"Welcome to Alcatraz". So said the (unofficial) sign above the door of the foundry I used to work at in South Yorkshire. Well, as of September 18th 2015 I am FIRED!
When I was in my 30's I'd hoped to retire at age 55. Well, due to a seven year "career break" I assumed I'd be working until age 65. Then two years ago (having reached 55) I stumbled across MMM (maybe thanks to The OilDrum?). In the course of a weekend I created a spreadsheet that reduced my retirement age by over 3 years. Amazing. Selling the (extra) Alfa Romeo brought it closer by 6 months (monthly savings) and then another 3 months (for increased capital).
Thanks to some additional capital inflows (thanks Mum!) I was able to retire at age 57 1/2. The cheese and wine retirement party was held on the same day, watching the sun go down overlooking Cardigan Bay (Wales). Wonderful :)
My plans are to spend more time in Italy and learn more Italian, to be a bon vivant and a gentleman of leisure. Not sure how this fits in with the Mustachian work ethic :) I'm writing this from Piazza Santa Croce in Florence...
My financial style is based on a book I read almost 20 years ago, Die Broke. Unlike MMM, my plan is to live off capital, not income. At least until all my 5 pensions have kicked in (age 66) and then I'll be set for life (at around $2500 per month, today's money). I am currently renting and the plans allow for that (and inflation). I may buy a place in Italy; the UK is too expensive for me.
So thank you MMM. You have given me back years of my life! I am very grateful.
John
