15 more work days to go; Retire in Jan of 16

[redshift]

Hey,

I've been lurking on this site for months and it has helped a lot in my decision making process. I'll be 62 and will be working my last day mid-November, with an official retirement date of January 15, 2016. Have a good defined benefit pension starting right away, ~550K in 401/457, DW already taking SS and a tiny pension. I won't be taking SS right away, but may in a year or so if needed to support travel. Besides main home, we have a lake property and a rental in WA, and a newly purchased vacation rental in HI. We'll be spending part time in HI until we decide if we want to move permanently. We know HI is expensive, but are prepared to sacrifice and/or sell other property if needed. We're very confident in our income/expenses, but would like to hear from folks who snowbird or live in HI, or to discuss pros/cons of this adventure. Thanks for all the great advice on this site!

HI Bound...

 

[lemming]

Sounds terrific..congratulations.
I think having a lake house in Washington and a place in Hawaii sounds ideal. I would have a hard time finding my way home in most of HI. I see the place names and can't remember them long enough to know where to turn.

 

[travelover]

Welcome and congratulations.

 

[haloFIRE]

Welcome! I hope you get happier and even more confident as the remaining 15 work days go by.

 

[38Chevy454]

Welcome to the forum. No advice for Hawaii, except I have heard the state does have some decent tax advantages/deductions for retirees. Might help offset the higher COL a bit?

 

[redshift]

Thanks. They don't tax SS or most pension income, but we will have vacation rental income in HI, so we'll have to cough up that.

 

[redshift]

So far so good. We'll keep you posted.

 

[redshift]

Sounds terrific..congratulations.
I think having a lake house in Washington and a place in Hawaii sounds ideal. I would have a hard time finding my way home in most of HI. I see the place names and can't remember them long enough to know where to turn.

Yes, the place names take a lot of getting used to - too many vowels! Thank heavens for GPS.