi-retirement.

 

[NewKid on the Block]

Useful Knowledge

I myself have just joined the forum and feel there is a genuiness that I don't see on other sites. I'm approaching 40 and would love some great advice on retiring early. I have the real estate and mortgage part covered but I'm not as savvy on diversifying.

 

[ksr]

Thank you for the welcome.

Rich, in response to your question, I suppose I had several motivations for having a second job or business. Of course there was financial motivation, but I think some of it was a way to keep from feeling totally dependent on one employer or job. The pt work I've done for the past 5 years or so is very enjoyable, and I plan to expand on that after I leave megacorp. It is re-assuring to have something already worked out, otherwise I'd probably be too nervous to consider having no income coming in at first.