This intro is long overdue. Not because I am generally active on forums or feel I can contribute a lot here, but because I owe many on this board a debt of gratitude. I had long planned on retiring early, even telling people when I started working in a ‘career’ that it was 20 years and out. But it was the last 5 years while working-the serious stage-that made it possible. I read, or rather devoured, everything on this site. I was here on a daily basis for about 3 of those last 5 years and that learning process, and the confidence that goes with knowing, was what allowed me to pull the trigger. I will note that one thing I failed to understand was why waffles were placed on rabbit heads-never did get that one 
I retired at 45, 3 glorious years ago next month. I do not miss work at all. That was not so much a surprise but what did surprise was that there is still not enough time to get everything done I want to. But it sure feels better that what I do get done is what is important to me.
Nothing special here. LBYM, always pay yourself first, the more you save the sooner you get to retire, the earlier you want to retire the more important savings rate is to investment returns, debt is bad (don't want to start a debate on my first post so that’s just my opinion). Speaking of debts I also owe one to the Bogleheads forum specifically for the detailed investment side and to Early Retirement Extreme (which I haven't followed for a few years now) for a change in perspective and the passion to focus on the expense side of things.
Personal info-currently 48, retired at 45. Long-time GF who is on the final stages of her own early retirement - less than 4 years to go for her to pull the trigger at 46. Moved to lower cost of living area. No children.
I have always been aggressive on equities in my asset allocation with around 90% while working-less if counting emergency fund. A paid off house and a very secure job made that a little safer as well. The key was to never change the allocation – I never sold any equities in a down market. 2000 and 2008 were not fun but not selling I recovered nicely.
AA is still equity heavy 75/25, with 3 years cash living expenses set aside. Slowly drifting toward 70/30 (by age 50) and 60/40 (by age 60). Been slow here for several reasons: still young so long horizon, bond yields so low, GF still working so backup income if needed to not spend down in bear market, ability and skill set to go back to W O R K if needed [don't your profanity filters screen that word out]
So again, thanks. The time and effort you guys spend on these Boards are really helpful for others. And for me personally it has meant a new beginning. The ability to do what I have always wanted to, even when that is nothing, is priceless.
Gresh
I retired at 45, 3 glorious years ago next month. I do not miss work at all. That was not so much a surprise but what did surprise was that there is still not enough time to get everything done I want to. But it sure feels better that what I do get done is what is important to me.
Nothing special here. LBYM, always pay yourself first, the more you save the sooner you get to retire, the earlier you want to retire the more important savings rate is to investment returns, debt is bad (don't want to start a debate on my first post so that’s just my opinion). Speaking of debts I also owe one to the Bogleheads forum specifically for the detailed investment side and to Early Retirement Extreme (which I haven't followed for a few years now) for a change in perspective and the passion to focus on the expense side of things.
Personal info-currently 48, retired at 45. Long-time GF who is on the final stages of her own early retirement - less than 4 years to go for her to pull the trigger at 46. Moved to lower cost of living area. No children.
I have always been aggressive on equities in my asset allocation with around 90% while working-less if counting emergency fund. A paid off house and a very secure job made that a little safer as well. The key was to never change the allocation – I never sold any equities in a down market. 2000 and 2008 were not fun but not selling I recovered nicely.
AA is still equity heavy 75/25, with 3 years cash living expenses set aside. Slowly drifting toward 70/30 (by age 50) and 60/40 (by age 60). Been slow here for several reasons: still young so long horizon, bond yields so low, GF still working so backup income if needed to not spend down in bear market, ability and skill set to go back to W O R K if needed [don't your profanity filters screen that word out
]So again, thanks. The time and effort you guys spend on these Boards are really helpful for others. And for me personally it has meant a new beginning. The ability to do what I have always wanted to, even when that is nothing, is priceless.
Gresh
