Planning on June 7

[RichIFT]

I’ve decided to retire June 7. I will be 63 at the time and DW will be 60. DW will continue to work another few more years. When I was in my 40s, I thought I could retire at 55, then the date moved to 58 as reality set in and the date continued to be pushed back to 63. This site has helped me financially and mentally prepare for retirements.

Many doubts still exist, I assume this is normal.
-Will the money last and I am foolish to leave money on the table? All projections indicate will are in good shape but no telling what the future holds. I am afraid I will stay awake at night worrying about money instead of worrying about things at work. I will most likely delay SS until 70, not sure yet on when DW will start.
-What will it be like when DW goes to work and I stay home? I’ve worked since I was 10 with my first paper route, it will be very strange not to have a job. I feel somewhat selfish in retiring if DW is working.
-Will I get bored in the winter? I have a list of home improvements/repairs to last the summer plus golf and other interest that are mostly non-winter items to keep me busy for now.

[MBAustin]

Congratulations, RichIFT! As you've been hanging around here for awhile, I hope you recognize that your feelings are very common.

A friend of mine retired last year and her husband is apprehensive about his retirement this week. I recommended Ernie Zelinski's book The Joy of Not Working and they are both finding it helpful, so you might check it out.

While DW is still working, I strongly suggest you pick up some of the household chores she has traditionally been doing. This will make both of you feel better, I think.

Remember, if you get bored, reading and posting here can take up a lot of time

[HI Bill]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichIFT -Will the money last and I am foolish to leave money on the table?

If FIRECALC is showing 100% success, then I would not consider you foolish to leave money on the table. I have coworkers who are 68, and making $250K....there is always money to be left on the table, but one's remaining lifespan keeps getting shorter, day by day...if you have something to retire 'to' while your wife is still working, go for it!

[flybynight]

RichIFT, I'm treading through very similar waters as you. Right now I'm dealing with One More Week syndrome. I have not yet crossed the abyss and handed in my resignation. I think Monday could be the day.

[Bir48die]

Most of us have some fear and trepidation making the call to quit. We lose control of a big part of our life being constant earners. Not no more earning. Take it from me you will not have any regrets. For me I always have SS in the background if I need to take it prior to 70.

Enjoy

[cnocmmz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichIFT I’ve decided to retire June 7. I will be 63 at the time and DW will be 60. DW will continue to work another few more years. When I was in my 40s, I thought I could retire at 55, then the date moved to 58 as reality set in and the date continued to be pushed back to 63. This site has helped me financially and mentally prepare for retirements. Many doubts still exist, I assume this is normal. -Will the money last and I am foolish to leave money on the table? All projections indicate will are in good shape but no telling what the future holds. I am afraid I will stay awake at night worrying about money instead of worrying about things at work. I will most likely delay SS until 70, not sure yet on when DW will start. -What will it be like when DW goes to work and I stay home? I’ve worked since I was 10 with my first paper route, it will be very strange not to have a job. I feel somewhat selfish in retiring if DW is working. -Will I get bored in the winter? I have a list of home improvements/repairs to last the summer plus golf and other interest that are mostly non-winter items to keep me busy for now.

DO NOT, feel guilty...Why would you? You have done your time man....Time to Enjoy!

[cnocmmz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybynight RichIFT, I'm treading through very similar waters as you. Right now I'm dealing with One More Week syndrome. I have not yet crossed the abyss and handed in my resignation. I think Monday could be the day.

DO IT! Life is short enough. Especially if you have the means and you feel comfortable with your expenses and life style... Heck, That is what I will be doing 1-year from May or (earlier) :-)

[MRG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichIFT I’ve decided to retire June 7. I will be 63 at the time and DW will be 60. DW will continue to work another few more years. When I was in my 40s, I thought I could retire at 55, then the date moved to 58 as reality set in and the date continued to be pushed back to 63. This site has helped me financially and mentally prepare for retirements. Many doubts still exist, I assume this is normal. -Will the money last and I am foolish to leave money on the table? All projections indicate will are in good shape but no telling what the future holds. I am afraid I will stay awake at night worrying about money instead of worrying about things at work. I will most likely delay SS until 70, not sure yet on when DW will start. -What will it be like when DW goes to work and I stay home? I’ve worked since I was 10 with my first paper route, it will be very strange not to have a job. I feel somewhat selfish in retiring if DW is working. -Will I get bored in the winter? I have a list of home improvements/repairs to last the summer plus golf and other interest that are mostly non-winter items to keep me busy for now.

You are in the same place all of us were. Coming up on 6 years retired, relax it will be ok. If you're bored, get a girlfriend, that's sure to liven things up.[emoji13]

[kimcdougc]

You prepared. Just do it! Congratulations!