Author Topic: Target FIRE: 2017  (Read 449908 times)

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #450 on: November 16, 2016, 10:57:01 AM »
My manager (and a few others) are begging me to work as a contractor for my company when I leave. I kind of think that is absolutely crazypants. If I were going to do that, why not simply stay and enjoy the benefits of my job? Why take the financial risk of being a contractor? Is anyone else facing this?

If it affords you more flexible hours and better hourly pay, why not? I'd totally do it. I may try to do something like that.

MarciaB

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #451 on: November 16, 2016, 02:39:07 PM »
It's been a while since the list was reposted, so here it is with a couple of changes that were mentioned recently (and please feel free to edit):


Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017 
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017 
MsGreenStash     (at 51) January 1, 2017
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017
Zineth           (at 49) January 17, 2017
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017
rahby1us                 January 31, 2017
mf3333           (at 56) January 31, 2017
easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
oblivion                 March 31, 2017
Zephyr911        (at 38) Was here but now maybe summer 2017?
Threshkin        (at 59) Was here but moved to 2016!   
Jojo                     Was here but now maybe not?
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro            May 1, 2017
Mrs. SwordGuy            May 16, 2017
SwordGuy         (at 59) Was here but now 2018 instead?
BNgarden         (at 58) May 16, 2017
Rachael          (at 42) May 21, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Cottonswab       (at 30) June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb                July 14 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
noble_goal               OMY

SwordGuy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #452 on: November 16, 2016, 05:10:07 PM »


Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017 
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017 
MsGreenStash     (at 51) January 1, 2017
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017
Zineth           (at 49) January 17, 2017
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017
rahby1us                 January 31, 2017
mf3333           (at 56) January 31, 2017
easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
oblivion                 March 31, 2017
Zephyr911        (at 38) Was here but now maybe summer 2017?
Threshkin        (at 59) Was here but moved to 2016!   
Jojo                     Was here but now maybe not?
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro            May 1, 2017
Mrs. SwordGuy            May 16, 2017
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY, sometime in 2018
BNgarden         (at 58) May 16, 2017
Rachael          (at 42) May 21, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Cottonswab       (at 30) June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb                July 14 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
noble_goal               OMY

Mrs. Pomodoro

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #453 on: November 16, 2016, 06:25:37 PM »
Thanks for posting an updated list! I take it as a sign that I should reaffirm my plan (to myself, mostly.) Had quite a bit of ups and downs in the past few months. There were multiple occasions where I wanted to just give notice and call it done. I've been on medical leave for 6 weeks (no major health concern at this point,) and now have a chance to switch to working part-time but not sure how long I want to keep dragging my feet. Before going part-time becomes a possibility, I was planning to hang on 'till the end of the year and give notice on the first work day next year; now if I work part-time and assuming I don't experience another major break-down, I might be able to go with my original plan of leaving by the end of April?

I'm pretty set on leaving next year 'cause the medical leave made me realize how much I need to decompress before I can move forward in life, even that might mean going back to work later for a bit depending on how the economy and healthcare go in the future. It's not so much that my work environment is so terrible that I can't stay anymore; I'm just really, really done with what I do for work. There are so many other things I'm interested in and I also want to spend as much time with family and old pets as I can while everyone's still healthy.

Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017 
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017 
MsGreenStash     (at 51) January 1, 2017
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017
Zineth           (at 49) January 17, 2017
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017
rahby1us                 January 31, 2017
mf3333           (at 56) January 31, 2017
easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
oblivion                 March 31, 2017
Zephyr911        (at 38) Was here but now maybe summer 2017?
Threshkin        (at 59) Was here but moved to 2016!   
Jojo                     Was here but now maybe not?
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro    (at 43) May 1, 2017
Mrs. SwordGuy            May 16, 2017
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY, sometime in 2018
BNgarden         (at 58) May 16, 2017
Rachael          (at 42) May 21, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Cottonswab       (at 30) June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb                July 14 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
noble_goal               OMY

Daisy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #454 on: November 16, 2016, 10:49:20 PM »
Sooooo...I am the one that started the Class of 2015 thread, date came and passed, then dipped my toes in the Class of 2016, and now that will pass, but F-IT! 2017 is my FIRE year!

2016 was a heck of a year. I had a medical emergency and was on leave from work for 6 months. I returned part time. I was very grateful for the patience my employer had with me while on leave. Also, I work with a great group of people that were really worried for me and wanted to return and express my gratitude. So 2016 hasn't been a work filled year anyways...kind of like a medically enforced sabbatical.

But, after only a few months after returning, I think my honeymoon is over and I am itching to FIRE. It's definitely going to happen in 2017. I am done!

I'm on my phone and editing the list is hard. Can someone add me in for April 28, 2017 at the age of 48? Figure I'll do it first half of the year. End of March brings a bonus and ESPP payout. So might as well ride out April and be FIRE by May.

April showers bring May flowers...daisies!
« Last Edit: November 16, 2016, 10:54:22 PM by Daisy »

oldtoyota

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #455 on: November 17, 2016, 05:39:22 AM »
Roll call checking in! So I guess technically I've been retired since August when the babby was born, but I still have some business things to wrap up at the end of the year. The past six months we've been in the red and it freaks me out to be spending more money than I'm making. It's mostly due to dwindling royalties, and I'm going to be getting another lump sum at the end of the year from my other publishing business, so there really isn't a need to freak out, but I'm still freaking out.

Since I'm not sure how much income I'll have next year from residual royalties (anywhere from $50-150k probably), I don't know how I should handle the insurance thing. What do you guys think? Should I assume low and apply for a subsidy that I might have to pay back? There's no penalty to doing that, or so I can tell from my research -am I right about that?

What are your royalties from?

I wish I knew what to tell you about assuming low. I run a business, and it's so tricky to estimate the revenue in advance.

oldtoyota

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #456 on: November 17, 2016, 05:40:21 AM »
Sooooo...I am the one that started the Class of 2015 thread, date came and passed, then dipped my toes in the Class of 2016, and now that will pass, but F-IT! 2017 is my FIRE year!

2016 was a heck of a year. I had a medical emergency and was on leave from work for 6 months. I returned part time. I was very grateful for the patience my employer had with me while on leave. Also, I work with a great group of people that were really worried for me and wanted to return and express my gratitude. So 2016 hasn't been a work filled year anyways...kind of like a medically enforced sabbatical.

But, after only a few months after returning, I think my honeymoon is over and I am itching to FIRE. It's definitely going to happen in 2017. I am done!


Congratulations! Sorry to hear of your illness and glad you are better. May you continue to have good health and enjoy your FIRE!

RedmondStash

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #457 on: November 17, 2016, 08:55:59 AM »
Sooooo...I am the one that started the Class of 2015 thread, date came and passed, then dipped my toes in the Class of 2016, and now that will pass, but F-IT! 2017 is my FIRE year!

2016 was a heck of a year. I had a medical emergency and was on leave from work for 6 months. I returned part time. I was very grateful for the patience my employer had with me while on leave. Also, I work with a great group of people that were really worried for me and wanted to return and express my gratitude. So 2016 hasn't been a work filled year anyways...kind of like a medically enforced sabbatical.

But, after only a few months after returning, I think my honeymoon is over and I am itching to FIRE. It's definitely going to happen in 2017. I am done!


Congratulations! Sorry to hear of your illness and glad you are better. May you continue to have good health and enjoy your FIRE!

Yes, this.

I am hopeful that we are still on target for a mid-2017 FIRE. But I no longer know how to estimate medical and insurance expenses, given the uncertainty of Obamacare's future. I don't know how to reconcile that with accurate future financial projections, so I might delay a bit until more becomes clear. Assuming it does.

Daisy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #458 on: November 17, 2016, 08:59:57 AM »
Thanks oldtoyota and RedmondStash!


As far as the ACA subsidies being removed... If they are and not replaced with an affordable alternative...well insurance companies would go under because no one will afford it. I'm going to try and not let this bother me.

Threshkin

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #459 on: November 17, 2016, 10:54:11 AM »
Adding Daisy. 

I posted a two-week status update to my journal (see siggy line)


Threshkin        (at 59) Graduated to 2016!
Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017
MsGreenStash     (at 51) January 1, 2017
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017
Zineth           (at 49) January 17, 2017
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017
rahby1us                 January 31, 2017
mf3333           (at 56) January 31, 2017
easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
oblivion                 March 31, 2017
Daisy            (at 48) April 28, 2017
Zephyr911        (at 38) Summer 2017?
Jojo                     ?
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro            May 1, 2017
Mrs. SwordGuy            May 16, 2017
BNgarden         (at 58) May 16, 2017
Rachael          (at 42) May 21, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Cottonswab       (at 30) June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb                July 14 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY
noble_goal               OMY

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #460 on: November 17, 2016, 01:22:09 PM »
I may actually turn 39 before I quit... horror of horrors! xD

Remote_Landlord

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #461 on: November 17, 2016, 02:10:00 PM »

Hey,

I'm new to the forum and hoping it's ok for me to add myself to the list here.

Living in London, UK, but intending to move out of my flat (and the country) when I (hopefully) quit my job next year on 8th May.

Only started reading up on FIRE a few months ago, and realised I could pull it off next year (always been a good saver)....just wish I had saved more aggressively and started planning earlier!




Threshkin        (at 59) Graduated to 2016!
Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017
MsGreenStash     (at 51) January 1, 2017
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017
Zineth           (at 49) January 17, 2017
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017
rahby1us                 January 31, 2017
mf3333           (at 56) January 31, 2017
Remote_Landlord  (at 39) May 8, 2017
easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
oblivion                 March 31, 2017
Daisy            (at 48) April 28, 2017
Zephyr911        (at 38) Summer 2017?
Jojo                     ?
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro            May 1, 2017
Mrs. SwordGuy            May 16, 2017
BNgarden         (at 58) May 16, 2017
Rachael          (at 42) May 21, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Cottonswab       (at 30) June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb                July 14 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY
noble_goal               OMY


zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #462 on: November 17, 2016, 02:25:42 PM »
Welcome, RL!

FIRE me

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #463 on: November 17, 2016, 06:49:54 PM »
Sooooo...I am the one that started the Class of 2015 thread, date came and passed, then dipped my toes in the Class of 2016, and now that will pass, but F-IT! 2017 is my FIRE year!

The third time's charm!

Daisy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #464 on: November 17, 2016, 06:53:10 PM »
Sooooo...I am the one that started the Class of 2015 thread, date came and passed, then dipped my toes in the Class of 2016, and now that will pass, but F-IT! 2017 is my FIRE year!

The third time's charm!

3 is my favorite number!

I've never put an actual date on it so this is looking seriously possible. I've had multiple signs pointing to 2017 now as THE year. 2016 wasn't a work filled year anyways.

Cottonswab

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #465 on: November 17, 2016, 08:46:15 PM »
Checking in for roll call...

I have given notice to my employer and I have no desire to delay, so I am 99% confident that I will be FIREing in 2017.  My target date will be moving up to April, but I will likely wait until January or February to confirm my actual FIRE date. 

I am cautiously optimistic that I will be able to afford insurance and/or pay for healthcare out-of-pocket.  My FIRE plans include some part-time and/or seasonal paid work, so it's not too difficult for me to deal with financial uncertainty of leaving my job. 

Metta

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #466 on: November 18, 2016, 07:10:46 AM »
If you are FI, and like the work, being a contractor is awesome. You get premium pay, probably get paid for every hour you work, and there is much larger room for tax advantaged savings with a Solo 401k. You can probably also set your hours and workload to as little as you want, much easier as a contractor as opposed to permenant employee.
In your case, you can get benefits through your husband, so you are good, and if you were going to retire anyways, not like benefits would hold you there. Sure, it's not permenent, but you are ready to retire, what do you care? :)

If it affords you more flexible hours and better hourly pay, why not? I'd totally do it. I may try to do something like that.

Thanks for your input, CanuckExpat and Zephyr!

Because of your posts I've given it more thought, talked to my husband, asked some friends for their opinions, and talked to some of our contractors. My conclusion is that I am leaving for a reason, I'm leaving to do something (which is write full-time) and while I don't  need the money, I desperately need the time to do my own work. The way we treat our contractors, I think it is unlikely that I would have that time. It really helped to think through this a little bit more and I appreciate your contribution to my meditation on this.

It's kind of strange to make decisions that reduce my income, since the entire path for such a long time has been focused on getting out of debt and then on building a stash. I plan to leave in a harmonious way so that if I choose to contract or return to my job in the future, it will still be a possibility.

For now I don't want to be owned by anyone but myself. I don't even want to be rented out. Freedom!

CanuckExpat

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #467 on: November 18, 2016, 08:44:34 AM »
For now I don't want to be owned by anyone but myself. I don't even want to be rented out. Freedom!

Good for you, enjoy!

The big caveat on what I said was that contracting is awesome if you like the work and want to keep doing it. If you have other things to pursue, don't let that hold you there.

Look out world, here you come.

myhotrs

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #468 on: November 18, 2016, 04:36:39 PM »
Reading Ernie Zelinski's excellent How To Retire Happy, Wild, and Free. About 1/3 of the way through and my favorite quote so far:

"... stop working at the earliest moment, even if it is a quarter past eleven in the morning of the day when you find you have enough money."
- Robert Benchley

Amen! Great read and I am feeling better and better about retirement with every page. Can't wait to Spring, 135 days left!!


Metta

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #469 on: November 19, 2016, 07:07:12 AM »
For now I don't want to be owned by anyone but myself. I don't even want to be rented out. Freedom!

Good for you, enjoy!

The big caveat on what I said was that contracting is awesome if you like the work and want to keep doing it. If you have other things to pursue, don't let that hold you there.

Look out world, here you come.

:)

I like the work and I like the people, and I believe that I will miss both when I leave. That was what I needed to think about.

It's the latter half of your statement that I think matters most to me. I want to pursue other things. The safe and pleasant path would be to keep my job or to work as a contractor for them. It's a lot scarier and more exhilarating to dive into this new life without holding anything back. Because it scares me and because it excites me and because I know that this is my one and only life and my best chance to do this, I think it is the right choice.

About five years ago, when I started to think about leaving my job, the question I spent more than a year answering was "If I leave, then what?" Something that Stephen Covey said spoke to me then and speaks to me now: "You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say 'no' to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside. The enemy of the 'best' is often the 'good.'"

Five years ago, I needed to know what my burning Yes was. I found it. I said "no" to a lot of things to get to where I am. Now I just need to walk into the flaming Yes.

I can't wait for Freedom Day: January 1, 2017.

Metta

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #470 on: November 19, 2016, 07:09:18 AM »
Reading Ernie Zelinski's excellent How To Retire Happy, Wild, and Free. About 1/3 of the way through and my favorite quote so far:

"... stop working at the earliest moment, even if it is a quarter past eleven in the morning of the day when you find you have enough money."
- Robert Benchley

Amen! Great read and I am feeling better and better about retirement with every page. Can't wait to Spring, 135 days left!!

Great quote!

Daisy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #471 on: November 19, 2016, 08:32:07 AM »
For now I don't want to be owned by anyone but myself. I don't even want to be rented out. Freedom!

Good for you, enjoy!

The big caveat on what I said was that contracting is awesome if you like the work and want to keep doing it. If you have other things to pursue, don't let that hold you there.

Look out world, here you come.

:)

I like the work and I like the people, and I believe that I will miss both when I leave. That was what I needed to think about.

It's the latter half of your statement that I think matters most to me. I want to pursue other things. The safe and pleasant path would be to keep my job or to work as a contractor for them. It's a lot scarier and more exhilarating to dive into this new life without holding anything back. Because it scares me and because it excites me and because I know that this is my one and only life and my best chance to do this, I think it is the right choice.

About five years ago, when I started to think about leaving my job, the question I spent more than a year answering was "If I leave, then what?" Something that Stephen Covey said spoke to me then and speaks to me now: "You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say 'no' to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside. The enemy of the 'best' is often the 'good.'"

Five years ago, I needed to know what my burning Yes was. I found it. I said "no" to a lot of things to get to where I am. Now I just need to walk into the flaming Yes.

I can't wait for Freedom Day: January 1, 2017.

I love what your wrote. That is EXACTLY how I am feeling....and how I'll frame it to my probably skeptical family, friends, and coworkers when I finally catch FIRE next year.

John Doe

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #472 on: November 19, 2016, 03:42:17 PM »
So do you have to be full RE to join this group?  While I am FI currently I am not quite ready to leave my work but do want more time for myself.  So on that note I told my employer that I would like to go to part time as of April 1 for no more than a year, possibly less. I want to do this simply to help transition into the new phase of my life - no reason other than that.  I was thinking three days a week.   Well my employer came back and offered me 2.5 days a week with a rather significant up front payment if I agree to stay one year.  If I stay a second year I will get another significant payment at the end of that year.   So in short I get the transition I wanted, I get some nice additional cash up front and if we can make it work and I enjoy it I will get another significant payment at the end of year 2. So do I qualify for this group or do I have to join those 2019 people?

RedmondStash

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #473 on: November 19, 2016, 08:24:39 PM »
So do you have to be full RE to join this group?

I don't see why. This thread is for people to support and inform each other regarding major life changes in 2017, relating to FI/RE. I'm also in the 2016 thread because I commented in it a while back. Maybe you can find useful info in both the 2017 and the 2019 threads.

Freedom17

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #474 on: November 19, 2016, 09:51:06 PM »
Welcome!


Threshkin        (at 59) Graduated to 2016!
Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017
MsGreenStash     (at 51) January 1, 2017
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017
Zineth           (at 49) January 17, 2017
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017
rahby1us                 January 31, 2017
mf3333           (at 56) January 31, 2017
Remote_Landlord  (at 39) May 8, 2017
easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
oblivion                 March 31, 2017
John Doe                 April 1, 2017
Daisy            (at 48) April 28, 2017
Zephyr911        (at 38) Summer 2017?
Jojo                     ?
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro            May 1, 2017
Mrs. SwordGuy            May 16, 2017
BNgarden         (at 58) May 16, 2017
Rachael          (at 42) May 21, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Cottonswab       (at 30) June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb                July 14 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY
noble_goal               OMY

Metta

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #475 on: November 19, 2016, 10:00:50 PM »

I love what your wrote. That is EXACTLY how I am feeling....and how I'll frame it to my probably skeptical family, friends, and coworkers when I finally catch FIRE next year.

I have often felt that you and I have a lot in common. I'm glad you're in my graduating class.

Daisy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #476 on: November 23, 2016, 05:18:30 PM »

I love what your wrote. That is EXACTLY how I am feeling....and how I'll frame it to my probably skeptical family, friends, and coworkers when I finally catch FIRE next year.

I have often felt that you and I have a lot in common. I'm glad you're in my graduating class.

Thank you so much Metta. I know our paths have crossed before and was trying to find where in the forums. I read some of your recent posts and thought to myself...this Metta girl sounds like a wonderful person. I'll try to keep searching on which thread we crossed paths before

Cookie78

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #477 on: November 29, 2016, 11:33:21 AM »
I realized today that if instead of quitting my job Aug 3, 2017 I take a 1 year self funded leave of absence I will have to prepay my health benefits, but then get medical during my year of absence. Also my company will match my pension contributions for 6 of those months (which I will have to buy back when I return).

Also, it gives me a little flexibility in the event that I decide I FIREd way too early and need to return to work for a bit. Unlikely, but possible. Also by then maybe I could handle coming back to work for a few months for some extra cash.

In addition I've decided not to sell my houses right away, which is the better option, but comes with added risk. IF the shit hits the fan and things start to look dire, I can go back to my job after the year to help deal with any financial house catastrophes.

Months ago when I first thought of taking this option I didn't want to because I wanted to cut all ties, but now that it's getting down to the wire I'm starting to think it's a great idea. Especially realizing the extra pension money I'd be leaving on the table and a year of health and dental benefits.

Do I still qualify for Class of 2017?!

FurtherJourneys

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #478 on: November 29, 2016, 06:16:51 PM »
Hi there! Many months ago I posted about our plans to buy some rental properties with a windfall we had received and a goal of RE in January of 2017. In June we negotiated a great deal on a 12 unit building and have been managing it while working our normal jobs. It’s been a bit crazy!

On January 6 my husband will be quitting his corporate engineering job to manage the rentals. I’m not sure if it exactly counts for this fourm, since for at least the first 6 months he will be putting a lot of time into renovations and improvements, but it will be on our schedule and with lots more time together as a family.

I am a teacher, so I will be working until at least the end of May, and then evaluating if I need to/want to teach next year.

Right now we’re not sure about healthcare. We were planning on the ACA, but are not sure what will happen to the subsidies in the near future. At the end of January we’ll probably buy a plan through the exchange at full price, or I will get insurance from school (very expensive since I’m just part time) and my husband will get it from the exchange. 

We’re counting down the days now, 37 to go!

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #479 on: November 29, 2016, 08:28:09 PM »
So i've had a goal fire date of Feb 15, 2017 for over a year now. My husband FIREd last year though he may go back to work for a year or so after I quit. I keep running the numbers and all still seems on target. The unknown future of the ACA has left me a bit less confident in my early retirement plans - one of the reasons hubs is going back to work - thought it would be good to have access to an employer plan, at least until we all have a better idea of what is going to replace the ACA

myhotrs

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #480 on: November 30, 2016, 10:39:45 AM »
I think the type of people that planned for and are ready to achieve FIRE should be ok no matter what happens to ACA. I just ran FIREcalc for base case and added $10k in expenses for possible lost subsidies (my base case already has $600/mo in healthcare costs.) Results are 96% and 77%, drop is not great but we're in the position we're in because we work hard and are apparently valuable to society.

Seems like those who stay at work are trading the 100% certainty of extra time worked vs some smaller % that they'll need to come up with an extra $5-10k/yr. Not going to let this stop me.

MandyM

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #481 on: November 30, 2016, 12:46:22 PM »
I really want to outright quit in 2017, but I will likely request to go part time, per my original plan. *Sigh* Maybe I'll feel frisky though and pull the trigger...

Just for fun: http://www.boredpanda.com/funny-farewell-cakes-quitting-job/

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #482 on: December 01, 2016, 03:13:27 PM »
Yeah, definitely pushing mine back a bit. DW and I have talked a lot recently and she has had enough of her FT job, while mine has become much more tolerable. So, she will be going PT/freelance in a few weeks. Between compensating for that, rental issues, and wanting to pad the startup kitty for my little investment startup here, I'm probably working at least till June. But other than tying up those loose ends, I still don't have much else left to save for.

This will still be a positive move for both of us, even in the very short term. She'll have more time for house stuff so my burden will drop a bit, she'll be able to travel with me when I go for work (which I will be angling to do more often in the new year) as well as taking more vacations (my use of my fed leave has been constrained by her miniscule PTO) and overall we'll both have lower stress levels and more fun.

So, I'm still really excited about things, and firmly in the c/o 2017 as far as I'm concerned. I'd have to start having more fun than I could ever imagine in this job to even think about OMY. How's everyone else lately? :)

Metta

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #483 on: December 02, 2016, 04:55:50 PM »
Yeah, definitely pushing mine back a bit. DW and I have talked a lot recently and she has had enough of her FT job, while mine has become much more tolerable. So, she will be going PT/freelance in a few weeks. Between compensating for that, rental issues, and wanting to pad the startup kitty for my little investment startup here, I'm probably working at least till June. But other than tying up those loose ends, I still don't have much else left to save for.

This will still be a positive move for both of us, even in the very short term. She'll have more time for house stuff so my burden will drop a bit, she'll be able to travel with me when I go for work (which I will be angling to do more often in the new year) as well as taking more vacations (my use of my fed leave has been constrained by her miniscule PTO) and overall we'll both have lower stress levels and more fun.

So, I'm still really excited about things, and firmly in the c/o 2017 as far as I'm concerned. I'd have to start having more fun than I could ever imagine in this job to even think about OMY. How's everyone else lately? :)

I find your perspective comforting. My biggest concern is that my husband will feel exploited with me home and him still working. He keeps telling me that he loves being a tenured professor and that having me home more is a feature, not a bug in the system. And he gives the same reasons you do: more time for house stuff, more time to spend with him, more flexiblity to use his PTO, and so forth. He says that he sees no downside.

As for me, I am counting down the days (28 days as of now), desperately trying to get my work transitioned properly, and tidy up every loose end I can. I am excited and impatient with this rather difficult combination of impatient to go and frustrated that I don't have more time to get everything done.

Daisy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #484 on: December 02, 2016, 07:42:10 PM »
Go Metta, go! It sounds like you have a loving husband. You've earned your FIRE and your husband supports your decisions, so go for it without reservation!

Financial Ascensionist

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #485 on: December 03, 2016, 06:13:13 PM »
I am still trending very solidly for June 1st.  The plan is working surprisingly smoothly.

oblivo

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #486 on: December 05, 2016, 05:05:35 PM »
My date is March 1, possibly sooner, not later though. Looking good!!!!

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #487 on: December 07, 2016, 12:31:44 PM »

I find your perspective comforting. My biggest concern is that my husband will feel exploited with me home and him still working. He keeps telling me that he loves being a tenured professor and that having me home more is a feature, not a bug in the system. And he gives the same reasons you do: more time for house stuff, more time to spend with him, more flexibility to use his PTO, and so forth. He says that he sees no downside.

As for me, I am counting down the days (28 days as of now), desperately trying to get my work transitioned properly, and tidy up every loose end I can. I am excited and impatient with this rather difficult combination of impatient to go and frustrated that I don't have more time to get everything done.

There are a lot of ways to calculate fairness, for those concerned about it. I've always felt that two people who really trust each other and genuinely care about each other's well-being have the widest latitude to find a happy meeting of the minds on the subject. She's helped me so much in terms of putting my money where my mouth is and shedding consumer habits to achieve my goals that I can honestly say I'm the one who owes her, even if I ended up paying all the bills. As is, even with a estimated 50% pay cut she'll probably still be self-sufficient. Gotta love her.

With that in mind, I actually pushed for this at a couple of points when I saw how unhappy she was coming home every night, knowing it was already on the table, probably a matter of time, and likely to make her happy. She hasn't even done it, but just making up her mind and giving notice has changed her outlook to an unbelievable degree. I really mean that too... I am in actual disbelief. She smiles 10x as much and we're getting along far better.

So, definitely the right call.

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #488 on: December 07, 2016, 12:33:29 PM »
So do you have to be full RE to join this group?  While I am FI currently I am not quite ready to leave my work but do want more time for myself.  So on that note I told my employer that I would like to go to part time as of April 1 for no more than a year, possibly less. I want to do this simply to help transition into the new phase of my life - no reason other than that.  I was thinking three days a week.   Well my employer came back and offered me 2.5 days a week with a rather significant up front payment if I agree to stay one year.  If I stay a second year I will get another significant payment at the end of that year.   So in short I get the transition I wanted, I get some nice additional cash up front and if we can make it work and I enjoy it I will get another significant payment at the end of year 2. So do I qualify for this group or do I have to join those 2019 people?
There are no rules. If you're working your way toward a major life change in '17, track it here. \m/

UnleashHell

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #489 on: December 08, 2016, 07:57:05 PM »
my current focus is on healthcare, travel plans and padding for the unknown.
as my annual bonus gets paid in march then anything after that means my average amount per week will start going down!!

so i might move my date up.. it could be open to a part time consulting gig so i get most of the time off while doing a transition with my current job.

I also some small debt to clear up - haven;t concerned myself with it as its very low interest and the money has been better off invested.

Daisy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #490 on: December 09, 2016, 03:08:47 PM »
7 more working days for me in 2016 until my holiday break!

In January, I will assess if my FIRE date in April is feasible.

How are the first quarter 2017'ers doing?

Metta

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #491 on: December 09, 2016, 07:49:07 PM »
There are a lot of ways to calculate fairness, for those concerned about it. I've always felt that two people who really trust each other and genuinely care about each other's well-being have the widest latitude to find a happy meeting of the minds on the subject. She's helped me so much in terms of putting my money where my mouth is and shedding consumer habits to achieve my goals that I can honestly say I'm the one who owes her, even if I ended up paying all the bills. As is, even with a estimated 50% pay cut she'll probably still be self-sufficient. Gotta love her.

With that in mind, I actually pushed for this at a couple of points when I saw how unhappy she was coming home every night, knowing it was already on the table, probably a matter of time, and likely to make her happy. She hasn't even done it, but just making up her mind and giving notice has changed her outlook to an unbelievable degree. I really mean that too... I am in actual disbelief. She smiles 10x as much and we're getting along far better.

So, definitely the right call.

You are right, of course. True fairness lies in caring deeply about the other person's well-being. It sounds like you have a wonderful relationship!

FIRE me

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #492 on: December 09, 2016, 09:21:48 PM »
7 more working days for me in 2016 until my holiday break!

In January, I will assess if my FIRE date in April is feasible.

How are the first quarter 2017'ers doing?

12 working days left for me until FIRE on January 3rd, assuming I am able to avoid any mandatory overtime.

I am still very bummed about the election result regarding the ACA, but I have fair confidence that I have enough assets to deal with it.

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #493 on: December 11, 2016, 08:37:15 AM »
Trump is already walking back his promises on ACA. At this point there's really no telling what will happen.
For most of us, any additional costs can probably be mitigated in several ways... delay FIRE slightly, cut other costs, PT/self-employed work, etc...

MandalayVA

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #494 on: December 11, 2016, 08:45:53 AM »
I am still trending very solidly for June 1st.  The plan is working surprisingly smoothly.

Although it was hinted that it might be February, it looks like my exit date will be June first as well--I know it won't be later than that.

FIRE me

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #495 on: December 11, 2016, 01:28:41 PM »
Trump is already walking back his promises on ACA. At this point there's really no telling what will happen.
For most of us, any additional costs can probably be mitigated in several ways... delay FIRE slightly, cut other costs, PT/self-employed work, etc...

Agreed. I think that right now, no one knows, including Trump.

I'm an older guy in my late 50's, so for me it was good news that there will very likely be a multi year phase out, instead of chopping it off in 2018. I'll be that much closer to Medicare when ACA goes away.

Still, my expectation is that by 2020 (if not sooner), I will pay substantially more for substantially less coverage that I would have got with the ACA. I had planned to keep my income just above the Medicaid threshold, to get the maximum premium subsidy and cost sharing benefit.

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #496 on: December 11, 2016, 01:59:14 PM »
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, amirite!?

SwordGuy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #497 on: December 11, 2016, 03:14:18 PM »
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, amirite!?

Absolutely!

oneyear

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #498 on: December 14, 2016, 07:35:06 AM »
Sorry guys I'm out of the running for next year.


Because I just hit my FIRE amount. Yeooooow

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #499 on: December 14, 2016, 07:38:13 AM »
Sorry guys I'm out of the running for next year.


Because I just hit my FIRE amount. Yeooooow
You give notice already?