ShadowBloom
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2014
- Messages
- 104
Just wanted to say Hi and Thank you for all the knowledge I've gotten from you in the past and expect to get from you in the future. I've been reading the forum for at least 10 years, probably longer. I'm no longer a Young Dreamer; I'm trying to figure out if I'm FIRE.
It's been a lousy year, with the loss of both my parents and my job. The job loss isn't that upsetting; I've disliked my job for a long time and I'd been anticipating quitting next year-- I was trying to hold on to qualify for retiree medical. Fortunately, company policies have a kind of grace period for laid off employees and I think I'll still get it in a few months.
Now I'm trying to figure out if my savings will actually let me retire or if I need to work. I've tracked spending for years so I have a good sense of how much I need. Online calculators give mixed results. Financial Engines tells me I'm fine; it actually tells me I can spend more than I need. Firecalc gives success around 90%. Fidelity RIP and basic.esplanner.com say no way. I'm pretty sure I entered unreasonable assumptions into esplanner, at least.
I'm also considering moving as one of my options. I live in an expensive metro area and I can trim expenses significantly by moving, even nearby.
I've never used a financial advisor before but I'm thinking about paying for a one-time consultation now, just to have someone else look over my numbers and do an assessment not colored by wishful thinking.
Anyway, that's it for now. I have to go put my laundry in the dryer (I understand all about dryer sheets) and right now I just love the idea that I can do laundry on a Wednesday morning!
It's been a lousy year, with the loss of both my parents and my job. The job loss isn't that upsetting; I've disliked my job for a long time and I'd been anticipating quitting next year-- I was trying to hold on to qualify for retiree medical. Fortunately, company policies have a kind of grace period for laid off employees and I think I'll still get it in a few months.
Now I'm trying to figure out if my savings will actually let me retire or if I need to work. I've tracked spending for years so I have a good sense of how much I need. Online calculators give mixed results. Financial Engines tells me I'm fine; it actually tells me I can spend more than I need. Firecalc gives success around 90%. Fidelity RIP and basic.esplanner.com say no way. I'm pretty sure I entered unreasonable assumptions into esplanner, at least.
I'm also considering moving as one of my options. I live in an expensive metro area and I can trim expenses significantly by moving, even nearby.
I've never used a financial advisor before but I'm thinking about paying for a one-time consultation now, just to have someone else look over my numbers and do an assessment not colored by wishful thinking.
Anyway, that's it for now. I have to go put my laundry in the dryer (I understand all about dryer sheets) and right now I just love the idea that I can do laundry on a Wednesday morning!