chief04010
Recycles dryer sheets
In anticipation of FIRE at age 59 ½, I have been doing a lot of calculations to see if I’ve saved enough. I’ve noticed this is a very normal and popular thing to do when nearing retirement. Anyway most of the calculators out there want you to choose a life expectancy. I have used various ages from 85 to 100 and I think I’ll do ok as long as I don’t break any world longevity records. But realistically I’ve been taking notice of how old famous people are when they die, I’ve seen ranges from 60’s to 90’s sometimes there is a abnormally young or old death but most seem to fall somewhere in the 70 – 85 range. Makes it obvious why you get the promise of a big monthly SS check if you wait till 70. My own life expectancy is about 83 according to one insurance calculator I used, and I have to say I think the insurance companies are pretty good at figuring this as their bottom line is at stake. So why do FA want to make it seem like you will live to be 100 and need enough savings to take you 10 years beyond that? Perhaps I’m just imagining that people seem to think they are going to live to very ripe old ages or maybe I just have too much time to think about this stuff. Anyway excuse my rambling. On a personal note: my father died at 60 ( WWII wounded vet, many outside health issues, smoking etc.) my mother made it to 88, although the last 5 years were not very good, I’ll consider myself lucky to make 85. So as the saying goes, when I retire I figure I’ll have 20 good years left.