38Chevy454
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Congrats cat wrangler! I've been retired now for about 1 month and it's been great so far. Although still fells like extended vacation for now.
Class of 2017
- Thread starter Bryan Barnfellow
- Start date
Red Badger
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
1st megaCorp pension $$ hit the bank account last week. Modest and non-cola, but it's also 100% joint survivor, so it will flow until we both assume room temperature.
lwp2017
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2014
- Messages
- 157
1st megaCorp pension $$ hit the bank account last week. Modest and non-cola, but it's also 100% joint survivor, so it will flow until we both assume room temperature.
Congratulations! How many times did you log in to your bank account to see if it showed up? [emoji12]
I'm close and counting every Monday.
ABQ2015
Full time employment: Posting here.
Sorry to see you go KrissK but retiring a year or two from now but before age 55 is still early retirement and quite an achievement. Congratulations on the new, less despicable job!
Indigo Mule
Recycles dryer sheets
I am closing in on the final days--twenty more days at work (four a week for five more weeks). I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.
Sadly for me, my workplace does not allow you to "run out" your vacation, or I would be done today; instead, they pay you a lump sum (with associated tax consequences).
I am looking at the already-graduated members of our class for encouragement and hope and reassurance by rereading your final-day stories.
Sadly for me, my workplace does not allow you to "run out" your vacation, or I would be done today; instead, they pay you a lump sum (with associated tax consequences).
I am looking at the already-graduated members of our class for encouragement and hope and reassurance by rereading your final-day stories.
ABQ2015
Full time employment: Posting here.
I'm not graduated yet but this is my last week. It was hard 3-5 weeks out as I had projects to finish and was having trouble concentrating as I just wanted it all to be over. But starting last week things have gotten much easier as most of my time has been taken up with minor project turnover duties, checking out, cleaning up my office and getting rid of files and emails, etc. The Sunday night dread of having to go to work on Monday morning was there last night but on a lighter scale.
On cashing out vacation leave, this may not apply to you but it finally occurred to me that I am soon reaching the SS salary cap on contributions so will save 6.2% on my cash out. The "extra" money may be taxed at 28% but it would have been taxed at 25% if I had chosen to use the leave, so not much difference in income tax.
On cashing out vacation leave, this may not apply to you but it finally occurred to me that I am soon reaching the SS salary cap on contributions so will save 6.2% on my cash out. The "extra" money may be taxed at 28% but it would have been taxed at 25% if I had chosen to use the leave, so not much difference in income tax.
LRDave
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
A recent thread here made me realize that 12/31/2017 was a foolish target. On 1/3/2018, I could get paid for 2 vacation days and also extend my employee-supplemented health care for another month. Current thoughts are I will slip into very early 2018.
GalaxyBoy
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
I graduated in March after several OMYs. I think that actually gave me the additional security I needed in the long run. HNg in there!
My company also didn’t permit running out vacation. But what’s the difference between getting paid for vacation instead of getting paid for sitting at your desk?
My company also didn’t permit running out vacation. But what’s the difference between getting paid for vacation instead of getting paid for sitting at your desk?
CaLabasHlEaf
Dryer sheet wannabe
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2016
- Messages
- 11
I am also dropping out of the class of 2017. My boss which was the main impetus for me wanting to leave as soon as possible is now my ex-boss.
I was originally scheduled to retire August 31st, I ended up staying one more month to clean up some lose ends and make sure the next person had less to do in order to slide into my position. So my last day is today and the day is OVER! Now lets wait for a couple weeks for it all to settle in.
Montecfo
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Let me try this again: The tax rates are not actually different. Some employers may treat paid out vacation as "supplemental wages", at a 25% withholding rate. But the actual tax you pay when you file your tax return is same as regular wages.
GalaxyBoy
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Ah, yes. Once upon a time I actually got paid for overtime and it was annoying when the withholding rate was so high.
lwp2017
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2014
- Messages
- 157
Im also deciding if I should extend 3 months to April 2.
Have a very large bonus that will pay out April 1.
Also a fun 3 day paid w**k trip in Jan that my DW really wants to go on.
I think I can make it very tolerable by using about 4 to five days of vacation a month.
Have a very large bonus that will pay out April 1.
Also a fun 3 day paid w**k trip in Jan that my DW really wants to go on.
I think I can make it very tolerable by using about 4 to five days of vacation a month.
38Chevy454
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Congrats cme4oil for getting out, and Sandman62 for being on the final countdown. I started a "workdays until retirement" countdown and posted it outside my office when I was 30 workdays out.
mistermike40
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2014
- Messages
- 367
Well, it's official. My last day was Friday (Sept. 29)... today is my first non-weekend day, post-retirement. It didn't really sink in over the weekend... today it has and it's a great feeling 
Well, it's official. My last day was Friday (Sept. 29)... today is my first non-weekend day, post-retirement. It didn't really sink in over the weekend... today it has and it's a great feeling
This is my FIRST not weekend day, not having to check my work email when it seems to ding me every 10 minutes is very gratifying.
They did try to get me to stay on part time and I told them if they had any issue they couldn't resolve that they could purchase time from me at 150 an hour in blocks of 4 hour time slots. But only over the next couple weeks to give them time to get the new person up to speed... After that, I don't want to be bothered. Maybe they won't call...
ABQ2015
Full time employment: Posting here.
This is also my first non-weekend day post retirement and it is a good feeling! And I appreciated not having that Sunday night dread of I have to go to work tomorrow.
The final work week was hectic as I struggled to finish cleaning up my office and files and get everything done, working late a few nights. On Friday, my computer acted up and would not allow access to my email so had to call IT. I liken it to a pet that sees you packing for a trip and misbehaves because they know you are leaving them. I was happy but a little sad as I turned in my security badge, checked out at HR, and drove off the military base. At this point I can't get back on base or into my old office so that adds to the finality.
My co-workers took me out to lunch on Wednesday at an old standby Mexican restaurant that I had requested. Back at work, I received my distinguished service plaque and a US flag that had flown over my agency's nine sites in eight states and HQ. Also a delicious cake and a card with many compliments and a wad of cash - I plan to buy a nice piece of Indian jewelry with the money to remind me of my co-workers. My senior manager at HQ called to congratulate me. Thursday night I emailed out a brief note thanking my management and my colleagues for their support through the years. I should have sent it earlier in the week as I got some nice replies on Friday - now I have no access to my work email.
It was a tough last year at work and I coasted some at the end for which I am not proud but was just burned out. Overall I left on a high note and have some good memories of my career and colleagues but am relieved that I am finally retired.
I wonder if KimInWisc also retired this month and will weigh in?
The final work week was hectic as I struggled to finish cleaning up my office and files and get everything done, working late a few nights. On Friday, my computer acted up and would not allow access to my email so had to call IT. I liken it to a pet that sees you packing for a trip and misbehaves because they know you are leaving them. I was happy but a little sad as I turned in my security badge, checked out at HR, and drove off the military base. At this point I can't get back on base or into my old office so that adds to the finality.
My co-workers took me out to lunch on Wednesday at an old standby Mexican restaurant that I had requested. Back at work, I received my distinguished service plaque and a US flag that had flown over my agency's nine sites in eight states and HQ. Also a delicious cake and a card with many compliments and a wad of cash - I plan to buy a nice piece of Indian jewelry with the money to remind me of my co-workers. My senior manager at HQ called to congratulate me. Thursday night I emailed out a brief note thanking my management and my colleagues for their support through the years. I should have sent it earlier in the week as I got some nice replies on Friday - now I have no access to my work email.
It was a tough last year at work and I coasted some at the end for which I am not proud but was just burned out. Overall I left on a high note and have some good memories of my career and colleagues but am relieved that I am finally retired.
I wonder if KimInWisc also retired this month and will weigh in?
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GalaxyBoy
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Congrats! Ain't it great?
I still look at DW at least once or twice a week and say, "Guess what? I don't have to go to work tomorrow!" I really still feel that way, over six months in. I hope that feeling doesn't go away anytime soon.
I still look at DW at least once or twice a week and say, "Guess what? I don't have to go to work tomorrow!" I really still feel that way, over six months in. I hope that feeling doesn't go away anytime soon.
FrugalLady
Dryer sheet aficionado
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2017
- Messages
- 39
Sept 29th was also my last day of Full-Time employment. They threw me a nice retirement party that night, however, I immediately started my new part-time job on Oct 2nd and worked Monday thru Thursday. So it really didn't sink in until Friday that I really am semi-retired.
With being only 48, I am too afraid to fully retire until I know how things are going to shake out with the ACA. I'm a long ways from Medicare and expensive health insurance can be a budget breaker. Part-time work that provides health coverage seemed to be the ideal option for now. Hubby is 70 and has been retired for 6 years now. I want to be able to spend more time with him while his health is still good. I don't want to have any regrets that I didn't spend more time with him while I had the chance. Hopefully you all can give me the courage to take the final plunge into full retirement.
With being only 48, I am too afraid to fully retire until I know how things are going to shake out with the ACA. I'm a long ways from Medicare and expensive health insurance can be a budget breaker. Part-time work that provides health coverage seemed to be the ideal option for now. Hubby is 70 and has been retired for 6 years now. I want to be able to spend more time with him while his health is still good. I don't want to have any regrets that I didn't spend more time with him while I had the chance. Hopefully you all can give me the courage to take the final plunge into full retirement.
T-Minus
Recycles dryer sheets
Was asked to wrap things up for EOY close, so I've pushed my go-date. I've updated the list to reflect this fact:
Class of 2017
January
- Pedidiva 1/1/17 age 58
- doneat54 – 1/4/2017 age 54
- rrufus – 1/6/2017
- Hillbilly – 1/6/2017
- GSMAN - 1/13/2017, age 56
- PaddyMac – 1/14/2017, age 55
- Paracelsus – 1/1/2017, age 55
- coveredbridge - 1/20/17, age 55
- jwr62 – 1/31/2017
- TNBound - 1/31/17, age 57
- Retire2017 – 1/31/2017, age 56
- gayl – 1/31/2017
- redduck, age 72
February
- Gazingus – 2/1/2017, age 55
- duckcalldan – 2/10/2017, age 53
- geeky_grrl - 2/10/2017, age 45
- Stratman - 2/10/17, age 62
March
- Johnora – 3/1/2017, age 52
- GalaxyBoy - 3/3/17, age 57
- Sasset – 3/6/2016, almost age 56
- jrwinfla – 3/15/2017, age 56
- Yogi Bear – 3/24/2017, age 57
- USGrant1962 – 3/24/2017, age 55
- DrRoy – 3/31/2017
- Golden Sunsets- sometime in March, age 68
- Choices' DH 3/31/17, age 65
April
- Lucantes – 4/2/2017, age 50
- MuirWannabe – 4/7/2017, age 55
- rjsob58 – 4/7/2017, age 59
- StaceyR – 4/7/2017, age 59.5
- Bklyn55 - 4/21/2017, age 56
- chief04010 – 4/29/2017, age 59.5
- JohnM - Sometime in April, age 50
May
- JohnnyBGoode – 5/5/2017, age 50
- ccourt9283 – 5/31/2017, age 62
- Rdub- 5/?/17, age 47
June
- GreenER – 6/1/2017, age 55
- Oneparkatatime - 6/2/2017, age 57
- Freetodream – 6/2/2017, age 62
- statsman DW – 6/2/2017, age 64.5
- timo2 - 6/10/2017, age 64
- Argus - 6/16/2017, age 55
- Amomynous – 6/23/2017, age 51
- LRDave – 6/30/2017, age 59
- Red Badger – 6/30/2017
- Joe0401 – 6/30/17, age 60
- candrew - age 59.5
- Rickt – 6/15/2017, age 57
- windyblonde DH
- timerfirst
July
- Arkgolfer – 7/1/2017, age 49
- Bikechuck – 7/7/2017, age 64 1/12
- dand76 - 7/14/2017, age 59.5
- 2017ish - 7/28/2017, age 57
- jollystomper, age 59
- Oscar1 - 7/31/2017, age 55
August
- JeffInSeattle – 8/1/2017, age 60
- Retire52 - 8/26/2017, age 48
- dixonge – 8/3/2017, age 56
- BlueAFMom - 8/14/2017, age 49
- cme4oil - 8/31/2017, age 61
- 38Chevy454 - 8/2/2017, age 53
- ER Eddie
September
- capjak – 9/1/2017, age 55
- ABQ2015 – 9/30/2017, age 62
- KimInWis – 9/30/2017, age 56
- fishvt - age 55
- mistermike40 - 9/29/2017, age 57
October
- hankster - 10/1/2017, age 59
- Indigo Mule – 10/31/2017, age 55
- MOSAT - 10/13/2017, age 62
- RetireAge50 - 10/10/2017, age 50
- Marc – 10/20/2017, age 59 11/12
November
- CANTW8, 11/24/2017
December
- Marco – 12/31/2017, age 56.5
- Clover5 - 12/31/2017, age 56
- T-Minus - 12/31/2017 - age 57
- Revlefty
- neihn, age 57
- lwp2017
Month TBD
- HawkeyeNFO
- KrissK – late 2017
- Tdv2 - end 2017, age 54
- Future FIREe, age 55
- Montecfo, age 57
Class of 2017
January
- Pedidiva 1/1/17 age 58
- doneat54 – 1/4/2017 age 54
- rrufus – 1/6/2017
- Hillbilly – 1/6/2017
- GSMAN - 1/13/2017, age 56
- PaddyMac – 1/14/2017, age 55
- Paracelsus – 1/1/2017, age 55
- coveredbridge - 1/20/17, age 55
- jwr62 – 1/31/2017
- TNBound - 1/31/17, age 57
- Retire2017 – 1/31/2017, age 56
- gayl – 1/31/2017
- redduck, age 72
February
- Gazingus – 2/1/2017, age 55
- duckcalldan – 2/10/2017, age 53
- geeky_grrl - 2/10/2017, age 45
- Stratman - 2/10/17, age 62
March
- Johnora – 3/1/2017, age 52
- GalaxyBoy - 3/3/17, age 57
- Sasset – 3/6/2016, almost age 56
- jrwinfla – 3/15/2017, age 56
- Yogi Bear – 3/24/2017, age 57
- USGrant1962 – 3/24/2017, age 55
- DrRoy – 3/31/2017
- Golden Sunsets- sometime in March, age 68
- Choices' DH 3/31/17, age 65
April
- Lucantes – 4/2/2017, age 50
- MuirWannabe – 4/7/2017, age 55
- rjsob58 – 4/7/2017, age 59
- StaceyR – 4/7/2017, age 59.5
- Bklyn55 - 4/21/2017, age 56
- chief04010 – 4/29/2017, age 59.5
- JohnM - Sometime in April, age 50
May
- JohnnyBGoode – 5/5/2017, age 50
- ccourt9283 – 5/31/2017, age 62
- Rdub- 5/?/17, age 47
June
- GreenER – 6/1/2017, age 55
- Oneparkatatime - 6/2/2017, age 57
- Freetodream – 6/2/2017, age 62
- statsman DW – 6/2/2017, age 64.5
- timo2 - 6/10/2017, age 64
- Argus - 6/16/2017, age 55
- Amomynous – 6/23/2017, age 51
- LRDave – 6/30/2017, age 59
- Red Badger – 6/30/2017
- Joe0401 – 6/30/17, age 60
- candrew - age 59.5
- Rickt – 6/15/2017, age 57
- windyblonde DH
- timerfirst
July
- Arkgolfer – 7/1/2017, age 49
- Bikechuck – 7/7/2017, age 64 1/12
- dand76 - 7/14/2017, age 59.5
- 2017ish - 7/28/2017, age 57
- jollystomper, age 59
- Oscar1 - 7/31/2017, age 55
August
- JeffInSeattle – 8/1/2017, age 60
- Retire52 - 8/26/2017, age 48
- dixonge – 8/3/2017, age 56
- BlueAFMom - 8/14/2017, age 49
- cme4oil - 8/31/2017, age 61
- 38Chevy454 - 8/2/2017, age 53
- ER Eddie
September
- capjak – 9/1/2017, age 55
- ABQ2015 – 9/30/2017, age 62
- KimInWis – 9/30/2017, age 56
- fishvt - age 55
- mistermike40 - 9/29/2017, age 57
October
- hankster - 10/1/2017, age 59
- Indigo Mule – 10/31/2017, age 55
- MOSAT - 10/13/2017, age 62
- RetireAge50 - 10/10/2017, age 50
- Marc – 10/20/2017, age 59 11/12
November
- CANTW8, 11/24/2017
December
- Marco – 12/31/2017, age 56.5
- Clover5 - 12/31/2017, age 56
- T-Minus - 12/31/2017 - age 57
- Revlefty
- neihn, age 57
- lwp2017
Month TBD
- HawkeyeNFO
- KrissK – late 2017
- Tdv2 - end 2017, age 54
- Future FIREe, age 55
- Montecfo, age 57
Marc
Recycles dryer sheets
Pulled the plug as planned last Friday. Still haven't sold the house, had to give excess furniture away as I couldn't get any money for it, and I had to order a third POD as my estimate for two PODs was way off. We drove from Alabama to Texas over the weekend. Market didn't go down 10% yesterday so I made it through the that financial wicket. Now, I am sitting at airport in Austin waiting for flight to ATL and FCO to begin a nice 71 day trip to kick off retirement. Hopefully house will sell while we are gone; otherwise, some replanning will be necessary come January (may have to become landlord).
Many thanks to those on this forum that have helped me over the years. We have started this new phase of our lives FIRE'd!!!
Marc
Many thanks to those on this forum that have helped me over the years. We have started this new phase of our lives FIRE'd!!!
Marc
