2026 Financial Milestones

[Retired Expat]

So while not exactly on topic did achieve what feels like a milestone to me. After way too many years of paying into Social Security received my first pay out!

And while in theory we are Okay without it, being those people who don’t sell investments to get cash to live but like to live off income (passive or otherwise) this might open up a new round of blow that dough, living better and enjoyment. At least I really hope so!

And it is about time too!

 

[F.I.R.E User]

Just 2 weeks ago. Media was talking about correction and bear market and here we are. All time high market. This is like one of the quickest recoveries.

$1,263,000 all time high.

Age 48.

Planning to retire by 57.

 

[Dtail]

So while not exactly on topic did achieve what feels like a milestone to me. After way too many years of paying into Social Security received my first pay out!

And while in theory we are Okay without it, being those people who don’t sell investments to get cash to live but like to live off income (passive or otherwise) this might open up a new round of blow that dough, living better and enjoyment. At least I really hope so!

And it is about time too!

Congrats and we wish to hear about the BTD, since RobbieB is not here anymore.

 

[Tuirc]

Milestone: I retire tomorrow.

Had my exit interview and retirement lunch today. Retirement happy hour tomorrow and I'm out the door.

 

[F.I.R.E User]

Milestone: I retire tomorrow.

Had my exit interview and retirement lunch today. Retirement happy hour tomorrow and I'm out the door.

Do any of your employees know you are rich?

 

[Koolau]

So while not exactly on topic did achieve what feels like a milestone to me. After way too many years of paying into Social Security received my first pay out!

And while in theory we are Okay without it, being those people who don’t sell investments to get cash to live but like to live off income (passive or otherwise) this might open up a new round of blow that dough, living better and enjoyment. At least I really hope so!

And it is about time too!

Welcome to the SS club!

You're gonna love this.

 

[Tuirc]

Do any of your employees know you are rich?

Nobody knows anything specific, but I think they assume I must be doing ok if I can retire early.

 

[Koolau]

Milestone: I retire tomorrow.

Had my exit interview and retirement lunch today. Retirement happy hour tomorrow and I'm out the door.

Congratulations!

Keep us posted on how you spend your retirement. Welcome to FIRE!

 

[Tuirc]

Congratulations!

Keep us posted on how you spend your retirement. Welcome to FIRE!

Thanks! I will.

I just noticed that I've been on here just over 12 years and finally pulled the trigger. I must have been VERY optimistic 12 years ago!!

 

[1242Vintage]

Did our first Roth conversions today. Will take five years to empty out 401(k)s and get it all moved to Roth.

 

[disneysteve]

Milestone: I retire tomorrow.

Had my exit interview and retirement lunch today. Retirement happy hour tomorrow and I'm out the door.

Awesome. Congratulations!

 

[disneysteve]

So while not exactly on topic did achieve what feels like a milestone to me. After way too many years of paying into Social Security received my first pay out!

And while in theory we are Okay without it, being those people who don’t sell investments to get cash to live but like to live off income (passive or otherwise) this might open up a new round of blow that dough, living better and enjoyment. At least I really hope so!

And it is about time too!

Congrats! My wife got her first SS check last month and her second one today. She's a third-Wednesday recipient. Enjoy.

 

[street]

Milestone: I retire tomorrow.

Had my exit interview and retirement lunch today. Retirement happy hour tomorrow and I'm out the door.

Good Luck in your new life!!!

 

[COcheesehead]

Just 2 weeks ago. Media was talking about correction and bear market and here we are. All time high market. This is like one of the quickest recoveries.

$1,263,000 all time high.

Age 48.

Planning to retire by 57.

Fits the old Wall Street saying of buy when the cannons are booming. High VIX, same thing. Buy fear.

 

[chemEguy]

Just 2 weeks ago. Media was talking about correction and bear market and here we are. All time high market. This is like one of the quickest recoveries.

$1,263,000 all time high.

Age 48.

Planning to retire by 57.

I’ve been through this enough to know my best bet is to simply carry on. I’m not smart or savvy enough to trade the market volatility. The unknown is how long it takes to see the pendulum swing back. What I have observed is that the pendulum seems to be moving much more quickly than 30 years ago.

We also saw a new high this week, $5.57 million portfolio and cash. Almost 53 and I plan to retire this year, spouse plans to work a few more years.

 

[disneysteve]

I’m not smart or savvy enough to trade the market volatility.

Neither is anybody else, so don't feel bad. Market timing doesn't work.

The unknown is how long it takes to see the pendulum swing back. What I have observed is that the pendulum seems to be moving much more quickly than 30 years ago.

I think you're right about that. It's a function of everyone being plugged into everything 24/7. One word out of a major player's mouth and the market plummets or soars, only to do just the opposite the next day when they say something else.

 

[Grayscock]

I hit $1.1M for the first time this week. I hit $1M for the first time in September so 7 months ago. That's one way to look at it. The other is I dipped under $1M just 3 weeks ago.

I have a very simple spreadsheet that I update weekly with account balances and monthly with expenses. It gives me a % to x 25 and amount left to reach. That % went over 90% for the first time this week.

 

[street]

I hit $1.1M for the first time this week. I hit $1M for the first time in September so 7 months ago. That's one way to look at it. The other is I dipped under $1M just 3 weeks ago.

I have a very simple spreadsheet that I update weekly with account balances and monthly with expenses. It gives me a % to x 25 and amount left to reach. That % went over 90% for the first time this week.

That is great!! That first one takes the longest you are well on your way to be FIRE.

 

[Luvtoride]

Milestone: I retire tomorrow.

Had my exit interview and retirement lunch today. Retirement happy hour tomorrow and I'm out the door.

How does it feel? Maybe will hit you on Monday morning when you DON’T have to go to work after the weekend. Congratulations!

 

[Ronstar]

DW looks at her Ira balance daily. She always asks me if she’ll ever get to a million dollars. I always say yes, but she keeps asking anyway. She’s getting close.

 

[street]

I have one million dollars more today than one year ago in April 2025. Incredible! I would never have believed my portfolio would have done this in retirement.

 

[TheWizard]

I have one million dollars more today than one year ago in April 2025. Incredible! I would never have believed my portfolio would have done this in retirement.

Time to buy another thousand acres of ranch land!
Ted Turner, look out!

 

[street]

LOL!! If I had Ted's money I would throw mine away. Talking about TT I was on his ranch The Flying D. I would have loved to go in his log cabin mansion. He had semi loads of fencing materials in the yard. A beautiful place!!!

 

[F.I.R.E User]

$1.31M as of today.

Age: 48.

Target date to retire: 57.

No RE. Renting.

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

 

[TheWizard]

$1.31M as of today.

Age: 48.

Target date to retire: 57.

No RE. Renting.

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

A separate thread might be a good idea for this...