The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Welcome and General Discussion => Topic started by: Kris on April 04, 2015, 07:04:24 PM
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So, following from the other post, wondering how many of you (like me) have 2018 as your FIRE date. Us, we're looking at June 2018. You?
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We've got 2018 as our FIRE date, maybe July. Just have to get a few plans in place, new out of the city abode to finished renovating, slim down expenses etc to make sure we can confidently live on our post-FIRE income. We're probably over analyzing the "do we have enough" and could go a year earlier, its just that neither of us want to be destitute in our old age! Financial security is very important to us.
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I've got EARLY 2018 marked for FI. Won't RE at that point but I'm happy with the knowledge I'll be completely financially secure.
One major factor that might adjust this is the markets. I have an opportunity to pull the money from my currently paid off mortgage to invest when required (Offset Mortgage here in the UK). On a substantial market drop, I'll plough almost all of this in to the market. It would make up in cash value approx 30% of my FI amount. So any gains would massively benefit our FI goals
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I have FIREarlier ( not early!) in Oct 2018. I doubt it will be any earlier. At that point I'm hoping to take 8- 9 months long service leave on half pay, then all being well, resign.
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I have March 2018 set as my current FIRE date. Have so much to get done by then. Saving the money was the easy part. The transition to drawing down the funds has me a little overwhelmed.
Also helping my young adult children into the working world. Since I want to live on a boat, we have to sell our house and most of our stuff. We also have to sign up for Obama Care if it still exists. We need to watch the politics of the ACA. Healthcare is a major roadblock to retirement.
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We have early 2018 planned for down-shifting and mid to late 2018 for full RE.
As someone else mentioned, I also am trying to wrap my head around the switch from saving to withdrawing.
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My original 10 year plan, when I was 25 and was in debt, was to FIRE at 35 - meaning 2017 in the summer. But I wanted a $1 M back then, so I adjusted it to 2018 summer using some projections. I am thinking of pulling the trigger earlier now though.
I should be FI (pay for all my expenses, but NOT living in Silicon valley, with 4% rule) in the next 6-12 months. I don't think I will be able to stick out my job when I'm FI for very long. Even now, with a pretty big stash for a single guy (~500K), I have zero motivation at my current gig and slogging it to work every day is killing my soul.
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We have early 2018 planned for down-shifting and mid to late 2018 for full RE.
As someone else mentioned, I also am trying to wrap my head around the switch from saving to withdrawing.
Yeah, me, too. We're planning to move abroad, as well. So I go between feeling pretty okay and "on top" of things, to freaking out completely. So much to think about: How to "scaffold" our different savings/investment accounts, how to access them, tax implications, thinking about residency, etc. It can get so incredibly overwhelming to think about.
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My original plan took me to my birthday in Fall of 2017.
But that takes me right up to our "busy season" that runs about September thru February...
So I was thinking I'd stick around to really make a final push of big savings, then use the start of 2018 to front-load my 401k to maximum. Then FIRE in Springtime as the weather turns nice & I'll be dying to be outdoors!
Guess, that's a long way of saying, "I'm in for 2018!"
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I have zero motivation at my current gig and slogging it to work every day is killing my soul.
I hear you on this one!!
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July 2018 for us! I will retire from the Navy and we move out of DC!
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1/1/18
Unless good stuff happens to my portfolio, which would move it up. Just give me one year of double digit returns, and I am out of here. Not worried in the least about changing the mindset to withdrawal from savings. There's 143 weeks, 9 hours left before that date, not that I am counting or anything. Plenty of time to figure it out...
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Then FIRE in Springtime as the weather turns nice & I'll be dying to be outdoors!]Then FIRE in Springtime as the weather turns nice & I'll be dying to be outdoors![
Thats the reason for my choice of October also; I'm in the southern hemisphere.
edit: fix typo
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In October, 2018, I will reach 40 years service. However, I will still be 2 years short of the minimum retirement age unless I choose a reduced pension. I am seriously considering retiring in June, 2016 under a deal which would give me similar pension to that I would receive in October, 2017! Both 2016 and 2017 might be too soon on account of mortgage debt and negative equity on rental house. I am still optimistic about 2018.
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I'm penciled in for April 2018.
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April 1, 2018 is my date. I am moving abroad after I retire (returning to my home country where my family lives). Technically, I'm FI already if I moved to a LCOL place and could probably pull the trigger sooner, but I am very conservative and do not feel comfortable at the bare minimum. There are various non-monetary considerations as well.
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Yeah, me, too. We're planning to move abroad, as well. So I go between feeling pretty okay and "on top" of things, to freaking out completely. So much to think about: How to "scaffold" our different savings/investment accounts, how to access them, tax implications, thinking about residency, etc. It can get so incredibly overwhelming to think about.
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Part of the downshift is to move to a state without income tax. We are still trying to figure out if we want to go to Houston, Texas so I can keep working for the same company, just part time, or if we want to move to Washington and "figure it out when we get there."
I have been working on a to-do list of residency items. It is soooo long. I hope 6-months is enough to get it all done.
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So, following from the other post, wondering how many of you (like me) have 2018 as your FIRE date. Us, we're looking at June 2018. You?
I hope so. It really depends on the markets and how my investments do. They are earning more per year than my additions so the rate of return I get has a huge impact on my plans.
I'm also going to downshift and earn less so my additions will lessen each year.
Ultimately my plan is too dependent on the markets to be certain of a FIRE year. OTOH I will for sure get more and more time off to do what I love starting next week with Fridays off.
Good luck to everyone who's shooting for 2018.
-- Vik
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So, following from the other post, wondering how many of you (like me) have 2018 as your FIRE date. Us, we're looking at June 2018. You?
I hope so. It really depends on the markets and how my investments do. They are earning more per year than my additions so the rate of return I get has a huge impact on my plans.
-- Vik
2nd that.
2018 is likely if the markets will do a nice and easy 7%, but that would make it the longest bull run in history; so i'm not optimistic on 2018.
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2018 is likely if the markets will do a nice and easy 7%, but that would make it the longest bull run in history; so i'm not optimistic on 2018.
That is my concern as well and if we get a correction I may even work a bit more so I can add fresh $$ to my investments while they are priced lower.
The thing that is making me feel good about FIRE is not having a specific date, but having a robust plan that can deal with pretty much any outcome short of zombie apocalypse. ;)
-- Vik
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I've already said that I'm in the class of 2016 since my target RE range is 2016-2018; so I guess that means I also make the cut for 2018 :) . I really should be done with work bucket list/OMY Syndrome by 2018...
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Planning on March-April 2018 (bonuses and profit sharing hit in March) if all goes well. Too far away to be real, but close enough that I want to tell my employer to go %$#%# themselves every Monday.
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The latest I plan to FIRE is two weeks into Jan 2018 so I can get my bonus...now, that is the absolute latest I will OMY. This is my first OMY year because magically all my numbers point to me being fully FI NOW. Ack... Im not ready for it yet...
DH who is only mostly on board with MMM, wants me to work until 55, double ack. He retired in 2011, wouldn't you think he'd want me to join him asap? He's got OMY worse than I have!
A job is a very big thing to let go of. I actually like my career and am paid very well for it so it could be much worse.
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Planning on March-April 2018 (bonuses and profit sharing hit in March) if all goes well. Too far away to be real, but close enough that I want to tell my employer to go %$#%# themselves every Monday.
This is me, too! (except that profit sharing thing) Three years seems like a really long time to keep working, but I think I have to. My earliest exit would be July, 2017, but will more likely be early 2018.
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Planning on March-April 2018 (bonuses and profit sharing hit in March) if all goes well. Too far away to be real, but close enough that I want to tell my employer to go %$#%# themselves every Monday.
Same here, including the Monday morning feeling
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Spring to Summer of 2018 is my target right after we close on selling the McMansion.
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I'm targeting 2018 too.
To the various posters above who are rooting for continued high market returns: keep in mind that for as long as you choose to remain in the accumulation phase, poor market returns are your friend.
If the market continues to defy gravity and powers my portfolio to "my number" before 2018, I will probably keep working until then anyway. I can already feel the first pangs of early-onset OMY syndrome...
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My wife and I are targeting 35, kind of arbitrary, but we like round numbers (http://www.fi35.com/why-retire-at-35#round_numbers). The only thing is we never really specified if it's when she turns 35, or I do. There are about four months in 2018 when we are both 35, so I guess somewhere in first quarter of 2018 it is :)
(Is there a thread for 2017 cohort as well? My searching failed me)
Our actual timing of being FI or not and if we meet that goal for ER depends on a lot of things including if we move or not, how markets do, how much kids actually end up costing, or one/both of us stops working full time before that date.
But for now, count us in :)
Where's the party in 2018?
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I just found out today that we'll have to move our FIRE date back by three months, to November 2018 in order for my husband to be eligible for his (small, but still useful) pension from his job. Can't leave money on the table! At least it didn't kick us out of the 2018 cohort!
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I'm planning on mid-2018, depending on how the investments do. I can see maybe pushing it to 2019, though that will depend on how I'm feeling about my job.
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I have October 2018 as my date at the moment, but am thinking of maybe moving it up to early 2018, maxing 401(k) and pulling the plug. Either way, I'm in!😃
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2018!
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I have October 2018 as my date at the moment, but am thinking of maybe moving it up to early 2018, maxing 401(k) and pulling the plug. Either way, I'm in!😃
This is why I'm in 2018 instead of 2017. I'll stay long enough into 2018 to max all the tax-deferred contributions.
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I don't have a FIRE date planned yet, but I just wanted to say that it makes me happy that someone else uses the word "cohort".
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May of 2018 by my most likely projection. I don't know if I'll make it that long.
Possible alternate plans:
1) Leave early and take a lower paying job, ultimately working longer but with better balance
2) Quit and take a sabbatical, going back to full-time work when I'm recharged. I've done this before.
3) Retire to a low COL country ... I could do that today. Arg.
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Depends on the market, the 2016 election results and just how much more bullshit I get from work. I may be looking at March 2017 now. $10,000 paper loss in the market on Friday. Discouraging yes but it was a less than 1% loss. Will I handle a 100k or 200k loss and not postpone FIRE? Well shall see. It's much easier to think about FIRE in this bull market.
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Bwa? It depends on election results? Why?
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March 2018. But it could also happen near the end of 2017.
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Shoot, it looks like our FI date is 2019. If the market goes insane or DW gets a high salary job, we may be in the 2018 camp.
You know what, screw it. It is better to have a stretch goal than a goal that isn't too difficult to obtain. Put me down for '18, but don't be surprised if it is '19 or '20.
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I'll join this. My tentative FIRE date is March/April 2018. That's if I just work straight until then. I do have some other options I'm considering:
- If I get a successful side business up, I might quit a year earlier to travel for an extended period.
- If I get into a better position at work so that I'm doing stuff I really enjoy, I'll probably try to request part time instead of quitting.
Right now, the name of the game is to just be patient I guess, while also continuing to interview for other internal positions.
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As of today, the goal is October 2017. Hope it doesnn't push into 2018!
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I will likely consider myself FI towards the end of 2017, but delay pulling the plug until early 2018. If work got unbearable, I would walk in 2016 and pick up some side work, which is what I was originally planning. Due to some staffing changes in the last year, I find my job fairly enjoyable these days and have pushed out RE until I would no longer need any PT to get through.
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I turn 40 in the summer of 2018. Stretch goal is to retire before I turn 40. There are hundreds of variables, the biggest being a high level of family monthly/annual expenses. If I can manage to reign in expenses over the next three years it would be easy to reach this goal. As it stands now, it's a longshot.
But I'm in for now. Memorial day (5/28) week seems like as good a time as any, so I'm setting the goal post at 6/1/18. That means I need to give notice on 5/18/18. That's 32 months from today. I likely wouldn't be officially FI yet by then, but I plan to retire first, then get rich.
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Thats awesome Cheddar, I'll be 39 in 2018 and very much want the "before 40" thing. You'll do it too. The closer it gets the more real and exciting it'll become and progress will surprise you. I'm way ahead of where I thought I'd be now and the wife is much more onboard the last few months and is actively attacking expenses. I'm even thinking I might sneak into 2017, its very exciting.
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Hi Ozbeach, I think I might have commented on our similar plans somewhere else. October suits me coz it will give me the summer off ( I live on the coast), and its optimal tax wise. I won't resign, but I've promised myself I'll be out at 60 which happens during the LSL period. It will take some major financial calamity for me to keep going, although I occasionally think I'll work July to October after the leave, which would give me another years expenses.
60 is pretty late on these boards but I really only got the idea of earlier retirement at the beginning of 2012, I thought I'd be going til 67. Better late than never :)
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Tentatively planning on the end of December 2018. That will allow me to get paid for all the extra annual leave I accumulate in 2018, but can't carry over to 2019. I can carry 240 hrs from one year to the next. If I start 2018 with the max 240 carryover and don't use any annual leave that year, I'll have 422 hours when I bail at the end of the year. That will be an approximately $18,000 severance bonus, vs. around $10,000 if I waited until January 2019.
Of course, this all depends on where the stash stands and what happens to the ACA between now and then.
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In just 870 days I will be hiking the AT. It's all I can think about most days.
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We are planning on FIRE in October/November 2018 and bikepacking SE Asia as our reward. :) Can't freaking wait...
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I love when every once in awhile, this thread that I created jumps back up to the top! :)
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I'm in for 28 December 2018. Why? The next day I turn 40! There are a couple of circumstances that could bring it in earlier, but barring some truly spectacular offer from work, there won't be much chance I'll hang in past that day. I should have a couple of months of leave saved up then too, which I'm going to try and take rather than pay out. That way I get three months extra health coverage and pension benefits.
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My date is mid October, so I'm now celebrating that I have less that 3 years to go :D
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I'm in for 28 December 2018. Why? The next day I turn 40! There are a couple of circumstances that could bring it in earlier, but barring some truly spectacular offer from work, there won't be much chance I'll hang in past that day. I should have a couple of months of leave saved up then too, which I'm going to try and take rather than pay out. That way I get three months extra health coverage and pension benefits.
We were born on the same day, same year :) My FIRE date shifts around based on my mood, but I'm definitely leaving before 40 as well.
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Sign me up! Wife and I are set for a January 2018 departure! Stoked to share goals and progress with you guys!
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12/31/18 is a possibility for us if things go according to plan and we decided to FIRE on the lower end of our desired monthly expenses. Right now the expected SWR/monthly income at the end of the next few years is:
End of 2015: ~$900
End of 2016: ~$1900
End of 2017: ~$2715
End of 2018: ~$3425
If we pushed out one more year to 2019, we'd be between $4500-$5000 a month. It may be tempting to do that one last year to allow us to travel more extensively, but it will surely be somewhere in that range.
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We are, or more like I am, shooting for summer 2018, before either of us turn 40. My husband may work longer, he is sort of a workaholic but let's see. Like MMM said, that sh*t gets old :) We should have enough even without much downsizing by then, assuming no huge surprise in life between now and then and we don't pay for Ivy league for the kids. Our kids will still be still very young in 3 years so I can enjoy a few years of "mommy is awesome" before the teen years come :)
Never thought I would say this, but maybe I will enjoy being SAHM for a few years.
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In just 870 days I will be hiking the AT. It's all I can think about most days.
Appalachian trail?
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I am turning 60 and just found MMM this year. My stretch goal is to retire in May, 2017. My wife wants me to keep working until I'm 65
(fat chance). I guess she thinks I'll be just flopping around the house getting underfoot.
Realistically it is more likely I'll retire in mid-2018. I just started a product development cycle at work. I design medical ultrasound imaging systems.
Interesting work but the corporate BS and politics are getting to me. It is scheduled for production release in mid-2018 so, that would be a great time for me to pull the plug. I don't know if I can hang on that long and keep my sanity though. I will be 62yo then.
I'll pencil in June 1, 2018 as my FIR date. That way I can enjoy that summer! : )
I know I'm probably an old fart on this forum but, I had always felt I'd have to work to >65yo before I could afford to retire.
The MMM blog and forums has given me inspiration!
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Albireo13, there are a few of us oldies. I'll be 60 when I retire. I always thought I'd be working til 67. 7years less is good to me.
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Just did my year end accounting and I'm movin' to the 2017 cohort (might even be very late 2016)! See yall around the forum and Happy New Year everyone!
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All being well I'll be joining the 2017 cohorts, but I'm confident that FIRE will be achieved for sure in 2018.
Good luck to everyone and happy new year as well
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Thats great news guys. My date is in October, so I really doubt I can go in 2017. That being said, I've just done my end of year figures and am 50-100k ahead of where I would be from projections in early 2013. If I could repeat that, then yes I'd cut off a year or so. However I'm not able to cut too much more from expenses and I'm making much more concrete projections that are more accurate these days, so I'd be surprised if I end up ahead again.
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My plan is to stop working full-time 1 Jan 2018. If I hit my FIRE savings/investing goal I can stop working regularly. More likely given the crappy state of the markets I will need to work part-time regularly until my investments get to my goal on their own.
I'm not sure what part-time will look like. I'd like to shoot for 3-4 months off in 2018 and work towards ~6 months off a year. Figuring out how I'll manage this part-time work is one of my goals for the next couple years.
Not sure if this plan gets me into the 2018 cohort or not?
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Why don't you start a 2018 semi-FIRE cohort thread? :)
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Why don't you start a 2018 semi-FIRE cohort thread? :)
It could be lonely. ;)
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I reckon you can go in any cohort you nominate. If you are working part -time intermittently you can define yourself as retired if you want. MMM and Exflyboy have.
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My firm date is the day before my 50th birthday, in December 2018. My husband will do another 4 years after that, only because he could pick up a federal worker retirement then. I'd like to go today, but it will be good to be really prepared. Good luck everyone!
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I just reviewed my numbers and I'm set for June 2018. I will be FI shortly before June this year, then I will spend the next two years adding some safety margin. After I FIRE, I want to spend more time training for climbing. My goal is to climb El Capitan no later than two years after I fire. I am very excited to be part of the class of 2018!
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With the US market having gone basically nowhere for the last year and a half, are any of you getting concerned about making your projected FIRE date? I re-ran my cFiresim numbers about a month ago, and everything still seemed to be o.k. at that time. I haven't checked since the recent decline; I figure it's not healthy to obsess about it constantly (yet I'm writing this post!). I guess a lot depends on whether we end up in a full-fledged bear market, or if things turn and go back up from here. Just before FIRE is the second-worst time for a bear market (just after being the worst time, of course). Oh well, there isn't much we can do about it but stick to our asset allocation and keep saving as long as the salary is still coming.
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I guess a lot depends on whether we end up in a full-fledged bear market, or if things turn and go back up from here. Just before FIRE is the second-worst time for a bear market (just after being the worst time, of course).
We've still got almost two full years before 2018 even commences. A hopeful 2018 retiree could hardly ask for a better market trajectory right now than a full-fledged bear market of average duration, which would end just in time to coincide with the transition out of the accumulation phase.
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My plan is to stop working full-time 1 Jan 2018. If I hit my FIRE savings/investing goal I can stop working regularly. More likely given the crappy state of the markets I will need to work part-time regularly until my investments get to my goal on their own.
I'm not sure what part-time will look like. I'd like to shoot for 3-4 months off in 2018 and work towards ~6 months off a year. Figuring out how I'll manage this part-time work is one of my goals for the next couple years.
Not sure if this plan gets me into the 2018 cohort or not?
It absolutely does! Because you rock!
I get so excited seeing people's awesome plans.
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Not sure if this plan gets me into the 2018 cohort or not?
There are no retirement police here, we're cool.
It absolutely does! Because you rock!
I get so excited seeing people's awesome plans.
Me too.
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I am also very happy that stocks are now at a great discount. The current market fluctuation does not change my FIRE date, but it is very likely to improve my lifestyle after FIRE. One way or the other, the current fluctuation is perfectly within the expected range and my plans already took that possibility into account.
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The market is doing exactly what I want it to right now! With 758 days until FIRE and the start of my AT hike its starting to get real. Where am I now financially? 100k below last years max but ahead of last year's start. Pouring every available dime into the market now. There is an extreme level of confidence when the market takes a huge loss and you are still worth well over a million dollars. FIre-Calc says I could retire today and still have 100 percent chance of not out living the planned withdrawal. I'm watching this election and how things shake out over the next two years before leaving behind a 6 figure income. I'm in a job with 1/2 the stress of the one I had a year ago. So I can go beyond 2018 if needed but I'm ready to play. Get here guys.
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I guess a lot depends on whether we end up in a full-fledged bear market, or if things turn and go back up from here. Just before FIRE is the second-worst time for a bear market (just after being the worst time, of course).
We've still got almost two full years before 2018 even commences. A hopeful 2018 retiree could hardly ask for a better market trajectory right now than a full-fledged bear market of average duration, which would end just in time to coincide with the transition out of the accumulation phase.
That all depends on how big your stash is going into the bear market and how deep the decline is. If you've still got enough to FIRE on when the bear market ends, then yes, that is a great situation. If not, FIRE is going to have to wait.
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I have been running the numbers a lot this week and getting to grips with the complex tax and other statutory deductions here in Ireland. Long story short, we will be able to retire ( a little early) in 2018 at ages 58 & 55 respectively. Our expenses will drop as the home mortgage dies, the rental house will be sold and our youngest will have finished or nearly finished Masters degree (about €10k per annum costs). Deducting all of those expenses, plus selling one car and destroying the associated expenses(insurance, diesel, tyres, tax), we will be in a better NET position monthly than we are now and we are luckily very comfortable. We will also have about €200k cash from retirement lump sums and savings to pad this out. Our pensions are public service so not dependent on the stock market. The only concern is sacrificing a few years of great saving before retirement but I think we want to do things when we are youngish enough to enjoy rather than retire a few years later, knackered from sedentary lifestyles but with a few more thousand in the bank. I am super excited about this. I don't want to tempt fate but....Roll on 2018!!
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Happy the market is correcting now:) The last thing I wanted was more overvaluing in the next 2 years, then a correction.
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The market won't have any impact on my decision since I've got a government pension that kicks in when I retire in July 2018. The plan is to live on that and use a 4% withdrawal (via Roth 5 year conversion ladder) for extra "fun" money. Plus I will most likely find a part time job or start turning my photography hobby into more of a business.
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Why don't you start a 2018 semi-FIRE cohort thread? :)
It could be lonely. ;)
No, I'm planning to semi-retire in 2018 also. I could totally retire if I wanted, but where's the fun in that? As many have pointed out, the goal is less to avoid working altogether, and more to avoid working on someone else's projects, following their timetables, just because I need money.
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I'm going to go ahead and target 6/1/18. My FIRE will include relocation to a warmer climate and this date will coincide with a child finishing elementary school. I'm thinking of taking 6-12 months completely off to focus on the move, setting up a new life in a new area and deciding what interests me. After that point I'll reassess whether I'd like to get a job in retirement on my terms- part time or seasonal only to keep me somewhat busy and bring in a little income. But maybe not! I'll be in my very early 40's so I should have plenty of options to choose which route I want to go.
A couple things I want to do: learn to cook, get in tip top physical shape and build in daily excercise, expand (or create a social network since I'll be in a new location), set up a salt water aquarium, pick a few volunteer activities, coach youth sports (and possibly referee HS/college sports), travel, help my kids with school/homework. But probably not all at once!
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Pylortes,
this sounds like a really amazing plan. Welcome to the class of 2018!
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Thanks- by the way I read your recent rock climbing retirement spots thread- not necessarily my thing but I do love hiking so I see the appeal, that sounds likes a great way to spend your time after hanging it up! Have you narrowed down your possible re-location spots any further yet?
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I will almost certainly end up in Las Vegas. It's very affordable, flights there are ridiculously cheap and Red Rocks has enough routes to keep someone busy for a lifetime. I will be doing a climbing trip there in a month to see if it's as good as the guidebooks suggest.
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I am planning to retire 10/1/18, but may go anywhere between 7/1/18 and 12/31/18. After a long day of hard work (like today), it is hard to imagine anything more lovely than waking up after the sun has risen and drinking coffee on the back porch.
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I'm signing up for 2018, though I think my actual FIRE date could be anywhere between the end of 2017 and sometime in 2019. Mainly depends on if we have a kid and what we decide to do after that happens.
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I'm signing up for 2018, though I think my actual FIRE date could be anywhere between the end of 2017 and sometime in 2019. Mainly depends on if we have a kid and what we decide to do after that happens.
On behalf of the class, I hereby, heretofore, coincidently, and without contingency or recourse accept your application. Welcome to FIRE 101. Don't burn yourself rocklebock.
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Why don't you start a 2018 semi-FIRE cohort thread? :)
It could be lonely. ;)
No, I think I would like that thread.
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Part of the challenge of a proximate FIRE date is to successfully transition into the life I imagine I want to live. I hope that FIRE includes a return to more physical activity and more outdoor time. I would also like to be greener. So after lots of thought and consideration, I ordered an eBIKE today.
http://www.radpowerbikes.com/pages/radwagon (http://www.radpowerbikes.com/pages/radwagon)
This one will allow trips to the grocery store, library, carrying of photo equipment and general transport around the town. I am going to commit to routine commuting to work and see how much I can eliminate use of a car. This makes me very happy, makes me feel a little closer to the life I want to be living now and in retirement. -Ap
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No, I think I would like that thread.
Given how little action this thread sees I'd say it's fine to post 2018 semi-FIRE content here.
I'm busily saving away with a 1 Jan 2018 target date to transition to a serious downshift. It's possible I could FIRE fully by then if the markets were to cooperate, but so far that's not looking like it's going to happen.
So most likely I'll get close to FIRE and free up spare time by downshifting while not drawing down my investments. I'll just re-invest dividends and let them grow until they reach my FIRE target on their own.
It's not as clear cut or "beautiful" a plan as other folks have, but I came at this later in life so ensuring I get lots of free time while my health is strong is more important than getting to FIRE as fast as possible.
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duplicate, sorry
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Why don't you start a 2018 semi-FIRE cohort thread? :)
It could be lonely. ;)
No, I think I would like that thread.
I'm signing up for semi-FIRE for Fall of 2018. I hope over the next 2.5 years this thread keeps popping up. I will kick off my semi-FIRE with a 3 week international vacation. Most of it will be on miles.
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I'm signing up for 2018, though I think my actual FIRE date could be anywhere between the end of 2017 and sometime in 2019. Mainly depends on if we have a kid and what we decide to do after that happens.
On behalf of the class, I hereby, heretofore, coincidently, and without contingency or recourse accept your application. Welcome to FIRE 101. Don't burn yourself rocklebock.
Thanks Cheddar Stacker!
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Why don't you start a 2018 semi-FIRE cohort thread? :)
It could be lonely. ;)
No, I think I would like that thread.
Lots of us would. I have actually moved up my quit date for my day job by a year, to March of 2017. So I guess I don't technically fit into this thread any more either, but I'm not going to really be retired OR fully FI in 2017, so I still kinda do....
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My original 10 year plan, when I was 25 and was in debt, was to FIRE at 35 - meaning 2017 in the summer. But I wanted a $1 M back then, so I adjusted it to 2018 summer using some projections. I am thinking of pulling the trigger earlier now though.
I should be FI (pay for all my expenses, but NOT living in Silicon valley, with 4% rule) in the next 6-12 months. I don't think I will be able to stick out my job when I'm FI for very long. Even now, with a pretty big stash for a single guy (~500K), I have zero motivation at my current gig and slogging it to work every day is killing my soul.
Welp, turns out I was right. I can't make it another 2 years doing this. Morning meetings, night meetings, etc. I just had a day with meetings from 8am to midnight pretty much solid. So, I'm pulling the plug early. Sorry to abandon the super-awesome 2018 FIRE cohort. I'm more semi-REing in a few months and just relaxing to see how I like it. I will likely do some work in the next couple of years. Hopefully I can still be an honorary 2018 member :P
Good luck folks!
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Welp, turns out I was right. I can't make it another 2 years doing this. Morning meetings, night meetings, etc. I just had a day with meetings from 8am to midnight pretty much solid. So, I'm pulling the plug early. Sorry to abandon the super-awesome 2018 FIRE cohort. I'm more semi-REing in a few months and just relaxing to see how I like it. I will likely do some work in the next couple of years. Hopefully I can still be an honorary 2018 member :P
Good luck folks!
Congrats! One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is the freedom to stop a shitty situation and re-group. Having saved strongly for FIRE you have that flexibility and freedom even if your FIRE is not fully funded.
Take it easy and find some work that doesn't suck. :)
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I have a question for the 2018 cohort...
Has the lack of returns in the stock market impacted your plans to FIRE in 2018?
Me: At first, I was really optimistic that we would be able to reach our number by the end of 2017 to FIRE early 2018. Now, given that for the last year and a half or so, our investments have not increased in value beyond what we have deposited, I am worried that we won't get there. I am thinking I might have to downshift but not completely FIRE :(
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I actually think the opposite. If the market stays flat or goes down a bit for a couple of years it de-risks that there will be a big drop right after you pull the RE trigger.
That said, markets can do crazy things.
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I actually think the opposite. If the market stays flat or goes down a bit for a couple of years it de-risks that there will be a big drop right after you pull the RE trigger.
That said, markets can do crazy things.
I guess my concern is more that we were counting on growth from both contributions and returns. We have only had growth from contributions which leaves us about $25k short of where we wanted to be. In terms of stability going forward, I agree with your assessment.
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I have a question for the 2018 cohort...
Has the lack of returns in the stock market impacted your plans to FIRE in 2018?
Me: At first, I was really optimistic that we would be able to reach our number by the end of 2017 to FIRE early 2018. Now, given that for the last year and a half or so, our investments have not increased in value beyond what we have deposited, I am worried that we won't get there. I am thinking I might have to downshift but not completely FIRE :(
Right now I think it would have to get really, really bad - like 2008 bad - for me to change my plans significantly. But I already plan on working some after FIRE anyway.
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I have a question for the 2018 cohort...
Has the lack of returns in the stock market impacted your plans to FIRE in 2018?
Me: At first, I was really optimistic that we would be able to reach our number by the end of 2017 to FIRE early 2018. Now, given that for the last year and a half or so, our investments have not increased in value beyond what we have deposited, I am worried that we won't get there. I am thinking I might have to downshift but not completely FIRE :(
I was very conservative in my projections - planned on basically zero returns between now and 2018. So no change for me. Some healthy market growth in the near future might cause me to accelerate to 2017 but if we keep on treading water for the next year or 2, I'm still on target for April 1, 2018.
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Me: At first, I was really optimistic that we would be able to reach our number by the end of 2017 to FIRE early 2018. Now, given that for the last year and a half or so, our investments have not increased in value beyond what we have deposited, I am worried that we won't get there. I am thinking I might have to downshift but not completely FIRE :(
I need some decent returns to hit full FIRE, but I plan to downshift in 2018 and although I wouldn't say that's totally independent of market performance [a 50% crash would see me work FT a bit longer to have extra cash to invest] it doesn't require me to hit a specific number.
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Honestly I would rather work another year or two because markets are down and build up the stache than to retire at the top of the market and have it crash a few months later.
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I have a question for the 2018 cohort...
Has the lack of returns in the stock market impacted your plans to FIRE in 2018?
Me: At first, I was really optimistic that we would be able to reach our number by the end of 2017 to FIRE early 2018. Now, given that for the last year and a half or so, our investments have not increased in value beyond what we have deposited, I am worried that we won't get there. I am thinking I might have to downshift but not completely FIRE :(
I expressed a similar concern earlier in the thread. It turned out to be unfounded (so far). In fact, cFiresim numbers indicate that I could probably pull the plug earlier than I had planned. Though that's not so much because of stash growth as it is due to my initial FIRE date estimate being conservative.
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If I look at contributions only as an increase to my stash, then I will still be able to go in 2018, although the stash is a bit tighter. My projections have always been conservative so it still works, although I miss seeing the stash overshoot them. However, with the market still relatively over valued, then if we had further growth, that would make me more nervous about a crash and sequence of returns risk as soon as I retired. So I'm content with how things are going right now. My first step in my retirement sequence will be to take 8 months long service leave at half pay. I can truly give retirement a test run over that period of time. If everything is in order I will resign at the end of that. If not, I will leave the gate open to return for about 3 months which will earn me another year in the stash. If I had to I could keep going after that, but the way its looking right now that would just be pointless OMY.
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Part of the challenge of a proximate FIRE date is to successfully transition into the life I imagine I want to live. I hope that FIRE includes a return to more physical activity and more outdoor time. I would also like to be greener. So after lots of thought and consideration, I ordered an eBIKE today.
http://www.radpowerbikes.com/pages/radwagon (http://www.radpowerbikes.com/pages/radwagon)
This one will allow trips to the grocery store, library, carrying of photo equipment and general transport around the town. I am going to commit to routine commuting to work and see how much I can eliminate use of a car. This makes me very happy, makes me feel a little closer to the life I want to be living now and in retirement. -Ap
May 26 - about three weeks later and I have been riding back and forth to work every day that I don't have midday meetings offsite. That means about 3 times per week. I have also logged some miles after work and on weekends. I love the eBike. If any of you are thinking about it, I encourage you to take what ever steps will help you decide. This has definitely been one of the best investments I have made this year. -Ap
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May 26 - about three weeks later and I have been riding back and forth to work every day that I don't have midday meetings offsite. That means about 3 times per week. I have also logged some miles after work and on weekends. I love the eBike. If any of you are thinking about it, I encourage you to take what ever steps will help you decide. This has definitely been one of the best investments I have made this year. -Ap
I tried a high quality e-bike in fact I was given the bike to review and could have kept it for free. I used it for a month and gave it away to a friend. I can ride my pedal bikes up to 25kms without thinking about it too much [~1hr's ride] and I didn't enjoy the extra weight/drag of the battery/motor nor the hassles of charging a bike before use just to get some extra help up steep hills which is the only place I saw a huge difference in my experience.
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I have a question for the 2018 cohort...
Has the lack of returns in the stock market impacted your plans to FIRE in 2018?
Me: At first, I was really optimistic that we would be able to reach our number by the end of 2017 to FIRE early 2018. Now, given that for the last year and a half or so, our investments have not increased in value beyond what we have deposited, I am worried that we won't get there. I am thinking I might have to downshift but not completely FIRE :(
I was very conservative in my projections - planned on basically zero returns between now and 2018. So no change for me. Some healthy market growth in the near future might cause me to accelerate to 2017 but if we keep on treading water for the next year or 2, I'm still on target for April 1, 2018.
Same! My Spreadsheet assumed measly 3% returns, mostly for dividends and interest. Real returns would just be a nice little bonus to move things along quicker. We plan to have a couple years of cash on hand to cover travel and to reduce the effects of a portfolio drop soon after FIRE. Sadly im too dumb to have any idea where the market is going in the short term so I thought it best not to include anything but semi-guaranteed cash disbursements in my forecast.
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My original 10 year plan, when I was 25 and was in debt, was to FIRE at 35 - meaning 2017 in the summer. But I wanted a $1 M back then, so I adjusted it to 2018 summer using some projections. I am thinking of pulling the trigger earlier now though.
I should be FI (pay for all my expenses, but NOT living in Silicon valley, with 4% rule) in the next 6-12 months. I don't think I will be able to stick out my job when I'm FI for very long. Even now, with a pretty big stash for a single guy (~500K), I have zero motivation at my current gig and slogging it to work every day is killing my soul.
Welp, turns out I was right. I can't make it another 2 years doing this. Morning meetings, night meetings, etc. I just had a day with meetings from 8am to midnight pretty much solid. So, I'm pulling the plug early. Sorry to abandon the super-awesome 2018 FIRE cohort. I'm more semi-REing in a few months and just relaxing to see how I like it. I will likely do some work in the next couple of years. Hopefully I can still be an honorary 2018 member :P
Good luck folks!
Congrats! It's encouraging to know people can pull the triggers earlier than expected. Do you plan to stay in Silicon Valley? We're in a similar situation where we're sort of FI but not where we live. It's tempting to just relocate and call it done!
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I guess I'm leaving this thread too, since I decided to semi-retire next year (2017) rather than go for full FIRE in 2018. I realized I will have already saved enough money by the end of this year to retire at normal retirement age, so now I'm just killing myself so that I can retire earlier. And then I realized, what I really want is not to do nothing, but just to not do this ("this" being what I'm currently doing). And I can afford to stop doing "this" at the end of this year. So I am. :-)
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I guess I'm leaving this thread too, since I decided to semi-retire next year (2017) rather than go for full FIRE in 2018. I realized I will have already saved enough money by the end of this year to retire at normal retirement age, so now I'm just killing myself so that I can retire earlier. And then I realized, what I really want is not to do nothing, but just to not do this ("this" being what I'm currently doing). And I can afford to stop doing "this" at the end of this year. So I am. :-)
Congrats! :)
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My wife and I are targeting 35, kind of arbitrary, but we like round numbers. The only thing is we never really specified if it's when she turns 35, or I do. There are about four months in 2018 when we are both 35, so I guess somewhere in first quarter of 2018 it is :)
Our actual timing of being FI or not and if we meet that goal for ER depends on a lot of things including if we move or not, how markets do, how much kids actually end up costing, or one/both of us stops working full time before that date.
But for now, count us in :)
We're probably joining the club of people leaving this thread too by pulling the plug earlier.
Unless something changes, we plan on being unemployed and homeless by Fall of this year and enjoying every moment of it :)
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It makes me happy to see so many people reaching FIRE earlier than planned!
Meanwhile, I updated my spreadsheets today to see my NW has just passed a certain round number, leaving me only 100k shy of my FIRE goal. That means I'm still on track for 2018!
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Today at a useless meeting my manager mentioned that a group of managers had brainstormed ideas for what the company goals should be for 2020. I got this goofy private smile on my face knowing I won't be there!
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Nice isn't it? Its happened to me a few times now with goals, strategic plans and so forth. There's a change in re-certification probably coming up in my industry sometime in the next ?5 years, that's likely to be a right PITA. Everytime someone commissions another piece of research on the impact, or sends another survey etc, I smile,since its shifting this change further in the future: more and more likely after I retire.
Congrats to all those moving their FIRE date forward. I wish I could say the same but it would take something quite unexpected.
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I have 4 physical readiness tests to complete before retirement. Hey, it's the little things.
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I'm not sure, if I belong here...
My plan is to RE in 2018, but I'm FI already.
It's a wonderful feeling overall, but the job is still as boring as before.
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I'm not sure, if I belong here...
My plan is to RE in 2018, but I'm FI already.
It's a wonderful feeling overall, but the job is still as boring as before.
So why hang in there two more years?
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So why hang in there two more years?
Two reasons:
My GF thinks, it takes her until the end of 2018 to be FI. Althought in reality she is also already FI, she just doesn't believe the math and thinks she needs more "security".
I get a shitload of money (saving rate about 80%...) for maybe two hours of work per day. The remaining time I can surf the internet. I can't resist, it's just greed...
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According to the spreadsheet I made on a particularly painful Tuesday, I have 511 workdays remaining. About 94 of those are Mondays. I admire those of you that pulled the plug early. If it was just me and the DW, I think we might do the same. But we have 2 kiddos that will need tuition or a car repair or bail one day, so we slog on. That is a pretty lame excuse for OMY, and we have a two week vacation in November to really look at the possibilities and determine whether it makes sense to go the full 511 days (two years and four months) remaining. As mentioned before, if I make it to Megacorp's early retirement threshold date, there is an annuity that is hard to pass up - even if it puts us over the top on FIRE needs. Damm these golden handcuffs.
Best wishes to all of you that are slogging it out with me today. Sorry for my work partners that are still buying Starbucks and BMWs - poor saps. Thanks, Ap.
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Damm these golden handcuffs.
+1
Living in Switzerland is living in a particular comfortable golden cage.
Aperture, have you tried to focus on the interesting parts of your job and increase your motivation and less on the countdown of the remaining days?
I keep trying - and failing...
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Damm these golden handcuffs.
+1
Living in Switzerland is living in a particular comfortable golden cage.
Aperture, have you tried to focus on the interesting parts of your job and increase your motivation and less on the countdown of the remaining days?
I keep trying - and failing...
Yes CHF - I do try to remain focused on the parts of work that I like and not take home work stress and etc. sometimes I am more successful than others. I have found it helpful to imagine the life I want after retirement and then work to bring that as much forward to the present as possible. For instance I am now rocking an ebike because I want more exercise and more green. This approach works to some extent, but renting out 1/2 of my waking life to Megacorp has a pretty significant impact on the rest. Happy trudging! I will keep a positive attitude today and not look at my countdown calendar again until next week. -ap
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Aperture thank you for sharing! It is also a relieve to communicate with some people who understand the situation. Althought I can talk with some coworkers about the FIRE concept on the technical side, I don't want to share the emotional aspects in this environment. The only person in my direct environment with whom I can discuss this is my GF. I wish you an interesting but not exhausting work day :-)
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I spent some time this afternoon computing possible FIRE dates in 2018. Friday, March 2 is looking like a strong possibility. Haven't counted up the days/weeks yet; I don't think I'm ready for that.
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Well I'm going to tentatively slot us in with you 2018 guys. There's a lot of what ifs and maybes but we might just pull it off. Hello all, and good luck!
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Well I'm going to tentatively slot us in with you 2018 guys. There's a lot of what ifs and maybes but we might just pull it off. Hello all, and good luck!
Welcome, Freshwater!
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My original 10 year plan, when I was 25 and was in debt, was to FIRE at 35 - meaning 2017 in the summer. But I wanted a $1 M back then, so I adjusted it to 2018 summer using some projections. I am thinking of pulling the trigger earlier now though.
I should be FI (pay for all my expenses, but NOT living in Silicon valley, with 4% rule) in the next 6-12 months. I don't think I will be able to stick out my job when I'm FI for very long. Even now, with a pretty big stash for a single guy (~500K), I have zero motivation at my current gig and slogging it to work every day is killing my soul.
Welp, turns out I was right. I can't make it another 2 years doing this. Morning meetings, night meetings, etc. I just had a day with meetings from 8am to midnight pretty much solid. So, I'm pulling the plug early. Sorry to abandon the super-awesome 2018 FIRE cohort. I'm more semi-REing in a few months and just relaxing to see how I like it. I will likely do some work in the next couple of years. Hopefully I can still be an honorary 2018 member :P
Good luck folks!
Congrats! It's encouraging to know people can pull the triggers earlier than expected. Do you plan to stay in Silicon Valley? We're in a similar situation where we're sort of FI but not where we live. It's tempting to just relocate and call it done!
Actually I do plan on leaving the valley. Pretty much everywhere is a lot cheaper. I still haven't pulled the plug at work as now I think I can get laid off which would be amazing. Still a bit scared of losing the firehose of cash.
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Actually I do plan on leaving the valley. Pretty much everywhere is a lot cheaper. I still haven't pulled the plug at work as now I think I can get laid off which would be amazing. Still a bit scared of losing the firehose of cash.
We have come to that conclusion (leaving the valley,) too, and are trying to get comfortable with the idea. Hope you get what you wish for! It's like saving a big bucket of water before the firehose is turned off. ;) I am also *very* scared now that I'm considering pulling the plug earlier. We're making plan B, C, and D and hope it'll be a little less scary...
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So...I ran my cFiresim numbers again today for the 437th time. It's now showing 96% success for FIRE at the end of 2016, and 100% at the end of 2017. Might have to promote myself to an earlier cohort. I doubt I'll go at the end of this year because I'd like to see what the next president and congress do to the ACA. But if things continue to look this positive, I can't see myself staying until my previously planned end of 2018 date.
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Well I was supposed to belong to the 2020 cohort but change of plans and massive growth of savings means that fall 2018 is now the target. Course when I originally started this whole process my original date was 2026 so its amazing how much that end goal can move.
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Well I was supposed to belong to the 2020 cohort but change of plans and massive growth of savings means that fall 2018 is now the target. Course when I originally started this whole process my original date was 2026 so its amazing how much that end goal can move.
Welcome, Caoineag! Isn't it nice to skip a grade or two?
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I'm shooting for mid/late June for my official military retirement date. This will allow me to lead my industry study until graduation early June. After I use up leave and house/job hunting of about 70 days, my last paid day of work will be sometime in September.
It will be nice to get a couple months of full pay under my belt after I retire before the pension kicks in.
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I'm shooting for mid/late June for my official military retirement date. This will allow me to lead my industry study until graduation early June. After I use up leave and house/job hunting of about 70 days, my last paid day of work will be sometime in September.
It will be nice to get a couple months of full pay under my belt after I retire before the pension kicks in.
If you haven't already done so, mark a date on your calendar for 181 days after your retirement date. That's the day you'll start hearing from contacts wanting to hire you after the federal ethics employment window has closed.
By Day 181, of course, you'll already know how you want to respond to those unsolicited offers...
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Long time lurker ... first time poster.
[Deep breath] I'm in for 2018! In fact, the very beginning of 2018!
Insert the usual disclaimers about the election and ACA changes. As long as there are affordable (and somewhat stable??) health care choices available, I'm in!
Our plan is
(1) Sell our house while the housing market in our area is very good. Probably by mid 2017.
(2) DH will pull the plug then, and move to our "retirement" home that we already own in a neighboring state.
Goodbye concrete! Hello pine trees!
(3) I will stay behind to finish 2017, mainly to provide benefits for our college / post college kiddos. I'll stay with sister, friends, parents.
(4) Sometime towards the end of 2017, give notice and prepare for Life NOT Working For The Man!
I've already got my Dr. Doom inspired lists going of things I want to do Post FIRE. I am SOOOOO looking forward to it!
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Welcome, WannaGoOutside. What a great first post - announcing your FIRE date complete with plan.
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Welcome, WannaGoOutside. What a great first post - announcing your FIRE date complete with plan.
Thank you! It's becoming more real. Obviously we've discussed it with the people I plan to couch-surf with next year, but I haven't talked about it with many other people. YET it is time to start thinking about re-balancing and really paying attention to the healthcare changes and getting the house ready to sell and ... and ... and.
It's nice to write it down (say it outloud virtually) to a group that doesn't immediately question the what/how/why!!!
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Wrapping up my spreadsheets for the year and I can't believe how well I did! :) It's looking like April 2018 is a conservative date to pull the plug if all goes well.
Variables:
- ACA situation - such a bummer that they might blow up this terrific solution for entrepreneurs and early retirees.
- Drawdowns at work are planned and should come with generous severance packages. If I can get one of these I might be able to FIRE earlier.
- Daughter is planning to graduate high school early but has to do summer school to make it happen. If she goes straight into college, I may rethink my plans, but so far she isn't wanting to go and her grades aren't looking good.
I am getting so excited it's hard to contain myself. Telling way too many people about it, but always saying "in a few years" to keep it vague.
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In October, 2018, I will reach 40 years service. However, I will still be 2 years short of the minimum retirement age unless I choose a reduced pension. I am seriously considering retiring in June, 2016 under a deal which would give me similar pension to that I would receive in October, 2017! Both 2016 and 2017 might be too soon on account of mortgage debt and negative equity on rental house. I am still optimistic about 2018.
Update. The June 2016 was a red herring. That option remains open until 2019 so I'm staying no later than Oct 2018. Work events and organisational change means maybe Oct 2017!
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According to the spreadsheet I made on a particularly painful Tuesday, I have 511 workdays remaining.
I made one too! As of today, I have 369 working days to go!!
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I made one too! As of today, I have 369 working days to go!!
I don't have a spreadsheet for this, but my rough calculations are 183 days of work left between now and the end of 2017. Then I'm switching to part-time in 2018. Not quite FIRE, but having many times the free time in a year will be an awesome change. :)
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I've tried various intervals, days weeks, pay periods, but settled on counting months to go. At the end of December it will be 22 months to go. My plan is to then take all my long service leave ( about 8-9moths on half pay and then resign. Depending on how I feel I might work another 2-3months until my registration runs out. My major anxiety with this plan is that I might be refused permission to take such a long period off...if so I'll have to do some hard thinking as to whether to just pull the plug.
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.if so I'll have to do some hard thinking as to whether to just pull the plug.
If you pull the plug do you get your leave paid out?
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Yes I do, but there is a tax advantage in taking it slowly at half pay, then resigning in the next financial year (June 30 in Australia) where upon other entitlements like annual leave will be paid out. At my marginal tax rate, it would make quite a difference.
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Hi. My name is SwordGuy and I suffer from OMY Syndrome. I'm moving from the 2017 Cohort to the 2018 Cohort.
Here's a recap of who will be FI and when, based on their last posting. Quite a few have moved their dates forward from when they originally posted! :)
12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
~07/16 DividendMan
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Financial Ascensionist
06/18 Pylortes
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
The 2017 Cohort found quoting the latest message like this, then removing the quote markers and adjusting the data was a great way for everyone to see how everyone is doing.
I sorted by date and then alphabetically.
A ~ in the date meant a person said something like 'early 2018' or "fall 2018". ~ is used as an abbrevation of "circa".
A ?? in the month field meant a person just said "2018".
Hope you like it!
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I'm not actually suffering from OMY syndrome. We were planning on going FI around May of 2017.
But we've been watching a really cool house we want to restore, put on the national registry, and then flip -- and it came up for auction. It was buy it now or watch it get torn down by the city.
We'll end up putting about $200k into the house over the next two years -- which we're pretty darn sure we can get back out of it. Plus a lot of sweat equity. That's a non-trivial chunk of our stash. So we decided to keep our jobs for an extra year to cash flow the repair costs instead of draw down our stash any more than the initial $100k purchase price. Short of some really bad luck or mismanagement on our part, we should break even at worst case. There's a reasonable chance we could make $50,000 to $150,000, depending on market conditions and whether we find the right buyer.
I guess, long story made short, our plan was working just fine, we just changed it, so we need to work another year. But that's what having a stache allows you to do!
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Absolutely. I've always wanted to restore an old house and did try to buy one a while back but the stars didn't align. I will probably never do it, but I see the attraction.
I like your list idea a lot. It will give a point of interaction for everyone on this thread.
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Haven't read this thread (will do so soon, though), but thought I should jump in as I will officially retire on 6/30/18 (but will actually teach my last class on 4/20/18, so that is the day I am using for my countdown)...just 3 more semesters!! Will post more deets later...happy to be here!
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I'll put myself on the list when I'm on the computer not my phone... I'm thinking mid-2018. Was hoping for the start of but we are behind schedule.
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Updated to include NinetyFour! Welcome to the 2018 Cohort!
12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
~07/16 DividendMan
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Financial Ascensionist
06/18 Pylortes
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
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SwordGuy! I said I'd be FI in 2016 but my 10 year plan at age 25 was to RE at 35, i.e. 2017 or start of 2018. Hence joining this cohort. But... I just took a new job and will probably work well into 2018 because I'm a coward. :(
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I'm in like Flynn.
Find yourself in this list. Modify your date if necessary. Add yourself if you're missing.
My plan here is to strikethrough each person as their date arrives. When you're (I'm) next in the list, your (my) time has come and you'd (I'd) better not hold up the list by keeping everyone waiting.
mo/yr username
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Financial Ascensionist
06/18 Pylortes
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
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??/18 brooklynguy
Wow, seeing it in stark courier new makes it real; it might as well be carved in stone. I won't commit to a specific month just yet, but I'll be damned if I let the year go by without having joined you fine folks in retirement.
Party at sol's house?
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makes it real; it might as well be carved in stone.
That's kind of the point of this thread though, isn't it?
I have a countdown measured in months. I need to make some concrete plans about how to deal with this.
As we've previously discussed (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/'one-more-year'-strikes-the-rich-the-hardest/), I'm unlikely to actually retire when I hit my FI number. I think the date still has value for a variety of reasons, like following through on the discussion in that linked thread. We all have to start somewhere.
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Updated to include NinetyFour! Welcome to the 2018 Cohort!
12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
~07/16 DividendMan
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Financial Ascensionist
06/18 Pylortes
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
I'm gonna stay with you 2018ers for now. The election might have upended my 12/17 plans if it leads to unaffordable (or unavailable) private health insurance. Hopefully we'll know where that's headed before the end of 2017 gets here.
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I'll be downshifting to PT at the start of 2018. If that is sufficient to keep me on the roll I'm happy to stay their as it will be a good way to keep me honest. OTOH that's not 100% FIREing so I won't be offended if you want to strike me from the list.
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I'm not sure, if I belong here...
My plan is to RE in 2018, but I'm FI already.
It's a wonderful feeling overall, but the job is still as boring as before.
I am in exactly the same spot. I am FI, but need to wait for DS2 to finish high school so that we can move from this HCOL area.
I might as well work if I have to stay here.
I am a consultant, and have my contract until March 2017. My boss definitely wants it extended. But (there's always a but, isn't there?), in the case my contract ends, I do not plan to look for a new job.
So, could you please add me to the 2018 Cohort. June 2018 when DS2's HS ends is the absolute last I will pull the trigger.
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Adding my name to the list.
12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
~07/16 DividendMan
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Financial Ascensionist
06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
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Spent years following the MMM site and forum. Mentally moved the date from 2016 to 2017 and now 2018. Already FI, just trying to get closer to a 3% withdrawal rate due to a planned 50 year retirement.
Adding my name to the list.
12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
~07/16 DividendMan
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Financial Ascensionist
06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
[/b] 06/18 Omalley [/b]
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
Omalley
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Fixed the bold for you...
Spent years following the MMM site and forum. Mentally moved the date from 2016 to 2017 and now 2018. Already FI, just trying to get closer to a 3% withdrawal rate due to a planned 50 year retirement.
Adding my name to the list.
12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
~07/16 DividendMan
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Financial Ascensionist
06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
Omalley
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You will have to remove me from this list, guys. The month is right, but I am very positive that 2017 is the year and I am eagerly counting the days: 150 to go!
My reason for moving a year ahead is a combination of realizing that I really won't need as big of a stash as I originally thought and seeing much better return on my investments that I was expecting. Keeping good records of my expenses was a surprisingly liberating way to gain confidence on my future. Keep up at it, everyone. You are almost done!
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You will have to remove me from this list, guys. The month is right, but I am very positive that 2017 is the year and I am eagerly counting the days: 150 to go!
My reason for moving a year ahead is a combination of realizing that I really won't need as big of a stash as I originally thought and seeing much better return on my investments that I was expecting. Keeping good records of my expenses was a surprisingly liberating way to gain confidence on my future. Keep up at it, everyone. You are almost done!
Congrats! 150 days will fly by!!!
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Congrats! 150 days will fly by!!!
Yes, I also think so. Right now I am scrambling to get rid of stuff as much as possible so I can start travelling in peace when the time arrives.
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I've added myself in finally.
12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
~07/16 DividendMan
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Financial Ascensionist
06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
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Moving Financial Ascensionist forward a year.
~07/16 DividendMan
12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
06/17 Financial Ascensionist
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
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Reinserting sol and me (what are we, chopped liver?) and moving dividendman to reflect his latest post.
12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
06/17 Financial Ascensionist
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
??/18 dividendman
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Sweet, thanks BG.
When 2018 rolls around, I'm going to start PMing everyone on this list to ask why they haven't announced their retirement here after their declared date has come and gone.
We need accountability, people! If you backslide, I will be tempted to as well. Don't make me work longer than necessary just because you are afraid of change. That's my job, and I don't need any help.
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Sweet, thanks BG.
When 2018 rolls around, I'm going to start PMing everyone on this list to ask why they haven't announced their retirement here after their declared date has come and gone.
We need accountability, people! If you backslide, I will be tempted to as well. Don't make me work longer than necessary just because you are afraid of change. That's my job, and I don't need any help.
I'm glad we have someone here to hold us accountable. With each passing day my desire to move to 2017 increases. I just want the extra tax-advantaged space available with extending to 2018. I promise to do as little work as possible during those last 2 to 3 months, and will report my change of status here.
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With each passing day my desire to move to 2017 increases.
Go ahead and speed up your FIRE date; more power to you. This thread's utility lies in establishing accountability against retirement postponement, not the other way around. When the market tanks or affordable healthcare coverage disappears or another OMY excuse-of-choice manifests itself, having your name plastered on the countdown list for all your forum friends to see will force you to either pull the trigger or live in pseudonymous mustache shame.
Come hell or high water, if I haven't leapt into retirement by the end of 2018, I'm counting on all of you to push me off the ledge.
Godspeed, Class of 2018.
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The plan right now is to go Part-time starting February 1, 2017. Do this for one year, then be totally finished January 31, 2018.
So I guess my name can be added to your list !! Thanks.
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With each passing day my desire to move to 2017 increases.
Go ahead and speed up your FIRE date; more power to you. This thread's utility lies in establishing accountability against retirement postponement, not the other way around.
Oh, I didn't mean I won't go early just because I've committed to 2018. I want to stop working, but I'm not actually ready yet, mentally or financially. And I'll need a kick in the pants two springs from now to get me out of analysis paralysis.
The plan right now is to go Part-time starting February 1, 2017. Do this for one year, then be totally finished January 31, 2018.
So I guess my name can be added to your list !! Thanks.
Welcome to the club, momcpa!
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Adding momcpa
12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
06/17 Financial Ascensionist
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
??/18 dividendman
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With each passing day my desire to move to 2017 increases.
I know how you feel! My wife and I were planning on a April-June 2017 FI date... We've postponed it for a year.
This thread's utility lies in establishing accountability against retirement postponement, not the other way around. When the market tanks or affordable healthcare coverage disappears or another OMY excuse-of-choice manifests itself, having your name plastered on the countdown list for all your forum friends to see will force you to either pull the trigger or live in pseudonymous mustache shame.
Hangs head in shame. :(
Not really. (Well, not as much...)
We didn't get hit with OMY syndrome, that wasn't the reason for holding off a year. We had been keeping tabs on a really cool abandoned house in our neighborhood for the last several years. It's been falling apart and was likely to be torn down by the city in another year or two, or sold to a developer who would raze it and build condos or a mcmansion.
When the house was built in 1951 it would have been one of the coolest in the county, if not THE coolest. It came on the market at a reasonable price this fall and we bought it to renovate it, put it on the historic register, and flip it. Including the purchase price, it's going to cost between $200,000 and a quarter of a million dollars to get it ready for market. We have a pretty sure idea we can break even at worst, and a reasonable chance of actually making money if we're smart about it.
But golly, a QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS of cash expense was enough to give us pause.
We paid $101k cash to purchase it. We decided to hang onto our jobs and cash flow the renovation costs out of our salary instead of our stash.
Sequence of returns risk is bad enough without voluntarily adding an additional quarter of a million dollars to the first two year's expenses on top of the "regular draw" on the stash.
In theory we would be fine if we drew down our stash cover this expense. But we have a mentally handicapped daughter to provide for after we're gone, so it's not just a gamble for us. It's a gamble for her, too. So, OMY it is.
We're trying to balance the risk of it costing $300k to fix up instead of $200k, the real estate market tanking so we can't sell the house at break-even or better, plus the general risk of economic bad times. We can rent out the house once it's finished to staunch the money wounds of insurance, utilities and taxes on a temporary basis until the market recovers, but it's not going to be good rental investment.
If the big ticket renovation costs turn out to be less expensive than planned for (like, miracle of miracles, the HVAC system actually works when it gets hooked up to electricity again, there are no plumbing issues that require cutting thru the slab or replacing pipe due to tree root damage, and there are no horrible surprises once we tear out the damaged ceilings and walls), we'll revisit an earlier retirement date.
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You can add me to this list, I'd guess July 2018. I could pull it off in March/April, but get the extra year of pension service credited by working through July 4th.
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12/16 OzBeach
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
06/17 Financial Ascensionist
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
??/18 dividendman
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03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
06/17 Financial Ascensionist
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
??/18 dividendman
Will 2018 ever get here?
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Hmmm- you guys are getting very particular lately about exact dates. I guess I should have anticipated this. I have my target down right now as June 2018- but this is just an estimate at this point. There are external things out of my control (ie my spouse's job situation) that could speed it up to as early as March 2018 or as late as into 2019. Maybe I just need to have someone add a squiggly mark around my date in case it ends up being several months late. But will the squiggly mark really save me from the wrath if I don't quit my job right on time with my original target?
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But will the squiggly mark really save me from the wrath if I don't quit my job right on time with my original target?
I think you are overestimating the wrath that will befall you.
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The list is really inspirational, even if only a good portion of you lively 2018ers actually make it. Pretty soon the post-fire thread is going to be the more happening place on this forum.
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I think I need a squiggly mark too.
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03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
06/17 Financial Ascensionist
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
~01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
??/18 dividendman
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Hmmm- you guys are getting very particular lately about exact dates. I guess I should have anticipated this. I have my target down right now as June 2018- but this is just an estimate at this point. There are external things out of my control (ie my spouse's job situation) that could speed it up to as early as March 2018 or as late as into 2019. Maybe I just need to have someone add a squiggly mark around my date in case it ends up being several months late. But will the squiggly mark really save me from the wrath if I don't quit my job right on time with my original target?
Most of us are making educated guesses as to when we'll be in a position to FIRE. Will my wife and I be ready exactly in May, 2018?
Maybe, maybe not. We'll find out when we're ready.
A few people can give an exact date many years in advance. It usually means they have a pension that kicks in on that date. The rest of us have to do with approximations.
My wife is a professor, so May or December are the two most likely months for her. Of course, she could just up and quit in the middle of a semester if we hit our numbers, but that's just unprofessional. It would also cause a lot of disruption to her colleagues and her students. And that's just not right.
I'll give at least 90 days notice with the willingness to work for a few more months if there are delays in getting a replacement. That's partly because I don't think my employer would do anything nasty, and also because I believe in what our client does, so I want to make it easy on them. It's just part of being professional. It's also good business.
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For some of us, our dates can be specific. For example, I'm paid a significant portion of my compensation every March, then qualify for a full-year of pension service once I work 1000 hours in a year. This means my only two logical moments are March or July.
I figure if I make it until March, I can do another 3 months for an additional year of pension benefit, which is about $1,000/mo more once I turn 55.
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For some of us, our dates can be specific. For example, I'm paid a significant portion of my compensation every March, then qualify for a full-year of pension service once I work 1000 hours in a year. This means my only two logical moments are March or July.
I figure if I make it until March, I can do another 3 months for an additional year of pension benefit, which is about $1,000/mo more once I turn 55.
Wow, 3 more months of work for $12,000 a year for 20 to 35 years? Yeah, I could do that. Totally.
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Wow, 3 more months of work for $12,000 a year for 20 to 35 years? Yeah, I could do that. Totally.
That's a solid pay off. The equivalent of saving/investing $100K/month. :)
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Good timing, I have a poor compensation year falling off and replaced by a much better one in addition to the additional year of employment credit.
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Thank you Swordguy for accommodating my squiggly mark and also the thoughtful comments. I too would like to leave in a professional manner with some advanced notice perhaps 1-2 month if possible.
I'm gunning for 6/29/18 but need the squiggly mark since my date correspondents with some other family changes. I know the OMY syndrome will likely be kicking in too. It's hard to walk away when I just made my highest annual income ever and it's taken years to get here. Still want to ride the gravy train another year and a half or so and look for an exit point. However I'm heavily invested in the markets so if we go into bear market territory shortly before or around my date I may have to hold on longer. I just turned 40 though so I could probably handle an extra couple of years work if necessary.
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I put this same info on the 2017 Cohort thread since I spent so much time there before switching to 2018.
=========================
Well, I went thru the numbers as best I can at the moment and we officially qualify as having OMY disease.
In principle, we could quit our jobs tomorrow and sell our stock out of 401ks and other investments to pay off our mortgage, our HELOC, repair our two not-year-ready rentals, and he repairs on the mid-century modern house we bought to fix and flip. And then give away that house instead of flipping it.
We could never make a dime on our stock investments and still run a surplus (not counting the $20,000 to fix up the two rentals, $150,000 to fix up the flip, and the $180,000 to pay off the mortgage and the $40,000 to pay off the HELOC).
We really should retire at the end of this spring semester, 2017.
But my wife is on board to retire one year after that, in spring of 2018. And, frankly, so am I.
We both feel much better having a firehose of cash coming in while we'll be spending so much on the flip house.
It's that $390,000 of cash outflow that's mighty scary. Our salaries after taxes will cover $178,000 of that outlay over the next 17 months. That gets us down to just $212,000 taken out of the stash, which is still a scary amount. However, at that point in time, we should be within 6 months of finishing the flip (and all the big expenses would be known by then), which would bring in at least $250,000, which leaves the current stash amount intact or even bigger.
I'm not a genius financial analyst, but the reason we actually **have** a stash is because once we saved some money we just didn't spend it. It was out of bounds.
We might invest it, but we didn't spend it. And frankly, I would like to keep it that way. Intellectually I know that a flexible implementation of the 4% rule allows you to sell stock to live off of and you're not likely to run out of money - ever. But there's intellectually knowing something and then there's sleeping well at night.
Plus, since the biggest danger to a stock portfolio is a sequence of returns risk, it seems like the biggest safety feature for the portfolio is not to have to use it for daily living for the first 10 years. Or even better, ever, which is where we should be within the year.
Yep, we're definitely two victims of OMY syndrome. That's why we decided to switch from 2017 to 2018.
If we get all our rentals fixed up and rented, and health care for me will be affordable, and all the big ticket items on the flip (Roof, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Mold Remediation, Heating Oil tank fill-up/removal and acceptance on the 40% Historical Property Repair Tax Credit ) all come in on or under budget, I may FIRE at that time instead of waiting for my wife to finish teaching her school year. Here's hoping I'm off this list and back on the 2017 list before the end of the year!
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Here I am, on the first workday of my (our) last full year of work. I decided to add up my remaining working hours.
Scheduled working hours: ~2500
vacation time (on the books plus what I'll earn): 495
sick time (on the books plus what I'll earn): 717
So if I can figure out how to actually use all that sick time, I could be working only half-time from now until FIRE! That's probably not possible, but it was a fun exercise.
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Here I am, on the first workday of my (our) last full year of work. I decided to add up my remaining working hours.
Scheduled working hours: ~2500
vacation time (on the books plus what I'll earn): 495
sick time (on the books plus what I'll earn): 717
So if I can figure out how to actually use all that sick time, I could be working only half-time from now until FIRE! That's probably not possible, but it was a fun exercise.
Nice!
Here's what I have left:
I will go back to work next Monday.
I will teach a 15 week semester and then be off for summer vacation May 1 - August 20. Then I will teach 2 more 15 week semesters and then I WILL BE DONE!!
So what remains is:
3 more semesters
42 more weeks of teaching
126 more days of classes
Sounds very doable!! Yay!!!
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03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
06/17 Financial Ascensionist
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
??/18 dividendman
I took off my squiggle. It's first week of 2018 or bust!
We are getting our primary house ready to sell this spring. If that goes well, DH is heading to our (already bought) retirement house in a neighboring state. Then I'm couchsurfing for the rest of 2017 (lots of family in town... they will have to fight over me ha ha). So the day our primary house sells / closes will be when it gets REALLY REAL for me!
Go Class of 2018!
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When the market tanks or affordable healthcare coverage disappears or another OMY excuse-of-choice manifests itself, having your name plastered on the countdown list for all your forum friends to see will force you to either pull the trigger or live in pseudonymous mustache shame.
I might be king of OMY excuses....well prince maybe but I am worried I will do OMY long enough to become king.
Market Tanks - should be indifferent bc already baked into 4% rule, sure the WR will be higher but it will be off of lower values/PEs/CAPE and subsequent market returns should offset it and more likely than not you can always cut back spending somewhere for a short time......but easier said than done from a psychological/emotional stand point.
Health Care - this one is a real concern IMO because suddenly have to absorb $14k in premiums plus the $6k deductible potential (per ehealthinsuracnce with no ACA subsidy) would really mess up my WR and absolutely make it well beyond safe - that alone would mean I need another $300-400k in investments - WTF? How is anybody getting comfortable with this?
Other OMY Excuses - yup, have those too.....possible increasing costs of my kids (unlikely BC they already cost a fair amount), do we want to pay for college for them, blah blah blah....
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Looks like Mother Fussbudget is in 2018. ~04/18. After sol... naturally! ;-)
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When the market tanks or affordable healthcare coverage disappears or another OMY excuse-of-choice manifests itself, having your name plastered on the countdown list for all your forum friends to see will force you to either pull the trigger or live in pseudonymous mustache shame.
I might be king of OMY excuses....well prince maybe but I am worried I will do OMY long enough to become king.
Market Tanks - should be indifferent bc already baked into 4% rule, sure the WR will be higher but it will be off of lower values/PEs/CAPE and subsequent market returns should offset it and more likely than not you can always cut back spending somewhere for a short time......but easier said than done from a psychological/emotional stand point.
Health Care - this one is a real concern IMO because suddenly have to absorb $14k in premiums plus the $6k deductible potential (per ehealthinsuracnce with no ACA subsidy) would really mess up my WR and absolutely make it well beyond safe - that alone would mean I need another $300-400k in investments - WTF? How is anybody getting comfortable with this?
Other OMY Excuses - yup, have those too.....possible increasing costs of my kids (unlikely BC they already cost a fair amount), do we want to pay for college for them, blah blah blah....
If you're using the 4% rule, you would need an extra $500k to fund the extra $20k in annual health care costs. Though I guess you might not need to plan on hitting the $6k deductible every year.
This is what has me scared shitless about pulling the plug at the end of 2017. My numbers are super safe under current conditions, but I can only absorb about $3,500 in extra health care costs before my SWR starts dropping. If I have to purchase unsubsidized individual private insurance, I'm pretty sure the added cost will be more than that.
-
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
06/17 Financial Ascensionist
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
~09/18 Gimesalot
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
??/18 dividendman
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This is what has me scared shitless about pulling the plug at the end of 2017.
Hopefully the reality of Trumpcare is understood this year. Although the GOP wants to put it into place ASAP that may be easier said than done.
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If you're using the 4% rule, you would need an extra $500k to fund the extra $20k in annual health care costs. Though I guess you might not need to plan on hitting the $6k deductible every year.
Your math is right but my budget already has amounts included for health care expenses so I didn't need to add back the full amount - I always assumed I would be paying some premium and deductibles.
This is what has me scared shitless about pulling the plug at the end of 2017. My numbers are super safe under current conditions, but I can only absorb about $3,500 in extra health care costs before my SWR starts dropping. If I have to purchase unsubsidized individual private insurance, I'm pretty sure the added cost will be more than that.
That's my fear and one that I just don't think most FIRE people are thinking about - although The Happy Philosopher has a view on this in a recent blog post Happy Philosopher Dangers of 4% Rule (http://thehappyphilosopher.com/dangers-of-relying-on-the-4-rule-in-early-retirement-scenarios/) - Spoiler its not about issues with the actual 4% rule.
Anyway a $10k increase to the budget for health care would be hard to swallow, as I expect it would be for most people, and for me would either force deprivation or going back to work even if it is only part time at which point you are no longer FIRE.
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If I have to purchase unsubsidized individual private insurance, I'm pretty sure the added cost will be more than that.
Depending on how frisky the Republicans get, you might still have the option of going on Medicaid if you can manage your taxable income low enough.
Ultimately this is going to come down to whether or not TrumpAndFriends are serious about wanting Americans to have affordable health insurance or not. It doesn't really matter if they repeal the ACA, if they still provide decent affordable care, but there is a real question about whether or not they even want that. For now, I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt and assuming that even a full ACA repeal will not make private insurance unaffordable for most Americans, because that would be a shitty thing for them to do and I'm hoping they aren't that shitty.
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It doesn't really matter if they repeal the ACA, if they still provide decent affordable care, but there is a real question about whether or not they even want that think they can get re-elected without providing that.
Clarified this part of your post. ;)
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If I have to purchase unsubsidized individual private insurance, I'm pretty sure the added cost will be more than that.
Depending on how frisky the Republicans get, you might still have the option of going on Medicaid if you can manage your taxable income low enough.
Ultimately this is going to come down to whether or not TrumpAndFriends are serious about wanting Americans to have affordable health insurance or not. It doesn't really matter if they repeal the ACA, if they still provide decent affordable care, but there is a real question about whether or not they even want that. For now, I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt and assuming that even a full ACA repeal will not make private insurance unaffordable for most Americans, because that would be a shitty thing for them to do and I'm hoping they aren't that shitty.
What they're talking about now involves:
- eliminating the individual mandate
- eliminating subsidies
- keeping the mandate that insurance companies accept people with pre-existing conditions
- keeping kids up to age 26 on their parents' policies
Forcing insurance companies to accept people with pre-existing conditions while not mandating coverage or providing subsidies for low income people will hasten the death spiral that is already underway on the exchanges, and spread it to non-exchange private policies. The ACA started the death spiral because the penalty for not having coverage is not nearly large enough to force all the young, healthy people onto the exchanges. The death spiral was also abetted by the Republican Congress when they removed risk pool payments to insurance companies who were losing money due to a sicker-than-expected insured population. The coming Republican repeal as outlined above will deliver the coup de grace such that anyone without employer-provided health insurance will be SOL.
Sorry, I'm feeling particularly pessimistic this evening. ;)
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It doesn't really matter if they repeal the ACA, if they still provide decent affordable care, but the[/s]re is a real question about whether or not they even want that think they can get re-elected without providing that.
Clarified this part of your post. ;)
Clarified your clarification. :)
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What they're talking about now involves:
- eliminating the individual mandate
- eliminating subsidies
- keeping the mandate that insurance companies accept people with pre-existing conditions
- keeping kids up to age 26 on their parents' policies
I disagree with the part about keeping the exclusion on pre-existing conditions. The only written Republican plan specifically repeals this provision of the ACA.
I just made a new post with the details of their plan: http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/what-comes-after-the-aca/
Of course, Trump may have different ideas but he hasn't put anything in writing. Just lots of "it will be the best plan, you'll love it" bluster.
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Watching the many 2017 Cohort members start to reach their FIRE dates has been pretty inspiring this month.
I'm really getting the itch to find a way to get back into the 2017 Cohort... :(
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Watching the many 2017 Cohort members start to reach their FIRE dates has been pretty inspiring this month.
I'm really getting the itch to find a way to get back into the 2017 Cohort... :(
Swordguy- I'm not trying to troll you, but I doubt anyone is putting a gun to your head to make you do a big real estate deal now before you retire. If your priorities have changed and retirement is the priority it seems you have a path to go quicker- avoid the real estate stuff that's going to require tons of capital. That being said I'm happy to keep you with the 18'ers! We're cooler (except for that whole having to work an extra year thing!)
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As we're getting into the year, the earlier-retiring members of our cohort are probably starting to do some work-related things for the last time. I'm not quite there yet, as I still have 14-15 months left. There is one thing: last fall I got a new ID card, valid for three years. Should be the last one of those I'll need.
Any thoughts from those experiencing other "last time" events?
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Watching the many 2017 Cohort members start to reach their FIRE dates has been pretty inspiring this month.
I'm really getting the itch to find a way to get back into the 2017 Cohort... :(
Swordguy- I'm not trying to troll you, but I doubt anyone is putting a gun to your head to make you do a big real estate deal now before you retire. If your priorities have changed and retirement is the priority it seems you have a path to go quicker- avoid the real estate stuff that's going to require tons of capital. That being said I'm happy to keep you with the 18'ers! We're cooler (except for that whole having to work an extra year thing!)
Perfectly fair comments! We have no one to blame but ourselves.
The only defense we can offer is that we love good architecture and once we FIREd we were going to make stuff that would be cool for decorating homes or landscapes. (And either use it or sell it.) Plus fix up some homes for fun and profit. This is such a cool house and we wanted so save it. So, we're starting our new hobby a bit earlier and a bit more expensively than planned.
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As we're getting into the year, the earlier-retiring members of our cohort are probably starting to do some work-related things for the last time.
Has the pre-FIRE checklist (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/pre-fire-checklist/) been linked here already?
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As we're getting into the year, the earlier-retiring members of our cohort are probably starting to do some work-related things for the last time. I'm not quite there yet, as I still have 14-15 months left. There is one thing: last fall I got a new ID card, valid for three years. Should be the last one of those I'll need.
Any thoughts from those experiencing other "last time" events?
Hah! Didn't think about this until I read your post. I'm in the midst of taking what I hope is my last annual cycle of mandatory web-based "trainings" - computer security, anti-harassment, various supervisory trainings. Imagine, someone in my employer's organization thinks they can actually teach people to be better supervisors by forcing them to watch a 2 hour recorded webcast of a lecture. Do they not realize that everyone just lets it run in the background while they do other stuff?
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Ugh! Going to work is torture and I don't want to be here!! :)
I'm currently working from home and cruising the forum instead of getting any work done. Oh, and I accidentally slept in until about 8:30 when work is supposed to start at 8:00.
As the date gets closer and closer, work is so much harder to do. I'm torn between guilt for not giving 100% and glee that I can soon tell them to shove it! haha
Anyone else struggling with this and any advice for dealing with it? I don't think I can possibly slack off enough to get fired (some people never hit their dates and are clearly slacking off ALL THE TIME and last for years before getting sacked), but if I could, I'd get a huge severance package that would make FI/RE possible immediately.
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Anyone else struggling with this and any advice for dealing with it? I don't think I can possibly slack off enough to get fired (some people never hit their dates and are clearly slacking off ALL THE TIME and last for years before getting sacked), but if I could, I'd get a huge severance package that would make FI/RE possible immediately.
Ha! I struggle with this daily. I wouldn't worry about it. You don't need to be rockstar just get some work done and keep the boss happy-ish.
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I just had a visit from a fellow Navy officer. He is scheduled to retire Aug 2018 at his mandatory 30 year point. He just heard about the federal government hiring freeze and wants to explore a waiver to stay on another year to see what happens. No idea if the waiver is even possible for him.
I made the appropriate noises to him while thinking "I'm even more sure of retiring next June". I'm retiring at the 28 year mark and could stay a couple more years, but 2018 makes the most sense for my family situation. The hiring freeze and its impact on military retirees finding employment in the DC area just makes it even easier for me to GTFO next year!
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Ugh! Going to work is torture and I don't want to be here!! :)
I'm currently working from home and cruising the forum instead of getting any work done. Oh, and I accidentally slept in until about 8:30 when work is supposed to start at 8:00.
As the date gets closer and closer, work is so much harder to do. I'm torn between guilt for not giving 100% and glee that I can soon tell them to shove it! haha
Anyone else struggling with this and any advice for dealing with it? I don't think I can possibly slack off enough to get fired (some people never hit their dates and are clearly slacking off ALL THE TIME and last for years before getting sacked), but if I could, I'd get a huge severance package that would make FI/RE possible immediately.
Some days more than others. Today is bad! I haven't been at 100% in awhile, but I've stopped caring so much about that. Unfortunately I don't have much advice.
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I had a dental appt this morning. Since I'm trying to use up as much of my sick leave as I can this year, I took the whole day off. (I'm glad I did, since at 2pm the left side of my face is still numb, slowly being replaced by pain.) At the end of the appt, the hygenist said, "Go treat yourself. Take a nap this afternoon."
Medical professional's orders. Yes, ma'am, I'll take a nap! Or I'll try. I generally fail at napping. This is a skill I plan to work on post-FIRE.
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I had a dental appt this morning. Since I'm trying to use up as much of my sick leave as I can this year, I took the whole day off. (I'm glad I did, since at 2pm the left side of my face is still numb, slowly being replaced by pain.) At the end of the appt, the hygenist said, "Go treat yourself. Take a nap this afternoon."
Medical professional's orders. Yes, ma'am, I'll take a nap! Or I'll try. I generally fail at napping. This is a skill I plan to work on post-FIRE.
Awesome. I am a nap expert. I nap every day that I am not at an office. I could have turned pro if I hadn't joined the army. ;) If you need any tips just PM me!
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My adult daughter has ALWAYS been an excellent 'nap taker'. I guess her husband thinks so too as one day he said to us that it's too bad that she couldn't get paid somehow for the speed at which she can nap !!! Funny guy.
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There's no way I am making it to Sept. 2018, so I moved my date up
03/17 Bateaux
03/17 Libertea
06/17 Financial Ascensionist
12/17 Monkey Uncle
??/17 Myhotrs
??/17 NearlyThere
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
??/18 dividendman
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01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
??/18 dividendman
Making my date more well defined. Christ, still over a year, blah.
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Putting myself on this list for 12/2018. Woot!
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
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Our retirement plan is to build a small house in our back yard and then move in and rent out the main house. In combination with other investments, we should have more than enough income.
Anyway - we have just reached the point savings wise where we can start getting things moving. With any luck we can build this (Aussie) winter (I know how bizarre that must sound to people that have proper winters). I don't want to get my hopes up but I could be selling my business next Spring... Very exciting to think it might actually happen!
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Putting myself on this list for 12/2018. Woot!
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 MandyM
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
Welcome, yoda34!
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I am actually participating in two cohorts - this one and 2017. Like momcpa, I'm going part time (3 days/week) later this year and then quitting entirely in 2018. To make the most of the celebratory vibes, I have listed a FIRE date in each.
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
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Our retirement plan is to build a small house in our back yard and then move in and rent out the main house. In combination with other investments, we should have more than enough income.
Anyway - we have just reached the point savings wise where we can start getting things moving. With any luck we can build this (Aussie) winter (I know how bizarre that must sound to people that have proper winters). I don't want to get my hopes up but I could be selling my business next Spring... Very exciting to think it might actually happen!
It sounds exciting Freshie! Good to see your plan coming together. I like the idea of living in the small house whilst renting the big one, and you get to keep your property investment.
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I am actually participating in two cohorts - this one and 2017. Like momcpa, I'm going part time (3 days/week) later this year and then quitting entirely in 2018. To make the most of the celebratory vibes, I have listed a FIRE date in each.
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
Just added my date March 2018. Downshifting starting May 2017, 32 hours a week .
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This shit is getting real right quick. Today mint informed me that I'm supposed to retire in August 2017, a mere six months away, based on some arbitrary dollar value targets I set for myself years ago when I was just an MMM stubble poster.
Six months! I don't think I'm ready for this level of immediacy yet. Retirement is still a long ways away in my mind, 18 months or three years or a decade all feel like approximately the same far distance away, but six months is like virtually tomorrow. I have scheduled events on my social calendar that are more than six months away!
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This shit is getting real right quick. Today mint informed me that I'm supposed to retire in August 2017, a mere six months away, based on some arbitrary dollar value targets I set for myself years ago when I was just an MMM stubble poster.
Six months! I don't think I'm ready for this level of immediacy yet. Retirement is still a long ways away in my mind, 18 months or three years or a decade all feel like approximately the same far distance away, but six months is like virtually tomorrow. I have scheduled events on my social calendar that are more than six months away!
Based on the 2018 list posted above, you've got 12 months or so. Do you think you'll feel the same way in six months that you did when you saw that today? What will you do to lessen the shock when the actual time (whatever that may be) nears?
These aren't rhetorical questions: I'm nearing that 12-month mark myself and realizing that ignoring it probably isn't the proper way to prepare.
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This is one of the reasons I'm happy to be downshifting to PT for a couple years prior to FIRE. It'll be a nice opportunity to shift gears mentally without a major shock to the system.
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Yes I expect this thread to heat up as we go through 2017 and more people wake up/try to come to terms with the time getting close. I'm still in denial mode (made a point to add a squiggly by my estimated date) plugging away at work. Right now things are going good and I've realized the job is half way decent and not as bad as a lot of others (I expect OMY syndrome is rearing its head). But then other times I feel burned out and daydream about how many days are left until my very rough target etc. Stuff will get real when I start hitting more "lasts".
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This shit is getting real right quick. Today mint informed me that I'm supposed to retire in August 2017, a mere six months away, based on some arbitrary dollar value targets I set for myself years ago when I was just an MMM stubble poster.
Six months! I don't think I'm ready for this level of immediacy yet. Retirement is still a long ways away in my mind, 18 months or three years or a decade all feel like approximately the same far distance away, but six months is like virtually tomorrow. I have scheduled events on my social calendar that are more than six months away!
I'm 10 1/2 months out from my appointed date, so I should be feeling this way. But I'm not, because my FIRE date is in limbo due to the ACA uncertainty. My best guess at this point is that my health insurance costs will increase by $17k/yr if the ACA goes away without a similar subsidized/pooled replacement. That would put me about $10k over my safe spend level. I haven't yet mustered the courage to calculate what that would do to my FIRE date...too depressing.
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It's ironic that we all seem to be (or at least feel) so psychologically unprepared for an event and condition for which we have been endlessly preparing. I guess no amount of preparation (or rumination, or discourse) will completely mitigate the shock of experiencing a shift in our personal perception of financial independence and early retirement from abstraction to (impending) concrete reality.
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It's ironic that we all seem to be (or at least feel) so psychologically unprepared for an event and condition for which we have been endlessly preparing. I guess no amount of preparation (or rumination, or discourse) will completely mitigate the shock of experiencing a shift in our personal perception of financial independence and early retirement from abstraction to (impending) concrete reality.
We are unprepared because most of us have been preparing financially, but not preparing ourselves psychologically. I don't think that's something that cannot be done. We just don't acknowledge it as the problem/challenge it is. It also is not easily fit into a spreadsheet or calculated like investments are. It doesn't get covered in dozens of blog posts like the 4% Rule does.
It's like dealing with death. We can pretend it doesn't exist and shield ourselves from it as much as possible until one day it affects us in a way we can't avoid or we can put effort into connecting with our mortality so that it's not something alien to us when it does happen and we are less likely to lose our shit.
Personally I spend a fair bit of time thinking about my feelings towards money, working and the major change that's coming up. We are all affected by fear. It's a huge driver in our society and anytime you step outside the norm it's worse because you either face it on your own or in a smaller group like this cohort. I try and isolate what is a real risk or a real concern vs. what's just fear filling in any gaps in my plan. It's something that takes constant effort.
When you read the various 4% Rule Is Going To Fail threads the one thing that is very apparent to me is the myopic perspective a lot of people have around FIRE and equating success just to money. That discounts all the other important ways to fail or more importantly to succeed at FIRE. Being physically and mentally healthy would be top of that list to me and that includes a plan to deal with the transition between working full-time and FIRE.
We should all tally up how many hours we've spent on financial planning for FIRE and then how many hours we've spent on getting ourselves ready for the physiological process of making this major change in our lives.
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Good points. From my perspective, I've chosen not to prepare psychologically in a big way yet because I still have a job to do and want to focus on that and also trying to live more in the present. There are also external uncertainties out there (such as ACA repeal, or market/economic under-performance) that could change the calculations.
Seems to me sort of like I'm running a race, I'm in good position at the moment, but I've got a couple miles left to go. I prefer to keep my eyes down on the road focusing on the next step instead of daydreaming too much about the end of the race. That way I figure if the race has to go a little longer for some reason, I won't be too discouraged, I'll just keep adding more steps until I get to the new finish line. Perhaps its a game I'm playing- but I want to be adaptable and living in the moment instead of getting fully locked in on the future.
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Eight of the first nine who were planning to FIRE in 2017 by this date are confirmed to have done so. We haven't heard from the ninth one way or the other.
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/target-fire-2017/msg1432093/#msg1432093 (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/target-fire-2017/msg1432093/#msg1432093)
Pretty exciting!
I'll do my part of make the 2018 numbers equally impressive!
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January and June look to be the most popular months to retire.
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January and June look to be the most popular months to retire.
Start of the year is a natural cutoff and June - hell yeah, summertime.
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Knew there'd be a Northern hemisphere explanation. I'm guessing but for us underbelly folks I think July, ( since new financial year starts 1st July in Australia) and December or Jan...for the same reason, and summer.
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January and June look to be the most popular months to retire.
Start of the year is a natural cutoff and June - hell yeah, summertime.
Hrm, I'm doing end of March because it's the best for tax purposes (avoids a higher tax bracket, fills 401k, will know how much tax from prev year I have to pay, etc.).
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January and June look to be the most popular months to retire.
Start of the year is a natural cutoff and June - hell yeah, summertime.
Hrm, I'm doing end of March because it's the best for tax purposes (avoids a higher tax bracket, fills 401k, will know how much tax from prev year I have to pay, etc.).
Yep, March for me, too. Mainly to fill up my tax advantaged contributions. Also to not leave in the middle of winter. I want impending spring to help motivate me to not be a couch potato.
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I'm in for 2018, so long as my mortgage is paid off, and I figure out health care. Two big hurdles, but I am hopeful!
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Added Minnesota_mom
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
??/18 Minnesota_mom
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I'm planning to FIRE on Friday June 1, 2018 if I can hang on that long. 10 more months before the final December bonus (hopefully) and then another 5 months to save a cushion of spending money before I take the plunge. When I break it down like that it doesn't seem so bad, but it feels agonizing! Oh well, no doubt the time will pass eventually... Good luck to everyone!
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Added randomgiraffe
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
~10/18 Caoineag
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
??/18 Minnesota_mom
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01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
??/18 Minnesota_mom
Realized I needed to move mine up. I have waffled between 11/2017 and early 2018 but think we are pretty set on the early 2018 now so that we aren't retiring into winter. Given that we will be downsizing into an RV for full time travel, early spring seems to be our optimum time period. Being at the 1 year out mark definitely makes you think you need to get things ready. I have a lot of things I want to finish before then. Hopefully no OMY syndrome when we get really close...
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My wife will retire from teaching on 6/1/2018 and I plan on quitting my job at that time. We're looking to move to Colorado where property taxes are lower and most of her pension will be exempt from state income tax.
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Added dbtx
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
??/18 Minnesota_mom
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9 more months till this class starts graduating.
How is everyone feeling? Going to meet your graduation date?
As for me, June 2018 is definitely the date, could be earlier if I lose my job (consultant).
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Not graduating til end Oct, so its 1 year and 8months for me provided I can exit the way I've planned ( still dependent on approval from employer). I am feeling alternating phases of being Sooo. Ready. to retire and OMG its coming too fast, how will I manage without an income. I'm in my 50s and used to having huge margins of safety when it comes to income i.e. the ability to earn lots more money if I went back to full-time work, and scads of unused credit in the event of some catastrophe. I didn't realise until recently that I subconsciously used those as sources of security.
I've decided to make a list, plan and timeline of all the things I need to get done before retiring. Stuff like cleaning up and gradually emptying out my very messy office.
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9 more months till this class starts graduating.
How is everyone feeling? Going to meet your graduation date?
As for me, June 2018 is definitely the date, could be earlier if I lose my job (consultant).
I'm feeling pretty good. Still might pull the plug this year and ditch all you 2018ers! :)
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I'm feeling pretty good. Still might pull the plug this year and ditch all you 2018ers! :)
I think a lot of us are eyeing the current market run-up and fantasizing about moving our dates up, but we've already discussed the hazards of that approach.
People who retire based only on today's dollar figure are more likely to retire at a market peak, and suffer lower than average returns after that. Better to make longer term predictions based on longer term averages, rather than bail at the earliest chance solely because of a recent hot streak.
Maybe the streak holds. I hope it does, but I'm not willing to add risk to my retirement matrix by counting on it.
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If I hit my 4%WR target $$$ during this rally I'd FIRE. Sadly it's not going to happen most likely as the gap is still too big.
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I floated a few retirement project ideas past hubby last night and I might have detected a glimmer of interest in his eyes. I've got plenty lined up for myself but I do worry about him - it's not that he won't fill his days productively, it's that his current ideas involve big things like renovating property for fun which a) will use a lot of our income producing wealth and b) we'll be lucky to break even in our local market due to purchase taxes and c) sounds too much like work to me! I have said, let's get the granny flat built, and if you are still keen, we'll do some major refurbs to our main house, and if you're STILL keen, we'll figure out how to buy a small place to do up.
I think he's worried that he'll get fat and bored, but based on time he's taken off work in the past, that's not going to happen! Maybe he's actually worried about what people will think, so I'll talk to him again and let him know the lines people say to throw people off the scent e.g. I'm a trader, I'm working freelance from home etc. He's involved with a charity once a month right now, and I see him taking a bigger role in that and he can just tell people he has a job there.
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I'm feeling pretty good. Still might pull the plug this year and ditch all you 2018ers! :)
I think a lot of us are eyeing the current market run-up and fantasizing about moving our dates up, but we've already discussed the hazards of that approach.
People who retire based only on today's dollar figure are more likely to retire at a market peak, and suffer lower than average returns after that. Better to make longer term predictions based on longer term averages, rather than bail at the earliest chance solely because of a recent hot streak.
Maybe the streak holds. I hope it does, but I'm not willing to add risk to my retirement matrix by counting on it.
I agree about the sub-standard future returns but we also have to keep in mind the 4% rule prevailed even in those environments.
Also, in my particular situation, I've hit my bare-bones FI number last year and am just OMYing it because I'm a chicken shit that gets paid a lot.
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I think a lot of us are eyeing the current market run-up and fantasizing about moving our dates up, but we've already discussed the hazards of that approach.
Most aspiring retirees on this forum have set their target dollar figure using a projected-retirement-expense-multiple so extremely conservative that, in order for the retirement plan to fail (assuming actual expenses stay within the projected limit, which itself likewise tends to be conservatively estimated), the future would have to be worse than nearly every period in modern recorded history, plus every failsafe built into the retirement plan's package of external safety margin that otherwise would have saved it would have to fail as well. So, when the time comes, to disarm the dollar-based retirement trigger out of concern about the market conditions then in existence is not to add undue risk to the plan but is instead to pile on to its already-adequate layers of safety margin and, in all likelihood, needlessly delay retirement.
That said, I'm right there with you (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/dow-closed-below-17-000-yesterday/msg777661/#msg777661).
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9 more months till this class starts graduating.
How is everyone feeling? Going to meet your graduation date?
As for me, June 2018 is definitely the date, could be earlier if I lose my job (consultant).
As noted upthread, I'm not feeling too good about my 12/31/17 date due to healthcare uncertainty. Loss of the ACA is likely to blow up my spending projections.
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I'm feeling pretty good. Still might pull the plug this year and ditch all you 2018ers! :)
I think a lot of us are eyeing the current market run-up and fantasizing about moving our dates up, but we've already discussed the hazards of that approach.
People who retire based only on today's dollar figure are more likely to retire at a market peak, and suffer lower than average returns after that. Better to make longer term predictions based on longer term averages, rather than bail at the earliest chance solely because of a recent hot streak.
Maybe the streak holds. I hope it does, but I'm not willing to add risk to my retirement matrix by counting on it.
I'm seriously considering moving my date up, but not (completely) due to the current market. I'm just burned out and I've never been opposed to the idea of getting another job down the road to fill in gaps. I'm hoping to hang on until sept of this year for various reasons, but we shall see.
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Looks like this cohort is ready to graduate.
I think a lot of us are eyeing the current market run-up and fantasizing about moving our dates up, but we've already discussed the hazards of that approach.
People who retire based only on today's dollar figure are more likely to retire at a market peak, and suffer lower than average returns after that. Better to make longer term predictions based on longer term averages, rather than bail at the earliest chance solely because of a recent hot streak.
Maybe the streak holds. I hope it does, but I'm not willing to add risk to my retirement matrix by counting on it.
Sol, as usual, you nail it.
As noted upthread, I'm not feeling too good about my 12/31/17 date due to healthcare uncertainty. Loss of the ACA is likely to blow up my spending projections.
Good point Money Uncle. This probably will be the biggest unknown in my plans and probably for all of you also.
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As noted upthread, I'm not feeling too good about my 12/31/17 date due to healthcare uncertainty. Loss of the ACA is likely to blow up my spending projections.
Good point Money Uncle. This probably will be the biggest unknown in my plans and probably for all of you also.
Yes, this is currently my single biggest concern as well, but I'm choosing to take the glass half full perspective: instead of viewing the current state of affairs as healthcare uncertainty putting my plans into jeopardy, I'm focusing on the fact that I'm otherwise more or less a year away from being financially independent. It's pretty easy to channel that contingent status itself into service as a big fucking optimism bazooka.
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Hey everyone, I'm with you guys here for 2018. I just arbitrarily picked Halloween... It'll be 5 years to the day since I bought my business. Plus it's fun to say that I'm "turning into a pumpkin" on that day.
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Added patches
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
??/18 Minnesota_mom
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Interesting how the majority of folks are FIRE'ing in the first half of the year.
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Interesting how the majority of folks are FIRE'ing in the first half of the year.
Yeah, I made the comment earlier that if you work a partial year (especially < half) and make a lot of money you're likely to fill your 401k and also get better tax brackets for your cash.
That's why after I pass around august of this year it's going to be hard justifying not going to march of next year for those bonuses.
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I'm leaving the 2022 group, and joining the 2018 group. Fed up with work, savings have been going well, so ready to pull the plug sooner than later. Have some major projects to be wrapped up around mid-2017, and since bonus + profit sharing gets paid out in January of each year, I'll stick around until that comes through. Also have a long vacation planned for fall 2017, so might as well take a trip and get paid for it!
I think I'm on track for sometime around March 2018. Biggest concern right now is sorting out health care until Medicare eligibility -- I'll be 45, wife is a couple years older. Our plan is to take some time off, then work when we feel like it and/or if we want to -- scaling back to very part time basis.
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I am really feeling unready mostly because the plan is to FIRE and leave the US pretty quickly. For that to happen, we need to finish fixing our house (adding 2 kitchens and about a dozen other small projects), sell all of our crap, and then hire a property manager and get our apartments rented out.
I am sweating bullets that it won't all get done!
The financial aspect is less of a worry as I have set us up to have a slightly less than 4% SWR on a VERY padded budget, plus any rental income (estimated $6k-$10k per year) on top of that. FYI, I didn't plan on having so much extra but I need to keep working to have health insurance while I got the house fixed up.
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Welcome Clean Shaven
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
??/18 Minnesota_mom
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Interesting how the majority of folks are FIRE'ing in the first half of the year.
Yeah, I made the comment earlier that if you work a partial year (especially < half) and make a lot of money you're likely to fill your 401k and also get better tax brackets for your cash.
That's why after I pass around august of this year it's going to be hard justifying not going to march of next year for those bonuses.
In my case, I have all my ducks in a row and waiting for DS2 to graduate from HS, so I can move out of this HCOL area.
School ends and I am out of here!
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I turn 40 in the summer of 2018. Stretch goal is to retire before I turn 40...If I can manage to reign in expenses over the next three years it would be easy to reach this goal. As it stands now, it's a longshot.....so I'm setting the goal post at 6/1/18... I likely wouldn't be officially FI yet by then, but I plan to retire first, then get rich.
Even more of a longshot now. My withdrawl rate would have to be somewhere in the 10-12% range to cover expenses, which have gone up, not down. If I make a leap in 2018, it would only be a switch to part-time, or to an easier job. I plan to have a WR well above 4%, but not 3 times above it. I need to reduce the risk a bit more first. Am I the first to flunk out of this class?
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I need to reduce the risk a bit more first. Am I the first to flunk out of this class?
I'm downshifting in 2018. I won't be able to stop working entirely, but I can stop working FT and not worry about saving/investing. My stash is big enough to hit FIRE for on its own now in a reasonable timeframe. That's been my plan all along so I'm not counting it as a failure. :)
What happened to increase your COL?
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New things. Job with added stress/time, House with major renovation, Replaced 2 twelve year old cars. I've always been balancing a less than mustachian family with my own minimalist desires. Constant ebb and flow.
I won't be able to stop working entirely, but I can stop working FT and not worry about saving/investing. My stash is big enough to hit FIRE for on its own now in a reasonable timeframe.
I shifted to this mindset within the last year as well. I need to get out of the waiting place, and start living a more part time FIRE life prior to the FI part.
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New things. Job with added stress/time, House with major renovation, Replaced 2 twelve year old cars. I've always been balancing a less than mustachian family with my own minimalist desires. Constant ebb and flow.
I often wonder what people with extremely low budgets have planned for car replacement and things like new kitchens and appliances. Maybe they don't drive and rent... For me, I've included AU$2k a year for car replacement every ten years or more and $2k a year for a major refurb at one point, as well as something for normal repairs & replacement. I guess I could just set aside a lump sum of the stache too.
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New things. Job with added stress/time, House with major renovation, Replaced 2 twelve year old cars. I've always been balancing a less than mustachian family with my own minimalist desires. Constant ebb and flow.
I often wonder what people with extremely low budgets have planned for car replacement and things like new kitchens and appliances. Maybe they don't drive and rent... For me, I've included AU$2k a year for car replacement every ten years or more and $2k a year for a major refurb at one point, as well as something for normal repairs & replacement. I guess I could just set aside a lump sum of the stache too.
I'm planning for a $5k/yr spending buffer. I figure in most years we won't use it all, which should make up for the occasional years when we overshoot the buffer due to replacing a vehicle or incurring a major health expense. For things like appliances that are generally a couple grand or less, I try to accommodate those within the base budget.
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Nobody needs a kitchen reno so that's an easy one not to worry about. Our 1980's appliances are going strong, spare parts and service are still available and similar units are available on CL for cheap as people do renos and want to be rid of the old stuff. I don't have a specific budget item for renos or appliance replacement in my FIRE budget.
I don't specifically budget for a replacement vehicle either. It's not something I absolutely need as I live in a walkable neighbourhood and can bike the city fine. So if my vehicle were suddenly toast I don't have to do anything immediately.
If you are doing something 4%-Rule-esque for FIRE most start years will result in your stash growing larger despite your withdrawals so you could take out some extra money for these ^^ types of items.
My own FIRE budget does have a significant portion of luxuries like travel and sports gear. If I needed to I would simply stop spending on this category and redirect towards a vehicle if necessary.
If I didn't want to cut back on my luxury spending I could get a PT job to earn enough for a replacement vehicle. Unless I make a bad choice I shouldn't be doing this frequently.
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New things. Job with added stress/time, House with major renovation, Replaced 2 twelve year old cars. I've always been balancing a less than mustachian family with my own minimalist desires. Constant ebb and flow.
I often wonder what people with extremely low budgets have planned for car replacement and things like new kitchens and appliances. Maybe they don't drive and rent... For me, I've included AU$2k a year for car replacement every ten years or more and $2k a year for a major refurb at one point, as well as something for normal repairs & replacement. I guess I could just set aside a lump sum of the stache too.
Yeah, there are a lot of big ticket items that could come up. I was going to go the route of Retire-Canada and just buffer in a flat amount (like 5k) per year but I liked breaking it down into monthly items that won't normally be spent but will come up.
So, I have things like:
$200/mo car maintenance/new car (don't own a car but might)
$100/mo clothes/misc
$300/mo house repair/moving expenses (don't own a house but might)
That's on top of the regular spend that I know is going to happen like food/internet/rent etc.
Most of the time this budget shouldn't be spent but once every few years it might be a big ticket, so it's just accounting for that.
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Nobody needs a kitchen reno so that's an easy one not to worry about. Our 1980's appliances are going strong, spare parts and service are still available and similar units are available on CL for cheap as people do renos and want to be rid of the old stuff. I don't have a specific budget item for renos or appliance replacement in my FIRE budget.
I don't specifically budget for a replacement vehicle either. It's not something I absolutely need as I live in a walkable neighbourhood and can bike the city fine. So if my vehicle were suddenly toast I don't have to do anything immediately.
If you are doing something 4%-Rule-esque for FIRE most start years will result in your stash growing larger despite your withdrawals so you could take out some extra money for these ^^ types of items.
My own FIRE budget does have a significant portion of luxuries like travel and sports gear. If I needed to I would simply stop spending on this category and redirect towards a vehicle if necessary.
If I didn't want to cut back on my luxury spending I could get a PT job to earn enough for a replacement vehicle. Unless I make a bad choice I shouldn't be doing this frequently.
Thanks for the explanation.
Our kitchen might be a want not a need but I think we'll still be replacing it as it's cheapo chipboard from the DIY store and looked shoddy when we moved in 4 years ago! I imagine it's 10+ years old and can't see it lasting more than another 5 years. It's not legal here to do anymore than change a tap washer and a lightbulb yourself so it's a very expensive undertaking and will be put off as long as poss...
With repairs I still feel we're in the tool accumulation phase, it's been expensive up til now. That category should come down a bit but then when we're old we're going to want to outsource more physical work so it's swings and roundabouts. Maybe we'll move out by then into a low maintenance place.
Up until about a week ago (!) we were intending living on property income only, so there was no significant lump sum to dip into, it had to be saved, hence the budget. (That's sounds a bit risky so I should point out we also had $100k offset against a mortgage for emergency money and we are in AU so no healthcare blowout worries). Now were are moving to a 50/50 allocation so I can model an alternative.
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Our kitchen might be a want not a need but I think we'll still be replacing it as it's cheapo chipboard from the DIY store and looked shoddy when we moved in 4 years ago! I imagine it's 10+ years old and can't see it lasting more than another 5 years. It's not legal here to do anymore than change a tap washer and a lightbulb yourself so it's a very expensive undertaking and will be put off as long as poss...
Wow! Cannot believe that the state is so controlling!
I can understand if there are standards for Electric and gas as these could be dangerous. But not in hanging a cabinet. It is something that a first timer can see a couple of u-tube videos and do it well. I just hung my first cabinets in the laundry about 6 months ago and it looks great.
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Our kitchen might be a want not a need but I think we'll still be replacing it as it's cheapo chipboard from the DIY store and looked shoddy when we moved in 4 years ago! I imagine it's 10+ years old and can't see it lasting more than another 5 years. It's not legal here to do anymore than change a tap washer and a lightbulb yourself so it's a very expensive undertaking and will be put off as long as poss...
Wow! Cannot believe that the state is so controlling!
I can understand if there are standards for Electric and gas as these could be dangerous. But not in hanging a cabinet. It is something that a first timer can see a couple of u-tube videos and do it well. I just hung my first cabinets in the laundry about 6 months ago and it looks great.
Sorry, no! We can hang cabinets! You could get away with replacing a tap with no-one knowing but I think if you redid the plumbing to rearrange things you'd be in the poo, or if you ran any wiring. And tradies cost $80-$100 an hour where I am so it adds up. We are redoing some ancient pipework in our bathroom but more or less leaving everything in the same location and it is costing $5k in plumbing, the electrician will be about $1.5k just to install a fan and move a plug and light switch. We've got a lot of bits on our version of Craigslist so we've kept costs down and we'll do the tiling, painting and hanging cabinets etc. If we do anything else it will be when interest rates have gone up and the building boom is over and trades are less in demand. Maybe.
I have no idea how the authorities would find out or what happens if they do - maybe you get a fine. You can buy stuff to do these things at the DIY store, so people just do the small stuff anyway, I guess, we have done bits and pieces not realising. With the major stuff where it has to be signed off by a building inspector then I guess licenses are checked?
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Also, in my particular situation, I've hit my bare-bones FI number last year and am just OMYing it because I'm a chicken shit that gets paid a lot.
Pretty much in the same boat, except we hit our minimum FI # next month, so that's when our OMY clock starts ticking.
Good news is that I see zero reason to delay past that.
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I was toying with OLY and moving my date to 2017 but decided to stick to my original plan. The numbers are looking good even though I don't quite trust the recent market run up. Also, DD is graduating in June and will be looking for a job after returning from 6 years of studying abroad, so I want to be around and help her out by providing a home base while she's looking. Thus the plan is still to give notice on March 16, 2018 and quit for good on April 1, 2018 :-)
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Both of us will be retired in 2018. We're close to our number now with 2 more years to support one more child through college.
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Added Michread.
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
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TL;DR Looks like I may be OLY'ing.
I am consultant and my contract had been renewed till March end 2017. There is a limit of 18 months on a contract and my 18 months ended in March. My boss and his boss got me extended by another six months. So, looks like my contract is now ending September end 2017. No idea what will happen in September.
I do not want to search for a new job, so if this contract ends in Sept, I will FIRE.
Still keeping my name on the list, will update later.
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TL;DR Looks like I may be OLY'ing.
Congratulations C&I! How does it feel to be suddenly looking at September 2017 vs. September 2018?
Reason I ask is that y FIRE date is end of June 2018, and I am recently noticing just how FAR that date still feels. When I look forward to this time next year, I hope that I will start seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Have you similarly struggled/experienced a change?
BTW, I admire the work you did on the Financial Planning Template. Thanks for sharing that.
Best wishes, Ap.
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Does anyone else this close to RE worry that you're about to give your employer?
I can earn/save another $133,000 between now and 6/18 and $262,000 in total between now and 3/19. This moves all the calculators above 95% and gives me complete freedom geographically (Hawaii is a little more expensive if I move there).
But...what is the market runs another 7-8 years? What if I end up with a hobby "job" that earns 12k/year? I just gave my employer two more years of my best mental/physical health in my 30s.
Do any of the other 2018 coherts think this? I'm fortunate I generally like my job.
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TL;DR Looks like I may be OLY'ing.
Congratulations C&I! How does it feel to be suddenly looking at September 2017 vs. September 2018?
Reason I ask is that y FIRE date is end of June 2018, and I am recently noticing just how FAR that date still feels. When I look forward to this time next year, I hope that I will start seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Have you similarly struggled/experienced a change?
BTW, I admire the work you did on the Financial Planning Template. Thanks for sharing that.
Best wishes, Ap.
Thanks Ap, It's surprisingly scaring. June 2018 was 15 months away and in the future. But six months is scary. All the questions are popping up!! It is also exciting.
Now my employers are considering converting me to an employee before the 6 month extension runs out. There is some part of me that wishes that it falls thru ;-)
Thank you for the kinds words on the financial template.
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Do any of the other 2018 coherts think this? I'm fortunate I generally like my job.
I think that all the time. That's why I am downshifting to PT now so I can enjoy a bunch more time off while I have my health. My 'stach is big enough to cross the finish line on its own.
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As noted upthread, I'm not feeling too good about my 12/31/17 date due to healthcare uncertainty. Loss of the ACA is likely to blow up my spending projections.
Good point Money Uncle. This probably will be the biggest unknown in my plans and probably for all of you also.
The latest turn of events in the healthcare legislation saga should provide a nice shot in the arm for our cohort's confidence level. The GOP appears to have taken healthcare reform completely off the legislative agenda, so the ACA should remain with us for, in Paul Ryan's words, "the foreseeable future." That won't necessarily stop Republican efforts to undermine it, but the design of the premium tax credit structure should shield anyone who falls below the maximum income threshold from the worst of those potential consequences, even under the most aggressive campaign of active sabotage imaginable.
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As noted upthread, I'm not feeling too good about my 12/31/17 date due to healthcare uncertainty. Loss of the ACA is likely to blow up my spending projections.
Good point Money Uncle. This probably will be the biggest unknown in my plans and probably for all of you also.
The latest turn of events in the healthcare legislation saga should provide a nice shot in the arm for our cohort's confidence level. The GOP appears to have taken healthcare reform completely off the legislative agenda, so the ACA should remain with us for, in Paul Ryan's words, "the foreseeable future." That won't necessarily stop Republican efforts to undermine it, but the design of the premium tax credit structure should shield anyone who falls below the maximum income threshold from the worst of those potential consequences, even under the most aggressive campaign of active sabotage imaginable.
Yes, I'm eagerly awaiting the upcoming insurance company announcements about ACA exchange participation for 2018. Hopefully that will give a good indication of where things are headed for the next year or two, at least.
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Does anyone else this close to RE worry that you're about to give your employer?
I can earn/save another $133,000 between now and 6/18 and $262,000 in total between now and 3/19. This moves all the calculators above 95% and gives me complete freedom geographically (Hawaii is a little more expensive if I move there).
But...what is the market runs another 7-8 years? What if I end up with a hobby "job" that earns 12k/year? I just gave my employer two more years of my best mental/physical health in my 30s.
Do any of the other 2018 coherts think this? I'm fortunate I generally like my job.
Naah, I'm in my late 40s, so my best years are long gone anyway. ;)
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New things. Job with added stress/time, House with major renovation, Replaced 2 twelve year old cars. I've always been balancing a less than mustachian family with my own minimalist desires. Constant ebb and flow.
I often wonder what people with extremely low budgets have planned for car replacement and things like new kitchens and appliances. Maybe they don't drive and rent... For me, I've included AU$2k a year for car replacement every ten years or more and $2k a year for a major refurb at one point, as well as something for normal repairs & replacement. I guess I could just set aside a lump sum of the stache too.
I'm planning for a $5k/yr spending buffer. I figure in most years we won't use it all, which should make up for the occasional years when we overshoot the buffer due to replacing a vehicle or incurring a major health expense. For things like appliances that are generally a couple grand or less, I try to accommodate those within the base budget.
This.
Right now I plan to FIRE in 2019 (but could move up to 2018 possibly) - anyway - I plan to FIRE with a $30,000 buffer for major expenditures (new roof, replace car) and add about $5,000 annually out of my retirement income just to feel completely safe.
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The GOP appears to have taken healthcare reform completely off the legislative agenda, so the ACA should remain with us for, in Paul Ryan's words, "the foreseeable future."
Spoke to soon, perhaps.
NY Times: "Affordable Care Act Repeal Is Back on the Agenda, Republicans Say" (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/28/us/politics/health-care-obamacare-freedom-caucus.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0)
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The GOP appears to have taken healthcare reform completely off the legislative agenda, so the ACA should remain with us for, in Paul Ryan's words, "the foreseeable future."
Spoke to soon, perhaps.
NY Times: "Affordable Care Act Repeal Is Back on the Agenda, Republicans Say" (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/28/us/politics/health-care-obamacare-freedom-caucus.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0)
I think we can safely say what the Republicans say and what they do is just like stocks and bonds: not correlated. (except in the case of extreme disaster)
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Naah, I'm in my late 40s, so my best years are long gone anyway. ;)
+1 LOL - if I start looking at it this way, I have to think I am giving my employer 1/10 to 1/30 of my lifetime for OMY. Depressing.
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One year from today: 3/30/2018. I can't wait.
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Added JLTinVA
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Aperture
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
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Quick update on our plans. As of now we are ~21 months out. It sounds like a long time, but our immediate FIRE goals require some longer term planning.
Starting in Jan 2019 we plan on buying a boat and spending a year doing the great loop and then ~ a year cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean. The planning has already begun! House is going on the market in 2 months and we're already starting to sell things. Goal is to rent the last 12+ months and have the majority of our stuff that won't go on the boat sold by the end of next year.
Also starting to buy the 2017/2018 guide books for the great loop and doing route planning. I know its still a ways off but too excited - had to share!
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Quick update on our plans. As of now we are ~21 months out. It sounds like a long time, but our immediate FIRE goals require some longer term planning.
Starting in Jan 2019 we plan on buying a boat and spending a year doing the great loop and then ~ a year cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean. The planning has already begun! House is going on the market in 2 months and we're already starting to sell things. Goal is to rent the last 12+ months and have the majority of our stuff that won't go on the boat sold by the end of next year.
Also starting to buy the 2017/2018 guide books for the great loop and doing route planning. I know its still a ways off but too excited - had to share!
Awesome plans.
Don't forget to post updates with lots of pictures in this forum when you do the great loop and caribbean cruises.
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Quick update on our plans. As of now we are ~21 months out. It sounds like a long time, but our immediate FIRE goals require some longer term planning.
Starting in Jan 2019 we plan on buying a boat and spending a year doing the great loop and then ~ a year cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean. The planning has already begun! House is going on the market in 2 months and we're already starting to sell things. Goal is to rent the last 12+ months and have the majority of our stuff that won't go on the boat sold by the end of next year.
Also starting to buy the 2017/2018 guide books for the great loop and doing route planning. I know its still a ways off but too excited - had to share!
Wow - what an incredibly cool plan. I never even heard of the great loop - had to google it. Question: have you always been into boating, or has this been a passion that developed more recently?
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Quick update on our plans. As of now we are ~21 months out. It sounds like a long time, but our immediate FIRE goals require some longer term planning.
Starting in Jan 2019 we plan on buying a boat and spending a year doing the great loop and then ~ a year cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean. The planning has already begun! House is going on the market in 2 months and we're already starting to sell things. Goal is to rent the last 12+ months and have the majority of our stuff that won't go on the boat sold by the end of next year.
Also starting to buy the 2017/2018 guide books for the great loop and doing route planning. I know its still a ways off but too excited - had to share!
Be warned: My aunt and uncle retired to their boat and planned to sail the Caribbean for 2 years...they finally returned last year after spending 6 years touring!
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@aperture - relatively new (say the last 5 years or so). Took an into sailing class in 2013 and loved it. Went on to get ASA certified through 106 and then the DW and I have done some charters since then and sail whenever we can get away (which is not nearly often enough).
@MandyM - :) that would be fantastic if it ends up that way! Doing it right on sailboat can be a pretty mustachian way to live.
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@aperture - relatively new (say the last 5 years or so). Took an into sailing class in 2013 and loved it. Went on to get ASA certified through 106 and then the DW and I have done some charters since then and sail whenever we can get away (which is not nearly often enough).
@yoda34 - this is one of the best reasons to retire early I think: when you will not be using 40 hours per week of your time renting out your brain, you have to dream up a new (better) thing to do with that time. Sailing seems much better then cubicle surfing. Best wishes. -ap.
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Well I think it's about time I officially joined you guys, and declare my estimated retirement date of April 2018 - let's call it 4/13/18.
I'm fortunate that I have an awesome (and by all appearances secure) pension from my job, so when I turn 50 in 2027 I will be able to start collecting ~25k/year. With that, I'm targeting a roughly 5% withdrawal rate for my stache which I should hit early next year. I have to admit, the whole health care thing has me nervous since if the ACA were to go away or be significantly altered that will have a big effect on our spending, but I'm hoping that between some buffer spending/income, hubby's VA eligibility, and the fact that we live in CA (I suspect that they will move towards a state-level system if the feds fuck us all over) we'll be able to overcome that. In any event, I think I'd rather live a shorter life of freedom than a longer life of indentured servitude, so I'll have to risk it.
I'm also trying to save up an extra bucket of cash for some long-neglected house renovations that I hope to accomplish in retirement. We bought our house as a fixer-upper in 2003 and haven't really done much of the fixing-up. We did some minor improvements to the bathroom but I think we're going to replace the whole bathtub/shower enclosure, and the kitchen is still the original 1960 installation, complete with burnt-orange oven and rangetop as well as pinkish-brown laminate countertop. What a strange decade the 60's must have been.
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01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
Welcome DTaggart!
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I had a conversation with a fellow military guy with about the same time/rank in the service as me. He just found out he won't be promoted again and is trying to figure out what to do next.
I laid out my plan to retire and live on my pension. He had no idea how much his pension would even pay. He was surprised how high the amount was. He asked me what I planned to "do all day". When I queried him, he told me he had no real hobbies or interests beyond his military career. I told him it might be time to start thinking about it.
I'm the first to say that I derive a great deal of my self-worth from my service and career, but I have lots of other interests and I'm excited by the opportunity to retire and have more time for other interests. I'm constantly surprised when I talk to my peers and none of them have even considered a full retirement on their (quite generous) pension.
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I laid out my plan to retire and live on my pension. He had no idea how much his pension would even pay. He was surprised how high the amount was. He asked me what I planned to "do all day". When I queried him, he told me he had no real hobbies or interests beyond his military career. I told him it might be time to start thinking about it.
I get that a lot from my readers. And their spouses.
Along with "Oh, yeah, sure, but I don't want to have to drink cheap wine, let alone recycle my dental floss..."
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I heard this is where all the cool kids hang out. I think I want in on getting out in 2018. :)
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Just went back thru our numbers and I can't see any reason we shouldn't be able to FIRE in May, 2018. We are so close!
That's the earliest for my darling wife because she (quite rightly) won't leave her colleagues and students in the lurch part way thru the school year.
I might pull my date forward but, then again, maybe I'll wait until my darling wife can FIRE with me. Might be "a good idea". :)
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Still looking to semi retire by the end of 2018. I really do like my job and would love to work 8 days a month for the next 15 years. So does that make me the class of semi retire 2018 or 2019?
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I'm officially signing on for Oct 2018...happy to join the club!
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Welcome Blindsquirrel, Fire1018 and EnjoyIt.
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
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In 2013 I thought I'd be working until 65 (2026). Did some more calcs and got it down to maybe 2023. I was sort of on the right track but didn't have real direction. In 2015 I stumbled across MMM and it all fell into place. I immediately got properly focused and revised my target to 2020.
Now, thanks to improved earnings and an 80% savings rate, I'm aiming for 56/57 (2018). So, count me in - I'll optimistically add myself to the list for April.
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01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
03/18 dividendman
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
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Just wanted to post in this thread. I would have loved to FIRE in 2018 but unfortunately it is still at least 5 years away. I could do an MMM style FIRE but need some more in the stash for more travel funding.
Good luck and I'll be following along.
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Well, I did it. Today was my annual review and I told my boss I didn't expect to be around for the next one.
I'm a gov't worker, so no risk of being shown the door earlier than I desire. I've also been the manager on this program for 8-9 years, so I wanted to give her some time to consider succession planning. (Something we talk about in theory, but haven't done much about up til now.) My program runs on a calendar year cycle, and I committed to completing this round, but said it would be my last full cycle.
Things are starting to feel real here.
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Well, I did it. Today was my annual review and I told my boss I didn't expect to be around for the next one.
I'm a gov't worker, so no risk of being shown the door earlier than I desire. I've also been the manager on this program for 8-9 years, so I wanted to give her some time to consider succession planning. (Something we talk about in theory, but haven't done much about up til now.) My program runs on a calendar year cycle, and I committed to completing this round, but said it would be my last full cycle.
Things are starting to feel real here.
Congratulations Cherry Lane. How did your boss react? Was s/he surprised? Incredulous? Non-plussed? I think any of those reactions is equally likely.
It is so exciting to start winding down the work life. I look forward to having the same conversation with my boss. Probably I will discuss it with her this September. My organization has never escorted anyone out after giving notice, and my department will fare much better if we plan to fill my position early. Best wishes - aperture.
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Well, I did it. Today was my annual review and I told my boss I didn't expect to be around for the next one.
I'm a gov't worker, so no risk of being shown the door earlier than I desire. I've also been the manager on this program for 8-9 years, so I wanted to give her some time to consider succession planning. (Something we talk about in theory, but haven't done much about up til now.) My program runs on a calendar year cycle, and I committed to completing this round, but said it would be my last full cycle.
Things are starting to feel real here.
Cherry Lane-- Congratulations! I'm reading this thread because I am considering joining the 2019 cohort and wanted to read what other nearby cohorts are up to. Having met Cherry Lane in person, I'm just particularly pleased to hear your plans are getting so real!! So cool. Sorry I can't congratulate you in person-- I moved away about a year and a half ago.
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Congratulations Cherry Lane. How did your boss react? Was s/he surprised? Incredulous? Non-plussed? I think any of those reactions is equally likely.
Thanks, aperture! Initial surprise, lots of pacing around the office in a panicked manner. She admitted that she knew I wouldn't be there forever but had been avoiding thinking about it.
I asked her not to share my plans with anyone, as I was just telling her as a courtesy for succession planning and am not ready to go public. So far she hasn't told anyone, so that's good.
My likely successor has been out of the office since this talk. She and I need to have a conversation when she's back next week. I'm working on how to frame the message that I'll need her to step up this year and do more of the work on my program without telling her why. She would not keep my news to herself.
Cherry Lane-- Congratulations! I'm reading this thread because I am considering joining the 2019 cohort and wanted to read what other nearby cohorts are up to. Having met Cherry Lane in person, I'm just particularly pleased to hear your plans are getting so real!! So cool. Sorry I can't congratulate you in person-- I moved away about a year and a half ago.
Hi, jfer_rose! Thanks for stopping in. I'd heard you moved away and have missed seeing you at the meetups. I've done the same as you, keeping up with the 2016 and 2017 threads - it helps to know what people just ahead on the timeline are planning/doing/thinking/feeling. Very exciting that you are looking at 2019!
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Did my spring physical readiness test today. That means I have just 2 more until FIRE, this coming fall and next spring.
FIRE almost 1 year out. I hit 27 years in the Navy tomorrow.
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Did my spring physical readiness test today. That means I have just 2 more until FIRE, this coming fall and next spring.
FIRE almost 1 year out. I hit 27 years in the Navy tomorrow.
I like that, timing FIRE by physical readiness tests!
Almost there!
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I have a very unpleasant and stressful on-call week that comes around every 3 months. So I am doing a countdown of that. I'm going in 18 months, so 6 more to do. After 35 years of doing all sorts of crazy after-hours cover, only 6 more is almost too hard to believe!
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01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
I've removed myself from the list.... I'm calling it 7 months early and going to move to the 2017 cohort in August! Woooo. It was fun being in this cohort! (and I'm still going to follow the thread)
Good luck folks!
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I've removed myself from the list.... I'm calling it 7 months early and going to move to the 2017 cohort in August! Woooo. It was fun being in this cohort! (and I'm still going to follow the thread)
Good luck folks!
w00t!!!!! Let us know how it goes, so that we may live vicariously through you :)
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Congrats. That's wonderful news. :)
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Way to go, dividendman!
I have FIRE envy.
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Congrats!
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Excellent!
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Congrats dividendman!!
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Thanks for all of the well wishes!
I was looking through my old posts and one of my first ones was this: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/semi-fi-career-change-how-do-you-do-it/msg379792/#msg379792 (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/semi-fi-career-change-how-do-you-do-it/msg379792/#msg379792) way back in August 2014.
Looking back, I'm glad I stuck it out instead of going part time/changing careers, but it was definitely a slog. These next 3 months are going to be even more brutal now that I know I'm pulling the plug.
On the plus side, I am meeting my 10 year plan I set when I was 25 (and had negative NW) which was to accumulate $1M so I could do whatever I wanted (didn't know about FIRE back then). I'll be pretty close to $1M if the market stays where it is. Interesting how that long term goal played out and how all of my big decisions were for that goal.
Now I need a new 10 year goal!
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Thanks for all of the well wishes!
I was looking through my old posts and one of my first ones was this: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/semi-fi-career-change-how-do-you-do-it/msg379792/#msg379792 (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/semi-fi-career-change-how-do-you-do-it/msg379792/#msg379792) way back in August 2014.
Looking back, I'm glad I stuck it out instead of going part time/changing careers, but it was definitely a slog. These next 3 months are going to be even more brutal now that I know I'm pulling the plug.
On the plus side, I am meeting my 10 year plan I set when I was 25 (and had negative NW) which was to accumulate $1M so I could do whatever I wanted (didn't know about FIRE back then). I'll be pretty close to $1M if the market stays where it is. Interesting how that long term goal played out and how all of my big decisions were for that goal.
Now I need a new 10 year goal!
Dividendman, congrats on pulling the plug early. I went back and read your linked post. It is really nice to see that place you came from feeling pretty low at work (like most of us do at times - at least I can relate), and seeing you now stepping out of work in a strong position to dream up what's next. Wish you all the best. -ap.
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Checked the academic calendar. My wife can retire on May 8, 2018, which is the day after grades are due.
Her wages come in on a yearly basis (rather than bigger $ during the school year and $0 in the summer), so she'll still have an income until the end of August.
I think I'll retire no later than May 1, 2018. That way I can handle her chores for her during finals week.
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Just changed my forum signature to reflect our FI date! Woot!
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Grinding away at work (or not). Spending more time daydreaming and reading/planning for investments than working. I find this is a hard time of year to focus at work anyway due to all the great weather and outside activities going on. I'd rather be out there playing or working on home improvement projects! Not sure how I'm going to regain the motivation at work right now.
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Not sure how I'm going to regain the motivation at work right now.
With a 2018 FIRE date you don't necessarily need to get re-motivated. All you have to do is coast to the finish line. If you are a high level performer [not uncommon on this forum] you can likely meet your minimum job expectations and goof off. I know that I can.
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Long time lurker ... first time poster.
[Deep breath] I'm in for 2018! In fact, the very beginning of 2018!
Insert the usual disclaimers about the election and ACA changes. As long as there are affordable (and somewhat stable??) health care choices available, I'm in!
Our plan is
(1) Sell our house while the housing market in our area is very good. Probably by mid 2017.
(2) DH will pull the plug then, and move to our "retirement" home that we already own in a neighboring state.
Goodbye concrete! Hello pine trees!
(3) I will stay behind to finish 2017, mainly to provide benefits for our college / post college kiddos. I'll stay with sister, friends, parents.
(4) Sometime towards the end of 2017, give notice and prepare for Life NOT Working For The Man!
I've already got my Dr. Doom inspired lists going of things I want to do Post FIRE. I am SOOOOO looking forward to it!
I am afraid that I am leaving the 2018 cohorts ... another victim of OLY!
Our plan outlined above worked... too well!?! We put the house on the market March 30... had 4 offers well over asking price in the first 4 days. We closed on one of those offers 3 weeks later!!?! So DH gave notice, and he and the doggies have moved to our retirement home out of state. I'm surfing guest rooms. AND I've recently learned that there is a voluntary package being offered at work.
SO, June 30, 2017 is the new date. I can't believe it. I haven't said it out loud at work yet, as I have a large group of employees and we are working out the transition plan... but only 32 more working days!!!!?!
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I am afraid that I am leaving the 2018 cohorts ... another victim of OLY!
Congrats! :)
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Long time lurker ... first time poster.
[Deep breath] I'm in for 2018! In fact, the very beginning of 2018!
Insert the usual disclaimers about the election and ACA changes. As long as there are affordable (and somewhat stable??) health care choices available, I'm in!
Our plan is
(1) Sell our house while the housing market in our area is very good. Probably by mid 2017.
(2) DH will pull the plug then, and move to our "retirement" home that we already own in a neighboring state.
Goodbye concrete! Hello pine trees!
(3) I will stay behind to finish 2017, mainly to provide benefits for our college / post college kiddos. I'll stay with sister, friends, parents.
(4) Sometime towards the end of 2017, give notice and prepare for Life NOT Working For The Man!
I've already got my Dr. Doom inspired lists going of things I want to do Post FIRE. I am SOOOOO looking forward to it!
I am afraid that I am leaving the 2018 cohorts ... another victim of OLY!
Our plan outlined above worked... too well!?! We put the house on the market March 30... had 4 offers well over asking price in the first 4 days. We closed on one of those offers 3 weeks later!!?! So DH gave notice, and he and the doggies have moved to our retirement home out of state. I'm surfing guest rooms. AND I've recently learned that there is a voluntary package being offered at work.
SO, June 30, 2017 is the new date. I can't believe it. I haven't said it out loud at work yet, as I have a large group of employees and we are working out the transition plan... but only 32 more working days!!!!?!
Woot. Come join me in the 2017 cohort! https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/target-fire-2017/1000/ (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/target-fire-2017/1000/)
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Congratulations WannaGoOutside.
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
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I'm vacationing with five friends and after my nth mojito shared that I won't be working this time next year, etc. Most knew my plans to retire "early", but I'd been careful in the past to be vague about timing, saying "by the time I'm 50". So they were like "Wait, what? Did you change your plan?" (I'll be 43 this year) but seem supportive and happy for me, if a bit envious. I love these ladies!
These are the first real life people I've told the whole plan to. Others know I'm going back to school but either don't know I'm leaving my job or don't know I'm not planning to get another job after.
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I've found its terrifying to tell people in person. No idea why, but just terrifying.
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I've found its terrifying to tell people in person. No idea why, but just terrifying.
I struggle with this as well. Sometimes its because I don't want to sound braggy to people that make a lot less than I do. And with my parents, I feel like they worry about my plans so although I've mentioned it to them in the past, I don't talk about it much. I was pleasantly surprised this last weekend though. I switched to part time hours last week (to cut down to 3 days/week) and told my dad and stepmom about it on Saturday. They were nothing but excited for me. I seem to remember that when I mentioned my plans to dad several months ago his response was a bewildered "why??" I guess my explanation (and promise of long weekend visits) was convincing.
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I've found its terrifying to tell people in person. No idea why, but just terrifying.
I have told a few people that I am moving out of the country. Everyone assumes that we will get new jobs and continue working there. When I explain that we might do that, but probably not, people start thinking that we have a little bit of money saved but that eventually we'll need to work again.
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I have not told anyone, though my DW was drinking with some of my co-workers and told them I was not long for my job. I think the longer I do not tell anyone, the stronger will be the temptation to stay past my FIRE date. FOUR MORE MONTHS would be a brand new BMW Adventure Bike (not that the DW would ever allow such a thing). I am still 13 months out from departure, and I like the flexibility of not having told anyone my specific date. If the stock market goes on sale, I might decide to stay and throw a little gasoline on the FIRE.
Best wishes to all, ap.
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May of '18. Could be earlier, but stock options at work have always been in the equation, so I might as well stick it out.
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I see you are losing a few to OLY.
DW and I are currently down for June 2019, but might bring it forward to June 2018. So maybe you'll gain a few from OLY too in these booming times.
Posting to follow for now, and we will decide at the end of this year whether to finish up next year or stock with the original plan.
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I am joining the FI/RE 2018. Planned date, Dec. 1st. 2018.
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As I enter my (hopefully) last 12 months of employment, I keep finding myself thinking "this is the last time I'll ever have to do X." Last annual proficiency test? Check! Last time I have to fill out annual regulatory disclosure form? Check! Last very awkward celebration of boss's birthday? Check!
This past week I just finished my second to last required training course, it was torturous. There were moments where I almost got up and walked out. My tolerance for bullshit is evaporating quickly.
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I keep finding myself thinking "this is the last time I'll ever have to do X."... My tolerance for bullshit is evaporating quickly.
I have been in the same boat for the last 6 months. On Thursday, I hit our comfortable FIRE number. I want a little more padding and I need to finance some projects around the house. So I am going to stick it out for the rest of the year. It is going to be a loooong 7 months.
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This summer should be the last time I have to study and take the Security+ exam.
Thank God, because it's a near total waste of my time and money.
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As I enter my (hopefully) last 12 months of employment, I keep finding myself thinking "this is the last time I'll ever have to do X." Last annual proficiency test? Check! Last time I have to fill out annual regulatory disclosure form? Check! Last very awkward celebration of boss's birthday? Check!
This past week I just finished my second to last required training course, it was torturous. There were moments where I almost got up and walked out. My tolerance for bullshit is evaporating quickly.
I spend a lot of time imagining how I'll tell my asshole boss I'm leaving. I've never burned a bridge before, but I feel like igniting a glorious conflagration during one of our morning meetings.
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As I enter my (hopefully) last 12 months of employment, I keep finding myself thinking "this is the last time I'll ever have to do X." Last annual proficiency test? Check! Last time I have to fill out annual regulatory disclosure form? Check! Last very awkward celebration of boss's birthday? Check!
This past week I just finished my second to last required training course, it was torturous. There were moments where I almost got up and walked out. My tolerance for bullshit is evaporating quickly.
This!! I hit my one more year date in 2 weeks (well I take a 3 week vacation in 2 weeks then hit my OMY date). I am hoping to relish with great satisfaction the experience of doing mid-point evaluations for the last time, budget proposals for the last time, work Friday after Thanksgiving because my selfish partner will never work it for the last time... I am a lot cranky at work, and the bullshit has long since lost its luster. Still, it gives perspective to look afresh at the things that fill my days and realize that so much of what goes into a 'career' is really just showing up for someone else's shit show. -ap
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I think my happiest "this is the last time I have to do this" was my annual review. Our last work date is Mid-April 2018 and I was thrilled that it would be right before they could do another one of these. Never mind I get probably the highest rating out of our staff, I still despise it and they still always write a con on my review that makes me wince and ruminate. Bah. I look forward to going from neurotic overachiever to lazy nomad.
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I think my happiest "this is the last time I have to do this" was my annual review. Our last work date is Mid-April 2018 and I was thrilled that it would be right before they could do another one of these. Never mind I get probably the highest rating out of our staff, I still despise it and they still always write a con on my review that makes me wince and ruminate. Bah. I look forward to going from neurotic overachiever to lazy nomad.
If you think that's rough, imagine my pain of writing nine of them. The first 5-10 minutes is very productive, then its hours of dealing with a slow system, then peer discussion of performance, management review, raise pool arguments, and delivery.
I'd bail right before review time if it also didn't line up on the same two months as 40% or so of my comp is paid.
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I think my happiest "this is the last time I have to do this" was my annual review. Our last work date is Mid-April 2018 and I was thrilled that it would be right before they could do another one of these. Never mind I get probably the highest rating out of our staff, I still despise it and they still always write a con on my review that makes me wince and ruminate. Bah. I look forward to going from neurotic overachiever to lazy nomad.
If you think that's rough, imagine my pain of writing nine of them. The first 5-10 minutes is very productive, then its hours of dealing with a slow system, then peer discussion of performance, management review, raise pool arguments, and delivery.
I'd bail right before review time if it also didn't line up on the same two months as 40% or so of my comp is paid.
Yeah, I've got ten of them to do. Plus review and sign off on six more that my immediate subordinates have to do. One of the least favorite parts of my job, and my job has a lot of "unfavorite" parts. I have to go through at least one more cycle of reviews this fall; hopefully that will be the last time. But we'll see if I actually get to pull the plug at the beginning of 2018 as planned.
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Wanted to share another quick update. House went on the market officially this weekend. Agent seems convinced that it will sell quickly. I'm so frickin excited I can already smell the salt water.
Cheers!
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Caoineag and chassesfish,
I have set my own date exactly for that: avoiding another round of performance reviews. I love the coaching part of being a people manager, but the heavy processes was really big drain on me. I don't mind delivering the message that someone performed poorly, but I just can't deal with reading 50+ reviews in search of something that is not immediately obvious when discussing my findings with my peers for 10+ hours. I never liked that part of my job.
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Caoineag and chassesfish,
I have set my own date exactly for that: avoiding another round of performance reviews. I love the coaching part of being a people manager, but the heavy processes was really big drain on me. I don't mind delivering the message that someone performed poorly, but I just can't deal with reading 50+ reviews in search of something that is not immediately obvious when discussing my findings with my peers for 10+ hours. I never liked that part of my job.
That's awesome!! I really can't avoid them at all, 25-35% of my pay hits a month after reviews are due.
You know the only thing worse than writing the performance reviews? Its when poor to mediocre performing employees want to "discuss their career" with you. More than half of my employees and indirect reports are in jobs that include sales goals. WTF is there to discuss with an employee not showing the effort to meet their current goals? I'm more than happy to spend all the time I have with high performing and/or high potential people, but I won't miss the part of management where I have to hold in the "Do your f@#$ing job first" response.
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That's awesome!! I really can't avoid them at all, 25-35% of my pay hits a month after reviews are due.
I bet you'll feel less unhappy about these final reviews knowing you are about to FIRE. ;)
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Caoineag and chassesfish,
I have set my own date exactly for that: avoiding another round of performance reviews. I love the coaching part of being a people manager, but the heavy processes was really big drain on me. I don't mind delivering the message that someone performed poorly, but I just can't deal with reading 50+ reviews in search of something that is not immediately obvious when discussing my findings with my peers for 10+ hours. I never liked that part of my job.
Unless you have to grade them on a curve and give poor reviews to a certain percentage of employees, why not give good/great reviews to everybody? What's the difference, you're retiring soon anyway. It's not like you pay them out of your pocket, either. You'll be happier, and you'll make your reports happier as well.
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I really don't mind 60% of the reviews since I've had a chance to build/pick my team, but some of the others are tough, especially when I have employees that have all the ability in the world but choose not to put the day to day effort to be successful. One is going to make it, but the other is well-liked by everyone, great to have around, but is going down a path of getting terminated in 6-9 months.
I don't have an option to give everyone a great review when most of the jobs have tangible sales results tied to them.
Either one or two more rounds to go in total
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You know the only thing worse than writing the performance reviews? Its when poor to mediocre performing employees want to "discuss their career" with you.
Some of them (us) are mediocre performing employees precisely because nobody has ever taken the time to "discuss their career" with them. If you're in a dead-end job with no potential for advancement and no recognition for your accomplishments, you typically have little incentive to bust your ass to meet arbitrary production targets. Except the fear of getting fired, but I think we all know what Peter Gibbons has to say about that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoC7e-mqPCc#t=33.5s
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I guess we belong to this cohort. We are really, really trying to hang on with DH's job until late March/April 2018 (I am SAHM already). He has a side gig he is REALLY passionate about that pays a tiny amount so if he does not make it to next spring, well, that is ok too. Close enough....
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You know the only thing worse than writing the performance reviews? Its when poor to mediocre performing employees want to "discuss their career" with you.
Some of them (us) are mediocre performing employees precisely because nobody has ever taken the time to "discuss their career" with them. If you're in a dead-end job with no potential for advancement and no recognition for your accomplishments, you typically have little incentive to bust your ass to meet arbitrary production targets. Except the fear of getting fired, but I think we all know what Peter Gibbons has to say about that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoC7e-mqPCc#t=33.5s
One of my favorite movies of all time!
I hear what you're saying, but I have to share perspective. I run what I'll call a "second level" department inside a sales organization. Most of my employees have worked another job in the organization before they can make it to my team. There are many motivated and smart internal candidates that would love to work on my team for the opportunities it provides. I don't have a lot of tolerance for people who have ability, but won't put in the effort required to meet their goals. Its as simple as "your comp is X, you need to bring in your comp x 2 to cover your costs plus overhead (and maintain employment, call it the Peter Gibbons line), and you really need to bring in your comp x 3 consistently to provide a return to the shareholders".
I'm very tolerate of lack of results if the right effort is there and they're taking my advice. I'm not tolerate of an employee who tells me "yeah, yeah, I need to do that" to my face, with no intention of ever doing anything. Go work somewhere else, 10 people are lined up for your position and we live in the best job market in the country.
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Unless you have to grade them on a curve and give poor reviews to a certain percentage of employees, why not give good/great reviews to everybody? What's the difference, you're retiring soon anyway. It's not like you pay them out of your pocket, either. You'll be happier, and you'll make your reports happier as well.
I actually believe that it would do one a big disservice and introduce a lot of confusion in their mind if he or she were to receive a good review when they delivered a bad performance. Sure, the financial reward would be sweet, but on the long run everyone has the potential to grow and in the corporate world, reviews are one of the highest leverage growth driver. For me, continuing to do my job well until the end is a pretty big element of leaving with peace of mind.
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Unless you have to grade them on a curve and give poor reviews to a certain percentage of employees, why not give good/great reviews to everybody? What's the difference, you're retiring soon anyway. It's not like you pay them out of your pocket, either. You'll be happier, and you'll make your reports happier as well.
One that would lack integrity - both simply to yourself and to the company who is paying you to act in good faith. Two you aren't helping people by giving them a false sense of security around their job performance. Three the next manager to review them will hammer them and they could end up worse off because of the change in reported performance year to year.
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Eleven months to go! Woot!
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Story time:
So I have this buddy at work named John, who works in another department so we don't see each other very often. We shared a car ride to a meeting last year, and got to talking about retirement and how careful financial planning and controlling your expenses can potentially put you in a position to retire early, or take another job for reasons other than money. And he seemed to really get it, the whole idea of how overspending commits you to unnecessary years at a desk when you'd rather be doing something else more important. Like so many federal employees John has a military pension in the bag and a side gig with the reserves, so he's financially well situated to make the early retirement leap.
Every month or so when we cross paths in the break room or something, he asks me about it and tells me he's getting really close. He's clearly excited, and I'm excited for him. I'm spreading the gospel, so to speak.
So today I walk into the break room and there's John casually talking to one of our senior management types about this topic, and right as I appear he says "and it's all thanks to talking to this guy..." and starts grilling me about my retirement plan progress. This makes me very uncomfortable, since I've kept my RE plans under wraps at work, for professional reasons.
And then,
RIGHT as the big-boss-lady walks into the room
he says to me,
"So when are you finally quitting?"
Shit. Trying to suppress the deer-in-the-headlights look on my face, I laugh and turn to the boss and tell her we're talking about what we're all going to do when we finally leave federal service, and she launches into this big speech about pottery and cooking classes and joining a choir and all of the wonderful things she wants to do. At this point, I'm thinking maybe I've saved it? Maybe I didn't just get outed?
The other manager is smirking quietly to herself through all of this, very deliberately keeping her mouth shut and watching me squirm. She finishes her salad and sneaks out. John excuses himself. Now it's just me and the big boss, and she's still talking about retirement plans and how much happier her husband is now that he's retired and volunteering and running a side business coaching kids. She finally starts to slow down, and as she's walking out, she pauses for a moment and turns and says to me "If you're brave enough, you can do it. Other people have left jobs like ours to go pursue something else they love more..."
and then she disappears with her bowl of soup or whatever and leaves me standing there. Alone. Unsure of exactly what has just transpired.
Soooooo, I think I just inadvertently announced to my boss my plans to retire early?
Hi John!
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Soooooo, I think I just inadvertently announced to my boss my plans to retire early?
Oops...
But, no. If things transpired as you related them, I don't think you were completely outed. It does sound like big boss will be receptive to hearing your announcement when it comes, though, so you've go that. Maybe it was even a challenge?
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My plan is May of 2018. So far I'm slightly ahead of schedule. Our FI number is pretty low, but so are my opportunities to reach it. We put a contract on our 10th rental last week, which was our goal. I'm diligently stashing every nickel I can. My wife in onboard with RE and FI in general, but convincing her that sacrifices today are necessary for FI tomorrow has not always been an easy sell.
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Added Alim Nassor
It is exciting for me, my one year countdown starts!
01/18 FIBy30
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~03/18 CherryLane
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03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
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04/18 Calvin
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~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
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05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
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~06/18 Pylortes
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06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
??/18 brooklynguy
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
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Soooooo, I think I just inadvertently announced to my boss my plans to retire early?
Oops...
But, no. If things transpired as you related them, I don't think you were completely outed. It does sound like big boss will be receptive to hearing your announcement when it comes, though, so you've go that. Maybe it was even a challenge?
I agree, I don't think you were completely outed, but it probably won't be a huge surprise now either. That is a pretty great comment from the boss, I would love to hear that from mine.
I had something similar happen to me several years ago. I had shared my plan with one coworker that I would socialize with outside of work. One day he had a long car ride with the boss and I found out that he blabbed the whole thing to him. I was still 5+ years away, but my boss at the time was a nervous nelly. I had to smooth it over with some vague statements of "someday" and "by the time I'm 50."
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Lots of people talk about retirement, but few pull the plug early. So simply saying I'd like to retire early doesn't out you. Just about everyone would agree to retire early if it's a casual lunchroom discussion. That doesn't mean anything. If you were talking about a specific date and had your co-workers all gathered around your investment/FIRE spreadsheet when the boss walk in that might be a different story.
Even on this forum of FIRE enthusiasts OMYing [incl low WRing] is pretty rampant and [in theory] we should be the most inclined group to pull the plug early.
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Unsure of exactly what has just transpired.
So what's your verdict? Was this an innocent case of mere obliviousness to vocational etiquette? A deliberate act of attempted career sabotage? A conspiracy among all involved parties to let you know the cat is out of the bag? Or maybe that each of them is actually one of us? I'm very confused.
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On the countdown list, I'd like to officially trade in my question marks for the month of February. Our nation's healthcare situation still hangs in the balance, but I'm tired of waiting and ready to throw caution to the wind.
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
02/18 brooklynguy
~02/18 PizzaSteve
~03/18 CherryLane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
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On the countdown list, I'd like to officially trade in my question marks for the month of February. Our nation's healthcare situation still hangs in the balance, but I'm tired of waiting and ready to throw caution to the wind.
Hooray!
I'm also returning my tilde. March for sure (the 16th to be more precise).
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
02/18 brooklynguy
~02/18 PizzaSteve
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
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Story time:
So I have this buddy at work named John, who works in another department so we don't see each other very often. We shared a car ride to a meeting last year, and got to talking about retirement and how careful financial planning and controlling your expenses can potentially put you in a position to retire early, or take another job for reasons other than money. And he seemed to really get it, the whole idea of how overspending commits you to unnecessary years at a desk when you'd rather be doing something else more important. Like so many federal employees John has a military pension in the bag and a side gig with the reserves, so he's financially well situated to make the early retirement leap.
Every month or so when we cross paths in the break room or something, he asks me about it and tells me he's getting really close. He's clearly excited, and I'm excited for him. I'm spreading the gospel, so to speak.
So today I walk into the break room and there's John casually talking to one of our senior management types about this topic, and right as I appear he says "and it's all thanks to talking to this guy..." and starts grilling me about my retirement plan progress. This makes me very uncomfortable, since I've kept my RE plans under wraps at work, for professional reasons.
And then,
RIGHT as the big-boss-lady walks into the room
he says to me,
"So when are you finally quitting?"
Shit. Trying to suppress the deer-in-the-headlights look on my face, I laugh and turn to the boss and tell her we're talking about what we're all going to do when we finally leave federal service, and she launches into this big speech about pottery and cooking classes and joining a choir and all of the wonderful things she wants to do. At this point, I'm thinking maybe I've saved it? Maybe I didn't just get outed?
The other manager is smirking quietly to herself through all of this, very deliberately keeping her mouth shut and watching me squirm. She finishes her salad and sneaks out. John excuses himself. Now it's just me and the big boss, and she's still talking about retirement plans and how much happier her husband is now that he's retired and volunteering and running a side business coaching kids. She finally starts to slow down, and as she's walking out, she pauses for a moment and turns and says to me "If you're brave enough, you can do it. Other people have left jobs like ours to go pursue something else they love more..."
and then she disappears with her bowl of soup or whatever and leaves me standing there. Alone. Unsure of exactly what has just transpired.
Soooooo, I think I just inadvertently announced to my boss my plans to retire early?
Hi John!
Great story! It just got real! It's cool how supportive she was about early retirement. Sounds like your co-workers will be very happy for you when you retire.
I just mentioned to one of my co-workers about early retirement. He was a bit surprised and then said he wished he could retire early. I didn't go into too much detail of how to do it but if he asks about it I'll point him to MMM.
I used to say I was retiring by 50, now I'm telling friends and family it will be 45 but really I think its going to be later this year (at 41) or early next year (at 42). I'm currently in the 2017 cohort in early December after my stock vests but I may OMY to this cohort. I'm not yet ready to give up on 2017 though...
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Shooting for 2018 - if I can last that long in my current job. Depends on the markets as well. Goal is paid off home plus 1Million CDN.
Might retire, might do a career change, might start a fun business, might do a fun part time job - not sure!
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We are planning on sometime between March 2018 and July 2018. A few things we need to factor in which will determine our actual date. My youngest will be finishing up school June 2018 and we then plan to move to a LCOL, downsize and buy a house with the equity from our current abode. I will be fully FIRE'd by then but DW plans to continue working.
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Added thriftycanadian and SnidelyWhiplashStache
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
02/18 brooklynguy
~02/18 PizzaSteve
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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Our stock market rally has done so well that my magic spreadsheet thinks I should retire on July 4th, in approximately two weeks, instead of next March as originally planned.
I'm going to stick it out, though.
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My retirement date is exactly 1 year out, next June 15th. Full disclosure, this will be my last day of work and the day of my ceremony, I'll get paid for an additional 2 months burning leave and taking the retirement house/job hunting the Navy provides.
It's getting real!
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I've bounced my RE date around quite a bit, and was looking at 8/17. Now I'm going to go part-time in September of this year, and home to fully pull the plug in April of 2018. D*mn, it is hard to finally cut the cord!
Added thriftycanadian and SnidelyWhiplashStache
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
02/18 brooklynguy
~02/18 PizzaSteve
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
~04/18 Lucky Girl
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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Our stock market rally has done so well that my magic spreadsheet thinks I should retire on July 4th, in approximately two weeks, instead of next March as originally planned.
I'm going to stick it out, though.
Yeah, I was there in March 2018 with you but I just find it intolerable to keep the slog up when I hate it so much and am well over the 4% rule for my pretty lavish spending so I moved to August 2017.
I'm really at the point that if the market took a 30% dump today I'd still pull the plug, take some time off (i.e. years, not months), and then work again if really required.
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If I had a clue what to do about health care I'd join the class of 2018. In fact my countdown timer at work is set for March 1, 2018. Did that in 2014 when in a position I hated. Better department now so I've pushed OMY to June 2019. Still ahead of my original goal of 2020 before ever hearing of MMM.
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Our stock market rally has done so well that my magic spreadsheet thinks I should retire on July 4th, in approximately two weeks, instead of next March as originally planned.
I'm going to stick it out, though.
Today, mint notified me that my retirement date has arrived. It thinks I should retire today, based on savings targets I set for myself at the outset of my career.
But I did not have three children back then, so tomorrow I'll be back in my cubicle again slaving away. Le sigh.
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Our stock market rally has done so well that my magic spreadsheet thinks I should retire on July 4th, in approximately two weeks, instead of next March as originally planned.
I'm going to stick it out, though.
Today, mint notified me that my retirement date has arrived. It thinks I should retire today, based on savings targets I set for myself at the outset of my career.
But I did not have three children back then, so tomorrow I'll be back in my cubicle again slaving away. Le sigh.
sol -- congratulations. I too keep looking at my Mint goal that is setup. It still says it is at least 5-6 years away. The bright side is that the mint goal does not take SS into account. Thus that timeline may be more conservative than needed.
One of my (older) colleagues was let go today. This person is SS eligible but is someone who would like to continue working forever. Not sure of his financial status. He was expecting that he would be working at least OMY but did not expect that day would be today.
There are no guarantees provided in employment unless you are tenured.
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01/18 FIBy30
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01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
02/18 brooklynguy
~02/18 PizzaSteve
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
My goal for 2018 was to downshift. At the end of 2016 I was working 2 full-time contracts in order to max my savings and try and accelerate my way to FIRE since I started this mission later in life. I'm 48 this year and life is too short to keep working full-time so downshifting for a few years with zero or minimal addition savings, but tons of extra free time is the right move for me.
I'm now working just one FT contract and will be moving to either 24hrs/wk or 30hrs/wk - 3 x 8/10hrs days in July. I'm still negotiating with my client which PT hour target we are shooting for.
My personal FIRE definitions for doing some work are:
- working = 75%+ FT
- downshift = 25%+ - 75% FT
- FIRE = 25% or less FT
The range 24hrs-30hrs a week falls into my downshift category. With unpaid vacations and statutory holidays my %'s will be well below 75% FT, but no where near 25% FT.
Although it's not FIRE my free time per year is pretty awesome. Just counting full days to myself:
- My downshift = ~220 days off a year
- Standard M-F worker with [4 weeks holiday] = ~129 days off a year
So that's like an extra 3 months off a year.
To those FIREing in 2018 I salute you and thanks for letting me hang out in this cohort. Hearing your stories and impending FIRE plans definitely helped motivate me to realize my plan.
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I spend three days per week in the office (work at home the other days) and have a countdown going at my desk of remaining office days (I've taken out holidays and already-planned vacation). As of this week, I'm down to double-digits!
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I have zero motivation at my current gig and slogging it to work every day is killing my soul.
I hear you on this one!!
Thirded :) and aiming for Pareto retirement in January 2018 (would need to move for FI, but keen to start some entrepreneuring)
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Added NorGirl
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
02/18 brooklynguy
~02/18 PizzaSteve
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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OMY for SpreadsheetMan :-(
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
02/18 brooklynguy
~02/18 PizzaSteve
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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I'm not ready to join Spreadsheet Man yet, but I may need to do OMY based on ridiculously high medical expenses, the need to keep corporate insurance, and potentially taking a demotion/pay cut....We will see.
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01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
02/18 brooklynguy
~02/18 PizzaSteve
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
I will be pulling the plug in April. DW will be going in March. I get an 401 K matching end of March and 1st part of April they (usually)give an annual company stock incentive. This can be up to 4% of annual salary, but I have never seen it exceed 2%, but hey, last little bit of free money before calling it quits. I added a countdown on my calendar, T-Minus 100 falls on the last weekend in December, so when I come back to work in 2018 I get to look forward to being under 100 days.
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Hello 'stachers, NorCalistache here. I'm new to the forum.
I have an August 2018 FIRE date. In my case the "E" part of FIRE must be judged, er, generously, as I will be a few months shy of age 58 when I cash in my chips. It will be after 29 years as a university professor. Fortunately, I and Mrs. NorCalistache have a shared appreciation for simple living.
Lots of my colleagues are astonished that I am retiring, though for me it is a transition from professor and consultant to just part-time consultant, working on projects that interest me. Mrs. NorCalistache may continue some work, or not, its up to her. We can do fine either way.
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Hello 'stachers, NorCalistache here. I'm new to the forum.
I have an August 2018 FIRE date. In my case the "E" part of FIRE must be judged, er, generously, as I will be a few months shy of age 58 when I cash in my chips.
RE can be REtired. Congrats! :)
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Added NorCalistache
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
02/18 brooklynguy
~02/18 PizzaSteve
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve Left the forum.
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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I hit a wall with my motivation at work and ended up turning in my resignation much earlier than I originally planned. Oh darn :) So I am officially out of the Class of 2018, my last day will be somewhere around 7/25. Good luck everyone!!
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve Left the forum.
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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I hit a wall with my motivation at work and ended up turning in my resignation much earlier than I originally planned. Oh darn :) So I am officially out of the Class of 2018, my last day will be somewhere around 7/25. Good luck everyone!!
..
Congratulations MandyM. Best of luck in your FIRE.
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I hit a wall with my motivation at work and ended up turning in my resignation much earlier than I originally planned. Oh darn :) So I am officially out of the Class of 2018, my last day will be somewhere around 7/25. Good luck everyone!!
Congrats! Enjoy! :)
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Quote from: MandyM on Today at 07:19:45 AM
"I hit a wall with my motivation at work and ended up turning in my resignation much earlier than I originally planned. Oh darn :) So I am officially out of the Class of 2018, my last day will be somewhere around 7/25. Good luck everyone!!"
Congrats! I am trying to keep my motivation up and not do this. It doesn't help that we are doing our 'OMY'. This year is padding the acct to ensure even if the house sells for way less than anticipated, we're still good.
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Signed my retirement letter to the Navy today, so it's getting real! Last day of work is June 15th.
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Suddenly, this thread sucks a whole lot more.
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I hit a wall with my motivation at work and ended up turning in my resignation much earlier than I originally planned. Oh darn :) So I am officially out of the Class of 2018, my last day will be somewhere around 7/25. Good luck everyone!!
Congratulations MandyM!
On a side note, I had a really terrible phone call with my boss before my vacation last week, so my hubs and I decided that it was time to pull the trigger. I tried to call it quits today and my boss refused to accept my resignation! I am going to try to negotiate part-time, since I don't want to burn any bridges.
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I tried to call it quits today and my boss refused to accept my resignation!
I'm pretty sure your boss doesn't actually have that option. ;)
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I tried to call it quits today and my boss refused to accept my resignation!
I'm pretty sure your boss doesn't actually have that option. ;)
This is true but I am trying to stay on good terms since I might need to use this job as a reference. My new plan is to talk to my boss at the client site and arrange a part-time schedule with them. Use that as leverage to get my boss to allow me to work part-time. If that doesn't go over, then the bridge will be burned!
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I tried to call it quits today and my boss refused to accept my resignation!
I'm pretty sure your boss doesn't actually have that option. ;)
This is true but I am trying to stay on good terms since I might need to use this job as a reference. My new plan is to talk to my boss at the client site and arrange a part-time schedule with them. Use that as leverage to get my boss to allow me to work part-time. If that doesn't go over, then the bridge will be burned!
If my boss "refused" a two week notice. He'd quickly have a however-long-it-takes-me-to-walk-out-of-the-office notice period.
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Caoineag and chassesfish,
I have set my own date exactly for that: avoiding another round of performance reviews. I love the coaching part of being a people manager, but the heavy processes was really big drain on me. I don't mind delivering the message that someone performed poorly, but I just can't deal with reading 50+ reviews in search of something that is not immediately obvious when discussing my findings with my peers for 10+ hours. I never liked that part of my job.
That's awesome!! I really can't avoid them at all, 25-35% of my pay hits a month after reviews are due.
You know the only thing worse than writing the performance reviews? Its when poor to mediocre performing employees want to "discuss their career" with you. More than half of my employees and indirect reports are in jobs that include sales goals. WTF is there to discuss with an employee not showing the effort to meet their current goals? I'm more than happy to spend all the time I have with high performing and/or high potential people, but I won't miss the part of management where I have to hold in the "Do your f@#$ing job first" response.
For you and your goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJtrLKGZZFg
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Suddenly, this thread sucks a whole lot more.
Sol - I am feeling about the same. Sometime in the next 12 months, this thread is going to get a whole lot better though.
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Suddenly, this thread sucks a whole lot more.
Sol - I am feeling about the same. Sometime in the next 12 months, this thread is going to get a whole lot better though.
So true, the light at the end of my tunnel is a year away....
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In the Class of 2017 thread some of us were discussing a strange kind of sadness as we prepared to leave our jobs. homestead neohio had this comment, that I liked very much:
I'm looking forward to the sadness and nostalgia and feeling all the feels of this life milestone. It just means we're complicated humans who are alive. Right now I'm treasuring the security of the paycheck while it lasts and the richness of the anticipation I'm feeling.
Perhaps a year is a long time to dwell in anticipation, but still not a bad thing to keep in mind as you get closer and closer.
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Posting to lurk. Perhaps to every join this cohort on short notice.
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MMM fan from Scotland UK here. Mrs PD and I have reached FI a couple of years ago, but she wanted to carry on so we delayed retiring until June 2018. On one huge weekend we will both retire, it will be our 10th wedding anniversary, and it will be a "significant" birthday for her!
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Welcome poppydog. Added to June ...
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve Left the forum.
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
06/18 poppydog
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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MMM fan from Scotland UK here. Mrs PD and I have reached FI a couple of years ago, but she wanted to carry on so we delayed retiring until June 2018. On one huge weekend we will both retire, it will be our 10th wedding anniversary, and it will be a "significant" birthday for her!
Welcome poppydog. I am also in the June 2018 cohort - looking forward to more of a quiet weekend after putting away my money firehose. -ap.
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Well, I might be "graduating" sooner than planned.
I work at a government facility. Contract is up "real soon now". It's supposed to be put up for bid again. This would be all routine but it takes at least 2 weeks longer to make a new contract happen than the old contract has time left in it.
Now, the way these contracts work is that the private company that wins the contract pretty much hires the people who have been doing the work and collects the money for them. They don't know their employees and pretty much don't care to. We might see them once a year at lunch for an hour. Maybe twice a year for an hour when a contract is up for renewal. We're just cogs in the great government tit milking machine to them.
(We, the employees, actually try to do good work for our client, the government. That varies, of course, from one group of employees to another, but we've got a hard-working, honest and competent crew. We actually care whether we get the job done. But I digress.)
So, pretty much no employee in this situation has any expectation of loyalty from their employer. We can't trust that we would be told ahead of time that there will be a multi-week gap in pay. That's because it might cause people to put in job applications and get hired elsewhere, which would mean that the company wouldn't collect all possible billable hours.
So, knowing that one of my fellow employees was worried about it, I asked one of the govt people about when the contract was going to be put out for bid, because I was kind of interested in knowing whether I would have a paycheck in a month and a half (or not).
They said the contract request for bid had been released and there might be a 2 week gap between the old contract expiring and the new one starting up. Didn't say anything more substantive about it. If they weren't supposed to say that much, it's on them. They are supposed to know the rules, we're just schmucks that want to know if we'll have a paycheck or not.
I mention it to my colleague.
He fires off an email 2 layers up our management chain.
Upper management run around like a bull in the china shop and piss off some other government people, who will no doubt piss on other govt people down the food chain.
My manager is now pissed at me.
My feeling is that if they hadn't all acted like keystone cops they wouldn't be in this position. It's their fault and they should own it.
All they had to do was double-check to see if the request for bid had gone out yet. "Oh, it has? I didn't receive my copy. Can you re-send it?" Or, "Oh, it hasn't? Not a problem. Just wanted to make sure, we want to give it our full attention and do the best job for you."
Local manager asked me again when I was planning to retire.
Frankly, I could use an extra 2 weeks of vacation, paid or not.
Looks like I might have to go for an extra 9 months and 2 weeks if they are that pissed.
Jeesh.
I get tired of this shit.
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Well, I might be "graduating" sooner than planned.
I work at a government facility. Contract is up "real soon now". It's supposed to be put up for bid again. This would be all routine but it takes at least 2 weeks longer to make a new contract happen than the old contract has time left in it.
Now, the way these contracts work is that the private company that wins the contract pretty much hires the people who have been doing the work and collects the money for them. They don't know their employees and pretty much don't care to. We might see them once a year at lunch for an hour. Maybe twice a year for an hour when a contract is up for renewal. We're just cogs in the great government tit milking machine to them.
(We, the employees, actually try to do good work for our client, the government. That varies, of course, from one group of employees to another, but we've got a hard-working, honest and competent crew. We actually care whether we get the job done. But I digress.)
So, pretty much no employee in this situation has any expectation of loyalty from their employer. We can't trust that we would be told ahead of time that there will be a multi-week gap in pay. That's because it might cause people to put in job applications and get hired elsewhere, which would mean that the company wouldn't collect all possible billable hours.
So, knowing that one of my fellow employees was worried about it, I asked one of the govt people about when the contract was going to be put out for bid, because I was kind of interested in knowing whether I would have a paycheck in a month and a half (or not).
They said the contract request for bid had been released and there might be a 2 week gap between the old contract expiring and the new one starting up. Didn't say anything more substantive about it. If they weren't supposed to say that much, it's on them. They are supposed to know the rules, we're just schmucks that want to know if we'll have a paycheck or not.
I mention it to my colleague.
He fires off an email 2 layers up our management chain.
Upper management run around like a bull in the china shop and piss off some other government people, who will no doubt piss on other govt people down the food chain.
My manager is now pissed at me.
My feeling is that if they hadn't all acted like keystone cops they wouldn't be in this position. It's their fault and they should own it.
All they had to do was double-check to see if the request for bid had gone out yet. "Oh, it has? I didn't receive my copy. Can you re-send it?" Or, "Oh, it hasn't? Not a problem. Just wanted to make sure, we want to give it our full attention and do the best job for you."
Local manager asked me again when I was planning to retire.
Frankly, I could use an extra 2 weeks of vacation, paid or not.
Looks like I might have to go for an extra 9 months and 2 weeks if they are that pissed.
Jeesh.
I get tired of this shit.
See my sig. ;)
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So, last night I got an ass chewing over the phone at home.
Today I got a verbal ass chewing at work. I'm told to expect a written one via email.
Whoop-de-doo.
So, my manager looks at me, after explaining how I had done stuff wrong, and added, "It caused all kinds of problems when big boss dealt with the contracting officer over this."
I looked him in the eye and replied, "Well, maybe that's a sign he should not have done that."
Things got silent for a bit.
FU money is a wonderful thing.
Less than 9 1/2 months if I stay on our current FIRE schedule. Less if the daily-crap-to-dollar ratio gets too high.
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So, last night I got an ass chewing over the phone at home.
Today I got a verbal ass chewing at work. I'm told to expect a written one via email.
Whoop-de-doo.
So, my manager looks at me, after explaining how I had done stuff wrong, and added, "It caused all kinds of problems when big boss dealt with the contracting officer over this."
I looked him in the eye and replied, "Well, maybe that's a sign he should not have done that."
Things got silent for a bit.
FU money is a wonderful thing.
Less than 9 1/2 months if I stay on our current FIRE schedule. Less if the daily-crap-to-dollar ratio gets too high.
Oh, yeah, not a mention that they gave the slightest tinker's damn that their employees might not get paycheck or more. As expected.
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The govt person you posed the question to probably got his ass chewed for sharing information he wasn't supposed to share, and he threw you under the bus out of spite. That's why you're getting your ass chewed, instead of the guy who fired off the e-mail to upper management. Govt person probably told your management that the contract was in danger because of your loose lips, and he/she told them to "do something" about you. Your management doesn't really care about who's at fault, they just want the pain to stop, and beating you about the head and shoulders is the easiest way to make that happen.
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The govt person you posed the question to probably got his ass chewed for sharing information he wasn't supposed to share, and he threw you under the bus out of spite. That's why you're getting your ass chewed, instead of the guy who fired off the e-mail to upper management. Govt person probably told your management that the contract was in danger because of your loose lips, and he/she told them to "do something" about you. Your management doesn't really care about who's at fault, they just want the pain to stop, and beating you about the head and shoulders is the easiest way to make that happen.
He's a good guy, I don't see that happening. Not his nature.
No one was upset until upper management stomped around like a bull in a china shop. They should know better. All the other management at other consulting companies I've worked for certainly has.
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Met with my boss and other supervisors on my team yesterday and started planning the year ahead. I took on some new responsibilities that could make it a bit harder for them when I leave next July. I felt guilty, but not to the point that I am doing anything to change my plans. (Our hiring cycle can be up to 12 months depending on the time of year someone leaves and how quickly the organization decides to replace them. I am taking on the extra responsibilities now as a ripple effect of someone that retired in December, 2016 that has not yet been replaced.) I really like my co-workers and do not want to screw them, but there is almost no way that my departure is not going to saddle them with extra work for 3 to 12 months.
I think I have about 209 more work days. I wish I could stop counting them off. Maybe I will not look at my FIRE spreadsheet for the month of August and see if that helps.
Best wishes.
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Aspiring to join this cohort (currently in the class of 2019) but rumors abound that there will be an early retirement incentive offer this fall at my government agency.
If they add five years of service (this has been done before),as an incentive to retire, I am in! If it's just a one time incentive payment the numbers may not work for me.
Fingers crossed!
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Aspiring to join this cohort (currently in the class of 2019) but rumors abound that there will be an early retirement incentive offer this fall at my government agency.
If they add five years of service (this has been done before),as an incentive to retire, I am in! If it's just a one time incentive payment the numbers may not work for me.
Fingers crossed!
I've heard the same rumors, from people in the know. Are you federal gov? I am, and it looks like we're going to get a multi-agency two year VERA with narrow election windows until they hit their target reductions, in order to avoid RIFs. That means no VSIP, no 5 years, and only people with 25 years in will be eligible.
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Joining this cohort. Planning to FIRE in June 2018.
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Welcome SwissMiss.
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve Left the forum.
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
06/18 poppydog
06/18 SwissMiss
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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60 is pretty late on these boards but I really only got the idea of earlier retirement at the beginning of 2012, I thought I'd be going til 67. Better late than never :)
Couldn't agree more - in fact it's my sig block :)
I understand completely! I thought I would have to slave away until age 70 (or longer!), but I'll be FIREd at age 60 - and that's already including TMY (Two More Years).
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I'm ready to join this group. I plan to FIRE in July 2018. Would like to be gone this year but I have an incentive comp payoff that will vest then. Big enough to do OMY and then out.
DW retired two years ago. Her comment was basically "It's about time..."
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Welcome Mr Griz. It's exciting as this cohort is still growing as we have less than 6 months to go.
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve Left the forum.
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
06/18 poppydog
06/18 SwissMiss
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
07/18 Mr Griz
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
[/quote]
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Aspiring to join this cohort (currently in the class of 2019) but rumors abound that there will be an early retirement incentive offer this fall at my government agency.
If they add five years of service (this has been done before),as an incentive to retire, I am in! If it's just a one time incentive payment the numbers may not work for me.
Fingers crossed!
I've heard the same rumors, from people in the know. Are you federal gov? I am, and it looks like we're going to get a multi-agency two year VERA with narrow election windows until they hit their target reductions, in order to avoid RIFs. That means no VSIP, no 5 years, and only people with 25 years in will be eligible.
Nope - state government here.
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Adding as this summer is my last working summer. Now I have to break the newa to the 2019 cohort (I'm the OP).
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve Left the forum.
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
~5/18 Markbike528CBX
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
06/18 poppydog
06/18 SwissMiss
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
07/18 Mr Griz
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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Adding as this summer is my last working summer. Now I have to break the newa to the 2019 cohort (I'm the OP).
Welcome! May I ask what changed to move up your date? Change in financial situation, lack of tolerance for the job, or something else?
In other news, my phone is telling me I have 222 days to go! I have a separate countdown at work telling me how many days I have left to be in the office. It's in the 80s, I think, but I can't confirm the exact number because I'm currently working remotely with a lovely view of birds fishing in the river. A bald eagle flew past the window at breakfast.
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Adding as this summer is my last working summer. Now I have to break the newa to the 2019 cohort (I'm the OP).
Welcome! May I ask what changed to move up your date? Change in financial situation, lack of tolerance for the job, or something else?
In other news, my phone is telling me I have 222 days to go! I have a separate countdown at work telling me how many days I have left to be in the office. It's in the 80s, I think, but I can't confirm the exact number because I'm currently working remotely with a lovely view of birds fishing in the river. A bald eagle flew past the window at breakfast.
Already FI, nearly 30x very comfortable expenses 40x barebones (some slack/extea taxes included).
Had fairly normal rearrangement of summer vacation. Not my problem anymore or in the future.
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Posting to follow and cheer on the 2018 cohort!
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By my count, at least six people on this list are due to RE in the next five months. Are you all up to speed with the forum's pre-retirement checklist thread (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/pre-fire-checklist/)?
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Holy crap that's a list. I'm class 2019. I never done any of that stuff. Probably won't.
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By my count, at least six people on this list are due to RE in the next five months. Are you all up to speed with the forum's pre-retirement checklist thread (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/pre-fire-checklist/)?
Thanks for looking out for everyone Sol.
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By my count, at least six people on this list are due to RE in the next five months. Are you all up to speed with the forum's pre-retirement checklist thread (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/pre-fire-checklist/)?
The last time I stated my planned FIRE date on the forum, it was 12/31/17. That was a placeholder for "some time around the end of 2017/beginning of 2018." I'm not sure I'm going to go then, given the health care mess. But I'm still acting as if that's my date. Reading through the list, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I've at least considered a lot of that stuff.
Right now I'm thinking a lot about how to optimize the exact date, so that I get paid for all of the annual leave that I would otherwise lose at the end of 2017, but not have it taxed at 25%. Sol, you're a fellow fed. Do you know if I leave at the end of pp 26, which would be the first week of January, 2018, would the lump sum annual leave payout be considered 2018 income? If so, that would get it out of the 25% tax bracket. Also wondering if there is a way to put most/all of it in the TSP to avoid any tax on it. If I could do that, it would pretty much max my TSP out for 2018 right as I'm walking out the door.
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Do you know if I leave at the end of pp 26, which would be the first week of January, 2018, would the lump sum annual leave payout be considered 2018 income? If so, that would get it out of the 25% tax bracket. Also wondering if there is a way to put most/all of it in the TSP to avoid any tax on it. If I could do that, it would pretty much max my TSP out for 2018 right as I'm walking out the door.
I believe that any lump sum payment for unused annual leave counts as taxable income in the year it is paid, several weeks after you bail. So that part should work.
The TSP part will not work, I think. TSP contributions have to come out of your regular paycheck, not special one time payments. You can't put travel voucher payments into the TSP, for example, and I'm betting AL payouts are the same deal.
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Thanks, Sol. Found a non-official source that confirms that lump sum AL payments can't be put into the TSP:
http://money.federaltimes.com/tag/annual-leave/ (http://money.federaltimes.com/tag/annual-leave/)
And another that confirms the payment is taxed in the calendar year in which it is made:
http://www.myfederalretirement.com/public/320.cfm (http://www.myfederalretirement.com/public/320.cfm)
The lump-sum payment is taxable in the year it is received. For example, if an employee were to retire on Dec. 31, then the lump-sum payment for unused annual leave will be directly deposited in the retired employee's bank account by mid- to late January. That means the lump-sum payment is taxable in the new calendar year. The former employee will also have the lump-sum payment reported on a W2 form for the year in which it is received.
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Posting to follow, I think I'm class of 2020 :( which feels ages away.
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I'm in, having previously been in the 2019 cohort. Current plan is to stop paid work some time between June & August, depending on job situation.
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My dates are teetering, might be March, might be June, might have to continue working another nine months past there due to health insurance.
I've been digging into exchange plans an my spouse is a heavy user right now, $15k/year in out of pocket expenses start hurting the early retirement math, won't drop for 18 months until I can report lower income, but the $10k out of pocket plus premium is a rear-kicker.
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Welcome cerat0n1a
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve Left the forum.
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
~5/18 Markbike528CBX
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
06/18 poppydog
06/18 SwissMiss
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
07/18 Mr Griz
~07/18 cerat0n1a
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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Put me down for August 2018.
I'd consider us already FI but we decided to let it roll until mid 18 so our child can finish the awesome private school my company pays for. The temptation of OMY is huge (this is a 'problem' when one gets ridiculous amounts of money and stuff at your job) but we're now committed.
Company really wants me to keep doing 4-6 weeks a year of consulting. At $1200 a day plus flights and expenses that may prove hard to turn down...
it would have been great to learn about mustachianism 30 years ago. But no complaints.
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Putting myself back on the list. Seems I got dropped a while back on a technicality (having specified a 12/31/17 date). My current date is 1/6/18.
01/18 Monkey Uncle
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve Left the forum.
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
~5/18 Markbike528CBX
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
06/18 poppydog
06/18 SwissMiss
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
07/18 Mr Griz
~07/18 cerat0n1a
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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01/18 Monkey Uncle
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve Left the forum.
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
~5/18 Markbike528CBX
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
06/18 poppydog
06/18 SwissMiss
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
07/18 Mr Griz
~07/18 cerat0n1a
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
08/18 Mr Mark
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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Wow, this class is getting big. Between everyone who is doing OMY and OLY, it seems like a lot of people converged on 2018.
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I am still not certain whether I will graduate with the class of 2018, or 2019. There are a mounting range of factors driving me to 2018 including DW's wishes/ demands. We shall see. But that is not why I chose to post. (I have said the same about my indecisiveness on FIRE date many times, so old news)
What I wanted to say was that today I had a really surreal, "shit this is almost about to happen" moment.
In my office boredom I started looking at one-way flights to various places in the world for June next year.
It dawned on me that I could book a one-way flight TODAY for my post FIRE adventure.
I could pay for the flight TODAY and lock in an adventure with no obligation to return at any time to anywhere. Freedom!
Just a few taps of the keys on the keyboard and it would be locked in!
I have never been without work obligations. I have never been between jobs since I was 14.
Sheesh!!!!
OMG.... am I ready to make decisions on the other side of FIRE. All my decisions up to now have been aimed at getting to FIRE. I haven't made any concrete decisions post FIRE yet.
10 months is so soon! Sorry, this has just dawned on me. Its really happening.
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That is SO exciting, Itchyfeet! As a 2019er who feels that 2019 is such a long way away, I'm envious.
I saw an ad for what could be quite a fun seasonal side gig yesterday. "I could do that," I said to DH. I was on the verge of saying, "Shall I enquire?" when I remembered that I won't actually be able to do anything like that this summer OR next summer because I'll still be working at my current job.
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We're still on target of FIRE in May of 2018. We're getting closer and closer!
We're already starting to make plans.
We'll start off with a weekend of dancing in the mountains!
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For us, despite my net day dreaming, we will push through the next 4 months before making any firm plans.
If we decide to FIRE next June I will need to tell my boss in my annual review in Feb. At that point there will be no turning back.
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I sent a message to the person doing my next performance review, which isn't till next March, to say that they should approach it as my exit interview. Even in my worst case scenario, by the following March I'll be counting the days till I finish. I'm looking forward to saying, "Nope, keep all your hoops in your bag, I won't be jumping through them on my way to the door."
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I'm still on target for spring 2018. I'm putting my house on the market this week so it's starting to feel real! Rumor has it that my company will be changing its vacation day policy and will no longer pay out unused vacation time starting in 2018. So I need to make plans for 2 weeks off this year and another week or two before I quit. I guess it's a good problem to have :-)
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I’m leaving March 2018 as my date for now, but I may be moving to the Class of 2017. DH is in middle management at a large firm and his department is undergoing a big re-org. His boss has all but told him that he won’t have a role in the new department. The “bad” news is that she likes him and has been grooming him for a senior management position. Since she assumes that is what he wants, she is actively trying to find a new spot for him elsewhere. He has told her that he wants to see a severance package before he applies for anything new, to weigh both options, make sure it’s a “good fit” for both parties, etc. etc. etc.
So ”worst case” scenario, they find him something without offering a severance package, and we work until March 2018 as planned.
Best case, they offer a package (based on the stated policy, he’s looking at over 6 months of severance, plus paid health care during the severance period). He stops working, we put our condo on the market (we’re moving to a LCOL area), and I give notice once we have a closing date, hopefully in 2017.
Keep your fingers crossed for a layoff!
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I thought about putting this in the Mustachian People Problems thread, but it's really a "Class of 2018 problem":
Between work travel, vacation days (eclipse viewing), and telework, I'll have been out of the office for two weeks, so I haven't been able to update the FIRE countdown on my desk!
I think I have somewhere between 80 to 90 office days remaining, but I'm not sure. I'm almost tempted to go to the office to check.
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I'm still on target for spring 2018. I'm putting my house on the market this week so it's starting to feel real! Rumor has it that my company will be changing its vacation day policy and will no longer pay out unused vacation time starting in 2018. So I need to make plans for 2 weeks off this year and another week or two before I quit. I guess it's a good problem to have :-)
Can you set your leaving date as two weeks later and take the leave then?
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You know your values are warped when...
I think I have somewhere between 80 to 90 office days remaining, but I'm not sure. I'm almost tempted to go to the office to check.
I can totally relate. I think the thing I will miss most about quitting work is updating my countdown calendar. I use a spreadsheet and have a page to count office days remaining, another to calculate calendar days until FIRE, one to count days remaining as a percent of my entire working life, one that counts up vacation days that I am accruing, and one that counts how much savings left until I am retired (not to mention the one that counts 403b contributions).
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Hmmm, unfortunately I won't missing anything other than the inflow of $$
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You know your values are warped when...
I think I have somewhere between 80 to 90 office days remaining, but I'm not sure. I'm almost tempted to go to the office to check.
I can totally relate. I think the thing I will miss most about quitting work is updating my countdown calendar. I use a spreadsheet and have a page to count office days remaining, another to calculate calendar days until FIRE, one to count days remaining as a percent of my entire working life, one that counts up vacation days that I am accruing, and one that counts how much savings left until I am retired (not to mention the one that counts 403b contributions).
That's a lot of counters! I'm just counting total days (via a phone app) and days in the office (on paper on my wall, in a cryptic manner so no one else knows what it is).
I do have a separate vacation day tracker, but I've used that for years to plan my days off for the year.
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I FIREd almost three months ago. I used to write down at the top of my notebook both calendar and work days remaining. I think I have done that for my last six months or so and it really helped me stay focused and motivated during the though moments. It's hard to suppress the feeling of euphoria when you start writing single digit numbers.
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Well, I might as well start following this thread. Was going to do 2017 but then got a chance to do a sweet part time deal @70%. 2018 is highly likely now but not sure. I've exceeded my financial goal but the power of OMY is too strong and my tendency to "splurge" on certain vacation destinations keeps me going.
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Well, I might as well start following this thread. Was going to do 2017 but then got a chance to do a sweet part time deal @70%. 2018 is highly likely now but not sure. I've exceeded my financial goal but the power of OMY is too strong and my tendency to "splurge" on certain vacation destinations keeps me going.
Welcome JoJo and congrats on achieving your FI number. BTW - I really liked your diamond ring photo. For myself, I was so frustrated with my camera & enraptured with the eclipse - I took no pictures at all during totality - just the ones in my mind. Cheers, ap.
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Just joined MMM last night and found this thread. I didn't know much about the early retirement and Financial Independence community but it turns out I have been basically living the FIRE(lite) life for the last 25 yrs. I'm 60 now and ready to pull the trigger. I have reached FI and now just have a few things to clear up regarding debt and work related projects and bonuses. I plan to retire sometime between March and July of 2018.
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I thought I would add one of those cool countdown banners to my messages. Does anyone know how to make it a regular footer to all my messages?
(https://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10747;405/st/20180714/e/Retirement/dt/-3/k/f1e5/event.png)
(https://www.TickerFactory.com/)
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Honeyfill, if you go to Profile -> Forum Profile -> Signature and paste the text from the ticker website into the Signature box, the countdown bar should appear on the bottom of all your posts. I like the image you've chosen :-)
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Put my date in as Circa May 2018. But it is somewhere between March and July.
01/18 Monkey Uncle
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 OzBeach
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve Left the forum.
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
~5/18 Markbike528CBX
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
~05/18 honeyfill
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
06/18 poppydog
06/18 SwissMiss
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
07/18 Mr Griz
~07/18 cerat0n1a
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
08/18 Mr Mark
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
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200 more days!
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200 more days!
Congrats CL - This Saturday will be 300 days for me!!
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200 more days!
Congrats CL - This Saturday will be 300 days for me!!
Awesome. You guys rock! :)
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Well, with each passing month my wife and I continue to crush our FI number. Her and I recently had a discussion to consider 2017, but neither of us really dislike our jobs so as to speed up the timeline. I will give a one-year notice in Jan. I'm an officer of the company and want them to have time to find a suitable replacement. Once they do I'll happily bow out at that time. Long story short: nothing has changed. It's just fun seeing our lofty goals becoming reality. And thought I'd share it with you fine people. Peace!
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I'm new & on the fence, but am considering RE in spring of 2018. Lots to consider given our situation, but that's my current timing. My husband will continue to work.
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I started my CD ladder yesterday! It's enough to cover two years' worth of living expenses. Also, my DH and I decided that we will be moving to Washington state to establish residency in an income tax-free state. Afterwards, we will be fulfilling my dream of a Great Canadian Road Trip! It is hard to believe that we are just months out from FIRE.
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Haven't posted in a long time, but I'm moving to 2017. Good luck everyone!
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Haven't posted in a long time, but I'm moving to 2017. Good luck everyone!
Congratulations! Are you going now?
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December, squeezing in 17
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...snip... Also, my DH and I decided that we will be moving to Washington state to establish residency in an income tax-free state.........
Welcome!
Westside ( greenside) or Eastside (mostly brownside) ?
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Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
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...snip... Also, my DH and I decided that we will be moving to Washington state to establish residency in an income tax-free state.........
Welcome!
Westside ( greenside) or Eastside (mostly brownside) ?
Probably out towards the west side, although it isn't decided yet. There are a bunch of pieces that need to fall into place before March of next year.
Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
I am still trying to get my head wrapped around this too. I think our plan is to have employer/COBRA for the first few months, then switch to an Expat policy while in Canada, and then Obamacare when back in the US. When we leave in the fall for South America, we will self insure.
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Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
I'm not sure what to do about insurance. I retire in March. In September I'll be a full-time student and can get university health insurance, but what about the intervening 5 months? Does anybody know if I get an exchange plan, can I cancel it in September? Or do I have to stick with it through the year?
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Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
I'm not sure what to do about insurance. I retire in March. In September I'll be a full-time student and can get university health insurance, but what about the intervening 5 months? Does anybody know if I get an exchange plan, can I cancel it in September? Or do I have to stick with it through the year?
If you are in the US and have healthcare thru your company, you can get COBRA.
COBRA is continuing medical benefits for upto 18 months after your company subsidized plan ends due an end of job. You get the same insurance, but you do not get the subsidy, so you pay full price.
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Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
I'm not sure what to do about insurance. I retire in March. In September I'll be a full-time student and can get university health insurance, but what about the intervening 5 months? Does anybody know if I get an exchange plan, can I cancel it in September? Or do I have to stick with it through the year?
According to the last time we used insurance through the Affordable Care Act, the loss of a job is a "qualifying event" and therefore, you can get insurance outside of open enrollment.
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Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
I'm not sure what to do about insurance. I retire in March. In September I'll be a full-time student and can get university health insurance, but what about the intervening 5 months? Does anybody know if I get an exchange plan, can I cancel it in September? Or do I have to stick with it through the year?
If you are in the US and have healthcare thru your company, you can get COBRA.
COBRA is continuing medical benefits for upto 18 months after your company subsidized plan ends due an end of job. You get the same insurance, but you do not get the subsidy, so you pay full price.
Yes, but my current insurance is heavily subsidized. The unsubsidized monthly amount is more than I could pay with a different plan, so I'm wondering if that's possible.
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Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
I'm not sure what to do about insurance. I retire in March. In September I'll be a full-time student and can get university health insurance, but what about the intervening 5 months? Does anybody know if I get an exchange plan, can I cancel it in September? Or do I have to stick with it through the year?
According to the last time we used insurance through the Affordable Care Act, the loss of a job is a "qualifying event" and therefore, you can get insurance outside of open enrollment.
Thanks. I know I can "get" other (ACA) insurance when I leave my employer, but I'm wondering if there's any obligation to keep it? Can I cancel it partway through the year when I become eligible of cheaper insurance elsewhere? Or am I committed to paying for it until the end of the year?
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Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
I should probably run the numbers (just for "fun"), it would be a good dry run.
It IS weird, as I'm about to have "the talk" with my boss, who is just on the other side of the laptop screen from me here in the MSP airport.
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Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
I'm not sure what to do about insurance. I retire in March. In September I'll be a full-time student and can get university health insurance, but what about the intervening 5 months? Does anybody know if I get an exchange plan, can I cancel it in September? Or do I have to stick with it through the year?
According to the last time we used insurance through the Affordable Care Act, the loss of a job is a "qualifying event" and therefore, you can get insurance outside of open enrollment.
Thanks. I know I can "get" other (ACA) insurance when I leave my employer, but I'm wondering if there's any obligation to keep it? Can I cancel it partway through the year when I become eligible of cheaper insurance elsewhere? Or am I committed to paying for it until the end of the year?
You're not required to continue paying. Like any other insurance program, if you stop making payments they stop covering you.
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Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
I'm not sure what to do about insurance. I retire in March. In September I'll be a full-time student and can get university health insurance, but what about the intervening 5 months? Does anybody know if I get an exchange plan, can I cancel it in September? Or do I have to stick with it through the year?
According to the last time we used insurance through the Affordable Care Act, the loss of a job is a "qualifying event" and therefore, you can get insurance outside of open enrollment.
Thanks. I know I can "get" other (ACA) insurance when I leave my employer, but I'm wondering if there's any obligation to keep it? Can I cancel it partway through the year when I become eligible of cheaper insurance elsewhere? Or am I committed to paying for it until the end of the year?
You're not required to continue paying. Like any other insurance program, if you stop making payments they stop covering you.
Good, thanks.
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You're not required to continue paying. Like any other insurance program, if you stop making payments they stop covering you.
Good, thanks.
We had to have my husband covered for 3 months in the middle of the year until open enrollment at my work. We signed him up with his loss of his job being a "qualifying event". He stayed othe plan for a few months and then we just stopped paying.
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Given that a lot of us will be retiring part way through next year, I am curious how many plan of us plan on running the numbers on health insurance during the open enrollment period coming this November. I have 2 states to choose between since we are going full time travel so I will be using those numbers to decide on a state (and potentially zip code for our mail forwarding). Its weird to feel like I am reaching the point where I have to start making arrangements for my retirement...
Although I anticipate that ACA insurance will actually be less expensive than my current employer-provided insurance, I definitely will be running the numbers for a 2018 policy as soon as I can. I have this irrational fear that they won't really allow the subsidies and cost sharing.
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We'll have the issue of coming back from a long time overseas. Anyone know how we bridge the gap between the company health insurance we have now (and that will thus end before returning ) and getting onto a ACA plan when back in USA?
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A lot of people talk about how work gets easier to bear once they've achieved FI and the end is in sight. That definitely has not been my experience. The workload, stress, conflict, and general bullshit just seems to keep getting worse. I'm in a management position and can't simply check out (well, not without losing my sense of self-respect). But at least all the bullshit cements my resolve to FIRE even more. When the 2018 sign up period rolls around, if it looks like the ACA will continue to limp along for a while, I'm definitely out the door on or before my 1/6/18 date.
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Same here. The next 9 months are going to go by slowly I feel. I have no desire to stick around but also have no desire to slack off the remaining time.
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I am with you Uncle and Griz. My experience is that work has just gotten more difficult to endure as I get closer. I am also in a management role and cannot simply slack. Nothing really sucks about my job. I like the people I work with and the stress is relatively low and I am competent to do my role. My DW thinks I am crazy, but I am just tired of sitting in a box under fluorescent lights all day. The closer I edge to my FIRE date, the greater the contrast grows between what I am doing, and what I want to be doing. Still I like squirreling away my paychecks every two weeks and it is going to be hard to give up watching the stash grow and instead take money out (gasp!).
MrMark - suggest you look into COBRA insurance coverage https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/cobra-continuation-health-coverage-compliance (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/cobra-continuation-health-coverage-compliance)
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I still enjoy my job, but I'm looking forward to the time when I retire. I have a pretty good commute (for DC) but I'll be glad to leave it behind.
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Still I like squirreling away my paychecks every two weeks and it is going to be hard to give up watching the stash grow and instead take money out (gasp!).
Most definitely. Today at lunch my DW said, "I'm scared about you retiring." Me: "because you're afraid we won't have enough money?" Her: "yes." Me: "I'm scared too, but I just ran the numbers again, and we should have a decent buffer beyond what we need to spend."
My cFiresim runs are pretty bulletproof, assuming the ACA still exists (100% success rate with a 10k spending buffer beyond base expenses). I know the fear is completely irrational, so I hope it doesn't cause me to make up OMY excuses when it's time to pull the plug!
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I am with you Uncle and Griz. My experience is that work has just gotten more difficult to endure as I get closer. I am also in a management role and cannot simply slack. Nothing really sucks about my job. I like the people I work with and the stress is relatively low and I am competent to do my role. My DW thinks I am crazy, but I am just tired of sitting in a box under fluorescent lights all day. The closer I edge to my FIRE date, the greater the contrast grows between what I am doing, and what I want to be doing. Still I like squirreling away my paychecks every two weeks and it is going to be hard to give up watching the stash grow and instead take money out (gasp!).
MrMark - suggest you look into COBRA insurance coverage https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/cobra-continuation-health-coverage-compliance (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/cobra-continuation-health-coverage-compliance)
Yeah, since I hit FI this some things don't bother me anymore and other things seem to bother me more. I'm holding on till May to pay off some credit cards and collect my bonus but if things get too crazy I can leave anytime.
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My cFiresim runs are pretty bulletproof, assuming the ACA still exists (100% success rate with a 10k spending buffer beyond base expenses). I know the fear is completely irrational, so I hope it doesn't cause me to make up OMY excuses when it's time to pull the plug!
Funny, but at the same time I feel the call of the wild inside my cubicle, I find myself drifting into considering working 6 more months. I would love to see the last coffin nail driven into our mortgage and could achieve that in 2018, but it is unnecessary.
I have not run cfiresim in a while. Thanks for the reminder. I plugged in our spending, added the rest of the mortgage payments as a one-time expense and still came up with 100% chance of success.
I wonder what other people's asset allocation is in this last year before retirement? I was 100% stocks until last fall. Then I realized that I was being greedy, and not adequately considering the risk of a market drop right before retirement. I moved to 70% equities and 30% bonds. According to the models, we will be successful with either allocation, but I am way more likely to keep working OMY if the stock market drops and I am 100% than if I have bond allocation to (1) pay myself in the bear years and (2) throw into equities if they really tank (30% or more drop).
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I wonder what other people's asset allocation is in this last year before retirement? I was 100% stocks until last fall. Then I realized that I was being greedy, and not adequately considering the risk of a market drop right before retirement. I moved to 70% equities and 30% bonds. According to the models, we will be successful with either allocation, but I am way more likely to keep working OMY if the stock market drops and I am 100% than if I have bond allocation to (1) pay myself in the bear years and (2) throw into equities if they really tank (30% or more drop).
I'm at 100% equities. I just can't see myself retiring into the teeth of a really bad market crash regardless of any % of bonds I am willing to hold. I'm not overly emotional or fearful, but that just seems like a bridge too far. So all holding bonds does for me prior to FIRE is slow down my progress. But everyone needs to analyze this scenario for themselves and take approproate action.
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I backed off just a hare, from 75/25 to 70/30. The stocks are a mix of large cap, mid cap, small cap, and international.
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I am still 100% stocks but I am also selling the house right after retiring so that is a very large chunk of cash infusion at the beginning of retirement.
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I backed off just a hare, from 75/25 to 70/30. The stocks are a mix of large cap, mid cap, small cap, and international.
Or maybe a rabbit...or a pika...
I used to make fun of people who make word usage mistakes like that. But it seems that the older I get, the more I'm prone to such mix-ups.
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I backed off just a hare, from 75/25 to 70/30. The stocks are a mix of large cap, mid cap, small cap, and international.
Or maybe a rabbit...or a pika...
I used to make fun of people who make word usage mistakes like that. But it seems that the older I get, the more I'm prone to such mix-ups.
+1 LOL
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Still on track f or May-July 2018 time frame. Paid off our back porch remodel and half our cit i card this month , next month is other ha l f of the city card and p a y off the bathroom remodel. We are still holding steady at 95 equity and 5 st bonds. Don't worry ,all credit cards are at 0percent till March and will be paid off. Only unknown is how much the kitchen remodel will cost.
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Don't worry ,all credit cards are at 0percent till March and will be paid off. Only unknown is how much the kitchen remodel will cost.
honeyfill, thanks for the update. I do worry a little about you because the things you say of your circumstances are a little alarming (e.g. paying off credit card debt, possibly significant spending on remodels and high allocation to stocks). Obviously you have not shared the complete picture and I know almost nothing. I think elsewhere, you mention that you have been socking it away in a 401K for decades, so probably you are in great shape.
If on the other hand you have any concerns, I have found that the reviews and advice of this community through a case study have been super helpful. Sincere best wishes, aperture.
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*snip*
MrMark - suggest you look into COBRA insurance coverage https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/cobra-continuation-health-coverage-compliance (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/cobra-continuation-health-coverage-compliance)
mmmm looked at COBRA but I'm not eligible - I don't work for an American company and at the moment not a US perm resident either... I will probably have to get some kind of tourist insurance before ACA sign up once we're firmly back in the USA I guess. But I guess DW and DD (as US citizens) can sign up on ACA Exchanges or even off exchange just before arriving?
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mmmm looked at COBRA but I'm not eligible - I don't work for an American company and at the moment not a US perm resident either... I will probably have to get some kind of tourist insurance before ACA sign up once we're firmly back in the USA I guess. But I guess DW and DD (as US citizens) can sign up on ACA Exchanges or even off exchange just before arriving?
Medicaid eligibility is based on monthly income, not annual, so depending on your circumstances that can be an option to hold you over.
If nothing else, it meets the insurance mandate
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Formally joining up in the 2018 cohort, coming over from 2017. This is a big group! Lots of the names are familiar from having moved up into the 2017 group part way through the year.
I'm kind of caught between cohorts, really. My original plan was to FIRE in 2022 after hitting a target number, but when mega-corp purchased my medium corp and announced my site will close at the end of 2017, DW and I cut expenses fairly dramatically (and increased savings) to see what we can do without feeling deprived to make the transition sooner. Our changes were significant enough to support down-shifting to semi-FIRE so I don't have to find another cube job I'm no longer passionate about. My layoff date has since been pushed out to March 2018, which gets me a little closer to my actual FIRE stash target, but I remain on the hook for working 3 more months. I will likely end up coming in to the physical office very rarely Jan to Mar, though, so in some ways it still feel like 2017 is my last year. The actual alignment of when I will stop getting income from my employer is solidly in 2018.
The current revision of our plan is to kick-off the transition to Semi-FIRE with a 6 week family road trip to 10 US National Parks. Then come back to a one-year break, then decide whether to continue to a subsequent one year break or pick up some part time work that I will enjoy. We will be keeping a bit more of our stash in cash during this time and letting the existing stash grow.
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The current revision of our plan is to kick-off the transition to Semi-FIRE with a 6 week family road trip to 10 US National Parks.
You are going to be FIRE, you can spend 6 weeks in one National Park if you want!
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The current revision of our plan is to kick-off the transition to Semi-FIRE with a 6 week family road trip to 10 US National Parks.
You are going to be FIRE, you can spend 6 weeks in one National Park if you want!
We could, but none of us has traveled for that long before, so this is a test to see if we get homesick or not. We are expecting to come home in time to plant a garden in 2018, but we could change our plans as we go!
I'm looking forward to gardening and homestead activities on a more relaxed schedule, instead of fitting it in on evenings and weekends. I expect it will feel like I have so much time to do what is needed instead of now, where I'm always playing catch up. Maybe finally do some deferred maintenance and improvements. The things that need doing require much more time than money. But I intend to start those after decompressing and feeling relaxed, which could take many months.
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Formally joining up in the 2018 cohort, coming over from 2017. This is a big group! Lots of the names are familiar from having moved up into the 2017 group part way through the year.
Welcome homestead neohio. Glad you could join us.
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I finally counted how many days I have left at work, 49 days!!
I am so excited to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
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My wife and I both let our management know we're planning to retire in May of 2018.
It's getting close!
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My wife and I both let our management know we're planning to retire in May of 2018.
It's getting close!
I know it is common in some professions to give such large a notice, but with my employer? No way.
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I know it is common in some professions to give such large a notice, but with my employer? No way.
I'll give my clients at least 6 months notice before I stop working for them. They owe me zero notice to get rid of me and I owe them the same, but it seems unprofessional to do that to people that made my retirement possible with their business.
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My Megacorp has a long history of declaring anyone retiring an "underperformer" and cutting their March bonus to zero. I plan on giving notice the day I see my bonus show up in my direct deposit.
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I plan on giving notice the day I see my bonus show up in my direct deposit.
Haha, that's exactly my plan as well. And I'm planning on a standard 2 week notice unless it suits me to work a week or two longer at that point in time.
As to the pre-FIRE allocation, I'm roughly at 65/35 stocks to fixed income. Stocks are a mix if US and international. Fixed income is bonds, a stable value fund, CDs, etc.
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I plan on giving notice the day I see my bonus show up in my direct deposit.
Haha, that's exactly my plan as well. And I'm planning on a standard 2 week notice unless it suits me to work a week or two longer at that point in time. ....Snip...
Since I don't really care what the exact date is, I'm giving ~6 months notice of the fact that I'm not working next summer. If I can work it, a Leave of Absence for that time, then back to work during Fall, winter spring till end of 2019.
I'd be shocked if I got shown the door, but it would actually be a relief that I didn't have to actually resign/ retire. The treadmill is pretty comfortable, mostly.
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I'm officially a 2019-er, but at the moment the situation at work is such that I think I might throw in the towel in 2018. A change will be occurring in my workplace in October that could either improve my work life or make it completely unbearable. If it's the latter, I'll hand in my notice early (I need to give three months' notice) and provide a diplomatic explanation from the page headed It's Not You, It's Me.
But I'm only lurking just now. I'll shout up if I commit.
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My Megacorp has a long history of declaring anyone retiring an "underperformer" and cutting their March bonus to zero. I plan on giving notice the day I see my bonus show up in my direct deposit.
I hear you!
If all the living presidents, and the best of the ones who've already died self-resurrected themselves to personally thank me and my employer for my service to the nation on national TV, my odds of getting a bonus > $500 are less than winning the lottery.
At this point, I'm staying until May out of solidarity with my wife. She's a professor and it would be very unprofessional to quit mid-school year. Plus, they need time to recruit someone.
So, if they pushed me out early I would actually not mind. ;)
But it's not to their benefit to do so, especially if they can double-bill for awhile as I train the replacement.
Plus, I've offered to pop in and cover things for a short while if the DBA or my replacement leave, get run over by a bus, etc. That's a real plus for them. It's hard to get good IT talent to move here and good IT talent that's already in town already has a job.
$9k+ per month for 1 to 3 months is a lot of fun money for the rest of the year, without having to draw down the stash in the early years, either.
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Cautiously penciling myself (and DH) in for May 2018 when baby #2 is set to arrive. It's still early--hence the cautiousness--but I'm so excited. About 147 workdays, but who's counting...?
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Added wordnerd and homestead neohio
01/18 Monkey Uncle
01/18 FIBy30
01/18 PrePube
01/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/18 Zinethstache
01/18 MomCPA
01/18 NorGirl
01/18 PizzaSteve
02/18 brooklynguy
03/18 Cherry Lane
03/18 Sofa King
03/18 sol
~03/18 Gimesalot
03/18 Badblackgirl
~03/18 Caoineag
03/18 Clean Shaven
03/18 JLTinVA
03/18 homestead neohio
04/18 Calvin
04/18 DTaggart
04/18 FernFree
04/18 Gooki
~04/18 HappyMargo
04/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/18 Mother Fussbudget
04/18 NinetyFour
04/18 ZiziPB
04/18 LateStarter
04/18 Aegishjalmur
~5/18 Markbike528CBX
05/18 SwordGuy
05/18 SwordGuy DW
05/18 Alim Nassor
~05/18 honeyfill
05/18 wordnerd
06/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/18 Albireo13
06/18 DavisGang90
~06/18 Pylortes
06/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/18 Omalley
06/18 aperture
06/18 randomgiraffe
06/18 dbtx
06/18 poppydog
06/18 SwissMiss
07/18 AussieGirl
~07/18 BackAndForth
07/18 ChasesFish
~07/18 Freshwater
~07/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
07/18 Mr Griz
~07/18 cerat0n1a
08/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
08/18 NorCalistache
08/18 Mr Mark
10/18 Happy
10/18 Irishtache
10/18 patches
10/18 Fire1018
11/18 DeSteeg
11/18 Kris
12/18 yoda34
12/18 EnjoyIt
??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/18 Michread
??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/18 thriftycanadian
??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
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Had "the talk" with my boss.
May-2018 look out, I'll be there before you know it!
Of course, I left the door open to help out during Fall 2018 through Spring 2019, so the IRP might be after me soon.
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I was just notified by my boss that my contract has been extended to March end 2018.
He also asked me to think about converting to an employee and he needs an answer in early January.
I am ready to hang up my gun and ride off into FIRE, but DW is panicking and wants to work one more year. Real dilemma here!
Any advice?
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Any advice?
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/32600486490_6e61a470fb_b.jpg)
Without a full case study it would be hard to provide any specific advice about a complex decision like when you and your spouse should retire. I will just say that recently the number of people I know that have died or received life altering diagnosis or been in car accidents with life alter results has been startling. Perhaps that's just getting older and having your social network ageing with you? Regardless it keeps me focused on the fact that time is my most precious resource and that given a reasonable FIRE plan running out of money is not my primary concern....it's running out of time...particularly time with my health intact.
Maizeman's helpful illustration is something I refer to a lot.
One thing we overlook on this site is how challenging the emotional/psychological aspects of the transition to FIRE are. We have all been programmed to work by society so breaking that pattern is hard and we fixated on our fears....primarily running out of money. In that process we ignore arguably more important risks of continuing to work.
If both of you pulling the plug is too hard perhaps one of you can retire and then the other person can do so a year later? Another alternative is for one or both of you to shift to a reduced work week such that you are gaining significant amounts of free time, but not having to draw down your investment accounts. That could be a good middle ground to ease yourself into this major life change.
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He also asked me to think about converting to an employee and he needs an answer in early January.
I am ready to hang up my gun and ride off into FIRE, but DW is panicking and wants to work one more year. Real dilemma here!
Any advice?
I suggest you tell him No. Because you will be having this discussion again before the end of March anyway. Do not create an expectation of further work which you don't need. Aren't you here from the 2017 thread already? (I am, too.)
Is DW freaking out because you are actually not financially ready (where more money would help), or because change is hard and delaying the change means she doesn't have to deal with it yet? Because if it is the latter, there is a chance she'll never feel ready. You should focus on what you need to feel ready, and when you get there, FIRE without continually pushing the bar higher via OMY. Because then you are giving up years of your life to employment you don't need. If your DW needs more time working to be emotionally ready to FIRE, this doesn't mean you also have to keep working if you are ready.
I read in a journal here recently a reminder that just because you are good at something and someone will pay you a lot of money to do it does not mean it is a good use of your limited time.
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Without a full case study it would be hard to provide any specific advice about a complex decision like when you and your spouse should retire. I will just say that recently the number of people I know that have died or received life altering diagnosis or been in car accidents with life alter results has been startling. Perhaps that's just getting older and having your social network ageing with you? Regardless it keeps me focused on the fact that time is my most precious resource and that given a reasonable FIRE plan running out of money is not my primary concern....it's running out of time...particularly time with my health intact.
Maizeman's helpful illustration is something I refer to a lot.
One thing we overlook on this site is how challenging the emotional/psychological aspects of the transition to FIRE are. We have all been programmed to work by society so breaking that pattern is hard and we fixated on our fears....primarily running out of money. In that process we ignore arguably more important risks of continuing to work.
If both of you pulling the plug is too hard perhaps one of you can retire and then the other person can do so a year later? Another alternative is for one or both of you to shift to a reduced work week such that you are gaining significant amounts of free time, but not having to draw down your investment accounts. That could be a good middle ground to ease yourself into this major life change.
Good Advice, thank you.
Do not really need a case study for the following reason
- Zero debt
- Presently have 30x spending as FIRE assets (not counting house that we will live in or DS2 college education which we have put aside)
- FIRE assets will be much more (2 income household) by June 2018 which is my planned FIRE date
- My cFIREsim is showing 100% success rate.
BTW, This is not bare-bones annual FIRE spend but very lavish spending. DW is not spendy but she went thru bad times growing up, so she is scared. I have showed her our holdings, our risk profile, how we will access retirement money with low taxes (detailed document), but it does not help.
I suggest you tell him No. Because you will be having this discussion again before the end of March anyway. Do not create an expectation of further work which you don't need.
Great idea. I think I will follow this path.
Is DW freaking out because you are actually not financially ready (where more money would help), or because change is hard and delaying the change means she doesn't have to deal with it yet? Because if it is the latter, there is a chance she'll never feel ready. You should focus on what you need to feel ready, and when you get there, FIRE without continually pushing the bar higher via OMY. Because then you are giving up years of your life to employment you don't need. If your DW needs more time working to be emotionally ready to FIRE, this doesn't mean you also have to keep working if you are ready.
Definitely the latter. Money is not an issue, we have more than enough.
Good points. I think she needs more time working to be emotionally ready. We might have to FIRE at separate times, waiting for her to get ready.
Thanks for the help. Appreciate it.
-
Definitely the latter. Money is not an issue, we have more than enough.
Good points. I think she needs more time working to be emotionally ready. We might have to FIRE at separate times, waiting for her to get ready.
I find it helps my DW to hear me acknowledge when things are big and scary, but I'm deciding to push ahead anyway because I've done my homework and am confident things will work out. In my logical mind the confidence overcomes the feelings, but those feelings are down in the mix if I look for them. She needs to hear that I have fears, too, and that she is not crazy when feeling afraid of a big change. If you FIRE first, you are showing her the way, that despite some fears and concerns, it is good and it works. Not sure if your DW is similar in this way, but thought I'd share in case it helps.
-
...snip....
One thing we overlook on this site is how challenging the emotional/psychological aspects of the transition to FIRE are. We have all been programmed to work by society so breaking that pattern is hard and we fixated on our fears....primarily running out of money. In that process we ignore arguably more important risks of continuing to work.
Yep, and despite my big talk, I'm shaky at the knees after letting my boss know my plans.
Even though he took it really well.
At least my Dad was supportive "you'll find lots to do" , which sort of surprised me.
I thought he'd have some issues with my relative age. But on the other hand, Dad's retirement has been really good for him. If he had kept working, the stress was going to kill him in a few years. 17 years later, still going strong.
-
Moved myself forward a week. Decided to be able to cover household chores and such while my wife finishes her last week of teaching and grading.
And I think it's time folks start putting down the days, not just the months, so I'll start!
And, being anal retentive, I put people into date order (with certainty coming before uncertainty) followed by alphabetical order.
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/??/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 sol
~03/??/18 Caoineag
~03/??/18 Gimesalot
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 ZiziPB
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
Moved myself forward a week. Decided to be able to cover household chores and such while my wife finishes her last week of teaching and grading.
And I think it's time folks start putting down the days, not just the months, so I'll start!
And, being anal retentive, I put people into date order (with certainty coming before uncertainty) followed by alphabetical order.
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/??/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 sol
~03/??/18 Caoineag
~03/??/18 Gimesalot
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
04/01/18 ZiziPB
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
It's April 1 for me, so you'll need to move me up despite the "z" :-)
-
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/??/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 sol
~03/??/18 Caoineag
~03/??/18 Gimesalot
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
Adding my day
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/??/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 sol
~03/??/18 Caoineag
~03/??/18 Gimesalot
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
There's no way I am making it until March. I have updated my date accordingly.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/??/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 sol
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
Tonight is the first of many moments of truth! The Airbnb we will call home in Montreal will probably get booked tonight.
-
I'm moving my date up too, from April to Feb 1st! Four more months, shit's gettin' real :)
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/??/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 sol
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
Updated.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/??/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/30/18 sol
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/??/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/30/18 sol
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
Chiming in here... I'm in the 2031 group. But, it's just fun to see the conversations this group is having at this point in the game. Good on ya!
-
Here’s mine. Somehow, the closer it gets, the further away it feels.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/30/18 sol
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
Without a full case study it would be hard to provide any specific advice about a complex decision like when you and your spouse should retire. I will just say that recently the number of people I know that have died or received life altering diagnosis or been in car accidents with life alter results has been startling. Perhaps that's just getting older and having your social network ageing with you? Regardless it keeps me focused on the fact that time is my most precious resource and that given a reasonable FIRE plan running out of money is not my primary concern....it's running out of time...particularly time with my health intact.
Maizeman's helpful illustration is something I refer to a lot.
One thing we overlook on this site is how challenging the emotional/psychological aspects of the transition to FIRE are. We have all been programmed to work by society so breaking that pattern is hard and we fixated on our fears....primarily running out of money. In that process we ignore arguably more important risks of continuing to work.
If both of you pulling the plug is too hard perhaps one of you can retire and then the other person can do so a year later? Another alternative is for one or both of you to shift to a reduced work week such that you are gaining significant amounts of free time, but not having to draw down your investment accounts. That could be a good middle ground to ease yourself into this major life change.
Good Advice, thank you.
Do not really need a case study for the following reason
- Zero debt
- Presently have 30x spending as FIRE assets (not counting house that we will live in or DS2 college education which we have put aside)
- FIRE assets will be much more (2 income household) by June 2018 which is my planned FIRE date
- My cFIREsim is showing 100% success rate.
BTW, This is not bare-bones annual FIRE spend but very lavish spending. DW is not spendy but she went thru bad times growing up, so she is scared. I have showed her our holdings, our risk profile, how we will access retirement money with low taxes (detailed document), but it does not help.
I suggest you tell him No. Because you will be having this discussion again before the end of March anyway. Do not create an expectation of further work which you don't need.
Great idea. I think I will follow this path.
Is DW freaking out because you are actually not financially ready (where more money would help), or because change is hard and delaying the change means she doesn't have to deal with it yet? Because if it is the latter, there is a chance she'll never feel ready. You should focus on what you need to feel ready, and when you get there, FIRE without continually pushing the bar higher via OMY. Because then you are giving up years of your life to employment you don't need. If your DW needs more time working to be emotionally ready to FIRE, this doesn't mean you also have to keep working if you are ready.
Definitely the latter. Money is not an issue, we have more than enough.
Good points. I think she needs more time working to be emotionally ready. We might have to FIRE at separate times, waiting for her to get ready.
Thanks for the help. Appreciate it.
Have you and your wife talked about contingency plans? As in, what happens if your investment balance dips below $X? And what is $X? Perhaps having a clear view of how to spot and fix a problem will help her. Especially because its likely a very small, short lived income would correct an early problem.
-
Less than 9 months, date is confirmed June 15th, guest speaker confirmed.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/30/18 sol
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
Updated with my date, I'm 3/31/18, WIGLO.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
Crossed out my entry out below. I was planning on downshifting at the start of 2018 and it happened early in 2017.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/??/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
My last day teaching classes will be 4/20/18, but I will get paid through 6/30/18. So I am focusing on the 4/20 date, because after that I will basically be free (except for grading final exams--which will be fine because I will be basically be ecstatic at that point!!!).
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Retire-Canada - downshifted 07/2017
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
04/20/18 NinetyFour
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
07/??/17 Retire-Canada - OLY
----------
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
As long as we're getting all exact here...
07/??/17 Retire-Canada - OLY
----------
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 DTaggart
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
My update disappeared somewhere along the line so fixing...
07/??/17 Retire-Canada - OLY
----------
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
I'm not FIREd so I'll just delete myself from the list to keep it simple.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 honeyfill
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
We moved our date to 6/1 to take advantage of one more month of employee health coverage. I also added my age. I noticed the 2017 FIRE cohort forum had everyone's age and I thought it was interesting to see when everyone is hitting their date.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 wordnerd
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
[/quote]
-
Updated my info
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
I think SwordGuy is as OCD as me. I like the way he fixed the columns ;-)
Added my date, moved OLY/OMY to the end.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
~03/??/18 Caoineag
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
-
I think SwordGuy is as OCD as me. I like the way he fixed the columns ;-)
I put font=courier in square brackets at the top of the list, and close the list with a /font in square brackets.
That way, all the letters are the same width so they can line up!
-
I think SwordGuy is as OCD as me. I like the way he fixed the columns ;-)
I put font=courier in square brackets at the top of the list, and close the list with a /font in square brackets.
That way, all the letters are the same width so they can line up!
Yeah, I would do the same. But looks like others remove the font tag when they quote.
-
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
Added age and exact date.
-
Interesting that no one wants to fire in September. I guess people want to retire in Spring/Early summer instead of in Fall.
-
I couldn't see working through a summer, which my favorite time of the year even in the burning hot desert that is Eastern Washington state.
I'm tentatively planning semi-FIRE, with my fall, winter early spring "side gig" as essentially my current job.
-
Interesting that no one wants to fire in September. I guess people want to retire in Spring/Early summer instead of in Fall.
If you give me $200K I'll retire right now! I'd be good with a Fall FIRE! ;)
-
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/01/18 ZiziPB
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
Added age. Exact date will depend on when receive incentive payout from work. Once that deposited, will put in 2 weeks. Typically was early April in past years.
-
Interesting that no one wants to fire in September. I guess people want to retire in Spring/Early summer instead of in Fall.
I FIRE'd in September! (2014). It was LOVELY. :) (granted, I avoided much of the PNW Winter by skipping down to Baja a few times)
I also used this time to get my fitness in order so that by the time Summer rolled around I was ready to hit the ground running.
I heartily recommend September. (Though let's face it, really, there is no BAD time FIRE)
-
I heartily recommend September. (Though let's face it, really, there is no BAD time FIRE)
That is so true. Just thinking of FIRe, my mood improves!
-
Changed my date to reflect the first day of FIRE more precisely and added the age. I could pull the trigger now but decided to work through March in order to collect another bonus and RSUs that are vesting then. I think a lot of the planned 1st quarter FIREs are due to bonuses being paid out then.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
~05/??/18 Markbike528CBX
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
-
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
01/??/18 WannaGoOutside OLY, Moved to 2017 cohort
04/??/18 MandyM - Class of 2017
08/??/18 SpreadsheetMan DW - OMY, moved to 2019 cohort.
-
Confirmed with my boss that I'm pulling the pin in August next year and started interviewing potential replacements. This is starting to feel real. Now just the matter of getting a U.S. visa..
-
Added my age at retirement
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
Last night we paid the deposit on the apartment for next summer. Folks, FIRE just got real! There's no turning back now.
-
Added back the font and the missing OLY/OMY folks (Should we keep them on this list or should they go?)
Also added my age at retirement
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
-
Added back the font and the missing OLY/OMY folks (Should we keep them on this list or should they go?)
I think they should move to the correct list, and be removed from this list. No point in having people listed twice when they only retire once.
-
Added back the font and the missing OLY/OMY folks (Should we keep them on this list or should they go?)
I think they should move to the correct list, and be removed from this list. No point in having people listed twice when they only retiree once.
Makes sense. Done
-
My new manager just asked me for my birthday as it's not on her team calendar. It made me more gleeful then it should biting my tongue to avoid telling her it's not something she needs to worry about as I won't be here by then.
-
I have my annual performance review tomorrow. My boss wants me to prepare a training plan and have my annual leave scheduled out for the next year. I'm currently saving my annual leave so it gets paid out as a lump sum when I leave in early January. And there is no way in hell I'm going to the trouble to prepare a training plan. Still not quite sure how I'm going to handle it - maybe complain about having been too busy to get those little tasks done...
I'm not ready to spill the beans yet. I want to see if I get a performance bonus, and I'm nervous that he'll find a reason not to give me one if he knows I'm leaving. Oh well, I have until 1:30 Eastern tomorrow to figure it out.
-
I have my annual performance review tomorrow. My boss wants me to prepare a training plan and have my annual leave scheduled out for the next year. I'm currently saving my annual leave so it gets paid out as a lump sum when I leave in early January. And there is no way in hell I'm going to the trouble to prepare a training plan. Still not quite sure how I'm going to handle it - maybe complain about having been too busy to get those little tasks done...
I'm not ready to spill the beans yet. I want to see if I get a performance bonus, and I'm nervous that he'll find a reason not to give me one if he knows I'm leaving. Oh well, I have until 1:30 Eastern tomorrow to figure it out.
Schedule expensive training starting in March. They won't get back to you...
-
Is there room on the list to add another for 2018? I was in the 2019 group but I've been able to inch my way forward to 12/1/2018. I'm planning for my last day to be 10/3/18 and I'll use up my leave for the remainder of Oct & Nov so I can enjoy the fall and holidays.
-
There is always room for one more.
-
Ok just adding myself in on the list.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
[/quote]
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I have my annual performance review tomorrow. My boss wants me to prepare a training plan and have my annual leave scheduled out for the next year. I'm currently saving my annual leave so it gets paid out as a lump sum when I leave in early January. And there is no way in hell I'm going to the trouble to prepare a training plan. Still not quite sure how I'm going to handle it - maybe complain about having been too busy to get those little tasks done...
I'm not ready to spill the beans yet. I want to see if I get a performance bonus, and I'm nervous that he'll find a reason not to give me one if he knows I'm leaving. Oh well, I have until 1:30 Eastern tomorrow to figure it out.
Monkey Uncle, what ended up happening at your performance review?
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I have my annual performance review tomorrow. My boss wants me to prepare a training plan and have my annual leave scheduled out for the next year. I'm currently saving my annual leave so it gets paid out as a lump sum when I leave in early January. And there is no way in hell I'm going to the trouble to prepare a training plan. Still not quite sure how I'm going to handle it - maybe complain about having been too busy to get those little tasks done...
I'm not ready to spill the beans yet. I want to see if I get a performance bonus, and I'm nervous that he'll find a reason not to give me one if he knows I'm leaving. Oh well, I have until 1:30 Eastern tomorrow to figure it out.
Monkey Uncle, what ended up happening at your performance review?
I got the highest rating possible, and he never even asked me about the training plan or the annual leave schedule. LOL. So I'm guessing I'll be up for that performance bonus after all. I kind of feel bad about not telling him, though. He's a good guy, and he obviously relies on me a lot. My current plan is to give notice around the beginning of November, once I'm absolutely certain that ACA health plans will be available for at least another year.
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I just found out that the purchase order for my current work will run out at the end of the month. I am taking two weeks to go visit family in early November. I guess in a few weeks I will know if I am coming back to a job or not. Although I could FIRE now, I want to make it until next year so I can keep healthcare.
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Last week, a coworker died at his desk from a stroke. (Actually he had a seizure at the desk and died over the weekend and we later found out it was a stroke). This has had the effect on me of removing any last doubts about retirement next year. (Not a good thing to be thinking about making plans for "...in case I die at work today")..
So today I met with by boss and let her know I will be retiring next year. She was super cool about it and congratulated me and thanked me for letting her know in time to plan for succession. My situation is different from many in that I will he retire eligible next year and people retire from my company without drama all the time. Anyway, I feel good about having outed myself. It really will help my team to be able to plan. Also, there is less room in my life for any lingering OMY plans to lurk. Best wishes, aperture.
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Anyway, I feel good about having outed myself. It really will help my team to be able to plan. Also, there is less room in my life for any lingering OMY plans to lurk. Best wishes, aperture.
Congrats for getting out of the FIRE closet. Sorry to hear about your co-worker. I had one die before he hit 40. You really can't assume you'll more time.
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Last week, a coworker died at his desk from a stroke. (Actually he had a seizure at the desk and died over the weekend and we later found out it was a stroke). This has had the effect on me of removing any last doubts about retirement next year. (Not a good thing to be thinking about making plans for "...in case I die at work today")..
So today I met with by boss and let her know I will be retiring next year. She was super cool about it and congratulated me and thanked me for letting her know in time to plan for succession. My situation is different from many in that I will he retire eligible next year and people retire from my company without drama all the time. Anyway, I feel good about having outed myself. It really will help my team to be able to plan. Also, there is less room in my life for any lingering OMY plans to lurk. Best wishes, aperture.
Congratulations :-)
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Last week, a coworker died at his desk from a stroke. (Actually he had a seizure at the desk and died over the weekend and we later found out it was a stroke). This has had the effect on me of removing any last doubts about retirement next year. (Not a good thing to be thinking about making plans for "...in case I die at work today")..
So today I met with by boss and let her know I will be retiring next year. She was super cool about it and congratulated me and thanked me for letting her know in time to plan for succession. My situation is different from many in that I will he retire eligible next year and people retire from my company without drama all the time. Anyway, I feel good about having outed myself. It really will help my team to be able to plan. Also, there is less room in my life for any lingering OMY plans to lurk. Best wishes, aperture.
I'm sorry it took such a tragedy to push you over the edge, but congratulations on making it official.
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Last week, a coworker died at his desk from a stroke. (Actually he had a seizure at the desk and died over the weekend and we later found out it was a stroke). This has had the effect on me of removing any last doubts about retirement next year. (Not a good thing to be thinking about making plans for "...in case I die at work today")..
So today I met with by boss and let her know I will be retiring next year. She was super cool about it and congratulated me and thanked me for letting her know in time to plan for succession. My situation is different from many in that I will he retire eligible next year and people retire from my company without drama all the time. Anyway, I feel good about having outed myself. It really will help my team to be able to plan. Also, there is less room in my life for any lingering OMY plans to lurk. Best wishes, aperture.
I'm sorry it took such a tragedy to push you over the edge, but congratulations on making it official.
Yes, it feels a bit artificial to not name the deceased in order to maintain my own anonymity, but I will say he did great work and was dedicated to excellence. I feel his absence as both a lost opportunity to have invested better in being a friend and a spur to live courageously. thanks for all the well wishes, aperture
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So I have an update - I'm not sure what to call my status now....
So I work at a professional services firm in a high paid but very stressful position. Based on the old plan we would have been FI at the end of 2018 (and I would have immediately quit). About three weeks ago I was dealing with some nonsense at work and listening to a senior partner spout some silliness and something inside me just broke - just couldn't do it anymore.
So I went out and found a new job - one that I think I will enjoy much more. No travel, individual contributor, no real day to day manager, and Friday's off 2 times a month - I'm pretty excited. So October 30th is the last day at my current job.
New job pays less but will still be able to hit FI status by 2018. The rub is that they gave me a pretty big signing bonus for the new job (yay) to try and reduce the sting of the massive pay cut I'm taking. The signing bonus however vests over a three year period - which clearly throws a wrench into 2018.
So right now i guess I'm undecided. Will have to see if I like the new job as much as I think I will. I want to track pay and expenses with the new job to make sure we're still on track for FI by 2018, and of course if I stay past 2018 will impact our plans on boat and Great Loop.
I'm not sure how to classify myself now. Oh well.
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Yoda - good for you for making your situation better in a way that works for you. Not speaking for the others here, but I'd say you're welcome to stick with us until you figure it out one way or another.
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Congratulations on the position Yoda, I hope it is lot less stressful. Whether you RE in 2018 or 2020, the Great Loop should still be there. Best wishes, aperture.
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Despite generally liking my job, my manager and co-workers, I can definitely see that these last 6 months will be really hard. More and more, I feel like I'm serving a prison sentence and just counting down the days. It doesn't help that there are rumors swirling around and a lot of speculation about a potential corporate transaction that would have a significant impact on my group (lots of work short term but potential job losses long term). Sometimes I wish I could give my notice now and start a slow transaction process but I have a bonus and RSUs vesting in March and am not willing to take the risk on them.
How are you all holding up?
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More and more, I feel like I'm serving a prison sentence and just counting down the days.
Exactly the way I feel.
But in my case, I have DW also to worry about who want to OMY. I have made up my mind to FIRe!
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More and more, I feel like I'm serving a prison sentence and just counting down the days.
I am less than three months away and it feels worse than when I was years away. I am obsessively counting days, checking the investment accounts, making plans, etc. It can't come soon enough.
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Hi all! I am tentatively joining you for a March 2018 ER. Enough time to take my accrued vacation and contribute to my 401k.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
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Despite generally liking my job, my manager and co-workers, I can definitely see that these last 6 months will be really hard. More and more, I feel like I'm serving a prison sentence and just counting down the days. It doesn't help that there are rumors swirling around and a lot of speculation about a potential corporate transaction that would have a significant impact on my group (lots of work short term but potential job losses long term). Sometimes I wish I could give my notice now and start a slow transaction process but I have a bonus and RSUs vesting in March and am not willing to take the risk on them.
How are you all holding up?
I recently switched to 4 days a week. And I found it greatly helped the "prison sentence" feeling. That and 3-beer lunches...
Then again recently I got a rude post-it note on my desk informing me of something I forgot to do and the thought of quitting actually crossed my mind. FI really skews things... quitting because someone showed me a mistake I made? haha... I might just be completely checked out over here. Frankly I'd just rather sit with my kids at home than read post it notes.
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I am convinced that one secret of FIRE not easily conferred on the novitiate is just how hard the last year of working is. As late as June (13 months to my RE date), I thought this last year would be my victory lap. I imagined that I would be finishing tasks and able to say "that's the last time I will have to do budgeting or midpoint Evals or whatever. I think I neglected just how little difference there is between 263 days left to FIRE and 261 days left to FIRE and how much crap can fit into that small amount of time.
First world 1% problem, but so little information out there that prepared me for this year of suck.. (Exception of course is Dr. Doom's amazing blog - so sad it is ended).
I think I am partly depressed, bored, scared, dreaming, trudging - mostly trudging along to the end. Sorry to be such a downer, but I am really tired of renting this space in my head to work. Work is no longer a good tenant. Work is noisy and no longer pays enough rent. I am increasingly a crappy landlord. Sorry - rant. Hope others are feeling better. My best to you all, aperture.
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I love this thread - you guys are really doing it! So motivating.
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01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
Won't be renewing my office lease and will be cutting back on work and no more driving to this office.
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Hang in there aperture! One day at a time, one foot after the other. You've come so far, you WILL make it!
Conversely I find I think about the things I will miss about my job, more and more. Most days I quite enjoy a reasonable proportion of my work. Its really the system/context/some personnel that sucks. I do have periods where I feel like you aperture, but only for a few days/weeks then things will settle again.
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I am convinced that one secret of FIRE not easily conferred on the novitiate is just how hard the last year of working is. As late as June (13 months to my RE date), I thought this last year would be my victory lap. I imagined that I would be finishing tasks and able to say "that's the last time I will have to do budgeting or midpoint Evals or whatever. I think I neglected just how little difference there is between 263 days left to FIRE and 261 days left to FIRE and how much crap can fit into that small amount of time.
First world 1% problem, but so little information out there that prepared me for this year of suck.. (Exception of course is Dr. Doom's amazing blog - so sad it is ended).
I think I am partly depressed, bored, scared, dreaming, trudging - mostly trudging along to the end. Sorry to be such a downer, but I am really tired of renting this space in my head to work. Work is no longer a good tenant. Work is noisy and no longer pays enough rent. I am increasingly a crappy landlord. Sorry - rant. Hope others are feeling better. My best to you all, aperture.
I'm right there with you, Ap. Less than three months until the appointed date, and it still feels like it's never going to end. I'm sure part of it is somewhat irrational worry over things like health care and stock market valuations. In some ways I still feel like some disaster is going to happen and I'm not going to be able to quit after all.
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I am convinced that one secret of FIRE not easily conferred on the novitiate is just how hard the last year of working is. As late as June (13 months to my RE date), I thought this last year would be my victory lap. I imagined that I would be finishing tasks and able to say "that's the last time I will have to do budgeting or midpoint Evals or whatever. I think I neglected just how little difference there is between 263 days left to FIRE and 261 days left to FIRE and how much crap can fit into that small amount of time.
First world 1% problem, but so little information out there that prepared me for this year of suck.. (Exception of course is Dr. Doom's amazing blog - so sad it is ended).
I think I am partly depressed, bored, scared, dreaming, trudging - mostly trudging along to the end. Sorry to be such a downer, but I am really tired of renting this space in my head to work. Work is no longer a good tenant. Work is noisy and no longer pays enough rent. I am increasingly a crappy landlord. Sorry - rant. Hope others are feeling better. My best to you all, aperture.
I'm right there with you, Ap. Less than three months until the appointed date, and it still feels like it's never going to end. I'm sure part of it is somewhat irrational worry over things like health care and stock market valuations. In some ways I still feel like some disaster is going to happen and I'm not going to be able to quit after all.
This is why I ended up pulling the plug early. I went part time in May and hoped to do that for at least a year. Then I thought, if I can just make it until Sept and get my 401K company contribution, then that will be great. I hit the proverbial wall in July and just had to get out. My last day was July 25. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but for me it got worse and worse as the days went by, even after I turned in notice. There were a fair amount of posts about this in the 2017 thread, this one was my favorite:
I'm looking forward to the sadness and nostalgia and feeling all the feels of this life milestone. It just means we're complicated humans who are alive. Right now I'm treasuring the security of the paycheck while it lasts and the richness of the anticipation I'm feeling.
I tried very hard to treasure the "richness of the anticipation"...not sure I was successful, but it was a nice goal to have in my head. Good luck!
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I am convinced that one secret of FIRE not easily conferred on the novitiate is just how hard the last year of working is. As late as June (13 months to my RE date), I thought this last year would be my victory lap. I imagined that I would be finishing tasks and able to say "that's the last time I will have to do budgeting or midpoint Evals or whatever. I think I neglected just how little difference there is between 263 days left to FIRE and 261 days left to FIRE and how much crap can fit into that small amount of time.
First world 1% problem, but so little information out there that prepared me for this year of suck.. (Exception of course is Dr. Doom's amazing blog - so sad it is ended).
I think I am partly depressed, bored, scared, dreaming, trudging - mostly trudging along to the end. Sorry to be such a downer, but I am really tired of renting this space in my head to work. Work is no longer a good tenant. Work is noisy and no longer pays enough rent. I am increasingly a crappy landlord. Sorry - rant. Hope others are feeling better. My best to you all, aperture.
I agree that there isn't much discussion about the last year or few months before FIRE. It is really difficult and I am struggling to get through it. For me, I have started having some problems sleeping and maintaining energy through the day. To make matters worse, everything at work really gets under my skin because I feel trapped. The paycheck is no longer enough to keep me satisfied, but I stay for the health insurance.
I am trying to focus more on doing activities that bring me joy, but then I end up staying out late with friends, and end up at work grumpy the next day. Right now, I have less than 40 early mornings left.
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I am convinced that one secret of FIRE not easily conferred on the novitiate is just how hard the last year of working is. As late as June (13 months to my RE date), I thought this last year would be my victory lap. I imagined that I would be finishing tasks and able to say "that's the last time I will have to do budgeting or midpoint Evals or whatever. I think I neglected just how little difference there is between 263 days left to FIRE and 261 days left to FIRE and how much crap can fit into that small amount of time.
First world 1% problem, but so little information out there that prepared me for this year of suck.. (Exception of course is Dr. Doom's amazing blog - so sad it is ended).
I think I am partly depressed, bored, scared, dreaming, trudging - mostly trudging along to the end. Sorry to be such a downer, but I am really tired of renting this space in my head to work. Work is no longer a good tenant. Work is noisy and no longer pays enough rent. I am increasingly a crappy landlord. Sorry - rant. Hope others are feeling better. My best to you all, aperture.
I agree that there isn't much discussion about the last year or few months before FIRE. It is really difficult and I am struggling to get through it. For me, I have started having some problems sleeping and maintaining energy through the day. To make matters worse, everything at work really gets under my skin because I feel trapped. The paycheck is no longer enough to keep me satisfied, but I stay for the health insurance.
I am trying to focus more on doing activities that bring me joy, but then I end up staying out late with friends, and end up at work grumpy the next day. Right now, I have less than 40 early mornings left.
Yeah, I couldn't do the last year and moved my date up about 6 months from March of 2018 to Aug 2017.... but now that I quit life is pretty awesome :)
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I agree that there isn't much discussion about the last year or few months before FIRE. It is really difficult and I am struggling to get through it. For me, I have started having some problems sleeping and maintaining energy through the day. To make matters worse, everything at work really gets under my skin because I feel trapped. The paycheck is no longer enough to keep me satisfied, but I stay for the health insurance.
Exactly how I feel.
I am so glad that I a member of this forum and especially this thread. I know what others are going thru and do not feel crazy...
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Patches I'm with you except slowly burning leave over this last year so I'm down to a 4 day work week until FIRE. It's helped, slightly. At least my clown car commute is only 4 days a week now.
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I'm in death march mode. Just trying to make it through w/out getting fired before I am ready for FIRE. I keep daydreaming about being laid off in March 2018. Well that would reduce my 401K contributions since I will be doing 50% of each paycheck to 401K to squirrel away as much as I can, the severance package would cover a large portion of planned annual expenses(and make prepping house for sale easier).
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Good to see that I'm not the only one feeling miserable at work... I think I would go crazy if it wasn't for this forum.
At this point I have zero patience for corporate politics and other crap. Thank goodness I can pretty much ignore most of it and just do the bare minimum required to comply (not talking about actual work, just the corporate nonsense).
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I suspect that much of this grumbling about the pain of hanging on is mostly due to everyone hitting their target numbers 6-12 months early because of the recent market run.
Like I'm pretty sure that if the market was down 13% YTD instead of up 13% YTD, we would all be mentally preparing to stick it out for another year and convincing ourselves it's really not so bad.
As it is, anyone who joined this thread over a year ago with a specific number in mind is probably already past that number, or at least very close to it. I know I've been watching our net worth grow by more than our annual base expenses every month or so, and struggling to justify sitting through another performance review, holiday party, unrealistic project deadline, etc.
But I'm trying to keep my chin up and my head in the game. There is still work to do, and people who count on me. Maybe the market will take back that which it has given, or maybe I'll have extra dollars to donate to charity. I'm trying not to let my growing investment balance negatively impact my attitude.
Stay strong, classmates. Don't jump early without a contingency plan.
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I suspect that much of this grumbling about the pain of hanging on is mostly due to everyone hitting their target numbers 6-12 months early because of the recent market run.
Like I'm pretty sure that if the market was down 13% YTD instead of up 13% YTD, we would all be mentally preparing to stick it out for another year and convincing ourselves it's really not so bad.
...
Part of my problem, is this last year is really a OMY. Life not money requires us to stick out until the spring. So if we were down 20% YTD, we would actually still be set for spring 2018. We have built in quite a few safety nets. I prefer to start our travels in the spring and sell the house in the spring (and I have a housemate that needed sufficient time to find a new place to live) soo..Spring 2018 it is. I always figured that having an extra 20% for a bad retirement start was a requirement. But watching my portfolio earn more than my gross income doesn't help the work motivation...
Worse yet, my coworkers (including those above me) are all periodically reminding me that I am the one with job security because my skill set is so unique here. I am trying to teach them and leave them written instructions on how to do the things I do but I already have one gal threatening to start a petition to cancel my vacation time every time I go on vacation. I am secretly starting a psychological campaign where I try to convince them I am not that vital but they keep giving me dirty looks when I suggest that. My husband is afraid he will need chain cutters to get me out of here once they realize I intend to skip town...What's sad is I derive almost no satisfaction from being "needed", I just want to go play without running the gauntlet of emotional blackmail.
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I suspect that much of this grumbling about the pain of hanging on is mostly due to everyone hitting their target numbers 6-12 months early because of the recent market run.
Like I'm pretty sure that if the market was down 13% YTD instead of up 13% YTD, we would all be mentally preparing to stick it out for another year and convincing ourselves it's really not so bad.
Stay strong, classmates. Don't jump early without a contingency plan.
Sol, you are 100% correct in assessing why I feel this way. I'm currently in the OMY and real estate/stocks have blown me past my number. My safety net continues to gather strength... yet regardless of how strong it gets the worst case scenario remains the same: if everything blows up I get another job. And that job will feel necessary and result in feelings of joy and a sense of accomplishing something. Thus, I'm at the moment living my worst case scenario (working) without the added "benefit" of feeling like I need to.
Currently, the perceived futility of my efforts outweigh the joy I require of my toil.
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Some really great insights today. They really capture what a lot of us are feeling. Until last year , Retirement was something off in the nebulous future. Then I got an inheritance and the stock market took off. This summer I ran some numbers and found out I could retire anytime I wanted. Financially I am ready but it hasn't sunk in mentally yet. So I started doing some research. I found this site and some other FIRE sites and started going through the pre-retirement checklists. Even though I could retire now, it will take me about 9 months to clean up everything so I will feel fully comfortable letting go. Meanwhile, some aspects of work are getting harder and harder to put up with, While other things that used to bother me , I no longer mind.
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Financially I am ready but it hasn't sunk in mentally yet. So I started doing some research. Even though I could retire now, it will take me about 9 months to clean up everything so I will feel fully comfortable letting go. Meanwhile, some aspects of work are getting harder and harder to put up with.
That's completely me.
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I suspect that much of this grumbling about the pain of hanging on is mostly due to everyone hitting their target numbers 6-12 months early because of the recent market run.
Like I'm pretty sure that if the market was down 13% YTD instead of up 13% YTD, we would all be mentally preparing to stick it out for another year and convincing ourselves it's really not so bad.
Stay strong, classmates. Don't jump early without a contingency plan.
Yes! 2018 would be OLY for me (there will have to be a revolution in my line of work for me to stick it out beyond March 2019), the earliest financially realistic date at which I could retire is June 2018, and I've got myself convinced that I mostly quite like my job. But it wouldn't take a very big financial windfall to remind me of all the reasons why I want to get out of this business.
I'm trying to cushion the blow by recruiting someone who can take over some of my work, allowing me to reduce my hours, and be trained up so that I'll scarcely be missed (for a lot of what I do now could be done by someone with less expensive qualifications). I made the suggestion without mentioning retirement, and my colleagues nixed it. Yet when I hand in my notice I expect they'll say, "Why didn't you say something sooner?"
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I suspect that much of this grumbling about the pain of hanging on is mostly due to everyone hitting their target numbers 6-12 months early because of the recent market run.
Like I'm pretty sure that if the market was down 13% YTD instead of up 13% YTD, we would all be mentally preparing to stick it out for another year and convincing ourselves it's really not so bad.
Stay strong, classmates. Don't jump early without a contingency plan.
Sol, you are 100% correct in assessing why I feel this way. I'm currently in the OMY and real estate/stocks have blown me past my number. My safety net continues to gather strength... yet regardless of how strong it gets the worst case scenario remains the same: if everything blows up I get another job. And that job will feel necessary and result in feelings of joy and a sense of accomplishing something. Thus, I'm at the moment living my worst case scenario (working) without the added "benefit" of feeling like I need to.
Currently, the perceived futility of my efforts outweigh the joy I require of my toil.
I am in a similar situation. I was considering FIREing this year and decided to stick around until March 2018 primarily to ensure that my daughter has properly "launched" after graduating in June 2017. My target number was $1M in investable assets. Well, the daughter found a good job and moved out within a couple of months of graduation. And my stache is now approaching $1.4M. So no wonder I'm restless at work :-)
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I suspect that much of this grumbling about the pain of hanging on is mostly due to everyone hitting their target numbers 6-12 months early because of the recent market run.
Yes. We're all a bunch of cowards trying to rationalize our decision to continue working as something--anything--other than OMY syndrome, plain and simple. Until now, cognitive dissonance has prevented me from fully and freely admitting to myself that I have already achieved financial independence. I still plan to stick it out until my predetermined date (because I am still a coward), but I will at least try to be honest with myself about my cowardice and our status as a self-declared financially independent household.
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Part of my problem, is this last year is really a OMY. Life not money requires us to stick out until the spring.
This a where I am at too. I am stuck because I need to get some work done on the house before we rent it out, but I don't have time to get the renovations done because I am at work. I need to keep working to pay for the renovations and health insurance. It's almost a self perpetuating problem!
I am really glad to know that I am not the only one that is dragging ass every morning to work and that we are mostly struggling with the same issues.
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We're all a bunch of cowards trying to rationalize our decision to continue working as something--anything--other than OMY syndrome,
Maybe we should just change the thread title to "50 people who suddenly have OMY syndrome."
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Maybe we should just change the thread title to "50 people who suddenly have OMY syndrome."
Sol's mention of 50 people got me curious to check the numbers for each year (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/'class-of'cohort-what-year-will-you-fire/) so far:
2015 (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/class-of-2015/msg1162531/#msg1162531) - 19
2016 (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/class-of-2016/msg1365276/#msg1365276) - 29
2017 (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/target-fire-2017/msg1699337/#msg1699337) - 53 (47 confirmed, 6 pending)
2018 (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/2018-fire-cohort/msg1729117/#msg1729117) - 68 (all pending)
It goes up every year. (Rough count and all that)
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I suspect that much of this grumbling about the pain of hanging on is mostly due to everyone hitting their target numbers 6-12 months early because of the recent market run.
Yes. We're all a bunch of cowards trying to rationalize our decision to continue working as something--anything--other than OMY syndrome, plain and simple. Until now, cognitive dissonance has prevented me from fully and freely admitting to myself that I have already achieved financial independence. I still plan to stick it out until my predetermined date (because I am still a coward), but I will at least try to be honest with myself about my cowardice and our status as a self-declared financially independent household.
LOL. Pure greed here. 2 months of work gain something like an extra $100 per month for life, plus medical. Seems worth it. I gave notice to employer last week of my expected Jan date, so they can back fill my position. Tough to let a great job go.
Sounds like you're saving $15,000 a month, or $180,000 a year.
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We're all a bunch of cowards trying to rationalize our decision to continue working as something--anything--other than OMY syndrome,
Maybe we should just change the thread title to "50 people who suddenly have OMY syndrome."
I'm OLY - moved here from the 2019 thread.
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I suspect that much of this grumbling about the pain of hanging on is mostly due to everyone hitting their target numbers 6-12 months early because of the recent market run.
For me, this last year is about the golden handcuffs. Next June I hit the magic retirement equation threshold and my employer will kick in some added Medicare benefits that start at age 65 (of unknown value) and I will be able to take my pension pay out as a lump sum.
Mostly, I do not look at the our account totals because it can make me crazy whether it goes up or down. If stocks are going up like crazy, I can feel like I missed the boat with my bond allocation. If they are flat or go down, I worry that I am getting out just as the market is about to fall off a cliff (why I have a bond allocation). Either way, I can talk myself into not sleeping, so I only look at the accounts 2 times a year.
So glad for all the responses talking about how much work really bites in the last year. I feel far less whiny knowing that my pain is shared by such illustrious company. Presently, I am hanging in there until Thanksgiving week when I am taking the whole week off. Then it is just 4 weeks of work until Christmas (another week off). I like the idea of taking one day a week off. I am going to make that my plan for 2018. I will do the math once I am back at my cubicle with my spreadsheets.
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The debate of June 2018 or March 2019 rages on as the dates approach. Stay tuned...
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We're all a bunch of cowards trying to rationalize our decision to continue working as something--anything--other than OMY syndrome,
Maybe we should just change the thread title to "50 people who suddenly have OMY syndrome."
I'm coming down the home stretch in my O-and-a-half MY. I reached minimal FI in mid 2016, but decided to stick around at least until after the election, just for a little more padding, and also just in case something crazy happened that would impact the Affordable Care Act (ahem). Then it became "I'll hang on until I see what comes after the ACA." (double ahem). When it became apparent that we weren't going to find out quickly, I told myself that if the ACA still exists in any functional form at all, I'm bailing at the beginning of 2018.
At this point I've built up a fairly comfortable buffer beyond my current spending level, but if I suddenly had to pay 20 or 25 grand a year for health insurance, I would no longer be FI. I won't deny that when the most recent ACA shenanigans unfolded last week, I thought about pushing my date out yet again. But instead, I think I'm going to set up a LLC, call myself a consultant, and do just enough so that everyone in my professional network doesn't forget about me. Then, if I suddenly have to pay full price for health insurance, hopefully I can ramp that up into a PT gig that generates 10 or 15k a year.
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We're all a bunch of cowards trying to rationalize our decision to continue working as something--anything--other than OMY syndrome,
Maybe we should just change the thread title to "50 people who suddenly have OMY syndrome."
I'm coming down the home stretch in my O-and-a-half MY. I reached minimal FI in mid 2016, but decided to stick around at least until after the election, just for a little more padding, and also just in case something crazy happened that would impact the Affordable Care Act (ahem). Then it became "I'll hang on until I see what comes after the ACA." (double ahem). When it became apparent that we weren't going to find out quickly, I told myself that if the ACA still exists in any functional form at all, I'm bailing at the beginning of 2018.
At this point I've built up a fairly comfortable buffer beyond my current spending level, but if I suddenly had to pay 20 or 25 grand a year for health insurance, I would no longer be FI. I won't deny that when the most recent ACA shenanigans unfolded last week, I thought about pushing my date out yet again. But instead, I think I'm going to set up a LLC, call myself a consultant, and do just enough so that everyone in my professional network doesn't forget about me. Then, if I suddenly have to pay full price for health insurance, hopefully I can ramp that up into a PT gig that generates 10 or 15k a year.
That sounds like a sensible plan.
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I'm actually in the same boat as chasesfish. My internal debate right now is either 12/1/18 (with may last working day being Oct 3 because of leave usage) or 4/1/19 (with my last working day being Feb 6 because of leave usage). Yes this year has been a bumper year for my stash, but staying those first 3 mos of 2019 lets me add $18k more to the stash tax deferred, then I'd be out. My thought is I'll wait until next summer to make the final decision, see how I feel and how things are going.
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Thinking very very strongly about pullin' the plug next year. Heck - I'll even be at the right age where people won't question it, i.e. 62. Maybe in July or maybe wait until the end of the year. Does one go with more free time or go with more toys? Been very frugal for the past 30 years or so. I think I've paid my dues.
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Welcome Pecunia.
Go for it, Give us your date and we'll add you to the list.
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FIRE date: Oct 5 2018
Can't believe I'm here!
Stumbled across MMM in 2013 after a brutal layoff from a company I thought I would be at until I retired. I was completely devastated. At that point I vowed I would NEVER leave my future in the hands of others. Fortunately I have always been a frugal lad, so following the Mustachian path was more about smart investing than anything else. It sure didn't hurt that the next job I got paid 25% more. Started maxing out the 401(k) and IRA contributions, moved the cash I was sitting on into index funds and went for >50% total savings rate. According to Vanguard my investment income for the last year was equal to after tax income.
Booyah!!!
According to FireCalc right now I am at 95% chance of success (including SS starting in 2023) which is really making it tough to work since I cannot stand my current position. I am sticking it out because part of my plan is to add some rental properties to the mix which will be a lot easier while I have W2 income.
I picked October 5 because I scored a Grand Canyon rafting permit with a launch date of October 10 2018 so that makes a nice hard stop. A month on that trip and probably a month or two of rock climbing in Greece after that. And then spend some time in Spain attempting to learn flamenco guitar.
Got my fingers crossed that the health care situation doesn't implode. Stocks could take a dump, but I am hoping rentals will help smooth market volatility. Worst case is to sell or rent the house and move to a lower cost of living area. I am in the Seattle area, housing prices are through the roof so I have a s**t ton of equity to take advantage of.
No I take that back, worst case is going back to work;-)
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Welcome JumboShrimp
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
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I picked October 5 because I scored a Grand Canyon rafting permit with a launch date of October 10 2018 so that makes a nice hard stop. A month on that trip and probably a month or two of rock climbing in Greece after that. And then spend some time in Spain attempting to learn flamenco guitar.
What an amazing start to FIRE!
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Seems like a good list to be on. Yah - a very good list.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/??/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
Just got to get me through the next 8 months and 18 days and I should be at the guarantee point.
When you think about it doesn't it just send a euphoric sense of peace all over you? I've always felt like I was a human ping pong ball in the workplace. Now I'll be able to take a long hike on a nature trail and just feel a sense of one-ness with everything around me. And,.....I'll be able to do it in the middle of the week, no less, because I won't be working.
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Thought I’d do a progress report on my march to freedom. I am still planning on retiring June 1 so I can pay off the car and the kitchen remodel. However, Mrs Honeyfill is thinking about moving up her date. She is may retire as soon as Feb 1. I am trying to talk her into retiring even sooner. She makes 60% less than me but has 100% more stress. I don’t know how she does it. The earliest we can retire is Jan 1 but I need to stay the rest of the year to take advantage of the max out of pocket on the health care.
We made good progress on paying down debts this month. The bathroom remodel is completely paid for, the back porch update and new patio furniture is paid for. The car repair (damn pack rats) is completely paid for. We also paid off the last of our trip to Montana from last summer.
I’ve also been getting all our health issues taken care off while Megacorp is still paying . We hit our maximum out of pocket this year , so everything is “free” the rest of the year. Saw the eye doctor and got a new pair of glasses. Saw the dentist and got a treatment plan to complete all work by the end of the year. Got my annual check check, I’m in pretty good health for a 60 year old guy but decided on doing a sleep apnea test and to have a umbilical hernia taken care of. These are both minor and optional but since they are free , I figured I would do it this year.
As several people have noted, Work gets tougher and tougher to handle as the end date gets closer. However, I’m trying to concentrate on the fun stuff and I’m learning to say no. That helps a lot!
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decided on doing a sleep apnea test
Anything you can do to get rid of body fat, exercise and diet, helps to improve sleep apnea.
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01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
Letter sent to HR for 1/15 last day of work.
I believe I can be added to this list. The plan right now is 3/31/18. This is contingent on the state of the ACA. My wife and I will rely on health care exchanges for our coverage. We've added room in our budget for premiums to increase but if premiums become too expensive then I don't know.
I'm 44 and my wife is 39.
My questions for anyone planning to FIRE in 2017 or 2018:
1. If we're retiring at the tail end of this bull market, what are you doing to mitigate sequence of returns risk? Do you continue to work and just grind it out through a bear market? What if that bear lasts 2-3 years? Are your assets at the point where you can absorb a big downturn and still be safely in your expected withdrawal rate?
2. If you're relying on the ACA for coverage, how much more are you budgeting for premium increases?
Sorry to be a downer but these are the two biggest issues weighing on my mind. Maybe these questions are best for a separate thread but just thought I'd throw it out there.
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Welcome Mrbeardedbigbucks!
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Albireo13
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
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My questions for anyone planning to FIRE in 2017 or 2018:
1. If we're retiring at the tail end of this bull market, what are you doing to mitigate sequence of returns risk? Do you continue to work and just grind it out through a bear market? What if that bear lasts 2-3 years? Are your assets at the point where you can absorb a big downturn and still be safely in your expected withdrawal rate?
2. If you're relying on the ACA for coverage, how much more are you budgeting for premium increases?
Sorry to be a downer but these are the two biggest issues weighing on my mind. Maybe these questions are best for a separate thread but just thought I'd throw it out there.
1. Well, no one really knows if we're at the tail end of the bull market or not, but history being what it is, it wouldn't be unexpected for a bear market to occur during the first few years for anyone retiring now. As a hedge, I've worked about 18 months past reaching basic FI status so that I'll be FIREing with a 100% cFiresim success rate, even after allowing for a $10k/yr buffer over basic spending. So basically I've worked too long, just in case working long enough wasn't really long enough.
2. If the ACA goes belly up, I'll find a way to earn some supplemental income. Right now I'm thinking that I'll do some part time consulting.
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1. If we're retiring at the tail end of this bull market, what are you doing to mitigate sequence of returns risk? Do you continue to work and just grind it out through a bear market? What if that bear lasts 2-3 years? Are your assets at the point where you can absorb a big downturn and still be safely in your expected withdrawal rate?
2. If you're relying on the ACA for coverage, how much more are you budgeting for premium increases?
1. We'll have 18 months expenses in cash and a diversified income incl. a rental and P2P. Also about 20% of our expenses are luxuries that can be cut out and in a real pinch we could exist on 50%. In reality, DH would just keep working as he would not be keen to cut out certain luxuries - travel, meals out.
2. We're not in the US.
I don't really know what retirement is going to look like but when I think of free time, I just imagine all the little do-gooding ventures I could start without worrying if they will pay the bills. The closer it gets, the more I think I'll be a sort of non-profit small business SWAMI, able to pay myself a small wage if things get tight.
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We have diversified passive income streams that mean our stock will be withdrawn at less than a 1% SWR. After a year or two, we won't have to touch it at all for planned expenses. (We need to provide for a mentally handicapped daughter so we built a lot more safety factors into our FIRE plan than most of you need.)
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My questions for anyone planning to FIRE in 2017 or 2018:
1. If we're retiring at the tail end of this bull market, what are you doing to mitigate sequence of returns risk? Do you continue to work and just grind it out through a bear market? What if that bear lasts 2-3 years? Are your assets at the point where you can absorb a big downturn and still be safely in your expected withdrawal rate?
2. If you're relying on the ACA for coverage, how much more are you budgeting for premium increases?
Sorry to be a downer but these are the two biggest issues weighing on my mind. Maybe these questions are best for a separate thread but just thought I'd throw it out there.
1. Sorta FIREd in 2017. My job is still waiting for me to come back in August 2018, which I will have to do for a couple weeks, maybe months until my rental house sells. If bear market is bad by then I may stay an extra 6 months or so for extra cash to invest while there's a sale and a little extra to cover expenses for another year maybe. The biggest mitigation plan is having super low expenses and a nomadic life, as well as the option to work a few temp jobs or side gigs if I feel like it.
2. Canada
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I'm on the list but, have need to switch to 2019.
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My questions for anyone planning to FIRE in 2017 or 2018:
1. If we're retiring at the tail end of this bull market, what are you doing to mitigate sequence of returns risk? Do you continue to work and just grind it out through a bear market? What if that bear lasts 2-3 years? Are your assets at the point where you can absorb a big downturn and still be safely in your expected withdrawal rate?
2. If you're relying on the ACA for coverage, how much more are you budgeting for premium increases?
Sorry to be a downer but these are the two biggest issues weighing on my mind. Maybe these questions are best for a separate thread but just thought I'd throw it out there.
Here is a list I put together a while ago to remind myself that I will be OK even if the markets take a downturn after I FIRE:
- no debt, no future financial obligations for children (I have one adult child who is working and supporting herself)
- planning for a withdrawal rate of less than 4%
- using a fairly conservative asset allocation (about 60/40 stocks to fixed income)
- planning to have 3-5 years of basic expenses in I bonds and CDs
- not including SS in FIRE calculations (I'll be 50 when I FIRE so I will get some SS but my numbers work anyway)
- building in flexibility in spending (I have a generous travel budget that can be scaled down or scrapped completely if need be)
- if the absolute worst case scenario happens and we have a complete meltdown of financial markets, I own a small farm where I can grow my own food ;-)
As to the health care costs, I am moving to Europe to live close to my family and will be eligible to be covered by the national health insurance there. If I decide to return to the US after a few years, I will worry about the costs then. Hopefully, something will be done with health insurance by then.
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2. Canada
Ohhhh Caaaanada!
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Albireo13 goes OMY
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
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I'm planning to join! I'm hoping for 3/25/18, but 6/25/18 is my second option. I'd like to actually stop working (at the latest) on 6/4, and use vacation to coast the rest of the way there, but we'll see.
My husband will keep working, so we'll move to his insurance (as well as the kids).
I'm getting promoted (ha!) & should have details in the next week or so on increased pay & equity. That might incent me to stay for another month or so. The 3/25 date assumes I have the correct amount saved for taxes after the sale of our rental property. The 6/25 date gives me a little more flex in case we owe more. It also allows me to fund any house projects we're currently considering (solar, electrical upgrade, new deck, etc).
Our plan is to live off of my husband's salary/stock, and for me not to work. Both kids will be out of the house in 7 years, and we will sell our house in our crazy HCOL, and my husband will then be old enough to tap into his retirement. We'll move somewhere significantly cheaper. I have enough saved to cover 7 years exactly (with a super flexible budget) of me not working. I'm open to the idea of picking up work here & there, should something appeal.
So excited/nervous/dreading every day at work. I travel internationally quite a bit, so I've broken my remaining time at work into: days, months, international trips, days away from my family and. . . hours spent on a plane for non-enjoyment. :-)
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Let's see if I can do this:
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
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Let's see if I can do this:
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
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Thanks, Momcpa!
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Today the countdown widget on my computer rolled to double digits... 99 days to go!
I also found out yesterday that my husband, who has been teaching a community college class and plans on continuing to do this for a few more years since he enjoys it, picked up a second section of his class for next semester. So we'll have even more extra income to buffer our initial withdrawals.
Our stache is well beyond what I consider necessary thanks to the crazy market run-up, but I am working on amassing an extra wad of cash to do some home improvement projects once I am FIREd and have time/energy to do them. Of course I'm still contributing to all my tax-deferred accounts while still working, and not counting that towards the home improvement money. I'm pretty conservative in my estimates and have a lot of buffers and backup plans in place, but even I am starting to feel like "Holy fuck, this is really more than enough and I should just quit now!!" But I'm pretty sure I won't. 99 more days....
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I posted a few weeks back about securing housing in Montreal...
Well today, we finally got approved to rent a cabin in Washington State for two months. So it's real. There is no backing out now. Both my husband and I are really ready to get started on FIRE, but I won't lie about us being scared shitless too. We've done the math, we have the money, we have the flexibility, we have several fallback plans, but still, we are both a little nervous.
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...but still, we are both a little nervous.
It's a huge life change on so many levels. Being apprehensive is totally normal. Good luck! I'm jealous. ;)
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I am sticking out OMY until June, 2018 when I am eligible for full retirement. Mostly I want to hit full retirement to have access to my pension in the event I determine a better place to use it than leaving it with MegaCorp. There is also a medical benefit that only kicks in when I am 65. It is some $s to help supplement Medicare and I had not previously thought much of it.
Monday, I red the fine print of my benefits manual (like you do) and noted this previously unseen language: "Retiree medical benefits for your spouse ...begin when retiree medical benefits begin". My spouse will not be Medicare eligible when I am (she is 11 years younger), and the manual goes on to specify that in her case, coverage will be "similar to what is offered to an active employee..." Right now, health insurance for active employees is about $600/month and has no deductibles. On the exchange, I suspect a 55 year old would pay twice as much and have a $3K deductible.
So, I found 11 years of inexpensive health insurance for my spouse this week...
Also, my counter hit 250 days this past weekend. I still feel zero surge of anticipation. Work is still work. I am still that guy that is too busy to remember your spouse's name or ask about your kids. But I am working on being different. I am starting to talk to people more. Baby steps.
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I am sticking out OMY until June, 2018 when I am eligible for full retirement. Mostly I want to hit full retirement to have access to my pension in the event I determine a better place to use it than leaving it with MegaCorp. There is also a medical benefit that only kicks in when I am 65. It is some $s to help supplement Medicare and I had not previously thought much of it.
Monday, I red the fine print of my benefits manual (like you do) and noted this previously unseen language: "Retiree medical benefits for your spouse ...begin when retiree medical benefits begin". My spouse will not be Medicare eligible when I am (she is 11 years younger), and the manual goes on to specify that in her case, coverage will be "similar to what is offered to an active employee..." Right now, health insurance for active employees is about $600/month and has no deductibles. On the exchange, I suspect a 55 year old would pay twice as much and have a $3K deductible.
On one hand I feel pissed that the benefits offered by my company are so crappy. There has never been severance for those being laid off, even after 20 years of service. There are no retiree benefits. Now they even added a spousal insurance charge. On the other hand, I am glad I don't have any golden handcuffs. The only thing my job provides is health insurance and a paycheck so I can quit whenever.
In your case I would totally stick out the OMY to get sweet health insurance like that.
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I am sticking out OMY until June, 2018 when I am eligible for full retirement. Mostly I want to hit full retirement to have access to my pension in the event I determine a better place to use it than leaving it with MegaCorp. There is also a medical benefit that only kicks in when I am 65. It is some $s to help supplement Medicare and I had not previously thought much of it.
Monday, I red the fine print of my benefits manual (like you do) and noted this previously unseen language: "Retiree medical benefits for your spouse ...begin when retiree medical benefits begin". My spouse will not be Medicare eligible when I am (she is 11 years younger), and the manual goes on to specify that in her case, coverage will be "similar to what is offered to an active employee..." Right now, health insurance for active employees is about $600/month and has no deductibles. On the exchange, I suspect a 55 year old would pay twice as much and have a $3K deductible.
So, I found 11 years of inexpensive health insurance for my spouse this week...
Also, my counter hit 250 days this past weekend. I still feel zero surge of anticipation. Work is still work. I am still that guy that is too busy to remember your spouse's name or ask about your kids. But I am working on being different. I am starting to talk to people more. Baby steps.
Great news about your wife's health care! You are lucky about your company's retirement plan. Our Megacorp cut out all health care benefits for both the employee and the spouse. This means health care is our biggest unknown. All we can do is budget a ridiculously large amount for the next 7 years until Mrs. Honeyfill hits 65. Our back up plans include jiggering withdrawals to maximize Obama Care subsidies or possibly moving to another country for a few years. Does anyone have any other suggestions? (which don't include working longer) :-)
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Does anyone have any other suggestions? (which don't include working longer) :-)
The most common plan for Americans in your position is "try not to get sick".
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Well, plan A for me is the ACA with subsidies. If they ruin the ACA, I am hoping that the state of California, where I live and hope to stay, implements something reasonable (I think it will happen eventually, the question is when).
Plan B is to just buy private insurance straight from Kaiser (who we're with now and like), which will certainly put a dent in our discretionary spending, but based on the prices I'm seeing offered now should be manageable (accounting for prices rising with age).
Plans C-F involve some combination of hubby using his VA health care, getting cheaper, crappier plans, selling our house and moving to a lower COL area, earning more money with side hustles, or (worst case scenario) getting a real job again.
I thought long and hard about it and decided I'm willing to take the risk on this. I could spend another 5, 10, 25 years working until our nation pulls its collective head out of its ass long enough to come up with a reasonable solution that helps everyone, or until I have over-saved to such a ridiculous extent that I am prepared to pay sky-high premiums OOP forever, or I am finally eligible for Medicare (which isn't even a guarantee anymore). But that would GUARANTEE I spend the best remaining years of my life being completely miserable.
I've had two co-workers die in the past year, both of which were quite close to traditional retirement. One was sudden, one spent about 9 months battling cancer. Bottom line is if I have to choose between a longer life span that requires working significantly longer, or a shorter life span where I can get in at least a few healthy years of freedom while I'm still young enough to enjoy it, I'll take quality over quantity.
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Just heard that layoffs are coming in January at Megacorp!! Who knows, I might be moving my date up from June. Wish me luck everyone.
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Just heard that layoffs are coming in January at Megacorp!! Who knows, I might be moving my date up from June. Wish me luck everyone.
If so do you receive a severance package ?
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Just a tad over 6 months to go for us! Woot!
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Just heard that layoffs are coming in January at Megacorp!! Who knows, I might be moving my date up from June. Wish me luck everyone.
I've now missed out on three rounds of layoffs. Unfortunately our company has a revenue problem, and I lead a team on the revenue side of the house that's performing really well.
A severance package for me would BLOW THROUGH my number...golden parachute style. There's hundreds of thousands of dollars locked up that I'm going to "walk away" from. Its basically ransom money, a big chunk of my compensation is a 4-year IOU that they can claw back if I screw up or leave. The only other way I can get it is to leave and have a competitor buy me out, but if I do that then immediately retire, its an ethical issue and I've wrecked my reputation in the industry for the rest of my life.
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Just heard that layoffs are coming in January at Megacorp!! Who knows, I might be moving my date up from June. Wish me luck everyone.
I've now missed out on three rounds of layoffs. Unfortunately our company has a revenue problem, and I lead a team on the revenue side of the house that's performing really well.
Sigh, my trendy Megacorp is dedicated to people/partnership. We have not had layoffs in my 14 years. I am working OMY for my golden parachute. If they would buy me out of my last year by a RIF, I would jump at it.
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No more info on the rumored layoff in January at Megacorp. However, I just arranged my vacation and holidays for the rest of the year. I'm taking every Friday off plus the Thanksgiving week plus the Christmas week. And January 1 to boot. I'm starting to get into the Retirement mindset!!
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Well, I went and done it. Today I told the boss, my staff, and my co-workers that I'm leaving, and that January 5 will be my last day at work.
The boss was quiet and puzzled; clearly I caught him off guard. I like my boss, so that was kinda difficult.
Most of my staff and co-workers, although surprised, were congratulatory. Several of them openly expressed their envy. Everybody is overworked and stressed out, so I get the feeling that a lot of folks would like to join me.
No backing out now!
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Well, I went and done it.
Congrats! *hugs*
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Contratulations
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Well, I went and done it. Today I told the boss, my staff, and my co-workers that I'm leaving, and that January 5 will be my last day at work.
The boss was quiet and puzzled; clearly I caught him off guard. I like my boss, so that was kinda difficult.
Most of my staff and co-workers, although surprised, were congratulatory. Several of them openly expressed their envy. Everybody is overworked and stressed out, so I get the feeling that a lot of folks would like to join me.
No backing out now!
Awesome! It's got to be a real relief!
6 month's and a day to go for me!
Are you up near the Parkersburg WV area with the big fire?
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Thanks for the congrats, guys.
Swordguy - I'm on the opposite side of the state from Parkersburg, so I haven't seen any impact from the fire. It was pretty awful, though, from what I hear. Major health hazard for a lot of people.
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Well, I went and done it. Today I told the boss, my staff, and my co-workers that I'm leaving, and that January 5 will be my last day at work.
The boss was quiet and puzzled; clearly I caught him off guard. I like my boss, so that was kinda difficult.
Most of my staff and co-workers, although surprised, were congratulatory. Several of them openly expressed their envy. Everybody is overworked and stressed out, so I get the feeling that a lot of folks would like to join me.
No backing out now!
We're quickly coming up on 2018...its about time for a LOT of these posts
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I went and got my first personal cell phone (Iphone 3gs). Feels so weird to be cutting the apron strings of work. It is a minuscule thing, but really hit me, as others have said, can't back out now.
Also, yesterday I told my successors in office that I was "not working summers anymore".
I'm not sure that my boss understands the risk of not letting me do sabbatical/furlough etc, as I might not want to come back. I'm sure has h@ll not coming back at my present rate. I know what my in-house and external chargeout rate is, and the future rate has got to be closer to those rates than my present gross. My friend who is in HR (other company) suggested a minimum of 25% raise.
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I was trying to FIRE this year, but I chickened out. Please add me to the 2018 roster. I am shooting for March. that way, I have an instant garden project to dig into when I jump ship.
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Well, I went and done it. Today I told the boss, my staff, and my co-workers that I'm leaving, and that January 5 will be my last day at work.
The boss was quiet and puzzled; clearly I caught him off guard. I like my boss, so that was kinda difficult.
Most of my staff and co-workers, although surprised, were congratulatory. Several of them openly expressed their envy. Everybody is overworked and stressed out, so I get the feeling that a lot of folks would like to join me.
No backing out now!
Congratulations!! I'm looking forward to Jan 5 as it is my fire date too!
If you don't mind, could you share more about the discussion wit your boss? I also have a decent relationship with my boss and I know that he will try to talk me out of quitting because he can't fathom that work is no longer a necessity.
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Welcome Acastus
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
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Yesterday was payday, twice a month. Not that I'm counting, but here are some random things that came to mind:
8 months remaining
16 paychecks remaining
30 actual weeks at the office, excluding the five I'll be gone on vacation
29 ridiculous Monday sales calls
Only 1 executive roadshow to attend and listen to (maybe my questions have less filters, or maybe I'm the perfect corporate soldier that surprises everyone)
One more round of performance reviews to write
4-5 more "coaching" sessions with my boss, which generally involve me coaching him...
Oh, and almost completely compiled my list of builders in the neighborhood to contact about selling my house in a few months....11 currently.
But hey, who's counting anything?
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Well, I went and done it. Today I told the boss, my staff, and my co-workers that I'm leaving, and that January 5 will be my last day at work.
The boss was quiet and puzzled; clearly I caught him off guard. I like my boss, so that was kinda difficult.
Most of my staff and co-workers, although surprised, were congratulatory. Several of them openly expressed their envy. Everybody is overworked and stressed out, so I get the feeling that a lot of folks would like to join me.
No backing out now!
Congratulations!! I'm looking forward to Jan 5 as it is my fire date too!
If you don't mind, could you share more about the discussion wit your boss? I also have a decent relationship with my boss and I know that he will try to talk me out of quitting because he can't fathom that work is no longer a necessity.
It was pretty awkward. I went into his office first thing in the morning - I already had a meeting scheduled with him on another topic. I told him I had something else I needed to discuss first, and then blurted out that I am planning on leaving at the end of the year. He at first thought I meant the end of next year. He asked if I was sure, and then we had a brief discussion about succession, in which he said he wanted to try to get at least a temporary successor in place before I leave. Then he changed the subject to our originally scheduled meeting topic.
Later that day, he asked me "what if you change your mind?" I said I would have re-hire eligibility (I'm a fed). Then he said "what if you change your mind before you leave?", and I said, "well, I hope you wouldn't fire me." But I also clarified that I am unlikely to change my mind.
I talked to him again yesterday morning and expressed regret at the way I handled it all. In retrospect, it would have been better if I had discussed the possibility of leaving with him privately a few months ago, rather than letting him know an hour before I told everyone else. But at the time I didn't want to let the cat out of the bag prior to knowing for sure that the ACA was going to be around for at least another year. He was pretty gracious about it, and didn't really seem upset. He re-iterated his desire for me to stay, but he didn't apply any pressure tactics or bribery. I think although he doesn't understand my decision, he respects it.
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Well, I went and done it. Today I told the boss, my staff, and my co-workers that I'm leaving, and that January 5 will be my last day at work.
The boss was quiet and puzzled; clearly I caught him off guard. I like my boss, so that was kinda difficult.
Most of my staff and co-workers, although surprised, were congratulatory. Several of them openly expressed their envy. Everybody is overworked and stressed out, so I get the feeling that a lot of folks would like to join me.
No backing out now!
Congratulations!! I'm looking forward to Jan 5 as it is my fire date too!
If you don't mind, could you share more about the discussion wit your boss? I also have a decent relationship with my boss and I know that he will try to talk me out of quitting because he can't fathom that work is no longer a necessity.
It was pretty awkward. I went into his office first thing in the morning - I already had a meeting scheduled with him on another topic. I told him I had something else I needed to discuss first, and then blurted out that I am planning on leaving at the end of the year. He at first thought I meant the end of next year. He asked if I was sure, and then we had a brief discussion about succession, in which he said he wanted to try to get at least a temporary successor in place before I leave. Then he changed the subject to our originally scheduled meeting topic.
Later that day, he asked me "what if you change your mind?" I said I would have re-hire eligibility (I'm a fed). Then he said "what if you change your mind before you leave?", and I said, "well, I hope you wouldn't fire me." But I also clarified that I am unlikely to change my mind.
I talked to him again yesterday morning and expressed regret at the way I handled it all. In retrospect, it would have been better if I had discussed the possibility of leaving with him privately a few months ago, rather than letting him know an hour before I told everyone else. But at the time I didn't want to let the cat out of the bag prior to knowing for sure that the ACA was going to be around for at least another year. He was pretty gracious about it, and didn't really seem upset. He re-iterated his desire for me to stay, but he didn't apply any pressure tactics or bribery. I think although he doesn't understand my decision, he respects it.
Congrats! I enjoyed reading that. How old are you..if you don't mind?
You should start a separate thread for "How I quit my job and my bosses reaction". It's always fun to read how it went down.
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I would love some advice from this group as while it would be great to firmly put us in the 2018 camp, I fear the OMY. Arguably this year is already OMY!
Part of the reason for this fear is a great problem to have. Despite myself it seems that I will hit peak earnings for 2017 and this will largely carry on for 2018. This peak is massively higher than what I was earning five years ago and is a big number. In GBP it will be around Ł600k pre-tax once you take into account shares I have ‘unlocking’ in the company I work with. This is about 3 times what I was earning 5 years ago and has only really kicked in for the past 2 years due to the shares I have vesting. Further, there was a big boost due to the rising value of USD value of the shares in the US company I work, supercharged by the fall in GBP after the Brexit vote.
These shares have a schedule of vesting, so on current price, I know I will get about Ł200k work in April 2018 ‘just for keeping the seat warm’. When you throw in that we now have a larger stash, which is also earning a good stable return (rental income) it means that 2018 could be an absolutely huge year for saving – something like Ł400k after tax. Total net worth is currently around Ł2m so an opportunity to grow this 20% in a single year and by a big absolute number. It seems a less discussed subject but for many the OMY will also be the biggest year for growing the stash.
It is really tempting to have that extra security as a 41 year old with young kids and hopefully a lot of future ahead.
While the work isn’t hard or long hours, we have moved into a LCOL area a long way from work (as part of the FIRE plan) which is a crazy commute for me and means I don’t see my family for 4 days a week. Walking the dog with my wife we started to discuss this again and she prefers another year, and at times I agree, but I think we are probably both guilty of ending up in a situation where the ‘right’ number will always be the number we have in 12 months’ time. Bear in mind that the overall number is larger now than we expected by 2019 anyway! Not a topic that is comfortable but it is also likely that I will inherit several hundred thousand in the future, hopefully a good while in the future.
We also find it hard to know what life will cost after as our current life has about Ł40k pre-tax of ‘cost’ which I think will disappear when I hit the button. I can run the spreadsheet saying this but cannot live it on my present set up. We are also not super savers in daily life (only the big things) and definitely not optimized and there is a lot of fat to cut. We tried creating a post-FIRE account which we would live off and separate those expenses there but we didn’t have the discipline to keep to it.
There have been some threads on golden handcuffs which is sort of what this is but while it is exciting and amazing to have seen the stash grow so amazingly in the past 3 years due to my earnings, on any given day an additional one seems like a small price to pay for the additional safety. I say to myself that the 50-year old me will not beat himself up for only being retired 8 rather than 9 years. On another day I beat myself up for not having the guts to FIRE at a number well above others.
I am embarrassed to say that unlike people with real problems this occupies way too much of my mindspace.
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In GBP it will be around Ł600k pre-tax once you take into account shares I have ‘unlocking’ in the company I work with.
I am generally OMY adverse and I think I'll be able to FIRE without much trouble when I have hit my $$ target, but I feel your pain. If I was making Ł600k/yr [aka $1M CAD/yr] I can imagine the pull of OMY would be strong as that would be my entire FIRE portfolio value generated in a year!
What worries me in your post is not OMY at 41yrs old, but the fact you mention the target will always be 1 year out meaning it could be many more years.
Ultimately you need to retire towards something not simply stop working. If you and your wife have a shared post-work goal at some point you have to be honest with yourself and say adding more money doesn't help us and losing another year in the prime of our lives is too big a cost. Only you two can come to that conclusion.
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Sorry I wasn't clear. It is more the fear that to avoid making the scary decision to pull the trigger, that the 'right' number is always be the one you have a year from now, causing a perpetual OMY. As we all are, we are great at convincing ourselves of false reasons that we do things if the real reason is hard to admit.
I think we have great stuff planned post FIRE. I won't lie about being a little scared of the first days, weeks and months, but I/we have kept a lot of outside interests which I am excited about spending time doing loads more of, not the least simply spending time with the family.
Most of my fear is monetary as I have never defined myself by my job or status (to a point). I also feel a weight of responsibility toward my family as I have always been the 'money' person in our relationship where my wife trusts me to get it right. While this trust is great, for such a huge decision I would prefer her to dig into the spreadsheets and be a 50% partner in my decision to FIRE. Maybe I need to get her reading these pages to understand we are not alone in this!
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Please add me to the list for 2018! Date still TBD as it is depending on a severance option due to a restructure. Most likely in Q4.
I'll be 50 and with a mix of taxable accounts, a significant 401k, some IRAs, and the anticipated severance package I'll be FI and ready to live footloose and fancy free!
Looking forward to rooting on everyone else as the year progresses.
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Welcome FLStache. This group is becoming big ...
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Freshwater
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Thank you for sharing Monkey Uncle. I am a little nervous about having the discussion with my boss, so your experience is useful to start planing my talk.
Most of my fear is monetary as I have never defined myself by my job or status (to a point). I also feel a weight of responsibility toward my family as I have always been the 'money' person in our relationship where my wife trusts me to get it right.
I can relate to this fear. Yesterday, I asked my husband to wait to give notice at his job until I get back from vacation. He asked me why, and honestly, it's because we can still bail on FIRE if we need to. We'll be out some money for the apartments we rented, but nothing major. Once he gives notice at his job, that's it. It's not a rational fear, just a huge emotional one. We are both retiring to something, but it's still uncomfortable to think about how the accounts that I have been growing for years, will most likely start shrinking.
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Gimesalot. It isn't entirely irrational depending on your circumstances.
We are all evaluating the risks and rewards of staying versus going and each has both, but I don't think you can weight the options equally if any decision is very hard to reverse. I believe you need to have a higher certainty when a decision is less reversible and has far reaching consequences for your life. Morbid illustration, but if someone asks you to play Russian roulette for $10m, in 5/6ths of the possible futures you are going to be a rich person, but in 1/6 of the possible futures you are dead. You don't play. I find I always focus on the '1/6' risk on FIRE and don't want to risk finding my family there.
My humble opinion is most of the discussion around the 'right' amount is really about how big you are prepared for the '1/6th' to be but maybe I am just a glass half empty person! For me it has to be very very low.
On your 'shrinking stash' point, while I don't like to see myself as Scrooge McDuck counting money, it will indeed be a hard shift to stop seeing the pile of gold grow, or even shrink. For me, that led me to property as we can earn enough in rental income to hopefully not have to touch capital even if that means it is not truly passive and requires us to deal with tenants/repairs.
Good luck!
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Most of my fear is monetary as I have never defined myself by my job or status (to a point). I also feel a weight of responsibility toward my family as I have always been the 'money' person in our relationship where my wife trusts me to get it right. While this trust is great, for such a huge decision I would prefer her to dig into the spreadsheets and be a 50% partner in my decision to FIRE. Maybe I need to get her reading these pages to understand we are not alone in this!
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2555/32137492394_f092c80db8_b.jpg)
Given that you are retiring in your 40's your chance of running out of $$ is even smaller [red area] than shown above. At some point you need to worry about dying more than running out of money.
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I hear you Retire-Canada, I really do.....
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Sorry I wasn't clear. It is more the fear that to avoid making the scary decision to pull the trigger, that the 'right' number is always be the one you have a year from now, causing a perpetual OMY. As we all are, we are great at convincing ourselves of false reasons that we do things if the real reason is hard to admit.
My numbers are a fraction of yours, but I'm doing the same. I should really switch from 2019 to 2018, because I'm more or less set on it now, but a part of me thinks, "If I keep working for another year, we'll be able to save another Ł25,000 (or thereabouts), which is a skiing trip every year for the next decade/lots and lots of concerts/a private joint replacement operation if the NHS stops doing them." Or looking at colleagues in their 60s who have no intention of retiring, and thinking, "What do they know that I don't? They can't all be mistaken about needing to work till they don't have two brain cells to rub together."
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My numbers are a fraction of yours, but I'm doing the same. I should really switch from 2019 to 2018, because I'm more or less set on it now, but a part of me thinks, "If I keep working for another year, we'll be able to save another Ł25,000 (or thereabouts), which is a skiing trip every year for the next decade/lots and lots of concerts/a private joint replacement operation if the NHS stops doing them."
Do you want to add another ski trip to your budget that you can't cover with your current savings? If so and if it's important enough to you to give up another year of your life to work that's a fair reason. It would also point to your current FIRE budget being to restrictive.
Or looking at colleagues in their 60s who have no intention of retiring, and thinking, "What do they know that I don't? They can't all be mistaken about needing to work till they don't have two brain cells to rub together."
They certainly can.
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I'd venture to say most folks here have gone back and forth many times on this, I know I have. I'm struggling to let go of the "what I'm giving up" in favor of the "what I'm gaining" which is my life back. I can't put a price on it but like others have said every day I spend at work, is one less day I have for myself regardless of how many days I might have left. The situation is a little different depending on how you feel about work, right now I am in a bad place with it so my risk threshold might be a little lower than @edgema but I'm still conservative in my estimates.
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It seems a less discussed subject but for many the OMY will also be the biggest year for growing the stash.
We've discussed this quite a bit around here. You might enjoy revisiting the old discussion about how OMY strikes the rich the hardest (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/'one-more-year'-strikes-the-rich-the-hardest/). You're certainly a model candidate for illustrating the problem.
And from that thread:
(https://i.imgflip.com/gfkks.jpg)
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My numbers are a fraction of yours, but I'm doing the same. I should really switch from 2019 to 2018, because I'm more or less set on it now, but a part of me thinks, "If I keep working for another year, we'll be able to save another Ł25,000 (or thereabouts), which is a skiing trip every year for the next decade/lots and lots of concerts/a private joint replacement operation if the NHS stops doing them."
Do you want to add another ski trip to your budget that you can't cover with your current savings? If so and if it's important enough to you to give up another year of your life to work that's a fair reason. It would also point to your current FIRE budget being to restrictive.
My current RE budget certainly won't be FI in the sense of, "I'll be able to buy whatever I want without having to think about the cost," and there are plenty of people on here who wouldn't be comfortable with it. But I could work and scrimp till I was 100 and still not have enough invested to give me an unlimited passive income, and essential expenditure will be covered safely with a DB pension so everything else I can put aside counts 100% towards optional spending. A time has to come when I say, "OK, how much would I pay in order NOT to do this job for another year?" and the answer, at the moment, is, "Never go skiing again? Deal!"
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A time has to come when I say, "OK, how much would I pay in order NOT to do this job for another year?" and the answer, at the moment, is, "Never go skiing again? Deal!"
I don't disagree with that perspective. I just sold my motorcycle. As a lifelong rider when I first planned for FIRE budgeting for a moto was essential. After a few years of reflection on the opportunity costs of working longer to pay for a moto I decided I could live without one. That said it is statistically quite likely that my portfolio will continue to grow even after FIRE so I may add a moto back into the mix at a later date.
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I've done a few iterations of that theme also, including no more skiing, and FIRE numbers with and without a horse.
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I went ahead and gave one-year notice to the big cheese. Pretty exciting for me but uneventful. Him and I have some real estate investments together and we intend to keep working together on such things... I just won't be showing up to the day job anymore. We left the exact leave date flexible... just when they find and train up the right replacement I'll bow out. Regardless, by Halloween 2018 I turn into a pumpkin!
It's been fun having some people with similar experiences to share this thing with. Thank you for all the advice and tips and for being a steady outlet for my experiences.
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I went ahead and gave one-year notice to the big cheese. P
Congrats! :)
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I've done a few iterations of that theme also, including no more skiing, and FIRE numbers with and without a horse.
Without skiing I could retire now but it's non-negotiable :) Luckily I don't want a horse!
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Confusingly for the list I changed my name, I was Freshwater.
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Freshwater -> Fresh Bread
Bread joke as requested in signature :-)
Q: Why doesn't bread like warm weather?
A: Things get Toasty!
(source: http://www.jokes4us.com/miscellaneousjokes/foodjokes/breadjokes.html)
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Well, I went and done it. Today I told the boss, my staff, and my co-workers that I'm leaving, and that January 5 will be my last day at work.
The boss was quiet and puzzled; clearly I caught him off guard. I like my boss, so that was kinda difficult.
Most of my staff and co-workers, although surprised, were congratulatory. Several of them openly expressed their envy. Everybody is overworked and stressed out, so I get the feeling that a lot of folks would like to join me.
No backing out now!
Congratulations!! I'm looking forward to Jan 5 as it is my fire date too!
If you don't mind, could you share more about the discussion wit your boss? I also have a decent relationship with my boss and I know that he will try to talk me out of quitting because he can't fathom that work is no longer a necessity.
It was pretty awkward. I went into his office first thing in the morning - I already had a meeting scheduled with him on another topic. I told him I had something else I needed to discuss first, and then blurted out that I am planning on leaving at the end of the year. He at first thought I meant the end of next year. He asked if I was sure, and then we had a brief discussion about succession, in which he said he wanted to try to get at least a temporary successor in place before I leave. Then he changed the subject to our originally scheduled meeting topic.
Later that day, he asked me "what if you change your mind?" I said I would have re-hire eligibility (I'm a fed). Then he said "what if you change your mind before you leave?", and I said, "well, I hope you wouldn't fire me." But I also clarified that I am unlikely to change my mind.
I talked to him again yesterday morning and expressed regret at the way I handled it all. In retrospect, it would have been better if I had discussed the possibility of leaving with him privately a few months ago, rather than letting him know an hour before I told everyone else. But at the time I didn't want to let the cat out of the bag prior to knowing for sure that the ACA was going to be around for at least another year. He was pretty gracious about it, and didn't really seem upset. He re-iterated his desire for me to stay, but he didn't apply any pressure tactics or bribery. I think although he doesn't understand my decision, he respects it.
Congrats! I enjoyed reading that. How old are you..if you don't mind?
You should start a separate thread for "How I quit my job and my bosses reaction". It's always fun to read how it went down.
I'm 49.
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Thank you for sharing Monkey Uncle. I am a little nervous about having the discussion with my boss, so your experience is useful to start planing my talk.
Most of my fear is monetary as I have never defined myself by my job or status (to a point). I also feel a weight of responsibility toward my family as I have always been the 'money' person in our relationship where my wife trusts me to get it right.
I can relate to this fear. Yesterday, I asked my husband to wait to give notice at his job until I get back from vacation. He asked me why, and honestly, it's because we can still bail on FIRE if we need to. We'll be out some money for the apartments we rented, but nothing major. Once he gives notice at his job, that's it. It's not a rational fear, just a huge emotional one. We are both retiring to something, but it's still uncomfortable to think about how the accounts that I have been growing for years, will most likely start shrinking.
I can relate to this fear also - I've been feeling it the last couple of days since I let the cat out of the bag. But it started to subside some today. I keep telling myself it's totally irrational. I reached basic FI a year and a half ago, so now I have a decent buffer, plus I have a backup plan in case the ACA gets axed. No rational reason to stay.
Like I told a colleague today - I don't want to work until all the active years of my life are gone. The time has come, and I'm good with the decision.
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Great discussions today, so much to think about. It really helps reading about the things other people are working through and how they are handling the challenges. My biggest issue is estimating income needs. My in-laws have moved in with us and our daughter has some health problems which have prevented her from working since July. Fortunately, my daughter is doing much better and has started sending out resumes. My inlaws have a lot of health issues but they have not been a financial burden. As these two issues seem to be working themselves out, We are still shooting for a June 1 retirement but but could retire anywhere from Jan 2 to Oct 1.
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Feeling emboldened about sticking to end of March 2018 as an end date. Planning this weekend to sit down with my wife and try and again address the financial facts around our situation and how the plan has a number of safety layers in it before we would really get into trouble. This exercise is as much for me as for her!
We have already approached this very sensibly, I think, in that we have 1) already moved to a LowerCOL area which freed up investment capital from our house 2) we already had sensible cars (yes it is still plural given my work commute) 3) we are always careful on any big purchases, including holidays - this year is was camping for two weeks in France by ferry. 4) We shop at Lidl not Waitrose. In no way a Mustachian idol but I think we have got the big things right.
There are also huge savings that are baked into stopping work - Tax and commuting costs. I have to trust the numbers more. First we are currently a single high income family so I am taxed heavily on much of my income. Simply being able to split our future income between us is a massive saving. Earning 90k as a couple is like me earning 130k alone just because of tax. I also have to trust how much of the cost of my working will, without question, fall away. Put all that commuting/living away from home cost together and it is 1.5k a month, 18k a year, or 30k a year pre-tax. So if we want 75k post tax to live after FIRE, the pre-tax salary I currently need to earn for the same post-tax income is getting towards 160k adjusted for the cost to work. I still find it hard to believe, but these are facts and arithmetic, rather than speculation about how we might live after FIRE. Furthermore, we have not been as disciplined as we might and I am confident that there are considerable other savings to be had when you have two people with way more time on their hands to optimise, particularly when one of them is me and I will make it a focus.
Then there is the sentiment from a great post from the escape artist (https://theescapeartist.me/2017/04/23/the-inestimable-advantages-of-hardening-the-fuck-up/) which, to me at least, reminds you that there will be challenges, just different ones, and that you will deal with them.
As a complete aside, I was listening in to a young couple chatting on our overcrowded commuter train this morning. She was struggling to justify a Ł50 monthly gym membership and then had a eureka moment when she realised she spends Ł70 on her morning coffee a month! Nice to see people working out how small decisions can have bigger financial impacts. Hopefully she is one step from realising she doesn't need the gym either.
Very happy that this forum exists as it is so helpful to be able to get non judgemental views from people.
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p.s. along the lines of the skiing comments. I have always had the desire to go sailing when I FIRE. This desire still niggles me but I have come to the conclusion that much of this is that the sailing is most likely the clearest manifestation of freedom versus my current life rather than actually wanting to spend months on end overheated in a small boat with two children. It is neither their or my wife's dream - just mine. Saying goodbye to the dream, at least for the moment, takes away a massive cost out of post FIRE life. No matter what way you look at it sailing is hugely expensive, aside from those that sell everything and live on a boat, which is a no go for us.
Many spend some 20-30k just fitting out a second hand boat, let alone buying it in the first place (c.80k), as well as the annual cost of ownership (say c.10k). I won't lie that a voice bubbles up every now and again telling me to go for it, or YOLO, or that if you do OMY this will give you the magic number to have enough to do it, but there is also freedom in letting it go and I am 90% there in that regard.
There are also now airbnb style sites for sailing so you no longer have to get ripped off by the big charter companies forcing you into close to brand new boats. Very possible to find perfectly good boats for 1.0-1.5k a week, so you could finance your one month sailing dream for 5-6k and have none of the BS around owning a boat. Something goes wrong - call the owner!
Anyway I am babbling.
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I've heard it said that the two happiest days in a man's life are the day he buys his boat and the day he sells his boat.
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Or to coin a clean version - If it flies or floats, rent it....
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Or that a boat is a hole in the water to throw money into...
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I've heard it said that the two happiest days in a man's life are the day he buys his boat and the day he sells his boat.
I love sailing too and when I asked my sailing teacher if he has a boat, he told me that he's a member of the OPBYC (other people's boat yacht club). With his captain's license, he gets paid to sail boats he could never afford to buy.
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p.s. along the lines of the skiing comments. I have always had the desire to go sailing when I FIRE. This desire still niggles me but I have come to the conclusion that much of this is that the sailing is most likely the clearest manifestation of freedom versus my current life rather than actually wanting to spend months on end overheated in a small boat with two children. It is neither their or my wife's dream - just mine. Saying goodbye to the dream, at least for the moment, takes away a massive cost out of post FIRE life. No matter what way you look at it sailing is hugely expensive, aside from those that sell everything and live on a boat, which is a no go for us.
Many spend some 20-30k just fitting out a second hand boat, let alone buying it in the first place (c.80k), as well as the annual cost of ownership (say c.10k). I won't lie that a voice bubbles up every now and again telling me to go for it, or YOLO, or that if you do OMY this will give you the magic number to have enough to do it, but there is also freedom in letting it go and I am 90% there in that regard.
There are also now airbnb style sites for sailing so you no longer have to get ripped off by the big charter companies forcing you into close to brand new boats. Very possible to find perfectly good boats for 1.0-1.5k a week, so you could finance your one month sailing dream for 5-6k and have none of the BS around owning a boat. Something goes wrong - call the owner!
Anyway I am babbling.
Are you me?
My wife has no interest in sailing, but I am fascinated by it.
Someone told me that I could sail as crew on boats owned by someone else. This could get me the sailing I want!
Thanks for the AirBnB idea. Did not know that.
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Hi Cowboy and Indian.
There are a few options as I see it.
- Charter. The Airbnb site is called sailogy.com and there are a couple of others out there. You do need certain qualifications to be able to do this though.
- Become crew. There are loads of people with boats who need crew and a few sites which match you with them. 10 years ago and pre kids my wife and I did this for a year. It was great. You usually pay a portion of costs but to be clear you are not working for the owners, just helping them sail. crewseekers.com and some others. You need some basic knowledge usually and obviously cannot have kids with you.
- Adventure sailing / holidays. There are a few options here if you want to get some serious ocean sailing in. The Atlantic rally (ARC) is what everyone wants to tick off the bucket list so is expensive (say 4k to get on a boat for the month it takes). However, those same boats need to do the less glamorous legs which they will sell off cheap. E.g. sailing back from the Caribbean to UK for maybe Ł1.0-1.5k. There are also other options which, at least to me, would be amazing. E.g. Plymouth UK to Norway to see the fjords on a 55' Oyster, takes about 3.5 weeks and is under Ł2.0k. This last one would have to be just me most likely.
We can no longer do option 2 with kids in two, but I am hoping that doing 1 (with the family) and some more adventure style 3's will scratch the itch and see some amazing stuff at the same time.
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p.s. along the lines of the skiing comments. I have always had the desire to go sailing when I FIRE. This desire still niggles me but I have come to the conclusion that much of this is that the sailing is most likely the clearest manifestation of freedom versus my current life rather than actually wanting to spend months on end overheated in a small boat with two children. It is neither their or my wife's dream - just mine. Saying goodbye to the dream, at least for the moment, takes away a massive cost out of post FIRE life. No matter what way you look at it sailing is hugely expensive, aside from those that sell everything and live on a boat, which is a no go for us.
Many spend some 20-30k just fitting out a second hand boat, let alone buying it in the first place (c.80k), as well as the annual cost of ownership (say c.10k). I won't lie that a voice bubbles up every now and again telling me to go for it, or YOLO, or that if you do OMY this will give you the magic number to have enough to do it, but there is also freedom in letting it go and I am 90% there in that regard.
There are also now airbnb style sites for sailing so you no longer have to get ripped off by the big charter companies forcing you into close to brand new boats. Very possible to find perfectly good boats for 1.0-1.5k a week, so you could finance your one month sailing dream for 5-6k and have none of the BS around owning a boat. Something goes wrong - call the owner!
Anyway I am babbling.
Are you me?
My wife has no interest in sailing, but I am fascinated by it.
Someone told me that I could sail as crew on boats owned by someone else. This could get me the sailing I want!
Thanks for the AirBnB idea. Did not know that.
My wife and I joined a sailing club. Apparently there are 300 ASA (American Sailing Association) clubs around the country. They teach classes on weekends and get you "certified" for various skill levels of sailing... and all the while they let you use their boats for day trips or over-nighters. Currently we've got two boats out of downtown Seattle we take out. It's remarkably reasonable and good way to learn the skills and see if it's something you'll enjoy enough to torpedo your retirement with. :) We intend to just keep doing the club in retirement.
Here's a link to our club, but surely they is one near you. http://www.pugetsoundsailing.com/
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So my job is a little weird in that I technically work for (and am paid by) Agency A, but I actually go to Agency B every day and do the work they tell me to. I actually have very little contact with my 'bosses' at Agency A, just payroll and administrative type stuff. I've been fairly open talking about my plans to retire "soon" with my co-workers at Agency B, but haven't made any formal announcements/commitments, etc. Anyway, I guess word got around to my Departmental Director at Agency A because he called to ask me about another thing, and then told me he'd heard I was "contemplating retiring" and asked if that was true. I told him it was, and he was really cool about it. He said he was sorry to hear that as they've been having a very difficult time finding people to do my particular job but he congratulated me and seemed genuinely happy for me. He told me he has about another year before he retires, which will put him at 45 years in!!!!!! I told him "there's no way I'm doing that!!" and laughed. I said "I've spent 20 years sitting in dark rooms staring at computer screens and I'm done, I want to go outside and play."
So anyway, I'm glad to know that when I do send Agency A my formal notice that it won't be a complete surprise for them. I don't want to leave them in a lurch or anything, but I know from experience that it doesn't make any difference how much notice they get, they won't be able to start recruiting until I'm actually gone, and it's still going to take them a very long time to find someone. My original plan was 30 days notice (Jan 1), but maybe I'll go ahead and do 60, should make Christmas more fun at least.
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So my job is a little weird in that I technically work for (and am paid by) Agency A, but I actually go to Agency B every day and do the work they tell me to. I actually have very little contact with my 'bosses' at Agency A, just payroll and administrative type stuff. I've been fairly open talking about my plans to retire "soon" with my co-workers at Agency B, but haven't made any formal announcements/commitments, etc. Anyway, I guess word got around to my Departmental Director at Agency A because he called to ask me about another thing, and then told me he'd heard I was "contemplating retiring" and asked if that was true. I told him it was, and he was really cool about it. He said he was sorry to hear that as they've been having a very difficult time finding people to do my particular job but he congratulated me and seemed genuinely happy for me. He told me he has about another year before he retires, which will put him at 45 years in!!!!!! I told him "there's no way I'm doing that!!" and laughed. I said "I've spent 20 years sitting in dark rooms staring at computer screens and I'm done, I want to go outside and play."
So anyway, I'm glad to know that when I do send Agency A my formal notice that it won't be a complete surprise for them. I don't want to leave them in a lurch or anything, but I know from experience that it doesn't make any difference how much notice they get, they won't be able to start recruiting until I'm actually gone, and it's still going to take them a very long time to find someone. My original plan was 30 days notice (Jan 1), but maybe I'll go ahead and do 60, should make Christmas more fun at least.
Yeah, two months seemed like the sweet spot to me, too. Long enough that you aren't just walking out, but short enough that you don't become an ineffective lame duck. The last two managers in my work unit who retired announced their retirements about a year in advance. They were totally worthless for the last 8 months or so.
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Six months to go! Woot!
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Call it July 1, 2018.
I find myself dreaming about all the stuff I could do. If we get Trumpcare, I may need some revision, but I think the general populace is mad enough that the politicians will not screw with it too much.
Lot's of people want single payer. They should do some listening.
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All this talk about sailing and boats... I grew up on a sailboat. We still have it down in Panama. It can be an expensive lifestyle... but can be done very cheaply if you want.
I posted earlier this year, saying I was going to be in the 2018 cohort. But, as of today I decided to move up. Nov. 28 2017.
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All this talk about sailing and boats... I grew up on a sailboat. We still have it down in Panama. It can be an expensive lifestyle... but can be done very cheaply if you want.
I posted earlier this year, saying I was going to be in the 2018 cohort. But, as of today I decided to move up. Nov. 28 2017.
Congrats for moving up, GuitarBrian!
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Another week off the list!
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Eight months to my date. As I have said here before, this last year has had intense ups and downs. I think Sol was correct when he pointed out that the value of additional work drops after you hit your FI number, and the market has lifted some many of us. I think that is part of the equation for me, but I also appreciate that change is hard. This move from working to not working is one of the biggest changes of my life. I spent time poor in my life, and earning income has been such a lifeline. On the other hand, I sit in a box all day and my body is getting more and more unhealthy and less and less able to recover. That scene from 'Unbroken' where the aviators have to jump out of their lifeboat (https://youtu.be/xSvW3Gxd-h0) because it is no longer safe is about 10x more intense than what I feel at work, but a slow motion version of this is what I feel about work. Fortunately for me, I will not escape my lifeboat into the mouth of a shark or sink beneath the waves. It just takes a little time, and a little faith, and some support from this community and like-minded folks to put unfounded fear aside.
I really like the idea of living now into the future I anticipate. I want a healthier lifestyle in retirement, so I have cut out white carbs (a diet move I recommend to everyone), and picked up my biking/hiking again. I have started considering how I might train for a long hike. I am not sure what that might look like, but I do love wilderness hiking as well as seeing foreign lands. I may follow arebelspy's lead and go walk across Northern Spain. In my misspent youth, I took a class on the 12th century renaissance (not the quattrocento). I wrote a term paper on the sculptural works of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse. I would love to visit that church and perhaps walk the old pilgrimage routes to Santiago.
Best wishes to all of you, aperture.
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@ Aperture...
You're speaking my exact same thoughts
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I think that is part of the equation for me, but I also appreciate that change is hard. This move from working to not working is one of the biggest changes of my life.
I really like the idea of living now into the future I anticipate. I want a healthier lifestyle in retirement, so I have cut out white carbs (a diet move I recommend to everyone), and picked up my biking/hiking again. I have started considering how I might train for a long hike.
Yes. It's a huge change and the challenge to our brains that are programmed to work is significant. Hence the OMYing that you see. Don't under estimate the challenge in making the change, but also don't under estimate your ability to chart a new course that you'll love given the free time you will create and resources you have amassed.
There are programs online and in books to train you for a long backpacking trip, but I would just get out and start doing shorter day hikes and then build up from there. No need to start a formal program right off the bat. Just get out and enjoy yourself for a while.
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6 months from yesterday :) :)
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There are programs online and in books to train you for a long backpacking trip, but I would just get out and start doing shorter day hikes and then build up from there. No need to start a formal program right off the bat. Just get out and enjoy yourself for a while.
RC, thanks for the advice. I logged 40 miles on my bike this weekend and 15k steps both Saturday and Sunday. I really appreciate the encouraging words.
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Less than 12 months now to my LSL!
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I posted earlier this year, saying I was going to be in the 2018 cohort. But, as of today I decided to move up. Nov. 28 2017.
I did not find you in the list. Did we ever add you or were you dropped accidentally?
Congratulations on the OLY!
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2nd to last PRT (Physical Readiness Test) complete. Just one more in the spring!
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Haha I think I just gave my notice. My direct boss at Agency A emailed me with something else and then added she "heard I was retiring by the end of the year." My plan is for my last day to be Feb 1 next year, so I had to correct at least that much, and it pretty much turned into "What do I need to do paperwork wise? and "thanks for the opportunity, working here has been great" etc etc.
I did tell her that my original intention was to give her 60 days notice next month because I wanted to make sure I didn't chicken out and change my mind, but that the rumor mill beat me to it. Pretty sure I'm not changing my mind anyway. Guess I should make it official with my Agency B boss too.
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Completed one of three (hopefully) final business trips until FIRE. The longest travel version (San Francisco to Singapore), so relieved to have that completed. In true Mustachian style, I maximized my points/rewards as much as possible. Two more trips on the horizon (Japan/Korea combined, followed by just Japan). I'm really hopeful that those will be my last trips pre-FIRE. International travel is one of my major reasons for wanting an early exit.
I did get a promotion, and found out I got a 6% raise. Nothing too crazy, but will pad the stash a bit. Still waiting to hear on bonus & equity. Equity may impact my leave date, as a few more months with a really solid equity increase will be able to potentially fund a year of FIRE. TBD.
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Haha I think I just gave my notice. My direct boss at Agency A emailed me with something else and then added she "heard I was retiring by the end of the year." My plan is for my last day to be Feb 1 next year, so I had to correct at least that much, and it pretty much turned into "What do I need to do paperwork wise? and "thanks for the opportunity, working here has been great" etc etc.
I did tell her that my original intention was to give her 60 days notice next month because I wanted to make sure I didn't chicken out and change my mind, but that the rumor mill beat me to it. Pretty sure I'm not changing my mind anyway. Guess I should make it official with my Agency B boss too.
Congratulations! Glad to have someone join me in the "gave my notice" club!
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I posted earlier this year, saying I was going to be in the 2018 cohort. But, as of today I decided to move up. Nov. 28 2017.
I did not find you in the list. Did we ever add you or were you dropped accidentally?
Congratulations on the OLY!
I posted but don't think I got in the list... Since my plans were a little uncertain I didn't pursue getting in the list. It's all OK :)
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Quote from: GuitarBrian on November 04, 2017, 10:25:36 PM
I posted earlier this year, saying I was going to be in the 2018 cohort. But, as of today I decided to move up. Nov. 28 2017.
I did not find you in the list. Did we ever add you or were you dropped accidentally?
Congratulations on the OLY!
I posted but don't think I got in the list... Since my plans were a little uncertain I didn't pursue getting in the list. It's all OK :)
Congratulations on retiring a year early. Have you posted in the 2017 cohort? They are having a lot of fun over there celebrating all the people retiring at the end of the year.
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AGGGGHHHH
So tired on waiting to see if I can join the Class of 2018.
"Rumors" that an early retirement incentive package will be offered at my state government agency have been swirling for months! My "stache" has surpassed my number a year and a half early (thanks to the market run up) and I have significantly reduced my % of equities in my Vanguard account so I could survive a market drop and still be able to FIRE. I just need the pension to be in place (it comes with Health Insurance at the group rate where I would pay only 20% of the premium). The incentive packages (when they are offered) usually add five years of service to your pension calculation thus increasing the monthly payout which would be even higher than if I continued working till May, 2019 (my current FIRE date).
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Haha I think I just gave my notice. My direct boss at Agency A emailed me with something else and then added she "heard I was retiring by the end of the year." My plan is for my last day to be Feb 1 next year, so I had to correct at least that much, and it pretty much turned into "What do I need to do paperwork wise? and "thanks for the opportunity, working here has been great" etc etc.
I did tell her that my original intention was to give her 60 days notice next month because I wanted to make sure I didn't chicken out and change my mind, but that the rumor mill beat me to it. Pretty sure I'm not changing my mind anyway. Guess I should make it official with my Agency B boss too.
Congratulations! Glad to have someone join me in the "gave my notice" club!
Thanks Monkey, glad to be a member :)
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I've just had a meeting with the adviser who reviews my finances every year or so (he's tied, but salaried, and hasn't tried to sell me anything since the first time we met) and put my ER plan to him, and he hasn't found any holes in my numbers or said, "That might not work because ...". This has made me very happy, not so much on my own behalf (I trust my math) as on my husband's, because he's all about "use the right equipment for the job" and he's been muttering that we should consult a financial adviser.
I'm making the jump from 2019. Please add me on to the list for 30th June 2018, which is the earliest date at which my bridging plan will become watertight and I'll be able to leave my DB pension untouched until my next birthday. I may hang on a few months longer if it's worthwhile and I'm not hating my job (sometimes I don't) and desperate to leave, but it would take a real black swan event to keep me at my desk beyond March 2019.
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I've just had a meeting with the adviser who reviews my finances every year or so (he's tied, but salaried, and hasn't tried to sell me anything since the first time we met) and put my ER plan to him, and he hasn't found any holes in my numbers or said, "That might not work because ...". This has made me very happy, not so much on my own behalf (I trust my math) as on my husband's, because he's all about "use the right equipment for the job" and he's been muttering that we should consult a financial adviser.
I'm making the jump from 2019. Please add me on to the list for 30th June 2018, which is the earliest date at which my bridging plan will become watertight and I'll be able to leave my DB pension untouched until my next birthday. I may hang on a few months longer if it's worthwhile and I'm not hating my job (sometimes I don't) and desperate to leave, but it would take a real black swan event to keep me at my desk beyond March 2019.
Congratulations! So excited for you!!!
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I've just had a meeting with the adviser who reviews my finances every year or so (he's tied, but salaried, and hasn't tried to sell me anything since the first time we met) and put my ER plan to him, and he hasn't found any holes in my numbers or said, "That might not work because ...". This has made me very happy, not so much on my own behalf (I trust my math) as on my husband's, because he's all about "use the right equipment for the job" and he's been muttering that we should consult a financial adviser.
I'm making the jump from 2019. Please add me on to the list for 30th June 2018, which is the earliest date at which my bridging plan will become watertight and I'll be able to leave my DB pension untouched until my next birthday. I may hang on a few months longer if it's worthwhile and I'm not hating my job (sometimes I don't) and desperate to leave, but it would take a real black swan event to keep me at my desk beyond March 2019.
Congratulations! Sounds like you have everything under control. Good idea to consult a FA. You never know, sometimes they catch something you missed.
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Welcome to the cohort, TartanTallulah
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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I've just had a meeting with the adviser who reviews my finances every year or so (he's tied, but salaried, and hasn't tried to sell me anything since the first time we met) and put my ER plan to him, and he hasn't found any holes in my numbers or said, "That might not work because ...". This has made me very happy, not so much on my own behalf (I trust my math) as on my husband's, because he's all about "use the right equipment for the job" and he's been muttering that we should consult a financial adviser.
I'm making the jump from 2019. Please add me on to the list for 30th June 2018, which is the earliest date at which my bridging plan will become watertight and I'll be able to leave my DB pension untouched until my next birthday. I may hang on a few months longer if it's worthwhile and I'm not hating my job (sometimes I don't) and desperate to leave, but it would take a real black swan event to keep me at my desk beyond March 2019.
Welcome and congratulations.
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Thanks for the welcomes :-)
And I didn't even tell the financial adviser about my husband's DB pension from a former employer, because until recently it hadn't occurred to me that he must have one. It's not likely to be much more than Ł200 a month, but with everything else covered that's an annual skiing trip paid for.
I need to forget about this. A lot could happen between now and the start of my notice period.
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If things go well, my FIRE date would be ~8/1/2018. I'm debating between 8/1/18, 1/1/19, and OMY'ing to 9/1/19, basically this is because of various stock vesting cycles and taxes on stock (not selling all of it until my salary is $0 for the year has some substantial savings). But for now, I'm going to put out the more aggressive target as it makes it more likely we'll hit it.
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Welcome to the cohort, SugarMountain. No more OMY ;-)
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Welcome to the cohort, SugarMountain. No more OMY ;-)
We'll see, there is a ton to figure out in the next 9 months if that is going to happen.
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Man I'm just excited looking at the list! I can't wait until the first of the year once the confirmations start coming through, it's going to be fun to watch.
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Down to under 150 calendar days(not work days) until I will putting in my notice. DW and me are already starting to plan a couple vacations for early 2018 so was running the calcs on carry over and PTO accrual to see what I can swing.
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According to my numbers, we are FI. However, this is essentials and a bit more, we don't have holiday & 'retirement project' money yet. That relies on building our second dwelling which is going to take longer than I thought when I said July for my date. I won't be able to pin point a date til the planning application is approved and we have found a builder but it's looking more like November or 2019 than July. Having said that, we can both work part time in my business from April next year for fun money - does that count? TLDR - still up in the air, waiting to see how it all falls.
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Welp.
The original plan for RunningBoy and I was to retire in 2020 but all the checkpoints that we needed to reach before FIRE have been passed. Plus, my husband has decided not to abruptly retire completely and abruptly, but to whittle away his client list for two years to ease into semi-retirement. With him going to part-time, us moving to a LCOL area next year and the critical mass of investments we've built up, it looks like I'm retiring in August 2018. And yes, there's a countdown on my phone and a contingency plan (or two) up my sleeve. It's immensely helpful that our projected monthly expenses can be covered by my husband working 1.5 days/month after I retire.
This community has been instrumental in (re)shaping my beliefs about money and retirement, and giving me the impetus to make it happen. It just feels so freakin' awesome to be here!
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Congratulations to you Running
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Welp.
The original plan for RunningBoy and I was to retire in 2020 but all the checkpoints that we needed to reach before FIRE have been passed. Plus, my husband has decided not to abruptly retire completely and abruptly, but to whittle away his client list for two years to ease into semi-retirement. With him going to part-time, us moving to a LCOL area next year and the critical mass of investments we've built up, it looks like I'm retiring in August 2018. And yes, there's a countdown on my phone and a contingency plan (or two) up my sleeve. It's immensely helpful that our projected monthly expenses can be covered by my husband working 1.5 days/month after I retire.
This community has been instrumental in (re)shaping my beliefs about money and retirement, and giving me the impetus to make it happen. It just feels so freakin' awesome to be here!
Congratulations, RunningWithScissors! Welcome to the cohort.
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Congratulations RWS !!!!!
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If everything goes according to plan, I will be giving notice at work exactly 4 months from now! It's starting to feel real.
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If everything goes according to plan, I will be giving notice at work exactly 4 months from now! It's starting to feel real.
And four months from today is my FIRE day!
Unlike Zizi, I've made little progress on my pre-FIRE to-do list over the last four months. Time for me to get moving!
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Welcome to the cohort, RunningWithScissors
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
01/??/18 Zinethstache
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 LateStarter
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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I've decided to start a journal about preparing for retirement in the last 6 months and (hopefully) enjoying the first 6 months of retirement. It's called "6 months before and 6 months after" Anyone who is getting ready to retire in the next couple of years or who has retired in the last couple is welcome to drop by and take a look. I'll be going through my preparations and will welcome any thoughts on things I'm doing or things I am missing. I hope we can all learn together.
A lot has gone on in the last month. I paid off my daughter's last college loan. She has had a tough time with health but is now recovered and sending out resume's. My in-laws are living with us now and my fil was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He is 91 and has not done well the last few years, so this is quite a blow. My wife and I had a couple of minor procedures because we have already hit max out of pocket so we might has well get them done when they are free.
Our biggest excitement financially was the decision to donate to a Donor Advised Fund. Anyone close to retirement should look into this. Its a great way to get a tax deduction during the last year of high taxable earnings. And you can then use the fund to donate to charities in small doses for years to come, when your income is lower.
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I've decided to start a journal about preparing for retirement in the last 6 months and (hopefully) enjoying the first 6 months of retirement. It's called "6 months before and 6 months after" Anyone who is getting ready to retire in the next couple of years or who has retired in the last couple is welcome to drop by and take a look. I'll be going through my preparations and will welcome any thoughts on things I'm doing or things I am missing. I hope we can all learn together.
A lot has gone on in the last month. I paid off my daughter's last college loan. She has had a tough time with health but is now recovered and sending out resume's. My in-laws are living with us now and my fil was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He is 91 and has not done well the last few years, so this is quite a blow. My wife and I had a couple of minor procedures because we have already hit max out of pocket so we might has well get them done when they are free.
Our biggest excitement financially was the decision to donate to a Donor Advised Fund. Anyone close to retirement should look into this. Its a great way to get a tax deduction during the last year of high taxable earnings. And you can then use the fund to donate to charities in small doses for years to come, when your income is lower.
Definitely looking into the DAF. Thanks for recommending! And, looking forward to reading your journal. Hope health improves for everyone!
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Thought this was funny. Over the weekend I got word from my MIL that my FIL would be retiring next year. His last day will be in July at a more typical RE age of 63. I had an internal chuckle but did not divulge my plans for RE in 2018 also !! Looks like I'll be retiring the same year as my in-laws. Just gave me a little smile.
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So it looks more and more likely that 2018 cohort will be retiring at the top of the market. I was really hoping for a downturn during 2017 but I don't think my wish will be granted :-)
How are you all feeling about the market situation and the potential for a correction happening immediately after we FIRE?
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How are you all feeling about the market situation and the potential for a correction happening immediately after we FIRE?
It is rather anxiety-producing, but not as much as continuing to work :) I've got two years of expenses in cash and several more in bonds, plus some side hustle income, so hopefully that will be enough.
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Still hoping for a correction in early 2018 when I can dump in my 2018 tIRA contributions for Mrs. Homestead and me. I'm well positioned for a correction as I'll have about 2 years in cash and am planning to have some future income outside of the 4% SWR.
If a correction occurs after the firehose of cash is turned off for me, I'm sure I'll briefly think it is a missed opportunity, but then I'll just move on because it is not something I could have influenced.
If it turns into a multi-year bear market, I'll probably try to step up the income to cover all expenses so I'm not cashing out index funds before a recovery in the first few years after I stop the accumulation phase. I don't think this is very likely, I expect a correction much more than a recession, but of course it is possible and I'll stay flexible.
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How are you all feeling about the market situation and the potential for a correction happening immediately after we FIRE?
I am not sure that the downturn will happen immediately after we FIRE, it might be a few years out still. However, I do see that the possibility of a large correction happens right after, so this is what we are doing:
1. Rental property is expected to produce approximately 45% of our padded FIRE budget
2. Investments will cover a hair more than our padded FIRE budget (rental income excluded)
3. Livable FIRE budget is about $9k less than padded budget (DH has committed to making these cuts if necessary)
4. Bare bones FIRE budget is about $4k less than livable budget (DH has committed to making these cuts if necessary)
5. I put 2 years worth of livable FIRE investment income into a CD ladder earlier this year
6. We are prepaying several expenses from next year this year while we are working
7. Saving this year for healthcare costs next year
8. We are staying in the United States or close-by in Canada for the first 9 months of FIRE so we can change plans, or we can get work
9. Once at our first FIRE destination, Argentina, husband and I will both be able to work, and have very easy access to decent paying service industry work through family connections
TL,DR: I am scared about taking the leap, so I made a 9 point list!
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So it looks more and more likely that 2018 cohort will be retiring at the top of the market. I was really hoping for a downturn during 2017 but I don't think my wish will be granted :-)
How are you all feeling about the market situation and the potential for a correction happening immediately after we FIRE?
Definitely a concern. Makes me question how real the value of my stache is. While it doesn't seem to be quite a bubble like the Nasdaq in 2000, I could definitely see a big correction in the next couple of years, or possibly flat for an extended period of time.
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So it looks more and more likely that 2018 cohort will be retiring at the top of the market. I was really hoping for a downturn during 2017 but I don't think my wish will be granted :-)
How are you all feeling about the market situation and the potential for a correction happening immediately after we FIRE?
Like most people here have prepped for the sequence of return risk by starting retirement with a chunk of cash to be whittled down over time. We also have the option of cutting expenses to the bare bones and our bare bones is really, really low. I think with all that, we could retire into another Great Recession and still not go broke. I just hope it waits until after I give notice because if it happens before, I might be tempted to OMY and I really am mentally done.
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TL,DR: I am scared about taking the leap, so I made a 9 point list!
Your plan sounds more than reasonable. You are going to be just fine. Congrats!
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TL,DR: I am scared about taking the leap, so I made a 9 point list!
Your plan sounds more than reasonable. You are going to be just fine. Congrats!
Agreed!
We have a multi-point plan, too!
Lots of padding in the budget.
Social Security, Rental House income, and Farm income will cover most of our expenses.
If we pay off the mortgage early, it will cover all our budget.
Selling a house now so we have several years of cash on hand to increase rental property income or live on without selling stocks.
Flipping another house to raise capital and/or pay off mortgage.
And some other projects we'll do for fun that may bring in income, too.
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So it looks more and more likely that 2018 cohort will be retiring at the top of the market. I was really hoping for a downturn during 2017 but I don't think my wish will be granted :-)
How are you all feeling about the market situation and the potential for a correction happening immediately after we FIRE?
Well, as discussed farther up thread, many of us here are cowards who were doing OMY. A potential downturn was definitely part of the mental calculus for why we did that versus pulling the plug sooner. Personally, we will have cash on hand from selling the house and be able to take some time before drawing on the investments to allow the market to recover. Of course, if we do get a decent dip, the temptation will be to try to cut our expenses as much as possible so we can put more of the remaining cash into the market at a lower than current price and reap the benefit when market starts climbing again.
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So it looks more and more likely that 2018 cohort will be retiring at the top of the market. I was really hoping for a downturn during 2017 but I don't think my wish will be granted :-)
How are you all feeling about the market situation and the potential for a correction happening immediately after we FIRE?
Relatively relaxed, because the bones of my retirement income will be a DB pension which will rise with inflation, and I'll have enough cash to allow me to leave my SIPP and S&S ISA untouched for a few years.
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I've always suspected that luck has played a massive part in my ability to retire early, but today I got some fairly solid numbers that have really grounded me.
I bought a house in the UK when I was very young in 1998, worth 39,950 pounds. By some freak of the economy, it was one of the few times it was cheaper to buy than rent and I was sick of sharing with randoms. In 2007 I sold that house for 125k.
We were living in Aus by then and put that money into an apartment. We paid off the very small mortgage quickly and a few years ago and for various reasons couldn't stand to live in the apartment anymore so bought a house and rented out the apt as we didn't think it would sell for a good price right then (due to those reasons!)
The value of the apartment close to doubled in 10 yrs (we just sold it). However the house in the UK is only worth about 10% more than I sold it for 10yrs ago.
Total and utter luck in moving money from a property market that crashed in 2008 to a rapidly growing one that barely stuttered in 2008.
The only actual financial decision we've made is selling the apartment at what we think was the peak of the market before what we think will be a flat few years and putting into other investments. The return out of property is very much higher. I have these forums to thank for that.
Kudos to people that have slogged and invested, I feel like a total fraud!
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So it looks more and more likely that 2018 cohort will be retiring at the top of the market. I was really hoping for a downturn during 2017 but I don't think my wish will be granted :-)
How are you all feeling about the market situation and the potential for a correction happening immediately after we FIRE?
First off, no one really knows how close to the top we are (see: "top is in" thread). I remember when the '87 crash happened, and then again with the early 90's recession, a lot of people thought the economy was going to hell in a handbasket and that the good times were over. After all, the bull market was nearly a decade old. Turned out we had almost a decade to go before it ended.
Now before everyone starts sputtering about the current ridiculous CAPE, complacent VIX, transition from easy money to tight money, and all the other parallels to 1929, 1966, 2000, 2007, etc., let me say that I agree that history, on average, is not on our side, and I think it is wise for 2018 FIREees to be cautious. Therefore, I've worked 12 - 18 months past basic FI, such that I could spend about $10k/yr more than my basic spending level without running out of money, even if another Great Depression or stagflation episode were to occur. Even so, it is possible that something worse than any of those historical calamities could happen, or that my spending estimate turns out to be wrong, so I'm also open to the idea of earning some part-time income if the need arises.
So yes, I'm being cautious just in case the worst happens, with the knowledge that the most likely outcome is that I'll need to figure out how to get rid of a bunch of money when I'm old and feeble.
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I'm on the 2018 cohort list and share the same concerns about sequence of returns. Like others, my plan is to have 2-3 years of cash and laddered cd/bonds. I'm also planning on starting with only 50% equities and gradually increase over time (glide path approach), although that's not set in stone.
I have a very simple question but can't seem to find a definitive answer. At what point should you deploy your cash? Would you start cash withdrawals immediately after retirement until it's close to being depleted?
I read a lot about people saying they will withdraw on their cash in bad years but since the market returns are always looking backward, how do you know we'll have a bad year until it actually happens?
I'm still in the process of figuring out my withdrawal strategy from my assets. If anyone can help with the above question or link me to an existing thread I'd greatly appreciate.
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I am going to make sure I have about 3 years worth of $$ for living expenses in conservative investments. But I will leave the bulk of it in equity index funds. The next few years should be very interesting!
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I have 5 years cash, in my super fund which I will use first. Conservative, yes I know, but at my age I can't afford to rebuild if the big drop arrives.
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I still have a ways to go before FIRE but had a question for those who keep segregated buckets of cash for X years. It seems to me that if I looked at all of your financial assets including this cash, isn't it equivalent to having a more conservative asset allocation (due to lower risk tolerance).
What happens if the market drop continues till all of your cash/bonds is exhausted. At this time, wouldn't you have a a very risky portfolio since it would be stock heavy. The 2000 recession lasted about two+ years while the 2008 recession was about a year and a half.
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I still have a ways to go before FIRE but had a question for those who keep segregated buckets of cash for X years. It seems to me that if I looked at all of your financial assets including this cash, isn't it equivalent to having a more conservative asset allocation (due to lower risk tolerance).
What happens if the market drop continues till all of your cash/bonds is exhausted. At this time, wouldn't you have a a very risky portfolio since it would be stock heavy. The 2000 recession lasted about two+ years while the 2008 recession was about a year and a half.
Yes, that's it exactly. Sort of analogous to those folks who want to live off of just their dividends instead of using a safe withdrawal rate strategy. They're tricking themselves into being more conservative.
You could achieve the same result as the cash bucket strategy by just increasing the cash/short-term bond percentage of your asset allocation, and then re-balancing as you spend it down.
To your question about ending up with a very risky portfolio as you spend down your cash during a downturn: yes, that's a possible outcome if the downturn lasts long enough. But this effect will be mitigated by the fact that while you are spending down your cash, your stock allocation is also decreasing due to the declining value of your shares. Sort of like involuntary rebalancing. Also, if you do end up stock-heavy at the end of a bear market, that is the least risky time to be stock-heavy. Not that I advocate market-timing or anything...
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I'm officially joining this thread with a countdown to 5/4/2018 FIRE date (unless my FU stash takes a dive).
I've had FIRE in mind for a long time (almost since working full-time - lol), but couldn't seem to commit until now. The 5/4/2018 FIRE date is set to allow for the receipt of my bonus if any in March and turning in a 1-month notice while benefitting for a full month insurance coverage for May.
I am on an extended OMY as I didn't find my work difficult and would prefer to be laid off with a package as it is hard for me to voluntarily quit the nice salary and benefits. My job however has become increasingly frustrating due to tightening regulations in the corporate banking world coupled with a number of problem accounts in my portfolio. Having my FU stash on accelerated growth is also not helping me stay motivated at work.
I've been mentally preparing for early 2018 FIRE for the last few months (ie navel gazing) while strategically maxing out certain dental, vision and medical benefits. Wish me luck in finally making the jump.
ETA: Just noticed that this is my 42 post in MMM - the age I'll be by FIRE date. The stars are aligning....
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I'm officially joining this thread with a countdown to 5/4/2018 FIRE date (unless my FU stash takes a dive).
I've had FIRE in mind for a long time (almost since working full-time - lol), but couldn't seem to commit until now. The 5/4/2018 FIRE date is set to allow for the receipt of my bonus if any in March and turning in a 1-month notice while benefitting for a full month insurance coverage for May).
I am on an extended OMY as I didn't find my work difficult and would prefer to be laid off with a package as it is hard for me to voluntarily quit the nice salary and benefits. My job however has become increasingly frustrating due to tightening regulations in the corporate banking world coupled with a number of problem accounts in my portfolio. Having my FU stash on accelerated growth is also not helping me stay motivated at work.
I've been mentally preparing for early 2018 FIRE for the last few months (ie navel gazing) while strategically maxing out certain dental, vision and medical benefits. Wish me luck in finally making the jump.
Congratulations on setting a date! Best of luck as you cruise in for the landing.
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What happens if the market drop continues till all of your cash/bonds is exhausted. At this time, wouldn't you have a a very risky portfolio since it would be stock heavy. The 2000 recession lasted about two+ years while the 2008 recession was about a year and a half.
Holding broad stock index funds is not really risky, but they can be volatile. If you decided to spend your bond allocation exclusively and that lasted you 2yrs and the market crash lasted 3yrs you would be forced to sell some stocks at low valuations. That's not a big deal as you made it through the first 2 years without doing so and presumably year 4 and beyond the market starts to recover.
You can then rebuild your bond allocation if that's what your investment plans tells you to do so that you'd have more bonds to deal with the next market crash.
Ultimately the market will go up and down over the course of your retirement. Being comfortable with the idea of selling stocks when they are at low valuations is something you will likely have to deal with.
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I'm officially joining this thread with a countdown to 5/4/2018 FIRE date (unless my FU stash takes a dive).
I've had FIRE in mind for a long time (almost since working full-time - lol), but couldn't seem to commit until now. The 5/4/2018 FIRE date is set to allow for the receipt of my bonus if any in March and turning in a 1-month notice while benefitting for a full month insurance coverage for May.
I am on an extended OMY as I didn't find my work difficult and would prefer to be laid off with a package as it is hard for me to voluntarily quit the nice salary and benefits. My job however has become increasingly frustrating due to tightening regulations in the corporate banking world coupled with a number of problem accounts in my portfolio. Having my FU stash on accelerated growth is also not helping me stay motivated at work.
I've been mentally preparing for early 2018 FIRE for the last few months (ie navel gazing) while strategically maxing out certain dental, vision and medical benefits. Wish me luck in finally making the jump.
ETA: Just noticed that this is my 42 post in MMM - the age I'll be by FIRE date. The stars are aligning....
That's my planned age as well step_away! I'm shooting for end of June, 2018. Starting to feel closer, now that 2017 is winding down.
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ETA: Just noticed that this is my 42 post in MMM - the age I'll be by FIRE date. The stars are aligning....
That's my planned age as well step_away! I'm shooting for end of June, 2018. Starting to feel closer, now that 2017 is winding down.
I thought of moving my FIRE date to 6/1/18 which is a Friday and would mean that I'm covered until end of the June month. Taking into account the 18 month COBRA, I could then enroll for 2020 medical through ACA with no break in coverage. But given how I'm feeling lately, I'm not sure I want to stay one more month when work will start to really pick up by then.
I'm getting a little antsy and can't believe that I finally have a FIRE date although five months seem to be still a bit far away.
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Does anyone else in this cohort have their own business?
I keep flip-flopping between wanting to keep the business (it's usually quite fun) and just work a few hours when I want, to wishing I didn't have to get out of bed so early or deal with the paperwork.
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I still have a ways to go before FIRE but had a question for those who keep segregated buckets of cash for X years. It seems to me that if I looked at all of your financial assets including this cash, isn't it equivalent to having a more conservative asset allocation (due to lower risk tolerance).
What happens if the market drop continues till all of your cash/bonds is exhausted. At this time, wouldn't you have a a very risky portfolio since it would be stock heavy. The 2000 recession lasted about two+ years while the 2008 recession was about a year and a half.
Yes, that's it exactly. Sort of analogous to those folks who want to live off of just their dividends instead of using a safe withdrawal rate strategy. They're tricking themselves into being more conservative.
You could achieve the same result as the cash bucket strategy by just increasing the cash/short-term bond percentage of your asset allocation, and then re-balancing as you spend it down.
To your question about ending up with a very risky portfolio as you spend down your cash during a downturn: yes, that's a possible outcome if the downturn lasts long enough. But this effect will be mitigated by the fact that while you are spending down your cash, your stock allocation is also decreasing due to the declining value of your shares. Sort of like involuntary rebalancing. Also, if you do end up stock-heavy at the end of a bear market, that is the least risky time to be stock-heavy. Not that I advocate market-timing or anything...
Monkey Uncle -- Thanks. I like the ways that you suggest for looking at things.
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ETA: Just noticed that this is my 42 post in MMM - the age I'll be by FIRE date. The stars are aligning....
That's my planned age as well step_away! I'm shooting for end of June, 2018. Starting to feel closer, now that 2017 is winding down.
I thought of moving my FIRE date to 6/1/18 which is a Friday and would mean that I'm covered until end of the June month. Taking into account the 18 month COBRA, I could then enroll for 2020 medical through ACA with no break in coverage. But given how I'm feeling lately, I'm not sure I want to stay one more month when work will start to really pick up by then.
I'm getting a little antsy and can't believe that I finally have a FIRE date although five months seem to be still a bit far away.
My kids are done with school on 6/8, so I'm hoping to make that my last official work day, and then use vacation days to cover me until 6/25 (when I have stock grant vesting). My husband will then add me + the kids onto his work insurance.
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Does anyone else in this cohort have their own business?
I keep flip-flopping between wanting to keep the business (it's usually quite fun) and just work a few hours when I want, to wishing I didn't have to get out of bed so early or deal with the paperwork.
Yes I have the same conundrum. Sometimes I like my business, and sometimes I don't.
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To your question about ending up with a very risky portfolio as you spend down your cash during a downturn: yes, that's a possible outcome if the downturn lasts long enough. But this effect will be mitigated by the fact that while you are spending down your cash, your stock allocation is also decreasing due to the declining value of your shares. Sort of like involuntary rebalancing. Also, if you do end up stock-heavy at the end of a bear market, that is the least risky time to be stock-heavy. Not that I advocate market-timing or anything...
I'm still trying to iron out a sound withdrawal strategy.
We plan on having about 3 years of cash/CD's but still not positive when to start spending the cash. Do you immediately start withdrawing from cash when you retire until it's depleted or do most people wait for the markets to start dropping? If you wait until the downturn, how do we know it's not a normal 10-15% market correction and the markets will eventually recover?
I know there's no one size fit's all withdrawal strategy but I'd like to hear how the 2018 cohort plans on managing withdrawals to generate the income they will need.
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We plan on having about 3 years of cash/CD's but still not positive when to start spending the cash. Do you immediately start withdrawing from cash when you retire until it's depleted or do most people wait for the markets to start dropping? If you wait until the downturn, how do we know it's not a normal 10-15% market correction and the markets will eventually recover?
I know there's no one size fit's all withdrawal strategy but I'd like to hear how the 2018 cohort plans on managing withdrawals to generate the income they will need.
I plan to wait until there is a market event to use my bonds/cash/gold asset allocation. There is no way to know anything about the future so you'll have to decide at the time what to do. If you need money to live off of and your stock investments are down 10-15% it seems like a good time to spend cash/bonds. It doesn't have to get worse for that to happen in my opinion. Assuming the market recovers quickly you can always replenish your cash/bond allocation if that's what your investment/withdrawal plan indicates you should do.
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I'm still trying to iron out a sound withdrawal strategy.
We plan on having about 3 years of cash/CD's but still not positive when to start spending the cash. Do you immediately start withdrawing from cash when you retire until it's depleted or do most people wait for the markets to start dropping? If you wait until the downturn, how do we know it's not a normal 10-15% market correction and the markets will eventually recover?
I know there's no one size fit's all withdrawal strategy but I'd like to hear how the 2018 cohort plans on managing withdrawals to generate the income they will need.
An excellent question, especially for people getting the great majority of their retirement income from stock investments. This is the general plan I intend to follow: Pick the withdrawal rate you need and take out 1/12 of that rate per month.
from your investments. As the market fluctuates, either add to your cash pile with the excess or take from it to meet your monthly income needs. There are lots of variations to this plan, but the basics are simple.
This plan gives you quite a bit of flexibility. Most people will have two income numbers, a high one to to live the lifestyle they want and a low one which supports the minimum they need to pay the bills and put food on the table. Say your withdrawal rate is 3.6% to meet your "lifestyle" number. Each month take out 0.3%. ( lets ignore things like quarterly dividend pay outs and yearly distributions. You can take that money and spread it out over several months and adjust your withdrawals accordingly). As long as your income is between your minimum and your "lifestyle" numbers, you don't have to do anything. If your monthly income drops below your minimum , supplement it with money from your cash. If it goes above your "lifestyle" number, add to your cash pile.
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I am going to make sure I have about 3 years worth of $$ for living expenses in conservative investments.
I have 5 years cash, in my super fund which I will use first.
We plan on having about 3 years of cash/CD's
I plan to wait until there is a market event to use my bonds/cash/gold asset allocation.
All of you people who are planning to spend down bonds/cash/gold in the event of a stock downturn are setting yourselves up for failure. What happens when you spend all of your cash down but the market is still dropping? Then you'll be forced to sell stocks at an even greater loss than you would have had if you had just sold them first.
Rather than trying to time the market by spending down stocks or bonds or cash at any point in the cycle, just keep your allocation constant. That's the whole point of having an asset allocation, it automatically rebalances for you. It automatically spends down a larger percentage of your bonds when stocks tank, but not ALL of your bonds so you don't get hosed if the market continues to drop.
Every time I hear someone on this forum say something like "I keep three years of expenses in cash in case there's a downturn" I just facepalm (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Paris_Tuileries_Garden_Facepalm_statue.jpg). Those people have totally misunderstood the entire point of having an asset allocation that includes both stocks and bonds. You don't buy or sell one or the other depending on what the market has done recently! You always keep the allocation percentages constant no matter what happens! That's how the whole theory of Strategic Asset Allocation generates better returns in the first place! Don't mess with it!
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All of you people who are planning to spend down bonds/cash/gold in the event of a stock downturn are setting yourselves up for failure. What happens when you spend all of your cash down but the market is still dropping? Then you'll be forced to sell stocks at an even greater loss than you would have had if you had just sold them first.
If the market keeps dropping for you will take some action that could be any combination of the following:
- sell stocks
- reduce spending
- generate some additional income
You'll have a few years to figure that out before you'd expend your "safety portion" of your portfolio. Let's say you have 3yrs of bonds that you are spending and the event lasts 5yrs and you don't generate any additional income or reduce your spending...in that case you will sell some stocks at a lower value than you would have initially, but you also won't have pulled a significant chunk of 3yrs worth of spending from your stock allocation.
Do you have any sources to back up the "setting yourself up for failure" comment above? Have you read some analysis or done some yourself showing how the approach you are criticising is likely to fail?
Looking at it another way some people are targeting a 100% equities portfolio [ie GCC] is that an example of someone setting themselves up for failure? If so what % of bonds averts failure in your opinion? What about the reverse equity glidepath approach? Starting with a higher portion of bonds and spending them regardless of market conditions to end up with a high % of stocks....perhaps 100%. Starting with a few years of bonds/cash and holding that portion constant then spending that portion during a market crash does not seem to be out of bounds in terms of these other approaches to managing asset allocations and mitigating the early sequence of returns risk.
Maybe I am missing something?
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I haven't completely misunderstood the concept of asset allocation. Its an informed decision. Maybe not the one you would make Sol, but then I don't make your decisions for you.
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I'm don't think I'm familiar with strategic allocation strategies to which Sol refers. The bit I don't follow us: If your stocks halved in value then you'd rebalance your asset allocation by spending cash or bonds to gradually bring the cash or bonds % down wouldn't you? Is that what we're all doing just describing it in different ways?
We'll have 18 months cash in the bank and we'll be living on last year's investment income so that we have 12 months to adapt to any changes in dividend income eg not book travel.
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Does anyone else in this cohort have their own business?
I keep flip-flopping between wanting to keep the business (it's usually quite fun) and just work a few hours when I want, to wishing I didn't have to get out of bed so early or deal with the paperwork.
Yes I have the same conundrum. Sometimes I like my business, and sometimes I don't.
Hey David! Do you have various options eg go part time, employ a manager, or is it an all or nothing situation?
My business doesn't make enough money for me to pay a manager and therefore is also not a v attractive purchase. It's looking like either I stay and work minimal hours (I have employees) or I close up shop. But then I'd lose friends by leaving people in the lurch. Hard one.
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Does anyone else in this cohort have their own business?
I keep flip-flopping between wanting to keep the business (it's usually quite fun) and just work a few hours when I want, to wishing I didn't have to get out of bed so early or deal with the paperwork.
Yes I have the same conundrum. Sometimes I like my business, and sometimes I don't.
Hey David! Do you have various options eg go part time, employ a manager, or is it an all or nothing situation?
My business doesn't make enough money for me to pay a manager and therefore is also not a v attractive purchase. It's looking like either I stay and work minimal hours (I have employees) or I close up shop. But then I'd lose friends by leaving people in the lurch. Hard one.
I just work for myself, massage therapist and yoga teacher. Yes I can cut down the workload and that's the direction I'm going. I will be getting rid of an office location early next year that is a 40 mile drive from me, but closer to the northern suburbs of Detroit. I've been working in that area for the past 20 years, and it will be good to finally close that part of the business down.
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I don't think a withdrawal strategy needs to be all that complicated. Spend cash when you need to. Sell some stocks and/or bonds when you run low on cash. Use those sales as an opportunity to rebalance your asset allocation. Check once or twice a year to make sure your allocation hasn't gotten too far out of whack. Rebalance as necessary.
Wax on, wax off.
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Does anyone else in this cohort have their own business?
I keep flip-flopping between wanting to keep the business (it's usually quite fun) and just work a few hours when I want, to wishing I didn't have to get out of bed so early or deal with the paperwork.
Yes I have the same conundrum. Sometimes I like my business, and sometimes I don't.
Hey David! Do you have various options eg go part time, employ a manager, or is it an all or nothing situation?
My business doesn't make enough money for me to pay a manager and therefore is also not a v attractive purchase. It's looking like either I stay and work minimal hours (I have employees) or I close up shop. But then I'd lose friends by leaving people in the lurch. Hard one.
Why not sell the business?
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Does anyone else in this cohort have their own business?
I keep flip-flopping between wanting to keep the business (it's usually quite fun) and just work a few hours when I want, to wishing I didn't have to get out of bed so early or deal with the paperwork.
Yes I have the same conundrum. Sometimes I like my business, and sometimes I don't.
Hey David! Do you have various options eg go part time, employ a manager, or is it an all or nothing situation?
My business doesn't make enough money for me to pay a manager and therefore is also not a v attractive purchase. It's looking like either I stay and work minimal hours (I have employees) or I close up shop. But then I'd lose friends by leaving people in the lurch. Hard one.
Why not sell the business?
I'm not sure it would sell -it makes about 1.25 a FT but quite low income. I already downshifted in 2012, I used to have a well paid but stressful career, so it's a bit of a hobby job in a random niche. I have 3 pt employees, one of them might take it on. I put a thread about my quandary in the entrepreneur section. It's hard to explain what I do without outing myself, there's only a handful of us out there. It's ok, I'll figure it out.
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If your stocks halved in value then you'd rebalance your asset allocation by spending cash or bonds to gradually bring the cash or bonds % down wouldn't you? Is that what we're all doing just describing it in different ways?
Right, but the recommended plan is to spend down your bonds or cash until you reach your original allocation again. Most people here are saying that if the market tanks, they'll spend ONLY their cash/bond portion until it is gone, to protect their stocks, which is exactly the wrong thing to do. That increases your risk (by raising your stock percentage) at the exact wrong time.
Yes, please rebalance back to your original desired allocation. Please do NOT spend down all of your cash/bonds during a recession, as if they were a savings account for you to draw on in times of need.
You can tell which type a person is by the way they phrase their plan. If they say "I plan to keep 20% of my assets in bonds" then they probably understand the need to restore their bond allocation to 20% in a stock downturn. If they say "I keep two years of expenses in bonds" then they're probably planning to spend down their bond allocation to zero over the first two years of a downturn.
In any circumstance, including a healthy growing market, during the drawdown phase of your retirement you should always be selling both stocks AND bonds to maintain your chosen AA. You can temporarily sell all of one or the other if you're trying to rebalance faster, but never spend ALL of one or the other because that would mean you have abandoned your chosen AA. Unless your chosen AA is 100/0/0, in which case this is a silly discussion.
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Hypothetically, if you had a large % of cash, like 40%, and the stock fell significantly in value, you would not only be spending cash for a few years but you would also need to buy more stocks to rebalance. Mentally, that would pretty hard to do when you're out of work and the market is tanking. I don't think I could do it, but I'll still have rental income and a relatively low % of my net worth is in stocks.
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I would argue there is a big difference to using an asset allocation with re-balance, versus some sort of 'sell your stash' approach.
To use an asset allocation you decide what makes sense for your personal risk tolerance and then re-balance between asset classes to meet that allocation. If you keep to that model and there is a material move then you sell/buy to re-establish the allocation you decided on. So if you have a 60% equity / 30% bonds / 10% cash allocation and equities drop 20% with nothing else moving, then you will sell some bonds and use a little cash to buy equities and get back to the 60/30/10 ratio.
There is quite a difference between this and what some are saying when they say they will use a 'cash stash' to fund their life and not to touch the equities if they do down. Although this intuitively feels like it protects you from selling equities when they are down you are actually making big market timing decisions. To list a couple of examples you have to 1) decide what equity market decline is large enough for you to start spending your stash rather than re-balance 2) decide when you stop spending your stash and start going back to using an asset allocation 3) decide what to sell if the equity downturn outlasts your stash. These are all market timing decisions and the nice thing about having a long term asset allocation is that you don't have to worry about these things (although this is not saying it is stress free). It naturally has you buying more of an asset class as it goes down and gets cheaper (sounds good!) and then selling them as they go up (also sounds good!).
In part, using an asset allocation approach, is sort of doing the 'use your stash' approach with the key difference being you are doing little and often and on smaller moves to acknowledge the difficulty of timing the top and bottom of markets. It might sound the same, but is quite different.
Some institutional investors try to overlay a 'tactical' asset allocation to allow them to move slightly away from the long-term 'strategic' asset allocation. As someone who works in that industry, lets just say the success of those tactical decisions is pretty patchy.
My two pennies worth is therefore that unless you want to get into the business of partly betting your future on your own ability to time the tops and bottoms of markets then decide on a sensible allocation and stick to it. Personally I think the 100% equities gang are too confident (after an 8-year bull market) in their ability to ignore an equity market decline were it to happen so I have a mix of equity, credit, bonds and property to spread myself out. I will never top the list for returns in any given year but it works for me.
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Please do NOT spend down all of your cash/bonds during a recession, as if they were a savings account for you to draw on in times of need.
Holding a cash buffer to be spent down during bad years and replenished during good years isn't necessarily a bad strategy. It's not my cup of tea, but its adherents include some members of this community who are clearly competent in these matters (like Nords).
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Yes, please rebalance back to your original desired allocation. Please do NOT spend down all of your cash/bonds during a recession, as if they were a savings account for you to draw on in times of need.
Sol you haven't provided a compelling explanation for your "setting yourself up for failure" comment in the previous post. If holding various AA's between 100% stocks to say 50%stocks/50%bonds are all valid approaches not to mention AA's the change over time like the reverse equity glidepath approach than it hardly seems gloom and doom to spend down a cash/bonds component of your portfolio during a market event as WR plan.
Beyond that without taking into consideration other factors like %WR and ability to change spending from year to year you can't really assess someone's FIRE plan based on one component.
If there is a fatal flaw to the approach you are criticising please explain it more clearly.
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There is quite a difference between this and what some are saying when they say they will use a 'cash stash' to fund their life and not to touch the equities if they do down. Although this intuitively feels like it protects you from selling equities when they are down you are actually making big market timing decisions. To list a couple of examples you have to 1) decide what equity market decline is large enough for you to start spending your stash rather than re-balance 2) decide when you stop spending your stash and start going back to using an asset allocation 3) decide what to sell if the equity downturn outlasts your stash. These are all market timing decisions and the nice thing about having a long term asset allocation is that you don't have to worry about these things (although this is not saying it is stress free). It naturally has you buying more of an asset class as it goes down and gets cheaper (sounds good!) and then selling them as they go up (also sounds good!).
You can simply set a rule that you'll spend your cash/bonds after a market drop of X% and either spend them down to $0 or stop once your portfolio recovers. It's not a hard system to setup.
And frankly if this ^^ constitutes "timing the market" I'll be doing a lot of that in FIRE. I won't be pulling $40K/yr from my initial $1M stash like a robot. If the market crashes I'll put off non-essential spending like luxury travel and replacing my car to keep my spending at say $30K/yr for a bit. Then after a recovery I might decide to spend $50K/yr for a year to replace that car and go on the fancy trip I put off. If things got really bad in the market I might get a PT job to bring in $20K/yr for a few years.
All of that sounds like what you are calling "timing the market", but to me that sounds like a normal set of FIRE decisions.
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We may just have to disagree on this one as your response prompts more questions than answers for me. Please be aware that I am not listing these to sound aggressive just what comes to my mind.
What is X? How long do equity markets need to be down X or more before I switch into 'cash stash' mode? If equity markets have just gone up very quickly, does X get bigger to reflect that I might only be giving back some recent outsized gains rather than 'losing' money? What do I define as recovery, a new high, in which case for the declines in 2000 or 2008 that would be 5-8 years which is a long time to survive off the cash stash? If X happens very quickly (i.e. spending is not a consideration) what is the logic that I believe a lower equity allocation at that point in time is better (at a cheaper level) than before X happened? If I believe in asset allocation (which as Sol says if you are a 100% equity person this is all moot) then how do I justify rebalancing on the way up but not the way down?
I think it would be very hard pre-define a set of actions you will take in advance that successfully deals with all the scenarios which could occur and you instead end up with a lot of emotion wrapped into the decisions you take. To me that is the great thing about sticking to an allocation as you take all that away as you know what you are going to do in advance and the approach tends to work over time.
Of course it is a complicated interplay between declines / spending. If you happen to spend the exact same amount out of cash/bonds in 2-years as the equity market decline then you have effectively done exactly the same thing as re-balancing.
I agree completely that you may separately reduce or perhaps increase spending based on the overall value of the portfolio but, to me at least, this is related to the size of the pot and not the allocation inside the pot.
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I agree completely that you may separately reduce or perhaps increase spending based on the overall value of the portfolio but, to me at least, this is related to the size of the pot and not the allocation inside the pot.
They aren't separate at all. They both are part of your risk management plan. The same decisions required around changing spending are what would drive you decisions around spending your bond/cash allocation. If you can make one set of decisions than you can make the other. If you are arguing that a FIREr can't make any decisions related to the market and their portfolio around spending than that's a fair point although I disagree with it. If you accept they can decide to alter their risk management response by changing spending based on the market than I can't see how you can argue they would be incapable of making reasonable decisions around spending a portion of their portfolio.
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I don't think there is necessarily a fatal flaw, but I also don't see the approach as an asset allocation approach.
I think you can create scenarios which expose a flaw (perhaps not fatal). Lets say you set your X at 15% and markets drop 16%. Then they rise 10% but do not hit your recovery point (a new high) for 3-years, which is the size of your cash stash. At this point, your allocation is 100% equities because you have sold down everything. Now the market falls another 20% and your whole portfolio is down 20%.
Now of course this is not good for either approach, but if you had rebalanced, you would at least have participated in the 10% gains a little. You would also have been selling down equities a little over the next 3-years to fund life (in proportion with your bonds/cash) so at the point the market declines 20% you have a lower equity allocation than the stash approach so the 20% decline hurts less. Further, after the 20% decline, you have cash and bonds to sell to rebalance into equities at a lower price (happy days). You might even have some gains in your bond portfolio due to 'flight to safety'.
Of course the reality is that if you are 80% or more in equities equities then all of this is pretty incremental as 95% (citation needed) of your risk is in equities anyway.
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Apologies to others as we are off topic for the 2018 thread. Retire-Canada - that we are even having this debate is showing considerable more concern to the topic when compared to 95% of people. Perhaps we need to start a separate thread to continue to discuss this if we want to.
There is a conflict here as most people on this site would say that they would love a 40% decline in equity markets and would then fill their boots - equity sale here! You may not be one of those but of course that doesn't fit with the stash approach and is much more of an asset allocation approach.
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Yes, please rebalance back to your original desired allocation. Please do NOT spend down all of your cash/bonds during a recession, as if they were a savings account for you to draw on in times of need.
Sol you haven't provided a compelling explanation for your "setting yourself up for failure" comment in the previous post. If holding various AA's between 100% stocks to say 50%stocks/50%bonds are all valid approaches not to mention AA's the change over time like the reverse equity glidepath approach than it hardly seems gloom and doom to spend down a cash/bonds component of your portfolio during a market event as WR plan.
Beyond that without taking into consideration other factors like %WR and ability to change spending from year to year you can't really assess someone's FIRE plan based on one component.
If there is a fatal flaw to the approach you are criticising please explain it more clearly.
What people are describing is essentially the Rising Equity Glidepath (https://www.onefpa.org/journal/Pages/Reducing%20Retirement%20Risk%20with%20a%20Rising%20Equity%20Glide%20Path.aspx) whether they mean it or not, and contrary to what Sol and Edgema say - it does have merit.
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Of course the reality is that if you are 80% or more in equities equities then all of this is pretty incremental as 95% (citation needed) of your risk is in equities anyway.
For myself and the other folks who seem to be talking about a similar approach the bond/cash allocation is 20% or less - essentially a few years of spending. I'll probably be closer to 10%. I don't plan on setting a specific % at which I will take action. I feel like I am able to make decisions around spending in FIRE based on my portfolio value and market returns.
To your example I can construct a scenario where the spend bonds/cash first approach is superior. Ultimately without knowledge of the future that doesn't tell us anything, but I agree with your point above given the constellation of reasonable asset allocations and WR approaches I don't see a compelling argument for fear of failure in any of them.
In any case if there is interest we can certainly start another thread about this topic.
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But following the link the conclusions state;
"Overall, the results show that rising equity glide paths from conservative starting points can achieve superior results, even with lower average lifetime equity exposure. For instance, a portfolio that starts at 30 percent in equities and finishes at 60 percent performs better than a portfolio that starts and finishes at 60 percent equities. A steady or rising glide path provides superior results compared to starting at 60 percent equities and declining to 30 percent over time."
At the typical MMM person is 1) younger and 2) way higher than the percentage equities here. I am not sure it is applicable.
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My apologies as well for going off-topic. I asked about this earlier in the thread. I'd love to have this discussion continue in a separate thread. Is there a way to get the relevant posts to be part of the thread.
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I don't think there is necessarily a fatal flaw, but I also don't see the approach as an asset allocation approach.
You are correct, the strategy being discussed is more of a volatility approach than AA but some saying 1-2 years only then I would tend to agree with you and Sol that it might impart more risk than less bc it might not provide sufficient time exposure to get through down or more importantly flat then down markets.
But following the link the conclusions state;
"Overall, the results show that rising equity glide paths from conservative starting points can achieve superior results, even with lower average lifetime equity exposure. For instance, a portfolio that starts at 30 percent in equities and finishes at 60 percent performs better than a portfolio that starts and finishes at 60 percent equities. A steady or rising glide path provides superior results compared to starting at 60 percent equities and declining to 30 percent over time."
At the typical MMM person is 1) younger and 2) way higher than the percentage equities here. I am not sure it is applicable.
Maybe but that really hasn't been the discussion, the discussion has been AA vs. living off bonds/cash for couple of years. So the Rising Equity Glidepath is applicable as it just means a higher Bond/Cash position than your normal AA and then over a certain timeframe increases to your desired AA whether that be starting at 30/700 and going to 60/40, or 60/40 going to 100/0 or anywhere in between but the premise is the same - reduce conservative holdings over time...but it does say this in the linked article
"Depending on the underlying assumptions, the optimal starting equity exposures are generally around 20 percent to 40 percent and finish at around 40 percent to 80 percent."
and in the implications section at the end...
"The implications of this research for financial planners are significant. Results suggest that the traditional approach of maintaining constant asset allocations in retirement, which are routinely rebalanced, are actually far less than optimal. Although such an approach is actually superior to decreasing equity exposure through retirement, the results of this study reveal that the best solution may be to steadily increase equity exposure throughout retirement, while starting at a lower initial equity exposure."
Basically...
...when markets have high/good returns, doesn't matter other than it leaves you with way more money then you will need and heirs will be happy.
...when markets rise in the beginning but fall after glidepath years, equities grow beyond what you need reducing risk of sequence and likely allowing higher WR but maybe more volatility later but doesn't matter bc you have more than enough bc of early growth
...when markets decline in beginning, gives time for equities to recover back to base level reducing sequence risk and have expected levels of investments.
...when markets have low/negative returns over long term, doesn't matter because no AA will help you but this way might extend the race a bit.
Sounds like a win win.....lower volatility, increased likelihood of success
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Do you [sol] have any sources to back up the "setting yourself up for failure" comment above? Have you read some analysis or done some yourself showing how the approach you are criticising is likely to fail?
The following Kitces article summarizes research demonstrating that the use of cash buffer strategies substantially increased historical failure rates (when compared to a baseline of using an identical asset allocation without employing a cash buffer) across a range of different stock/bond asset allocations and different withdrawal rates. So, while using a cash buffer doesn't necessarily "set you up for failure," it does increase your likelihood of failure (based, like all Trinity-style SWR analysis, on historical market performance).
Kitces: Research Reveals Cash Reserve Strategies Don’t Work...Unless You're A Good Market Timer? (https://www.kitces.com/blog/research-reveals-cash-reserve-strategies-dont-work-unless-youre-a-good-market-timer/)
Again, I don't think cash buffer strategies are necessarily bad (and, as the article points out, they may be superior after accounting for behavioral/psychological factors, in the case of investors who lack the discipline to stick to their chosen asset allocation in the absence of a cash buffer). But they are probably worse than straight constant-asset-allocation-maintenance-via-rebalancing for investors with the disposition to actually follow that approach.
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Do you [sol] have any sources to back up the "setting yourself up for failure" comment above? Have you read some analysis or done some yourself showing how the approach you are criticising is likely to fail?
The following Kitces article summarizes research demonstrating that the use of cash buffer strategies substantially increased historical failure rates (when compared to a baseline of using an identical asset allocation without employing a cash buffer) across a range of different stock/bond asset allocations and different withdrawal rates. So, while using a cash buffer doesn't necessarily "set you up for failure," it does increase your likelihood of failure (based, like all Trinity-style SWR analysis, on historical market performance).
Kitces: Research Reveals Cash Reserve Strategies Don’t Work...Unless You're A Good Market Timer? (https://www.kitces.com/blog/research-reveals-cash-reserve-strategies-dont-work-unless-youre-a-good-market-timer/)
From that paper:
THE BOTTOM LINE
In the end, the reality is that while cash reserve strategies appear psychologically appealing, their actual benefits as an enhancement for retirement income sustainability appear to be a mirage upon closer inspection. The buffer zone approach appears to do little to effectively “time” the market, and/or to the extent it does, the benefits are overwhelmed by the adverse consequences of a large allocation of cash in the portfolio that drags down long-term returns. Notably, though, separate research has shown that shifting equity exposure in light of market volatility (and based on fundamental valuation principles) can in fact enhance both returns, risk-adjusted returns, and the sustainability of retirement income – and without the unfavorable impact of an unduly large cash position.
The issue he has is with holding cash. Changing your asset allocation in response to market conditions seems to be something he favours. I'll try and track down the related paper.
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What people are describing is essentially the Rising Equity Glidepath (https://www.onefpa.org/journal/Pages/Reducing%20Retirement%20Risk%20with%20a%20Rising%20Equity%20Glide%20Path.aspx) whether they mean it or not
No. Not at all.
The rising equity glidepath modifies your AA over time as a function of your retirement date. It totally ignores market conditions because asset allocation theory totally ignores market conditions. The whole point of asset allocation theory is that you maintain the percentages despite the market ups and downs. The rising glidepath is predicated on an understanding of asset allocation, and then branches out from there to suggest a way to modify the AA as your needs change with age. Just age. Not market condition.
What these peeps are doing is just market timing. They think they can predict when the market is going down, and by how much and for how long, and that they can strategically choose what to buy and sell to outperform the index portfolio throughout these fluctuations. They are trying to be active fund managers of their private funds. Active fund managers, historically, underperform the market.
The best performing portfolios are always the ones that never do anything except rebalance back to their original percentages. That's why AA theory exists. That's the central finding of the entire body of literature about it.
But I don't control your funds, and we are each free to try to outperform the market in any way we see fit. If you think you are smarter than the hedge fund quants, go right ahead and play the market any way you like. I'll be over here in the corner, getting my guaranteed risk-adjusted market average returns by doing nothing at all. I will get slightly less than the full S&P500 gains during the bulls, and I will lose slightly less during the bears, and my assets will continue to grow steadily over the long term without me having to make any predictions about what will happen next.
Which doesn't mean you can't make all the predictions you like. It's your money. I'm just quietly pointing out that market timing has historically been a losing strategy (hence the "failure" comment) for most adherents, and then advocating that this thread's passive readers keep that in mind when evaluating people's claims about how awesome they will do in the next recession.
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Which doesn't mean you can't make all the predictions you like. It's your money. I'm just quietly pointing out that market timing has historically been a losing strategy (hence the "failure" comment) for most adherents, and then advocating that this thread's passive readers keep that in mind when evaluating people's claims about how awesome they will do in the next recession.
Got it. That was a whole different meaning of the word failure than I was understanding [ie. portfolio/FIRE failure].
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I think this sort of discussion is very relevant to the thread. We're at the pointy end now, a few months to go so it's good to go over all this.
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I think we are in danger of mixing a bunch of concepts here. The glide path approach is dependent on starting at much lower equity allocations and rising mechanically offer time. This is quite different from what we have been discussing or what most people are planning to do or are at now.
Not that you are looking for my financial advice Retire Canada, but I would argue that at 90% equities this is all quite academic. If this is your main stash then you are staking your retirement on equity returns. Some are proponents of this and others not. In any given year the move up or down in markets will often be as large in dollars as your cash pot so most of what we have discussed will make little real difference.
The real difference for you is that it sounds like you are OK with more volatility on the stash and can / are ok with significantly altering your draw from this capital making this is your main risk management tool rather than asset allocation.
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Thanks for this discussion, especially the link to the Pfau and Kitces paper on Rising Equity glide paths (https://www.onefpa.org/journal/Pages/Reducing%20Retirement%20Risk%20with%20a%20Rising%20Equity%20Glide%20Path.aspx).
Couple things I saw:
-- maximum sustainable withdrawal rate of around 3% for a 10% failure probability for lower expected future returns (Table 4)
-- If returns are same as historical, then MWR is 4.4% (Table 6)
-- Also MWR is better when starting % of equities are below 50% of portfolio in all cases
Interesting. I will read it more carefully.
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I've enjoyed the debate, as someone trying to determine how to weight our overall portfolio. We are heavily indexed in tech (given stock options from employer), own a big piece of real estate, and have large 401Ks in the market. I plan to quit in 2018, but my husband will continue working. Given that, and the potential for volatility in any of those investments, I have a significant amount in high yield savings accounts & bonds. When you look at our overall net worth, it looks like a reasonable balance, but it's a lot of our immediately available assets.
Question for you all: when determining your portfolio mix, are you also including real estate & (if relevant), would you consider employer stock?
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Not that you are looking for my financial advice Retire Canada, but I would argue that at 90% equities this is all quite academic. If this is your main stash then you are staking your retirement on equity returns. Some are proponents of this and others not. In any given year the move up or down in markets will often be as large in dollars as your cash pot so most of what we have discussed will make little real difference.
The real difference for you is that it sounds like you are OK with more volatility on the stash and can / are ok with significantly altering your draw from this capital making this is your main risk management tool rather than asset allocation.
My FIRE risk management plan is 5 layers deep so yes I would not ever rely on any one component of the plan for the success of my FIRE. For the people I know reasonably well who are approaching FIRE they also have plans that are multi-faceted to mitigate risk. I hope nobody in the Class of 2018 is heading for the finish line without several ways to defend against FIRE failure.
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Question for you all: when determining your portfolio mix, are you also including real estate & (if relevant), would you consider employer stock?
Regarding real estate, we have a 4-plex that we are renting out, so we are counting the income from the building, but not the value in out assets. Also, if yu are planning to sell your residence, you could count the profit in your assets. Otherwise, I don't think it makes sense, since you aren't able to easily tap those investments.
I would consider the employer stock but I would also start selling small portions and moving the money to an index fund instead.
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Question for you all: when determining your portfolio mix, are you also including real estate & (if relevant), would you consider employer stock?
Regarding real estate, we have a 4-plex that we are renting out, so we are counting the income from the building, but not the value in out assets. Also, if yu are planning to sell your residence, you could count the profit in your assets. Otherwise, I don't think it makes sense, since you aren't able to easily tap those investments.
I would consider the employer stock but I would also start selling small portions and moving the money to an index fund instead.
Our FIRE strategy is multiphased, and starts with me quitting. Then, us selling the house in 6-7 years when the kids are out of school. Next, my husband will have the option to quit (should he want - he likes working & has no current plan to retire at 60). If we needed to, we could also then start accessing our 401Ks. Given the real estate market we're in, we would sell our current house in 6-7 years, and move somewhere with a significantly lower COL & pay in cash for another house.
I'm with you on selling the stock. I do an autosale monthly for tax purposes, but my husband has been holding (we work for the same company), which makes me nervous.
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I'm with you on selling the stock. I do an autosale monthly for tax purposes, but my husband has been holding (we work for the same company), which makes me nervous.
What % of you net worth is your company stock and your hubby's?
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I'm with you on selling the stock. I do an autosale monthly for tax purposes, but my husband has been holding (we work for the same company), which makes me nervous.
What % of you net worth is your company stock and your hubby's?
For vested stock, it's a very small percentage, but increases monthly. Currently, it's around 4%. For unvested stock for my husband (ignoring mine, as I will walk away when I FIRE), closer to 14%
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I'm with you on selling the stock. I do an autosale monthly for tax purposes, but my husband has been holding (we work for the same company), which makes me nervous.
What % of you net worth is your company stock and your hubby's?
For vested stock, it's a very small percentage, but increases monthly. Currently, it's around 4%. For unvested stock for my husband (ignoring mine, as I will walk away when I FIRE), closer to 14%
I never counted unvested in my NW as it can be left on the table if you walk away like you are or get terminated for whatever....plus it is likely that if you have received stock you will continue to receive it while at the same time older stock is vesting, so there will always be a tail of unvested stock until you qualify for traditional retirement per your company's plan.
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I'm with you on selling the stock. I do an autosale monthly for tax purposes, but my husband has been holding (we work for the same company), which makes me nervous.
What % of you net worth is your company stock and your hubby's?
For vested stock, it's a very small percentage, but increases monthly. Currently, it's around 4%. For unvested stock for my husband (ignoring mine, as I will walk away when I FIRE), closer to 14%
I never counted unvested in my NW as it can be left on the table if you walk away like you are or get terminated for whatever....plus it is likely that if you have received stock you will continue to receive it while at the same time older stock is vesting, so there will always be a tail of unvested stock until you qualify for traditional retirement per your company's plan.
Agreed (although, no traditional retirement to plan for), but the question I'm wondering about is whether it makes sense to include some for my husband. For example, if he plans to work for current employer for 5 years, is there a discounted version of the equity I would want to account for? Or, skip? Doesn't really matter, but requires more active portfolio management, as every month I'm increasing stock investment.
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Agreed (although, no traditional retirement to plan for), but the question I'm wondering about is whether it makes sense to include some for my husband. For example, if he plans to work for current employer for 5 years, is there a discounted version of the equity I would want to account for? Or, skip? Doesn't really matter, but requires more active portfolio management, as every month I'm increasing stock investment.
I am sure we could think of many ways to count it from simple to complex...I don't like active, so the two passive are count it or don't count it for me. I don't and haven't counted it bc I have no control over it and if I count it then it might act like bronze/silver (no gold for me) handcuffs, and of course I don't like handcuffs. The reality is you are not increasing your stock investment until the day it invests bc you/he can't sell/exchange/own until then and once they vest you/he can make a decision as to whether or not to hold or sell and put into index funds (equities or bonds). Further there are tax consequences when they vest and/or sell. Just easier not to count...
If it helps think of it as future income potential over the series of years. Along those lines will you take you hubby's paycheck for the next series of years and add that to net worth? Probably not, unvested stock is no different IMO.
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Well, last week of November, that was a nice ride! How do everyone's numbers look after that? Any movement up of dates?
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Well, last week of November, that was a nice ride! How do everyone's numbers look after that? Any movement up of dates?
Sure was! It left me $10k away from my "number", with 3.5 months left to go. When I set my FIRE date a year ago, I had little expectation of actually reaching that number.
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Well, last week of November, that was a nice ride! How do everyone's numbers look after that? Any movement up of dates?
I'm tantalizingly close to my next milestone [$1M NW]. I'm far enough away from my FIRE target that I'm not making any changes to expected dates, but if the tax bill passes and the run keeps going it's possible I could move things up. The faster it goes up the faster it can come right back down so I'm not getting too excited about things yet.
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Well, last week of November, that was a nice ride! How do everyone's numbers look after that? Any movement up of dates?
Sure was! It left me $10k away from my "number", with 3.5 months left to go. When I set my FIRE date a year ago, I had little expectation of actually reaching that number.
Good for you, CL!! That's gotta feel great!
I am on the academic year, so I can't move up my date. Well, I suppose I could up and quit at the end of this semester (2 weeks), but not without burning some serious bridges. So I'm sticking with my plan. I will teach my last class on April 19, 2018. I was planning to attend graduation on 4/28, but then an MMM Meetup in Vancouver was scheduled for that same weekend. That sounds like a lot more fun!
After the discussion about cash, bonds, etc. in case of a downturn, I'm kind of confused. I will have another $100K of income to stash away between now and June 30, and I'm unsure of where to put it. Should I put the details here in this thread, in my journal, or in a brand new thread? Thanks.
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Well, last week of November, that was a nice ride! How do everyone's numbers look after that? Any movement up of dates?
We don't track our assets monthly or even quarterly. There is too much opportunity for crazy-making with the ups and downs of the market. About twice a year I total our numbers and put the new values in the spreadsheet.
Actually, we do not budget either. We just try to keep doing what we are doing, and when there is big spending on something (my DW and I are taking a trip to Amsterdam to celebrate our anniversary), I increase the side-hustle and squeeze a little more $s out of daily life. Retire-Canada mentions having 5 levels of fail-safe on his retirement plan, and that is about where we are, so not a lot of need to check vitals at every instance.
I think that when I am no longer working, and have more time, I will look at the dollars more - just to assure myself that the math still works. Best wishes, aperture.
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Well, last week of November, that was a nice ride! How do everyone's numbers look after that? Any movement up of dates?
Sure was! It left me $10k away from my "number", with 3.5 months left to go. When I set my FIRE date a year ago, I had little expectation of actually reaching that number.
Good for you, CL!! That's gotta feel great!
I am on the academic year, so I can't move up my date. Well, I suppose I could up and quit at the end of this semester (2 weeks), but not without burning some serious bridges. So I'm sticking with my plan. I will teach my last class on April 19, 2018. I was planning to attend graduation on 4/28, but then an MMM Meetup in Vancouver was scheduled for that same weekend. That sounds like a lot more fun!
After the discussion about cash, bonds, etc. in case of a downturn, I'm kind of confused. I will have another $100K of income to stash away between now and June 30, and I'm unsure of where to put it. Should I put the details here in this thread, in my journal, or in a brand new thread? Thanks.
I would think posting the question in investor alley section is a good place.
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I will have another $100K of income to stash away between now and June 30, and I'm unsure of where to put it.
I'll save you the trouble of reposting in the Investor Alley subforum.
Do you have a personal investment policy statment (ISP)? We generally recommend that everyone do some reading and then write their plan down. Then whenver you have a question or you get an urge to do something crazy, you check your ISP and ask yourself if you're still following your plan, and if not then what has changed to cause you to abandon it?
The core of your ISP is choosing your asset allocation. Any time you get more money, you should invest it according to your ISP, which usually means immediately investing all of it at your chosen asset allocation, or at the very least gradually adding it monthly chunks to your chosen asset allocation.
If your AA is making you nervous about throwing another 100k into it, then your AA is probably too risky for you. You need to choose an AA that you can stick with through the good times and the bad, no matter what the market is doing. That's how an AA works for you.
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Well, last week of November, that was a nice ride! How do everyone's numbers look after that? Any movement up of dates?
No, but I've only got 35 days left as it is!
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A new applicant here to the 2018 cohort. Mrs PD and me will retire on Friday 27 April 2018, aged 63/59. Not so much RE I know - we were both subjected to financially damaging divorces in our forties. We came up with our FI plan about 6 years ago and it has worked out really well.
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A new applicant here to the 2018 cohort. Mrs PD and me will retire on Friday 27 April 2018, aged 63/59. Bit so much RE I know - we were both subjected to financially damaging divorces in our forties. We came up with our FI plan about 6 years ago and it has worked out really well.
Congrats and welcome poppydog and seńora poppydog.
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Okay, pencil me in for May-ish. :)
We hit a theoretical FI number a year ago, but we have a baroque plan that might call for some extra buffer in ways that aren't obvious how to reason about. We're expecting to stay in an HCOL area (silicon valley) until our youngest is through the local school system (which locals know leaks a lot of info about how very high H. the C.O.L. is here). FIRE isn't viable if we're living here forever, but cFireCalc gives it high marks even with a downsizing 14 years out. This model values our home as tracking inflation in the interim, but not appreciating beyond where it is now. Still: feels prone to historical accidents around how two timing points (FIRE + downsize) align w/ historical economic performance. So: OMY, at least. (Check.)
Since then, DW called it quits at work to homeschool the oldest. (Public school wasn't working well for him. Homeschooling's going great though.) Work said "how about a leave of absence for a year instead and then see how things are going?" That's no-lose for her, so that's what she's doing. She likes a lot of what she does there, so she might go back on a dramatically reduced schedule retaining the low-stress stuff.
Meanwhile, I had been churning away at some really interesting challenges at work that have since reached their natural conclusions. It's a good time to turn the page. Two things holding me back, for now. First is economic. On 1/1, marginal tax rate drops down to zero temporarily. Also, a bunch of benefits reset, most notably the generous pretax 401(k) match that I can frontload. Second is lifestyle: daily bike commutes, free tasty protein at work, and job responsibilities that are fairly chill right now. We're FI, but not so loaded or confident that I want to pass on money earned that efficiently.
Lots could change, but I think the overwhelming likelihood is I pull the trigger next year.
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Okay, pencil me in for May-ish. :)
We hit a theoretical FI number a year ago, but we have a baroque plan that might call for some extra buffer in ways that aren't obvious how to reason about. We're expecting to stay in an HCOL area (silicon valley) until our youngest is through the local school system (which locals know leaks a lot of info about how very high H. the C.O.L. is here). FIRE isn't viable if we're living here forever, but cFireCalc gives it high marks even with a downsizing 14 years out. This model values our home as tracking inflation in the interim, but not appreciating beyond where it is now. Still: feels prone to historical accidents around how two timing points (FIRE + downsize) align w/ historical economic performance. So: OMY, at least. (Check.)
Since then, DW called it quits at work to homeschool the oldest. (Public school wasn't working well for him. Homeschooling's going great though.) Work said "how about a leave of absence for a year instead and then see how things are going?" That's no-lose for her, so that's what she's doing. She likes a lot of what she does there, so she might go back on a dramatically reduced schedule retaining the low-stress stuff.
Meanwhile, I had been churning away at some really interesting challenges at work that have since reached their natural conclusions. It's a good time to turn the page. Two things holding me back, for now. First is economic. On 1/1, marginal tax rate drops down to zero temporarily. Also, a bunch of benefits reset, most notably the generous pretax 401(k) match that I can frontload. Second is lifestyle: daily bike commutes, free tasty protein at work, and job responsibilities that are fairly chill right now. We're FI, but not so loaded or confident that I want to pass on money earned that efficiently.
Lots could change, but I think the overwhelming likelihood is I pull the trigger next year.
You can also post your numbers on bogleheads and see what they say about your retirement expectations.
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Just had to chime in to say, 28 days 'til FIRE! Woo hoo!
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Just had to chime in to say, 28 days 'til FIRE! Woo hoo!
Nice. :)
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Just had to chime in to say, 28 days 'til FIRE! Woo hoo!
Nice. :)
yeah...be sure to post and let us know how good it is!
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Just had to chime in to say, 28 days 'til FIRE! Woo hoo!
I can't wait to see the first long-time poster for 2018 drop into ER....(I know we've had a few people leave to the 2017 crowd).
I told a Choose FI meetup group yesterday I was still a bit terrified of pulling that lever
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Just had to chime in to say, 28 days 'til FIRE! Woo hoo!
I can't wait to see the first long-time poster for 2018 drop into ER....(I know we've had a few people leave to the 2017 crowd).
I told a Choose FI meetup group yesterday I was still a bit terrified of pulling that lever
Looks like it's going to be between Gimesalot and me. He/she says 1/5, I say 1/6. I think both of us are targeting 1/5 as our last day at work, but I'm technically on the payroll through Saturday, 1/6.
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Slight change of plans for me. April was always optimistic . . . Need a bit more time to top up, and I've decided to sell my house.
Probable window is now Oct 2018 - April 2019. 2018 is still a strong possibility so please move me to 21 Dec 2018 for now.
Like others, I'm looking forward to seeing the list slowly get confirmed once 2018 kicks off. Good luck all !!
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My earliest date is 20th October, just over 10 months away. Woo-hoo! It remains to be seen whether I will need to move the date into 2019.
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Looks like it's going to be between Gimesalot and me. He/she says 1/5, I say 1/6. I think both of us are targeting 1/5 as our last day at work, but I'm technically on the payroll through Saturday, 1/6.
Actually, since I work 4-10's it looks like my last day will be on 1/4, on payroll through 1/6. I haven't given notice yet even though I was planning to give it last Thursday. I have said it before, but I am scared shit-less of giving up my job. I make good money, $150k/year, and don't do much at work (about 4 hours a week), but the requirement of being here 40-hours a week just no longer suits my temperament.
It's funny how OMY is real. I used to read all the posts about people who OMY-ed and I thought they were nuts! Now, I am at the point and I am considering it as well. Lucky for me, my husband has already resigned from a job that is driving him crazy, so I have no choice.
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I've been waiting for today for a while now, as I received my comp planning for the next year or so, including my 2017 bonus. Finally got the numbers! They are doing their absolute best to make sure I stay. :-) But, my 2017 bonus (paid out in January of 2018) is higher than I'd expected/planned for, which will really help the numbers. I'm still waiting to see what my stock vest schedule will be like for this grant. Some of my grants our monthly, others quarterly, and the occasional 1/2 year grant. So, once I see the dates, I will set a final end/FIRE date. But, June still looks promising given the other factors. I also got a second raise (got one with a promotion back in October), so feeling really good about that. It was a total surprise.
Other than telling my husband, I was most excited to re-run my FIRE numbers & post here. :-)
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Mr. JLTinVA managed to get himself laid off with a great severance package (woohoo!), so his date moved from 3/31/2018 to 12/22/2017. I plan on giving notice as soon as we sell our condo. Cross your fingers for me.
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Cross your fingers for me.
Awesome. *fingers crossed*
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I don't know if I'm going to make June of 2018 or delay this until March of 2019. Its just an obscene amount of money I'm due on March of 2019 and I'm slowly learning how to ride on easy street with my job. If they terminate me before they terminate me, but I can do too much good in the world. Leave me up here for now in 2018, there is always the chance I say "I can't take this anymore".
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I don't know if I'm going to make June of 2018 or delay this until March of 2019. Its just an obscene amount of money I'm due on March of 2019 and I'm slowly learning how to ride on easy street with my job. If they terminate me before they terminate me, but I can do too much good in the world. Leave me up here for now in 2018, there is always the chance I say "I can't take this anymore".
I'm wavering between those dates too. March 2019 and take my DB pension straight away, leaving everything else invested until my husband retires too, or June 2018 and live off cash savings for 9 months? My latest draft plan is to finish at the end of September 2018 to avoid ruining the vacations that two of my colleagues have booked in July and August. I can't see myself working another winter and never seeing daylight.
An added complication is that I've discovered that one of my colleagues, who has always talked about retiring in 2020, is FI, possibly from an inheritance, and his wife has already retired. If he decides to finish early and puts his resignation in before me, my contract will tie me to the job for the next six months, possibly working short-handed.
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I don't know if I'm going to make June of 2018 or delay this until March of 2019. Its just an obscene amount of money I'm due on March of 2019 and I'm slowly learning how to ride on easy street with my job. If they terminate me before they terminate me, but I can do too much good in the world. Leave me up here for now in 2018, there is always the chance I say "I can't take this anymore".
I'm wavering between those dates too. March 2019 and take my DB pension straight away, leaving everything else invested until my husband retires too, or June 2018 and live off cash savings for 9 months? My latest draft plan is to finish at the end of September 2018 to avoid ruining the vacations that two of my colleagues have booked in July and August. I can't see myself working another winter and never seeing daylight.
An added complication is that I've discovered that one of my colleagues, who has always talked about retiring in 2020, is FI, possibly from an inheritance, and his wife has already retired. If he decides to finish early and puts his resignation in before me, my contract will tie me to the job for the next six months, possibly working short-handed.
I don't have the same complications on replacing my position, but its a fine balance on how early I let my boss know when I'm close to one more in-line promotion.
I have a large round of restricted stock due in February of 2019 then bonuses are paid in March. The additional year is VERY accretive to my pension math, which is based on your last five consecutive earning years. 2018 would be nearly double the income of 2013. I really don't *need* the money, but its a huge safety net and it gives me the flexibility for both philanthropy on a couple of causes that are important to us plus the ability to do some angel/venture investing.
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I don't know if I'm going to make June of 2018 or delay this until March of 2019. Its just an obscene amount of money I'm due on March of 2019 and I'm slowly learning how to ride on easy street with my job. If they terminate me before they terminate me, but I can do too much good in the world. Leave me up here for now in 2018, there is always the chance I say "I can't take this anymore".
I'm wavering between those dates too. March 2019 and take my DB pension straight away, leaving everything else invested until my husband retires too, or June 2018 and live off cash savings for 9 months? My latest draft plan is to finish at the end of September 2018 to avoid ruining the vacations that two of my colleagues have booked in July and August. I can't see myself working another winter and never seeing daylight.
An added complication is that I've discovered that one of my colleagues, who has always talked about retiring in 2020, is FI, possibly from an inheritance, and his wife has already retired. If he decides to finish early and puts his resignation in before me, my contract will tie me to the job for the next six months, possibly working short-handed.
I don't have the same complications on replacing my position, but its a fine balance on how early I let my boss know when I'm close to one more in-line promotion.
I have a large round of restricted stock due in February of 2019 then bonuses are paid in March. The additional year is VERY accretive to my pension math, which is based on your last five consecutive earning years. 2018 would be nearly double the income of 2013. I really don't *need* the money, but its a huge safety net and it gives me the flexibility for both philanthropy on a couple of causes that are important to us plus the ability to do some angel/venture investing.
No pension on my side, but very much in the same boat. If I move past June of 2018, I'm collecting a bunch of stock options that are likely tied to a December of 2018 vest. However, in that case, I'll definitely stay until January 2019, because I get a large bonus. All of that said, I have zero desire to keep going at this pace, and even less of a desire to go up for a pretty much mandatory promotion in September of 2018. It's a ton of work, very highly coveted, & would look like a giant slap in the face to my managers if I quit shortly after that promo.
Basically, I have to decide when "enough is enough". I have enough now. I can easily leave in June. They keep making it harder to leave, and that certainly won't change in 2019. When do I trade off my sanity, health & general life satisfaction? The whole OMY thing is a real challenge!
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Chasesfish : Having extra money for philanthropy and the ability to get involved in some projects would certainly be a big plus. If your job is getting more cruisy it could be an excellent plan.
I'm kind of hoping to pick up bits of work and then donate any 'extra' income to charity or other worthwhile projects. I hadn't thought enough about it til the last year but I've realised it's going to be important to me to give money as well as time. It will be a moral sticking point if I'm retired early with all this cash and not giving away some $$$.
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Looks like it's going to be between Gimesalot and me. He/she says 1/5, I say 1/6. I think both of us are targeting 1/5 as our last day at work, but I'm technically on the payroll through Saturday, 1/6.
Actually, since I work 4-10's it looks like my last day will be on 1/4, on payroll through 1/6. I haven't given notice yet even though I was planning to give it last Thursday. I have said it before, but I am scared shit-less of giving up my job. I make good money, $150k/year, and don't do much at work (about 4 hours a week), but the requirement of being here 40-hours a week just no longer suits my temperament.
It's funny how OMY is real. I used to read all the posts about people who OMY-ed and I thought they were nuts! Now, I am at the point and I am considering it as well. Lucky for me, my husband has already resigned from a job that is driving him crazy, so I have no choice.
What is it that you find so scary? And is it real, or are you catastrophizing in a subconscious attempt to scare yourself out of doing something that is outside your comfort zone?
I've had plenty of fears of my own (plus some of my wife's fears, too). They are not entirely irrational, as they mostly revolve around health care/insurance uncertainty. But when I step back and take a look at my numbers, the buffer that I have, and the potential for earning a little part time income in the event that my fears come true, I reach the conclusion that it just isn't worth trading another year of my life for the added layer of security.
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Gimesalot - Your comment of earning well but that you 'don't do much at work (about 4 hours a week), but the requirement of being here 40-hours' made me chuckle as I am in exactly the same situation. I am also scared shitless about leaving my job (purely financially and not for any other reason). I also work a 4-day week. I don't know how you feel but reading about people with jobs contributing to poor health / stress / long hours almost makes me feel I should do OMY as I will never make money this easily again. Given your own admission of earning $750 an hour (on a 4-hour work-week) combined with killing time for 36 hours a week, then you are unlikely to either. For me it is more of a psychological challenge of boredom - but there are worse things. You also have a 3-day weekend to enjoy and still get a lot out of your current life.
Obviously don't know your position but for me I am not going to beat myself up if I OMY and will decide early next year. I am 41 and will still be retiring very early if it is 42 and I don't think the 50 year old me will beat himself up that he has only been retired 8 years and not 9. My situation also points to more conservatism. When I leave my job it is almost certainly a one-way ticket. Furthermore I have no interest in side-hustles, matched betting, taking minimum wage jobs, monetizing a blog, self publishing books, making craft soaps or otherwise making money. Without doubt the best way for me to make money is to stay put in the highly paid seat I am relatively unstressed in right now. I have this idea of 'exchange rate' where I consider how many hours I would need to spend doing something else for one hours earning in my current job and this is usually 10-hours. I cannot think of any money making thing I would be happier doing for 10x as long.
Most of all I don't want to stress about money.
I don't think it is necessarily catastrophizing (good word) to be scared and I find some of the overconfidence sometimes displayed in this forum as more frightening. Don't let a more puritanical view of MMM make you feel bad for wanting more of a buffer as you are already winning.
All that said, I am in fear of the 'perpetual-OMY' and to counter this I have written to the March 2019 'me' and told him that enough is enough - it is time to FIRE......
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Looks like it's going to be between Gimesalot and me. He/she says 1/5, I say 1/6. I think both of us are targeting 1/5 as our last day at work, but I'm technically on the payroll through Saturday, 1/6.
Actually, since I work 4-10's it looks like my last day will be on 1/4, on payroll through 1/6. I haven't given notice yet even though I was planning to give it last Thursday. I have said it before, but I am scared shit-less of giving up my job. I make good money, $150k/year, and don't do much at work (about 4 hours a week), but the requirement of being here 40-hours a week just no longer suits my temperament.
It's funny how OMY is real. I used to read all the posts about people who OMY-ed and I thought they were nuts! Now, I am at the point and I am considering it as well. Lucky for me, my husband has already resigned from a job that is driving him crazy, so I have no choice.
yeah, OMY is super real. Experiencing it myself pretty bad these past few days...
My boss' boss yet again asked me if I would please consider staying on (they know I want to go next year but have still not identified a replacement). DW is quite content here (we're overseas) and has a nice life. Our child is in a good private school, paid by company. Job isn't too onerous. Crunched some numbers and OMY would likely net increase the 'stache about +$150k compared to pulling the plug as planned in mid 2018. Maybe more.
Yeah, it's a pretty good gig here, and that's some serious lettuce...
So right now I'm torn. At 54, I'm not as young as some of you. I was feeling good about the leap, but the siren call of OMY is strong.
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So right now I'm torn. At 54, I'm not as young as some of you. I was feeling good about the leap, but the siren call of OMY is strong.
As I wrote here earlier this fall, the guy in the office next to me had a stroke at his desk and died. That took all the fear out of FIRE for me. There are so many things I would rather do with my life than sit and look at a screen. In the same way that frugality is a double win for FIRE (increase savings and decrease COL), sitting OMY at my desk feels like a double loss: worsens my health by immobility, and kills my will for more active, healthy living. I get the sense that I am erasing life from both ends at the desk. Best wishes, aperture.
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This year was OMY for DW and me. At this point, we're ready to go.
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What is it that you find so scary? And is it real, or are you catastrophizing in a subconscious attempt to scare yourself out of doing something that is outside your comfort zone?
I grew up in a poor immigrant family where the goal for the kids was to get a professional job, buy a house, get married, have kids, etc. My parents are super financially conservative and have always pushed me to have two jobs "just in case". They think we are crazy for taking this leap. I know we have a lot of buffer in our plans and we could make it work, but still, it's a huge unknown, and for me, unknowns are always scary.
For me it is more of a psychological challenge of boredom - but there are worse things.
When I had my own office, I would just close the door and work on other projects. Now that i am in a cube, I at least need to look like I am working on my computer at all times. I still sneak in some workouts and stretching, but I am mostly sitting looking at a screen.
Anyway, a lot of this discussion is a moot point, as I gave my notice yesterday. I will be FIRE on Jan 4, 2018 less an a month before my 34th birthday. Best birthday present ever!
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So right now I'm torn. At 54, I'm not as young as some of you. I was feeling good about the leap, but the siren call of OMY is strong.
I'm 48 and I am very aware of serious opportunity cost for each additional year of work before FIRE. If I was close to 4%WR I'd pull the plug today.
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What is it that you find so scary? And is it real, or are you catastrophizing in a subconscious attempt to scare yourself out of doing something that is outside your comfort zone?
I grew up in a poor immigrant family where the goal for the kids was to get a professional job, buy a house, get married, have kids, etc. My parents are super financially conservative and have always pushed me to have two jobs "just in case". They think we are crazy for taking this leap. I know we have a lot of buffer in our plans and we could make it work, but still, it's a huge unknown, and for me, unknowns are always scary.
For me it is more of a psychological challenge of boredom - but there are worse things.
When I had my own office, I would just close the door and work on other projects. Now that i am in a cube, I at least need to look like I am working on my computer at all times. I still sneak in some workouts and stretching, but I am mostly sitting looking at a screen.
Anyway, a lot of this discussion is a moot point, as I gave my notice yesterday. I will be FIRE on Jan 4, 2018 less an a month before my 34th birthday. Best birthday present ever!
Wow- congrats! That is an amazing birthday present. :-) I can totally relate to the parent/job security issue. It's something my parents really drilled in, and the "work hard" mantra was a core part of life. Given I don't really share the specifics of stache size, I think I've caused some angst with my family with our plans.
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Wow- congrats! That is an amazing birthday present. :-) I can totally relate to the parent/job security issue. It's something my parents really drilled in, and the "work hard" mantra was a core part of life. Given I don't really share the specifics of stache size, I think I've caused some angst with my family with our plans.
Thanks. It's been a lot of hard work and planning.
My parents don't know my stache size because they would worry it is too small. They think that I waste too much money (which to an extent is true), but we also save a lot, invest, and we live well below our means.
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Anyway, a lot of this discussion is a moot point, as I gave my notice yesterday. I will be FIRE on Jan 4, 2018 less an a month before my 34th birthday. Best birthday present ever!
Congratulations!
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Anyway, a lot of this discussion is a moot point, as I gave my notice yesterday. I will be FIRE on Jan 4, 2018 less an a month before my 34th birthday. Best birthday present ever!
Wow! You are my hero!
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Anyway, a lot of this discussion is a moot point, as I gave my notice yesterday. I will be FIRE on Jan 4, 2018 less an a month before my 34th birthday. Best birthday present ever!
Wow! You are my hero!
+1. Retiring at 34 is outstanding work!
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Yes, outstanding work G, and I can see it might be hard to walk away given your parents expectations and your upbringing.
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Congrats G!!!!
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I have not updated the list for the last month.
Welcome to the cohort step_away, poppydog & msilenus.
LateStarter was moved to December.
Removed Zinethstache as he has done a OLY on us [1/27/2017] :-)
Did I miss any?
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 NorGirl
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 poppydog
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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I was going to say, "Move me from June to September," but my colleagues are currently doing as little as they can get away with and I'm not averse to the idea of ruining their summer vacation plans by retiring just beforehand, so June can remain.
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Looking at the names of those scheduled to FIRE in Jan 2018, I see some of them are not updated
FIBy30 : Inactive for 3 months.
PrePube: Inactive for 8 months
NorGirl: I've PM'ed her
What to do? Remove them after Jan starts? Move them to the end of the list?
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Looking at the names of those scheduled to FIRE in Jan 2018, I see some of them are not updated
FIBy30 : Inactive for 3 months.
PrePube: Inactive for 8 months
NorGirl: I've PM'ed her
What to do? Remove them after Jan starts? Move them to the end of the list?
Leave them in and see if they show up at the appointed time?
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Thanks for all the adulation!
I am super excited to see all of us hit our goals for next year!
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Congrats to everyone!
Looking at the names of those scheduled to FIRE in Jan 2018, I see some of them are not updated
NorGirl: I've PM'ed her
What to do? Remove them after Jan starts? Move them to the end of the list?
Sadly, I'm out.
Life has thrown a bit of a curve ball (divorce). I will leave work next Friday (22/12/2017) and still expect to take a few years off, but calling that semi-FIRE doesn't feel right anymore (single mum with 2 under 2).
I would like to say this forum has really helped keep me on track and put me in a pretty good spot financially so thanks everyone.
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Congrats to everyone!
Looking at the names of those scheduled to FIRE in Jan 2018, I see some of them are not updated
NorGirl: I've PM'ed her
What to do? Remove them after Jan starts? Move them to the end of the list?
Sadly, I'm out.
Life has thrown a bit of a curve ball (divorce). I will leave work next Friday (22/12/2017) and still expect to take a few years off, but calling that semi-FIRE doesn't feel right anymore (single mum with 2 under 2).
I would like to say this forum has really helped keep me on track and put me in a pretty good spot financially so thanks everyone.
I'm really sorry to hear that. Take care of yourself & your family.
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Sorry to hear that Norgirl, good luck with everything.
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I hit six months to my date tomorrow...
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Sorry to see you go NorGirl, best of luck.
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/29/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59)
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Sadly, I'm out.
Life has thrown a bit of a curve ball (divorce). I will leave work next Friday (22/12/2017) and still expect to take a few years off, but calling that semi-FIRE doesn't feel right anymore (single mum with 2 under 2).
I would like to say this forum has really helped keep me on track and put me in a pretty good spot financially so thanks everyone.
It's too bad that you have to leave. Hopefully it all works out for the best for you and your family. Don't forget to take care of yourself.
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Sorry to hear about the troubles you're encountering Northern Gal, it has to be a very difficult time.
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Hang in there, Northern gal. I hope you continue to check in on the forum from time to time to let us know how you are and to get support here from your friends. :)
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Sadly, I'm out.
Life has thrown a bit of a curve ball (divorce).
As terrible as this news is to hear, I think it's probably helpful for the rest of us to hear. As much as we obsess about the failure rates of our chosen SWRs, there are lots of other ways your retirement plans can fail and Norgirl found one of the most common.
I think most of us are pretty bad at gauging risks. We tend to focus on the wrong things. For all of you worried about North Korea or what the federal reserve will do next quarter, it's probably good to be reminded that there are other, more immediate, more threatening risks to your future financial prosperity. Sometimes they are risks in places we take for granted.
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I was just informed that my contract would not be renewed beyond the end of the year.
I was dead set on FIRE'ing before DS went off to college in August and so, I had marked the end of June 2018 as my FIRE date. As I have been FI for a couple of years, I had made up my mind to FIRE if my contract was not renewed.
Technically, my last day of work is Dec 29th, but I strongly identify with the 2018 cohort, that I plan to make my FIRE date as 1/1/2018 ;-)
I have mixed emotions, happy but also scared. I expect this is normal.
Wish me luck ....
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Best of luck and Congrats!!! :)
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I was just informed that my contract would not be renewed beyond the end of the year.
I was dead set on FIRE'ing before DS went off to college in August and so, I had marked the end of June 2018 as my FIRE date. As I have been FI for a couple of years, I had made up my mind to FIRE if my contract was not renewed.
Technically, my last day of work is Dec 29th, but I strongly identify with the 2018 cohort, that I plan to make my FIRE date as 1/1/2018 ;-)
I have mixed emotions, happy but also scared. I expect this is normal.
Wish me luck ....
Amazing! Congrats. :-)
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Sign me up for April 2018.
I've been lurking around the forum for a while. It has been encouraging to read about other people's experiences. My FI goal is a little uncertain given the uncertainty of health care premiums and a stagnant housing market (still down 35% from purchase in 2006). But, based on my current FIRE budget I hit my goal (4% WR) mid 2016. Right now my FIRE budget would put me at about 3.5% WR.
I've got some bonuses that hit in Jan and Feb. and I want to give plenty of notice for my company to find a replacement. But, the closer it gets the harder it becomes to drag myself in to the office every day. On the other hand, I like my job and the people I work with. I just don't want to do it every day. I'm also planning to move closer to family post-FIRE.
Hopefully I can stick it out until at least March. And, hopefully I don't get trapped past May.
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Sign me up for April 2018.
I've been lurking around the forum for a while. It has been encouraging to read about other people's experiences. My FI goal is a little uncertain given the uncertainty of health care premiums and a stagnant housing market (still down 35% from purchase in 2006). But, based on my current FIRE budget I hit my goal (4% WR) mid 2016. Right now my FIRE budget would put me at about 3.5% WR.
I've got some bonuses that hit in Jan and Feb. and I want to give plenty of notice for my company to find a replacement. But, the closer it gets the harder it becomes to drag myself in to the office every day. On the other hand, I like my job and the people I work with. I just don't want to do it every day. I'm also planning to move closer to family post-FIRE.
Hopefully I can stick it out until at least March. And, hopefully I don't get trapped past May.
Welcome!
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I was just informed that my contract would not be renewed beyond the end of the year.
I was dead set on FIRE'ing before DS went off to college in August and so, I had marked the end of June 2018 as my FIRE date. As I have been FI for a couple of years, I had made up my mind to FIRE if my contract was not renewed.
Technically, my last day of work is Dec 29th, but I strongly identify with the 2018 cohort, that I plan to make my FIRE date as 1/1/2018 ;-)
I have mixed emotions, happy but also scared. I expect this is normal.
Wish me luck ....
Amazing! Congrats. :-)
woo hoo! You've just about done it! Best wishes for the New year
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I was just informed that my contract would not be renewed beyond the end of the year.
Technically, my last day of work is Dec 29th, but I strongly identify with the 2018 cohort, that I plan to make my FIRE date as 1/1/2018 ;-)
I have mixed emotions, happy but also scared. I expect this is normal.
Wish me luck ....
Great news! I think this makes you our valedictorian!
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I was just informed that my contract would not be renewed beyond the end of the year.
Technically, my last day of work is Dec 29th, but I strongly identify with the 2018 cohort, that I plan to make my FIRE date as 1/1/2018 ;-)
I have mixed emotions, happy but also scared. I expect this is normal.
Wish me luck ....
Great news! I think this makes you our valedictorian!
I think I stole that from you!!
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Doing some FIRE checklist items.
Yesterday I updated my TSP contribution elections so I can max out the $18,500 limit by my FIRE date. I tried to do HSA, too, but I have to wait another week or so for that. That system reacts quicker than the other, so I would have over-contributed for 2017 if I'd done that election at the same time as the TSP. Made a note in my calendar to try again next week.
Updated some accounts today and found I reached my FI number. With 91 days to spare!
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I am very glad that the end is in sight. Even if not FIREing in 2018, I think it would be time for a career field change. I have no real way to advance in my current position/field. Does anyone else have dreams about work that are so boring they wake you up?
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I was just informed that my contract would not be renewed beyond the end of the year.
I was dead set on FIRE'ing before DS went off to college in August and so, I had marked the end of June 2018 as my FIRE date. As I have been FI for a couple of years, I had made up my mind to FIRE if my contract was not renewed.
Technically, my last day of work is Dec 29th, but I strongly identify with the 2018 cohort, that I plan to make my FIRE date as 1/1/2018 ;-)
I have mixed emotions, happy but also scared. I expect this is normal.
Wish me luck ....
Congrats on being first out of the gate!
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Looks like it's going to be between Gimesalot and me. He/she says 1/5, I say 1/6. I think both of us are targeting 1/5 as our last day at work, but I'm technically on the payroll through Saturday, 1/6.
Actually, since I work 4-10's it looks like my last day will be on 1/4, on payroll through 1/6. I haven't given notice yet even though I was planning to give it last Thursday. I have said it before, but I am scared shit-less of giving up my job. I make good money, $150k/year, and don't do much at work (about 4 hours a week), but the requirement of being here 40-hours a week just no longer suits my temperament.
It's funny how OMY is real. I used to read all the posts about people who OMY-ed and I thought they were nuts! Now, I am at the point and I am considering it as well. Lucky for me, my husband has already resigned from a job that is driving him crazy, so I have no choice.
yeah, OMY is super real. Experiencing it myself pretty bad these past few days...
My boss' boss yet again asked me if I would please consider staying on (they know I want to go next year but have still not identified a replacement). DW is quite content here (we're overseas) and has a nice life. Our child is in a good private school, paid by company. Job isn't too onerous. Crunched some numbers and OMY would likely net increase the 'stache about +$150k compared to pulling the plug as planned in mid 2018. Maybe more.
Yeah, it's a pretty good gig here, and that's some serious lettuce...
So right now I'm torn. At 54, I'm not as young as some of you. I was feeling good about the leap, but the siren call of OMY is strong.
Spent the weekend going over pros and cons of sticking to plan or doing OMY. DW said she's ok either way but notes that it's a lot of money for a year in a pretty nice location.
Most everyone points out that the location is great and to just take the money. Which is true. And naturally our friends don't want us to leave.
But decided no. It's time to make the leap and deploy the optimism gun.
I gave DW a choice to select between 2 pieces of paper, she picked one and it read "go home". Naturally both pieces said the same thing. And she confessed she didn't really want to stay after all. Whew.
So keep me on the list for August. I think having the forum's support really helped me make the decision. So thanks team MMM!!!
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Looks like it's going to be between Gimesalot and me. He/she says 1/5, I say 1/6. I think both of us are targeting 1/5 as our last day at work, but I'm technically on the payroll through Saturday, 1/6.
Actually, since I work 4-10's it looks like my last day will be on 1/4, on payroll through 1/6. I haven't given notice yet even though I was planning to give it last Thursday. I have said it before, but I am scared shit-less of giving up my job. I make good money, $150k/year, and don't do much at work (about 4 hours a week), but the requirement of being here 40-hours a week just no longer suits my temperament.
It's funny how OMY is real. I used to read all the posts about people who OMY-ed and I thought they were nuts! Now, I am at the point and I am considering it as well. Lucky for me, my husband has already resigned from a job that is driving him crazy, so I have no choice.
yeah, OMY is super real. Experiencing it myself pretty bad these past few days...
My boss' boss yet again asked me if I would please consider staying on (they know I want to go next year but have still not identified a replacement). DW is quite content here (we're overseas) and has a nice life. Our child is in a good private school, paid by company. Job isn't too onerous. Crunched some numbers and OMY would likely net increase the 'stache about +$150k compared to pulling the plug as planned in mid 2018. Maybe more.
Yeah, it's a pretty good gig here, and that's some serious lettuce...
So right now I'm torn. At 54, I'm not as young as some of you. I was feeling good about the leap, but the siren call of OMY is strong.
Spent the weekend going over pros and cons of sticking to plan or doing OMY. DW said she's ok either way but notes that it's a lot of money for a year in a pretty nice location.
Most everyone points out that the location is great and to just take the money. Which is true. And naturally our friends don't want us to leave.
But decided no. It's time to make the leap and deploy the optimism gun.
I gave DW a choice to select between 2 pieces of paper, she picked one and it read "go home". Naturally both pieces said the same thing. And she confessed she didn't really want to stay after all. Whew.
So keep me on the list for August. I think having the forum's support really helped me make the decision. So thanks team MMM!!!
Congrats on finding the way forward.
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^^^ cheers Monkey Uncle.
Felt really good to make the decision. Told my boss this morning. There's no turning back.
Time to get on with some pre-FIRE actions before the end of the tax year.
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Add me to the list! I am planning on May 25, 2018, as my last day in the office. I will have 6-8 weeks of vacation to take after that (depending on how much I take in the first part of the year).
I was thinking about retiring in 2017, but did not feel ready. I'm glad I stayed at work this year; it gave me the opportunity to save more money and enjoy the huge stock market gains.
Last week, though, one of my co-workers died at 56 (I will be 56 in June 2018) - very sad! a very nice person! - and another co-worker got laid off unexpectedly. The financial situation at work is very bad, I am predicting more layoffs. Also my work is just no fun any more. I am ready to leave.
Yay!
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As I prepping my 2018 spreadsheets, I was very excited to create two separate versions - while working, and after working. For us, a couple of the budget items are different while I'm working. (Most notably, child care). So, felt good to see the "not working" version!
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Thank you, everyone, for the great wishes.
I will be at the finish line cheering your finish!
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Welcome to the cohort, lostformars, and Gyosho
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Mr. Mark where is home going to be ?
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Last week, though, one of my co-workers died at 56 (I will be 56 in June 2018) - very sad!
This. We all get caught up in the financial aspects of it, but sometimes you just need to take a step back and remember 'This is my life.' Sometimes good enough is better than perfect. I have a finite amount of time and I would prefer to spend it doing things I enjoy than having my soul crushed in beigy-grey office hell to eck out a few more dollars for 'what ifs'.
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Last week, though, one of my co-workers died at 56 (I will be 56 in June 2018) - very sad!
This. We all get caught up in the financial aspects of it, but sometimes you just need to take a step back and remember 'This is my life.' Sometimes good enough is better than perfect. I have a finite amount of time and I would prefer to spend it doing things I enjoy than having my soul crushed in beigy-grey office hell to eck out a few more dollars for 'what ifs'.
God, yes. Need to keep telling myself this & reminding myself as I get closer & keep thinking, "what about if I worked another two years. What could that afford?" It's so hard not to do this.
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Mr. Mark where is home going to be ?
Detroit.
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Mr. Mark where is home going to be ?
Detroit.
I love those old homes in Indian Village and West Village.
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2017 was my OMY (kind of--my plans have always been flexible/I've always been indecisive). But looking back, I'm just amazed at how good the market has been and how much my stash has grown. Does anyone share my anxiety that 2018 will be the peak of market, a.k.a. The Worst time to retire? And how did you get over that anxiety?
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2017 was my OMY (kind of--my plans have always been flexible/I've always been indecisive). But looking back, I'm just amazed at how good the market has been and how much my stash has grown. Does anyone share my anxiety that 2018 will be the peak of market, a.k.a. The Worst time to retire? And how did you get over that anxiety?
Yes.
I worked a year and half beyond basic FI, so I have a bit of a buffer, even 2018 turns out as bad as the worst of the past. And I know I still have the capability to earn money if it turns out even worse than that.
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Mr. Mark where is home going to be ?
Detroit.
I love those old homes in Indian Village and West Village.
We have one. It's gorgeous and IV is just a super neighbourhood. Part of the reason for needing my earlier OMY... :-)
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This morning was super rough since my husband's company Christmas party was last night. I could hardly get out of bed. He asked me to call into work so we could sleep a little longer. At that point I realized that I only have 7 more days where I am forced to get up early!!
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For those you planning to work less than a full calendar year, how are you handling your 401k contributions?
Are you contributing more than average for a partial year in order to hit the max before you retire?
Are you contributing less than average each pay period because your reduced annual income for 2018 means you'll have less tax liability, reducing the value of sheltering income in a 401k?
We're still undecided, so we're letting it ride for now and will make adjustments later as our plans firm up. I just feel like we should be doing something different since next year's tax return will be so different.
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For those you planning to work less than a full calendar year, how are you handling your 401k contributions?
I'm frontloanding my contributions to max out my 401k space before I quit. The tax sheltering will have less value to me than usual given my reduced annual income for 2018, but I still expect it to have some material amount of value.
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For those you planning to work less than a full calendar year, how are you handling your 401k contributions?
I'm frontloanding my contributions to max out my 401k space before I quit. The tax sheltering will have less value to me than usual given my reduced annual income for 2018, but I still expect it to have some material amount of value.
I will be frontloading as well (trying to max both regular and catchup contributions). Normally, I'm in the 33% federal bracket plus 6.50% for the state. So maxing out the 401k was a no brainer in the past. Assuming no new tax bill, I'd be in the 28% federal bracket plus 6% for the state in 2018 (a lot of my annual income is also frontloaded due to a bonus and RSUs vesting in March). So it's still a significant tax benefit.
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Frontloader here. In fact, I chose my FIRE date based on how long it will take me to max out TSP + IRA + HSA. I'm all for deferring as much tax as possible. I still won't get to zero taxable income (single filer, leave payout), but I'll get as close as I can.
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Front loading so I can start Roth conversions without tax consequences and still keep ACA premiums low. Won't be able to max prior to retirement but will squirrel away as much as possible.
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For those you planning to work less than a full calendar year, how are you handling your 401k contributions?
Are you contributing more than average for a partial year in order to hit the max before you retire?
Are you contributing less than average each pay period because your reduced annual income for 2018 means you'll have less tax liability, reducing the value of sheltering income in a 401k?
We're still undecided, so we're letting it ride for now and will make adjustments later as our plans firm up. I just feel like we should be doing something different since next year's tax return will be so different.
I receive a bonus in late January. By default, my company automatically maxes your 401K with your bonus check. You have to opt out. While it's front loading from an investment perspective, I just use the bonus to max out my 401K, and call it a day. I still get a nice sum in the bonus, & the money is going to my FIRE account, so it works well.
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Front loading. I have set 401K to take out max allowed from paycheck to get as much as possible. Will not be working long enough to hit max even at that level.
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Are you contributing less than average each pay period because your reduced annual income for 2018 means you'll have less tax liability, reducing the value of sheltering income in a 401k?
I am not contributing to a 401k next year since we need to keep our income at around $23k-$25k for the year in order to qualify for subsidies through ACA. If we go too low or too high on income, we will not have access to subsidies. We plan on using traditional IRA contributions and selling of investments to hit the right income amount.
I am just realizing that this means that we may need to limit or suspend the Roth conversion ladder for next year.
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I'm front loading to get the max amount in for the year prior to leaving. Also, just got back from an employer retirement healthcare seminar and am in a very good mood !! Confirmed everything as far as healthcare goes and at least from that aspect all is well. Ready for the holidays now !!!
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News of my impending retirement is slowly circulating among my coworkers, which resulted in my getting to have this awesome exchange today:
Coworker: Are you old enough to retire?
Me: Retirement is not an age, it is a dollar amount.
Coworker: Oh. ... Ohhhhhhhh. Congratulations!
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I am mostly a lurker here, but will be joining the class of 2018.
I was given a choice of moving to Megacorp's main office to do a job with completely unrealistic expectations or leave the company, so April 30, 2018 will be my last day. While my stache is more than adequate, it is likely I will be looking for some part time, hopefully easy consulting work to fill the time until my wife moves on in the next 18-24 months so we can travel the country. I just turned 50, so not extraordinarily earlier (nice job to those 30 year olds) but still young enough to bike and complete in running and triathlon races.
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For those you planning to work less than a full calendar year, how are you handling your 401k contributions?
Are you contributing more than average for a partial year in order to hit the max before you retire?
Are you contributing less than average each pay period because your reduced annual income for 2018 means you'll have less tax liability, reducing the value of sheltering income in a 401k?
We're still undecided, so we're letting it ride for now and will make adjustments later as our plans firm up. I just feel like we should be doing something different since next year's tax return will be so different.
This is a question CH and I worked through earlier and settled on contribute to max matching, and then stockpile the cash. Part of the tipping point was the decreased tax burden for the half year worked, part of it was wanting the flexibility of two years of our Net Worth withdrawals in cash leading into FIRE. That might sound like excess, but due to pension income, that withdrawal is actually a very modest amount and makes us feel like we have a buffer against heavy market losses.
Oh yeah...I probably need to go ahead and commit to the Cohort. We're in for 2018! June 8 if anyone is counting.
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Welcome to the cohort, CheapskateWife.
Is it just my imagination or is this cohort one of the biggest till now?
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/08/18 CheapskateWife
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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For those you planning to work less than a full calendar year, how are you handling your 401k contributions?
Frontloading should only start to be bad when it starts to push your post-retirement tax position into a worse position than it was in your last employment year. This should be true when post-retirement marginal rate > 2018 marginal rate. If you think your post-retirement tax position is going to be extremely favorable, then this becomes a taller and taller order the more you earn in the last working year.
I've gathered that you're a high-earner, and it says above that you're retiring 3/31. If high earner is 400k, then you'll earn 100k before April and chop 18.5k off of that for your frontloading, leaving 80k+ in taxable income before dividends and stuff pops in. Frontloading is very clearly correct here, within the normal range of retirement spending for folks around here.
If you're earning 100k, then you only wind up with about 7k in working income for 2018 when you're frontloading. Rest goes into post-retirement tax returns. So it depends on what you think those are going to look like. Maybe a good rule of thumb for this case would be that if you expect to make > 7k in postretirement disfavored (ordinary) income in retirement, then frontloading starts to become bad.
My intuition here is that even when moving that ordinary income into retirement is bad, it's probably not going to be very bad. On the other hand: skipping frontloading incorrectly seems like it has much more potential to be bad because earning a living is so disfavored by the tax code relative to unearneding a living. Especially in future years. Personally: I'm going to frontload pretax, frontload aftertax, frontload my posttax IRA and spousal IRA, frontload my ESPP. I'm going to frontload free food and frontload gym access to work it off. Time to get while the gettin's good. Now if you'll excuse me, I should get back to work.
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Our combined income is low enough that working for only three months, with multiple kids, could put us in range of zero tax owed. In that situation, retirement accounts offer less benefit.
Our 5% match is paid per pay period, so if we max out the 18.5k and then keep working, we would lose the match on any subsequent paychecks.
In our case, the long term problem is finding enough available cash to fund the first five years of the roth pipeline. This makes it more attractive to pad the cash accounts.
I'm expecting my tax rate in retirement to be mostly zero (24k standard deduction plus roth principal withdrawals plus return of equity on brokerage account with 0% LTCG), with some in the 15% bracket. If I avoid the 28% marginal rate on potential contributions now, I still come out slightly ahead even if I have to pay the 10% penalty plus 15% on the withdrawals/rollovers as income. So, my only real concern now is maximizing the employer matching funds by not hitting the max too early.
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...
Is it just my imagination or is this cohort one of the biggest till now?
...
Not your imagination. I noticed that as well. I suspect part of it is all the people who held off waiting for a recession (OMYers) and eventually gave up waiting. Others probably have benefited greatly from the bull market and so hit their numbers early.
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Our combined income is low enough that working for only three months, with multiple kids, could put us in range of zero tax owed. In that situation, retirement accounts offer less benefit.
Our 5% match is paid per pay period, so if we max out the 18.5k and then keep working, we would lose the match on any subsequent paychecks.
In our case, the long term problem is finding enough available cash to fund the first five years of the roth pipeline. This makes it more attractive to pad the cash accounts.
I'm expecting my tax rate in retirement to be mostly zero (24k standard deduction plus roth principal withdrawals plus return of equity on brokerage account with 0% LTCG), with some in the 15% bracket. If I avoid the 28% marginal rate on potential contributions now, I still come out slightly ahead even if I have to pay the 10% penalty plus 15% on the withdrawals/rollovers as income. So, my only real concern now is maximizing the employer matching funds by not hitting the max too early.
Do they max after tax contributions? I have the same issue if I for some reason I continue working past my FIRE date, but my employer matches after tax contributions so I can just continue contributing the 6% that's required to get the full match.
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We'll be padding the cash account unless our old home sells quickly. Otherwise, we'll make sure we max our our 401Ks by our last paychecks. We'll have high cash needs the first year to fund a house flipping project.
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Good news on the retirement front. My wife is going to part time , then full retirement in March. Her parents have health issues and she wants to spend more time with them. I haven't decided whether to stay until June 1 as originally planned, move up my date to March to match the DW or work even later in the year to make up for the lost income. The two keys are: do I pay off the kitchen remodel and the DW's car before I retire and if so, how much a month do I take out of the stache . Or I could take out a lump sum and pay it off all at once. All this then factors into what we do with Health Care. If we have used up our deductible and have a lot of earned income, then it makes sense just to bite the bullet and take cobra through the end of the year.
We will be 61 and 59 in June. For now, I am thinking to put as much into cash and stock in order to keep MAGI income low for the next 4 to 6 years , in order to qualify for subsidies from 2019 to 2024 and just assume we will use cobra in 2018. Then work until at least June so we have less cobra to pay for in 2018.
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per Sol's 401k question
we will contributing less than average each pay period just the match because:
1) your reduced annual income for 2018 means you'll have less tax liability, reducing the value of sheltering income in a 401k?
2) extra cash as a rebalancing move
3) mortgage payoff.
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When you all talk about hoarding "cash" to cover expenses for a couple of years of FIRE, what do you actually mean? Physical cash (I hope not)? Money in a savings account? CDs? I Bonds? Something else? And is that not part of your portfolio now? Where do you keep your emergency fund for example?
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I can't decide whether to frontload or not.
I have mandatory 401a funds taken out of my paycheck, so that's not an issue. But I also have access to 403b and 457 accounts. I will be working through April and paid through June.
If I wanted to, I could max out both the 403b and the 457 accounts ($24K each) with my regular paychecks. However, I am getting a full year's payout (lump sum of $76K) on June 30, and can take the $48K out of that to fund the 403b and 457 accounts. It kind of makes me nervous to wait until June 30 to do it, because what if my HR department or TIAA or Voya goofs it up? So I might compromise and do some sort of half an half approach.
Also, partly in response to @ZiziPB 's question and in response to a post way back from @sol , I have revisited my personal investment strategy, and will be using a particular AA, which involves keeping some funds (<$8K) in cash (savings accounts), a larger chunk in Vanguard's money market account, and then a chunk in a bond fund, and the rest (~85%) in VTSAX. So, no, I won't be hoarding cash, but will instead be paying attention to my AA. Thanks for the suggestions for various folks here.
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When you all talk about hoarding "cash" to cover expenses for a couple of years of FIRE, what do you actually mean? Physical cash (I hope not)? Money in a savings account? CDs? I Bonds? Something else? And is that not part of your portfolio now? Where do you keep your emergency fund for example?
Part of my portfolio now is a house with a ton of equity. When I FIRE I will be selling it so I can travel for awhile and then pick a new place to live. So we aren't super in a hurry to convert all of that equity into investments as we aren't sure of our timeline for needing it for a new much cheaper house (though some equity will indeed be turned into investments). My current emergency fund is a taxable account (stocks) which will pay both for front loading my 401(k) and our expenses prior to the house selling. The cash we keep on hand will be money in a savings account. As we spend down the cash and eventually buy a new place to live, the cash will dwindle until we are back at our original allocation.
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When you all talk about hoarding "cash" to cover expenses for a couple of years of FIRE, what do you actually mean? Physical cash (I hope not)? Money in a savings account? CDs? I Bonds? Something else? And is that not part of your portfolio now? Where do you keep your emergency fund for example?
I have always invested pretty aggressively, and I don't plan on changing that after I fire. Currently, we have 3% of our portfolio in a CD ladder. The rest, 97%, is in a S&P500 index. I know that this isn't a typical AA but if we include a low estimate of our rental income in our WR, we are at 2%, so I am comfortable taking the risk.
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per Sol's 401k question
we will contributing less than average each pay period just the match because:
1) your reduced annual income for 2018 means you'll have less tax liability, reducing the value of sheltering income in a 401k?
2) extra cash as a rebalancing move
3) mortgage payoff.
In our case, my husband will continue to work, & I'll work through June, so we'll still have a significant tax liability for the year.
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When you all talk about hoarding "cash" to cover expenses for a couple of years of FIRE, what do you actually mean? Physical cash (I hope not)? Money in a savings account? CDs? I Bonds? Something else? And is that not part of your portfolio now? Where do you keep your emergency fund for example?
DH and I keep our cash deposit immediately accessible in a savings account linked to our joint checking account. It won't grow much (interest rate currently 1.25%) but it's a short term component of our stash to bridge the period of less than 12 months between my retirement date and my 55th birthday, at which point I plan to access my DB pension, which will include a cash lump sum.
This cash deposit is the critical aspect of our stash in determining how soon I can afford to retire without being obliged to access other investments earlier than planned. At the moment, 15 months away from my 55th birthday, it falls some way short. But each month we save a bit more and the gap becomes one month smaller, and by the end of June 2018 we should be secure.
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When you all talk about hoarding "cash" to cover expenses for a couple of years of FIRE, what do you actually mean?
In my case, I've been casually using "cash" to refer to all liquid assets outside of tax shelters. Numerically, it's mostly investments in taxable brokerage accounts. It's still invested, but it's available for spending on short notice without paying penalties or (much) taxes.
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Added Mrs. Honeyfill for April 1. Kept Mr. Honeyfill at June 1 for now. It's starting to look real!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
~06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/08/18 CheapskateWife
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/??/18 patches
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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2017 was my OMY (kind of--my plans have always been flexible/I've always been indecisive). But looking back, I'm just amazed at how good the market has been and how much my stash has grown. Does anyone share my anxiety that 2018 will be the peak of market, a.k.a. The Worst time to retire? And how did you get over that anxiety?
Yes I do. This also ties into the current thread of why the 2018 cohort is so big, the markets have done really well over the last 8 years, which has boosted a lot of our staches. I do wonder if this is a bit of a mirage. Josh Brown, one of my favorite wall street twitter follows thinks 2018 is actually going to be lit for the stock market, and then it will blow up a year or two from now. http://thereformedbroker.com/2017/12/21/trumps-singular-accomplishment/
So who knows.
As for how I get over the anxiety, I'm not sure I do. I'm also really worried about what 15 years of open market health insurance is going to look like (or 17 or 18 years if medicare ages get raised). Does OMY become TMY? Maybe. We'll see how things look in July.
As for the question on 401k, I'm going to try to get a full amount into it by the end of July + the $6k "catch up" bucket since I'm 50.
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For those you planning to work less than a full calendar year, how are you handling your 401k contributions?
Are you contributing more than average for a partial year in order to hit the max before you retire?
Are you contributing less than average each pay period because your reduced annual income for 2018 means you'll have less tax liability, reducing the value of sheltering income in a 401k?
We're still undecided, so we're letting it ride for now and will make adjustments later as our plans firm up. I just feel like we should be doing something different since next year's tax return will be so different.
I've always been a frontloader...I'm blessed to have a deferred comp plan that money spills over into after deferral. I set a 42% rate for 2018
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For those you planning to work less than a full calendar year, how are you handling your 401k contributions?
Are you contributing more than average for a partial year in order to hit the max before you retire?
I'm maintaining the minimum 4% to get the employer match and will use my bonus to fill in the difference to the max. The way our 401k is set up I can actually specify the exact $ amount drawn from the bonus as opposed to percentage of salary for regular contributions.
I usually also receive a match for vacation payout, but I don't know whether I'll get one if my employer knows I'm leaving.
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As we're almost to 2018(!), how about a get to know your fellow cohort question? If you're comfortable answering:
1) What do you do for employment currently?
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
For me:
1) I work in tech, managing a team of marketing managers
2)We get great perks, so there's that. Also, the majority of my team is really great & super smart/fun bunch
3) Not having to do international work travel again. Or, sit through 8 hours of meeting on a Monday.
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I'm maxing my tax deferred space early in 2018 because while I'm only working until the end of March, I expect tax liability to be similar to a normal year. I've increased my 401k contributions to the percent needed to max it, and will do tIRA and spousal tIRA contributions from a severance payout. This will leave me with remaining cash earned in 2018 >1 years expenses. When combined with other liquid assets I already have, it will be close to 2 years expenses. Since I don't plan to have any other income in 2018, I'll be using this cash for all expenses, including travel, 9 months private health insurance and mortgage. I haven't decided where I will hold each liquid dollar, it will be a combination of accounts, but much of this money will be needed 12-18 months after I receive it, so I'll not invest it in stocks.
I'm not jumping straight into full FIRE. I'm taking a year or two off, then downshifting to part time, enjoyable work to offset some expenses. Since I don't know how much work I'll take on or how much it will pay (and if there will be benefits), there are quite a few unknowns. This makes it difficult to plan in detail, but allows for many possible adjustments.
As far as how this all impacts AA, I have an accumulation AA set for my investments and that will remain unchanged. My overall AA will swing higher on cash, but will settle to my prior AA in about 12 months. After that I'll have some experience living without an income which should inform my post-career risk tolerance. I'll revisit my accumulation AA at this time and decide if any changes are needed once I start drawing down (non-liquid) investments.
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For those you planning to work less than a full calendar year, how are you handling your 401k contributions?
Well, I had planned on front loading since my RE day was going to be in Oct. But I got word this week that a succession plan is in place for my job now and my last day will be April 1st! Haaaappy.
Some ins/outs to figure out still with taxes next year... but with 3 kids and Marco Rubio's child tax credits... gag/cheer... I think we have some cusion for income. I don't think I'll be contributing any to my 401k now (no match at my company). However, the lovely missus plans to continue her job (2 days a week) and will sock away all income into her 401k & DCP.
Anyway, you can probably move me to an April 1st FIRE date - I'll be 34.
I love this. And all you fine people.
Patrick
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Congratulations!
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Patches FIRE'ing earlier on 04/01!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 JLTinVA
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/08/18 CheapskateWife
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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But I got word this week that a succession plan is in place for my job now and my last day will be April 1st! Haaaappy.
Patrick
Are you SURE that's your last day and they aren't just messing with you?
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As we're almost to 2018(!), how about a get to know your fellow cohort question? If you're comfortable answering:
1) What do you do for employment currently?
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
1) Group manager for a government natural resource agency.
2) Knowing that my efforts really do leave the world a better place for future generations.
3) Freedom from the stress of constant conflict and competition.
Freedom from the stress of an impossible workload. No more "do more with less" bullshit.
No more ridiculous new "initiatives" every time senior leadership changes.
No more pressure from senior leaders to tell them what they want to hear instead of the truth.
Not being prevented from doing the right thing by politically connected corporations who have the agency's senior leadership in their pockets.
Not having to work for a chief executive who is an arrogant, bloviating, ignorant, stupid, lying asshole.
And most of all, not having to sit inside tapping away at my computer and attending meetings and conference calls when it's a beautiful sunny day outside!
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As we're almost to 2018(!), how about a get to know your fellow cohort question? If you're comfortable answering:
1) What do you do for employment currently?
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
For me:
1) I work in tech, managing a team of marketing managers
2)We get great perks, so there's that. Also, the majority of my team is really great & super smart/fun bunch
3) Not having to do international work travel again. Or, sit through 8 hours of meeting on a Monday.
1) A senior clinical role in primary health care in the UK.
2) Working face to face with patients and immediate colleagues, and the endless variety of brain-stimulating conundrums with which I am presented in the course of a normal working day.
Knowing that if someone in my family gets a trivial medical problem that would benefit from prescription medication, I can sort it out quickly (I do, of course, have an immaculate record of not treating myself or family members for anything more serious than a dose of cystitis).
Using the vast quantity of knowledge that's already in my head, and always being presented with new things to learn.
The way my job defines me as a person. I like to think I won't miss this, but after more than three decades it would be surprising if I was able to slip out of the mantle and walk away without looking back.
3) Getting out of a situation in which I'm fighting to provide a good service in an organisation that's being cut back, while all the other organisations with whom we should share a common goal are also being cut back so work is hot-potatoed around from primary health care to hospitals to the emergency services to social care and back and patients/clients/vulnerable human beings suffer. I realise that by getting out I'll become part of the problem, but there's only one of me and I'll only get one shot at life.
Getting away from the frustrating over-regulation and box-ticking exercises. The systems that have been put in place since I started doing this job might as well have been devised with the purpose of being emotionally abusive to people of my personality type.
Difficult patients and difficult colleagues.
Stopping the long, long working days for which I am too old but for which I can't see an alternative.
Being able to take vacations when it's convenient for me and my husband rather than when it's least inconvenient for my workplace, and being able to go away for more than two weeks at a time. Being able to say yes when a friend texts to say, "I'm in your area, wanna play?"
Being able to go out to play on sunny days instead of sitting at a desk in an office with an opaque window that doesn't open.
Being able to go to concerts and theatre performances on weekday evenings.
Having the time and energy to visit my parents and other family members more often than I do, and being able to provide support when it's needed without having to worry about work.
Freeing up my brain to absorb lots of new knowledge that has nothing to do with providing health care. Maybe even do another degree once I've decompressed.
Having my first-ever experience of being the stay-at-home wife of a man who goes out to work, though I don't expect DH to want to remain at work for very long after I've stopped.
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As we're almost to 2018(!), how about a get to know your fellow cohort question? If you're comfortable answering:
1) What do you do for employment currently?
I am a software engineer working for a big Wall St. company. Not an employee, I am a consultant.
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
Nothing at all: Investment banks are horrible places to work. High stress, very short deadlines and folks who are ready to screw you for $'s
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
A good nights sleep: I need to be on the job at 7:30 am, and I live 50 miles away. So, NJTransit to Newark, then the PATH to the World Trade Center and a walk to Wall St. Means, I have to get up at 5:30 am to get there by 7:30 am. Would love to wake up when my body says I have enough sleep.
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Im 47, single with no kids, and debt free.
the only thing stopping me is Golden Handcuffs and health insurance uncertainty.
Golden Handcuffs:
6figure easy job that i dont particularly enjoy.
i only work like 4hrs/day and literally sleep in an unoccupied room for a couple of hrs.
healthcare uncertainty:
Before Trump, Obamacare was a no-brainer.
if retired, my income will be less than $30k thus maximum subsidies.
now i feel it's too risky
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Im 47, single with no kids, and debt free.
the only thing stopping me is Golden Handcuffs and health insurance uncertainty.
Golden Handcuffs:
6figure easy job that i dont particularly enjoy.
i only work like 4hrs/day and literally sleep in an unoccupied room for a couple of hrs.
healthcare uncertainty:
Before Trump, Obamacare was a no-brainer.
if retired, my income will be less than $30k thus maximum subsidies.
now i feel it's too risky
Have you run your numbers to see if your current stash (and other FIRE income sources if applicable) will cover your annual spend, plus about 15k if you had to buy an unsubsidized individual policy?
As for the golden handcuffs, do you need the continued income your job provides? Are there particular optional expenses you'd like to cover in FIRE that you can't cover with the stash you have now? If so, are those optional expenses worth continuing to work a job you don't like?
These are all answerable questions. For someone who is at or close to FI, which you must be if you are seriously considering FIRE in 2018, there is no such thing as being "stuck." There are only informed choices to be made.
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Im 47, single with no kids, and debt free.
the only thing stopping me is Golden Handcuffs and health insurance uncertainty.
Golden Handcuffs:
6figure easy job that i dont particularly enjoy.
i only work like 4hrs/day and literally sleep in an unoccupied room for a couple of hrs.
healthcare uncertainty:
Before Trump, Obamacare was a no-brainer.
if retired, my income will be less than $30k thus maximum subsidies.
now i feel it's too risky
I wouldn't be overly concerned about the health insurance/subsidies. Giving up a job that you can Peter Gibbons is tougher though
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Giving up a job that you can Peter Gibbons is tougher though
I so, so, so love that you used "Peter Gibbons" as a verb. I am also so, so, so going to steal it. :)
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Have you run your numbers to see if your current stash (and other FIRE income sources if applicable) will cover your annual spend, plus about 15k if you had to buy an unsubsidized individual policy?
As for the golden handcuffs, do you need the continued income your job provides? Are there particular optional expenses you'd like to cover in FIRE that you can't cover with the stash you have now? If so, are those optional expenses worth continuing to work a job you don't like?
These are all answerable questions. For someone who is at or close to FI, which you must be if you are seriously considering FIRE in 2018, there is no such thing as being "stuck." There are only informed choices to be made.
ok, i Ran the #'s (assuming $12k/yr health insurance):
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/health-insurance-if-i-fire/msg1822025/#msg1822025
so i can Fire now. :o
(How do you do emoticons?)
I wouldn't be overly concerned about the health insurance/subsidies. Giving up a job that you can Peter Gibbons is tougher though
yeah.. about those TPS reports...
i guess one scenario is they lay me off to take that decision out of my hands.
and i collect unemployment ($10k)
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I love to read all the different scenario's people are considering as we get into the last year of pre retirement. As for myself, We have paid off all our student loans , credit cards and one of the cars. the only thing left for 2017 is to take the RMD from an inherited IRA and to donate to a DAF for the tax breaks in our last full year of working. In the first half of 2018 we plan to pay off our kitchen remodel , our second car and to figure out what the heck we are going to do about HC in the second half of the year, after I retire in June(Mrs HF is retiring on April 1). We are 90% sure we will not pay off the 1st mortgage until we are both 65 and on medicare about 6.5 years from now. Whoo Hoo , I am super psyched about counting down all the 2018 retiree's. Looks like 7 in January alone!
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1) What do you do for employment currently?
Officer in the US Navy, currently faculty at one of the senior War Colleges in Washington D.C.
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
The camaraderie of the Navy. I've been active duty 28 years and was raised in a Navy family before that.
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
Leaving DC, Owning a home again, time for family, work on my photography skills, more exercise, hiking in the area.
Related: My DW and I are in Roanoke (our FIRE locale) for Christmas and had a realtor show us some houses. We don't move here until June, but found one we really like and made an offer with a late spring closing date and it was accepted, so we are now under contract!
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1) What do you do for employment currently?
Officer in the US Navy, currently faculty at one of the senior War Colleges in Washington D.C.
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
The camaraderie of the Navy. I've been active duty 28 years and was raised in a Navy family before that.
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
Leaving DC, Owning a home again, time for family, work on my photography skills, more exercise, hiking in the area.
Related: My DW and I are in Roanoke (our FIRE locale) for Christmas and had a realtor show us some houses. We don't move here until June, but found one we really like and made an offer with a late spring closing date and it was accepted, so we are now under contract!
i guess you didnt do the usual officer thing where you buy a house at every port you're assigned to?
then after you get re-assigned, hire a property mgr and rent it out to jr officers (ensigns, lieutenants)?
and retire with like 7+ rental properties?
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1) What do you do for employment currently?
Officer in the US Navy, currently faculty at one of the senior War Colleges in Washington D.C.
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
The camaraderie of the Navy. I've been active duty 28 years and was raised in a Navy family before that.
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
Leaving DC, Owning a home again, time for family, work on my photography skills, more exercise, hiking in the area.
Related: My DW and I are in Roanoke (our FIRE locale) for Christmas and had a realtor show us some houses. We don't move here until June, but found one we really like and made an offer with a late spring closing date and it was accepted, so we are now under contract!
Congrats on the house purchase. Sounds like you're committed!
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1) What do you do for employment currently?
Officer in the US Navy, currently faculty at one of the senior War Colleges in Washington D.C.
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
The camaraderie of the Navy. I've been active duty 28 years and was raised in a Navy family before that.
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
Leaving DC, Owning a home again, time for family, work on my photography skills, more exercise, hiking in the area.
Related: My DW and I are in Roanoke (our FIRE locale) for Christmas and had a realtor show us some houses. We don't move here until June, but found one we really like and made an offer with a late spring closing date and it was accepted, so we are now under contract!
i guess you didnt do the usual officer thing where you buy a house at every port you're assigned to?
then after you get re-assigned, hire a property mgr and rent it out to jr officers (ensigns, lieutenants)?
and retire with like 7+ rental properties?
Nope, I did the sell the reasonable first house you bought, buy again at the height of the market, lose big bucks renting it for a year and then short sell the house. Glad to have the opportunity to participate in the American dream again, instead of just defending it! ; )
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Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. Happy long weekend to those that don't.
There are few "things" I want for Christmas, but I am really looking forward to having time with my wife, my home and my kids in 2018. I have enjoyed working, but I look forward to growing into the other things I can become as a human being. Today, I relish not knowing what the future may bring. There is an anticipation of adventure that I have now, and that may be gone this time next year. I am so grateful to Pete for his blog, to this community, and to live in a time and place where I can explore this new horizon.
Best wishes to you all, aperture.
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Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. Happy long weekend to those that don't.
There are few "things" I want for Christmas, but I am really looking forward to having time with my wife, my home and my kids in 2018. I have enjoyed working, but I look forward to growing into the other things I can become as a human being. Today, I relish not knowing what the future may bring. There is an anticipation of adventure that I have now, and that may be gone this time next year. I am so grateful to Pete for his blog, to this community, and to live in a time and place where I can explore this new horizon.
Best wishes to you all, aperture.
So well said! The bolded part is totally true for me as well. Anticipation, excitement, gratefulness, exploration, growth. Yep. :)
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PSA:
If you're going to keep donating to charity in 2018 or other post-retirement years then you have just a few days left to frontload those deductions into 2017 by funding a Donor Advised Fund. The tax cut law is another reason this could make sense. For many people here, 2017 deductions will be vastly more valuable than deductions in later years.
Another thing that could be desirable is maxing out any charitable match employee benefit you might have for 2017 and/or 2018.
Prepaying property tax and estimated state income tax payments (is: CA) is another trick lots of people are doing for the tax cut law that might make sense for some folks, but that's going to be super situational for folks here. AMT for 2017 and sliding under SALT limit for 2018 are ways this could wind up being neutral or bad.
Happy holidays!
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Just a bit over 4 months until our FIRE dates!
So far, so good.
Did some rough calculations this evening. Between paying off the HELOC, paying down the mortgage, maxing 2 401Ks, employer contributions to same, and market investment gains, less IRA/401K disbursements, our net worth grew approximately:
... drum roll, please ...
$244,300
Investment gains were about $162,300. Of course, next week they might be down $500,000. You never know.
Real estate valuations between our 6 properties varied, some went up, some down, so I'm considering that a wash.
Investment gains this year almost equaled our gross salaries. That's pretty awesome.
It's amazing what decades of saving and investing can do for you if you set your mind to make it happen.
I didn't realize when we started saving that growth would be compounded instead of just linear in nature. It's a good thing we saved anyway, even if it's simply because the alternative seemed so damned foolish.
I'm still boggled by the idea that in an average market year, I could buy a house and fix it up to rent out for cash, without having to work to pay for it. Buy a house a year. For cash. Without a job. Just for putting my dollars to work! That's so crazy sounding even if I know it's true.
Here's to all of us in the 2018 FIRE cohort! Let's have a really Happy New Year and kick One More Year (OMY) Syndrome to the curb!
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Congrats SwordGuy!
We had a big year too despite losing $80K AUD in real estate value over the 2nd half of the year. Thankfully the houses did go up in the first 6 months by quite a bit more than $80K and stocks went gangbusters. Like you, we also saved a big chunk of salary.
DW and I are still considering bringing forward FIRE from 2019 to 2018, even though we won’t have hot our number. We will see how our employers treat us through Q1. If we do FIRE before hitting our number we’ll make up the difference by trimming spending for a few years and picking us a little work here or there.
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Finished my last 2017 tasks. Took out the rmd on my inherited IRA and started my vanguard DAF. Mrs honeyfill turned in her notice. She is part time until she fires in April. Scheduled our kitchen remodel to start in January. Once that is paid for, I am out! Still shooting for June 1.
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Less than 200 work days left!!! Not that I'm counting...
Totally unmotivated and bored at work, it's getting hard to drag myself to the office. When Firesim is telling me I am at >95% success rate and investment returns for the year almost equal gross salary I really get the urge to fly. On the other hand the work environment is fine, I may get moved to a more interesting project early next year, and can pad the stash with another years worth of 401(k) contributions if I keep working, so I will keep my nose to the grindstone for just a bit longer <Sigh>
Here's to a very Happy and very New Year of 2018!
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Congratulations, honeyfill!
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As we're almost to 2018(!), how about a get to know your fellow cohort question? If you're comfortable answering:
1) What do you do for employment currently?
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
I'll play.
1. part time physician in the public health system
2. helping patients (some of whom are inspirational) and teaching students, young doctors
3. freedom to get on with the interests I've developed, unfettered by work obligations. Time to improve my health. And of course life without the negative stressors of work, that others have already mentioned most eloquently
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As we're almost to 2018(!), how about a get to know your fellow cohort question? If you're comfortable answering:
1) What do you do for employment currently?
Programmer. Wife is a professor.
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
I work with some quick-witted people, which is fun.
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
Having our time to ourselves, instead of tied to the work-a-day clock.
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Only 4 months to FIRE for me as of New Year's Day. Woot!
4 months and a week for my lovely bride. Double woot!
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End of January, 2018! Except, we had a delay with interviews for my replacement, so I may stay for a week or two of February if necessary to have a smooth hand-off.
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For those you planning to work less than a full calendar year, how are you handling your 401k contributions?
Are you contributing more than average for a partial year in order to hit the max before you retire?
Are you contributing less than average each pay period because your reduced annual income for 2018 means you'll have less tax liability, reducing the value of sheltering income in a 401k?
We're still undecided, so we're letting it ride for now and will make adjustments later as our plans firm up. I just feel like we should be doing something different since next year's tax return will be so different.
I’m planning to max out 457 and HSA before leaving. I figure I can use the tax space to shift some 457 funds to a Roth IRA at the end of 2018 once I have a better idea what my taxable income is for the year.
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Hi! I used to post here under a different handle, but life got busy. I’m re-joining because it looks like I can FIRE in the first half of 2018. It still doesn’t seem real to me, and I think some peer support will help me adjust to reality. I started posting more details in the Journals section.
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Our FIRE year has started!
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Our FIRE year has started!
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
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Well it looks like we will hit the FIRE # sometime this year. However, I'm probably going to work another 4-8 years. Things are going well and I don't have any major complaints. Additionally, the $600k figure is definitely on the low end, so another few years of FIRE insurance will be nice.
That would put me in my early 40s and thus not as badass as others, but still pretty cool and young enough.
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Well it looks like we will hit the FIRE # sometime this year. However, I'm probably going to work another 4-8 years. Things are going well and I don't have any major complaints. Additionally, the $600k figure is definitely on the low end, so another few years of FIRE insurance will be nice.
That would put me in my early 40s and thus not as badass as others, but still pretty cool and young enough.
We did one more year and that was ok. Then we did another one more year and that one got old really quick. I hope yours pass much easier than a gall stone. :)
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As we're almost to 2018(!), how about a get to know your fellow cohort question? If you're comfortable answering:
1) What do you do for employment currently?
Software developer.
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
Hacking on fun problems. The fitness/life efficiency of commuting by bike. Gaming the benefits package.
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
Bullshit reduction. Having the energy to learn Rust. Sorting out what's next.
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As we're almost to 2018(!), how about a get to know your fellow cohort question? If you're comfortable answering:
1) What do you do for employment currently?
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
1. I work as a process engineer focusing on process safety
2. solving some of the interesting problems that my clients face and improving safety at chemical plants & refineries
3. This past year has been a tough transition to a new management team/style at the company. It has left all the managers anxious and pissed. The shit definitely started to roll down hill. I won't miss that.
A few minutes ago I had that sinking realization that I had to go back to work tomorrow. Then I realized it's the last time!! Happy 2018 everyone!
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1) What do you do for employment currently?
Manager. More and more like a hatchetman in the past year.
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $?
Good and cheap health insurance, my crazy good retirement benefits that got me here in the first place, and my almost-free transit pass. A few colleagues.
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job?
Owning my time. Leisurely mornings. Going to the gym and grocery store whenever.
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A few minutes ago I had that sinking realization that I had to go back to work tomorrow. Then I realized it's the last time!! Happy 2018 everyone!
+1!
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When asked if I have made any New Years Resolutions by coworkers I am seriously going to have to fight the urge to say 'This year I have resolved to give up work, and I am committed to seeing this goal through to the finish.'
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When asked if I have made any New Years Resolutions by coworkers I am seriously going to have to fight the urge to say 'This year I have resolved to give up work, and I am committed to seeing this goal through to the finish.'
I would be so tempted too!
This morning, at 8:15, the fire alarms at the building where I work, went off and we all had to stand outside on the coldest day of the year for 45 minutes. I am beyond frozen since I hadn't dressed warm enough. What a rough way to start my last week of work.
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Well, I worked my last day at the physical plant and am down to working remotely until final layoff on 3/31/18. It has not fully set in that I'm done since the transition took place just before Christmas and I often take off between Christmas and New Years. So it just feels like a winter break, and I haven't set any new routines yet. Today is the first day I would normally be doing the frigid commute, and I'm at home in flannel pants by a roaring fire with my cozy geriatric kitty. The kids are still out of school, so I suspect it will start to feel like a real transition when they are back to school and I am not back to work. Hoping to start some healthy new routines then.
Working remotely is pretty relaxed for me at this point. Checking emails and responding plus two teleconferences per week. One required in-person meeting per month, so 3 total before I'm done. This doesn't resemble what my work used to look like, so it doesn't feel much like work.
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Congratulations neohio! Sounds like a great situation to ease you into ER.
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Moving my date from March something to February 9!! I can't believe how close it is. Freaking out a bit, but mostly just incredibly excited. Hopefully I didn't mess this up:
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/08/18 CheapskateWife
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
1) What do you do for employment currently? IT Project Manager/Scrum Master
2) What will you miss most about quitting, aside from the $? Some of the people. But honestly, mostly just the money and security that comes with it.
3) What are you most looking forward to about quitting your job? The ability and freedom to travel more, and spending more time with family.
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(https://img0.etsystatic.com/063/0/5151565/il_570xN.761863892_bzcg.jpg)
There is too much 2018 awesomeness to comment on each one individually....so for those about to FIRE or who have just FIREd I salute you. You did an amazing job saving up money for retirement now it's time for you to enjoy the fruits of your labours. My only suggestion having read a bunch of pre-FIRE posts is to not put pressure on yourself for FIRE to be any specific thing. Just decompress, spend time with people you love, be kind to your mind/body and give yourself lots of time to see where FIRE takes you. You spent decades working and you won't really understand what life after work is really about for months if not a few years. That discovery process is all part of the journey.
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My 401(k)-frontloading strategy just got caught in a minor web of bureaucratic red tape that might end up revealing my departure plans to my firm a little earlier than I had intended.
Last month, I had set my per-paycheck contributions for 2018 to the full amount of my take-home pay. My firm outsources both its payroll and its 401(k) plan administration functions to a third-party provider, so I assumed that my escalated contribution schedule would be executed more or less automatically behind the scenes and therefore escape the notice of anyone at my firm except perhaps one or two back-office support personnel. Today, however, I received an email from HR notifying me that my contribution election exceeded a strict 75% per-paycheck limit, which, I objected in response (but to no avail), is described nowhere in the 401(k) plan's summary plan description and in fact directly contradicts the summary's assertion that employees can contribute "up to 100%" of their salary.
This hiccup has no material consequence on my frontloading plan (it will just take one extra paycheck to max out my annual contributions), but my protestations of inaccurate plan description have now simultaneously shined a spotlight my aggressive frontloading campaign and attracted the unwanted attention of the higher-ups in my HR department, who no doubt maintain open lines of communication with my direct superiors. So the cat may be let out of the bag before I was ready to release it.
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I think you can play dumb, BG. Lots of people frontload every year, for reasons unrelated to retirement plans. You can pretend to be one of them.
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I think you can play dumb, BG. Lots of people frontload every year, for reasons unrelated to retirement plans. You can pretend to be one of them.
Yep. The longer the money is in the market, the more it will earn you! That's your story and you're sticking to it! :)
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... Today, however, I received an email from HR notifying me that my contribution election exceeded a strict 75% per-paycheck limit, which, I objected in response (but to no avail), is described nowhere in the 401(k) plan's summary plan description and in fact directly contradicts the summary's assertion that employees can contribute "up to 100%" of their salary.
The summary plan description is not the legal description of the plan, although you do likely have the right to obtain a copy of the legal instruments governing the plan as I've described in some past posts (such as this one (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/how-can-i-reduce-my-tax-liability-more/msg843574/#msg843574) from October 20, 2015).
The law generally authorises a plan participant to bring a civil action "to enforce his rights under the terms of the plan". 29 USC § 1132(a)(1)(B). The court may award attorney's fees and costs for such action. 29 USC § 1132(g)(1).
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I have just had a foretaste of FIRE by spending 7 weeks in Florida. Sun, beach, 1.5 hours of exercise every day, healthy food and plenty of sleep. It was wonderful. Next week is back to Switzerland and back to work.
Real FIRE will start on 30 September 2018 (3 months later to match my husband's FIRE date). We will both be 50 by then and are really looking forward to it. Such an exciting year!!!
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Added SwissMiss to the cohort.
If I have missed someone, please quote this post (let the font tags remain) but remove the quote tags. Or PM me and I'll do it.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/20/18 NinetyFour
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (At 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/08/18 CheapskateWife
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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The law generally authorises a plan participant to bring a civil action "to enforce his rights under the terms of the plan".
Good to see you make an appearance in the forum, Cathy. I'm not interested in bringing a lawsuit over this issue, although it would do wonders for my "how I quit my job" story if I were to conjoin handing in my resignation with service of process.
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Changing my date (very slightly), and adding my age. (I am using the date of my last class, even though final exams will occur the following week. Also, I will be paid through the end of our fiscal year (6/30/18), well after I have stopped doing any actual work. That'll be LOTS of icing on the already delicious cake!)
Happy year of our retirement, everyone! :)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/28/18 brooklynguy
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/08/18 CheapskateWife
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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I've had my date picked for a long time, but I may have to push it out a few days :( First I need to find out if I can take my accumulated vacation rather than having it paid out. If I work a few more days and then take all my vacation, I'll be employed into May, for an extra two months of cheap healthcare. Then three months of Cobra before I can start on the university health system (I'll be a full-time student starting in September). Otherwise I'm paying for 6 months of Cobra (but only needing 4 or 5). Hate to have to move my date, but I think it will be worth it. (and FMD is a lot better than OMY!)
I won't know for sure until at least next week, as the people I need to talk to at work are out this week.
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Is anyone else struggling with senioritis? Since coming back yesterday after some time off at the holidays, I just can't seem to get back into work. I also only have 85ish work days left, which seems...small. I hadn't realized I was under 100.
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Is anyone else struggling with senioritis? Since coming back yesterday after some time off at the holidays, I just can't seem to get back into work. I also only have 85ish work days left, which seems...small. I hadn't realized I was under 100.
Oh, absolutely! I have no desire to be here. I really just need to get through this month, since most of Feb through my departure date is travel of one sort or another, not the daily office grind.
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Is anyone else struggling with senioritis? Since coming back yesterday after some time off at the holidays, I just can't seem to get back into work. I also only have 85ish work days left, which seems...small. I hadn't realized I was under 100.
Oh, absolutely! I have no desire to be here. I really just need to get through this month, since most of Feb through my departure date is travel of one sort or another, not the daily office grind.
I'm there too...I no longer have f***s to give.
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Is anyone else struggling with senioritis? Since coming back yesterday after some time off at the holidays, I just can't seem to get back into work. I also only have 85ish work days left, which seems...small. I hadn't realized I was under 100.
Oh, absolutely! I have no desire to be here. I really just need to get through this month, since most of Feb through my departure date is travel of one sort or another, not the daily office grind.
I'm there too...I no longer have f***s to give.
This, exactly. :-) 173 days to go!
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Is anyone else struggling with senioritis? Since coming back yesterday after some time off at the holidays, I just can't seem to get back into work. I also only have 85ish work days left, which seems...small. I hadn't realized I was under 100.
Oh absolutely. I ran out of fucks awhile ago, and with only 21 work days left (counting today) and having just had 10.5 consecutive days off, there is not a lot getting accomplished :) Mostly starting to slowly clean up my crap.
This is all very surreal. I'm super anxious about making the leap - very nervous about money. Our spending last year was higher than I would like, largely due to 10k+ in vet bills, but still well within what cFIREsim says we can comfortably spend. We have 2 older dogs with manageable but expensive health conditions so I foresee this going on for a couple more years. We're not looking at getting new pets for awhile (we have a lot of travel plans once they're gone) so I know this is a temporary thing, and once they pass we will be probably be rolling in free cash since they are easily our biggest expense. Plus hubby will be teaching two classes at the community college this semester (up from his previous 1), and my hobby-blog is pulling in a little bit. My rational math brain knows we'll have enough money, but it's definitely going to be an adjustment to be withdrawing funds instead of investing them!
My winter break was pretty nice, we were supposed to have some houseguests but they had to cancel due to illness, so I actually had 10 days pretty much free of any obligations and I consider it a glimpse of what retirement life will be. I got SO MUCH SLEEP, it was amazing. We got up early to go hiking a few days, but otherwise I got to sleep until I was no longer tired. I stopped waking up in the middle of the night and being unable to fall back asleep. I exercised every day except the one day I deliberately designated as a rest day. I did some much-needed house cleaning, took care of several errands/tasks that have been haunting me for a long while, cooked some new foods, was able to read for FUN.... Getting up at 5am yesterday and today to go back to work has sucked ass, I am ready to go :)
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Is anyone else struggling with senioritis? Since coming back yesterday after some time off at the holidays, I just can't seem to get back into work. I also only have 85ish work days left, which seems...small. I hadn't realized I was under 100.
Oh, absolutely! I have no desire to be here. I really just need to get through this month, since most of Feb through my departure date is travel of one sort or another, not the daily office grind.
I'm there too...I no longer have f***s to give.
Ha! Glad to hear I'm in good company. And, yes my number of f*cks to give is definitely less than or equal to my number of work days remaining.
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It's getting real folks. Tomorrow is my last day! I have spent this week getting my things together and taking care of some paperwork issues.
The most important thing I worked on was our budget for this year. We already had one that was pretty detailed, but still had a lot of amounts that were estimates. I went through and sharpened the pencil, and found that our expenses are low enough, that our work in the first months of the year, plus the sale of one of our vehicles will cover all of our projected spending. Not only will we not be touching the stache, due to rental income, we will be adding to it. Our savings rate for our first year of FIRE is going to be around 20%!
I had posted several times about my nervousness to go from saving rate to spending rate. It looks like I will get at least one year as a transition.
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Congratulations, Gimesalot!!!!! Enjoy your last day at work, and more important, all the days after it!! :)
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Congrats Gimesalot!! Can't wait to join you :)
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Congrats @Gimesalot !
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Ugh, I should have given notice today, but the timing was bad with someone else announcing they were leaving today already. Then it’s like my boss can read my mind, and when we were talking he started dangling all these shiny future toys in front of me, like a title upgrade (which I don’t care about at all) and new office space for my team, which I would love to get for them. He already talked me out of quitting once. I need to step up my game.
P.S. Congrats Gimesalot!
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Congratulations Gimesalot!
Agent Rosenflower - be strong. Resist the call to the dark side. ;-)
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Congratulations, Gimesalot.
Agent Rosenflower, decide wisely.
I've asked for a meeting at work to discuss the future of the organisation, including unthinkables like a merger. My colleagues may not like it, but we haven't been able to recruit a replacement for me, I can't sustain my current workload, and they won't be able to pick up the slack, especially as another of us is FI and due to retire in two years. If they decide against, at least they won't be able to say they weren't warned.
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Arms up in the air flailing: WOOP WOOP - WAY TO GO GIMESALOT!!!! I am thrilled to witness others leaving work and I look forward to celebrating with each of my 2018 cohort.
From the cheap seats of years past, I always felt a little burn of jealousy when someone left (I think the redit expression of GFYS captures this well). Now, within 6 months of my own departure, I know how much guts and creativity it takes to leave the safety of work and venture into the unknown of the post-employment world. I salute you all for your courage, fortitude and willingness to go into the unknown.
-aperture
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Congrats Gimesalot on your last day pre-FIRE - today !!!!
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Congrats, Gimesalot!
I may shift my date out by one month (7/25 vs 6/25). I ran the math, and rather than leaving with 3 weeks of vacation & getting paid out for that, I can work two more weeks & get paid out for another month of salary + stock options. It's around a $13K difference for that two weeks, & would help pay for a couple of house projects that are currently on the "maybe" list.
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Notice given, last day is 02/28/18. So happy it went well. Now to work like a madwoman for the next two months.
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Notice given, last day is 02/28/18. So happy it went well. Now to work like a madwoman for the next two months.
Hooray! How was your news received? Was it a surprise?
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I'm updating our numbers for 2018, and manically re-running all of our totals constantly to ensure we're on track. Do any of you track your HSAs as part of your net worth, or ignore them? Ours aren't very big in comparison to our other assets, but I think it would be helpful to start tracking them, ensuring they are appropriately invested, and generally including them on the ledger of accounts. We've previously been ignoring them.
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Notice given, last day is 02/28/18. So happy it went well. Now to work like a madwoman for the next two months.
Hooray! How was your news received? Was it a surprise?
Since I gave notice to go traveling, not really a surprise. Only the office manager knows at the moment (she already knew I was going for extremely early retirement, just not this early). She will come up with a succession plan before breaking the news in the next couple of weeks to others (we both think this should reduce the outcry of terror and panic). There was a moment where she checked whether she should look into unpaid leave but I said we were planning much longer than that so that ended that.
I do expect some outcry though when she breaks the news to the rest of the firm. I am just thrilled to have it over. I hate confrontation and the unknown and waiting to tell her was horrible. I am much calmer now.
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That's excellent news, @Caoineag !! Glad that first conversation went so well!
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It's getting real folks. Tomorrow is my last day! I have spent this week getting my things together and taking care of some paperwork issues.
The most important thing I worked on was our budget for this year. We already had one that was pretty detailed, but still had a lot of amounts that were estimates. I went through and sharpened the pencil, and found that our expenses are low enough, that our work in the first months of the year, plus the sale of one of our vehicles will cover all of our projected spending. Not only will we not be touching the stache, due to rental income, we will be adding to it. Our savings rate for our first year of FIRE is going to be around 20%!
I had posted several times about my nervousness to go from saving rate to spending rate. It looks like I will get at least one year as a transition.
Congratulations, Gimesalot! I hope your last day was glorious.
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May seem like pulling the trigger early, but I told my boss this morning about our plans...the look on his face was priceless :) This will give him plenty of time to transition my projects and work a replacement (in the Fed Govt, that piece takes forever).
My date is now 5/25/2018!
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May seem like pulling the trigger early, but I told my boss this morning about our plans...the look on his face was priceless :) This will give him plenty of time to transition my projects and work a replacement (in the Fed Govt, that piece takes forever).
My date is now 5/25/2018!
Congrats! Must feel great to have the news shared with your boss. :-)
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CheapskateWife to 5/25, Caoineag to 2/28.
Gimesalot, Monkey Uncle, you are batting next, how does it feel?
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/05/18 Gimesalot
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/28/18 brooklynguy
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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GettingClose's DH on 09/01/18
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May seem like pulling the trigger early, but I told my boss this morning about our plans...the look on his face was priceless :) This will give him plenty of time to transition my projects and work a replacement (in the Fed Govt, that piece takes forever).
My date is now 5/25/2018!
Woo hoo!!!!! How exciting! :D
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I spent last week thinking that I may have exaggerated how shitty my job was, and feeling like I was throwing away a great gig. THEN... I asked my boss to send me a copy of the vacation policy. He didn't respond, I asked him and the head of HR several times and I never got a response. Finally I got it from an office admin. Turns out that HR didn't want anyone to send it to me because they didn't know why I would need it if I were leaving! Instead of communicating, they were ignoring me.
Yesterday, an engineer finally asks me for help, at 6 PM! It turns out he hadn't done any of his work and there were 5 projects requests that I should have been told to do, but he never bothered to even look at it, so I was at work until 7:45. He peaced out at 6:15. Of course, any doubt about FIRE was erased. However, they are really struggling to get my job covered, so I will probably go back part-time to help them out over the next month, at a much increased rate.
Good luck on your last day MonkeyUncle!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/28/18 brooklynguy
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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My fellow 2018 retiree's are inspiring me. Plus, it looks like work will suck even more this year than last!
I wanted to pay off the kitchen and the new car out of cash flow. I was actually thinking about putting off my retirement until Oct 1 because the kitchen is costing a lot more than I thought. Plus working until late in the year meant I could use COBRA for the remainder of 2018 or just go two months without health care. Either way I would start Obamacare with subsidies in 2019.
However , I have been running the numbers and looking at contingency plans . It looks like I can take a lump sum out of my stash right now and pay off the kitchen and the car AND retire today. I'll still have a nice cushion on FI. So now I am recalculating my date. April 2 is my new date. My bonus comes in March. I have a business trip to Puerto Rico in February which is always lots of fun. So I might as well wait until 4/2 and match my wife's retirement date. Plus I want to look into maxing out the 401k and HSA and see if I can get the income down to HSA subsidy levels this year. (or bite the bullet and go COBRA for 8 months).
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However , I have been running the numbers and looking at contingency plans . It looks like I can take a lump sum out of my stash right now and pay off the kitchen and the car AND retire today. I'll still have a nice cushion on FI. So now I am recalculating my date. April 2 is my new date.
That's great news. Congrats!
Since you are FIRE-ing early, can you spend some of your free time getting the kitchen reno to come in at a lower cost? You could spend time finding low cost supplies, doing easy tasks yourself, etc...
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Today was my last day at work. Technically I am on the payroll through tomorrow, but the resignation action has been processed, and I've cleaned out my office, turned in my keys, security badge, and computer, and locked the office door behind me on my way out. So I feel like today is the right day to announce to this thread that MONKEY UNCLE IS CONFIRMED FIRED AT AGE 49!
Gimesalot, thanks for the well-wishes. My last day wasn't nearly as crappy as yours. I was out by 3:30 pm. Of course it helped that it was the second Friday of the pay period, and the last day of the 2017 leave year when a lot of people were still burning use-or-lose annual leave. The place looked like a ghost town as I quietly slipped out.
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
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Congratulations! Doesn't it feel amazing to be free?
Now that I've crossed the finish line, I am really excited to be looking for all the other members of the 2018 cohort as they FIRE.
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Congratulations! Doesn't it feel amazing to be free?
Now that I've crossed the finish line, I am really excited to be looking for all the other members of the 2018 cohort as they FIRE.
Yes, amazing. Had a nice celebratory dinner with DW, DS, and his GF last night. I imagine Monday morning will feel even more amazing!
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Thank you!
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Good work Monkey Uncle!
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Really impressed and inspired by these stories!
The market run-up is creating a nasty two-headed monster for me (1st world problems though!). The higher account balances make a 2018 retirement much easier, but the company stock is hitting fresh, new 52 week highs dramatically increasing a February 2019 payment (approaching six figures now). That combined with tax reform means I'll net almost all that cash too, even if it takes a bit longer with how withholding are calculated.
Keep the retirements coming
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Congratulations Monkey Uncle!!!
Honeyfill moved to April 2nd. Did you pick 2nd so no one thought it was an April Fools joke?
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 39) CONFIRMED
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/28/18 brooklynguy
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Thanks, DavisGang90 and Cowboy and Indian. Fixed my age below.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/28/18 brooklynguy
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 sol
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Go Class of '18!!!! Class of '19 member here cheering you on!
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Congrats Monkey Uncle !!! I have basically the rest of the year to go as I won't be done until December, but I'm counting on all you folks to keep spirits high all year !!!
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Many congratulations to CowboyAndIndian, Gimesalot and Monkey Uncle, and many thanks for getting our cohort off to a flying start.
This morning, here in the UK, I submitted my resignation in good time for my RE date of 04/27. I work for a European based global megacorp, and my boss is in Germany. My resignation has been accepted with good grace and I've had some kind words. My company are good people and I've never experienced any of the appalling working practices we sometimes read about in here. European Union legislation simply wouldn't allow the kind of abuses I've noted here.....
Having said that, they are still running a competitive business, and in the 17 years I've been employed here there has been several restructures, downsizing projects etc. and I've somehow managed to survive them all. I'm leaving on my own terms, and that's a wonderful feeling.
Good luck to all the 2018 cohort!
PD
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Congrats PD!
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Hmmm- you guys are getting very particular lately about exact dates. I guess I should have anticipated this. I have my target down right now as June 2018- but this is just an estimate at this point. There are external things out of my control (ie my spouse's job situation) that could speed it up to as early as March 2018 or as late as into 2019. Maybe I just need to have someone add a squiggly mark around my date in case it ends up being several months late. But will the squiggly mark really save me from the wrath if I don't quit my job right on time with my original target?
Update- my spouse was recruited to and has just accepted a new position locally which better aligns with her future career interests. She is not interested in FIRE for at least a few years- but her current employer is very niche and the new employer will give her more exposure to the broader industry, remove the thing from her current job she dislikes the most, and give her a substantial pay bump. This very positive development for her threw a little wrench in my plans to head out the door this summer although something like this arising was not wholly unanticipated.
Unfortunately we are not in our ideal FIRE location, and I am not particularly excited about FIRE in our present location. For me, FIRE timing is about both $ and lifestyle. I suspect I would be alright for 6 months or so here doing projects on our house getting it ready for sale, learning to cook and hanging out, but long term we are interested in moving to a location with better weather, lifestyle and outdoor activities, all of which is pretty much missing from where we are now. Since my job is pretty decent (other than I have to show up everyday) with a lot of autonomy and pretty well paying, I'm now altering my plan to roll on until early 2019 and bank additional $$ while she gains experience and puts some time in with the new employer. Then I will FIRE spring 2019, and do my home improvement/hanging out stuff for a few months while she works to find a job in a more ideal location. So I'm calling in my squiggly, but it looks like I will reclassify to 2019. Good luck to all!
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I am feeling pretty confident after doing the end of year tally. I am on track to pull the plug in early spring and take on some garden and landscaping projects to entertain myself during the decompression period everyone talks about. I am thinking shed, greenhouse, permanent fencing around the veggie garden, and revamp some foundation plantings. Maybe a patio.
The whole FIRE process is a big distraction from work. The fact that work has been unrewarding for the last couple years is not helping. How do people stay focused on their career, or job at least, during the last year of service? I have had a little counseling and pharma, and it took the edge off. Focus is still lacking.
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My date is slipping from March to August. I was approved for a month of paid leave, and a recent large charitable expense set me back more than expected. Updated list is below.
It doesn't quite feel like a failure. I was already planning to work past my target date to fund charitable giving, but the new tax law made it advantageous to give more this year instead of next, and it will take me several months to earn that much back. I'm mentally paraphrasing it as donating 100% of my after-tax salary for every day I work past my original target date, even though the money is already gone.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/15/18 PizzaSteve
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/28/18 brooklynguy
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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How do people stay focused on their career, or job at least, during the last year of service?
I have no idea. I have failed miserably at this, but I've been doing this job long enough that apparently I've been able to perform adequately enough that they're still happy with me. Odds are your standards may be higher than theirs.
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How do people stay focused on their career, or job at least, during the last year of service?
I am also having a lot of trouble staying focused. I am definitely starting to coast. I always thought I would sprint to the finish line but it looks more like I am going to crawl to the end.
I have been un cluttering my office this year, After 35 years of working , I have the usual pictures, knick knacks , coffee cups etc. The goal is to get everything out except one small box worth of stuff. That way I can quit on a day's notice if someone pisses me off. :-). the problem is that people have noticed and the speculation is building. It looks like my secret is getting out. I wanted to keep it a secret until bonus checks rolled out in March.
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How do people stay focused on their career, or job at least, during the last year of service?
I have no idea. I have failed miserably at this, but I've been doing this job long enough that apparently I've been able to perform adequately enough that they're still happy with me. Odds are your standards may be higher than theirs.
Pretty much this. And, I'm going to need to adjust my date out by at least a month (was 6/25, now 7/25). In most ways, it's a good thing. I have enough vacation to get through to 7/25, with just a couple of weeks of working (and get two paid days off over the 4th). For each month I can fit in, I get about $8K of options + my salary savings. My husband & I are also trying to finalize some house update plans. Depending on how those fit in with our current savings, that may add another month or so. Will hope to have a final date by end of February.
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How do people stay focused on their career, or job at least, during the last year of service?
I have no idea. I have failed miserably at this, but I've been doing this job long enough that apparently I've been able to perform adequately enough that they're still happy with me. Odds are your standards may be higher than theirs.
I've been somewhat spared of this as everyone's standards dropped during the site shutdown process. We got done what we needed to, and nobody cared about anything else. Luckily, my stash has increased to the point where I stopped caring about a career, and I can take a break before needing to think about a PT job or other income. It is weird corresponding with former co-workers who have moved on and are starting over someplace new.
During my career, I've always worked very hard during the first 2 years at a new company. Each manager or team member builds a mental impression of Homestead NEOhio that includes diligent, detail-oriented, focused, hard-working. Once this image is built, it is noticeably easier to maintain it. If you have already built this image for yourself at your workplace, you can likely coast without too much attention. People tend to resist new data that conflicts with their expectations.
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I am also having a lot of trouble staying focused. I am definitely starting to coast. I always thought I would sprint to the finish line but it looks more like I am going to crawl to the end.
I feel the same way. The sad truth is that I can work at 50% fury and still get done enough at a high enough quality level that nobody even notices. I do contract work so I can be let go overnight with no notice or cause so the only reason I am kept around is because things are better with me here. Although to be fair the company as a whole is not exactly charging into battle so it's not like everyone else is rocking it and I am having a nap in the stationary closet. ;)
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My journey to retirement started 15 months ago. Thanks to confidence inspired by reading the stories on this website, and by educating myself by reading books on women presenting themselves as worthy of nice salaries and benefits (I am a classic introvert), I met with the company’s off-site owner in November 2016. I told him (nicely and with confidence) that I would transition from fulltime to part-time as of Feb 1, 2017. I told him I would change from salaried to hourly in fairness to both the company and to me. I told him that my hourly rate would be $xx. (Which was a substantial increase to what my salaried-per-hour rate computed to.) He agreed to everything with NO discussion about changes to my proposal. I even included some benefits that aren’t usual to part-timers. My advantage was my great track record with the company and the fact that the owner really likes me and has great confidence in the accuracy and timeliness of my work. And of course, they assumed I would be replaced in short order.
My departure got stretched. Employer didn’t even start interviewing until February. They finally found the candidate they felt comfortable with in the Spring. But he had a commitment he had to fulfil and wasn’t available until the end of April. So I continued to work full-time until then. The bulk of the training took place over the next couple months…..So I was still full-time during the summer. In August the gentleman said he needed time off for a hip surgery. I continued to cover the position. During the Fall, I started to actually work only 3 days a week…..making almost as much in 3 days as I did full-time salaried!!
By the mid-to-end of November 2017, I finally cut back to 2 days a week. In December he requests time off for another surgery. The owner and general manager didn’t see a problem with that because they ASSUMED I would still be available to cover the duties of the position. So the week before and after the holidays, I was back to full-time. I told the owner and general manager that my OFFICIAL last day would be January 31. I intend to work 2 days a week these last 3 weeks. What I can teach him about year-end procedures will either get done, or not during that time. On one hand, I feel a responsibility to the company. On the other hand, this has gone on long enough.
My spouse and two grown children think I’ve been taken advantage of horribly. On some days I agree with them. But when I see my W-2 figures for 2017, I smile from ear to ear!!!! Asking for that bigger hourly rate REALLY, REALLY worked to my advantage.
I have a saying on my refrigerator (maybe it came from this site) that says ‘……upon retiring, I’m not so much happy as I am relieved’. That’s me. 7 more work days.
I can’t thank all of you enough for the initial (and continued) inspiration to stand up for myself. AND TO HAVE “FU” MONEY. Now onto retirement.
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Great story, momcpa!
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After 9 days off during the holiday season, my desire to go back to work in January was absolutely 0. I am now counting down the days, and surreptitiously cleaning my desk and environs a little bit every day.
I had an interview with a retirement counselor at work, and am having an interview with a Fidelity rep in February. I plan to give notice on April 2.
Woo hoo!
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Just popping in to say that I'm jealous of (and proud of) you guys!!
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Many congratulations to CowboyAndIndian, Gimesalot and Monkey Uncle, and many thanks for getting our cohort off to a flying start.
This morning, here in the UK, I submitted my resignation in good time for my RE date of 04/27. I work for a European based global megacorp, and my boss is in Germany. My resignation has been accepted with good grace and I've had some kind words. My company are good people and I've never experienced any of the appalling working practices we sometimes read about in here. European Union legislation simply wouldn't allow the kind of abuses I've noted here.....
Having said that, they are still running a competitive business, and in the 17 years I've been employed here there has been several restructures, downsizing projects etc. and I've somehow managed to survive them all. I'm leaving on my own terms, and that's a wonderful feeling.
Good luck to all the 2018 cohort!
PD
Congrats poppydog!
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We had an informal group meeting this morning during which the manager reminded us to let him know our 2018 vacation plans. It felt strange to listen to others in the group talking about taking time off in late spring or summer. I was tempted to say that I'm taking Q2, Q3 and Q4 off but stopped myself just in time...
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Well done ZiZiPB - you must have been sooooooo tempted to splill the beans!
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So impressed with all of you! Love your story, momcpa!!!
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Many congratulations to CowboyAndIndian, Gimesalot and Monkey Uncle, and many thanks for getting our cohort off to a flying start.
This morning, here in the UK, I submitted my resignation in good time for my RE date of 04/27. I work for a European based global megacorp, and my boss is in Germany. My resignation has been accepted with good grace and I've had some kind words. My company are good people and I've never experienced any of the appalling working practices we sometimes read about in here. European Union legislation simply wouldn't allow the kind of abuses I've noted here.....
Having said that, they are still running a competitive business, and in the 17 years I've been employed here there has been several restructures, downsizing projects etc. and I've somehow managed to survive them all. I'm leaving on my own terms, and that's a wonderful feeling.
Good luck to all the 2018 cohort!
PD
Congrats for making it official, poppydog.
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I have a saying on my refrigerator (maybe it came from this site) that says ‘……upon retiring, I’m not so much happy as I am relieved’. That’s me. 7 more work days.
I can’t thank all of you enough for the initial (and continued) inspiration to stand up for myself. AND TO HAVE “FU” MONEY. Now onto retirement.
What an amazing story. I can't believe that your resignation got drawn out a year! Finally it's time. We'll be counting the 7 days down with you.
@poppydog Congratulations on giving notice. For me, that was the most difficult part. I was really nervous and felt sick afterwards. Walking out of my office on the last day was a breeze.
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Looks like my retirement plans are leaking out. I had a senior manager ask me directly what my plans are. I told him to please not spread it around, but unless they give me a lot more money or let me go to part time that I would leave some time this year.
I'm still not mentally prepared to retire(but I am getting there!). Plus with the in laws living with us , quite frankly , I work harder at home than I do at work. It wouldn't take much for Megacorp to convince me to hold on for a few more months or even longer.
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Adding my congratulations to @poppydog !!
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Its a done deal folks. Thanks for the support.
Enjoy FIRE PS. :)
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Its a done deal folks. Thanks for the support.
Enjoy FIRE PS. :)
CONGRATULATIONS, @PizzaSteve !!!!! That all sounds awesome!
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Congratulations PizzaSteve. The transition from having to save constantly, to saving a lot less or not at all, and even spending the stash saved up is a very weird and destabilizing feeling. If I'm not saving then I'm wondering if something must be wrong.
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PizzaSteve on 1/26.
Congratulations! Please edit and put in your age.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/28/18 brooklynguy
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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3 months and 3 weeks for me! Woot!
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Congrats PizzaSteve!!! Watching and cheering from the sidelines.
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Well done PizzeSteve, and many thanks to all for the kind words about me and DW handing in our notice. Just over three months to go!
In the meantime, there’s the small matter of us becoming grandparents next month to keep us busy!
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Congrats PizzaSteve!!
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Congrats, PizzaSteve!!!
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I want to add my congratulations to CowboyAndIndian, Gimesalot, Monkey Uncle and PizzaSteve. I revel in your stories. Thanks for sharing your experiences here. I look forward to adding my own in 160-something days, (but who's counting right?). -aperture
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Thanks to all the well-wishers.
It has been a great 3 weeks or so. The last week in December was originally scheduled vacation, so I just worked an hour or so a day. I did not even go in the last couple of weeks and worked remotely.
I had been working on a project which was in a very bad shape when I joined the project. Over 4 years, we (2 member team) substantially improved it. Just before my last day, the big boss called me and told me if I ever needed a reference, he would be glad to give me a glowing one. That felt good.
After FIRE, I noticed a few immediate changes. I have such wonderful sleep now. I do not wake up at 3 am worrying about work issues. I do not wake up at 4:30 am to see if my 5:30 am alarm is set (1.5-hour commute to NYC, so I had to leave around 6:15 am to reach there before 8 am). I wake up when I wake up and I do not have that afternoon sluggishness.
Another byproduct of FIRE is that I am not obsessively following this forum :-(
Reading Dr Doom(livingafi.com) as well as the post-FIRE sub-forum, I know that the first 6 months are decompression time, so I am not stressed with my low levels of productivity. I am slowly starting to work on projects in my house as we plan to sell it within the next 18 months.
There has not been one day I have regretted FIRE'ing!
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I want to add my congratulations to CowboyAndIndian, Gimesalot, Monkey Uncle and PizzaSteve. I revel in your stories. Thanks for sharing your experiences here. I look forward to adding my own in 160-something days, (but who's counting right?). -aperture
Thank you, and you're welcome. I'm looking forward to your story also!
Here's a little one-week-in update: My lower back discomfort has all but vanished already! I didn't realize how much sitting all day was messing with my back, because it didn't actually bother me while I was sitting. But after work when I tried to do anything that involved bending, stooping, etc., it felt sore and weak, like it was about to go out at any time. I've been as active as the weather will allow this last week, and my back feels so much better.
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I'm so happy for all of you, and your improved health and quality of life.
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Very happy to hear these updates!
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Drove down to Roanoke for the home inspection on our FIRE home. Discovered that the house has the original roof (27 years) and furnace. We pretty much expected it and will be ready for both. Otherwise, no issues! Just under the 5 month mark at this point. Close 30 April. Retire 15 June.
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Exactly 2 months left until I give notice! Starting to feel nervous about it.
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Exactly 2 months left until I give notice! Starting to feel nervous about it.
And I have exactly two months left before I leave this j-o-b. I was nervous a few weeks ago, but now I just want it done.
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I smile (to myself) every time my boss talks about some project he will be assigning me later in the year. It is hard to keep my upcoming retirement to myself, but I am relishing the thought of giving my two week notice to my boss who will be totally caught off guard. Time is currently moving very slow. I am only hanging around to get my annual bonus and then since the payout is so close to a milestone anniversary with the company I think, why not. Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock...
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Does anyone have a link to a good pre retirement checklist? Some things I'm thinking about and want to make sure I've done before I get there:
- Model taxes
- Model health insurance costs (I've poked around with ACA sites some, but...)
- Implement strategy for withdrawals (CD Ladders, cash flow businesses, etc)
- Discuss with parents/inlaws their long term healthcare plans to understand if some of the burden may fall on us
- Our own long term healthcare plans
- Get budget sorted out
- Housing plans (staying, moving, downsizing, etc)
One of my issues that I think is a OMY driver is I know I have 25x raw annual expenses, but it gets a little more tricky when modeling how much of the stache will be lost to taxes, what our new annual expenses will be when buying health insurance on the open market, etc. The simulators help some, but I suspect I am actually over estimating my taxes and underestimating my healthcare costs. I need to spend some time on it.
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Does anyone have a link to a good pre retirement checklist?
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/pre-fire-checklist/
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Does anyone have a link to a good pre retirement checklist?
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/pre-fire-checklist/
Excellent, thanks! (Funny that the "pre-fire checklist" is in the "post-fire" forum. Haven't been reading that one..yet.)
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I smile (to myself) every time my boss talks about some project he will be assigning me later in the year. It is hard to keep my upcoming retirement to myself, but I am relishing the thought of giving my two week notice to my boss who will be totally caught off guard.
I experienced the opposite when one of the managers at work asked me for advice on the venue for next (this!) year's work Christmas outing. "If I stick to my plan, I'll have left before then," I thought, and felt quite sad, though I do intend to leave on the sort of terms that will mean I can still go out with my current colleagues on social occasions.
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I've been working my way through the pre-FIRE checklist on the forum. We had hoped to sell our non-FIRE house to friends, but have decided to rent it to them for 2 years instead. We should be moved into our FIRE house on the west coast by September, hence my so far generic FIRE date of August. Although it's months away, the nervous anticipation is mounting particularly when I consider giving notice to my boss. I'm not sure how to wiggle out of all the new projects and committees I keep getting volunteered for, without giving away my plans. I don't hate my job, but it's not where I would choose to be for most of my days and I'm ready to move on.
And hubby and I are grappling with the mind shift of leaving behind the accumulation phase of our lives. As much as I'm looking forward to these major changes, it's still daunting. I'm grateful to those blogs who have tackled the mental aspect of FIRE, not just the math.
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One of my issues that I think is a OMY driver is I know I have 25x raw annual expenses, but it gets a little more tricky when modeling how much of the stache will be lost to taxes, what our new annual expenses will be when buying health insurance on the open market, etc. The simulators help some, but I suspect I am actually over estimating my taxes and underestimating my healthcare costs. I need to spend some time on it.
If you live a typical mustachian lifestyle with low expenditures, you will have a very low income composed of qualified dividends and long-term capital gains, which means your tax liability will be small to nonexistent. But you should definitely run your expected income numbers through turbotax's tax caster (available for free online, google it).
Also under the ACA, your health insurance expense will probably be much lower than you might be expecting, assuming a low mustachian AGI. You might even have to manufacture some additional income through tIRA to Roth conversions just to keep yourself out of Medicaid territory. Once you've got an idea of what your income will be (note, I said income, which will be lower than your expenditures), you can test-drive the ACA plans on healthcare.gov, and it will tell you exactly what your premium will be.
Of course no one knows whether the ACA exchanges will still be an option a year or two or three from now, so you should have a back-up plan that includes paying full price for an individual policy (currently around 25 grand a year for a reasonably healthy 50-something couple, less if you're younger). Worst case scenario is that the individual market collapses entirely (on and off of the ACA exchange) and you can't get insurance at any price. In that case you'd be going back to work just for the insurance. I made my peace with those two possibilities and pulled the plug anyway.
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And hubby and I are grappling with the mind shift of leaving behind the accumulation phase of our lives. As much as I'm looking forward to these major changes, it's still daunting. I'm grateful to those blogs who have tackled the mental aspect of FIRE, not just the math.
So true!
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And hubby and I are grappling with the mind shift of leaving behind the accumulation phase of our lives. As much as I'm looking forward to these major changes, it's still daunting. I'm grateful to those blogs who have tackled the mental aspect of FIRE, not just the math.
So true!
That's very difficult for me too, the thought of going from saving/accumulating a lot of money to not saving as much or none at all.
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Just about 2 more weeks to go! I'm getting emails from HR, setting up an exit interview, arranging to turn things in...... I'm having pretty frequent moments of HOLY SHIT WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING, but I'm also busy making lots of plans for backpacking trips this summer and all the other amazing and awesome things that will soon fill my life. Deep breaths, it's going to be ok.
One of our 2 dogs passed away last week and it reminded me of how short life is. While its left us with a large credit card balance from the vet, and my initial thought was "Oh! I should see if I can work another month to pay for that!" I'm not going to. Despite the protests of my Inner Bag Lady, we have plenty of money to pay the bill, and it will be fine. One of the things I was looking forward to after FIREing was to have more time to spend with the dogs and do fun stuff like take them to the beach and on hikes before they passed, and now I missed that chance with him. Our remaining dog probably won't be around much longer so I'm going to enjoy it while I can.
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Congratulations to all who've pulled the ripcord already.
Today I ordered from Amazon the professional-grade circular glass cutter and ram-air rectangular parachute with which on my retirement date I shall be creating a means of egress through my 22nd-floor office window and BASE jumping therefrom onto the frozen stage of the Rockefeller Center ice-skating rink (wind conditions permitting) and into my new life of financial freedom and early retirement.
Less than two months to go! (In case it's not obvious from this post, I'm struggling to find diversions to alleviate the boredom of my remaining workdays.)
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Congratulations to all who've pulled the ripcord already.
Today I ordered from Amazon the professional-grade circular glass cutter and ram-air rectangular parachute with which on my retirement date I shall be creating a means of egress through my 22nd-floor office window and BASE jumping therefrom onto the frozen stage of the Rockefeller Center ice-skating rink (wind conditions permitting) and into my new life of financial freedom and early retirement.
Less than two months to go! (In case it's not obvious from this post, I'm struggling to find diversions to alleviate the boredom of my remaining workdays.)
I hope you have the cutter and parachute scheduled to be delivered to you at work. Seems more efficient that way, doesn't it?
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Video of your retirement, please! Would be epic!
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Congratulations to all who've pulled the ripcord already.
Today I ordered from Amazon the professional-grade circular glass cutter and ram-air rectangular parachute with which on my retirement date I shall be creating a means of egress through my 22nd-floor office window and BASE jumping therefrom onto the frozen stage of the Rockefeller Center ice-skating rink (wind conditions permitting) and into my new life of financial freedom and early retirement.
Less than two months to go! (In case it's not obvious from this post, I'm struggling to find diversions to alleviate the boredom of my remaining workdays.)
Ha ha! THe elevator may be easier, but hey why not go in style?
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Hi all and congratulations to those who've already pulled / are about to pull the cord.
After much agonising, I am defecting from the 2019 thread and bringing my date forward 8.5 months to mid Oct 2018 (although I may do a little part time consulting afterwards). The combination of finally accepting that I really will have more than enough money, with the fact that it will be a point of major upheaval at work that I don't really want to deal with, has made me decide to move my date and of all the dates I've agonised about, this one makes me happiest. The thing that pushed me over the edge is that, if I stayed longer, I would have to work through the half term holiday rather than go on holiday with the kids as usual - and I realised that was more important to me than more money was.
@brooklynguy - if you set up a side gig as a spy, can you get a tax deduction on the glass cutter and parachute?
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After much agonising, I am defecting from the 2019 thread and bringing my date forward 8.5 months to mid Oct 2018 (although I may do a little part time consulting afterwards).
Congrats on OLYing. It'll be one of the best gifts you ever gave yourself. :)
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01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/28/18 brooklynguy
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
Hope I did that right!
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Hope I did that right!
You forgot the most important part - the self-solemnizing typeface!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/28/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/01/18 patches
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Welcome PhilB !!!
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The thing about giving notice is that I'm suddenly without a filter. Uttered by me in a meeting with my Great Grand boss yesterday "I wouldn't exactly say I missed the meeting, sir, I played legos with my 9 year old that whole day."
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Welcome PhilB!
That type-face issue has me concerned to attempt a copy/paste/update, so I'll just let ya know... my transition plan continues to go smoothly. So smoothly in fact that we all decided 1/31 will be my final day! I'll be 33... Confirmed!
All I wanted was a smooth transition (I'm a CEO and owner of my company) and I'm very pleased that everyone rose to the occasion. What does that tell you when you give 1-year notice and rather than them begging to make it 18 months, we change it to 3-months. haha. Guess I won't be missed too much!! :) The feeling will be mutual.
Anyway, I'll let ya know if anything eventful happens in the meantime, but seems like it'll be pretty smooth.
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We've got some checking in to do here:
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
@FIBy30 and @Prepube, where are your updates? You should have given notice by now if you are still on track for some time in January 2018.
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06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) - I'm on the fence about keeping this date. Deciding between remodeling our house and extending the FIRE by two years (so, 44), or keeping the date. From an investment perspective, the remodel is a sound choice & would make the house significantly more livable for us. If I extend my FIRE by two years, there are some career milestones/responsibility progressions that I'm worried about. I need to think whether I can bring enough energy & motivation to these last 2.5 years, and give something approximating my best.
Should have a firm answer in the next month or so. In positive news, I've been pushing hard to get these bids & have the "come to Jesus" with the numbers for months now, knowing this would have a big impact on the date/year decision. I feel relieved to now have all of the numbers, so we can make a decision.
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Checking in - I'm in the list for sometime in March 2018. I'm not gonna make it until March.
My work pays out its 401k of sorts (a pension/profit-sharing plan) in a roughly 2/3-1/3 split each year. I've received the 2/3 portion, and am just hanging on for the 1/3 portion, which usually posts by early February. Then I go have "the talk" and give notice.
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I gave verbal (unofficial) notice today! I'm on track for a 3/16/18 departure. It feels so good.
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I gave verbal (unofficial) notice today! I'm on track for a 3/16/18 departure. It feels so good.
Yaaaaaaa!!! Congratulations! Your St Patrick's day will be one to remember.
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The thing about giving notice is that I'm suddenly without a filter. Uttered by me in a meeting with my Great Grand boss yesterday "I wouldn't exactly say I missed the meeting, sir, I played legos with my 9 year old that whole day."
Keep this up
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The thing about giving notice is that I'm suddenly without a filter. Uttered by me in a meeting with my Great Grand boss yesterday "I wouldn't exactly say I missed the meeting, sir, I played legos with my 9 year old that whole day."
Keep this up
Work is fun now that I don't care as much!
The word hasn't spread to his level yet that I'm quitting, so from his perspective it probably looks like I have lost my mind. Or need to be fired. Not going to sweat it though because he needs me to make this a smooth transition (whether he knows it yet or not)
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The thing about giving notice is that I'm suddenly without a filter. Uttered by me in a meeting with my Great Grand boss yesterday "I wouldn't exactly say I missed the meeting, sir, I played legos with my 9 year old that whole day."
Keep this up
Work is fun now that I don't care as much!
The word hasn't spread to his level yet that I'm quitting, so from his perspective it probably looks like I have lost my mind. Or need to be fired. Not going to sweat it though because he needs me to make this a smooth transition (whether he knows it yet or not)
I strongly encourage you to not burn bridges at your current job. I'm sure there's temporary satisfaction sniping at meetings, but there might be a day where you regret it.
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Congratulations @Cherry Lane !!!
In other news, I thought I would give an update on my FIRE situation. I left work, without a replacement... Within a few days, my boss, and other coworkers were blowing up my email asking me to come back part-time. I agreed to two days for this week, for about 7 hours a day at most. On my first day back, a coworker talked down to me as if I was a stupid child. It's amazing how every time I have a doubt about FIRE, something shitty happens at work to remind me that I'm on the right path.
On the home front, I have been working hard to sell as much as our stuff on facebook as possible. It's a lot of work, but we've been making a fair bit of money, $50-$100, most days. We still haven't gotten to furniture or any of those things, so that's when the money will start coming in. I am incredibly busy, but I am sleeping so much better. I am finally catching up on sleep so I am less moody. And even though I haven't been exercising enough due to the insanely cold weather, I have managed to lose some weight! I guess sitting on my ass at work while eating from boredom was worse than I thought!
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On my first day back, a coworker talked down to me as if I was a stupid child.
Odd how they would desperately need you to come back, only to have to endure immature behavior from this coworker. These companies really don't know how to manage employee relations well.
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for Gimesalot...........
When I first decided that I was going to call it quits, I physically kept a file/list of situations that helped me make that decision... Because quite often the job was great, no problems/issues/concerns. Just me doing what I was paid to do. But then every so often management would throw a monkey-wrench in all of that by creating a scenario with customers that made my job as the person who did the invoicing go crazy and sometimes near impossible. Also they would agree to multi-layered commission computations that were almost a 'catch-22'......couldn't compute A before B, or B before C, or C before A !!!!!
I referred to that file/list every so often to remind myself of how crazy things could get. Good luck as you go forward.
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06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) - I'm on the fence about keeping this date. Deciding between remodeling our house and extending the FIRE by two years (so, 44), or keeping the date. From an investment perspective, the remodel is a sound choice & would make the house significantly more livable for us. If I extend my FIRE by two years, there are some career milestones/responsibility progressions that I'm worried about. I need to think whether I can bring enough energy & motivation to these last 2.5 years, and give something approximating my best.
Should have a firm answer in the next month or so. In positive news, I've been pushing hard to get these bids & have the "come to Jesus" with the numbers for months now, knowing this would have a big impact on the date/year decision. I feel relieved to now have all of the numbers, so we can make a decision.
I'm in a similar place. We are doing a kitchen remodel and I would like to have it paid off before I retire. We don't have the final numbers yet but it looks like it might be 3 times what I estimated. Partly because I had no idea what a remodel costs and partly because we went overboard on cabinets and taking out walls. The good news is that the market has already pushed my stash up by more than even the higher cost just since January 1! My options are sell enough stock to pay off the whole thing now and stick to the April 2 date or keep working till October and pay it off a little each month.
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I gave verbal (unofficial) notice today! I'm on track for a 3/16/18 departure. It feels so good.
Kermit Flail!
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The thing about giving notice is that I'm suddenly without a filter. Uttered by me in a meeting with my Great Grand boss yesterday "I wouldn't exactly say I missed the meeting, sir, I played legos with my 9 year old that whole day."
Keep this up
Work is fun now that I don't care as much!
The word hasn't spread to his level yet that I'm quitting, so from his perspective it probably looks like I have lost my mind. Or need to be fired. Not going to sweat it though because he needs me to make this a smooth transition (whether he knows it yet or not)
I strongly encourage you to not burn bridges at your current job. I'm sure there's temporary satisfaction sniping at meetings, but there might be a day where you regret it.
Thank you for the reminder. You are probably right, that I need to behave myself just in case I need to cross that bridge again.
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@FIBy30 and @Prepube, where are your updates? You should have given notice by now if you are still on track for some time in January 2018.
Still no update, huh? I vote we give these laggards until month's end to respond to your bat-signal and then cut them loose. Now that momentum's building, we can't have any stragglers holding up the queue!
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@FIBy30 and @Prepube, where are your updates? You should have given notice by now if you are still on track for some time in January 2018.
Still no update, huh? I vote we give these laggards until month's end to respond to your bat-signal and then cut them loose. Now that momentum's building, we can't have any stragglers holding up the queue!
Looks like neither have been on the forum for many months (September and April, respectively).
I gave verbal (unofficial) notice today! I'm on track for a 3/16/18 departure. It feels so good.
Kermit Flail!
Well, since you brought it up:
(https://media1.tenor.com/images/cb43607e6fa5e615992dfb0cc352b8ec/tenor.gif?itemid=7359311)
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On track for January 31. I gave my last presentation to our board this week, sorted out my final 457 contribution with HR, and figured out where we will all meet up for beers.
I have one year’s expenses in cash right now and with the absurd run up in the market over the last couple of weeks, I’m fighting the urge to not just pull another year’s worth out then not look at any of my accounts until the end of 2019.
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On track for January 31. I gave my last presentation to our board this week, sorted out my final 457 contribution with HR, and figured out where we will all meet up for beers.
I have one year’s expenses in cash right now and with the absurd run up in the market over the last couple of weeks, I’m fighting the urge to not just pull another year’s worth out then not look at any of my accounts until the end of 2019.
Congrats! Home stretch.
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60 is pretty late on these boards but I really only got the idea of earlier retirement at the beginning of 2012, I thought I'd be going til 67. Better late than never :)
Couldn't agree more - in fact it's my sig block :)
I know how you feel! I thought I was going to have to work until 70. I found MMM in 2012 and learned differently.
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I will be giving 2 week notice 2/26, but given my employer, I am pretty sure I will not end up working it.
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Patches to 1/31, CheapskateWife to 3/31 and Aegishjalmur to 2/26
Welcome to the cohort Wintergreen78!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches
01/31/18 Wintergreen78
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
05/25/18 CheapskateWife
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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I officially gave notice! Right now I'm going with the "open-ended sabbatical" story, although it's coming back to me as "I heard you're taking a year-long sabbatical, that's great!" (I don't bother correcting the timeframe.)
We sell our condo this Friday, then we're staying with a dear friend for 2 weeks while I wrap up at work. FIRE starts with 2 weeks in Florida in February to visit family, then 3 weeks in Hawaii in March.
I absolutely cannot wait for February 9th to arrive. I get a silly grin on my face every time I think about it.
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Turned in my official, printed and signed resignation letter today.
Told my colleagues at work to expect the market to plummet now that I had done this.
Went back to my desk and saw that the Dow was down for the day.
I guess I should cross-post this in https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/investor-alley/top-is-in (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/investor-alley/top-is-in) now that we have a definitive reason for the market to collapse.
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But the more important SP 500 index was actually up a quarter of a percent today.
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But the more important SP 500 index was actually up a quarter of a percent today.
I don't stress about the stock market though I would prefer it stays up for several years.
$65k of our $75k planned FIRE budget comes from non-stock sources. (Farm rental, home rentals, social security.)
That $10k shortfall that we'll depend on stocks for is about a 0.7% SWR, so I'm pretty sure we'll be fine. If we sell our old home over the next 6 months we shouldn't have to sell any of our stock to support ourselves.
If we don't sell it in the next 3 months we'll have to sell some stock to cover repair costs on our flip house. Other than taxes and possibly missing out on market gains, it shouldn't matter much.
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Congrats to JLTinVA and Swordguy for making it official!
JLT, just curious, why are you going with the sabbatical story instead of coming clean about the fact that you aren't coming back?
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But the more important SP 500 index was actually up a quarter of a percent today.
I don't stress about the stock market though I would prefer it stays up for several years.
$65k of our $75k planned FIRE budget comes from non-stock sources. (Farm rental, home rentals, social security.)
That $10k shortfall that we'll depend on stocks for is about a 0.7% SWR, so I'm pretty sure we'll be fine. If we sell our old home over the next 6 months we shouldn't have to sell any of our stock to support ourselves.
If we don't sell it in the next 3 months we'll have to sell some stock to cover repair costs on our flip house. Other than taxes and possibly missing out on market gains, it shouldn't matter much.
You're on a very solid financial footing, and I can relate to some of the anxiety of letting go the accumulation phase, squirreling away as much as possible.
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JLT, just curious, why are you going with the sabbatical story instead of coming clean about the fact that you aren't coming back?
The main reason is that my colleagues don't need to know that much about my finances. I've always said it's open-ended and that if I decide to work again, it won't be in my current field. People can't seem to wrap their minds around that!
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Holy shit, I’m quitting my job!
I gave verbal notice this morning. It wasn’t a surprise to my boss and he was quite kind about it. I said I wanted to leave in April and he asked if we could make it the end of June. I said I’d think about it. So nothing in writing, but no turning the ship around now either.
I told my husband and he was impressed but surprised. I don’t think he thought
I’d ever really do it. Thanks to this community- I don’t think I’d have had the courage to go the last mile without having good role models and positive reinforcement.
It hasn’t really sunk in yet because I’ve been horribly ill with strep all week, and all I can think about is how awful I feel. I basically went in to work this morning just long enough to quit. Then I came home and took a 3 hour nap.
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Welcome to the cohort Agent Rosenflower!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches
01/31/18 Wintergreen78
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/31/18 CheapskateWife
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Holy shit, I’m quitting my job!
I gave verbal notice this morning. It wasn’t a surprise to my boss and he was quite kind about it. I said I wanted to leave in April and he asked if we could make it the end of June. I said I’d think about it. So nothing in writing, but no turning the ship around now either.
Congratulations Agent Rosenflower, Its a big step to finally get it out there. Yesterday I finally had to tell my boss that I was retiring. I did not do a good enough job keeping it a secret and the rumors were starting to spread so I wanted him to hear it directly from me. I told him sometime between April 2 and January 2. Lots of reasons to do it early and lots of reasons to delay. I wont go into them all now but I will say that I have made more in the market since January 1 than my kitchen remodel will cost. I am pulling the money out now and will pay it all off at once. That gets rid of my major reason for procrastination and takes some of my equity gains off the table before the inevitable market crash. I'm running out of excuses to delay the big day! I'm keeping my date at April 2 but I'm like the kid on the high diving board who is afraid to take the leap.
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I will say that I have made more in the market since January 1 than my kitchen remodel will cost
I'm pretty sure everyone in this thread is currently making more money in the stock market than at their job. 2% per week gains in 2018? At this rate we'd have to close out 2018 at sp500 over 5k or Dow 50k. It seems ridiculous to me. Surely there will be a pause at some point?
If the market stays flat for the next 49 weeks, it will still have been a good year. I try not to watch my balances too closely, but it's hard to resist when they're rising tens of thousands per week. Anybody who hasn't been paying attention since Christmas is in for a pleasant surprise.
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Congratulations Agent Rosenflower and Honeyfill! I found that giving notice was the most difficult part. After that, it was sooth sailing.
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Not sure how it happened, but there seems to be confusion on my date...I'm still at 5/25/2018. Added DH along with our ages.
Congrats to all for being in your retirement year!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches
01/31/18 Wintergreen78
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/30/18 TartanTallulah
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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I went back to work this week after a 14 month sabbatical (or gap year). You can imagine how that felt. On day one I arranged a meeting with my supervisor and big boss to formally request that I be considered for a redundancy package. There are still hurdles to go through and nothing is guaranteed, but the wheels are in motion.
WIGLO in action!
Best of luck, hope you get the package...
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Blech. I'm off the list. A few weeks ago I learned that a colleague slightly older than me was already FI and suspected they might retire ahead of schedule. They gave notice yesterday and will leave in the summer. Due to the terms of our contract, I'm now tied till early 2019.
It's only a small setback. I'm not melting down, I'll suck it up. On the upside, it means that I'll be able to take my pension as soon as I retire and my bridging fund plus whatever I can save from my next fourteen paychecks will become extra spending money
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Sorry CheapSkateWife, that was my mistake.
Goodbye TartanTallulah, I was expecting this after reading the 2019 cohort thread. Best of luck!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches
01/31/18 Wintergreen78
01/31/18 MomCPA
01/??/18 FIBy30
01/??/18 PrePube
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
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10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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I will say that I have made more in the market since January 1 than my kitchen remodel will cost
I'm pretty sure everyone in this thread is currently making more money in the stock market than at their job. 2% per week gains in 2018? At this rate we'd have to close out 2018 at sp500 over 5k or Dow 50k. It seems ridiculous to me. Surely there will be a pause at some point?
If the market stays flat for the next 49 weeks, it will still have been a good year. I try not to watch my balances too closely, but it's hard to resist when they're rising tens of thousands per week. Anybody who hasn't been paying attention since Christmas is in for a pleasant surprise.
I look forward to being surprised when I look at month end ;). Not sure I got last year, I certainly don't get this year if what you say is the case. I just think of the phrases "What goes up must go down" or "Easy come easy go" but I like it.
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One week to go, and I've already gotten unsolicited leads on 2 new jobs (which I do NOT want lol). Is anyone else experiencing this?
One was from a guy who used to work in our office but has gone back to his agency and is the "boss" there now, he was back for a class and gave me his card and told me to call him if I wanted or needed to go back to work. They are the last agency on the planet I would want to work for (very disorganized), but its always nice to know there are options.
Then my husband (who teaches very part-time at the local community college) had a departmental gathering and apparently was telling his boss about me, who said to have me contact him if I ever wanted to get into teaching there.
Meanwhile, I'm cleaning up my desk and having fun giving away all my decorative trinkets to various coworkers "to remember me by". People are putting in dibs on pieces of my equipment, heck my chair got claimed two weeks ago :)
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One week to go, and I've already gotten unsolicited leads on 2 new jobs (which I do NOT want lol). Is anyone else experiencing this?
One was from a guy who used to work in our office but has gone back to his agency and is the "boss" there now, he was back for a class and gave me his card and told me to call him if I wanted or needed to go back to work. They are the last agency on the planet I would want to work for (very disorganized), but its always nice to know there are options.
Then my husband (who teaches very part-time at the local community college) had a departmental gathering and apparently was telling his boss about me, who said to have me contact him if I ever wanted to get into teaching there.
Meanwhile, I'm cleaning up my desk and having fun giving away all my decorative trinkets to various coworkers "to remember me by". People are putting in dibs on pieces of my equipment, heck my chair got claimed two weeks ago :)
Haha, that's awesome. A previous employer caught wind of my departure and has also offered me my old job back. It was flattering... but it was lumber trading and something I've fled from twice already in my career. Basically an extremely high-reward violently cut-throat sales job. Good money if you can get ramped up, but man... soul sucking work done solely for money.
And I'm a sentimental sap, so I'll be keeping all my trinkets, thank you.
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I mentioned to my boss that I was "probably" going to retire, and now he's doing a hard sell trying to get me to stay. "You can work for just one more year..." he says.
Not that he's offered me any more money ... yet. I'm kind of curious to see if he will.
Help me stay strong, FIRE team.
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Holy shit, I’m quitting my job!
I gave verbal notice this morning. It wasn’t a surprise to my boss and he was quite kind about it. I said I wanted to leave in April and he asked if we could make it the end of June. I said I’d think about it. So nothing in writing, but no turning the ship around now either.
I told my husband and he was impressed but surprised. I don’t think he thought
I’d ever really do it. Thanks to this community- I don’t think I’d have had the courage to go the last mile without having good role models and positive reinforcement.
It hasn’t really sunk in yet because I’ve been horribly ill with strep all week, and all I can think about is how awful I feel. I basically went in to work this morning just long enough to quit. Then I came home and took a 3 hour nap.
Congratulations!
One thing I don't get is I'm seeing a lot of people give really long notices. What's up with that? Maybe I'm a jerk, but nobody I work with or for is going to know I'm leaving until 2 weeks before I do.
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Holy shit, I’m quitting my job!
I gave verbal notice this morning. It wasn’t a surprise to my boss and he was quite kind about it. I said I wanted to leave in April and he asked if we could make it the end of June. I said I’d think about it. So nothing in writing, but no turning the ship around now either.
I told my husband and he was impressed but surprised. I don’t think he thought
I’d ever really do it. Thanks to this community- I don’t think I’d have had the courage to go the last mile without having good role models and positive reinforcement.
It hasn’t really sunk in yet because I’ve been horribly ill with strep all week, and all I can think about is how awful I feel. I basically went in to work this morning just long enough to quit. Then I came home and took a 3 hour nap.
Congratulations!
One thing I don't get is I'm seeing a lot of people give really long notices. What's up with that? Maybe I'm a jerk, but nobody I work with or for is going to know I'm leaving until 2 weeks before I do.
Haha I totally agree! I've explained mine a few times, cuz I didn't think it was something to considered normal... but I'm an owner in the company I'm quitting so I wanted to give a lot of notice to smooth out my transition and protect my investment.
However, I've always been an "I exchange services for money" kind of person. So I never really understood the loyalty aspect a person has to their employer. Seems to me the employer is in debt to the employee and makes good on the debt every pay day. But I know that's not really a popular view... a lot of employers also have a "we're a family" type work environment for a variety of reasons.
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Congratulations!
One thing I don't get is I'm seeing a lot of people give really long notices. What's up with that? Maybe I'm a jerk, but nobody I work with or for is going to know I'm leaving until 2 weeks before I do.
My DH won't give more then 2 weeks but I gave two months. Our unemployment rate here is somewhere around 3% and my HR person can't even find someone qualified to even respond (she has posted three different versions of my job). I was getting told weekly by every person here I had job security because my skill set is unique. I have even been told that they would hire me back no matter what when I am done if I want. I did it to avoid the sheer panic that 2 week notice would trigger. I don't like seeing people distraught around me. Because I gave 2 months, everyone is working on developing their abilities to fill as much of the gap as they can.
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Congratulations!
One thing I don't get is I'm seeing a lot of people give really long notices. What's up with that? Maybe I'm a jerk, but nobody I work with or for is going to know I'm leaving until 2 weeks before I do.
My DH won't give more then 2 weeks but I gave two months. Our unemployment rate here is somewhere around 3% and my HR person can't even find someone qualified to even respond (she has posted three different versions of my job). I was getting told weekly by every person here I had job security because my skill set is unique. I have even been told that they would hire me back no matter what when I am done if I want. I did it to avoid the sheer panic that 2 week notice would trigger. I don't like seeing people distraught around me. Because I gave 2 months, everyone is working on developing their abilities to fill as much of the gap as they can.
Are you at a smallish company? I suspect that's part of it.
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@DTaggart I'll keep many of my trinkets, but I've earmarked one that I got for a project/design not yet successful.
A new colleague has really stepped up in this project and he really deserves it if/when the finished item goes out the door.
If he had not been here, I'd have blown a gasket (think steam out the ears) or said bad things.
I made the mistake of giving 7 months notice. All I want to do is just not be there. I like my job generally. But I found I'm doing more market watching, and MMM forum browsing than real job stuff. I'm taking fridays off till I'm done in May. I don't think that my boss has really processed that I am working 4-8's.
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One week to go, and I've already gotten unsolicited leads on 2 new jobs (which I do NOT want lol). Is anyone else experiencing this?
Yup, me too. One friend from a big bank asked if I wanted to join there.
Yesterday, a friend offered a part-time C++/Linux job developing for the backend for a top 1000 web site.
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I'm also considering giving lots of notice to my employer. When I was hired 2 years ago, I first heard about the position in October and started work 7 months later. It takes a ridiculous amount of time to fill a position where I work. And, we're currently in a hiring freeze so the existing vacant position in our team of four hasn't been filled even after a year. My planned 2018 FIRE date is going to have an impact on the team, leaving one competent person doing the work of four, so out of consideration for that poor soul, I'm planning to give notice 3 months in advance. YMMV
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Holy shit, I’m quitting my job!
I gave verbal notice this morning. It wasn’t a surprise to my boss and he was quite kind about it. I said I wanted to leave in April and he asked if we could make it the end of June. I said I’d think about it. So nothing in writing, but no turning the ship around now either.
I told my husband and he was impressed but surprised. I don’t think he thought
I’d ever really do it. Thanks to this community- I don’t think I’d have had the courage to go the last mile without having good role models and positive reinforcement.
It hasn’t really sunk in yet because I’ve been horribly ill with strep all week, and all I can think about is how awful I feel. I basically went in to work this morning just long enough to quit. Then I came home and took a 3 hour nap.
Congratulations!
One thing I don't get is I'm seeing a lot of people give really long notices. What's up with that? Maybe I'm a jerk, but nobody I work with or for is going to know I'm leaving until 2 weeks before I do.
We're obliged to give at least three months' notice, and it's conventional to give a longer period to allow plenty of time for recruitment of a replacement, who is also likely to be tied to three or more months' notice.
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Congratulations!
One thing I don't get is I'm seeing a lot of people give really long notices. What's up with that? Maybe I'm a jerk, but nobody I work with or for is going to know I'm leaving until 2 weeks before I do.
My DH won't give more then 2 weeks but I gave two months. Our unemployment rate here is somewhere around 3% and my HR person can't even find someone qualified to even respond (she has posted three different versions of my job). I was getting told weekly by every person here I had job security because my skill set is unique. I have even been told that they would hire me back no matter what when I am done if I want. I did it to avoid the sheer panic that 2 week notice would trigger. I don't like seeing people distraught around me. Because I gave 2 months, everyone is working on developing their abilities to fill as much of the gap as they can.
Are you at a smallish company? I suspect that's part of it.
My location is smallish, less than 20 people (the overall firm is enormous but that section is geographically very far from us) so yes that does make a difference. If I was a nameless cog, I would definitely give only 2 weeks notice.
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Typically I would have given two weeks notice but I work on-site for a client which makes it more difficult to replace me. Also, I quit during the holidays, so there was at least a week and a half where everyone was out.
My husband gave three MONTHS notice. I was totally against it, but he had wanted to give six months notice so we agreed to meet in the middle at 3. His workplace is a wreck and he didn't want to leave them high and dry since it will be his last restaurant industry job. He wanted to leave on super good terms should he ever have to go back to work in a restaurant.
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I gave 7 1/2 month's notice and found my replacement for them.
But I've worked places where 2 weeks would have been the maximum I would give them.
If I were worried about management tossing me out the door early or cutting my bonus, I wouldn't give extra notice. Given that the max my "bonus" would be was $100, and I'm FIRING 7 1/2 months later than I have to in order not to FIRE that much earlier than my spouse, getting replaced early for doing the right thing would have been a bonus. :)
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Forgot to mention, I went the extra mile for my client. My current employer deserves no loyalty beyond the bare minimum expected of any employee, i.e., do your job and don't cause problems.
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i gave 8 months notice because there is a hiring cycle for my profession and it would take that long to replace me. Of course my bosses have sat on their thumbs and not yet taken needed steps to replace me, so it looks like i could have skipped the early notice.
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Ugh, I'm still reeling from a two separate work "surprises" on Friday that throws a huge wrench into my idea of coasting through 2018. My top employee is leaving for a lateral move at another company because of a lot of issues outside my control. I'm happy for her leaving, even though I don't think it meets what her long term goals. Its going to create a much more painful existence for me. Second that with a preview of the comp plan we're paid on for 2018 and the likelihood of working harder for less in this final year...
Eh...I have commenced pulling a lever I've held off on for a long time, alternate arrangement. Work remote in a different role, a sabbatical (that would allow me to collect some deferred comp), or requesting a layoff. The third would be a cartwheels for weeks moment, but we'll see if any of this can happen. None may and I just quietly take it and deliver a one month retirement notice in just over 4 months.
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One thing I don't get is I'm seeing a lot of people give really long notices. What's up with that? Maybe I'm a jerk, but nobody I work with or for is going to know I'm leaving until 2 weeks before I do.
I agree with SugarMountain. I have 2 months to go and while some friends know about my impending departure, I have no intention of telling the boss until I have my year-end bonus in hand and then I will give 2 weeks notice. I hope to hit my 30th anniversary with the company with my end date just for fun. The countdown continues...
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I teach in higher ed, so it's expected that we give lots of notice so our departments can adjust course schedules, do searches for new hires, etc. Although one colleague up and quit right at the start of this semester... Probably burned some bridges, but maybe he didn't care.
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I just got this notice from HR:
"In addition, rather than having a match each pay period, any match will be paid annually in a lump sum by the end of the January following the calendar year. This benefit rewards loyal employees who choose to remain at Megacorp with an increased match formula. To be eligible for any match for a given year, participants generally need to remain actively employed by megacorp through and including December 15 of that year. "
I'm not sure if this is the place to post it but this burns me up. There is no way I am working to Dec 15. Do any of you have a similar rule for your 401K's? this just makes me want to retire even earlier now! I was seriously considering delaying to June or July but now I'm back to my April 2 date.
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I just got this notice from HR:
"In addition, rather than having a match each pay period, any match will be paid annually in a lump sum by the end of the January following the calendar year. This benefit rewards loyal employees who choose to remain at Megacorp with an increased match formula. To be eligible for any match for a given year, participants generally need to remain actively employed by Megacorp through and including December 15 of that year. "
I'm not sure if this is the place to post it but this burns me up. There is no way I am working to Dec 15. Do any of you have a similar rule for your 401K's? this just makes me want to retire even earlier now! I was seriously considering delaying to June or July but now I'm back to my April 2 date.
Just dug a little deeper into the policy. It is not effective until April 6 this year. It's like they took my fire date into account when they wrote it! So now it is really official, I am retiring the first week of April. Put me down for April 6th! (I can suffer 4 more days for the extra match)
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Hi @honeyfill . I'm not sure I'd advertise my employer name like that, may want to redact it.
I'm not surprised to hear of an employer making this change, and it seriously sucks for anyone who is leaving and is 100% vested in their employer match. It is a benefit they choose to give and changing the rules can save them tons of money by not providing the benefit when people leave the company. Most annual bonuses are paid out this way, only if you complete the prior calendar year and remain employed at the time the bonus is paid (March for my company). I am happily still getting matched each pay and would be seriously pissed if they changed the rules on me in my last year.
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One thing I don't get is I'm seeing a lot of people give really long notices. What's up with that? Maybe I'm a jerk, but nobody I work with or for is going to know I'm leaving until 2 weeks before I do.
I agree with SugarMountain. I have 2 months to go and while some friends know about my impending departure, I have no intention of telling the boss until I have my year-end bonus in hand and then I will give 2 weeks notice. I hope to hit my 30th anniversary with the company with my end date just for fun. The countdown continues...
I must work in an unusually rumor-prone place, but if I told anyone at my work (even friends) that I was leaving, the whole organization would know within 36 hours :)
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Hi @honeyfill . I'm not sure I'd advertise my employer name like that, may want to redact it.
I'm not surprised to hear of an employer making this change, and it seriously sucks for anyone who is leaving and is 100% vested in their employer match. It is a benefit they choose to give and changing the rules can save them tons of money by not providing the benefit when people leave the company. Most annual bonuses are paid out this way, only if you complete the prior calendar year and remain employed at the time the bonus is paid (March for my company). I am happily still getting matched each pay and would be seriously pissed if they changed the rules on me in my last year.
The thing is that this sucks for current employees too because they miss out on dollar cost averaging throughout the year.
@honeyfill congratulations on setting an April date. It will be here before you know it.
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Hi @honeyfill . I'm not sure I'd advertise my employer name like that, may want to redact it.
I'm not surprised to hear of an employer making this change, and it seriously sucks for anyone who is leaving and is 100% vested in their employer match. It is a benefit they choose to give and changing the rules can save them tons of money by not providing the benefit when people leave the company. Most annual bonuses are paid out this way, only if you complete the prior calendar year and remain employed at the time the bonus is paid (March for my company). I am happily still getting matched each pay and would be seriously pissed if they changed the rules on me in my last year.
The thing is that this sucks for current employees too because they miss out on dollar cost averaging throughout the year.
@honeyfill congratulations on setting an April date. It will be here before you know it.
Absolutely! I was pissed when my employer delayed purchases by 2 weeks when making payroll changes between medium corp and megacorp during acquisition. Then I found out that 401k purchases are further delayed by another week due to some stall between megacorp and 401k provider. I used to get paid every other Friday for the two weeks I just finished working, and the 401k purchase occurred on that payday, which was awesome. But 3 weeks is nothing compared to 11 months.
Glad this is not going to affect honeyfill. I do feel bad for the co-workers, though.
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I just got this notice from HR:
"In addition, rather than having a match each pay period, any match will be paid annually in a lump sum by the end of the January following the calendar year. This benefit rewards loyal employees who choose to remain at Megacorp with an increased match formula. To be eligible for any match for a given year, participants generally need to remain actively employed by megacorp through and including December 15 of that year. "
I'm not sure if this is the place to post it but this burns me up. There is no way I am working to Dec 15. Do any of you have a similar rule for your 401K's? this just makes me want to retire even earlier now! I was seriously considering delaying to June or July but now I'm back to my April 2 date.
A company I worked for in the early 90s had a similar policy, although it was 6 months, they paid the match July 1 & Jan 1.
Which reminds me of one of my shrewder moves. I was moving out of state, but my company was just starting to dabble in remote work, so I said, "I'm moving to Denver, but I'd be happy to keep working remotely," which they agreed to. We did a couple month trial run and the infrastructure to support it really wasn't there, so at the end of October my boss said it wasn't going to work long term and he'd like to end it at the end of November. I countered with, "why don't I just finish out the year." He was perfectly happy with that. Boom. Got my 401k match, year end bonus (I was shocked by that one), and the kicker was you accrued vacation annually so I got my 4 weeks of vacation by being on the payroll 12/31, which they paid me for in my last check. All told it worked out to almost 3 months additional pay (+actual pay for working in December.) I did a lot of skiing that winter before finding a job in the spring. I guess that was my first mini-retirement. I'm hoping for something more permanent this time around.
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Another one with a contractual obligation to give 3 months notice. I've seen cases where both parties have mutually agreed to waive the requirement and have a shorter notice period. I've also seen people being on "gardening leave" for the 3 months - getting paid but not having to come to work. I know the day I plan to quit, but I won't know exactly when my last day at work will be until we have these conversations.
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I gave notice yesterday. The effusive reaction I received from all the partners in my practice group has completely wrecked my sense of humility. After the outpouring of praise and affection and blank check offers to get me to stay, I'm going to need to spend my entire FIRE decompression phase trying to deflate my overinflated ego. Even the worldwide stock market is tanking on the news of my exit from the workforce.
I still need to firm up an official end date, but February 28th is still looking likely.
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I gave notice yesterday. The effusive reaction I received from all the partners in my practice group has completely wrecked my sense of humility. After the outpouring of praise and affection and blank check offers to get me to stay, I'm going to need to spend my entire FIRE decompression phase trying to deflate my overinflated ego. Even the worldwide stock market is tanking on the news of my exit from the workforce.
I still need to firm up an official end date, but February 28th is still looking likely.
Congrats, @brooklynguy! I'm sure all the praise and affection is deserved.
As far as the markets, I'm ok with a little buying opportunity, just don't wreck it for the rest of us by triggering a years long recession! But I suppose that is out of your control...
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Congratulations, @brooklynguy !!
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I gave notice yesterday. The effusive reaction I received from all the partners in my practice group has completely wrecked my sense of humility. After the outpouring of praise and affection and blank check offers to get me to stay, I'm going to need to spend my entire FIRE decompression phase trying to deflate my overinflated ego. Even the worldwide stock market is tanking on the news of my exit from the workforce.
I still need to firm up an official end date, but February 28th is still looking likely.
Has all the praise made you reconsider whether you want to stay an additional year?
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Great way to exit Brooklynguy! Congrats!
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Just a brief note from the class of FIRE 2013.
I absolutely love how the cohort of 2018 uses the word 'downshift' to talk about options that are in between working flat out and yanking back on the Lazy-Boy chair lever. I've seen my partner learn to love work again when it is a day a week as a fractional IT director for a local non-profit. Its also quite cool that you guys are doing earnest planning but not expecting all the lights to be green before you FIRE. And, great use of descriptive English and metaphors (or similes?) like popping the chute, hitting the exit, pulling the lever.
And one comment, looking back to when I was deciding to FIRE. I was concerned with whether my assets were sufficient and what to spend when. I understand now that the financial lingo and methods around scaffolding assets is purposefully and needlessly complex. Financially, the most important thing for me and partner has been having a simple financial strategy (spend on what we value, adjust spending as needed, preserve tax-sheltered assets). Having free time, an analytical bent, creativity and willingness to be curious solves for all else.
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I gave notice yesterday. The effusive reaction I received from all the partners in my practice group has completely wrecked my sense of humility. After the outpouring of praise and affection and blank check offers to get me to stay, I'm going to need to spend my entire FIRE decompression phase trying to deflate my overinflated ego. Even the worldwide stock market is tanking on the news of my exit from the workforce.
I still need to firm up an official end date, but February 28th is still looking likely.
Congrats on making it official!
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Thanks, all, for the well-wishes.
Has all the praise made you reconsider whether you want to stay an additional year?
Not for a minute, but it is comforting to know that I theoretically have a standing offer to return, even though I expect to never exercise it.
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Well done Brooklynguy, it feels great having given notice doesn’t it?
PD
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Adding in my congratulations, BG. I've always enjoyed your contributions to the discussions here -- hopefully they'll keep coming!
Any epic plans for the near future?
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Congrats BrooklynGuy and to everyone else pulling the plug/resigned so far. My 2018 date might be slipping from my reach due to my work circumstances, but nothing is definite yet, so I will optimistically stay on the list at this point.
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Any epic plans for the near future?
Not really. I plan to join my wife in full-time parenthood and generally bum around for a while. We're planning a family road trip across the country for the summer. I'm not expecting to commit any heroics, but if events sufficient to qualify that brief odyssey as epic happen to transpire I'll be sure to let you all know.
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Congratulations @brooklynguy . A cross country road trip sounds pretty epic!
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Today is officially my last get-up! Kinda have some nervous energy going here... but plan on a several-beer lunch with friends and then leaving early to look at piece of industrial property with my business partner.
Regardless, no more coming to the office for money... what a joy this is.
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Yay for @Patches ! Good luck with the industrial property. Keep us updated!
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Thanks, all, for the well-wishes.
Has all the praise made you reconsider whether you want to stay an additional year?
Not for a minute, but it is comforting to know that I theoretically have a standing offer to return, even though I expect to never exercise it.
Proud to go roughly at the same time with you BG, as well as @Patches and the rest of the early 2018 gang. Have enjoyed your posts.
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Done! Had beers with coworkers last night, wrapped things up in the office today, turned in my keys, and left the office for the last time! My alarm clock has been turned off.
Now I’m going to meet a friend at the gym and head out for barbecue this evening.
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Ya'll are not helping me keep my head down.
I'm desperately trying to resist the urge to jump early just because the market giveth so generously as of late. I've hit the required dollar figure ahead of schedule. I could be celebrating with you instead of inefficiently slogging through these TPS reports.
There are lots of moving parts to this puzzle. Announcing your retirement publicly freezes a lot of them in place, and generally not to your advantage. I think I'm stalling, for now.
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Today is officially my last get-up! Kinda have some nervous energy going here... but plan on a several-beer lunch with friends and then leaving early to look at piece of industrial property with my business partner.
Regardless, no more coming to the office for money... what a joy this is.
Congratulations, Patches! Welcome to the ranks of the FIREd.
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Done! Had beers with coworkers last night, wrapped things up in the office today, turned in my keys, and left the office for the last time! My alarm clock has been turned off.
Now I’m going to meet a friend at the gym and head out for barbecue this evening.
Congrats, Wintergreen! Welcome to the club!
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Done! Had beers with coworkers last night, wrapped things up in the office today, turned in my keys, and left the office for the last time! My alarm clock has been turned off.
Now I’m going to meet a friend at the gym and head out for barbecue this evening.
Way to go!
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Ya'll are not helping me keep my head down.
I'm desperately trying to resist the urge to jump early just because the market giveth so generously as of late. I've hit the required dollar figure ahead of schedule. I could be celebrating with you instead of inefficiently slogging through these TPS reports.
There are lots of moving parts to this puzzle. Announcing your retirement publicly freezes a lot of them in place, and generally not to your advantage. I think I'm stalling, for now.
If the market drops 30% for 2 years, have you still reached your number?
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If the market drops 30% for 2 years, have you still reached your number?
Does it go back up again afterwards?
You sound like my partner, who recently asked me "what if the market drops by half and then never recovers?" Um, then we're living in a radioactive wasteland and I will defend you from the zombies hoards? Because that has literally never happened before and would be some crazy shit.
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You sound like my partner, who recently asked me "what if the market drops by half and then never recovers?"
Yeah, I've been having the same discussion with my DW. So a few days ago I wrote up a pretty professional looking financial status report, with 5 year history and 1 year projection of all our assets, pie chart with a break down by main asset type, exposure to and sensitivity of the 'stash to (1) a 30% drop in equities (2) 20% drop in our key RE market (3) sensitivity to key exchange rate. Also included a section of current and post-FIRE target asset allocation, the high-level strategy to how the 'stash will throw off income, and how the plan is (a)designed to mitigate all the financial risks we are exposed to & (b) the main residual risks and what happens if they come about.
Did it work? Sort of. It certainly helped, but the media and the financial industry have done a wonderful job making people who don't really want to learn about Bogle or the Trinity study feel that the stock market is 'just the same as gambling' and that there is always a significant risk that 'the market can collapse'. In return I've agreed that one of the mitigations will be to have about 2 years of expenses in an FDIC insured CD ladder. That did the trick, and is probably a darn good idea as well.
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Ya'll are not helping me keep my head down.
I'm desperately trying to resist the urge to jump early just because the market giveth so generously as of late. I've hit the required dollar figure ahead of schedule. I could be celebrating with you instead of inefficiently slogging through these TPS reports.
There are lots of moving parts to this puzzle. Announcing your retirement publicly freezes a lot of them in place, and generally not to your advantage. I think I'm stalling, for now.
If the market drops 30% for 2 years, have you still reached your number?
It depends, is my number based on cash flow or on assets? In 2009-2012 I could buy plenty of real estate exceeding the 1% rule and there were some REITs without much debt paying 10%...so yeah, I think the number is still there. High asset prices look nice on paper, but monthly/quarterly cash returns haven't caught up.
3.55% Net Worth Gain in January...
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Congrats Patches and Wintergreen !!! I'm w/Sol here - how am I supposed to make it through to FIRE the end of the year with all this going on !!!! It is fun to watch though !!
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Congratulations to our latest graduates!
MrsB told her employer yesterday that she's off in October so that's one bridge burned. One of her colleagues is taking a 1 year break when they adopt a child and so MrsB felt she had to own up before anyone got too far into the process of re-allocating her job amongst the team. Celebratory cocktails were duly consumed last night.
I'm keeping my powder dry for another few months whilst I decide whether to make a clean break or offer to do a little bit of very part time for a while.
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Congratulations patches and Wintergreen78.
MomCPA, any update? Will PM her.
Removed FIBy30(absent from 9/2017) and PrePube (absent from 4/2017)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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It's official ! I am an actual RETIRED person as of this morning. Yesterday, January 31 was my last day at the office. My co-workers had a little party for me in the afternoon with cake and presented me with a nice Visa gift card. I brought home the few personal things I still had in my office. Said my goodbyes, turned in my keys and headed home for the last time from that business.
I had completed 27 years there as of December 1. So just into year #28. A couple people have been there just about as long, so I spent a little time with each of them one-on-one visiting about how the organization had changed, developed, etc. That was kinda special.
My daughter called last night to congratulate me. She said she heard of people getting up the first morning of their retirement to get a picture of the sunrise. Kinda a picture of THIS IS MY FIRST DAY OF RETIREMENT momento. I was up in time, but the clouds and lack of sunrise made my picture of the horizon kinda lacking.
So thanks for all the encouragement I received (and will continue to receive) from everyone here. Thanks for the 'oomph' I needed when I decided to give my notice. I will certainly continue to follow here for insight, advice, and fellowship as I start what I am calling my New Normal.
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Congrats, @momcpa !!!!!!
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I love following the current year FIRE cohorts; so much inspiration to be found!
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I am struggling mightily with Notgivingashititis. I don't want to be here anymore, I don't want to do this anymore. It's just something to deal with, but I resent the time it takes away from useful things(like sleeping with a dog curled up next to me or cleaning out the house). Even if I was not FIRE-ing, I think this would be my last month, and I would then take a month off to mentally recoup before looking for a job in a completely different field.
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Congrats to the class of 2018 confirmed retirees! Especially to momCPA, patches, and Wintergreen78 who helped us finish strong in January.
I have 2 more months and every time a new responsibility shows up I roll my eyes and groan, even though I have plenty of time to do it. Good thing I'm remote so people don't have to see me doing this. I really should take my own advice and savor the entire experience, enjoying the anticipation and relishing the expectation of not having to do this kind of work again. I will practice that today as I slog through all the work I've been putting off. I can get caught up and then reply to the boss about status.
Also, a big thanks to @CowboyAndIndian for keeping us all up to date. I'm saying thanks because otherwise it would be a thankless job.
We have 5 folks in March with undecided dates.
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
March is getting pretty close to remain undecided....
Any updates @Badblackgirl , @Clean Shaven , @Sofa King , @MiserlyMiser and @Acastus ?
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I resent the time it takes away from useful things(like sleeping with a dog curled up next to me or cleaning out the house).
I admit to being slightly uncomfortable with this realization. I went to a bunch of fancy schools and got a bunch of fancy degrees so that people would listen to me when I'm acting all fancy smart, and now my life's one true desire is to mow my lawn and take my dog to the park? These days I'm genuinely more interested in staying home to clean my bathroom than I am going to work to answer email, and some part of me finds that realizations upsetting. Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?
I think I'm going to need to find an alternative venue for acting all fancy smart, after I retire.
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Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?
In my case, it was a betrayal of my nonambition ever to have pursued fancy professional credentials in the first place. Now that I'm retiring, I'm answering my true calling (to become a gentleman of leisure).
I think I'm going to need to find an alternative venue for acting all fancy smart, after I retire.
Start a blog! Then you can keep sharing your fancy smartness with the rest of us. I'm going to keep taking every available opportunity to continue to pressure you to do it.
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I resent the time it takes away from useful things(like sleeping with a dog curled up next to me or cleaning out the house).
I admit to being slightly uncomfortable with this realization. I went to a bunch of fancy schools and got a bunch of fancy degrees so that people would listen to me when I'm acting all fancy smart, and now my life's one true desire is to mow my lawn and take my dog to the park? These days I'm genuinely more interested in staying home to clean my bathroom than I am going to work to answer email, and some part of me finds that realizations upsetting. Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?
I think I'm going to need to find an alternative venue for acting all fancy smart, after I retire.
I think part of it, for me is I get tired of doing the same things over and over again. When you start in school, you have to take a variety of classes so well they may be based on previous classes, it's still new information and new challenges. Then, you graduate and start a job, so again, it's new challenges as you learn the ins and outs of your chosen profession. As you work your way up, you learn new skills. Then, you plateau. No new challenges, the new information is just minor tweeks on what you already know, you're doing the same thing day in and day out.
I don't view it as a betrayal of my life's work, I view it as having worked my butt off to reach a point where I can focus on what I want to, where I can pick out my new challenges.
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I resent the time it takes away from useful things(like sleeping with a dog curled up next to me or cleaning out the house).
I admit to being slightly uncomfortable with this realization. I went to a bunch of fancy schools and got a bunch of fancy degrees so that people would listen to me when I'm acting all fancy smart, and now my life's one true desire is to mow my lawn and take my dog to the park? These days I'm genuinely more interested in staying home to clean my bathroom than I am going to work to answer email, and some part of me finds that realizations upsetting. Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?
I think I'm going to need to find an alternative venue for acting all fancy smart, after I retire.
Perhaps where we made the mistake was thinking that this is our life's work. When I'm home, surrounded by the fella's that love me, that is when I am truly happy. Not when I make a good TPS report, or put together a good SOW for a future construction project. Some day, I may drive onto this installation and look again at all the large metal objects that are still standing that I had a hand in. Or maybe I won't, and I'll focus on the bush beans, the chickens, and my love.
It is sad but my "life's work" doesn't really feel like something that no-one else could have done. In fact, there are several someone's in line to replace me in my work of erecting large metal objects.
I think I'd like to refocus my life's work on something that is uniquely mine. Let the young kids have their turn at the fun, and get out of the way.
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Congratulations MomCPA!
Thanks @homestead neohio for the nice words.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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I don't view it as a betrayal of my life's work, I view it as having worked my butt off to reach a point where I can focus on what I want to, where I can pick out my new challenges.
I feel invested in my career path. I've suffered and toiled for years, built something worthwhile, and now I'm casting it all aside. Part of me feels the incipient loss.
But I expressed these feelings to my spouse this morning, and she gleefully reminded me that I suffered and toiled for precisely this reason. I've paid the price to have this option today, so that I can walk away from it all. The bill is paid, so maybe it's time to claim the prize.
And honestly that journey was worthwhile along the way, too. Life has to be about the moment, not the future ends, right? We're all going to die and leave it all behind, so all that matters is what you do along the way. At each crossroads, I chose the path that most appealled to me, and I'm fitfully trying to mentally reframe this next step as another choice towards another path instead of an abdication of the journey thus far. I'm not quite there yet.
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I don't view it as a betrayal of my life's work, I view it as having worked my butt off to reach a point where I can focus on what I want to, where I can pick out my new challenges.
I feel invested in my career path. I've suffered and toiled for years, built something worthwhile, and now I'm casting it all aside. Part of me feels the incipient loss.
But I expressed these feelings to my spouse this morning, and she gleefully reminded me that I suffered and toiled for precisely this reason. I've paid the price to have this option today, so that I can walk away from it all. The bill is paid, so maybe it's time to claim the prize.
And honestly that journey was worthwhile along the way, too. Life has to be about the moment, not the future ends, right? We're all going to die and leave it all behind, so all that matters is what you do along the way. At each crossroads, I chose the path that most appealled to me, and I'm fitfully trying to mentally reframe this next step as another choice towards another path instead of an abdication of the journey thus far. I'm not quite there yet.
Sol, quick question for you- what happened to your plans to continue working past FIRE and subsequently donate your large earnings to charity. I apologize if you have addressed this change of heart- I don't login all too frequently these days. But I do recall you used to frequently make the case that you continuing to work was able to do so much good that it was immoral for you not to continue to work (paraphrased fairly, I hope). '1 man works a tolerable job to save 1000 lives a year' type argument. Have you changed your mind?
Thanks.
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Sol, quick question for you- what happened to your plans to continue working past FIRE and subsequently donate your large earnings to charity.
My plan was to continue working past my March 30th target date and give away half of my gross salary.
The new tax law motivated me to give early, before losing the deductibility of charitable donations, so in December I donated $25k to a DAF. That would require working an extra six months, to earn that much money at a 50% donation rate, since I make about 100k/yr, or working 3 more months if I donate 100% of it (which means paying taxes and insurance and such out of pocket). I then updated my retirement date in this thread to move it forward from March to August.
So it's done before it's done. The money is already gone, before I am retired, and I have committed myself to working longer to earn it back. It's a convoluted sort of reasoning, I admit, but the changing tax laws mean I can donate approximately $7k more to charity by doing it this way instead of as originally planned. Plus there's no backing out now, on the donation side. The only question is whether I can stick with my plan to continue working, or whether I just decide to give it away without clocking the time at my desk.
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Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?
In my case, it was a betrayal of my nonambition ever to have pursued fancy professional credentials in the first place. Now that I'm retiring, I'm answering my true calling (to become a gentleman of leisure).
Exactly this. When the institute finally stops asking me to renew my subscriptions, and throws me out for non-payment, I am actually looking to being able to described myself as a 'lapsed Chartered Accountant'. None of the professional and well-regarded work I did today gave me anything like the feeling of achievement and well-being that the half hour's carpentry at lunchtime did.
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We have 5 folks in March with undecided dates.
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
March is getting pretty close to remain undecided....
Any updates @Badblackgirl , @Clean Shaven , @Sofa King , @MiserlyMiser and @Acastus ?
My job pays out its 401k-type plan at year end, in a roughly 70/30 split. I received the 70% part and am waiting on the 30% to post. In past years, it's posted in early February, so hoping it hits soon.
Then I give notice -- probably 30 days.
I'm willing to stay attached to the job on a very very part time basis -- basically project type work -- but I don't think they typically do that, so I doubt it'll be offered. That's fine by me.
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None of the professional and well-regarded work I did today gave me anything like the feeling of achievement and well-being that the half hour's carpentry at lunchtime did.
This is beautiful....
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My job pays out its 401k-type plan at year end, in a roughly 70/30 split. I received the 70% part and am waiting on the 30% to post. In past years, it's posted in early February, so hoping it hits soon.
Then I give notice -- probably 30 days.
I'm willing to stay attached to the job on a very very part time basis -- basically project type work -- but I don't think they typically do that, so I doubt it'll be offered. That's fine by me.
Thanks for the update @Clean Shaven . If I were you I'd be checking that account every day so I could turn in that notice. Always good to have the money in the account so they don't try to prevent you from receiving your benefit. Some employers will thank you for a job well done and others will turn on you as soon as you announce your intent to leave.
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Thanks for all the encouragement my people. However I want you all to know I've made a terrible mistake. Retirement is awful. I need to find a job... Haaaaaa...
Last day at work was a whirlwind and then I was clearly over-served last night.
Hang in there with your plans Sol. Unless of course you don't want to...
Congratulations to all you people giving notice. Pretty exciting stuff.
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Thanks for the update @Clean Shaven . If I were you I'd be checking that account every day so I could turn in that notice. Always good to have the money in the account so they don't try to prevent you from receiving your benefit. Some employers will thank you for a job well done and others will turn on you as soon as you announce your intent to leave.
I'm checking it every day, for sure. Our policy manual says that in order to receive payment, you have to be employed on the date of payment (or words to that effect). While I don't think this employer would pull an "___ days notice? Nope, you can leave today" on me, and cut me out of that remaining payment, I'm not taking that chance.
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One thing I don't get is I'm seeing a lot of people give really long notices. What's up with that? Maybe I'm a jerk, but nobody I work with or for is going to know I'm leaving until 2 weeks before I do.
No contractual obligation for me, but it’s the norm in my field to give at least a month’s notice, and more like 2-4 if you’re in a leadership position like mine. Giving 2 weeks’ notice would be bridge-burningly short and many colleagues would assume I was fired for some kind of gross mismanagement. So my proposed timeframe was pretty average. Waiting until June would be more than generous, but I might do it.
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I resent the time it takes away from useful things(like sleeping with a dog curled up next to me or cleaning out the house).
I admit to being slightly uncomfortable with this realization. I went to a bunch of fancy schools and got a bunch of fancy degrees so that people would listen to me when I'm acting all fancy smart, and now my life's one true desire is to mow my lawn and take my dog to the park? These days I'm genuinely more interested in staying home to clean my bathroom than I am going to work to answer email, and some part of me finds that realizations upsetting. Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?
I think I'm going to need to find an alternative venue for acting all fancy smart, after I retire.
I struggle with this quite a bit as well. It’s a big part of the reason I feel like I should do consulting work or start some kind of hifalutin’ business after I FIRE. It’s like I can’t get past the sunk costs of education and still feel like I MUST USE THESE GRADUATE DEGREES or I’m wasting all that money and effort.
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I AM FIRED!!
Had my exit interview, security debriefing, met with payroll, turned in the phone, the car, the laptops, the multiple ID badges and security devices, and have signed NUMEROUS documents.
Today was just so surreal. I declined the usual BBQ lunch our group normally does for people leaving (I'm an oddball like that), but acquiesced to morning bagels and fruit. We had a monthly meeting already scheduled for today so they had a little moment for me there, I got a nice card and they thoughtfully skipped the usual plaque (not my sort of thing) and made a donation to a local charity I've been involved with instead. I didn't really expect to feel so emotional on my last day, but damn it I worked with some good people. In my "goodbye" email (sort of a tradition), I closed with a link to The Who's "I'm Free" on youTube :)
Tomorrow, we're getting up early and going hiking. I'll probably take a nap when we get home. Gotta have goals, yo.
Congrats to everyone else who has pulled the plug so far, I am ecstatic to join your ranks! To everyone else, just keep your heads down, YOU GOT THIS!
Oh and @CowboyAndIndian if you'd like to add my age to the list, I am squeaking in at 40, just a few months to spare :) Thank you for keeping the list up to date and neatly formatted!
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Niiiice! Welcome!! Kinda trippy the emotions, right? And strangely exhausting. I was horizontal most of the day today. Hiking (more like snowshoeing here) starts this weekend.
Cowboyandindian, if you wanna add my age at the same time, I'm 33. Thanks.
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Dtaggart, sounds like you didn't have time for a bbq with all that form filling and badge handing overing. Congrats!
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YAY Dtaggart!!! Very happy for you! Enjoy your hike and afternoon nap! :)
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Congrats DTaggart, so awesome to hear!
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Congrats Dtaggart!!
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Congratulations DTaggart!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Way to go Dtaggart!
I especially liked the inclusion of the link to "I'm Free" in your good bye letter.
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I struggle with this quite a bit as well. It’s a big part of the reason I feel like I should do consulting work or start some kind of hifalutin’ business after I FIRE. It’s like I can’t get past the sunk costs of education and still feel like I MUST USE THESE GRADUATE DEGREES or I’m wasting all that money and effort.
It's been interesting watching this conversation unfold. I feel somewhat the same, however I don't feel like I ever obtained a degree based on what I thought was important to bring to the world, but rather obtained a degree solely to make myself money. I intend on consulting on and off after FIRE but that's because I'm a busy-brain and would like to save extra money to go back to school to earn degrees of my choosing, with no career strings attached.
Also, PTF, as I'm in the 2020 cohort and am living vicariously through this thread. Congratulations to all of you! I love reading the stories!
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Congrats DTaggart !!!!! Yeah !!!!!
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Welcome to FIRE @momcpa , @DTaggart , and @Wintergreen78 . I hope you all got to sleep in and have fun on your first day off!
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Classic! My cousin sent me a mystery song to play on my drive home on my last day. It was both annoying and celebratory... But as is my norm when teaching myself to enjoy new music I just cranked it up on repeat the whole way home. And now I just hum it all the time... enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G-7P6-FLLM
Makes me think we should get a 2018 cohort mix tape going!
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Another "I'm Free" - from a later era:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVGf3ePIO04
-
Makes me think we should get a 2018 cohort mix tape going!
My submission is from bakari's early days on the forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geTSBFb_GR4
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I'm moving to this group from the 2019 group. It's just time. I turn 58 this month, so not super early, but we're ready - my husband already retired last year. I'll get a part-time/fun job in a few months.
I'm giving notice in early March after I get last year's bonus. I'll give a month-ish, so planning on my last day being March 30. The last day of that pay period is April 1st. :-)
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Makes me think we should get a 2018 cohort mix tape going!
My submission is from bakari's early days on the forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geTSBFb_GR4
Let's just make this the most eclectic 4 songs to start a mixtape.
https://youtu.be/vA06__bqar0
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I love the idea of singing The Who's "I'm Free" on my last day!
I met with our Fidelity rep today to go over the details. Everything looks good! I am on track to FIRE 5/25 (I will be 55).
Can't wait! I am literally counting down the number of work days left. Every morning before I start working I write the day's number down on a piece of paper. Today was day 78. 77 working days to go.
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Another "I'm Free" - from a later era:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVGf3ePIO04
I went to see The Soup Dragons at Brixton Academy when I was about 16! Blur were an almost unknown support act, ha ha.
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Welcome Moxie!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Another "I'm Free" - from a later era:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVGf3ePIO04
On my playlist. Thanks!
On a side note, new FIRE activity --- go through the entire "What are you listening to Now" thread.
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Another mixtape submission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gemNU9mTsig
And markets drop 2.5% the day after I leave work. I've been joking this exact thing would happen for months. I know I'll be fine, but seriously, not funny! :)
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And markets drop 2.5% the day after I leave work. I've been joking this exact thing would happen for months. I know I'll be fine, but seriously, not funny! :)
<updates asset list>
Phew, I'm still FI ;)
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DTaggart.....my thoughts exactly. Feels like the market had it's eye on us! Told a long time friend who I enjoy talking finances with that I'd see him at the coffee shop. I'd be the waitress working for tips after this sudden downturn. Just kidding.
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And markets drop 2.5% the day after I leave work. I've been joking this exact thing would happen for months. I know I'll be fine, but seriously, not funny! :)
<updates asset list>
Phew, I'm still FI ;)
Just a preview.
I retire May 1st. :)
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Congratulations to all the recent retirees - I love this forum and this cohort.
Mrs PD and me are into our last three months now. She’s really busy at work (small employer and she’s a “big fish” within it.) I’m a manager in a European based global megacorp and they’ll have forgotten about about a week after I’m gone. I’m not complaining though, I’ll have forgotten them even quicker.
In contrast to DW, I’m getting bored at work. I’ve been signposting my retirement for a year now. My successor has been selected from within my team so I’ve been training him up and slowly handing over my tasks for some time. Feels great, but the time is dragging a little.
Best wishes to all.
PD
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Makes me think we should get a 2018 cohort mix tape going!
My submission is from bakari's early days on the forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geTSBFb_GR4
Let's just make this the most eclectic 4 songs to start a mixtape.
https://youtu.be/vA06__bqar0
Love it!
I'm going with this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaGUr6wzyT8
This was also my exit song from high school when I got my Uni offer so will bookend my career nicely!
Edited as quoted wrong message!
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Let's just make this the most eclectic 4 songs to start a mixtape.
@Patches I was about to tease you about revealing an advanced age with your use of the word mixtape. I then saw your age and was surprised that you even know that tape was once used to record audio.
mixtape. - cassette tape -1980's
CDmix 90's
playlist 2000's
Of course I could be chronologically miscalibrated.
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Haha no way I'll ever give up the term! :)
So many fond memories making a tape by sitting next to the radio, waiting for the dj to play Aerosmith or LL Cool J or some such thing until the tape was completed.
Regardless, according to the internet 'mixtape' can still correctly be used to describe a playlist.
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Makes me think we should get a 2018 cohort mix tape going!
My submission is from bakari's early days on the forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geTSBFb_GR4
Let's just make this the most eclectic 4 songs to start a mixtape.
https://youtu.be/vA06__bqar0
Love it!
I'm going with this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaGUr6wzyT8
This was also my exit song from high school when I got my Uni offer so will bookend my career nicely!
Adding my personal favorite, and keeping with the eclectic theme by adding a different genre. I will be blasting this on the stock stereo of my tiny hatchback after turning in my badge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5HNCw3VLB0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5HNCw3VLB0)
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Makes me think we should get a 2018 cohort mix tape going!
My submission is from bakari's early days on the forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geTSBFb_GR4
Let's just make this the most eclectic 4 songs to start a mixtape.
https://youtu.be/vA06__bqar0
Love it!
I'm going with this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaGUr6wzyT8
This was also my exit song from high school when I got my Uni offer so will bookend my career nicely!
Adding my personal favorite, and keeping with the eclectic theme by adding a different genre. I will be blasting this on the stock stereo of my tiny hatchback after turning in my badge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5HNCw3VLB0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5HNCw3VLB0)
I'm starting to think we need to add a new column to the FIRE date list!
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And here is a song that I post on behalf of the 2019 Cohort
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TRVuJxIRd9U
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Most days I work from home and in recent years I have slowly reduced the frequency of trips to the office. Now I run about once every 6-8 weeks.
I had to go into the office last week for an annual kickoff meeting that the company does to recap last year and set goals for the new year. Same stuff year after year but I do get to stay in a fancy hotel and have lunch with my co-workers.
On this trip I often thought about how this is the last time that I will have to do this.
I will miss the co-workers but not the job. This was a company that was once always on those best places to work lists but over the past 7 years has become the place that only cares about the bottom line, that doesn't replace people when they leave or retire, and that doesn't really care about the workers at all.
I could feel all of this in the conversations with co-workers; there is just a general sadness about the office that they might not notice but it really seems obvious to me. The sad thing is that so many of them are stuck there with no hope of early retirement or retirement at all. Perhaps when I announce my retirement, they will reassess their priorities. There is always hope.
So the countdown continues...
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Makes me think we should get a 2018 cohort mix tape going!
My submission is from bakari's early days on the forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geTSBFb_GR4
Let's just make this the most eclectic 4 songs to start a mixtape.
https://youtu.be/vA06__bqar0
Love it!
I'm going with this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaGUr6wzyT8
This was also my exit song from high school when I got my Uni offer so will bookend my career nicely!
Adding my personal favorite, and keeping with the eclectic theme by adding a different genre. I will be blasting this on the stock stereo of my tiny hatchback after turning in my badge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5HNCw3VLB0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5HNCw3VLB0)
I'm starting to think we need to add a new column to the FIRE date list!
Is this to literal? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZclddLcOYYA
Getting a mixtape just right is hard...
-
Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
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Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
It was only the worst day on a points basis, not percentage. Congrats on quitting the job!
Remember, the market is up 40% in 15 months, this is not yyyyuuugggeeee in the scheme of things
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Makes me think we should get a 2018 cohort mix tape going!
My submission is from bakari's early days on the forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geTSBFb_GR4
Let's just make this the most eclectic 4 songs to start a mixtape.
https://youtu.be/vA06__bqar0
Love it!
I'm going with this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaGUr6wzyT8
This was also my exit song from high school when I got my Uni offer so will bookend my career nicely!
Adding my personal favorite, and keeping with the eclectic theme by adding a different genre. I will be blasting this on the stock stereo of my tiny hatchback after turning in my badge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5HNCw3VLB0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5HNCw3VLB0)
I'm starting to think we need to add a new column to the FIRE date list!
Is this to literal? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZclddLcOYYA
Getting a mixtape just right is hard...
This mixtape is shaping up nice! And I love the High Fidelity reference there at the end. I could get a Google drive thing going and share it... Or should we kick it old testament and do CDs??
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Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
Looks like Mrbeardedbigbucks jumped the gun. Can we blame him for the market drop ;-)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18 step_away
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 FLStache
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Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
Well, look at this way, you've gotten that out of the way, so nothing but up from here! Congrats on FIRE'ing!
I was wondering if the recent slide has impacted any of the 2018 cohort. It's really just back to where it was a month ago, but psychologically it certainly could have an effect.
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I'm not happy about the market drop this past week but at least it is happening now instead of after I retired.
All you engineers , know about hysteresis, right? I 'm right in the zone. It's not big enough to make me come out of retirement , but it is big enough to make me think about delaying retirement. I have two months to go , lets see what happens.
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Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
Well, look at this way, you've gotten that out of the way, so nothing but up from here! Congrats on FIRE'ing!
I was wondering if the recent slide has impacted any of the 2018 cohort. It's really just back to where it was a month ago, but psychologically it certainly could have an effect.
I am indifferent to slightly happy about the market drop, but I have two chunks of money coming in equal to about 5% of my net worth to invest. That and I was able to deploy some money into REITs that pay 6% and 7.6%. Its not a bunch, but I'd like to have those at a decent allocation of my portfolio. I figure if I need 3.5% to retire and I have some stuff that I'm buying with a 6% and 7.6% yield and 5ish% annual increases, I'll probably be okay. It also pays out monthly and buffers against the need to sell assets
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Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
Well, look at this way, you've gotten that out of the way, so nothing but up from here! Congrats on FIRE'ing!
I was wondering if the recent slide has impacted any of the 2018 cohort. It's really just back to where it was a month ago, but psychologically it certainly could have an effect.
I’m mildly pleased about it since I’m trying to max out at least one retirement account before I quit, and I don’t plan to touch my investments for at least a couple years. I don’t think anything short of another 2008 would lead me to change my plans dramatically.
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Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
Congratulations, Mrbeardedbigbucks! Welcome to the 2018 FIREee club!
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Sure has been a bunch of panic on the MMM-related threads on Facebook. I don't think a lot of the Facebook readers ever actually read MMM.
We have 7 more months of paychecks coming in, so I'm happy the stock market is down for a bit. We're putting in about $9000 in my 401K and and $16,000 in my wife's. (She has paychecks thru the end of August, I just go thru mid-May.)
We're still committed to retiring in May.
If we sell our old home we'll carry on with renovating the flip-house. If we can't get it to sell and the market stays up we'll sell stock to fund the renovations. If the market drops, we'll postpone the renovations.
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If the market takes a really bad nosedive you have all kinds of strategies in place, cutting expenses, a side gig of income, renting out a room, etc.
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Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
Congrats Mrbeardedbigbucks! I am 100% in agreement with you on your last point. (I am looking forward to pulling the cord in June). Since it is no secret at work that I am leaving soon, folks ask me every day "What are you going to do?" I wonder if this is the refrain because they cannot decide what they would do or if they just want to live vicariously through me. Anyway, I think others do not clamor to do what I am doing because they are not willing to endure a little risk. To me the risk is that I stay in my job and die in my office.
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I'm also happy with the market drop, assuming it stays low enough for me to make a few purchases. I have increased 401k contributions to hit the 2018 max via paychecks and severance, which end in April. If the market continues to drop and stays low through that time, I'll make some sizable purchases at a discount right before I stop accumulating shares. Delaying the date at which I leave this job is not an option!
I have committed to investing certain amounts at certain times to maximize the employer match. I can't control what the market does, so I'll just watch and smile. If it turns into a serious bear market, I could either continue with my planned year or two off, then earn enough to cover expenses doing fun jobs (not selling investments), or I could look for a (probably not fun) job which allows me to buy more through a down market, then take my time off. I don't think we're headed for a bear market, and even if we are, I expect I need the time off now and I'll have the cash buffer to still do it. But I guess I don't really know what I'll do until I get there. Short term market gyrations won't change anything. If this is the start of something longer, probably still won't change anything.
Life is more fun with a little risk.
Agreed.
To me the risk (to avoid) is that I stay in my job and die in my office.
Nice.
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Life is more fun with a little risk.
quote author=aperture link=topic=34836.msg1887019#msg1887019 date=1517884784]
To me the risk (to avoid) is that I stay in my job and die in my office.
[/quote]
In a weird way, I'm grateful for the recent dip/drop we are experiencing. It gave DH and me a chance to ask hard questions about strategy, should we adjust course, extend our working life, etc, with a real crisis looming (instead of with the confidence of a bounding market). In the end, the answer is still no. We know what we have in reserve and we know what adjustments to make to our spend to survive a down market. We had that conversation in a healthy way (as the reduced spend items mainly impact things that are important to him) and it gave us the chance to get there together instead of me deciding for us.
No panic here!
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I was wondering if the recent slide has impacted any of the 2018 cohort. It's really just back to where it was a month ago, but psychologically it certainly could have an effect.
I've known this was a very real possibility, what with the market being so hot over the past year or two. So I over-saved, I have several back-up plans in place, and a fair amount of cash reserves. Consequently I'm not too worried (no more than my normal level of anxiety about life). I just feel the specific timing of the drop, coinciding pretty much EXACTLY with my last day of work, was a big 'ol FUCK YOU from the universe. Very rude :)
On the other hand, maybe we can hurry up and get the next recession out of the way so I don't have to keep worrying about it.
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Congrats to the class of 2018 confirmed retirees! Especially to momCPA, patches, and Wintergreen78 who helped us finish strong in January.
I have 2 more months and every time a new responsibility shows up I roll my eyes and groan, even though I have plenty of time to do it. Good thing I'm remote so people don't have to see me doing this. I really should take my own advice and savor the entire experience, enjoying the anticipation and relishing the expectation of not having to do this kind of work again. I will practice that today as I slog through all the work I've been putting off. I can get caught up and then reply to the boss about status.
Also, a big thanks to @CowboyAndIndian for keeping us all up to date. I'm saying thanks because otherwise it would be a thankless job.
We have 5 folks in March with undecided dates.
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 MiserlyMiser
03/??/18 Acastus
March is getting pretty close to remain undecided....
Any updates @Badblackgirl , @Clean Shaven , @Sofa King , @MiserlyMiser and @Acastus ?
I'm no longer March. I'm still planning for 2018, but I don't know when.
The reason is, I have a work project that I find really interesting, and I want to see it through to a certain stage at least.
A sub-reason within just the past few days is the stock market. I'm still above my number, but it was so nice to see that extra margin of safety (it made me nervous, though--I'm always waiting for the other shoe), and it's going to take me a while to get used to the dip (assuming it sticks). And if it's the harbinger of a larger negative turn, then I'd like to wait at least a little while to see how far it goes down.
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I have now got to see this reaction with 2 people leaving, but my manager gives them the silent treatment once they give there notice. She won't talk to them or acknowledge them. We will see if it holds true for me.
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[quote author=SugarMountain
I was wondering if the recent slide has impacted any of the 2018 cohort. It's really just back to where it was a month ago, but psychologically it certainly could have an effect.
[/quote]
If you're going to be a retired person invested in stocks, you're at times going to have to sell at less than all-time highs. I'd suggest you come to terms with this prior to retirement. If you haven't yet come to terms with it, I'd suggest continuing to work and save.
Note: I'm one week into retirement and am in full-blown vacation mode. No cares beyond recreation, food and drink.
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I'll be honest, I am a little mad for not having the paycheck to buy in while stocks are on sale, but overall not very worried. I am grateful that I have been working part time for a few weeks as I have earned enough to cover a few months of living expenses. Plus, I am really busy getting our house ready for our move.
DH did get an offer for work while we are in the PNW, and at the time I didn't like the idea, but now I am considering it. There's a few reasons why, but the stock market drop is only one of them.
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Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
Congrats Mrbeardedbigbucks! I am 100% in agreement with you on your last point. (I am looking forward to pulling the cord in June). Since it is no secret at work that I am leaving soon, folks ask me every day "What are you going to do?" I wonder if this is the refrain because they cannot decide what they would do or if they just want to live vicariously through me. Anyway, I think others do not clamor to do what I am doing because they are not willing to endure a little risk. To me the risk is that I stay in my job and die in my office.
Thank you! You're absolutely right Aperture. Get busy living or get busy dying.
I came to a realization that the movie Shawshank Redemption is a metaphor for working in corporate America. After a while people get institutionalized. All they know is the safety and security of the same routine everyday. Their company and career gives them a sense of purpose and identity. They have a boss that they like to complain about but in reality they need that authority in their lives to provide direction. Most of their friends are at the company. Many of them eat two meals a day there. They don't want to leave all that behind because who will they gossip with and what will they complain about? How would they explain to other people on the outside what they do for a living? Corporate walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. After long enough, you get so you depend on 'em. That's 'institutionalized.'
The favorite part of my day over the last few months was slowly cleaning out my office. Everyday I would take something and shred it, recycling it, throw it out or take it home. I felt like Andy Dufresne in the prison courtyard, emptying his pockets full of the prison wall that he dug out with a rock hammer over a period of 19 years (16 years for me). In four weeks I'll finally crawl out of a tunnel of shit into the free world. If the stock market decide to take a serious dump....I'll take what's left of my stash, pack up the Subaru and drive down to Mexico or another low cost of living country. Maybe open a backpackers hostel and fix up an old boat on a beach.
When you guys retire..do me a favor. There's this big hayfield up near Buxton. You know where Buxton is?
Ok, ok, this is getting out of hand. Good luck to everyone. Don't hesitate to retire in 2018 no matter what this stock market does and for the love of god, don't go back and "consult". Go carve a chess board out of soapstone or fix up an old boat instead.
MrBeardedBigBucks out.
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Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
Congrats Mrbeardedbigbucks! I am 100% in agreement with you on your last point. (I am looking forward to pulling the cord in June). Since it is no secret at work that I am leaving soon, folks ask me every day "What are you going to do?" I wonder if this is the refrain because they cannot decide what they would do or if they just want to live vicariously through me. Anyway, I think others do not clamor to do what I am doing because they are not willing to endure a little risk. To me the risk is that I stay in my job and die in my office.
Thank you! You're absolutely right Aperture. Get busy living or get busy dying.
I came to a realization that the movie Shawshank Redemption is a metaphor for working in corporate America. After a while people get institutionalized. All they know is the safety and security of the same routine everyday. Their company and career gives them a sense of purpose and identity. They have a boss that they like to complain about but in reality they need that authority in their lives to provide direction. Most of their friends are at the company. Many of them eat two meals a day there. They don't want to leave all that behind because who will they gossip with and what will they complain about? How would they explain to other people on the outside what they do for a living? Corporate walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. After long enough, you get so you depend on 'em. That's 'institutionalized.'
The favorite part of my day over the last few months was slowly cleaning out my office. Everyday I would take something and shred it, recycling it, throw it out or take it home. I felt like Andy Dufresne in the prison courtyard, emptying his pockets full of the prison wall that he dug out with a rock hammer over a period of 19 years (16 years for me). In four weeks I'll finally crawl out of a tunnel of shit into the free world. If the stock market decide to take a serious dump....I'll take what's left of my stash, pack up the Subaru and drive down to Mexico or another low cost of living country. Maybe open a backpackers hostel and fix up an old boat on a beach.
When you guys retire..do me a favor. There's this big hayfield up near Buxton. You know where Buxton is?
Ok, ok, this is getting out of hand. Good luck to everyone. Don't hesitate to retire in 2018 no matter what this stock market does and for the love of god, don't go back and "consult". Go carve a chess board out of soapstone or fix up an old boat instead.
MrBeardedBigBucks out.
Love this, Mr.BeardedBigBucks. Agree completely. And great minds think alike -- I posted this on the 2019 Cohort Thread last week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN7tVwiwGUc
Cheers!
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Well, it's done. I just quit my job on the single worst intraday drop in the history of the Dow Jones. I'm 80% stock. My withdrawal rate will be roughly 3% annually. As of last week I had about 1.2M but it's bleeding by the day. My wife and I will rely on ACA for health care. Life is more fun with a little risk.
Congrats Mrbeardedbigbucks! I am 100% in agreement with you on your last point. (I am looking forward to pulling the cord in June). Since it is no secret at work that I am leaving soon, folks ask me every day "What are you going to do?" I wonder if this is the refrain because they cannot decide what they would do or if they just want to live vicariously through me. Anyway, I think others do not clamor to do what I am doing because they are not willing to endure a little risk. To me the risk is that I stay in my job and die in my office.
Thank you! You're absolutely right Aperture. Get busy living or get busy dying.
I came to a realization that the movie Shawshank Redemption is a metaphor for working in corporate America. After a while people get institutionalized. All they know is the safety and security of the same routine everyday. Their company and career gives them a sense of purpose and identity. They have a boss that they like to complain about but in reality they need that authority in their lives to provide direction. Most of their friends are at the company. Many of them eat two meals a day there. They don't want to leave all that behind because who will they gossip with and what will they complain about? How would they explain to other people on the outside what they do for a living? Corporate walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. After long enough, you get so you depend on 'em. That's 'institutionalized.'
The favorite part of my day over the last few months was slowly cleaning out my office. Everyday I would take something and shred it, recycling it, throw it out or take it home. I felt like Andy Dufresne in the prison courtyard, emptying his pockets full of the prison wall that he dug out with a rock hammer over a period of 19 years (16 years for me). In four weeks I'll finally crawl out of a tunnel of shit into the free world. If the stock market decide to take a serious dump....I'll take what's left of my stash, pack up the Subaru and drive down to Mexico or another low cost of living country. Maybe open a backpackers hostel and fix up an old boat on a beach.
When you guys retire..do me a favor. There's this big hayfield up near Buxton. You know where Buxton is?
Ok, ok, this is getting out of hand. Good luck to everyone. Don't hesitate to retire in 2018 no matter what this stock market does and for the love of god, don't go back and "consult". Go carve a chess board out of soapstone or fix up an old boat instead.
MrBeardedBigBucks out.
Amazing. This really hit me (and I love that movie too). I recently joined the 2022, but am begin to dream or more fittingly hope ('Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.) that I may be able to FIRE this year. Thanks Mr.BeardedBigBucks for giving me hope.
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I set a tentative date as June. It may come earlier if I really feel fed up... In a solid financial condition so I can do it anytime... At minimal, get my bonus at the end of Feb ;-)
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I've now set an official departure date with my firm to finish out my final week on Friday, March 2nd. I’m updating the list to reflect that change and the other updates posted since CowboyAndIndian's last revision (C&I, I second the others in thanking you for your yeoman's service in keeping the list up-to-date!). But I’ll hold off on slapping a "CONFIRMED" label onto my date until it arrives (to avoid counting that chicken before it actually hatches).
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
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We have early 2018 planned for down-shifting and mid to late 2018 for full RE.
As someone else mentioned, I also am trying to wrap my head around the switch from saving to withdrawing.
Yeah, me, too. We're planning to move abroad, as well. So I go between feeling pretty okay and "on top" of things, to freaking out completely. So much to think about: How to "scaffold" our different savings/investment accounts, how to access them, tax implications, thinking about residency, etc. It can get so incredibly overwhelming to think about.
Thanks for sharing your feelings! I feel the same way! Mixed feelings can be confusing and overwhelming sometimes.
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As it gets closer to FIRE for me, I have two competing emotions. The first is 'Holy Shit, am I really doing this? Am I really quitting and not going back to work somewhere else?' the second it 'Holy shit, I can't believe I put up with this crap for as long as I have'.
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As it gets closer to FIRE for me, I have two competing emotions. The first is 'Holy Shit, am I really doing this? Am I really quitting and not going back to work somewhere else?' the second it 'Holy shit, I can't believe I put up with this crap for as long as I have'.
I'm there too.
It's been 20 years for me in a tough occupation, which has caused two 500+ mile relocations, ended a five year relationship, and was directly responsible for one carpal tunnel surgery. And lots of teeth grinding while sleeping, according to my wife. OTOH, it was well compensated enough, since I am going to FIRE shortly.
The last year or so has been a lot of thinking along the lines of "I am literally trading the remainder of my life for money, for each day or week or month I keep doing this." I knew people in my field who died at their desks. I knew others who kept working and working and died at 60, 65, etc, due to poor health caused by being shackled to a desk 60-70 hours a week. I know others right now - even in my office - who so merged their identity with their work that they continue to come to the office at age 70 or 80 because they can't think of anything else to do.
Soon to be free from it all!
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As it gets closer to FIRE for me, I have two competing emotions. The first is 'Holy Shit, am I really doing this? Am I really quitting and not going back to work somewhere else?' the second it 'Holy shit, I can't believe I put up with this crap for as long as I have'.
I can totally relate to this. Good for you!
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I'm still on the fence about making 2018 the year of ER. I went to part time on Jan 1, 2017. This is pretty good because I still have a nice income and I get to take several extended vacations per year.
Yesterday I got my first '3' rating in my career (always 4 or 5 before) and was basically told it would be difficult to get above a 3 due to my part time status. This year the 3 is costing me about 8K in bonus.
This is making me lean more towards making 2018 the year. I will have a new boss in the next month and this also might sway my timing.
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I might regret this but I'm going to push through until June instead of leaving in April, per my boss's request. My rationale is that a couple more months will let me max out both my retirement accounts, or come very close. I also have a vacancy on my team that I'd really like to get filled before I leave.
Updating as follows:
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
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I had a meeting with my manager today and gave my notice. It looks like they have accepted my last day as 4/3. But, it's not quite official yet. I wanted to provide a little more than 2 weeks notice to help with the transition. But, I was prepared to walk out of the door if necessary. I definitely feel relieved. I don't have to be so paranoid about getting pulled into long term projects.
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Was at lunch today with five colleages and my boss. One of them brings up the topic of "Do you know so and so. I called him up to discuss some changes and asked his opinion, he said he didn't care and was retiring. He's 49!!"
Wow, did I ever have to bite my tongue. I may literally be telling my boss tomorrow to elevate that I would be willing to take a severance if they want to remove my layer of management as part of any needs to prove "cost reductions". I don't know if I should go as far to say "I'm considering retiring either five months from now or a year from now"
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I had a meeting with my manager today and gave my notice. It looks like they have accepted my last day as 4/3. But, it's not quite official yet. I wanted to provide a little more than 2 weeks notice to help with the transition. But, I was prepared to walk out of the door if necessary. I definitely feel relieved. I don't have to be so paranoid about getting pulled into long term projects.
Well done! I had kind of the opposite experience today talking about kicking off a project in July that I’ve been working towards for years and would really like to be involved with. I guess it’s a fair trade for all the ridiculous time-wasting things I don’t have to care about anymore.
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I'm in one of the busiest times of year for my current position. My wife had ankle surgery a couple weeks ago and can't bear weight yet, so that has added to my workload a bit.
Yesterday morning, I was working on some photography processing, trying to learn some new photoshop skills and realized the time had gotten away from me and it was time to get ready for work. I was annoyed, but then had the great thought that in 4 months, I will have all the time I want to learn and improve my craft. Made me happy!
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As word gets out that I am retiring next month, I am amazed at the number of people who feel the need to tell me things like how expensive health insurance is, or how the market is tanking, or how bored I will be. Even my DW looked at me the other night when the stock market was in the news and asked, "Are we going to be OK"? All you really need to say people is, "Congratulations'". Come on March 28th!
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We have a cleaner one morning a week (I know, but it was a non-negotiable condition of DW returning to PT work after having the kids). It felt really weird telling him that we wouldn't need him after October as we would be retiring. I'm 51. He's 76.
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We have a cleaner one morning a week (I know, but it was a non-negotiable condition of DW returning to PT work after having the kids). It felt really weird telling him that we wouldn't need him after October as we would be retiring. I'm 51. He's 76.
Being a house cleaner at 76 is a helluva hard job. :-(
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Confirmed!!! Handed in my PC and badge at noon today. Amazing feeling.
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We have a cleaner one morning a week (I know, but it was a non-negotiable condition of DW returning to PT work after having the kids). It felt really weird telling him that we wouldn't need him after October as we would be retiring. I'm 51. He's 76.
Being a house cleaner at 76 is a helluva hard job. :-(
We had a cleaner growing up, an old lady supplementing her pension with a bit of cash in hand for a few hours a week. I think she liked cleaning and it got her out and about. She probably spent it all on her grandkids and I think she even bought us Xmas presents. Maybe he's like her?!
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We have a cleaner one morning a week (I know, but it was a non-negotiable condition of DW returning to PT work after having the kids). It felt really weird telling him that we wouldn't need him after October as we would be retiring. I'm 51. He's 76.
Being a house cleaner at 76 is a helluva hard job. :-(
We had a cleaner growing up, an old lady supplementing her pension with a bit of cash in hand for a few hours a week. I think she liked cleaning and it got her out and about. She probably spent it all on her grandkids and I think she even bought us Xmas presents. Maybe he's like her?!
To each their own, and if you enjoy house cleaning, sounds fine. However, I'd imagine that it's a hard job on the body of an average 76 year old. I hope he's not doing it because it's either that or cat food. Doing it because you enjoy it & your body can handle it is something else altogether.
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We have a cleaner one morning a week (I know, but it was a non-negotiable condition of DW returning to PT work after having the kids). It felt really weird telling him that we wouldn't need him after October as we would be retiring. I'm 51. He's 76.
Being a house cleaner at 76 is a helluva hard job. :-(
We had a cleaner growing up, an old lady supplementing her pension with a bit of cash in hand for a few hours a week. I think she liked cleaning and it got her out and about. She probably spent it all on her grandkids and I think she even bought us Xmas presents. Maybe he's like her?!
To each their own, and if you enjoy house cleaning, sounds fine. However, I'd imagine that it's a hard job on the body of an average 76 year old. I hope he's not doing it because it's either that or cat food. Doing it because you enjoy it & your body can handle it is something else altogether.
Quite. We don't have a cleaner at the moment but I have a line item in my projected expenses for one. Because I'm retiring and cleaning is work that I hate! We'll see how it plays out as part of our plan is moving into a smaller place and obviously I'll have more time, maybe we won't end up getting one. I like doing laundry and cooking so I'm ok there!
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Confirmed!!! Handed in my PC and badge at noon today. Amazing feeling.
Congrats, JLT! Welcome to the merry band of confirmed 2018 FIREees!
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We're still on target for May.
My wife mentioned that she's getting tired of the passive-aggressive "lucky" comments she's been getting at work.
I'll feel more comfy if our old house sells before we retire. That will provide us a very nice cash buffer.
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Confirmed!!! Handed in my PC and badge at noon today. Amazing feeling.
Congrats and welcome to the club!!
-
We have a cleaner one morning a week (I know, but it was a non-negotiable condition of DW returning to PT work after having the kids). It felt really weird telling him that we wouldn't need him after October as we would be retiring. I'm 51. He's 76.
Being a house cleaner at 76 is a helluva hard job. :-(
We had a cleaner growing up, an old lady supplementing her pension with a bit of cash in hand for a few hours a week. I think she liked cleaning and it got her out and about. She probably spent it all on her grandkids and I think she even bought us Xmas presents. Maybe he's like her?!
To each their own, and if you enjoy house cleaning, sounds fine. However, I'd imagine that it's a hard job on the body of an average 76 year old. I hope he's not doing it because it's either that or cat food. Doing it because you enjoy it & your body can handle it is something else altogether.
Quite. We don't have a cleaner at the moment but I have a line item in my projected expenses for one. Because I'm retiring and cleaning is work that I hate! We'll see how it plays out as part of our plan is moving into a smaller place and obviously I'll have more time, maybe we won't end up getting one. I like doing laundry and cooking so I'm ok there!
I certainly wouldn't fancy doing it at that age, but he seems to enjoy it. Fortunately it's for extra pin money rather than avoiding cat food. We've been without him for a few months whilst he recovered from a major heart attack and multiple bypass surgery, but he was determined to get back to it. As he said, it's much more of a workout than the exercises the hospital gave him. We're now his last client so I think he'll probably retire when we do - but I wouldn't bet on it.
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We're still on target for May.
My wife mentioned that she's getting tired of the passive-aggressive "lucky" comments she's been getting at work.
Me too!
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/it's-not-'luck'/
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Congrats JLT !!!!!!!
-
Congratulations JLTinVA!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 thriftycanadian
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The favorite part of my day over the last few months was slowly cleaning out my office. Everyday I would take something and shred it, recycling it, throw it out or take it home. I felt like Andy Dufresne in the prison courtyard, emptying his pockets full of the prison wall that he dug out with a rock hammer...
Thanks Mrbeardedbigbucks, this is the best thing I have read on this forum in the last month. Literally laughed out loud. It may strike me as so funny because I have been doing the same thing. I opened a file cabinet last week and gleefully noted all the files I have collected over 15 years that I need to carry out to the big blue shredding box. There is a small measure of happiness in carrying home my photos, mementos, shredding unneeded paperwork and generally winding down small responsibilities. In my small homage to 'Office Space', I will leave one last item to carry home on my last day: the stapler I purchased with my own money because all the office staplers were shit.
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The favorite part of my day over the last few months was slowly cleaning out my office. Everyday I would take something and shred it, recycling it, throw it out or take it home. I felt like Andy Dufresne in the prison courtyard, emptying his pockets full of the prison wall that he dug out with a rock hammer...
Thanks Mrbeardedbigbucks, this is the best thing I have read on this forum in the last month. Literally laughed out loud. It may strike me as so funny because I have been doing the same thing. I opened a file cabinet last week and gleefully noted all the files I have collected over 15 years that I need to carry out to the big blue shredding box. There is a small measure of happiness in carrying home my photos, mementos, shredding unneeded paperwork and generally winding down small responsibilities. In my small homage to 'Office Space', I will leave one last item to carry home on my last day: the stapler I purchased with my own money because all the office staplers were shit.
This is great. I am doing the same thing. After working 35 years my office was full of pictures, memento's and just general crap. I started taking out a little every day. The only bad part was one the sr managers noticed my office looking pretty bare. He put two and two together and asked me what my plans were. I admitted that I was thinking about retiring and figured to be gone sometime in the next year. I did not tell him that my planned date is April 6, but I did say that if anyone at work pissed me off, I wanted to be ready to leave at a moments notice. I think he thought I was kidding but I have noticed my boss being a lot nicer to me lately!
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The favorite part of my day over the last few months was slowly cleaning out my office. Everyday I would take something and shred it, recycling it, throw it out or take it home. I felt like Andy Dufresne in the prison courtyard, emptying his pockets full of the prison wall that he dug out with a rock hammer...
Thanks Mrbeardedbigbucks, this is the best thing I have read on this forum in the last month. Literally laughed out loud. It may strike me as so funny because I have been doing the same thing. I opened a file cabinet last week and gleefully noted all the files I have collected over 15 years that I need to carry out to the big blue shredding box. There is a small measure of happiness in carrying home my photos, mementos, shredding unneeded paperwork and generally winding down small responsibilities. In my small homage to 'Office Space', I will leave one last item to carry home on my last day: the stapler I purchased with my own money because all the office staplers were shit.
This is great. I am doing the same thing. After working 35 years my office was full of pictures, memento's and just general crap. I started taking out a little every day. The only bad part was one the sr managers noticed my office looking pretty bare. He put two and two together and asked me what my plans were. I admitted that I was thinking about retiring and figured to be gone sometime in the next year. I did not tell him that my planned date is April 6, but I did say that if anyone at work pissed me off, I wanted to be ready to leave at a moments notice. I think he thought I was kidding but I have noticed my boss being a lot nicer to me lately!
I just told DW this morning I am surprised I haven't had any comments as my desk is barren....
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The favorite part of my day over the last few months was slowly cleaning out my office. Everyday I would take something and shred it, recycling it, throw it out or take it home. I felt like Andy Dufresne in the prison courtyard, emptying his pockets full of the prison wall that he dug out with a rock hammer...
Thanks Mrbeardedbigbucks, this is the best thing I have read on this forum in the last month. Literally laughed out loud. It may strike me as so funny because I have been doing the same thing. I opened a file cabinet last week and gleefully noted all the files I have collected over 15 years that I need to carry out to the big blue shredding box. There is a small measure of happiness in carrying home my photos, mementos, shredding unneeded paperwork and generally winding down small responsibilities. In my small homage to 'Office Space', I will leave one last item to carry home on my last day: the stapler I purchased with my own money because all the office staplers were shit.
This is great. I am doing the same thing. After working 35 years my office was full of pictures, memento's and just general crap. I started taking out a little every day. The only bad part was one the sr managers noticed my office looking pretty bare. He put two and two together and asked me what my plans were. I admitted that I was thinking about retiring and figured to be gone sometime in the next year. I did not tell him that my planned date is April 6, but I did say that if anyone at work pissed me off, I wanted to be ready to leave at a moments notice. I think he thought I was kidding but I have noticed my boss being a lot nicer to me lately!
I just told DW this morning I am surprised I haven't had any comments as my desk is barren....
I've been getting a lot of comments, but I also recently started office-sharing, so I'm just saying I'm trying to be considerate of the person I'm sharing my office with.
-
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
Just removed myself off this copied list - not ready to pull the plug just yet. Wont hit my invested goal and a couple other financial goals (around my kids) this year unless the market explodes back into a bull. Congrats to those who are for 2018!
-
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Clean Shaven
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
Just removed myself off this copied list - not ready to pull the plug just yet. Wont hit my invested goal and a couple other financial goals (around my kids) this year unless the market explodes back into a bull. Congrats to those who are for 2018!
+1
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I love the office cleanout comments...yesterday one of our admins noticed my shred bin *really* full. He's always considerate and grabs the bin to empty it in his, I've got a locking office and he has to empty his every night. Also pulled four books off the bookcase that'll make it into our "Free Library" in the neighborhood whenever its a pleasant enough day to go for a walk.
Just a little bit of dirt in the pockets every trip
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Hey @Cheddar Stacker, sorry to see you go. Are you joining the 2019 cohort?
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The stock drop last week rattled me, but it was not unexpected. I think I am over it. I figure random movement until April, then the market goes up when basically every company reports 10-20% higher net earnings. P/E's may go down overall, but since it will be because E went up, it is OK. Taking a little air out of the Shiller CAPE is a good thing, IMHO.
I should still be on track to FIRE in 2018. Not sure if there will be a delay. March was range finding anyway.
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Hey @Cheddar Stacker, sorry to see you go. Are you joining the 2019 cohort?
Not sure yet. May stick around for my masters, PHD, post doctorate.
When I first posted in this thread 3+ years ago 2018 was a long-shot but I wanted a very aggressive goal. I'll likely end up negotiating a high paying part time gig at my current employer in the summer of 2020. That will be the 20 year mark for my career. Hopefully pretty close to FI by then, and I can throttle up or down with work as necessary for a couple more years.
Good luck to the rest of the 2018 class. I'll keep cheering you on and watching from the sidelines.
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Update for me:
Short version: I'm not retiring.
Slightly less short version:
(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/500x/63087827/just-when-i-think-im-out-they-pull-me-back-in.jpg)
Longer version:
Tried to give notice, higher-ups ask if I am interested in a program that allows me to work much much fewer hours (like 1/4-time), which still includes benefits. I do the math on the requirements and it requires a commitment of about 40 hours per month. I accept. Worst case scenario is that I decide I don't want to even do that, and I quit (again).
So, I guess I'm officially out of the class of 2018.
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Short version: I'm not retiring.
Man down!
We're dropping like flies out here. A little bit of market volatility, and the mustachians flee for the safety of their cubicles? What happened to all that optimism from two months ago, when everyone was moving their date up.
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I was ready to walk. But 10 hrs/week average, with benefits (incl 20% 401k employer contribution), and about $3000/mo takehome... seems OK to me.
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I was ready to walk. But 10 hrs/week average, with benefits (incl 20% 401k employer contribution), and about $3000/mo takehome... seems OK to me.
I'd be tempted to stay for that, too!
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I'll be joining this group. Have been reading for years, never post though.
I have been close to pulling the trigger the last few years, but due to the wife and myself desire of a house, walking distance to the beach in Florida I waited out a bit longer. Live in Georgia currently. The wife and I have a 4 month old, I will be a stay at home dad while she goes back to work in September, She is a flight attendant and has a very flexible job so in time she will only have to work 8 days a month or so. I'll be a few months shy of 41.
How we got here. We were fortunate/smart to buy several properties at the right time. And it helps my wife has a hard time spending money on anything besides organic food and travel so we also pumped a lot of money into stocks and the 401k. Weve been married for 14 years and only have had 1 car the whole time.
Well pay for the Florida house in cash. We have 350k in our 401k that we will let grow and continue to add to it through the wifes job and fun jobs I am sure ill pick up along the way (This will be old age money). Our after tax account 500k will pay for taxes and insurance on our expensive house by the beach with only dividends. We also will still keep a mortgage free rental we own in Florida which will pay for the utilities and other bills on our new house. I also got inspired by the solar article Pete just put up and will most likely install that soon after moving in. We will live off the wifes income for everything else. We will most likely slowly ramp up spending as we realize we aren't spending enough. So the idea is to continue living a similar lifestyle that we do know and to slowly increase our spending as we realize our cushion is too big. The increased spending will almost all be on travel type things, Skiing, scuba, rent a sailboat, deep sea fishing etc well be able to do those expensive things more often than we do now.
Thanks for all the inspiration from reading this site and the reinforcement that we are not alone.
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Clean-shaven, that sounds like a pretty sweet deal. I'd definitely do it! 10 hrs a week is exactly the right amount of work IMO. And I know how important benefits are to you lot over there.
Mogadishu - welcome and congrats on the impending retirement. Your wife sounds like she has a pretty sweet gig too, just working a few days a month.
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Short version: I'm not retiring.
Man down!
We're dropping like flies out here. A little bit of market volatility, and the mustachians flee for the safety of their cubicles? What happened to all that optimism from two months ago, when everyone was moving their date up.
We appear to have the normal amount of drop outs judging from previous cohorts. Especially when you consider this is probably the largest cohort yet. Most people won't drop out until we get close to their original goal month even if they were already well aware they weren't going to make it. I personally am impressed at how many successful graduates we already have.
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Sorry to see you go @Clean Shaven.
Welcome to the cohort @Mogadishu, did not see a date, so put you at the end.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/16/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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Still on target for May 1st.
Looks like my cheap-ass employer doesn't want to pay as much as the job candidate I found them 5 months ago is currently making.
Of course, being dumb-asses, they didn't bother to find that out until now.
So, despite giving them 7 1/2 months notice, it looks like they'll turn the replacement process into a last-minute cluster-f*ck anyway.
I care about my customer and their success, so I'm a bit flexible on the dates. But my GAF-meter is pretty much worn out as far as the daily grind goes, so I'm not all *that* flexible.
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I was ready to walk. But 10 hrs/week average, with benefits (incl 20% 401k employer contribution), and about $3000/mo takehome... seems OK to me.
That's great. That's the power of being able to walk away, you find out about all kinds of options you didn't know about
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01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
Today was the last day of work for my DH. He is really excited for early retirement. FINALLY!
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Short version: I'm not retiring.
Man down!
We're dropping like flies out here. A little bit of market volatility, and the mustachians flee for the safety of their cubicles? What happened to all that optimism from two months ago, when everyone was moving their date up.
We appear to have the normal amount of drop outs judging from previous cohorts. Especially when you consider this is probably the largest cohort yet. Most people won't drop out until we get close to their original goal month even if they were already well aware they weren't going to make it. I personally am impressed at how many successful graduates we already have.
Come back Clean Shaven!
Seriously, can't we please keep him/her in the list but marked as 'Part Time' rather than 'Confirmed' as previous cohorts have done? They've cut themselves a sweet deal which deserves celebration, not banishment by the IRP!
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Come back Clean Shaven!
Seriously, can't we please keep him/her in the list but marked as 'Part Time' rather than 'Confirmed' as previous cohorts have done? They've cut themselves a sweet deal which deserves celebration, not banishment by the IRP!
Lol @PhilB , did not expect to be called IRP!
If the group agrees, we can create a section called partially-FIRE'ed and add him there.
@Clean Shaven, what do you think about it?
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Come back Clean Shaven!
Seriously, can't we please keep him/her in the list but marked as 'Part Time' rather than 'Confirmed' as previous cohorts have done? They've cut themselves a sweet deal which deserves celebration, not banishment by the IRP!
Lol @PhilB , did not expect to be called IRP!
If the group agrees, we can create a section called partially-FIRE'ed and add him there.
@Clean Shaven, what do you think about it?
Doesn't matter to me - I'm OK with a "downshifted into part time" section, or just being left off the 2018 list. The MMM site and forum definitely helped me focus on finances and be able to pull this off.
I'm going to about 1/4-time status in an industry where this rarely is allowed. I pretty much expected the company management to respond to me with "sorry, we can't do that, guess you're resigning" - but they didn't.
It's also entirely possible that I flake off so much this year that they just fire me. That's OK too. I'll have health insurance until then! Just going to let the stash grow, maybe even be able to contribute to it a little.
Going skiing in Utah next week, and then (conditions dependent) in Colorado for 10 days in early March. I live near Tahoe and we have crap for snow this season. Time to go chase some powder!
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It's interesting to see what previous cohorts have done:
- 2015 only shows those who fully fired so I guessing any part timers were cast into the outer darkness.
- 2016 included them on the list, but only gave them a title case 'Going Part Time' against full caps for the righteous ranks of the 'CONFIRMED'.
- 2017 gave both groups the same prominence with 'Confirmed' vs 'Part time' and even kept the OMY people on the bottom of the list - though whether this is out of a desire to be inclusive or to name and shame I don't know...
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Happy Valentine's Day Gimesalot !!! Congrats to DH !!
-
I know I am late to this party but it looks like my DH and I will be FIREd in a couple of weeks. It will be the end of this month or sometime in March depending on when his current project at work wraps up.
-
My $.02 on the Clean-Shaven predicament: we should err on the side of not becoming Internet Retirement Police.
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CowboyandIndian, do you mind removing me from the list please? See post #1038, I’ve reclassified to 2019, but it looks like I’m still showing up on the lists. Good luck to all 18’ers that remain!!
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I agree that part-timers should stay on the list! I am going to retire from my real job but I plan to find something part-time after a few months off. It's not any different from have a side hustle IMO. Right?
I still haven't told my manager because I'm waiting until I get my bonus at the beginning of March. I am probably going to offer to stay until mid-April because I just found out that 2 software products I work on will have a release in early April and I would really be leaving my team in the lurch. I'll update my date when I know for sure.
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2 software products I work on will have a release in early April and I would really be leaving my team in the lurch.
This is Stockholm syndrome at its finest, right?
If you are so invaluable to your employer at a key time, they should be paying you more.
Do you think they would consider your suddenly dire family situation if they were doing layoffs? Why should you consider their suddenly dire business situation when you're retiring? This is supposed to be a mutually beneficial arrangement in which they give you money and you give them work and everyone benefits from the trade.. The amount of money should scale with the importance of the work.
I do not plan to consider my employer's needs while FIREing any more than they would consider mine while firing.
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2 software products I work on will have a release in early April and I would really be leaving my team in the lurch.
This is Stockholm syndrome at its finest, right?
If you are so invaluable to your employer at a key time, they should be paying you more.
Do you think they would consider your suddenly dire family situation if they were doing layoffs? Why should you consider their suddenly dire business situation when you're retiring? This is supposed to be a mutually beneficial arrangement in which they give you money and you give them work and everyone benefits from the trade.. The amount of money should scale with the importance of the work.
I do not plan to consider my employer's needs while FIREing any more than they would consider mine while firing.
Sol, Moxie says they don't want to leave their team in the lurch not the company. That's a different kettle of fish.
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2 software products I work on will have a release in early April and I would really be leaving my team in the lurch.
This is Stockholm syndrome at its finest, right?
If you are so invaluable to your employer at a key time, they should be paying you more.
Do you think they would consider your suddenly dire family situation if they were doing layoffs? Why should you consider their suddenly dire business situation when you're retiring? This is supposed to be a mutually beneficial arrangement in which they give you money and you give them work and everyone benefits from the trade.. The amount of money should scale with the importance of the work.
I do not plan to consider my employer's needs while FIREing any more than they would consider mine while firing.
Sol, Moxie says they don't want to leave their team in the lurch not the company. That's a different kettle of fish.
Exactly. I have been laid off before and it was right in the middle of a project. I don't know (or care) how they managed. But I don't want my teammates to be collateral damage because of me. On the other hand, if my manager tries to make my life difficult, I'll walk away with no guilt because my teammates would understand my position.
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Best of luck with 2019 cohort @Pylortes.
Welcome @PKate (and DH).
Welcome back @Clean Shaven. Do you have a specific date?
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/18 Clean Shaven Going Part Time
04/01/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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3-1-18 - going part time (age 45).
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Word is getting around the organization quickly but not why...so when I hear " I heard you're leaving!" my standard response is that "my husband and I are taking a sabbatical from adulting and going to take the RV around the country for a spin."
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Going skiing in Utah next week, and then (conditions dependent) in Colorado for 10 days in early March. I live near Tahoe and we have crap for snow this season. Time to go chase some powder!
My granddaughter and her mommy flew in to SFO from Aspen yesterday, ahead of a big storm. Today is a complete whiteout, ergo a school snow day. She hopes she can get back the vacation day for future use. Not sure where you're planning on skiing in CO, but the Magic 8 Ball says things are looking good for your proposed early March pilgrimage.
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I just submitted my paperwork for 6 months long service leave from 22nd October, which I am declaring my FIRE date at this point.
It is, however quite rubbery and I may have to enrol in 2019 year. I have been downshifted to 3 days a week for 23 years now, so I don't feel I can claim that I am FIRED until I am either full FIRE, or I drop another day, or like Ozbeach I go back and only work a few weeks.
Reasons for this rubberiness are :
1. due to a resignation, my boss has said I can only take 3 months if that position is not recruited by then. If this is the case I will ask for the other 3 months ( or maybe longer) once the position is filled.
2.Last year I moved and bought a new PPOR: in order to retire I am subdividing and flipping the main house and subdividing a couple of blocks of land off to sell. This will leave me with my life dream of a few acres for retirement. I can't retire until these are sold/on the market. I hope this will be nearly complete this year, but everyone says it always takes longer than you think
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I do not plan to consider my employer's needs while FIREing any more than they would consider mine while firing.
I agree. It probably means I'm a jerk, but I did my time and I am ready to move on to freedom.
March 28 cannot come soon enough!
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I'm having one of those days today where I'm seriously considering giving notice. 5 weeks until bonus day...
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I'm having one of those days today where I'm seriously considering giving notice. 5 weeks until bonus day...
Hold on. Wait till the bonus hits the bank and then give notice!!!!
Some places will not give the bonus when you resign before it, ask me how I know ;-).
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I'll be downsizing to part-time on my date cause I'm self-employed.
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I just submitted my paperwork for 6 months long service leave from 22nd October, which I am declaring my FIRE date at this point.
Congrats on getting that paperwork in!
Haha, I've submitted it but its not approved. I just thought I'd put the ball in their court and let them know I'm serious.
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I am giving notice on the date of my annual review; Feb. 22. Retirement date is April 6.
The bonuses are paid on March 17 but they are now set in the system so it is too late for Megacorp to cut mine out. Mrs HF has already given notice for March 30. Things are happening!!
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Fixed Honeyfill, Mrs Honefill and Clean Shaven dates.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) Going Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/30/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
-
Hi, I’m a long-time lurker, but I just had to share with people who definitely won’t react negatively: my husband and I are joining the 2018 cohort! We’ve been planning for several years to retire in 2020, but a windfall from my husband’s grandfather’s estate several months ago has let us go two years early.
My husband’s last day will be April 25, so he can retire at 39 (it’s just before his birthday ;) ) He's already given notice since he works with only 2 others.
My last day will be May 10, a few weeks before my due date with our second baby. I’ll be 35. I'll have to file my maternity leave plans soon, but will hold off on actually quitting until a month ahead.
We’re pretty excited to be able to both be home for our newborn and almost-2 year old, and to spend more time outside with them – we live in Cranbrook BC and love hiking and camping all around the east kootenays.
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Added modernaimend and husband :)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) Going Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/30/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
-
Hi, I’m a long-time lurker, but I just had to share with people who definitely won’t react negatively: my husband and I are joining the 2018 cohort! We’ve been planning for several years to retire in 2020, but a windfall from my husband’s grandfather’s estate several months ago has let us go two years early.
My husband’s last day will be April 25, so he can retire at 39 (it’s just before his birthday ;) ) He's already given notice since he works with only 2 others.
My last day will be May 10, a few weeks before my due date with our second baby. I’ll be 35. I'll have to file my maternity leave plans soon, but will hold off on actually quitting until a month ahead.
We’re pretty excited to be able to both be home for our newborn and almost-2 year old, and to spend more time outside with them – we live in Cranbrook BC and love hiking and camping all around the east kootenays.
Congrats! And, stick around to post more!
We're in eerily similar situations. We have a two-year-old and a baby due in May, which will prompt our co-FIREing on May 4th. We're also somewhat similar ages. Unfortunately, we don't live in lovely BC.
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
Or if you've already FIRE'd tell us how wonderful it is. My remaining 8 months is looking like a very steep climb and it would definitely help to see those already at the summit waving encouragement!
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
Today is the day I tell my boss about my plans to retire. However. I'm getting a bad case of the jitters. My date is April 6 but I'm afraid I will weaken and let him talk me into staying longer. The meeting is in two hours. Wish me luck! I'll report back later today on how it went.
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
I’m working on it! Six more days in the office (over then next three weeks). I see there are still several folks on the list in front of me, so I look forward to seeing some celebrations before my time comes.
Today is the day I tell my boss about my plans to retire. However. I'm getting a bad case of the jitters. My date is April 6 but I'm afraid I will weaken and let him talk me into staying longer. The meeting is in two hours. Wish me luck! I'll report back later today on how it went.
Good luck! Be strong!
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I'm in the same position.
We had a team meeting yesterday and my supervisor kept looking at me and saying "Gyosho needs to stay around to work on Project X for a LONG TIME". I just smiled.
Help me to stay strong!
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
Or if you've already FIRE'd tell us how wonderful it is. My remaining 8 months is looking like a very steep climb and it would definitely help to see those already at the summit waving encouragement!
FIRE is really wonderful. I sleep deeply and am never sleep deprived. I have read more books in Jan (approx 20) than I did in the previous year. I am walking about 3 miles each day (thanks to DW). I am watching a movie a week on date night with DW (thanks Moviepass for $10/month unlimited movies!). I am working on some small tasks around the house, but I do not have the motivation to get into high gear and complete my honey-do list. I am working thru my detox and am gradually becoming motivated in doing some stuff that I am interested in.
Only wish was I had FIRE'ed when the weather is warmer/sunnier. NJ in winter is dark, gloomy with occasional rain/snow, so am stuck in the house.
If you have not already done so, go ahead and find out what you want to do when you are FIRE'ed. I always recommend Dr Dooms post exploration of what you would do https://livingafi.com/2015/03/09/building-a-vision-of-life-without-work/.
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
I cannot provide an update on FIRE yet. My last day is scheduled for 4/3. I gave notice on 2/8. I have been in my position for 12 years and wanted to give them time to fill the position and work on transitioning knowledge and processes.
Someone may find this helpful. Over the last year I found it both relaxing and productive to work on documenting my daily tasks, personal/experiential knowledge and transition plans. It gave me something productive to do when I found it hard to focus on actual work. It also helped to make the ever distant FIRE event seem real. I provided this documentation to my manager when I gave notice. I think this has reduced the level of panic for my manager, director and coworker (that will takeover most of my responsibilities).
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
Or if you've already FIRE'd tell us how wonderful it is. My remaining 8 months is looking like a very steep climb and it would definitely help to see those already at the summit waving encouragement!
Okay, I'll play. I hit FIRE in 2012, a year for which there is no cohort, alas. It's almost 10 am. After a couple of weeks of busy busy (of course it is the good kind of busy busy - my own), today is a blissfully unscheduled day, so I'm still in bed, reading on my not-an-ipad thingy.
I promise it's every bit as good as you hope it will be. Having a cohort makes it that much easier. Go, Class of 2018!
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
Someone may find this helpful. Over the last year I found it both relaxing and productive to work on documenting my daily tasks, personal/experiential knowledge and transition plans. It gave me something productive to do when I found it hard to focus on actual work. It also helped to make the ever distant FIRE event seem real. I provided this documentation to my manager when I gave notice. I think this has reduced the level of panic for my manager, director and coworker (that will takeover most of my responsibilities).
Thanks, LostForMars -- this is great. I am in my last year (targeting an early 2019 exit) and am stressed and finding it hard to focus. This will give me something concrete to work on that will help everyone.
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
Or if you've already FIRE'd tell us how wonderful it is. My remaining 8 months is looking like a very steep climb and it would definitely help to see those already at the summit waving encouragement!
I go for walks in the middle of the day. I've taken a few mid-afternoon naps. I can keep up with my normal household/yard chores without feeling rushed and stressed. Spent some time working on the old truck. I've managed a couple of short hikes, but the weather has been pretty shitty (first cold and snowy, now warm and rainy). I'm looking forward to April and May, when I'm planning on doing some wildflower hikes and birding.
I'm still in detox phase, although I am starting to feel a little restless about the need to find something meaningful that will fill a little time, but not too much time. This being such a critical mid-term election year, I might volunteer for a political campaign. I did go to DC last week to lobby my representatives and senators on an issue that is important to me. That was good, but also felt a little odd because it was very closely tied to what I used to do for my career.
Just when I was starting to feel like I'm not getting enough rainbows and unicorns out of my FIRE experience, I spent about an hour and a half talking to the person who took over my job. She's already ready to quit because of all the impossibly insane bullshit. Nothing like a little vicarious dose of reality to make me grateful that I'm FIREd!
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
I’m working on it! Six more days in the office (over then next three weeks). I see there are still several folks on the list in front of me, so I look forward to seeing some celebrations before my time comes.
Today is the day I tell my boss about my plans to retire. However. I'm getting a bad case of the jitters. My date is April 6 but I'm afraid I will weaken and let him talk me into staying longer. The meeting is in two hours. Wish me luck! I'll report back later today on how it went.
Good luck! Be strong!
Things went better than expected. I had dropped some hints that I was thinking about retirement this year. My boss found out and gave me a smaller raise than expected. However , he made up for it by giving me a much bigger bonus. Since I am retiring this spring , the bonus is worth a lot more than the raise! That was nice of him, he had to pull a few strings to make it happen.
He did not complain about the April 6th date, He wished me well and congratulated me on being able to retire early.(Is 60 early?) Next step is to get the paper work to HR.
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
Or if you've already FIRE'd tell us how wonderful it is. My remaining 8 months is looking like a very steep climb and it would definitely help to see those already at the summit waving encouragement!
Well, the first 3 weeks of being retired has been a delight. Snowshoeing trips, visiting family in Idaho, relaxing with my kids. Looked at a couple of industrial properties with a partner here in Seattle. The numbers haven't worked so we haven't bought any more yet. Basically pretty amazing not having to be anywhere I don't want to be. Indeed, what everyone on here said about ER seems true.
Jobs I've been offered or aggressively pushed to apply for:
- lumber trader in Seattle
- experimental forest manager at University of Idaho
- investing in and running a retail music store in Seattle
- purchasing and running a family friend's 1,000 acre farm in Idaho
It's as if people think I deep down actually want a job (or maybe they think I'm lying and was actually fired.. from my own company no less!) All those jobs are interesting. All would be a ton of work. I've taken risks in and worked my ass off in these fields already and I'm pleased to say, no thanks. I'm enjoying doing nothing and can't imagine working again. But again.. I'm only three weeks in.
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After their 3rd attempt to get me to agree to stay another year management have given up and we finally found my replacement and started planning the handover.
So it's happening. Still on track for August FIRE. And got a pay rise and another slug of shares that I'll get 30% of when I leave. A nice surprise.
Megacorp have also asked if I could come back to deliver a project in Q4. 1 week, all expenses, and $1500 a day. Couldn't turn it down.
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I had my final performance evaluation yesterday. I did enjoy hearing the boss drone on about the upcoming big project that I would be leading and how it was such a huge deal, etc. Not going to happen. Bonus check gets deposited on March 9th and I will give notice either same day or the following Monday and then on my 30th anniversary with the company (yes I am much older than most of you) March 28th, I will have my final day at age 54. I'm also on my final on-call rotation which I will be glad never to have to do again. Counting the days...
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I really enjoy reading about your 2018 cohort! It would appear DW and I are in the 2024 Cohort.
The ladies and gentlemen here have much action and celebration.
Thank you for allowing lurkers.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I love hearing how many new job offers people are getting, and how awesome it is to turn them down. I'm downshifting, so I will need work eventually after taking a year or two off, but I have enjoyed turning down new opportunities also. As part of the layoff, my employer has arranged the benefit of working with an employment agency who will can help me land my next job. No thanks! My employer also arranged late last year for a local employer in a related field to come to the work site to pitch their company and discuss upcoming positions as they scale up hiring in Q1 2018. Honestly, it would have been great timing to make the switch to a new job doing the same thing. But I'm done with work, so I didn't even go to the presentation. Co-workers were asking, "Are you going to go?" and I was all "Nope." There have been many similar moments where my present self thanks my past self for being so disciplined a saver and investor.
I do wonder how much of this related to the tight job market, and how much is that mustachians are amazing, resourceful, and capable people that employers are desperate to retain.
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I'm in finance in one of the best markets in the country, the number of job offers I'm turning down is crazy. My biggest issue is my team is being poached and the Megacorp I'm working for has the corporate motto of "why do today what you can put off until next year?" to meet quarterly earnings.
I'm either a June 2018 of February/March 2019, but if people keep leaving my job becomes a bigger PITA....
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I have a spreadsheet at work that I have been using to countdown for the last 3 years. Besides a countdown calendar with one cell for every day until my FIRE date, it has everything else on separate sheets that I have thought of over the years: a PTO accumulation sheet, a tax-deferred contribution sheet, a master plan calculator with years until I am 105, a pension future-value strategy calculator and etc. It is a bit of a time-waster at work, and it is both my secret joy and secret suffering because no matter what, time at work keeps passing so ridiculously slowly. (I do not recommend a countdown spreadsheet to anyone that has a significant amount of time left. It is too painful.)
Anyway, today I have 125 days until FIRE. Next week, we will put February 2018 to bed and I will have 4 months left. I have been thinking lately about the decision to leave work. I know lots of people at my job that could do what I am doing. They have been working 20+ years and have been contributing to retirement funds and college savings plans and etc., but they are stuck on the notion that they should work tirelessly until the kids are out of college or until they are retirement age. I don't think they have spent 1 hour of their lifetimes thinking about what else they might do if they were to stop working.
I also think about the old people that I have encountered. I mean the people at the end of their lives. I work in medicine so I am seeing them often in the worst of circumstances. Regardless of health status though, the thing that eats at me is that they seem so disengaged and uninterested. They look like they have been watching television for too long and making the same tired conversations for decades. I recognize that these are my subjective impressions and may not reflect anyone's reality but mine.
But here is why these two observations - even if only my own subjective impressions matter to me. Work has shrunk my life to what fits around the edges of the 40+ hour workweek. It is not a bad life, but I notice that weekends and week-long vacations are too short. It is something I cannot put my finger on exactly, but I notice that because weekends are too short, there are things I don't do, and a sense that I must rush to accomplish what I can. Because my life has this 40 hour week most weeks of the year, there may be thoughts I don't think (e.g. dreams I don't dream), and feelings I may not feel. I want more. I just turned 56 last month and I could work another 5 or 10 years, but I want more. I want to invest my healthy weeks and months and years into growing my own life and my own interests. I want to be an 80 year old with relationships to more than the television.
When people ask about my pending retirement "What are you going to do?" this is what I would like to tell them. Instead, I tell them that I plan to be a SAHD and be present in the lives of my high school-age children while they are still home. That is true, but only partially true. The truth is I want to live a life that spreads out over time, and flows into the container of a life without the walls of a work week. I do not know what it will look like, but I feel like it is at once a fulfillment of this life that I have now and an investment in the life I have to come.
Best wishes to you all, aperture.
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I had my final performance evaluation yesterday. I did enjoy hearing the boss drone on about the upcoming big project that I would be leading and how it was such a huge deal, etc. Not going to happen. Bonus check gets deposited on March 9th and I will give notice either same day or the following Monday and then on my 30th anniversary with the company (yes I am much older than most of you) March 28th, I will have my final day at age 54. I'm also on my final on-call rotation which I will be glad never to have to do again. Counting the days...
I retired at 54. Don't worry, it still rocks.
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I just turned 56 last month and I could work another 5 or 10 years, but I want more. I want to invest my healthy weeks and months and years into growing my own life and my own interests. I want to be an 80 year old with relationships to more than the television.
When people ask about my pending retirement "What are you going to do?" this is what I would like to tell them. Instead, I tell them that I plan to be a SAHD and be present in the lives of my high school-age children while they are still home. That is true, but only partially true. The truth is I want to live a life that spreads out over time, and flows into the container of a life without the walls of a work week. I do not know what it will look like, but I feel like it is at once a fulfillment of this life that I have now and an investment in the life I have to come.
Best wishes to you all, aperture.
Beautifully written.
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I have a spreadsheet at work that I have been using to countdown for the last 3 years. Besides a countdown calendar with one cell for every day until my FIRE date, it has everything else on separate sheets that I have thought of over the years: a PTO accumulation sheet, a tax-deferred contribution sheet, a master plan calculator with years until I am 105, a pension future-value strategy calculator and etc. It is a bit of a time-waster at work, and it is both my secret joy and secret suffering because no matter what, time at work keeps passing so ridiculously slowly. (I do not recommend a countdown spreadsheet to anyone that has a significant amount of time left. It is too painful.)
Anyway, today I have 125 days until FIRE. Next week, we will put February 2018 to bed and I will have 4 months left. I have been thinking lately about the decision to leave work. I know lots of people at my job that could do what I am doing. They have been working 20+ years and have been contributing to retirement funds and college savings plans and etc., but they are stuck on the notion that they should work tirelessly until the kids are out of college or until they are retirement age. I don't think they have spent 1 hour of their lifetimes thinking about what else they might do if they were to stop working.
I also think about the old people that I have encountered. I mean the people at the end of their lives. I work in medicine so I am seeing them often in the worst of circumstances. Regardless of health status though, the thing that eats at me is that they seem so disengaged and uninterested. They look like they have been watching television for too long and making the same tired conversations for decades. I recognize that these are my subjective impressions and may not reflect anyone's reality but mine.
But here is why these two observations - even if only my own subjective impressions matter to me. Work has shrunk my life to what fits around the edges of the 40+ hour workweek. It is not a bad life, but I notice that weekends and week-long vacations are too short. It is something I cannot put my finger on exactly, but I notice that because weekends are too short, there are things I don't do, and a sense that I must rush to accomplish what I can. Because my life has this 40 hour week most weeks of the year, there may be thoughts I don't think (e.g. dreams I don't dream), and feelings I may not feel. I want more. I just turned 56 last month and I could work another 5 or 10 years, but I want more. I want to invest my healthy weeks and months and years into growing my own life and my own interests. I want to be an 80 year old with relationships to more than the television.
When people ask about my pending retirement "What are you going to do?" this is what I would like to tell them. Instead, I tell them that I plan to be a SAHD and be present in the lives of my high school-age children while they are still home. That is true, but only partially true. The truth is I want to live a life that spreads out over time, and flows into the container of a life without the walls of a work week. I do not know what it will look like, but I feel like it is at once a fulfillment of this life that I have now and an investment in the life I have to come.
Best wishes to you all, aperture.
Hang in there, ap. I know it seems like time is dragging right now, but those four months will be gone before you know it. I gave notice at the three two month mark, and after that it seemed like I was finally able not care about anything other than tidying up a bit so my successor didn't have to walk into too much of a shit storm. I noticed time passing a lot faster during those final three two months than during the preceding three two months.
And I know what you mean about wanting to let your life expand beyond the confines of the time that is left after you put in your time at work. That was my main reason for FIREing also. I'm only a little less than two months in right now, but the funny thing I'm discovering is that I still feel like I'm not able to get as much done as I want to do. Only now the problem isn't my time, it's the fact that I'm waiting on the time of year to be right, waiting on the weather to improve, waiting on someone else to do some prerequisite activity, etc. Paradoxically, I find myself with a lot of time on my hands, but I'm still not accomplishing everything I want to do. I take solace in the fact that if I don't get it done today, I have tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, and so on. So I fill idle time with reading, going for walks, napping, etc., not to the point of sloth, but just with the understanding that whatever it is I need to do, it generally is no great emergency.
I'm also thinking about taking up something (not sure what yet, maybe volunteering, maybe some hobby) that will get me out among people a couple of days a week. But I'm not pushing too hard to establish a routine yet, given that spring hasn't arrived, and I anticipate ramping up the outdoor activities and short outings once that happens. Don't want to commit to something that doesn't leave me enough time to do those activities.
So I guess my advice is to focus your last few months on getting your house in order, and don't worry about how slow the time seems to be going. Before you know it, you'll have all the time in the world to do what you want to do, and all the time in the world to figure out exactly what it is you want to do.
(Edit: I gave two months notice, not three. How quickly memories fade when we move on to a new phase of life.)
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I’m a long time off-and-on lurker, but I’m finally posting because I’m planning to FIRE this year.
The short version:
- My husband and I became FI about a year ago.
- A few months before that, my mom passed away, leaving my dad on his own in another state.
- Dad is doing well in a sunny Florida, and has no desire to move up here to snowy New England.
- But of course we worry about him so far away with no other family, and the cold winters have started getting to us, so we started talking about moving there.
- Husband works remotely so can move anywhere, but I have a job here that I like, that pays well, with a great company and great bosses.
- I spent a lot of last year riddled with anxiety about the idea of quitting my job, for all the usual reasons that many have posted here before: loss of identity, will feel very guilty for abandoning my company, what am I retiring to, what will others think, etc.
- I think time has slowly been curing my anxiety, and at this point I am gearing up to FIRE.
I’m a little terrified to tell my bosses. I’m planning to give a long notice (about 5 months) to give them time to adapt. I am, however, waiting until after bonuses are paid next month.
But at this point we are planning to move to FL in the fall. My husband is planning to continue working for a few more years because he has “golden handcuffs” that he feels are way too valuable to give up.
I can’t say for sure that I’ll never work again. I may look again if I get bored or feel too guilty about not working while hubby still is. But I’m planning to at least take a long sabbatical to get settled. The internet retirement police may not consider me totally FIRE’d, but I plan to resign next month.
So put me down for 8/31/18, though that date is tentative at this point. I hope I don’t chicken out!
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Welcome @JerseyGrrrl. How awesome, first post and she signs up for a FIRE date!!!
From your name, you must be from my neck of the woods!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) Going Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/30/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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Hi Jerseygrrrl. It’s great to have another fellow 2018 cohort member! Hope your plans work out - I’m sure they will!
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02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) Going Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
Looks like this is going to be a busy week!
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Congratulations Jerseygrrrl. As another planned autumn retiree, I have worried a little about retiring at the start of winter. Your solution of retiring, then moving South to avoid the winter entirely, sounds awesome. You'll be pottering about in a T shirt knowing that if you hadn't pulled the trigger you'd be both working and cold. You may need surgery to get the smile off your face!
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Congratulations Jerseygrrrl. As another planned autumn retiree, I have worried a little about retiring at the start of winter. Your solution of retiring, then moving South to avoid the winter entirely, sounds awesome. You'll be pottering about in a T shirt knowing that if you hadn't pulled the trigger you'd be both working and cold. You may need surgery to get the smile off your face!
How fabulous. When we are retired we are going to leave Sydney every February / March because we get torrential rain - it's miserable to do stuff and the garden will be fine if we leave it!
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Congratulations Jerseygrrrl!!!
Hope those that are taking flight this week will post their experiences. Reading of your departures gets me excited about my own. Best wishes, aperture.
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02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) Going Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
Looks like this is going to be a busy week!
I'm excited for everyone going this week as we finish out Feb and break into March (my month!), but I'm especially excited for @Aegishjalmur and @Caoineag . I know from Caoineag's journal that they are an MMM forum power couple who will pull up stakes and take to the road for FIRE in their self-built, stealthy travel home/van.
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Welcome @JerseyGrrrl. How awesome, first post and she signs up for a FIRE date!!!
From your name, you must be from my neck of the woods!!
I actually don't currently live there, nor do I have any plans to return there. But I'll always be a JerseyGrrrl at heart.
Congratulations Jerseygrrrl. As another planned autumn retiree, I have worried a little about retiring at the start of winter. Your solution of retiring, then moving South to avoid the winter entirely, sounds awesome. You'll be pottering about in a T shirt knowing that if you hadn't pulled the trigger you'd be both working and cold. You may need surgery to get the smile off your face!
Thanks all for the welcome. And it's been fun reading about the 2018 FIRE-ees who have taken the plunge already. I expect I'll have lots of angst to share as the year progresses.
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I get so much vicarious enjoyment from reading this thread as I still have a while to go.
And CowboyAndIndian -- Thanks for posting regularly. Maybe you should start a journal as well to keep busy :)
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Or if you've already FIRE'd tell us how wonderful it is.
There's been a spate of warmer and nicer than usual weather here: we've been spending a lot of time going to the beach or walking along the river. Afternoon naps have also been nice
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I get so much vicarious enjoyment from reading this thread as I still have a while to go.
And CowboyAndIndian -- Thanks for posting regularly. Maybe you should start a journal as well to keep busy :)
Thank you @rpr
No journal for me right now. I am not a very good writer. Being an engineer, I write in very terse style. And my life is rather boring!
I get excited seeing others FIRE both before me and after me. I analyzed the hell out FIRE decisions, but there is always a thought at the back of your mind that maybe I goofed up! Seeing others FIRE now keeps muting that voice at the back of my head!! So, I am excitedly cheering on the 2018 cohort.
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Still not retired (on the edge) but reduced my hours from 70% time to 65% time.
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This group has gone silent. Someone FIRE, please;-)
Or if you've already FIRE'd tell us how wonderful it is. My remaining 8 months is looking like a very steep climb and it would definitely help to see those already at the summit waving encouragement!
I'm just shy of my 1 month FIRE-versary. I haven't been on the forums very much because I no longer feel the need to waste time avoiding things I don't want to deal with, which is my primary motivation for internetting :) I've been getting 9-10 hours of sleep every night, and napping on the days I only get 8 hours of sleep. It's wonderful. We've been getting the dog out every day for a walk, have him up to 2 miles at a stretch now. That's on top of our hiking (without a dog) several times a week. I've also been able to consistently go running a few times a week and am up to 4 miles at a time. My bathroom scale is shit so I don't know how much, but my clothes are fitting a bit looser so I know I'm losing some weight. It's not just the exercise, but getting sufficient sleep all the time has greatly reduced my desire to eat crappy junk food to try and maintain my energy levels.
I went on my first overnight backpacking trip a couple of weeks ago and look forward to doing some more as the weather warms up. I've been able to keep the house much cleaner, which makes me happy. I have a lot of decluttering, organizing, and larger home improvement projects to get to but I don't feel any sense of urgency.
I successfully signed up for our ACA health care plan, which wasn't TOO painful, but they seem to think I'm not eligible for subsidies. Rather than dealing with the hassle of calling them and trying to straighten it out I'm just going to pay OOP and we should get it back on our taxes next year. We're getting piles of useless mail related to the end of the old health insurance, start of the new, and other transitionary crap. Hopefully it subsides after this first month.
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Just 2 months until I FIRE! We're getting close!
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My final month! 8 days until they payout last year's bonus and then I will give my notice. March 28th can't come soon enough...
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My final month! 8 days until they payout last year's bonus and then I will give my notice. March 28th can't come soon enough...
Congratulations Target2018! I bet you are counting the hours now. My bonus is paid n the 9th as well but I am working until April 6 to get one more month of health insurance and because I get one more month of match in my 401k if I wait until that day. It doesn't seem real.
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This is my month! So excited! The end (3/31/18) can't come soon enough. Every little work related thing that comes up seems disproportionately hard and terrible to have to think about. I'm trying to savor the anticipation and not wish it into the past. It is hard.
I'm recognizing I have low motivation to plan things after FIRE. I'm finding I just want to live my simple life and have a period of not being super ambitious, which will be a bit hard to explain to everyone I know who thinks I should get a damn job already. My work gig is such that I could go and work another job and handle my responsibilities on the side, collecting 2 paychecks plus severance this year. That sounds like so much work! I want less work! Specifically less of the work I've been doing for the past 18 years. Some kinds of work sound nice to me, like taming the wild garden. We had plans to do a 6 week cross country road trip to kick things off, but some minor logistical roadblocks and fears we could probably work through are tripping us up. We might put it off until fall or next spring. I don't want it to seem like a burden to pull it together.
I need to make arrangements for health insurance. I was set against COBRA, but now Mrs. Homestead has a medical thing that started in Feb and might last into May or later. We may hit our deductible for her soon, so changing to a new plan with a new deductible could be bad. I think the deductibles are based on costs racked up during the coverage period, not calendar year.
So we're considering COBRA until the next ACA open enrollment. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding if she'll need more tests or procedures, though, so the higher COBRA payments are a hedge against her needing them.
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Well I've got some good news !! After careful consideration I've decided to move my date forward. I just don't want to be a part of a new fiscal year, I can't take it anymore. I've decided to work through the end of our FY and be done with it !!! My official RE date will be Sept 1 instead of December 1. This will give me most of my summer back. The FY ends June 30 and I will work until July 4 then be on leave through August 31st !! Now I'm stoked !!!
P.S. - Only working 3 days per week until then !!!
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Congratulations everyone, its so exciting to hear how close you are getting.
For me, its now less than 8 months to go, until at the least a mini retirement of 3 months. My exact date of complete retirement eludes me still, but once I get to October and take that leave, work will scale back dramatically. I will take as much leave as possible, and drop work days from 3 to 2 if I have to work much of 2019. Unless something unforeseen happens I'll be fully FIRED no later than 30/9/19. Optimistically I still haven't joined 2019 cohort.
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Congratulations everyone, its so exciting to hear how close you are getting.
For me, its now less than 8 months to go, until at the least a mini retirement of 3 months. My exact date of complete retirement eludes me still, but once I get to October and take that leave, work will scale back dramatically. I will take as much leave as possible, and drop work days from 3 to 2 if I have to work much of 2019. Unless something unforeseen happens I'll be fully FIRED no later than 30/9/19. Optimistically I still haven't joined 2019 cohort.
I might also need to move to 2019... We're about 5 months behind where we should be. I'm still optimistic but it's likely that I will be starting 2019 still working 12-15hrs a week.
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Well I've got some good news !! After careful consideration I've decided to move my date forward. I just don't want to be a part of a new fiscal year, I can't take it anymore. I've decided to work through the end of our FY and be done with it !!! My official RE date will be Sept 1 instead of December 1. This will give me most of my summer back. The FY ends June 30 and I will work until July 4 then be on leave through August 31st !! Now I'm stoked !!!
P.S. - Only working 3 days per week until then !!!
Many congratulations Vegasgirl! Me and DW have entered our second last month working. It’s all very exciting.
This is a great thread. So full of positivity. Love it!
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Hi 2018 cohorts - wow there are so many!
Alright, I'm ready - mark me down for 21 September!! There are a few caveats on that date, it may even move forward depending on circumstances :-)
Looking forward to seeing everyone meet their goals
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Well, I've finally told my boss that I am 'very seriously considering' retiring this October and that anything after that would probably be a little bit of consulting here and there rather than formal part time. Given that the other 3 people in my dept are all retiring over the next 14 months, and represent well over 100 years of experience with the company between us, I needed to make it clear that planning to leave me carrying the can wasn't a viable option for the firm!
I may regret saying anything if they don't behave well, but I'm feeling good to have finally broken away from the idea of staying on part time as I don't need the money (and if I did I would much rather stay full time for a shorter period and get it over with).
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I gave my notice! And even though I thought I might have to delay until the end of April because of one last project, it was cancelled, so my March 30 day is firm.
My manager was "devastated" but ultimately understands and is happy for me.
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Welcome Ottawa!
Moved Vegasgirl's date.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) Going Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/30/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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June 2018.
Official notice is in.
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45 working days left until maternity leave (which I'm counting as my FIRE date, but I'll give notice during ML). I have to elect how to take my annual bonus--one option is more advantageous if I stay; the other is more advantageous if I leave. I'm hesitating on putting it into the system, but I think it will feel more official once I do.
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Congratulations everyone, its so exciting to hear how close you are getting.
For me, its now less than 8 months to go, until at the least a mini retirement of 3 months. My exact date of complete retirement eludes me still, but once I get to October and take that leave, work will scale back dramatically. I will take as much leave as possible, and drop work days from 3 to 2 if I have to work much of 2019. Unless something unforeseen happens I'll be fully FIRED no later than 30/9/19. Optimistically I still haven't joined 2019 cohort.
I might also need to move to 2019... We're about 5 months behind where we should be. I'm still optimistic but it's likely that I will be starting 2019 still working 12-15hrs a week.
We're leading parallel lives!
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Welcome, HenryDavid!
@Aegishjalmur, @Caoineag, @PKate ,@Clean Shaven and @brooklynguy: Are you guys confirmed?
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) Going Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/30/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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Are you guys confirmed?
In my case, the deed is done. I am now retired.
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I'm part time. Surprisingly, coworkers are very supportive. I expected some resentment, but nothing I've seen.
I think several are envious. I have rubbed off on a couple of them in getting them to spend less money - got one to switch from a cell phone plan costing $280/mo (3 people) to one about $80/mo.
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It's been a busy few weeks: big re-org at work which makes heaps more pointless work, new executive manager who comes with a less than encouraging reputation, the creation of a new manager position for my group which I pointedly did not apply for, and lots of ideas from my boss about new initiatives that I'm expected to lead in the next year. My boss is now on a three week holiday and I'm planning to give informal notice about a week after her return. 'Welcome Back! BOOM!' However, my last day will likely be early August, then about three weeks of using up vacation days and a symbolic last day at the very end of August.
Hubby and I are busily finishing up projects in the house we're turning into an investment property and planning our celebratory post-FIRE vacation. Lots to do!
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01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED6
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/26/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36)
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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It's Friday afternoon, and I'm still at the factory. It is so amazing to read this thread. I would have loved to ER this year or at least be FI, but still have a few more years to go. Living vicariously. Keep it going!!
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Congrats to Brooklynguy & Clean Shaven !!!
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big week for Mrs HF and I. She moved her day up to March 27. The day after the big yearly fund raiser for her non profit.
I got an ego boost during my trip to Puerto Rico. One of the women engineers in another department who has been on loan to my department pulled me aside and said she wanted to transfer into my group permanently because it is such a better place to work and all my people love working for me. I had to tell her that all I could do is recommend her transfer to my boss because I am leaving. One of the few things I enjoy about my job is the mentoring and career development that I do for my engineers. As I have gotten older and my engineers have gotten younger, My paternal instincts are starting to come out.
I took my entire Puerto Rican staff to lunch on Friday and gave them Friday afternoon off. I made the official announcement at the lunch. I swore them all to secrecy because I am not telling my boss the official date until Tuesday and my Staff in the states the official date until Wed.
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Checking in to confirm that my last day was indeed 2/28/18. Aegishjalmur's work decided to keep him the full notice period so his new date is 03/09/18.
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I took my entire Puerto Rican staff to lunch on Friday and gave them Friday afternoon off. I made the official announcement at the lunch. I swore them all to secrecy because I am not telling my boss the official date until Tuesday and my Staff in the states the official date until Wed.
Now there's a guy who really trusts his staff. Where I worked, that news would have stayed secret for about 30 seconds. ;)
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Congratulations Caoineag!! Sympathies to Aegishjalmur...
I was guessing that you were already on the road and did not have time to confirm :-)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/09/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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I took my entire Puerto Rican staff to lunch on Friday and gave them Friday afternoon off. I made the official announcement at the lunch. I swore them all to secrecy because I am not telling my boss the official date until Tuesday and my Staff in the states the official date until Wed.
Now there's a guy who really trusts his staff. Where I worked, that news would have stayed secret for about 30 seconds. ;)
Yea I know that by
the time I get back to work on Monday everyone will probably know but it's only a couple days. It's too late for them to screw up my bonus so the only thing they can do is offer me some stupid amount of money to stay. I doubt that happens but I'm always open to stupid amounts of money!
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Ahh, the lure of large amounts of money. The DW will hopefully be eligible for company plan retiree healthcare in 49 months. The fine company that I work for decided that they should not offer such a thing anymore and thus have been thrown to the wolves of being on her plan in retirement, if it exists in 49 months or ACA. I may well fall into the OMY trap and not call it until next year or beyond. Am I a pansy? We are FI, pulling the trigger to RE is a big step. A really big step. SWAMI for a while I think is my path for now. Perhaps I will sprout a pair shortly.
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Checking in to confirm that my last day was indeed 2/28/18. Aegishjalmur's work decided to keep him the full notice period so his new date is 03/09/18.
Congratulations! Sorry Aegishjalmur has a few more days of work, but that will keep this group from going a week without a FIREing!
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On Sunday I was talking to my wife about giving notice and said "You know what's weird? It doesn't feel weird." She said that that's how I know it's the right thing to do. She isn't formally a member of our cult, but is about a year ahead of me in all this. It felt very fucking weird the moment I walked back into work, though.
Told my boss I'm leaving. Had a great exit/please-stay discussion with skip-level boss. I think I may have opened his eyes to why some of the things around here work the way they do. Unfortunately, they're really hard to fix if you don't want to go around putting heads on pikes and he's not the type. Maybe over time, if he starts thinking hard about what messages he's sending when making decisions. He's very anti-conflict, but that leads to being anti-change. Damn. Which I'd told him that.
"What are you going to do?" he asked me. "Anything." I said.
I'm casting it as a radical life experiment that I want to do and whose time has come. I think that's truer for me than the 'retirement' label. The more I roll the word 'retirement' over in my head, the less I like it, honestly. Besides all the obvious problems of connotation: there's an overshare about your financial position.
The way I explained it to my Dad, with whom I do talk about money pretty freely, is that if we're making so much money relative to our spending that we're already set for retirement, then we probably aren't hitting the right balance of work and life anymore by continuing that pace. It's not for him, but I think he respects it. We both think Mom's gonna freak out.
Between notice and vacation, I think I formally separate in May.
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Just wanted to share some good news. My daughter got her first "real" job since her illness last summer. I've been subsidizing her rent and health care and to be honest I did not feel comfortable retiring until she was on her own. There goes my last excuse! The amount of money it would take to get me to stay just went up from "stupid" to "absolutely ridiculous" !
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Just wanted to share some good news. My daughter got her first "real" job since her illness last summer. I've been subsidizing her rent and health care and to be honest I did not feel comfortable retiring until she was on her own. There goes my last excuse! The amount of money it would take to get me to stay just went up from "stupid" to "absolutely ridiculous" !
Yeah you and double-yeah her!
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Congratulations Caoineag!! Sympathies to Aegishjalmur...
I was guessing that you were already on the road and did not have time to confirm :-)
...
Nope not on the road yet. I think we have about a month of final preparations before that. On a more positive note, Aegishjalmur should be able to come on this thread this afternoon and confirm it as his last day. They told him yesterday they would so we will see. Keep your fingers crossed.
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Congratulations Caoineag!! Sympathies to Aegishjalmur...
I was guessing that you were already on the road and did not have time to confirm :-)
...
Nope not on the road yet. I think we have about a month of final preparations before that. On a more positive note, Aegishjalmur should be able to come on this thread this afternoon and confirm it as his last day. They told him yesterday they would so we will see. Keep your fingers crossed.
Great news! We need pictures from your time on the road!!
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My retirement orders came in and I've been approved for all my TDY and terminal leave so it's getting real!
Ceremony/last day of work is June 15th, officially retired from Uncle Sugar's Navy 1 September.
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So last week the head of my department, who is retiring soon, and another bigwig take me into the conference room and offer me the opportunity to head a committee at work. I am currently on the committee, but since the department head is leaving, they need a new committee chair.
I had been anticipating and dreading this because I’m not quite ready to quit, but don’t want to accept if I’m planning to leave. I really thought I had dodged a bullet because they waited so long, but no. Luckily, they said at the outset that they wanted me to think about it for a while before accepting, so it was easy to say “yes, I’ll think about it” without saying more.
At the same time, I admit I am flattered. It is a big responsibility and important. This could be a big feather in my cap. For a day or two I had a lot of inner turmoil and reconsidered whether I was ready to retire yet. Should I really FIRE when I have this opportunity? It seems crazy to quit just when the bigwigs are seeing my value.
But after a couple days, I realized that actually performing that job was not a burning desire. Also, I think I just liked the idea of being seen as a leader. I would be seen as important! Ugh. I need to work on my view of my own self-worth.
So after a few more days of boredom on the job, I think I am actually more sure about quitting. Of course, it’s not a done deal until it happens.
Congrats to all those who have recently quit or given notice!! I’m working on the courage.
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Great Grandboss now knows what my plan is, and at every opportunity, he keeps telling me "you should stick around longer" to do this and that.
I finally told him yesterday, that it was a good thing for me that he didn't get to make those decisions, with a big smile on my face.
It was super uncomfortable :)
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Congrats to all those who have recently quit or given notice!! I’m working on the courage.
Try taking a week or two off without going on vacation. I found that unplugging from the work routine (without replacing it with other distractions) helped me find a lot of clarity on what I wanted and why.
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I've recently completed my mid-year performance review, where I get to talk to my immediate supervisor about my career plans. I expressed my dissatisfaction with my current arrangements, without actually giving notice. He tried to offer me alternatives for improving my situation, which is wholly appropriate in his situation, but I had to try to not laugh at how stupendously inadequate every suggestion was, compared to just retiring.
He's retiring later this year, too. It's going to be awkward.
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Anyone else feeling the letdown from stock market roiling? I had my nest egg at the number I wanted in early February, and figured I would just let it ride until earnings season in April-May, then quit. Now it has deflated back below the end of 2017. I only need a 5% return. I am pretty sure earning under the new tax plan will pump up stocks a bit when the new earning hit, but it is hard to look away and just let it happen. Not really looking for a solution, just a shoulder to cry on.
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Anyone else feeling the letdown from stock market roiling? I had my nest egg at the number I wanted in early February, and figured I would just let it ride until earnings season in April-May, then quit. Now it has deflated back below the end of 2017.
No, I'm having the opposite problem. I had already hit my target number and then the stock market spiked 10% in January (!) and I was having a hard time accepting that returns like that were real and not a short term bubble. I was thrilled to see things normalize a little in February without causing a major crash.
I'd rather see the market stay plus or minus 1% for the remainder of 2018 than go up another 20% like last year. Big spikes lead to big drops. I'm staying invested either way, but my partner sleeps better when things are more stable.
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I haven't really looked at this thread too closely, but I'm impressed to see the length of that list of names posted above.
And some of the ages are very young too :)
Well done guys, all very inspiring.
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My DH left the house this morning smiling saying only 27 more days. He has had a few awkward conversations when coworkers have asked him what he plans on doing when he leaves. He hasn't told them he is FI. He has mentioned he wants to completely switch careers and take time to do that. This is something he has always wanted to do so he thought it would be an easier explanation than retiring. The next question from the coworkers is what do I do for work. I don't work and this baffles the coworkers since they know I have a bunch of health issues. I am sure some of this is due to my DH being under 40 years old.
I know one of of his old friends and current project manager knows our situation and is impressed, slightly jealous, very happy for us, and not surprised that we are FI at this point.
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I gave notice at the beginning of November that I would be leaving the company in June. It was a small risk because I could have had a very crappy 8 month slog to departure if people reacted badly. Only a small risk though because I trust my co-workers. Since then, I have been all too flexible in accepting some crappy short-term assignments to off load a partner that is in it for the long haul. I have been pretty candid with my POV on various issues too. Anyway, I was not sure how my annual review and bonus might go since that is where I would get screwed if I was going to get screwed.
Met with my boss last week and did the annual review over coffee. She was 100% gold - appreciated my work, praised me to the hills etc. and told me she had my back on the bonus. I have not seen the number yet, but I at least got the wink that she understood the bargain - I give her a long runway to replace me, and she does not fuck me come bonus season. Will update in April when the check is in the banks (plural because I am hacking checking accounts). Best wishes to you all - aperture.
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In continuing micro-milestones toward FIRE, we're letting daycare know that kiddo won't be attending starting in May. Starting to feel more real. :) 41 workdays left...
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In continuing micro-milestones toward FIRE, we're letting daycare know that kiddo won't be attending starting in May. Starting to feel more real. :) 41 workdays left...
Love the term micro-milestones and your avatar! Congratulations on your impending FIRE.
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In continuing micro-milestones toward FIRE, we're letting daycare know that kiddo won't be attending starting in May. Starting to feel more real. :) 41 workdays left...
Love the term micro-milestones and your avatar! Congratulations on your impending FIRE.
Thank you!
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OK - it is now official, you can put me down as confirmed for March 28th. I told the boss yesterday after I made sure my year-end bonus was in the bank. He took it well and even took me and some peers out for drinks after work. I like him more now that I did for the past 10 years that he has been my boss. Now it is just a matter of time...
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Congratulations Target2018!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/09/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/28/19 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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Can we wait until actual FIRE to mark confirmed? While everything usually goes as planned, just read the prior classes’ threads to see examples of when it doesn’t. Plus, it’s nice to see the check in on people’s last day!
ETA: not to take away from Target 2018's accomplishment. Congratulations on making the announcement!
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I'm excited for everyone going this week as we finish out Feb and break into March (my month!), but I'm especially excited for @Aegishjalmur and @Caoineag . I know from Caoineag's journal that they are an MMM forum power couple who will pull up stakes and take to the road for FIRE in their self-built, stealthy travel home/van.
Laughing my ass off at being called a power couple.
But checking in to confirm I am done. Gave my notice Monday 2/26 with Friday 3/9 being my last day. They let me leave on Wednesday so got a couple days back. It was strange saying goodbye. Half the managers had no clue I was leaving as my manager likes to treat people leavings like a state secret (case and point- co-worker left mid February and last week we had another person on a team we work with daily that was asking when they were due back). I actually expected to be gone earlier as if you are in the system as of the 1st you count against production figures for the remainder of the month regardless of when you leave.
Doesn't quite seem real yet, today feels like a Sunday to me. Late next week is when should start seeming real as haven't had over a week off since I graduated college.
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I'm excited for everyone going this week as we finish out Feb and break into March (my month!), but I'm especially excited for @Aegishjalmur and @Caoineag . I know from Caoineag's journal that they are an MMM forum power couple who will pull up stakes and take to the road for FIRE in their self-built, stealthy travel home/van.
Laughing my ass off at being called a power couple.
But checking in to confirm I am done. Gave my notice Monday 2/26 with Friday 3/9 being my last day. They let me leave on Wednesday so got a couple days back. It was strange saying goodbye. Half the managers had no clue I was leaving as my manager likes to treat people leavings like a state secret (case and point- co-worker left mid February and last week we had another person on a team we work with daily that was asking when they were due back). I actually expected to be gone earlier as if you are in the system as of the 1st you count against production figures for the remainder of the month regardless of when you leave.
Doesn't quite seem real yet, today feels like a Sunday to me. Late next week is when should start seeming real as haven't had over a week off since I graduated college.
Congratulations, and welcome to the other side! Every day is Saturday now.
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O.K. guys, I hope you won't excommunicate me. I'm taking on some intermittent part-time work as an adviser to a permittee that I used to work with in my old job. I'm not sure how much of a time commitment it will turn into, but I'm aiming for no more than 10 hours a week on average. The project should last until October or November.
I'm mainly doing this as a hedge against something bad happening to the ACA. If I had to pay for an individual health insurance policy out of pocket, it would run to around $25k/yr, which would put a serious crimp in my FIRE budget. So I'm doing this mainly to network and keep current in case I should need to earn some real money in the future. If it turns into a PITA or a bigger time commitment than I want, I'll bail.
I'm still calling myself retired!
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Why get excommunicated? This is one of the awesome parts of having options, offers for very flexible, low hour commitment paying work that does dramatically good things for your FIRE number and creates great excess!
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O.K. guys, I hope you won't excommunicate me. I'm taking on some intermittent part-time work as an adviser to a permittee that I used to work with in my old job. I'm not sure how much of a time commitment it will turn into, but I'm aiming for no more than 10 hours a week on average. The project should last until October or November.
I'm mainly doing this as a hedge against something bad happening to the ACA. If I had to pay for an individual health insurance policy out of pocket, it would run to around $25k/yr, which would put a serious crimp in my FIRE budget. So I'm doing this mainly to network and keep current in case I should need to earn some real money in the future. If it turns into a PITA or a bigger time commitment than I want, I'll bail.
I'm still calling myself retired!
Don't move, the Retirement Police are en route to your position.
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Why get excommunicated? This is one of the awesome parts of having options, offers for very flexible, low hour commitment paying work that does dramatically good things for your FIRE number and creates great excess!
Yep, that's how I'm choosing to look at it.
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tag to follow, Good Luck and Congratulations to all you 2018-ers!
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Hello everyone. Long time reader and forum lurker here. Ready to add my name and date to the 2018 cohort after a rough Monday yesterday. I'll tell my story after I give notice (possibly as soon as next week).
Eyeing my last day on May 25th. CAN'T WAIT.
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Congratulations CodeZed! Waiting for your story....
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/09/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35)
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/28/19 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 homestead neohio
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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A month and a half for me. So close!!!
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Giving my notice tomorrow! Any last words of advice? Neither my manager nor anyone else at work has any idea of what's about to happen.
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Giving my notice tomorrow! Any last words of advice? Neither my manager nor anyone else at work has any idea of what's about to happen.
Great News! Congratulations. If you have any desire to keep working, your leverage will never be higher than tomorrow. See if they will consider a stay bonus, part time work, work from home etc. Otherwise , stick to your guns and welcome to the ex-working week.
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Giving my notice tomorrow! Any last words of advice? Neither my manager nor anyone else at work has any idea of what's about to happen.
Go for it and enjoy the moment!!! :)
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Giving my notice tomorrow! Any last words of advice? Neither my manager nor anyone else at work has any idea of what's about to happen.
If your boss likes you and/or appreciates the work you do, be prepared for him/her to put on a full court press to get you to stay. Plan ahead for how you are going to react to that.
Also, be prepared for your boss to be taken off guard and possibly hurt by your decision. I viewed my boss as completely unflappable in any situation, so I was not prepared for his clearly unpleasantly surprised reaction to my announcement.
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Started my "soft quit" today - I submitted my mat leave paperwork and had a chat with my boss that I'd chosen to defer making a decision on claiming mat leave allowances because I'm considering not coming back. I know I won't be, but didn't want to officially quit quite this early, they'll get a month of notice in late April. He was a little surprised but took it well.
It's getting a little more real :)
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Giving my notice tomorrow! Any last words of advice? Neither my manager nor anyone else at work has any idea of what's about to happen.
If your boss likes you and/or appreciates the work you do, be prepared for him/her to put on a full court press to get you to stay. Plan ahead for how you are going to react to that.
Also, be prepared for your boss to be taken off guard and possibly hurt by your decision. I viewed my boss as completely unflappable in any situation, so I was not prepared for his clearly unpleasantly surprised reaction to my announcement.
Good points and I think both of these are likely to happen.
As to the unpleasant surprise, we're in a midst of a large project now so my timing IS bad. And I had my annual review earlier in the week when I really should have told him that I was leaving. But I didn't want to put the (large) bonus at risk - it will be in my account tomorrow morning :-) Oh well, I've decided on this FIRE date 3 or 4 years ago, so there was no telling how busy or slow were going to be. And I suspect that there's never going to be a good time for me to quit from his perspective.
My boss at my prior job used to tell me that if I ever wanted to quit I needed to give him a 10 year notice...
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Aegishjalmur marked confirmed and changed date to 3/7/18.
I just received word that while my official last day is 3/31/18, my effective last day will be lunch on 3/28/18. I will turn in my laptop and all work related expectations cease. I'll be free! Updated my date and added my age.
@Cherry Lane , Friday 3/16 is just around the corner. How are you doing?
We've still got a few folks with undecided dates listed in March. How are things going @Acastus @Badblackgirl and @Sofa King ? Are you going to make it in March? If so, which day? If not, what is the revised plan?
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39)
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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@Cherry Lane , Friday 3/16 is just around the corner. How are you doing?
Thanks for asking. It's almost here!
Yesterday was my last day in the office, but I'm not done work yet. I'm traveling for the rest of the week, with my last presentation tomorrow. I knew I'd be traveling, but it was supposed to be just a mentoring role for a staff member who was to do the presenting (to answer whatever questions he couldn't). But he got injured and couldn't travel, so this isn't quite the laid-back ending I'd hoped for. Fortunately, I've given this talk 100 times before, just not recently (since I've been having others do it to prepare for my absence).
Friday, my last day, will just be making the trip home. Not expecting to do any actual work.
We had a potluck (my choice, spreading frugality!) lunch in the office yesterday to celebrate my departure. Some people I didn't expect to care made a point to come by and wish me well, while others I thought would did not. The big boss told me I'd always have a place there if I wanted to return (so long as he's there, of course), which felt very nice, especially since we've only worked together 1.5 years (I've been there 11).
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@Cherry Lane , enjoy that final presentation today knowing it is your last ever work responsibility and you just have to get home to be done. Very excited for you!
My DH left the house this morning smiling saying only 27 more days. He has had a few awkward conversations when coworkers have asked him what he plans on doing when he leaves. He hasn't told them he is FI. He has mentioned he wants to completely switch careers and take time to do that. This is something he has always wanted to do so he thought it would be an easier explanation than retiring. The next question from the coworkers is what do I do for work. I don't work and this baffles the coworkers since they know I have a bunch of health issues. I am sure some of this is due to my DH being under 40 years old.
I know one of of his old friends and current project manager knows our situation and is impressed, slightly jealous, very happy for us, and not surprised that we are FI at this point.
@PKate , you and your DH are still listed as 2/28/18, but above indicates sometime in April. Do you have a revised date we can add to the list?
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I've done it! I've given notice! I will probably end up working into April so my actual FIRE date will change because my manager and I still need to agree on the logistics of the transition. But it's a done deal!
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I've done it! I've given notice! I will probably end up working into April so my actual FIRE date will change because my manager and I still need to agree on the logistics of the transition. But it's a done deal!
Way to go! How did the discussion go?
Don't let them keep you longer than you want! It is not up to them, it is up to you. I understand wanting a good transition, but this is a time for them to thank you for your work and be nice so you support the transition, not a time for them to dump a shit ton of work on you and push the date out. Some employers don't understand that.
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Hello!
Last day at work is April 27th. Boss was notified in November or so, he wasn't surprised. Apartment lease terminated. Bags packed (not really, I always pack the last minute).
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I've done it! I've given notice! I will probably end up working into April so my actual FIRE date will change because my manager and I still need to agree on the logistics of the transition. But it's a done deal!
Hooray!
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Welcome andkar!
@PKate : did you FIRE?
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39)
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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Also, be prepared for your boss to be taken off guard and possibly hurt by your decision. I viewed my boss as completely unflappable in any situation, so I was not prepared for his clearly unpleasantly surprised reaction to my announcement.
This is what I'm afraid will happen when I give notice. My bosses are going to be pissed! They all think I will be there for another 15+ years. My boss's boss was angry at my coworker when she announced she was retiring--even though she was over 60 and gave 6 months notice.
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So earlier in the thread I mentioned how I was feeling bad about leaving because the head of my department was leaving, plus they offered me a possibly good opportunity to head a big committee.
Just when I convinced myself to refuse this offer, I found out over the weekend that another person in my department gave her two weeks’ notice. So now I was REALLY feeling guilty about leaving, since they’ll be even more shorthanded.
Well, no more.
We got our bonuses today. I’ve been a little disappointed with my bonuses in the past, so this year I really tried to step up. I was asked to take on more duties, and I did. I worked more Saturdays during our busy season than I have in the past. I thought for sure that would get me at least something more.
I got a LOWER bonus than I did last year.
Meanwhile, while my bonus was lower than last year, the share price for the company’s stockholders (officers/bigwigs only) went up.
So I am DONE feeling guilty.
Part of me wants to march in there tomorrow morning and give two weeks’ notice.
But I am too nice, and I don’t believe in burning bridges, and I’d like a good reference in the future. So I will stick to my plan and give notice when busy season is over so as not to overly stress them now and tell them I will stay until the end of the summer to give them time to replace me.
My husband kept telling me not to feel guilty—it’s just business. Today I saw he was right.
NO MORE GUILT.
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We got our bonuses today. I’ve been a little disappointed with my bonuses in the past, so this year I really tried to step up... I thought for sure that would get me at least something more.
I got a LOWER bonus than I did last year.
How long did it take you to figure this out? I've only been working ten years, but it was in year three that I finally figured out that my job performance was in no way related to my pay, promotions, or reputation in the eyes of my superiors in the chain of command. By year five I was already a burned out has-been, but I was a burned out has-been who needed the money.
Every time I have taken on additional responsibilities, or stepped up to answer a challenge, or volunteered for something important, I have universally and without exception been punished for it in one way or another. I am an interchangeable cog in a vast bureaucratic machine, and the only thing that matters is how effectively I perform my cog-function. I hate it.
It doesn't help that in my ten years of working, my female boss has hired eleven female employees and no male ones, in a profession that is approximately 70% male. I'm all for gender equality, but not if you have to be blatantly discriminatory about it. 60% of our senior staff is female, too. Sometimes I wonder if the difficulties I've faced at work are shared by everyone in my organization, or if I just have a sexist work environment. Not that it really matters, because I hate it either way.
I will feel absolutely no guilt when I bail. I'm currently leading a high-pressure project on a short deadline, and I've been telling them for a month now that we need more money, more time, and more people if we're going to deliver anything resembling what was promised to the customer. If they listen to me they'll bring on enough help to ride it out when I submit my notice, but knowing how they operate they'll just dump and dump on me until I get fed up and slam the door on my way out for the last time.
Today was not a good day at work.
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Also, be prepared for your boss to be taken off guard and possibly hurt by your decision. I viewed my boss as completely unflappable in any situation, so I was not prepared for his clearly unpleasantly surprised reaction to my announcement.
This is what I'm afraid will happen when I give notice. My bosses are going to be pissed! They all think I will be there for another 15+ years. My boss's boss was angry at my coworker when she announced she was retiring--even though she was over 60 and gave 6 months notice.
The worst thing I did is give six months notice. Your bosses are soon to be ex-bosses.
https://markmanson.net/not-giving-a-fuck
While I have a good boss, and understand his pressures, not my problem.
Two of my other coworkers are retiring early this year ( so 3 of 13 ). See boss pressures above.
While I feel better about giving 6 months ( unusual in the US), it has been tough on me, with the anticipation, and time to doubt, I would have given 1 month, except I didn't want to retire in winter.
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@sol and @jerseygirl its so interesting to hear about discretionary bonuses...
15 years with the same company and I've never been subjected to a discretionary bonus, all in sales-related fields with mathematical calculations around produce X receive $$s.
Interestingly 2018 (payment of March 2019) is the first year of a big discretionary component. Nice time to say peace-out
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Also, be prepared for your boss to be taken off guard and possibly hurt by your decision. I viewed my boss as completely unflappable in any situation, so I was not prepared for his clearly unpleasantly surprised reaction to my announcement.
This is what I'm afraid will happen when I give notice. My bosses are going to be pissed! They all think I will be there for another 15+ years. My boss's boss was angry at my coworker when she announced she was retiring--even though she was over 60 and gave 6 months notice.
The worst thing I did is give six months notice. Your bosses are soon to be ex-bosses.
https://markmanson.net/not-giving-a-fuck
While I have a good boss, and understand his pressures, not my problem.
Two of my other coworkers are retiring early this year ( so 3 of 13 ). See boss pressures above.
While I feel better about giving 6 months ( unusual in the US), it has been tough on me, with the anticipation, and time to doubt, I would have given 1 month, except I didn't want to retire in winter.
There is no way I am letting on 6 months out. Unfortunately my contract requires 3 months, otherwise it would be 4 weeks notice from me. In my past experience, being on death row for a month is plenty long enough.
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It's done! Training presentation went well yesterday; it was a good chance to say goodbye to people I only see once per year. Today I drove home, returned the car, sent out farewell emails, and filed for my travel reimbursement.
Various extended family members have contacted me today with congratulations. My parents were not among them, even though I spoke with my mother this morning.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/28/18 Target2018 Gave Notice
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39)
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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Congrats Cherry Lane!
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My boss is in total denial. Yesterday, with panic in his eyes, he mentioned he wanted to hire someone to shadow me for the next 6 months.
My last day is May 25. I just smiled at him.
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Congrats Cherry Lane! Loved the picture of your empty desk a few days ago. Enjoy your freedom!!!
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Congrats Cherry Lane.
Gyosho - I remember smiling that smile when I left the corporate world a few years ago. Your face will start aching by May, ha ha.
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This is my first day back on the forum since FIRE'ing on 2/9. I'm only 5 weeks in; I'm sure the stressful detox period will hit me eventually, but so far, I just feel at peace.
We spent 2 weeks in Florida in February visiting family on both sides. It was great to be able to have extended time with them, rather than having to rush through visits to try and see everyone. Right now, I'm writing from sunny Hawaii, where we're halfway through a 3-week trip to cat-sit for a friend. (I'm allergic to cats, but for a free place to stay on Oahu, I invested in some Allegra and packed my bags.) We have plans to visit friends in April, plus a trip to Tennessee for some springtime hiking in the Smoky Mountains.
Since retiring, I've been sleeping beautifully, reading a lot, going for long walks every day, and cooking delicious food. Without really trying, I'm in better shape than I've been in in years. Oh, and I haven't had a migraine since I left work. Quite a coincidence, eh?
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Since retiring, I've been sleeping beautifully, reading a lot, going for long walks every day, and cooking delicious food. Without really trying, I'm in better shape than I've been in in years. Oh, and I haven't had a migraine since I left work. Quite a coincidence, eh?
Thanks for the update! And I really, really, really hope that bolded part holds true for me.
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Many congratulation Cherry Lane and JLT.
6 more weeks for me and Mrs PD!
I love this forum thread, it’s full of positivity and encouragement.
PD
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I have agreed on the departure schedule at work: will work through the last week of April, with the last day somewhere between April 25-27. I have also asked the group head to keep it really low key in terms of goodbye parties or gifts. Hopefully she will do as I asked, but I expect it will be hard to break with a longstanding tradition :-)
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Congrats ZiziPB. For me, it was a load off to have the details ironed out. I hope you find the same.
I have one more week before my spring vacation. When I come back to work in April, I will have exactly 60 work days remaining. While I am feeling pretty worn out by work, I no longer have that sisyphean dread that dogged me in September last year. Back then I was surprised to find that rather than easier, my last year was the hardest year I had ever worked. As previously covered, it was several factors that combined to make it a tough period. Now on a scale of 0 to -10 where 0 is neutral and -10 is the suckiest work could ever be, I find my job seldom dives below a -4. That is 100% doable for a few short months.
Today I rose before the sun and listed about 15 items in my eBay store. I love turning other people's waste stream into income. My goal for the store is to produce ~$2k/month in sales starting in September.
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Layoff request has officially been made...
I'm sure the first response will be no, but I'm out there and on a list if a cost savings is needed. Immediate boss is generally supportive since my reasons are medical issues for my spouse and my area of responsibility could be collapsed into others and solve some problems. Challenge is, as he put it, "70% of me is better than 100% of most people".
If this doesn't come through, I may be bowing out and part of the 2019 coherts for February 2019
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Great news. I just managed to land a 'free' OMY without changing my FIRE date. With only a few months to go before I was planning to pull the rip cord, Megacorp announced my entire division is being sold lock, stock and barrel. A deal has been on the cards for over a year, but now its all signed.
Just had my official meeting with the lovely people from HR and they confirmed that I will be one of the ones 'forced' to get involuntary redundancy. Because of my many years service, the deal is pretty awesome - over a years salary as a cash lump sum, plus 3 months notice period paid out in lieu (just not yet, the deal doesn't get activated for payroll purposes until end July). Still have to pay tax on it, but while I knew there was a chance of getting a deal, am naturally very happy to get it confirmed. I was expecting to have to simply resign and thus get no package at all.
So there's no turning back now. Solidly on track for mid August FIRE. And now with a lovely top up to the 'stache. Will be popping a bottle of prosecco to celebrate with DW tonight. Woohoo!
(Albeit tinged with sadness for some of my younger colleagues who will also get canned but with a lot less payout, due to having fewer years and nowhere near FI.)
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Congratulations Mr Mark! That is absolutely fantastic.
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JLT - Loved hearing the update !!! Congrats to everyone so far !!!
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This is what I'm afraid will happen when I give notice. My bosses are going to be pissed! They all think I will be there for another 15+ years. My boss's boss was angry at my coworker when she announced she was retiring--even though she was over 60 and gave 6 months notice.
Your 60+ year old coworker was supposed to die on the job. How dare she retire!
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Great news. I just managed to land a 'free' OMY without changing my FIRE date. With only a few months to go before I was planning to pull the rip cord, Megacorp announced my entire division is being sold lock, stock and barrel. A deal has been on the cards for over a year, but now its all signed.
Just had my official meeting with the lovely people from HR and they confirmed that I will be one of the ones 'forced' to get involuntary redundancy. Because of my many years service, the deal is pretty awesome - over a years salary as a cash lump sum, plus 3 months notice period paid out in lieu (just not yet, the deal doesn't get activated for payroll purposes until end July). Still have to pay tax on it, but while I knew there was a chance of getting a deal, am naturally very happy to get it confirmed. I was expecting to have to simply resign and thus get no package at all.
So there's no turning back now. Solidly on track for mid August FIRE. And now with a lovely top up to the 'stache. Will be popping a bottle of prosecco to celebrate with DW tonight. Woohoo!
(Albeit tinged with sadness for some of my younger colleagues who will also get canned but with a lot less payout, due to having fewer years and nowhere near FI.)
Damn, that's a sweet deal! Congratulations!
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I'm planning on giving notice in one week, now that my colleague's promotion to manager is nearly official. The two of us are a very tight team and wanted to give our boss time to deal with one change at a time. Given the long hiring process around here (6 months, in my case), my FIRE date is still end of August but I'll have three weeks vacation to use up before then.
OMY syndrome is rearing its ugly head, but I'm doing my best to beat it into submission.
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... the announcements are out, resignation paperwork filed, and we're transitioning the few things that need transitioning. Next week is my last in the office. My boss was really cool, and I get to stay on benefits via accrued vacation through early May. My guesstimate last year was late May. That's closer than I would have expected.
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Damn, that's a sweet deal! Congratulations!
Congratulations Mr Mark! That is absolutely fantastic.
Thanks guys. Sometimes Megacorp's rigid HR procedures and SOPs actually work out in your favour. Also shows why delaying giving notice until legal minimum may be the best 'default' position. It may sound harsh, but business is business. If I had already requested to retire early, pretty sure HR would not now be giving me a severance package!
Remember, the HR dept is there to look after the company's interests, not yours.
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Congratulations Mr. Mark
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Will be popping a bottle of prosecco to celebrate with DW tonight. Woohoo!
Prosecco in Italy? With some salty, deep-fried veggies? You might want to take some of that bonus stache and splurge! For some reason prosecco taste better in Italia.
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Great news. I just managed to land a 'free' OMY without changing my FIRE date. With only a few months to go before I was planning to pull the rip cord, Megacorp announced my entire division is being sold lock, stock and barrel. A deal has been on the cards for over a year, but now its all signed.
Just had my official meeting with the lovely people from HR and they confirmed that I will be one of the ones 'forced' to get involuntary redundancy.
Just found out that my current company is being bought by MegaCorp, and they are aiming to close the deal in the fall. I'm currently in the 2019 FIRE Cohort (planned last day was 4/1/19) but depending on how this goes, I may be knocking on the door here and asking if I can join your 2018 party.
I've never been through an acquisition situation. I fully expect half the people in my department to be laid off, and I'm not sure how ruthless MegaCorp is about these things, whether they offer severance, etc. Hopefully it works out even half as well for me as it did for you Mr. Mark!
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Great news. I just managed to land a 'free' OMY without changing my FIRE date. With only a few months to go before I was planning to pull the rip cord, Megacorp announced my entire division is being sold lock, stock and barrel. A deal has been on the cards for over a year, but now its all signed.
Just had my official meeting with the lovely people from HR and they confirmed that I will be one of the ones 'forced' to get involuntary redundancy.
Just found out that my current company is being bought by MegaCorp, and they are aiming to close the deal in the fall. I'm currently in the 2019 FIRE Cohort (planned last day was 4/1/19) but depending on how this goes, I may be knocking on the door here and asking if I can join your 2018 party.
I've never been through an acquisition situation. I fully expect half the people in my department to be laid off, and I'm not sure how ruthless MegaCorp is about these things, whether they offer severance, etc. Hopefully it works out even half as well for me as it did for you Mr. Mark!
Every situation is different, but once the acquisition is complete, ask HR if there is a change of control agreement between megacorp and purchased corp and get a copy. This will spell out minimum obligations for severance should they term anyone within a certain timeframe of acquisition.
I'm using a post-acquisition site closure to catapult me into Semi-FIRE. They took over one full year before announcing my site would close, and my last day (3/28/18!) is 17 month after they announced the site would close. So it could take so long (30+ months for me) that it is just a distraction and not worth delaying FIRE. You can always volunteer for a layoff with HR, saying if there will be layoffs as a result of the acquisition you'd accept one given reasonable severance. You might make someone's job of choosing who to lay off easier and keep someone else from being involuntarily laid off.
I had never been through an acquisition and it was painful, but worth it to me in the end. GOOD LUCK @Trifele !
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Thanks for the wisdom @homestead neohio ! Great points. You are right that the sale could be dragged out longer than what they are predicting, and then it might not impact my plans much. (I just looked up the stats on MegaCorp's last three acquisitions. Looks like one of them was delayed a few months; the other two closed on the announced schedule.). And right -- even after the sale closes, big changes like division closures, layoffs, etc. might not happen immediately.
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Just dropped the bomb on my boss. It was more of a heads-up about my intention and approximate timing, rather than a formal resignation. I didn't get into details about early retirement, as I presented it more as a move to another province situation.
I need to give 3 months notice due to our hiring practices and current 'fiscal restraint' status, exclusive of holiday time. So, my last day will be mid-August-ish.
No regrets or qualms - it's just hard keeping this inane grin off my face.
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Just dropped the bomb on my boss. It was more of a heads-up about my intention and approximate timing, rather than a formal resignation. I didn't get into details about early retirement, as I presented it more as a move to another province situation.
I need to give 3 months notice due to our hiring practices and current 'fiscal restraint' status, exclusive of holiday time. So, my last day will be mid-August-ish.
No regrets or qualms - it's just hard keeping this inane grin off my face.
Happy day! Enjoy the grinning!
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Announced today my resignment in the office: Oh god, it is so relieving!
Thank you MMM, that you opened my eyes 5 years ago!!!
My gf will retire 2 weeks later, mid July.
The house is sold, the boat is bought. Next year we will cruise the baltic sea. And after that - who knows...
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/28/18 Target2018 Gave Notice
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39)
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/31/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
-
Congrats and welcome, CHF!
-
Looks like a big week for FIREs! I see:
Mrs. @honeyfill
@Target2018
@homestead neohio
@moxie
@DavidAnnArbor
are all on the list for this week. Then there are the "sometime in March-ish" folks:
@Acastus
@Badblackgirl
@Sofa King
Are any of these happening in this last week of March?
Oh, also @msilenus finishing up work, while staying on the payroll until May. Do you want to call your FIRE this week or later? (I, too, am being paid until May, but I counted my last day of work....)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 PKate and DH
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill
03/28/18 Target2018 Gave Notice
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39)
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58)
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/~25/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
-
Looks like a big week for FIREs! I see:
...
@homestead neohio
...
I'm on track for tomorrow. Today is my last real day of work, tomorrow is driving across town, turning in the company laptop and reviewing a document package over lunch. Then it is time to celebrate!
-
Looks like a big week for FIREs! I see:
Mrs. @honeyfill
I am happy to say that Mrs. Honeyfill has joined the ranks of the retired. Yesterday was her last day at work. She cleaned out her office and is now happily at home enjoying our newly remodeled kitchen. She will be staying on as a consultant but will only work when she wants to work so we consider this the best of both worlds. She can stay involved with the non profit where she worked and enjoy retirement bliss at the same time.
-
Congrats to Homestead Neohio and Ms. Honeyfill !!!!!
-
I'm on track for tomorrow.
Every time I read one of these posts, I die a little bit inside.
-
Looks like a big week for FIREs! I see:
Mrs. @honeyfill
@Target2018
@homestead neohio
@moxie
@DavidAnnArbor
are all on the list for this week. Then there are the "sometime in March-ish" folks:
@Acastus
@Badblackgirl
@Sofa King
Are any of these happening in this last week of March?
Friday is my last day!
-
I'm on track for tomorrow.
Every time I read one of these posts, I die a little bit inside.
=D
I would wager you are in a more lucrative financial position to FIRE than most of these folks. I try to imagine how happy this person will feel, and then realize it's going to be a while as well.
-
I would wager you are in a more lucrative financial position to FIRE than most of these folks.
Sure, every day I make a few hundred extra dollars, but at what cost? In return I give up one more day of my life, one more day that I didn't spend working on my little boat, or writing, or at home with my kids, or climbing, or hanging out with my dad at the dog park. One day closer to death, one day I can never have back.
At some point, the extra few hundred dollars provides very little extra utility compared to the opportunity cost of all the things I didn't do instead. For now, I'm not sure I would voluntarily trade away that amount of money for the chance to spend this one day doing things that I consider more important than whatever bullshit meeting I sat through this morning instead, but that day is rapidly approaching.
In the meantime, I've decided I'm taking advantage of every inch of flexibility my employer offers in terms of reclaiming some semblance of work life balance in the cubicle time I have left. I'm scaling back my work group contributions to better align with my proscribed duties, since it's become clear there is no extra credit here. There is no promotion in my possible future, no rewards for a job well done, no gold watch for dutifully towing the company line, and certainly no attaboy bonus for exceeding expectations. This has been a real challenge for me, since I've spent my life practicing ambitious overachievement in every facet of my life. Professionally speaking, I have reached the end of this particular ladder. There is no point in trying to climb any higher.
This makes me a bad employee.
Friday I will hit ten years in the workforce. Friday was my original target retirement date, before DAF donations complicated my plan. The stock market stubbornly refuses to crash away all of this surplus value above and beyond my target number, even after the donations. Every day it gets harder and harder to decide going to work is a better use of my time than not going to work. Every day my inevitable death inches one day closer, and the scale tips a little bit more.
Freedom awaits me, and all I have to do is reach out and grab it. Today I balanced that decision scale and decided to go have a 3pm beer, then go back to my cube and tough it out. Friday I hit the ten year mark, so Monday I plan to have some awkward conversations with my management group.
-
I'm awaiting MMM`s reply to this. (I assume he's tracking you like an animal now Sol.)
I can't imagine continuing past the time I could get out, I know that I'll make more money in the future with random tasks/short term jobs or deals with people to increase what I can do.
-
I would wager you are in a more lucrative financial position to FIRE than most of these folks.
Freedom awaits me, and all I have to do is reach out and grab it. Today I balanced that decision scale and decided to go have a 3pm beer, then go back to my cube and tough it out. Friday I hit the ten year mark, so Monday I plan to have some awkward conversations with my management group.
3pm beer sounds great!
-
I'm awaiting MMM`s reply to this. (I assume he's tracking you like an animal now Sol.)
I've been laying low. One side effect is that I'm building up a backlog of unpublished forum posts, since it seems I can't just not write. I think it's about time I started a blog.
But I also don't think I rate highly enough on MMM's radar to be trackable. My entire forum post history is reviewable in my profile history, surely that is sufficient if someone wanted to investigate a rogue member?
-
6000+
Just seeing it makes my head hurt. No way anyone is going crawling through that.
If you want me to break your block: I've been thinking of buying a Vitamix. It's 20% off! just kidding.
Cue the Sol Attack mode!
-
Looks like a big week for FIREs! I see:...
@Target2018 ...
are all on the list for this week.
I had my going away party and exit interview this week and even turned in all of my equipment. I am working from home checking remote email on the 28th and at 3:30 pm Central Daylight Time US, I am free!
-
@sol your post reminds me of the lyrics to Time by Pink Floyd
@Mr Mark you are living the dream!! So happy for you.
Just wanted to put my 2 cents in about giving notice in case it helps anyone. I retired last year and was planning on giving 4 weeks notice but on the advice of my cohort buddies gave 2 instead. I’m so glad I did. The last two weeks were kind of torturous with some of my coworkers very upset with me. So I was glad to have had only two weeks of that instead of 4. Also people were kind of in shock the first week after so they didn’t really start asking me questions or trying to get me to stay longer until week two. I was out of there before they could convince me to stay.
-
I retired last year and was planning on giving 4 weeks notice but on the advice of my cohort buddies gave 2 instead. I’m so glad I did. The last two weeks were kind of torturous with some of my coworkers very upset with me. So I was glad to have had only two weeks of that instead of 4. Also people were kind of in shock the first week after so they didn’t really start asking me questions or trying to get me to stay longer until week two. I was out of there before they could convince me to stay.
I'm still a year out, but this is something I think about. In the past, people have left for other jobs with giving just two weeks notice, but the only retiree in my dept. gave many months notice. The difference in my case compared to that employee or you is that I'm hoping they will be interested in keeping me on part time for a year, just 1 to 3 days each week. Due to my skill position, I feel like the shorter notification would give me some leverage, but then it might piss them off I didn't let them know I was retiring sooner and not offer the part time hours.
-
...or hanging out with my dad at the dog park.
For crying out loud! He's your dad, man. Take him to a regular park.
-
I'm on track for tomorrow.
Every time I read one of these posts, I die a little bit inside.
I kinda get what you're saying @sol, and I've been FIRE for over five years. There was no cohort for 2012. My decision to leave was pretty sudden, too. The support for everyone here is amazing!
-
@sol your post reminds me of the lyrics to Time by Pink Floyd
@Mr Mark you are living the dream!! So happy for you.
Just wanted to put my 2 cents in about giving notice in case it helps anyone. I retired last year and was planning on giving 4 weeks notice but on the advice of my cohort buddies gave 2 instead. I’m so glad I did. The last two weeks were kind of torturous with some of my coworkers very upset with me. So I was glad to have had only two weeks of that instead of 4. Also people were kind of in shock the first week after so they didn’t really start asking me questions or trying to get me to stay longer until week two. I was out of there before they could convince me to stay.
Indeed SashaFiscal. Just glad to be in this situation. Now, I'd that big market correction to occur before I get the check and become exposed to sequence of returns risk please.
The notice period quandary is a tricky one. Most people here seem pretty ethical and 'nice', and there's no point burning bridges, because who knows what the future might hold? So the tendency is to give lots of notice. But people should judge for themselves. Companies may be people too, but they can behave like really psychopathic people with zero interest in doing the 'right' thing, especially if the legal thing they could do instead makes them more money.
Luckily my megacorp has pretty clear SOPs and most of my HR people seem to be reasonably human. Simply being professional about the whole thing, and calmly following your minimum contractual notice period is probably the best default option. It's almost certainly what the company would do if the boot was on the other foot. Business is business.
-
...or hanging out with my dad at the dog park.
For crying out loud! He's your dad, man. Take him to a regular park.
LOL!
-
Looks like a big week for FIREs! I see:
...
@homestead neohio
...
I'm on track for tomorrow. Today is my last real day of work, tomorrow is driving across town, turning in the company laptop and reviewing a document package over lunch. Then it is time to celebrate!
Headed out for lunch soon! I should come back CONFIRMED.
-
Looks like a big week for FIREs! I see:
...
@homestead neohio
...
I'm on track for tomorrow. Today is my last real day of work, tomorrow is driving across town, turning in the company laptop and reviewing a document package over lunch. Then it is time to celebrate!
Headed out for lunch soon! I should come back CONFIRMED.
Yes!
-
I would wager you are in a more lucrative financial position to FIRE than most of these folks.
Sure, every day I make a few hundred extra dollars, but at what cost? In return I give up one more day of my life, one more day that I didn't spend working on my little boat, or writing, or at home with my kids, or climbing, or hanging out with my dad at the dog park. One day closer to death, one day I can never have back.
At some point, the extra few hundred dollars provides very little extra utility compared to the opportunity cost of all the things I didn't do instead. For now, I'm not sure I would voluntarily trade away that amount of money for the chance to spend this one day doing things that I consider more important than whatever bullshit meeting I sat through this morning instead, but that day is rapidly approaching.
In the meantime, I've decided I'm taking advantage of every inch of flexibility my employer offers in terms of reclaiming some semblance of work life balance in the cubicle time I have left. I'm scaling back my work group contributions to better align with my proscribed duties, since it's become clear there is no extra credit here. There is no promotion in my possible future, no rewards for a job well done, no gold watch for dutifully towing the company line, and certainly no attaboy bonus for exceeding expectations. This has been a real challenge for me, since I've spent my life practicing ambitious overachievement in every facet of my life. Professionally speaking, I have reached the end of this particular ladder. There is no point in trying to climb any higher.
This makes me a bad employee.
Friday I will hit ten years in the workforce. Friday was my original target retirement date, before DAF donations complicated my plan. The stock market stubbornly refuses to crash away all of this surplus value above and beyond my target number, even after the donations. Every day it gets harder and harder to decide going to work is a better use of my time than not going to work. Every day my inevitable death inches one day closer, and the scale tips a little bit more.
Freedom awaits me, and all I have to do is reach out and grab it. Today I balanced that decision scale and decided to go have a 3pm beer, then go back to my cube and tough it out. Friday I hit the ten year mark, so Monday I plan to have some awkward conversations with my management group.
Sol, this is a great post and very inspiring. Also, maybe a little depressing because much further away. :)
I hope once you FIRE you'll continue to drop by.
-
Looks like a big week for FIREs! I see:...
@Target2018 ...
are all on the list for this week.
I had my going away party and exit interview this week and even turned in all of my equipment. I am working from home checking remote email on the 28th and at 3:30 pm Central Daylight Time US, I am free!
I am officially free!!! Happy Dance commencing along with a nice cold beer.
-
Congrats Target2018!! I am a long way from joining you in RE but I will absolutely join you in a beer right now!!!
-
Confirmed!
-
Confirmed!
I am officially free!!! Happy Dance commencing along with a nice cold beer.
Congrats to Both!!!
-
Many congratulations Target and Homestead! Crack open the champers!
-
Congratulations Mrs. @honeyfill ,@Target2018, @homestead neohio and @moxie
@moxie, my apologies. I CONFIRMED you a couple of days before your end date.
Moved @PKate and DH to end of April as per PM.
I've PM'ed @Acastus and @Badblackgirl since they are active.
I do not see Sofa King on the list of members. Should I remove him or move him to the end?
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Acastus
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/~25/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
-
As someone nearer the bottom of the 2018 list it is incredibly inspiring to see the tide of 'CONFIRMED's sweeping down the list towards me. Warmest congratulations to all.
-
Has anyone in the class of 2018 posted a case study or would be willing to share one? I know we all have unique situations but sometimes it's helpful to see how others are invested, look at withdrawal rates, monthly expenses, health insurance etc... I think posting your situation can help uncover weak spots and also inspire new ideas.
I posted one not long ago. Here's my "razor thin" FIRE plan according to my Fidelity guy. Link or post a case study if you're willing to share.
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/case-studies/is-this-fire-plan-'razor-thin'/
My last day of full time work is tomorrow.
-
Congratulations all around. My, the handsome, talented (and wealthy) Class of 2018 is huge!
-
moxie, my apologies. I CONFIRMED you a couple of days before your end date
No worries at all! I appreciate you keeping this updated. I set my permanently out of office message to start at 11:00 am MT tomorrow. I have to go mail all my stuff back so I'll do it on their time. ;-)
-
@Acastus moved to end of May ...
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/~25/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
-
...or hanging out with my dad at the dog park.
For crying out loud! He's your dad, man. Take him to a regular park.
Ha ha ha! Brilliant!
Four weeks today for me and Mrs PD, it’s getting real!
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Yesterday I was driving back from the library and a funny thing happened. A jogger was waiting to cross and I stopped the car and waved him thru.
Hmm, a lot of you are saying that is very common where you live in.
Not in my neighborhood. I live in New Jersey and as you may have heard it has the highest population density in the US. Also, my town has a train station and very good schools, so it has become a bedroom community for people who work in New York. Actually, it is more right to say, people who work for Wall St. companies. As it implies, these folks are very, very aggressive and their driving reflects it. Not as aggressive as the place I learned to drive, Bombay, where I think the first rule of driving is to aim for the pedestrians :-)
I think my 3 months of FIRE has mellowed me out. I no longer fixate on cutting a few minutes off my drive or to obsessively be a slave to the clock.
Vive la FIRE!!
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I’m putting off my early retirement to the end of this year. I have two locations where I meet clients, and I was planning to no longer work at this 2nd location and slow down my workload. This 2nd location, in Southfield Michigan is an 80 mile round trip from where I live in Ann Arbor. However, I’ve decided to continue to work at this office for the remainder of this year and try to maximize the use of my electric tax credit that is available to me since I bought an electric car, the Chevrolet Bolt. I also want another year of maximizing the amount I can put into my individual 401k plan, more specifically the ability to make after-tax contributions that can be rolled over into a Roth. It’s very exciting for me to take advantage of these tax opportunities, and I like my work for the most part. If I had children I would have probably retired sooner – my single life means I can take more time for these work obligations. I can certainly sympathize with those that really don’t enjoy the schedule of working at a megacorp with little control of many aspects of their work life. I can always fire my clients, and sometimes I do just that.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/~25/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
05/??/18 msilenus
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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Oh, also @msilenus finishing up work, while staying on the payroll until May. Do you want to call your FIRE this week or later? (I, too, am being paid until May, but I counted my last day of work....)
Yeah. Have completely unplugged from the old gig emotionally, and my password doesn't even get me into the remote benefits site now. Mom called me a "man of leisure" the other day. "Gentleman of leisure," I corrected her. This is real enough now that I think we can call it:
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
03/??/18 Badblackgirl
03/??/18 Sofa King
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54)
04/02/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/~25/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
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Oh, also @msilenus finishing up work, while staying on the payroll until May. Do you want to call your FIRE this week or later? (I, too, am being paid until May, but I counted my last day of work....)
Yeah. Have completely unplugged from the old gig emotionally, and my password doesn't even get me into the remote benefits site now. Mom called me a "man of leisure" the other day. "Gentleman of leisure," I corrected her. This is real enough now that I think we can call it:
Yes! And I love your correction.
So I'm two weeks in. A week ago I was asked how it feels. My response was that it didn't feel real yet; ask me again in a month or so. Today I was asked the same question, but my response was quite different. I said I already can't imagine having a job.
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Mom called me a "man of leisure" the other day. "Gentleman of leisure," I corrected her. This is real enough now that I think we can call it:
We have several rental properties so I prefer "Landed Gentry". :)
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Oh, also @msilenus finishing up work, while staying on the payroll until May. Do you want to call your FIRE this week or later? (I, too, am being paid until May, but I counted my last day of work....)
Yeah. Have completely unplugged from the old gig emotionally, and my password doesn't even get me into the remote benefits site now. Mom called me a "man of leisure" the other day. "Gentleman of leisure," I corrected her. This is real enough now that I think we can call it:
Yes! And I love your correction.
So I'm two weeks in. A week ago I was asked how it feels. My response was that it didn't feel real yet; ask me again in a month or so. Today I was asked the same question, but my response was quite different. I said I already can't imagine having a job.
Nice! In my experience, the next one is, "I don't know how I ever found time to work!"
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...or hanging out with my dad at the dog park.
For crying out loud! He's your dad, man. Take him to a regular park.
Ha ha ha! Brilliant!
Four weeks today for me and Mrs PD, it’s getting real!
This is very exciting. I've always wanted a proper Brit to call something I said "brilliant". Now, if I can just get one to tell me I've "gobsmacked" them I will have achieved all of my life goals.
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So I'm two weeks in. A week ago I was asked how it feels. My response was that it didn't feel real yet; ask me again in a month or so. Today I was asked the same question, but my response was quite different. I said I already can't imagine having a job.
It took me a little longer to get there, but at almost three months in, I know exactly how you feel. Technically I have a part time job now (consulting up to a few hours a week on an as-needed basis), but I still feel like the career part of my life is completely over. I absolutely cannot imagine going back to the daily stress of a high-pressure, full-time, career-oriented job. Last week my consulting gig required me to put in a 6-hour day of on-line training and orientation, and I was highly annoyed. And that wasn't even a high-stress thing.
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Bad news , I am at work today. I decided to work a couple months more to help my boss find a replacement and train him. Also, I will pay off the rest of the kitchen with out dipping into retirement funds. New date is June 1.
Good news , Mrs HF is retired and loving it!!
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Bad news , I am at work today.
Funny, I had this same thought this morning, and every Monday for the past several years.
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So I'm two weeks in. A week ago I was asked how it feels. My response was that it didn't feel real yet; ask me again in a month or so. Today I was asked the same question, but my response was quite different. I said I already can't imagine having a job.
It took me a little longer to get there, but at almost three months in, I know exactly how you feel. Technically I have a part time job now (consulting up to a few hours a week on an as-needed basis), but I still feel like the career part of my life is completely over. I absolutely cannot imagine going back to the daily stress of a high-pressure, full-time, career-oriented job. Last week my consulting gig required me to put in a 6-hour day of on-line training and orientation, and I was highly annoyed. And that wasn't even a high-stress thing.
Under a month in and I can't imagine how I ever managed to survive work and get anything else done.
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CONFIRMED (at 38). Today was the last day at my job. Now I will take my time getting my house ready to sell along with health insurance, rolling my 401k, etc.
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Congrats to all recently CONFIRMED!
Anyone feeling a bit nauseous pulling the trigger with the markets moving down?
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Congrats to all recently CONFIRMED!
Anyone feeling a bit nauseous pulling the trigger with the markets moving down?
Good question! Not really, firstly because we’ve gone way past our “number”: secondly because I’m due to pick up a lot of employer pension benefits as cash, which will join my current income producing investments, buying at a discount!
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Congrats to all recently CONFIRMED!
Anyone feeling a bit nauseous pulling the trigger with the markets moving down?
I gave my notice on one of those DOW 1000 point drop days and I've since watched our net worth drop by 90k in the last two months. That's just life. Things don't always go according to how you planned.
I think it's human to be concerned when watching the pool of your future income dropping 1-2% a day but the alternative is "sticking it out" until things settle down or working just one more year. That means more months, maybe years of giving up your precious time, working in a job that you probably don't care for all that much. I always remind myself, when the markets are dropping, do I really think the markets will be lower in 10-20 years from now? Probably not.
The conservative person might say something like "working one more year is nothing when you might have to stretch your assets out and manage your financial situation for 50 years". Sure but that one more year could turn into two, maybe three. That means you delayed retirement another 1-3 years because the markets dropped. After the market drops and the dust settles, then you'll be licking your financial wounds for a while waiting for the recovery and to hit that "number" again, when it once again feels safe and is mathematically safe to retire early. This could take another 3-5 years. All of that delaying because of markets dropping and waiting for recovery could cost you another decade of your life, not really doing the things you enjoy. So yeah, this market volatility is bad timing, I don't like it, but the alternative is even worse.
If anyone in the class of 2018 (or any other year) is thinking about delaying because of market volatility, close your eyes and imagine a perfect time to call it quits and then remind yourself that scenario probably won't happen. The perfect time is right now. And then just smile and give a big middle finger to the markets and to anyone who thinks that you're naive and foolish for thinking this way.
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@honeyfill to June 1st.
Congratulations @ozbeach and @lostformars!!
Also moved some MIA to the end of the list.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39)
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 Gooki
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 SwordGuy (at 60)
05/04/18 step_away
05/04/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/10/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Mogadishu
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
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I had mentioned to my boss that I would get my retirement paperwork in April. On Monday, April 2, he asked me my status. I said, "I haven't gotten the paperwork yet but I'm probably going to retire."
He said, "I'm totally screwed."
I said, "I know you're happy for me."
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There is no way I am letting on 6 months out. Unfortunately my contract requires 3 months, otherwise it would be 4 weeks notice from me. In my past experience, being on death row for a month is plenty long enough.
My contract requires 3 months too. On the one hand, I'm not sure they'll hold me to that. There really isn't any need for a 3-month handover period in my current job, so they may "offer" to "let me" leave sooner (to avoid having me sat round for that period with not much to do). On the other hand, it's possible that I may get offered "gardening leave" i.e. paid for the 3 months, but not required to actually turn up for work.
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I gave notice two weeks ago! It was difficult, but it’s done. I emphasized it as a decision to move closer to family, which is actually true. I didn’t mention anything about possible early retirement, and I was vague about my future plans, just saying that I was planning to take some time off and get settled before deciding what my next move was. I tried to not to get teary, but I failed.
I told my former boss, who is kind of my mentor at the company, first because he has been so good to me over the years. He said, “I’m devastated, but I understand completely.” He also said he was jealous.
My supervisors took it better than I expected. They generally said they were sad to see me go but understood my decision. I told my boss I felt a little bad that I was doing it at a time that several others in my department are leaving, but she said if I had to go it was a good time because they are rethinking the whole structure of the department so they may as well know now. They also said they really appreciated that I was giving a long notice. And they graciously said they would be happy to give references if I needed them in the future.
I’ll admit, actually pulling the plug did make me have slight second thoughts, although this was not unexpected. I again rehashed in my mind whether I was doing the right thing, giving up a great job with a great company. In speaking with the head of the department, he said something like, “I just hate to see you have to start all over again.” (They assume that I’ll be working another 15+ years.) My knee-jerk reaction was to think, “Oh no, he’s right, I’ll have to start all over again somewhere, just when I was so comfortable here. What will I do???” I had to talk myself down over the next few days and remind myself that I can do whatever I want, it’s ok, I’ll likely be fine.
So the first week I was a bit emotional and worried about my decision, but after a week, I had regained my equilibrium. I am feeling excited again. It is really happening!
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I had mentioned to my boss that I would get my retirement paperwork in April. On Monday, April 2, he asked me my status. I said, "I haven't gotten the paperwork yet but I'm probably going to retire."
He said, "I'm totally screwed."
I said, "I know you're happy for me."
Love this! Congratulations, Gyosho!
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My FIRE date was supposed to be June of this year. We've run the math, and agreed today not to do a sizable remodel project that definitely would have delayed my FIRE. (To be fair, this may not be a full FIRE, as I might get a flexible job at some point.) I'm on the fence of when I'm actually going to FIRE now, as I've already paid for summer camps for the kids, and will get a big bonus if I stay through the end of the calendar year. So, TBD, but may shift out to March of 2019.
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I'm having trouble mentally working my way up to RE. My plans have always been tentative, but my goal was to make it through at least funding my 401K for the year (accomplished). But I have an interesting project at work that I want to see through to a certain point, so I'm still not quite ready.
But: last week, I had 3 days of an annoying amount of travel and being constantly hungry (eating on other people's schedules, which was long enough between meals for me to get headaches), exhausted (early, early trains + late nights), and cold (I run cold; the people who decide the temperature where I was apparently run steaming hot). And then I had an Uber mishap (driver didn't show up, I missed my train, ended up walking 1.5 miles through NYC in rush hour with a heavy rolling suitcase), and I was VEXED. That was Friday, April 6, 2018. By April 6, 2019, I will be retired and relaxing in Morocco.
(I don't mean I'm retiring in a year--I'm still planning to retire sometime in 2018, but by April of next year, I will be somewhere warm with plenty of delicious food and I will take naps when I want to.)
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OMG - Huge weight lifted off me this morning !! So I told my boss about my plans and after a 30 min back and forth of "are you sure" type banter it's done !! So I'l be officially retired 9/1/18 but July 11th will be my last day in the office - I'll be off "on vacation" most of the summer. I go in to sign my papers on the 11th and after that I'm out. I'll have to go back in on August 31st to clean out and turn everything in but that's it. I'm only working 3 days per week until July 11th and I have a couple weeks off in between too so technically I've got like 35 working days left !!!! I'm stoked !!
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OMG - Huge weight lifted off me this morning !! So I told my boss about my plans and after a 30 min back and forth of "are you sure" type banter it's done !! So I'l be officially retired 9/1/18 but July 11th will be my last day in the office - I'll be off "on vacation" most of the summer. I go in to sign my papers on the 11th and after that I'm out. I'll have to go back in on August 31st to clean out and turn everything in but that's it. I'm only working 3 days per week until July 11th and I have a couple weeks off in between too so technically I've got like 35 working days left !!!! I'm stoked !!
This is inspiring me. I'm struggling to set a firm date. I make a lot, and it feels crazy to walk away without a specific & clear end point. But, I was kind of thinking of September, when the kids go back to school. I loved the motivation - thank you & congrats @Vegasgirl !
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May of 2018 by my most likely projection. I don't know if I'll make it that long.
OMY baby! I'm calling it my victory lap but we'll see.
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Initial plan is to turn in my resignation on 4/4, leaving on 5/4 (30 day notice). A work emergency came up and didn't want to deal with it in addition to discussing the reason I'm leaving.
As soon as the urgent task was over on 4/10, I informed my direct supervisor that I'm turning in my formal resignation on 4/11, leaving on 5/11. I also notified an indirect manager about my plan as he will be impacted the most with my leaving. He asked me to think it through and what it would take for me to stay.
By today I got a call from my direct supervisor's manager to discuss and she mentioned of new developments that she believes I'll be interested in. She asked that I refrain from turning in my resignation until we reconvene tomorrow.
I'm ok with the delay to hear what she has to say since my real drop dead date is 6/1 (a Friday with a bonus of accruing 3 PTOs and being covered by insurances for entire month) given a 15-day vacation booked starting 6/6 for South America. So far I haven't heard anything that changes my mind though I was promised help with my workload and more flexibility (work from home & taking longer vacation / sabbatical alternative)
I didn't expect quitting to be this hard. I just assume that I give my notice, receive some pep talk and then leave on pre-agreed date.
ETA:. I'm asked to delay until Monday since a senior manager is visiting our office that day and there will be a one on one meeting
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A smidge less than 3 weeks and I FIRE. :)
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You guys are killin' it!
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We're near the end of a 2 week holiday in France. I was walking through the gardens of a chateau after a picnic lunch when it suddenly hit me - if we do this again next year, I won't be working beforehand or afterwards (or indeed dialing in for meetings during!) as I'll have been retired for 5 months. It was an utterly surreal thought. Wow.
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I had mentioned to my boss that I would get my retirement paperwork in April. On Monday, April 2, he asked me my status. I said, "I haven't gotten the paperwork yet but I'm probably going to retire."
He said, "I'm totally screwed."
I said, "I know you're happy for me."
Love this! Congratulations, Gyosho!
Thanks. I just wrote my official resignation letter.
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Hooray!
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Papers have been signed and submitted. May 25 is the day!
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Watching and envying. But I'm telling myself that my original date was March, or even May, 2019, and I'm now 11 months closer than I was when I first made the decision to plan to retire early.
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Final payment on the mortgage yesterday. We are officially debt free. Now just 11 weeks until work free!
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Final payment on the mortgage yesterday. We are officially debt free. Now just 11 weeks until work free!
Welcome to the club!
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Two weeks to go till me and Mrs PD retire! Can’t wait, we are so excited!
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Three weeks to go! Technically, it's the start of my maternity leave, so I won't give notice for a bit, but I'm pretty darn excited. Especially after today which featured: an eight hour meeting in a windowless room, followed by a 90 minute commute home (awful traffic for no apparent reason), followed by 90 minutes of work after kiddo went to bed.
Driving home (during my copious contemplation time), it occurred to me how soon I would be able to enjoy beautiful days like these rather than being stuck inside talking and emailing.
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How are your FIRE plans for 2018 going? Enquiring minds want to know?
04/??/18 @PKate and DH
04/??/18 @Calvin
04/??/18 @FernFree
04/??/18 @gooki
04/??/18 @HappyMargo
04/??/18 @Mother Fussbudget
??/??/18 @Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 @FLStache
??/??/18 @Michread
??/??/18 @Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 @MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 @pecunia
??/??/18 @Mogadishu
??/??/18 @Badblackgirl
??/??/18 @Sofa King
Let us know how you are doing! :)
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We bought a bigger house, so I’m another 2-3 years away.
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My DH still doesn't have an end date to his current contract. He doesn't want to leave them high and dry. It should be in a few weeks since one coworker is back from maternity leave and my DH has started working on getting his replacement up to speed.
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I'm still on track. Looking like late July for me maybe early August. I'll be 40, my wife will be returning to work though after a one and a half year leave for our first child in September. So just trying to keep the gap close for insurance reasons. She could leave work as well if we wanted a pretty simple existence, but we do like our traveling and her job as a flight attendant facilitates that and keeps us covered for insurance. Also we will be upgauging our house to live by the ocean which is fairly expensive.
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OMG - Huge weight lifted off me this morning !! So I told my boss about my plans and after a 30 min back and forth of "are you sure" type banter it's done !! So I'l be officially retired 9/1/18 but July 11th will be my last day in the office - I'll be off "on vacation" most of the summer. I go in to sign my papers on the 11th and after that I'm out. I'll have to go back in on August 31st to clean out and turn everything in but that's it. I'm only working 3 days per week until July 11th and I have a couple weeks off in between too so technically I've got like 35 working days left !!!! I'm stoked !!
This is inspiring me. I'm struggling to set a firm date. I make a lot, and it feels crazy to walk away without a specific & clear end point. But, I was kind of thinking of September, when the kids go back to school. I loved the motivation - thank you & congrats @Vegasgirl !
Sometimes you just need this kick in the pants. Last week was easily my worst work week of all time. I've been in the industry for 20 years, and have fired numerous people, & had lots of rough weeks. This was the pinnacle. And, just what I needed to finalize my date. 9/25, or earlier. I'm done. Out. I need to help my team through the next month or so, and then I will decide if I can hang on until another stock vest in 9/25, or wrap earlier.
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Still haven't filed official paperwork, but I submitted a lengthy email to my boss detailing my plans. Last day will be August 30, 2018 but most of August will be vacation time so August 7th will be last day of actual productive work.
Then, RunningBoy and I have booked 3.5 weeks in Europe starting late September, which gives us time to recover from the move and unpacking. There's a lot to get done in the next few months.
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I had a surprising conversation today with my immediate supervisor.
Let's recap some facts before I go into detail.
I gave 7 1/2 months notice that I would be quitting on or about May 1st. I expressed a willingness to be flexible on the date, either moving it forward or backwards a bit.
Several months back I turned in my "official resignation letter" to my supervisor with May 1st as the date.
I then rewrote that resignation letter several times until it met the "standards" of my supervisor.
I had found a qualified candidate in the local area, with all the required skills, certs and other government requirements 7 1/2 months ago. They pissed away 5 1/2 months before they got around to discussing salary with said candidate, and were unwilling to even match what the person makes now.
It's now two weeks to the day from May 1st. Last week, I heard they might have a resume coming.
So, I stop by my supervisor's desk and ask if the candidate was suitable.
(Being the only programmer the company has on staff at this location, I knew I would never, ever, EVER be asked to interview a programming candidate. I mean, why would management want to interject professional expertise into such a decision? But I digress.)
The resume hadn't arrived.
So, I asked, "So, will you be wanting me to come back for a couple weeks to do a proper handover, when you get someone in?"
He looked like he had just been pole-axed.
(In case you forgot, my nickname of SwordGuy is because I have a hobby that entails putting on medieval armour and fighting in it with wooden swords, axes, and, yes, pole-axes. So, having actually looked someone in the face as I pole-axed them, I happen to know my description was perfectly accurate. But I digress again...)
He was totally astounded that I was leaving on May 1st!
I mean, WTF?
Apparently, he thought I was just going to stay on until they found someone.
How the hell could I do that? I turned in my resignation letter with a date of May 1st. It was accepted.
***I*** can't unilaterally decide that I'll just hang around and continue to work! Once my resignation date hits the client takes my badge and will no longer allow me on the premises. In fact, the security guy had actually approached me last week and confirmed my last day on the job...
Now, I don't particularly give a damn about my current employer. They wouldn't lose one nano-second's worth of sleep over laying me off. They have zero loyalty to me and my wellbeing.
But I **do** happen to care about the work their client does. I'll go out of my way to help them out (but not at the cost of not retiring soon). I'm burned out and NEED the change.
I was asked what I could do to help them out.
Here's what I'm thinking (and why).
I was planning to go on COBRA for the rest of this year and perhaps the full 18 months. But that would only get me to Dec 1st of 2019, not Jan 1st. If the ACA coverage is as good and about the same cost I'll switch over to the ACA in Jan of 2019. If not, I'll want to use the COBRA as long as possible. If I can extend health insurance by 1 month, that takes me all the way thru to 2020.
So, I'm considering offering the following options:
1) They cover my insurance as they've been doing. I'll be on call on an as-needed basis to deal with important issues, with a daily rate equal to my current salary, but I bill in whole days. When they get a new person in, I'll commit to 2 or 3 weeks of full-work-week hand-over time, though that might have to work around my travel schedule.
2) Same as #1, but I am in the office about 2 days per week to show the flag, whether there's a problem or not. The days would shift as needed (except for emergencies) to allow for my non-workday plans.
That would save me most of the cost of our health insurance and also add several thousand a month into our cash flow, plus reduce the amount of time I need to cover with health insurance before the COBRA runs out. Also, if there is a delay on selling the old house, it reduces the need to pull from ready cash.
It's a win-win-win for the client, me, and the company, as long as it doesn't drag on too long. I'll include a 30 day notice in the offer.
I may find that only having to work 2 days a week might not be as irksome as 5 days plus very limited vacation time. Or not.
Thoughts?
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You've really thought that through SwordGuy. I think you have options which is really great.
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You've really thought that through SwordGuy. I think you have options which is really great.
Based on a really wise comment from a reader of my journal, here's what I think will actually happen:
I'll offer to do the above, which is in the customer's best interest. Otherwise, the customer has zero programmer support if something goes wrong or they need a quick change to something.
And, on May 1st, none of that will happen. Instead, I'll be sent on my way and then blamed by company management for the situation, despite the fact that anyone else quitting would have given 2 weeks notice and walked.
I'm curious to see if I've guessed right.
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You've really thought that through SwordGuy. I think you have options which is really great.
Based on a really wise comment from a reader of my journal, here's what I think will actually happen:
I'll offer to do the above, which is in the customer's best interest. Otherwise, the customer has zero programmer support if something goes wrong or they need a quick change to something.
And, on May 1st, none of that will happen. Instead, I'll be sent on my way and then blamed by company management for the situation, despite the fact that anyone else quitting would have given 2 weeks notice and walked.
I'm curious to see if I've guessed right.
Would it be totally offside to cc the client on the letter? Given that they've already accepted your resignation. It's what I'd want to do... give a paper copy to my contact person with the client company, saying 'I doubt this will be necessary, but since it's important to me that you have continuity on services, so I made this offer to my employer. Just wanted to keep you in the loop.'
Then, when they drop this due to their own incompetence, the client will know without doubt who is to blame.
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Missy read my mind.
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I had a surprising conversation today with my immediate supervisor.
Let's recap some facts before I go into detail.
I gave 7 1/2 months notice that I would be quitting on or about May 1st. I expressed a willingness to be flexible on the date, either moving it forward or backwards a bit.
Several months back I turned in my "official resignation letter" to my supervisor with May 1st as the date.
I then rewrote that resignation letter several times until it met the "standards" of my supervisor.
I had found a qualified candidate in the local area, with all the required skills, certs and other government requirements 7 1/2 months ago. They pissed away 5 1/2 months before they got around to discussing salary with said candidate, and were unwilling to even match what the person makes now.
It's now two weeks to the day from May 1st. Last week, I heard they might have a resume coming.
So, I stop by my supervisor's desk and ask if the candidate was suitable.
(Being the only programmer the company has on staff at this location, I knew I would never, ever, EVER be asked to interview a programming candidate. I mean, why would management want to interject professional expertise into such a decision? But I digress.)
The resume hadn't arrived.
So, I asked, "So, will you be wanting me to come back for a couple weeks to do a proper handover, when you get someone in?"
He looked like he had just been pole-axed.
(In case you forgot, my nickname of SwordGuy is because I have a hobby that entails putting on medieval armour and fighting in it with wooden swords, axes, and, yes, pole-axes. So, having actually looked someone in the face as I pole-axed them, I happen to know my description was perfectly accurate. But I digress again...)
He was totally astounded that I was leaving on May 1st!
I mean, WTF?
Apparently, he thought I was just going to stay on until they found someone.
How the hell could I do that? I turned in my resignation letter with a date of May 1st. It was accepted.
***I*** can't unilaterally decide that I'll just hang around and continue to work! Once my resignation date hits the client takes my badge and will no longer allow me on the premises. In fact, the security guy had actually approached me last week and confirmed my last day on the job...
Now, I don't particularly give a damn about my current employer. They wouldn't lose one nano-second's worth of sleep over laying me off. They have zero loyalty to me and my wellbeing.
But I **do** happen to care about the work their client does. I'll go out of my way to help them out (but not at the cost of not retiring soon). I'm burned out and NEED the change.
I was asked what I could do to help them out.
Here's what I'm thinking (and why).
I was planning to go on COBRA for the rest of this year and perhaps the full 18 months. But that would only get me to Dec 1st of 2019, not Jan 1st. If the ACA coverage is as good and about the same cost I'll switch over to the ACA in Jan of 2019. If not, I'll want to use the COBRA as long as possible. If I can extend health insurance by 1 month, that takes me all the way thru to 2020.
So, I'm considering offering the following options:
1) They cover my insurance as they've been doing. I'll be on call on an as-needed basis to deal with important issues, with a daily rate equal to my current salary, but I bill in whole days. When they get a new person in, I'll commit to 2 or 3 weeks of full-work-week hand-over time, though that might have to work around my travel schedule.
2) Same as #1, but I am in the office about 2 days per week to show the flag, whether there's a problem or not. The days would shift as needed (except for emergencies) to allow for my non-workday plans.
That would save me most of the cost of our health insurance and also add several thousand a month into our cash flow, plus reduce the amount of time I need to cover with health insurance before the COBRA runs out. Also, if there is a delay on selling the old house, it reduces the need to pull from ready cash.
It's a win-win-win for the client, me, and the company, as long as it doesn't drag on too long. I'll include a 30 day notice in the offer.
I may find that only having to work 2 days a week might not be as irksome as 5 days plus very limited vacation time. Or not.
Thoughts?
I don't remember your income situation, but I presume you'll be realizing too much income to qualify for the ACA premium tax credit? If you do qualify for a significant PTC, ACA would almost certainly be less expensive than COBRA, which would remove that incentive to stay on.
Either option 1 or 2 is likely to interfere with your decompression process. Two days a week would certainly be better than 5, but you'll have to stay engaged with all the BS and you won't really feel like you've broken free.
Since I retired, I've done a few things related to my old career, and every time I do, it just feels wrong, even though it hasn't taken up a significant amount of my time. There's something to be said for totally disengaging and rinsing all of that shit completely out of your mind.
You've bent over backwards to accommodate your employer, and you don't owe them a damn thing. If I were in your shoes, I'd be totally polite about it, but I'd remind them that May 1 is the departure date that you mutually agreed upon a long time ago, and on that date you will be completely bowing out.
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Monkey Uncle is correct about not being able to disconnect even with only 2 days per week. For the past 6 weeks or so I've been working 2 or 3 (max) days per week. Don't get me wrong it's been great and taken a lot of stress off, but I'm still engaged via email or text/IM 5 - 6 days/week. Also from what I understand Cobra is pretty darn expensive, something just to consider.
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Speaking about COBRA for the rest of 2018. Someone told me that ACA only looks at your income after the change of coverage event , not at the income you made earlier in the year. This does not sound right to me. I understand that they look at the entire years income. Does anyone know for sure?
I've already made too much this year to qualify for any subsidies. However, I could adjust my income for the rest of the year to stay below the number required for subsidies.
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Speaking about COBRA for the rest of 2018. Someone told me that ACA only looks at your income after the change of coverage event , not at the income you made earlier in the year. This does not sound right to me. I understand that they look at the entire years income. Does anyone know for sure?
I've already made too much this year to qualify for any subsidies. However, I could adjust my income for the rest of the year to stay below the number required for subsidies.
I had read that somewhere (once!) but it does not appear to be true. At least, not in the host of stuff I read when I explicitly went looking for it.
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I don't remember your income situation, but I presume you'll be realizing too much income to qualify for the ACA premium tax credit? If you do qualify for a significant PTC, ACA would almost certainly be less expensive than COBRA, which would remove that incentive to stay on.
Correct. No subsidies for us this year due to income.
Next year, I think I can get the subsidies. Assuming there *is* an ACA next year.
Either option 1 or 2 is likely to interfere with your decompression process. Two days a week would certainly be better than 5, but you'll have to stay engaged with all the BS and you won't really feel like you've broken free.
Agreed. But there are no messages or emails back and forth. Can't work from home 99.99999999% of the time.
You've bent over backwards to accommodate your employer, and you don't owe them a damn thing.
True that! But the client is the citizens of the USA, and I happen to care about them.
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Speaking about COBRA for the rest of 2018. Someone told me that ACA only looks at your income after the change of coverage event , not at the income you made earlier in the year. This does not sound right to me. I understand that they look at the entire years income. Does anyone know for sure?
I've already made too much this year to qualify for any subsidies. However, I could adjust my income for the rest of the year to stay below the number required for subsidies.
I had read that somewhere (once!) but it does not appear to be true. At least, not in the host of stuff I read when I explicitly went looking for it.
That's what I heard as well. It seems like there is no way for the govt. to really track the income by date during the year. It is hard enough to track it by year for the IRS.
Let this be a warning to people retiring in the middle of a year. Do everything you can to cut your income. Ie max out and FRONTLOAD your 401 k, HSA, IRA etc. If I was smart I could have easily hid about 47k income which would have kept me below the ACA subsidy limit.
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Well, I'll be working 8 days a month for a month or two past my official FIRE date.
Employer got in a resume today, so hopefully we'll keep it to a month.
Just to be clear, I'm not doing any of this for my employer. I'm doing it for the client. They are worth a bit of extra bother.
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Speaking about COBRA for the rest of 2018. Someone told me that ACA only looks at your income after the change of coverage event , not at the income you made earlier in the year. This does not sound right to me. I understand that they look at the entire years income. Does anyone know for sure?
I've already made too much this year to qualify for any subsidies. However, I could adjust my income for the rest of the year to stay below the number required for subsidies.
I had read that somewhere (once!) but it does not appear to be true. At least, not in the host of stuff I read when I explicitly went looking for it.
That's what I heard as well. It seems like there is no way for the govt. to really track the income by date during the year. It is hard enough to track it by year for the IRS.
Let this be a warning to people retiring in the middle of a year. Do everything you can to cut your income. Ie max out and FRONTLOAD your 401 k, HSA, IRA etc. If I was smart I could have easily hid about 47k income which would have kept me below the ACA subsidy limit.
Yes, I can confirm from experience that ACA is looking at yearly income; they don't care about whether it all came in a lump during the first two weeks of the year (as is my case). Definitely do everything you can to max tax deferred contributions in the year you retire.
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I don't remember your income situation, but I presume you'll be realizing too much income to qualify for the ACA premium tax credit? If you do qualify for a significant PTC, ACA would almost certainly be less expensive than COBRA, which would remove that incentive to stay on.
Correct. No subsidies for us this year due to income.
Next year, I think I can get the subsidies. Assuming there *is* an ACA next year.
Either option 1 or 2 is likely to interfere with your decompression process. Two days a week would certainly be better than 5, but you'll have to stay engaged with all the BS and you won't really feel like you've broken free.
Agreed. But there are no messages or emails back and forth. Can't work from home 99.99999999% of the time.
You've bent over backwards to accommodate your employer, and you don't owe them a damn thing.
True that! But the client is the citizens of the USA, and I happen to care about them.
Godspeed, Swordguy!
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It's official! My last day is 6/1/2018 (about a month later than the prior estimate).
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A question for anyone in the cohort who is converting from a full time employee to a part-time consultant to the former employer: how did you set your hourly rate? What other issues or logistics should I be thinking of when considering a consulting arrangement?
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I gave this a little thought, but have not decided to consult yet. I would shoot for at least 1.5x your current hourly pay, and 2x would not be outrageous. My company breaks out bennies in dollar terms, and they claim 1.35x my salary to include all the things you now have to provide yourself, like FICA taxes, disability insurance, vacation time, health insurance, 401k. You also get to pay for or do your own accounting and other corporate functions, now that you are a business.
If selling your services is easy, as it may be in your case, then settle for the low end. If you need to spend 20-30% of your time drumming up new business, say you want to branch out to other companies, go for the top of the scale. All the sales and contract negotiation time is unpaid.
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I gave this a little thought, but have not decided to consult yet. I would shoot for at least 1.5x your current hourly pay, and 2x would not be outrageous. My company breaks out bennies in dollar terms, and they claim 1.35x my salary to include all the things you now have to provide yourself, like FICA taxes, disability insurance, vacation time, health insurance, 401k. You also get to pay for or do your own accounting and other corporate functions, now that you are a business.
If selling your services is easy, as it may be in your case, then settle for the low end. If you need to spend 20-30% of your time drumming up new business, say you want to branch out to other companies, go for the top of the scale. All the sales and contract negotiation time is unpaid.
Thanks Acastus. When you say 1.5-2x of current hourly pay, would that include a bonus and other incentive comp? These are currently a large part of my annual compensation package.
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A question for anyone in the cohort who is converting from a full time employee to a part-time consultant to the former employer: how did you set your hourly rate? What other issues or logistics should I be thinking of when considering a consulting arrangement?
Think about whether you're going to incorporate (LLC) or be a sole proprietor. If you go the sole proprietor route, you'll want some personal liability insurance to protect your assets, even if you think the consulting activity is low risk. You'd probably want it as an LLC too, if your LLC is going to have any assets at all. And your employer may require insurance whether you want it or not. This is all assuming you are contracting with your former employer rather than staying on as a part-time or intermittent employee.
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Set your hourly rate at a good clip. For experienced engineers/chemists where I work (Global 50 megapharmaco) we don't really bat an eye at anything under $115 an hour. I am following this again more actively. I am probably done this year though not sure when. Finances are in good order but need to roll a former 401k into current 401k to take advantage of backdoor Roth with after tax contributions. Will leave a bunch of options on the table to leave but Tempus Fugit.
I buried my 55 year old fishing buddy of 10 years in January (great guy to fish with, wonderful man, beautifulfamily, great guy and his funeral was literally standing room only) and time is worth more than money at this point. Will probably ask boss's boss about going part time but may just say Heck with it and walk. On a very positive note, I am impossible to upset at this point. Your idiocy is really not my problem and Hell will freeze before I allow you to make it my problem.
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A question for anyone in the cohort who is converting from a full time employee to a part-time consultant to the former employer: how did you set your hourly rate? What other issues or logistics should I be thinking of when considering a consulting arrangement?
When DW left her job, she consulted back to her old company the following year. She didn't really want to do it so she told them the hourly rate she wanted was 2x what she made as a fulltime employee. They paid it.
One thing you need to deal with is Social Security. You have to pay both ends, so it's 15% and if you don't pay it as you go, you'll need to pay when you file your taxes.
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Speaking about COBRA for the rest of 2018. Someone told me that ACA only looks at your income after the change of coverage event , not at the income you made earlier in the year. This does not sound right to me. I understand that they look at the entire years income. Does anyone know for sure?
I've already made too much this year to qualify for any subsidies. However, I could adjust my income for the rest of the year to stay below the number required for subsidies.
I had read that somewhere (once!) but it does not appear to be true. At least, not in the host of stuff I read when I explicitly went looking for it.
That's what I heard as well. It seems like there is no way for the govt. to really track the income by date during the year. It is hard enough to track it by year for the IRS.
Let this be a warning to people retiring in the middle of a year. Do everything you can to cut your income. Ie max out and FRONTLOAD your 401 k, HSA, IRA etc. If I was smart I could have easily hid about 47k income which would have kept me below the ACA subsidy limit.
Yes, I can confirm from experience that ACA is looking at yearly income; they don't care about whether it all came in a lump during the first two weeks of the year (as is my case). Definitely do everything you can to max tax deferred contributions in the year you retire.
This is probably common knowledge already but it's worth noting again, if anyone is buying insurance on the ACA exchange after they retire this year, be sure to factor in all other components of MAGI like future dividends, interest and any realized gains. It's not just your year to date salary/bonuses from your employer.
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Speaking about COBRA for the rest of 2018. Someone told me that ACA only looks at your income after the change of coverage event , not at the income you made earlier in the year. This does not sound right to me. I understand that they look at the entire years income. Does anyone know for sure?
I've already made too much this year to qualify for any subsidies. However, I could adjust my income for the rest of the year to stay below the number required for subsidies.
I had read that somewhere (once!) but it does not appear to be true. At least, not in the host of stuff I read when I explicitly went looking for it.
That's what I heard as well. It seems like there is no way for the govt. to really track the income by date during the year. It is hard enough to track it by year for the IRS.
Let this be a warning to people retiring in the middle of a year. Do everything you can to cut your income. Ie max out and FRONTLOAD your 401 k, HSA, IRA etc. If I was smart I could have easily hid about 47k income which would have kept me below the ACA subsidy limit.
Yes, I can confirm from experience that ACA is looking at yearly income; they don't care about whether it all came in a lump during the first two weeks of the year (as is my case). Definitely do everything you can to max tax deferred contributions in the year you retire.
This is probably common knowledge already but it's worth noting again, if anyone is buying insurance on the ACA exchange after they retire this year, be sure to factor in all other components of MAGI like future dividends, interest and any realized gains. It's not just your year to date salary/bonuses from your employer.
Thank you all for educating me on this. I'm FIREing in April of next year, and this has been extremely helpful. The message I am taking away is to front load everything I can to the max after the first of the year, try to reduce income to as little as possible, and don't forget to include other components of yearly income like dividends and interest. Thank you.
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How are your FIRE plans for 2018 going? Enquiring minds want to know?
04/??/18 @PKate and DH
04/??/18 @Calvin
04/??/18 @FernFree
04/??/18 @gooki
04/??/18 @HappyMargo
04/??/18 @Mother Fussbudget
??/??/18 @Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 @FLStache
??/??/18 @Michread
??/??/18 @Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 @MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 @pecunia
??/??/18 @Mogadishu
??/??/18 @Badblackgirl
??/??/18 @Sofa King
Let us know how you are doing! :)
Still planning to leave before my birthday at the end of the year.
My work has gotten really interesting lately, and I'm mulling over approaching my company with a proposal that I leave, but continue to work as-needed on this one case until it's over.
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Speaking about COBRA for the rest of 2018. Someone told me that ACA only looks at your income after the change of coverage event , not at the income you made earlier in the year. This does not sound right to me. I understand that they look at the entire years income. Does anyone know for sure?
I've already made too much this year to qualify for any subsidies. However, I could adjust my income for the rest of the year to stay below the number required for subsidies.
I had read that somewhere (once!) but it does not appear to be true. At least, not in the host of stuff I read when I explicitly went looking for it.
That's what I heard as well. It seems like there is no way for the govt. to really track the income by date during the year. It is hard enough to track it by year for the IRS.
Let this be a warning to people retiring in the middle of a year. Do everything you can to cut your income. Ie max out and FRONTLOAD your 401 k, HSA, IRA etc. If I was smart I could have easily hid about 47k income which would have kept me below the ACA subsidy limit.
Yes, I can confirm from experience that ACA is looking at yearly income; they don't care about whether it all came in a lump during the first two weeks of the year (as is my case). Definitely do everything you can to max tax deferred contributions in the year you retire.
This is probably common knowledge already but it's worth noting again, if anyone is buying insurance on the ACA exchange after they retire this year, be sure to factor in all other components of MAGI like future dividends, interest and any realized gains. It's not just your year to date salary/bonuses from your employer.
It looks to me like if you have already earned > 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you really can't get subsidies for that year (you can, but then you'll pay them back).
Other Questions Regarding Subsidies
What happens if my income changes? Do I have to pay back subsidies?
Most consumers receiving premium subsidies will receive it in the form of an advanced tax credit, with the subsidy applied directly to the cost of their insurance. Since these amounts will be based upon your projected income for the year, the actualy amount of subsidies you are eligible will in many cases differ. If you end qualifying for more subsidies than any amount will be received in the form of a tax credit when income taxes are filed. What happens if you actually make more money and therefore qualify for less subsidies than you received?
In cases where households received higher amounts than they were ultimately eligible for, they are responsible for repayment of some or all of the tax credits they received. How much they have to pay back will depend upon their final household income. Households with a final income over 400% of FPL will be required to pay back the entire premium subsidy amnount. For those households with incomesunder 400% of FPL, repayments will be capped at the following amounts...
https://www.valuepenguin.com/understanding-aca-subsidies (https://www.valuepenguin.com/understanding-aca-subsidies)
One thing I have wondered about is if you're a spendypants who will have a relatively high income post retirement is if it is worthwhile to alternate years when you drawdown your stache and have a big capital gains or other tax hit so that every other year you are < 400% of the FPL. You'll potentially take a bigger tax hit on the years when you do the drawdowns. I might play with this a bit. Silver plans in my area for a couple my age are $12k+ per year.
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Congratulations @Cherry Lane and @aperture ! Well congratulations to all of you in the 2018 cohort, but those are two people I've met in real life.
I'm happy to hear @CheapskateWife and husband are on track as well.
...from a happy 2017 FIRE alum.
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Congratulations @Cherry Lane and @aperture ! Well congratulations to all of you in the 2018 cohort, but those are two people I've met in real life.
I'm happy to hear @CheapskateWife and husband are on track as well.
...from a happy 2017 FIRE alum.
Thanks, Daisy! And by chance, your message was well-timed. I returned to the office today to turn in my credentials. It was like FIRE-ing all over again.
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Got confirmation that megacorp will be laying me off later this year, right on schedule [and indeed I did a little victory dance right in the cubicle. HR lady said "I take it you're not unhappy about that?"]. Yesterday Megacorp HR dept contacted me to start the (long) demobilisation process - so about 2.5 months to go as I handover to my replacement, followed by some final leave to take, then a 1 month all expenses paid vacation in my home country (we're based overseas for Megacorp International), so I can go into head office for 1 day and sign some forms.
Irreversible wheels are now officially in motion. Can't wait.
Now have the nice problems of sorting out how to efficiently transfer really large amounts of cash to USA, where to stache the cash short term, how to get evidence to convince IRS and FBI I'm not an international criminal money launderer, what to do about medical insurance in the interim and before the family can get onto ACA back stateside*, etc etc.
*any experience someone has on signing up for ACA when returning to USA after a long spell overseas would be highly appreciated!
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Just three more days for me and Mrs PD! Yesterday was our last ever alarm-clock Monday morning! Can't quite believe it....
She and I got together about twenty years ago, after financially ruinous divorces. We pretty well started off again in our early forties with next to nothing. We put together a plan about eight years ago to be mortgage free and to FIRE on her sixtieth birthday. Our plan has worked out beautifully. In fact, we've gone about 25% past our number, and we pulled forward a couple of months because we became grandparents and, well because we could. We are both healthy, happy and, to be honest, more prosperous than pretty well anyone else in our circle of friends and families. We feel truly blessed.
I'll report in on Friday with hard confirmation, and to write in the all important "CONFIRMED" on the table.
Good luck and best wishes to all of the 2018 cohort, from Glasgow, UK.
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Just three more days for me and Mrs PD! Yesterday was our last ever alarm-clock Monday morning! Can't quite believe it....
She and I got together about twenty years ago, after financially ruinous divorces. We pretty well started off again in our early forties with next to nothing. We put together a plan about eight years ago to be mortgage free and to FIRE on her sixtieth birthday. Our plan has worked out beautifully. In fact, we've gone about 25% past our number, and we pulled forward a couple of months because we became grandparents and, well because we could. We are both healthy, happy and, to be honest, more prosperous than pretty well anyone else in our circle of friends and families. We feel truly blessed.
I'll report in on Friday with hard confirmation, and to write in the all important "CONFIRMED" on the table.
Good luck and best wishes to all of the 2018 cohort, from Glasgow, UK.
Wow, fantastic work! Congratulations on the progress made so far and enjoy these last few days!
P.S. Making my first trip to Scotland in two months - so excited to finally visit. Looking forward to trying black pudding at (apparently) every B&B we are staying at!
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Congrats PD !!!!
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DH and I will be out 5/1, rather than 5/4, due to baby coming a bit early. :)
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Congratulations @Cherry Lane and @aperture ! Well congratulations to all of you in the 2018 cohort, but those are two people I've met in real life.
I'm happy to hear @CheapskateWife and husband are on track as well.
...from a happy 2017 FIRE alum.
Thanks Daisy. I am looking forward to seeing you again at the Moab meetup this fall. See you then, ap.
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DH and I will be out 5/1, rather than 5/4, due to baby coming a bit early. :)
Congrats!
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Speaking about COBRA for the rest of 2018. Someone told me that ACA only looks at your income after the change of coverage event , not at the income you made earlier in the year. This does not sound right to me. I understand that they look at the entire years income. Does anyone know for sure?
I've already made too much this year to qualify for any subsidies. However, I could adjust my income for the rest of the year to stay below the number required for subsidies.
ACA uses modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). The AGI is the tally on form 1040 p. 1. Add in SS, unemployment, and a couple others. You keep the deduction for tIRA and 401k, as they are subtracted out of the AGI. You estimate your income for the calendar year, the Marketplace applies a credit, then have an accounting at tax time if you were wrong.
I plan to use a combination of low capital gains taxable accounts, rule of 55 on my 401k, and IRA in a few years to manage my official AGI. My spending will be about double my income.
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Speaking about COBRA for the rest of 2018. Someone told me that ACA only looks at your income after the change of coverage event , not at the income you made earlier in the year. This does not sound right to me. I understand that they look at the entire years income. Does anyone know for sure?
I've already made too much this year to qualify for any subsidies. However, I could adjust my income for the rest of the year to stay below the number required for subsidies.
ACA uses modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). The AGI is the tally on form 1040 p. 1. Add in SS, unemployment, and a couple others. You keep the deduction for tIRA and 401k, as they are subtracted out of the AGI. You estimate your income for the calendar year, the Marketplace applies a credit, then have an accounting at tax time if you were wrong.
I plan to use a combination of low capital gains taxable accounts, rule of 55 on my 401k, and IRA in a few years to manage my official AGI. My spending will be about double my income.
Acastus,Thanks for clearly laying out the calculations and rules. Since it's too late for me to fix 2018 for the subsidies, I will definitely go on COBRA. What I will do is front load some withdrawals and expenses to this year so it will be easier to meet the subsidy income levels for 2019. But then I have to be careful to not move into higher tax brackets so my 2018 taxes stay as low as possible. Calculating the optimums and executing the withdrawals will keep me busy for the rest of the year.
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I gave my official notice yesterday! And because I'll be taking a couple weeks of vacation, my last day is May 3. So close!
My husband is now CONFIRMED, today was his last day.
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I gave my official notice yesterday! And because I'll be taking a couple weeks of vacation, my last day is May 3. So close!
My husband is now CONFIRMED, today was his last day.
Wow, congrats!! So exciting to see the recent FIRErs. :-)
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I've attempted to update this chart with all the posts since the last time it was updated. Feel encouraged to double-check your data! :)
Thursday, 4/26, is my last day of fulltime employment. I have 1-2 months of 8 workdays each and then I'll be done.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50)
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/01/18 step_away
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
08/07/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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*any experience someone has on signing up for ACA when returning to USA after a long spell overseas would be highly appreciated!
If your state does expanded Medicaid then make an appointment with a Healthcare Navigator. If you have no current income you will be qualified for Medicaid (and they can help you switch to an ACA plan if you do end up with a regular stream of income). If you already have a regular stream of income set up then do some research in advance about what plan you want. Either way, they have on the spot access to the system and can get you signed up immediately. Your return to the US /loss of other coverage is your qualifying event.
I strongly advise that you DO NOT try to sign up on your own unless you have to. I botched my original signup and lost several thousand dollars because of it. Don't be me. Use a navigator if they are available in your state. They are paid to navigate the system.
Also, I know it varies state by state but I have found Medicaid to be great here in WA. Try to put aside any prejudices you might have about it if you qualify. Yes, there are hoops you have to jump through (mostly getting referrals for specialist care), but most managed care plans require that now, too. The only issue we have run into is that there are limited providers for periodontal care in our area. Other than that, we've been able to get good care for all issues, including two cataract surgeries for me.
Thanks ihamo.
Yeah we'll be heading to Michigan which seems to have expanded Medicaid. If they can only sign up after moving back, I think best to have some tourist-type cover for the first month and then see about ACA vs Medicaid.
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Today is my last day at work, although I’m on the payroll through the end of the month. I’m turning in my badge and my computer and walking out that door for the last time at 5 pm :-)
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Today is my last day at work, although I’m on the payroll through the end of the month. I’m turning in my badge and my computer and walking out that door for the last time at 5 pm :-)
It's been awesome to follow the last few years of your journey!
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01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/19/18 NinetyFour (at 56)
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/01/18 step_away
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
08/07/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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I taught my last class on April 19. This week, I have been giving and grading exams. If all goes according to plan, I will finish grading today and submit the last batch of grades. I might attend graduation this Saturday, but I doubt it. I have too much to get done in preparation for a week of camping and backpacking in Utah. :-)
I will still be getting paid through June 30, and probably won't vacate my office until mid-June.
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01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW
04/27/18 andkar
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/01/18 step_away
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
08/07/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
Woo hoo!!! Seeing that makes it all a bit more real! Thanks, Sword Guy! :D
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Well, I banked my March bonus and I hit my number last year. Now I find myself with cold feet, scared that I'm really going to regret this but also so burnt out that I pretty much need to take at least a year off anyway. I hit 20 years at Megacorp in August and I'm ready to go!!!!! :)
Tentative plan is to tell my boss next Friday when he returns from a business trip. I think I owe him an in-person chat, but I'm really dreading it. He's going to freak out and I'm liable to cave and give him months of transition time. I'd like to give him 1 month notice plus my 3 weeks of vacation, so 7 weeks total. My earliest date therefore is around 6/22/18.
Oh, and the icing on the cake. I just found out last night that I might be able to take a business trip to Australia on June 4th. I've never been and it's tempting to delay just to get a last good trip in. On the other hand, if I FIRE I can just use some of my 250K+ points and go have actual fun in Australia instead of business meetings.
I was planning to wait until Fall so I would only have ~3 months of unsubsidized ACA or COBRA healthcare, thinking it would be around $1000/mo. I did some more research and it looks like ACA for my daughter and myself will be around $550/month and if I work until June I would have more than made up that extra expense via the additional salary (compared to my original plan to FIRE in April).
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Oh, and the icing on the cake. I just found out last night that I might be able to take a business trip to Australia on June 4th. I've never been and it's tempting to delay just to get a last good trip in. On the other hand, if I FIRE I can just use some of my 250K+ points and go have actual fun in Australia instead of business meetings.
Or go on their nickel, but take a week or two of vacation while you are there. That way, you get free airfare and a bit of free hotel/meal time as well.
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Standing on my chair cheering for all of you. Nice to see so many positive reports!
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Oh, and the icing on the cake. I just found out last night that I might be able to take a business trip to Australia on June 4th. I've never been and it's tempting to delay just to get a last good trip in. On the other hand, if I FIRE I can just use some of my 250K+ points and go have actual fun in Australia instead of business meetings.
Or go on their nickel, but take a week or two of vacation while you are there. That way, you get free airfare and a bit of free hotel/meal time as well.
+1 Depending on the scheduling, you could take the vacation before or after the business meetings. I've done post-work vacations and it is a great way to decompress after a stressful time. Fernfree's Significant Other (if any) would probably like going along.
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I have not worked a day in April. It is my highest income month ever in my history of working (I got my severance). I think this is an outlier, that I'll not be able to repeat this "stop working, income skyrockets" in May...
I had lunch with 2 former co-workers yesterday. They said I looked so happy and relaxed. I told them that's because I am!
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04/27/18 andkar
Last day of work is finished. The boss said goodbye at the workplace meeting. My Vmware workstation is deleted. A great weight is lifted off of my shoulders.
I turn 42 May 3rd, so technically I'm retired at 41.
On my way to celebrate with some lingering coworkers at my favourite corner bar, which happens to also be the cheapest :)
Cheers!
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04/27/18 andkar
Last day of work is finished. The boss said goodbye at the workplace meeting. My Vmware workstation is deleted. A great weight is lifted off of my shoulders.
I turn 42 May 3rd, so technically I'm retired at 41.
On my way to celebrate with some lingering coworkers at my favourite corner bar, which happens to also be the cheapest :)
Cheers!
Woohoo!!! Big congrats to you. After the corner bar celebration, what's on the horizon for you?
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Poppydog and Mrs Poppydog CONFIRMED!
Woo hoo - party time!!!
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Poppydog and Mrs Poppydog CONFIRMED!
Woo hoo - party time!!!
Excellent! Congrats to you both!! There are so many recent announcements - it's very energizing to see.
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Okay starting anew month here !! Congrats to all who have FIRE'd so far this year, hope you are all having a blast! I had a decent April and am definitely looking forward to the next couple of months and my eventual FIRE !!
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01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/01/18 step_away
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
08/07/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
My position got advertised on Monday, and I am looking at only 18 working days until I'm out of here. So inspiring to see that string of Confirmed names scrolling closer and closer to mine.
-
Well, today was our last day. It doesn't feel real yet, largely because we will give notice partially through our maternity/paternity leave, but it's starting to sink in a little this afternoon.
I closed out of all my projects, so spent most of today talking with co-workers and finishing training my replacement. As I disengaged, it was a bit surreal seeing my co-workers so stressed and running around in circles to mitigate invented crises, so emotionally invested in the outcomes. Up until a few days ago, that was me. In fact, I hadn't chatted with co-workers in awhile because I was constantly in meetings, responding to the fire drill of the hour, etc. At just a small remove, the idea of spending one's waking hours in that state seems somewhat ridiculous and sad. Though I expect to work again in some capacity, I don't want to go back to being that.
-
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/15/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/01/18 step_away
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
08/07/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
Well, today was our last day. It doesn't feel real yet, largely because we will give notice partially through our maternity/paternity leave, but it's starting to sink in a little this afternoon.
I closed out of all my projects, so spent most of today talking with co-workers and finishing training my replacement. As I disengaged, it was a bit surreal seeing my co-workers so stressed and running around in circles to mitigate invented crises, so emotionally invested in the outcomes. Up until a few days ago, that was me. In fact, I hadn't chatted with co-workers in awhile because I was constantly in meetings, responding to the fire drill of the hour, etc. At just a small remove, the idea of spending one's waking hours in that state seems somewhat ridiculous and sad. Though I expect to work again in some capacity, I don't want to go back to being that.
In a few months, you'll wonder how you ever did it. I'm coming up on four months FIREd now, and the thought of ever being part of the office shit circus again is totally foreign to me. Yesterday I got an email from a former colleague who wanted to see if I was interested in coming back to the agency as a temporary fill-in for a staff group manager position very similar to the one I left. Although I was cordial, that was the easiest "no" I've ever given!
-
My actual end date (show up after vacation and touch my desk day) is June 1st. My last two days in the office are May 9th and 22nd. I have vacation plus floating holidays etc. If anybody is updating the list they can change it, but I don't think it's important enough to warrant a list update by itself.
-
Updated Markbike528CBX
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
06/01/18 step_away
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
08/07/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
Just got word that my replacement accepted the job offer.
He'll meet with the client next week and if the client accepts him, he'll start two weeks later.
Looks like it won't take a full 2 months, which is just fine by me.
-
And I'm done! I've been wrapping up projects for awhile, so yesterday ended up being a very short day, there was simply nothing left to do. It feels a bit surreal. My DH and I are having a mismatch of energy levels at the moment - I'm bouncing off the walls excited since he FIREd last week and even more so now that I'm done, and he seems to be decompressing by being really tired and needing quiet time. Funny to react so differently at first! I'm sure we'll both get back to normal at some point.
Great to see so many people confirmed in the last while!
-
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.)
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
06/01/18 step_away
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
08/07/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
[/quote]
-
Just stopping by to say hi. I have been planning on FIREing in early 2019, but today I came this close to quitting . . . [holds finger and thumb a millimeter apart]. I may yet be joining you as a 2018 club member.
Very inspired by all of you!!
-
... it was a bit surreal seeing my co-workers so stressed and running around in circles to mitigate invented crises, so emotionally invested in the outcomes. Up until a few days ago, that was me. In fact, I hadn't chatted with co-workers in awhile because I was constantly in meetings, responding to the fire drill of the hour, etc. At just a small remove, the idea of spending one's waking hours in that state seems somewhat ridiculous and sad. Though I expect to work again in some capacity, I don't want to go back to being that.
Loved reading this. I spent my day today trying to finish a report that goes to the X+X committee so that they can make a decision on adding Y and Z to the alphabet soup. The committee can decide without my report, but will not make a decision if the report is flawed - will just ask me to redo the report... "invented crisis"
It is surreal to know that in 8 short weeks I will no longer live this circus life, and some months after that I will no longer understand how I lived it for years. I am raising my glass to the weekend, to all of us that will go back and do it all on Monday and to all of you that have escaped. Best wishes, aperture.
-
... it was a bit surreal seeing my co-workers so stressed and running around in circles to mitigate invented crises, so emotionally invested in the outcomes. Up until a few days ago, that was me. In fact, I hadn't chatted with co-workers in awhile because I was constantly in meetings, responding to the fire drill of the hour, etc. At just a small remove, the idea of spending one's waking hours in that state seems somewhat ridiculous and sad. Though I expect to work again in some capacity, I don't want to go back to being that.
Loved reading this. I spent my day today trying to finish a report that goes to the X+X committee so that they can make a decision on adding Y and Z to the alphabet soup. The committee can decide without my report, but will not make a decision if the report is flawed - will just ask me to redo the report... "invented crisis"
It is surreal to know that in 8 short weeks I will no longer live this circus life, and some months after that I will no longer understand how I lived it for years. I am raising my glass to the weekend, to all of us that will go back and do it all on Monday and to all of you that have escaped. Best wishes, aperture.
At four months in, I can no longer conceive of ever doing the full-time professional career thing again. If things go to hell in a handbasket, I'll find some way to make money, but it will not involve a full schedule of meetings, phone calls, emails, and hair-on-fire crises.
-
I gave notice this week.
It was stressful, before I did it. It was a little scary, after it was over, but I'm feeling more relieved now. I'm still processing.
All in all I don't think I handled it very well. Going back to work on Monday could be weird, we'll have to see. I don't think they can fire me without cause, but they could certainly try to make my remaining time very unpleasant. I guess if that happens, I can always walk immediately instead of wrapping up my current projects and transitioning out smoothly later in the year.
-
I would think they would have some sorrow about not promoting you and therefore would not purposefully treat you badly in your remaining time.
-
No matter how you did it, the cat is out of the bag. Let the celebrating begin! So happy for you @sol!
-
Hi! I'm new here. 52 years old, giving notice tomorrow.
-
All in all I don't think I handled it very well. Going back to work on Monday could be weird, we'll have to see. I don't think they can fire me without cause, but they could certainly try to make my remaining time very unpleasant. I guess if that happens, I can always walk immediately instead of wrapping up my current projects and transitioning out smoothly later in the year.
Is there any real reason why they'd go out of their way to be hostile to you, or is it just your lizard brain talking? From what you've said, it sounds like you conducted the whole thing pretty professionally. I could see things being a bit awkward for the next 3.5 months as they try and transition someone else in, but as long as you have work to do, I would hope they'd just let you do it?
Anyway, congrats on taking the big step.
-
Good luck Sol. Don't leave us. We want details about how it goes.
-
Hi! I'm new here. 52 years old, giving notice tomorrow.
Welcome and congrats!
-
Mrs SwordGuy is now retired, and added Desert for sometime in May (assuming a 2 week notice).
(Edited to correct Desert's date.)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 FernFree
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/18/18 Desert
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55)
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/25/18 Acastus
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
06/01/18 step_away
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 ChasesFish
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
08/07/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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Hi! I'm new here. 52 years old, giving notice tomorrow.
Welcome and congrats!
Thanks! Looks like May 18 is my last day. I am ready!
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Well, I finally did it. Gave notice to my boss last Friday and am targeting last day of 6/22 with 3 weeks of vacation to fit in between then and now. I'm so excited, but it is now exponentially harder to get out of bed in the morning and get any work done! I'm gonna have to dig deep to finish up strong and leave with good relations with everyone just in case I get bored in a year and/or the market crashes and I get scared. ;)
I haven't told my co-workers yet. Was discussing what to tell them with my daughter last night and she got mad at me. I was wanting to tell them I was taking a sabbatical or a leave of absence to not get in the whole retirement conversation, but why should I lie to them? I guess I'll just be honest and maybe it will spark interest in others so they can up their savings rate and do the same.
I've purposely not made a lot of plans for after. I just want to chill out and decompress and I'll have plenty of time for planning after. That's another weird conversation that people can't seem to grasp. lol
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@FernFree I feel your pain. I've got 24 "working" days left until FIRE. Officially Sept 1 but July 11 is actually my last day in the office. I am dragging to get up and get to work and I'm only going in 3 days a week now but it's like torture!!
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Hi! I'm new here. 52 years old, giving notice tomorrow.
Welcome and congrats!
Thanks! Looks like May 18 is my last day. I am ready!
My date was changed to May 11. 3 more days to freedom.
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My date was changed to May 11. 3 more days to freedom.
Wooo!!
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Last Navy Physical Readiness Test is done and in the books.
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Last Navy Physical Readiness Test is done and in the books.
I love that this is a milestone to track! How did you do? PT stud or preserving old joints?
My last PRT was my best score ever...because I'm an idiot who wanted to go out on a high note. Stupid ego.
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Had a call with my boss's boss trying to persuade me to stay on longer and my head is now in a real spin. My original plan was July 2019, but I brought it forward to this October to avoid the lunacy accompanying a major project. I've basically been offered the option to stay on a few months, just doing 9 to 5 from home so that they can have my input into calls. They would also be up for any part time arrangement I suggested. And would allow me to opt out of all corporate bullshit like performance management.
My stash is already calculated to give me a 25% increase on current spending or survive a significant downturn, so I don't need the money, but I can't deny that the thought of some extra is still attractive. Against that, for tax efficiency I would need to stick all of it in the pension so wouldn't actually be able to touch any of it for over two years which makes it feel much less like real money.
If I was retiring in spring I'd definitely turn them down, but the months of November to March tend to be pretty grim weather wise so working through them would have less of a feeling of missing out (kids in school so can't follow the sun). DW is definitely retiring in October though so I might get exceedingly jealous of her if I keep working.
I realise this is a very nice problem to have, but it's doing my head in when I thought I had this all settled. Not expecting anyone to solve this for me - just wanted to vent to people who would understand.
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.....My stash is already calculated to give me a 25% increase on current spending or survive a significant downturn, so I don't need the money.......
There's your answer...
Unless you're going to be making (pulling home) 10%+ of your stash, then you're wasting your time at work. Your passive investments are likely to outstrip any W-2 wage that you'd get.
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Last Navy Physical Readiness Test is done and in the books.
I love that this is a milestone to track! How did you do? PT stud or preserving old joints?
My last PRT was my best score ever...because I'm an idiot who wanted to go out on a high note. Stupid ego.
My goal was to pass. I did!
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.....My stash is already calculated to give me a 25% increase on current spending or survive a significant downturn, so I don't need the money.......
There's your answer...
Unless you're going to be making (pulling home) 10%+ of your stash, then you're wasting your time at work. Your passive investments are likely to outstrip any W-2 wage that you'd get.
In the words of the late Carrie Fisher:
https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/a3044414-52a7-4d06-917f-8c6be59d977d
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My stash is already calculated to give me a 25% increase on current spending or survive a significant downturn, so I don't need the money, but I can't deny that the thought of some extra is still attractive. Against that, for tax efficiency I would need to stick all of it in the pension so wouldn't actually be able to touch any of it for over two years which makes it feel much less like real money.
Quitting work in October is fairly advantageous in terms of the UK tax year - you've only been earning for 6 months and end up with a lower percentage tax take. To play devil's advocate - an extra few months pay might make no difference to how much you need to live, but it would be a decent chunk of kids' deposit for a house in 15-20 years time?
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My stash is already calculated to give me a 25% increase on current spending or survive a significant downturn, so I don't need the money, but I can't deny that the thought of some extra is still attractive. Against that, for tax efficiency I would need to stick all of it in the pension so wouldn't actually be able to touch any of it for over two years which makes it feel much less like real money.
Quitting work in October is fairly advantageous in terms of the UK tax year - you've only been earning for 6 months and end up with a lower percentage tax take. To play devil's advocate - an extra few months pay might make no difference to how much you need to live, but it would be a decent chunk of kids' deposit for a house in 15-20 years time?
Quitting at the end of October makes an awful lot of sense for me tax-wise as it's when I will hit the child benefit clawback band which is effectively another 18% tax on the next Ł10k earned. I could dodge that by increasing pension contributions, but that will still get 40% tax as I'm probably going to breach the LTA. More importantly, anything extra I put into the pension just vanishes amongst the investment volatility so psychologically it would feel like working for nothing.
The only way it could make any sense for me would be if I can shift some of the salary to the next tax year (when I will have no taxable income).
I think I have recovered from my wobble. I have told my employer I still intend to go end Oct, but given them a huge list of conditions before I'd even consider staying on part time for a bit - the main one of which is having tiny contracted hours so that I can build up a huge TOIL balance to be paid off in April in the new tax year. Part of me would quite like to do 1 day a week, term time only, for the social contact, for the extra cash that I would feel allowed to blow on toys and not least so I don't have the hassle of having to buy my own laptop!
Oh, and I already have a reasonable amount for kids' house deposits as a separate item in the budget, and Ł10k pa to help them through Uni, and my budget makes no allowance for their current running costs every going away, etc, etc. I know, I know. I should JFDI!
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Anybody else having mild panic attacks as their date draws closer? I find myself having a lot of negative thoughts about it. We have plenty of money (should be at about 3.6% WR by end of July assuming the market stays about where it is), but there are many unknowns. Lots of known knowns and known unknowns, but what about unknown unknowns?
Probably the two biggest concerns are health insurance from age 50-65 (or slightly later when medicare eligibility moves out a few years) and whether past is truly prelude. The 20th century is when most of the data for simulations and the Trinity study are from and it was the century of American exceptionalism. I do not have optimistic feelings that this will be true in the 21st century.
I can definitely see where it's easy to get pulled in by the siren song of OMY.
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By my unofficial count, subtracting weekends and holidays and scheduled vacations, I have 42 more cubicle days left.
I'm not having panic attacks about money, but I do have mild anxiety over having enough hours in those 42 days to finish the work I want to do before I leave. I have projects to wrap up, science to do, and reports to write. I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave some things hanging, which is not how I wanted to go out. Suddenly, the sum total of my professional accomplishments has a sharply defined maximum limit. That's the upsetting part for me, not any concerns about what comes next.
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@Desert goes tomorrow?
So excited because we're next!!!!!The panic over unfinished projects is subsiding...my co-workers are taking the reins, and coming to ask me questions when they need the support. Basically perfect.
@PKate , @Calvin , @FernFree , @HappyMargo , @Mother Fussbudget , please check in and tell us how you are doing!
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The 20th century is when most of the data for simulations and the Trinity study are from and it was the century of American exceptionalism. I do not have optimistic feelings that this will be true in the 21st century.
I agree, but that's only a problem if you don't invest in international index funds and/or you believe that the entire human race is going to be less profitable/productive than the 20th century, right?
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Friendly public service announcement: Be aware that Vanguard does not accept the funding of 401k rollovers via ACH transfer, despite assurances to the contrary (and erroneous bank routing instructions) given to me by a representative from Vanguard's "asset transfer specialist" department. If you plan to roll over 401k funds to a Vanguard IRA, make sure to do so by instructing your 401k plan administrator to cut a physical check, even if they offer the option of ACH funding.
My entire 401k balance was transferred over two weeks ago per the erroneous instructions I received from Vanguard, and in that time neither Vanguard nor my 401k plan administrator has been able to locate the funds or provide any definitive answer as to when or if the funds will be returned to me. I'm trying not to get overly stressed about the fact that a sizable portion of my portfolio is effectively missing, or the comparatively minor problem that I am missing out on any market gains in the meantime (which is precisely the risk I sought to minimize in the first place by conducting my rollover via ACH transfer instead of paper check and snail mail), but I figured I'd warn the cohort lest others find themselves in the same boat.
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The 20th century is when most of the data for simulations and the Trinity study are from and it was the century of American exceptionalism. I do not have optimistic feelings that this will be true in the 21st century.
I agree, but that's only a problem if you don't invest in international index funds and/or you believe that the entire human race is going to be less profitable/productive than the 20th century, right?
I do have some money in international funds and global corporations. I don't think the entire human race is going to be less profitable/productive than in the 20th century, but the growth rate certainly could slow, and that's why 20th century US stock returns were ~7% annually in real terms. Productivity growth slows even a bit and that brings the rate of return over inflation down significantly. The issue with "emerging market" stocks is they may increase returns but will also increase variance.
But, the point of my post was not to debate whether there will be growth in the market, it was more about worrying about retiring for 40+ years and general uncertaintanty in the lead up to ER and how others deal with it. Maybe I'm the only one who is getting close to the edge of the cliff (2.5 months) and am not certain about making the leap, but I doubt it.
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The 20th century is when most of the data for simulations and the Trinity study are from and it was the century of American exceptionalism. I do not have optimistic feelings that this will be true in the 21st century.
I agree, but that's only a problem if you don't invest in international index funds and/or you believe that the entire human race is going to be less profitable/productive than the 20th century, right?
I do have some money in international funds and global corporations. I don't think the entire human race is going to be less profitable/productive than in the 20th century, but the growth rate certainly could slow, and that's why 20th century US stock returns were ~7% annually in real terms. Productivity growth slows even a bit and that brings the rate of return over inflation down significantly. The issue with "emerging market" stocks is they may increase returns but will also increase variance.
But, the point of my post was not to debate whether there will be growth in the market, it was more about worrying about retiring for 40+ years and general uncertaintanty in the lead up to ER and how others deal with it. Maybe I'm the only one who is getting close to the edge of the cliff (2.5 months) and am not certain about making the leap, but I doubt it.
Well, I'll be almost 7 months behind you, so I'm probably not experiencing the uncertainty to the same degree you are, but just last night I did have a freak out about it. I worry about my pension system collapsing (it's solid right now, but you know what they say about pension systems), healthcare (also an American, so a more unique worry), the stock market, and of course there are innumerable other uncertainties. I don't pretend to have the right answer, but I made a value judgment about these things (including the unknown unknowns) several months ago when I decided I'd pull the plug on 2/15/19, after careful consideration. No new information has come to light (although the unknown unknowns continue to be unknown) and there's no indication that I failed to consider important information, so I decided (or am still trying to decide by telling myself) there's no actual reason to change the judgment I made then. It seems to me that unless one of those things is true, the uncertainty is a natural human emotion to deal with but not a reason to OMY or actually change any other plans. For me, I'm trying to treat and accept the uncertainty and other emotions, but not in a way that will allow them to hijack my plans, until and unless I learn that my original decision may have been flawed in some way.
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The 20th century is when most of the data for simulations and the Trinity study are from and it was the century of American exceptionalism. I do not have optimistic feelings that this will be true in the 21st century.
I agree, but that's only a problem if you don't invest in international index funds and/or you believe that the entire human race is going to be less profitable/productive than the 20th century, right?
I do have some money in international funds and global corporations. I don't think the entire human race is going to be less profitable/productive than in the 20th century, but the growth rate certainly could slow, and that's why 20th century US stock returns were ~7% annually in real terms. Productivity growth slows even a bit and that brings the rate of return over inflation down significantly. The issue with "emerging market" stocks is they may increase returns but will also increase variance.
But, the point of my post was not to debate whether there will be growth in the market, it was more about worrying about retiring for 40+ years and general uncertaintanty in the lead up to ER and how others deal with it. Maybe I'm the only one who is getting close to the edge of the cliff (2.5 months) and am not certain about making the leap, but I doubt it.
Well, I'll be almost 7 months behind you, so I'm probably not experiencing the uncertainty to the same degree you are, but just last night I did have a freak out about it. I worry about my pension system collapsing (it's solid right now, but you know what they say about pension systems), healthcare (also an American, so a more unique worry), the stock market, and of course there are innumerable other uncertainties. I don't pretend to have the right answer, but I made a value judgment about these things (including the unknown unknowns) several months ago when I decided I'd pull the plug on 2/15/19, after careful consideration. No new information has come to light (although the unknown unknowns continue to be unknown) and there's no indication that I failed to consider important information, so I decided (or am still trying to decide by telling myself) there's no actual reason to change the judgment I made then. It seems to me that unless one of those things is true, the uncertainty is a natural human emotion to deal with but not a reason to OMY or actually change any other plans. For me, I'm trying to treat and accept the uncertainty and other emotions, but not in a way that will allow them to hijack my plans, until and unless I learn that my original decision may have been flawed in some way.
All I can do is share what helps me deal with those fears. What percentage reduction in spending could you weather for a year or two and still have a better time than if you were working? Think about all the things you are looking forward to doing that cost diddly squat. Imagine taking a year to concentrate on them while the markets recover. How much fun would you have in that year?
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The 20th century is when most of the data for simulations and the Trinity study are from and it was the century of American exceptionalism. I do not have optimistic feelings that this will be true in the 21st century.
I agree, but that's only a problem if you don't invest in international index funds and/or you believe that the entire human race is going to be less profitable/productive than the 20th century, right?
I do have some money in international funds and global corporations. I don't think the entire human race is going to be less profitable/productive than in the 20th century, but the growth rate certainly could slow, and that's why 20th century US stock returns were ~7% annually in real terms. Productivity growth slows even a bit and that brings the rate of return over inflation down significantly. The issue with "emerging market" stocks is they may increase returns but will also increase variance.
But, the point of my post was not to debate whether there will be growth in the market, it was more about worrying about retiring for 40+ years and general uncertaintanty in the lead up to ER and how others deal with it. Maybe I'm the only one who is getting close to the edge of the cliff (2.5 months) and am not certain about making the leap, but I doubt it.
Well, I'll be almost 7 months behind you, so I'm probably not experiencing the uncertainty to the same degree you are, but just last night I did have a freak out about it. I worry about my pension system collapsing (it's solid right now, but you know what they say about pension systems), healthcare (also an American, so a more unique worry), the stock market, and of course there are innumerable other uncertainties. I don't pretend to have the right answer, but I made a value judgment about these things (including the unknown unknowns) several months ago when I decided I'd pull the plug on 2/15/19, after careful consideration. No new information has come to light (although the unknown unknowns continue to be unknown) and there's no indication that I failed to consider important information, so I decided (or am still trying to decide by telling myself) there's no actual reason to change the judgment I made then. It seems to me that unless one of those things is true, the uncertainty is a natural human emotion to deal with but not a reason to OMY or actually change any other plans. For me, I'm trying to treat and accept the uncertainty and other emotions, but not in a way that will allow them to hijack my plans, until and unless I learn that my original decision may have been flawed in some way.
All I can do is share what helps me deal with those fears. What percentage reduction in spending could you weather for a year or two and still have a better time than if you were working? Think about all the things you are looking forward to doing that cost diddly squat. Imagine taking a year to concentrate on them while the markets recover. How much fun would you have in that year?
Great points, thanks. We could weather a huge reduction in spending. I wonder if some of the fear is "fear of missing out" on what additional money could by. I think psychologically the shift from accumulation to withdrawing phase is on my mind right now, possibly because I've been looking at withdrawal strategies a lot lately.
Ironically, freaking big data at facebook is inside my head and I just had this sponsored listcicle clickbait show up on my feed. It's not horrible and to save you the clicks, here it is:
21-unvarnished-truths-about-retirement (Some are less about retirement than life in general. Put 'em on posters with photos of beaches and mountains and you've got yourself a side gig selling them.)
1. Even though you are retired, you don’t have enough time for everything. Everyone dies with things in their inbox. Do the best you can and live your definition of a full life.
2. Be curious. See both sides. Stubbornness is not strength. When given new information, strong people develop and evolve their opinions. We can grow when we can admit we are wrong. Your life stagnates when you are wrong, but you refuse to admit it.
3. Negativity wastes life. Being positive and optimistic in the present has a favorable impact on the future. Yes, bad things happen, but so do good ones, and we tend to steer toward the things on which concentrate.
4. You don’t have to wait for an apology to forgive. We have all been wronged at one time or another. Waiting for an apology from someone who may never give offer one is a waste of life. Who cares? Hell, if this is a gray area and it’s possible the other person is waiting for an apology from you, apologize first. What does it matter? Life is too precious to play those kind of games.
5. It is okay to fail. Failure is part of life even in retirement. Failure teaches valuable lessons. In fact, we learn more from our failures than our successes. Expect success, but don’t worry about it too much. It is the journey that matters.
6. Take care of yourself. You aren’t much use to yourself or anyone else if you don’t. Looking out for your health and happiness is not the same as being selfish. This is fundamental.
7. Ambition can be a killer. I hate to break it to you, but you aren’t going to be Number One in everything you do. Breathe, and be satisfied, with the act of living today. Don’t let blind ambition cause you to lose sight of what is important. Savour all of life’s moments, even the bad ones, because you only get so many and you may wish you had paid more attention.
8. Your aspirations mean nothing. Well, they mean nothing if you don’t make an effort to realize them. Take action to get the things you want.
9. Stop complaining. Most people don’t care about your problems; some are happy you have them. Complaining only serves to keep negatives at the center of your life.
10. Let it go. Everyone has regrets, but don’t live a life of sorrow. The past is gone; find a way to come to terms with it. You may be able to reverse a bad situation that haunts you from the past, but you can’t turn back time.
11. You can’t make people happy. You can listen. You can be kind. You can smile. You can respect. You can offer assistance. You can contribute tools. But people are responsible for their own happiness (see No. 9).
12. You get to choose what matters. You didn’t get this far to keep jumping through other people’s hoops. Don’t forget the importance of yourself.
13. You are responsible. You may not be at fault for what happens, but you get to choose how you respond to everything. Yes, everything. Your response to anything is a choice. You are response-able.
14. Go with your feelings. You don’t have to intellectualize or justify everything you want to do. It is okay to do things solely because you want to. Take dance lessons. Learn to play the zither. Who cares about the critics? You have earned it.
15. Comfort is overrated. The magic in life takes place at the edges of our comfort zones. Memories are made by pushing yourself and trying new things. Challenging yourself and growing your boundaries is more rewarding than security and comfort.
16. Your bucket list is crap. Putting things on a bucket list can be just another way of deferring your aspirations. Sure, go ahead and make a list but remember: life goes on while you are making plans. Lists are useless unless we utilize them.
17. Stop searching for happiness. The only place you can be happy is in the present. Stop chasing tomorrow and fully experience happiness today.
18. Time is your most valuable asset. You only get so much, and that is it. You can’t horde it. You can’t get it back. You can’t turn back the clock. The best you can do is to start investing your time wisely.
19. Money is overrated. Money is a tool. To see it as anything else is folly. Yes, we all need some, but money is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Spend wisely and remember; superfluous wealth only buys superfluities.
20. In the end, we are all dead. Make that phone call or send an email to let someone know you are thinking of him or her. Better yet, go visit. Mend fences, hug, show appreciation, be kind to people. Don’t be complacent; you never know when the people you thought would be there forever will be gone.
21. We ain’t gettin’ out of this alive. With retirement, you have more time to do things you love, but the extra time is wasted unless you are using it productively and actually living your dreams. The road doesn’t go on forever.
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Friendly public service announcement: Be aware that Vanguard does not accept the funding of 401k rollovers via ACH transfer, despite assurances to the contrary (and erroneous bank routing instructions) given to me by a representative from Vanguard's "asset transfer specialist" department. If you plan to roll over 401k funds to a Vanguard IRA, make sure to do so by instructing your 401k plan administrator to cut a physical check, even if they offer the option of ACH funding.
My entire 401k balance was transferred over two weeks ago per the erroneous instructions I received from Vanguard, and in that time neither Vanguard nor my 401k plan administrator has been able to locate the funds or provide any definitive answer as to when or if the funds will be returned to me. I'm trying not to get overly stressed about the fact that a sizable portion of my portfolio is effectively missing, or the comparatively minor problem that I am missing out on any market gains in the meantime (which is precisely the risk I sought to minimize in the first place by conducting my rollover via ACH transfer instead of paper check and snail mail), but I figured I'd warn the cohort lest others find themselves in the same boat.
Yikes, that's scary. I hope the funds turn up very soon!
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@brooklynguy , that was my biggest fear when rolling an old employers 401k into my current one......my fingers are crossed that you get a positive outcome asap.
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@Desert goes tomorrow?
So excited because we're next!!!!!The panic over unfinished projects is subsiding...my co-workers are taking the reins, and coming to ask me questions when they need the support. Basically perfect.
@PKate , @Calvin , @FernFree , @HappyMargo , @Mother Fussbudget , please check in and tell us how you are doing!
Yes! One more day. I'm so happy to hear about your upcoming exit!
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Wow brooklynguy that's incredible. I can't believe how Vanguard could be that unhelpful. Also, try posting in Bogleheads forum for any advice.
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Great list, @ SugarMountain! Thank you for cleaning it up and sharing it.
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I've been offered an opportunity to take on a part time coaching & training/development role at work (in addition to my full time role). This is an area I'm hoping to explore as a post-work passion point, so I'm pretty excited about the opportunity. That said, it's a 1 year commitment, and I can only do it while I'm doing my current job. So, I'm 90% sure I'm moving out of the 2018 cohort. Most likely new FIRE date is June 2019.
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I am a little confused about the roth thing. I do not have one, as for some reason I thought I could not make contributions but after doing some reading maybe my understanding was wrong. So for 2018 I am trying to figure out if it makes sense to start one up. Can anyone tell me what numbers I should be looking at to figure this out?
And what should I be thinking about for 2019 and beyond?
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I am a little confused about the roth thing. I do not have one, as for some reason I thought I could not make contributions but after doing some reading maybe my understanding was wrong. So for 2018 I am trying to figure out if it makes sense to start one up. Can anyone tell me what numbers I should be looking at to figure this out?
And what should I be thinking about for 2019 and beyond?
Hey JumboShrimp, great question, but likely to get lost in the 2018 cohort thread. Suggest you pose your question under Investor Alley https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/investor-alley/ You may be able to find an answer by searching there a bit. Best wishes, aperture.
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Ladies and Gentlemen...I'm going to have to officially move my date out to March of 2019. Depending on company stock performance (restricted that comes released) and annual bonus, working an additional nine months is worth between $250,000 and $300,000. The combination of a good deferred comp plan plus splitting that amount of pay over two tax years means I get to keep most of it (yay!).
I just can't turn down a 10-15% increase in our net worth/SWR for something like 7 1/2 months worth of work once I factor in vacation time/holidays, ect. Half the time I can Peter Gibbons it
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Ladies and Gentlemen...I'm going to have to officially move my date out to March of 2019. Depending on company stock performance (restricted that comes released) and annual bonus, working an additional nine months is worth between $250,000 and $300,000. The combination of a good deferred comp plan plus splitting that amount of pay over two tax years means I get to keep most of it (yay!).
I just can't turn down a 10-15% increase in our net worth/SWR for something like 7 1/2 months worth of work once I factor in vacation time/holidays, ect. Half the time I can Peter Gibbons it
Nice! That definitely sounds like it's worth it.
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Nice! That definitely sounds like it's worth it.
It always does. That's how OMY gets to you.
I'm in the same boat. We hit our number months ago, but I can find ten different reasons that all sound really good to justify why I should continue working.
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@chasesfish, I thought you made that decision after ERN did your case study?
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OMY????
Been there, done that, got the dollars.
Not convinced it was worth it. That last 8 months was brutal.
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Doing OMY now. Hating it. But money was only part of my reason for deciding to stay on.
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Nice! That definitely sounds like it's worth it.
It always does. That's how OMY gets to you.
I'm in the same boat. We hit our number months ago, but I can find ten different reasons that all sound really good to justify why I should continue working.
Fair. It's a real struggle.
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I have to admit that I probably would have done an extra 9 months for a quarter million dollars.
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@chasesfish, I thought you made that decision after ERN did your case study?
For anyone wondering, here is the link 2birds1stone is referring to:
https://earlyretirementnow.com/2018/01/10/ask-big-ern-a-safe-withdrawal-rate-case-study-for-mr-and-mrs-shirts/
Yes, but I hadn't formally pulled myself off this thread yet. Now we're coming up within a week of my original "give notice" date. I've been trying to figure out how to engineer a layoff with no success. I can also make the last nine months turn into six months if I were to pull FMLA for spousal care starting in early December. There's a late February vesting date that constitutes most of the money, but that would probably tank the discretionary bonus portion.
I love reading all the responses:
@sol - Completely agree with you about this is how OMY works. I could even be pulled into the trap financially for a 2020 vesting before the economics drop significantly. However, we don't particularly love where we live and are swearing up and down that this is our last summer in North Texas. 100 degrees by May 17th is absurd and we're outdoors people. The other issue is two years ago I went from working for someone I'd go to war for (now the #3 guy in our Fortune 500 company) to someone who's nice but completely mediocre. I don't deal with mediocre well, especially when I work for them. The only option I see is if I can pull off a work remote job at a significantly lower set of responsibilities. I've been exploring those, but need to do it harder since my pension is hitting its magic numbers. I will desperately lobby for a "1 year sabbatical" to hang on to that last equity vesting (I'd probably still quit afterwards, just wouldn't be official). I've been trying to get that for a while, but will put a formal request in late this year to force them to say yes/no.
@SwordGuy - Thank you, there are plenty of days I feel that way. I'm reminded of the unknowns around potentially needing to provide some family some support, healthcare, and charity drive me. I am hell-bent on doing nearly nothing income earning for my first eighteen months to recuperate from the grind of the last fifteen years.
@Monkey Uncle - It especially helps that I put away 40% off the top into a deferred comp plan that pays out over 15 years once I leave. I get to keep most of that quarter million between doing that plus the stock/bonuses hit in Q1 of the following year so its nicely spread out over two tax years at these nice low rates.
@TartanTallulah - Some/most days I hate it, but there are a few nostalgic moments. I'm intentionally meeting clients at higher end restaurants this year
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@Monkey Uncle - It especially helps that I put away 40% off the top into a deferred comp plan that pays out over 15 years once I leave. I get to keep most of that quarter million between doing that plus the stock/bonuses hit in Q1 of the following year so its nicely spread out over two tax years at these nice low rates.
Personally, I am not comfortable with deferred comp paying out over 15 years although I wish that was my selection from a tax perspective - and my company is highly rated with no issues. A lot can happen in 15 years - and the risk, even if very little, to have so much tied to one company (remember it is not guaranteed, if they go BK or don't have the cash flow to pay, it can be suspended or lost) I just couldn't bear it.
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Nice! That definitely sounds like it's worth it.
It always does. That's how OMY gets to you.
I'm in the same boat. We hit our number months ago, but I can find ten different reasons that all sound really good to justify why I should continue working.
Yep. We probably hit our number last year, so technically this year has been OMY. But I can still find a bunch of reasons why another year makes sense.
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At least I have the problem whittled down to OMM, one more month. Not sure I will have all my paper work done tomorrow for June ACA.
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@Monkey Uncle - It especially helps that I put away 40% off the top into a deferred comp plan that pays out over 15 years once I leave. I get to keep most of that quarter million between doing that plus the stock/bonuses hit in Q1 of the following year so its nicely spread out over two tax years at these nice low rates.
Personally, I am not comfortable with deferred comp paying out over 15 years although I wish that was my selection from a tax perspective - and my company is highly rated with no issues. A lot can happen in 15 years - and the risk, even if very little, to have so much tied to one company (remember it is not guaranteed, if they go BK or don't have the cash flow to pay, it can be suspended or lost) I just couldn't bear it.
I work for a highly regulated and overly conservative financial institution, as in criticized constantly about holding too much shareholder equity, not taking enough risk, low returns, ect. We can't even hire more producers than people leaving because lenders want to work for an institution that actually makes loans.
All that aside, the deferred comp's money is also invested in an offsetting asset account I have investment control over. The only precedent I can find for a banking institution was when WaMu failed the deferred comp money was still protected/paid out from Chase's acquisition through the FDIC.
It is a risk and if I loose it, it'll be a hit to my net worth but not crippling.
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One month until my retirement ceremony and last day of work. Then I spend 75 days on househunting/job hunting/terminal leave until my actual retirement date of 1 September.
Close on our new house in 2 weeks. Movers show up the week after my ceremony.
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Nice! That definitely sounds like it's worth it.
It always does. That's how OMY gets to you.
I'm in the same boat. We hit our number months ago, but I can find ten different reasons that all sound really good to justify why I should continue working.
Yep. We probably hit our number last year, so technically this year has been OMY. But I can still find a bunch of reasons why another year makes sense.
All I can say is +1
:-/
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Nice! That definitely sounds like it's worth it.
It always does. That's how OMY gets to you.
I'm in the same boat. We hit our number months ago, but I can find ten different reasons that all sound really good to justify why I should continue working.
Yep. We probably hit our number last year, so technically this year has been OMY. But I can still find a bunch of reasons why another year makes sense.
All I can say is +1
:-/
So that Gold Bond Medicated Powder has cured your foot condition, lol?
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SwissMister is all geared to FIRE on 4 June. He has a six month notice period but he is most likely to be sent home for that period (garden leave). Soooooo excited!!!!!
I will follow him into FIRE in September. Everybody at my workplace knows and they're all very nice about it. So many times I hear the words "I envy you".
We both just turned 50 last month. Not really early, but still early enough to surprise people.
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My kind offer to work part-time until the replacement comes in will be officially done by the end of June.
Looks like I'll be working 7 days in June. Didn't have to work any in May so far.
Feels good!
Who knows, maybe they'll even give me a good bye lunch this time. Or maybe not.
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Random Tuesday with a handful of weeks left to work. Lately, I have felt a spreading joy that is not dimmed by cubicles or florescent lights. I have Sigur Ros album "Takk" playing and it feels right on.
I think quitting in about 5 weeks may have revived my enjoyment of work. Ironic.
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Random Tuesday with a handful of weeks left to work. Lately, I have felt a spreading joy that is not dimmed by cubicles or florescent lights. I have Sigur Ros album "Takk" playing and it feels right on.
I think quitting in about 5 weeks may have revived my enjoyment of work. Ironic.
I'm having the exact opposite reaction now that I've given notice. I hate that place. I hate the whole idea of voluntary servitude. I'm astonished at the level of bullshit I have previously swallowed without even recognizing it, like a fish who can't see water.
I've become a terrible employee. I struggle to keep my misery at cubicle life hidden from my co-workers. I have contempt for people and behaviors I used to accept as normal.
Mostly, and this is the recurring thought I just can't seem to get rid of, being at work now makes me think "how did I ever care so much?"
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Random Tuesday with a handful of weeks left to work. Lately, I have felt a spreading joy that is not dimmed by cubicles or florescent lights. I have Sigur Ros album "Takk" playing and it feels right on.
I think quitting in about 5 weeks may have revived my enjoyment of work. Ironic.
I'm having the exact opposite reaction now that I've given notice. I hate that place. I hate the whole idea of voluntary servitude. I'm astonished at the level of bullshit I have previously swallowed without even recognizing it, like a fish who can't see water.
I've become a terrible employee. I struggle to keep my misery at cubicle life hidden from my co-workers. I have contempt for people and behaviors I used to accept as normal.
Mostly, and this is the recurring thought I just can't seem to get rid of, being at work now makes me think "how did I ever care so much?"
Sol, this pretty much sums up my past 9 months - with a little bit of "I hope I don't die before I get out of here" thrown in.
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I feel for you cubicle workers. I've had to share offices in the past usually with one other person, and I think working in a cubicle in a larger office area would have been worse, but I have had my own office for a while now. That's made it much better in these final years leading to FIRE.
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My countdown clock is getting closer and it's all looking on track (touch wood).
I'm completing the handover to my replacement and feel pretty good about their ability to get things done after I've gone. Work is getting pretty slow, with just 1 or 2 little projects to complete but nothing too onerous at all. And Megacorp HR processes are now in full swing. The house movers did the survey yesterday and we've booked the date we wanted to pack the house. Megacorp approved having the container sent to where we want it - to our base in USA - rather than back to the official base country.
Air tickets are imminent, and my chosen route was also approved, so we get a 1 week stopover on the way, which means we can spend some time with family and use up some remaining leave.
Also got the official letter confirming I'll be made redundant with the nice 'free' OMY severance package. I'll be back on base payroll as an employee for just 1 day, and will only have to come into the office to sign paperwork. The statutory 3 months notice in base country will be paid out in lieu. Yet megacorp policy for returning expats still applies, which means we get provided a month's free accommodation and hire car, plus about $200 a day for misc expenses. So a nice paid vacation to boot!
Megacorp are being super nice on the whole, as it's all covered by pretty rigid procedures and they feel a bit responsible for kicking me out 'involuntarily'. There are a few details to be worked out, and you need to do your research so you know your way around the policies and what to ask for, but not surprisingly I'm feeling good about the company. After 28 years of great work in various locations overseas as an expat for Megacorp, I have no complaints. It's thanks to them that I've been able to 'stache enough to FIRE comfortably while living a pretty nice life and travelling the world.
Megacorp have even asked me if I could please come back to do a week's consultancy in November. I can't say no [the retirement police can go screw themselves, as that deal will entail business class flights to a lovely location, 4 star hotel & expenses, plus about $10k]. This will helpfully force me to set up the framework of a little consultancy business, and thus enable the opportunity to pick up occasional short term work (that I enjoy) every once in a while next year, maybe 4 weeks a year, with all the small business tax optimisation benefits that brings with it.
As a result, I'll be moving my FIRE date up to 17th July @54 years old. 55 days to go. Still hard to believe this is actually happening. I keep having to pinch myself.
I think I must have been a very good boy in a previous life.
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I think I must have been a very good boy in a previous life.
So, you're weren't a very good boy in this life?
That's handy, it means you'll know how to have a lot of fun in all your spare time! ;)
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I'm archiving emails as we speak...I only have 20 more hours of my life to spend in this chair, looking at these two monitors and moving pixels around.
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Swordguy,
I did not get my prep work done in May, so I am delaying until June 22, 2018. I feel the regret already, so this feels pretty firm.
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I'm archiving emails as we speak...I only have 20 more hours of my life to spend in this chair, looking at these two monitors and moving pixels around.
Insane! How exciting. :-)
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I think I must have been a very good boy in a previous life.
So, you're weren't a very good boy in this life?
Yes, but not THAT good.
When I see how so many people are in very different circumstances and probably no less deserving I feel pretty privileged.
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Yesterday, the 22nd, the office had a retirement BBQ for me.
I almost didn't show up, as I don't have work email ( company flip phone, didn't take laptop home).
That phone has been ignored for the few weeks I've been on vacation, so I also missed the voicemail message.
One(1) more office day left.
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Yesterday, the 22nd, the office had a retirement BBQ for me.
I almost didn't show up, as I don't have work email ( company flip phone, didn't take laptop home).
That phone has been ignored for the few weeks I've been on vacation, so I also missed the voicemail message.
One(1) more office day left.
Way to disengage! Congratulations!
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Confirming that tomorrow is my last day!
Co-workers have been consistently taking me to lunch for the past 4 weeks, and yesterday my department paid for a huge lunch for 20 of us, and gave me a $400 Amazon gift card on top of that! I was really surprised considering how often management complains about having no money.
One more celebration tomorrow night, then on Saturday I will start hitting the gym to work off all the excess.
Luckily I will only be retiring once in my lifetime (I hope!) and so all these celebrations are justified.
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Attempted to catch this up.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert
05/24/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CodeZed
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/04/18 SwissMister
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/22/18 Acastus
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) OMM
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
08/07/18 RunningWithScissors
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt
12/??/18 yoda34
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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Confirmed! We are at home, getting ready to have a celebratory dinner with our friends. WE'RE FIRED!!!!!!
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Congratulations. Its so exciting to read of all these FIRE's.
My date continues to be uncertain. I've been approved for 6 months LSL starting October and I was hoping to return to work for a few months only after the in order to take me into the next financial year which in Australia is from 1st July in order to minimise tax. Due to delays at work I might have to delay the start of my LSL maybe a month or so. The second parameter influencing my complete FIRE date is the real estate project I've taken on - we've made a lot of progress since we started, but there is still a long way to go, with a lot of unknowns. The plan was to be finished by the time I finish up at work and that's still very possible, but hard to predict with any certainty. I might go introduce myself to the 2019 folks.
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Confirmed! We are at home, getting ready to have a celebratory dinner with our friends. WE'RE FIRED!!!!!!
Congratulations, Cheapskates!
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Confirmed! We are at home, getting ready to have a celebratory dinner with our friends. WE'RE FIRED!!!!!!
Congratulations, Cheapskates!
Woo hoo!!! Can’t wait to celebrate with you at CM*TO!!
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I love to hear about everyone celebrating retirement! I have to admit , I am getting the last minute jitters and seeing everyone hitting their dates and celebrating is helping me stick to my guns to fire this year.
That being said, I am in serious OMM (One More Month)syndrome. I am delaying my retirement from June 1 to July 6. But I think I have a good excuse. This gives me one business trip to San Jose, which I will combine with a couple of days off to visit my sister in Palo Alto. I also get a couple days to attend my FIL's Memorial Service in Chicago, Followed by 4 days off to attend a wedding in Seattle. So counting July 4th and some sick days I'm only working 12 extra days in June/July. That means only 16 works days left!!
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I love to hear about everyone celebrating retirement! I have to admit , I am getting the last minute jitters and seeing everyone hitting their dates and celebrating is helping me stick to my guns to fire this year.
That being said, I am in serious OMM (One More Month)syndrome. I am delaying my retirement from June 1 to July 6. But I think I have a good excuse. This gives me one business trip to San Jose, which I will combine with a couple of days off to visit my sister in Palo Alto. I also get a couple days to attend my FIL's Memorial Service in Chicago, Followed by 4 days off to attend a wedding in Seattle. So counting July 4th and some sick days I'm only working 12 extra days in June/July. That means only 16 works days left!!
Sounds like a good return on your "investment". Besides, it's a good way to celebrate Independence Day. Plus, you'll never forget when you retired, which is a very real threat, #askmehowiknow.
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Random Tuesday with a handful of weeks left to work. Lately, I have felt a spreading joy that is not dimmed by cubicles or florescent lights. I have Sigur Ros album "Takk" playing and it feels right on.
I think quitting in about 5 weeks may have revived my enjoyment of work. Ironic.
My last few weeks of work were similar for me. I think I had a big smile on my face the whole time. I had a chance to say goodbye to many people and have long conversations in a bunch of different cubicles. I'm not sure if I'd call that "enjoyment of work" as I wasn't doing much work, but it was enjoyable.
I'm glad your plan is coming to fruition. We will celebrate at Moab.
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Turned in my badges and keys yesterday. Just submitted my last timecard.
I have a few days I'll visit next month to do a proper hand-over to my replacement. Company has already paid me for the time.
My health is recovering and I'm looking forward to a fun and productive June.
I've got one Jane Austen costume ball already scheduled in June with my lovely bride. We intend to go dancing at least twice a month once she gets over what I had. I'll go four times a month if they're dancing each week. Way too much fun!
Good news, by the way. We sold our old home so we have no need to pull from stocks if they go down bigtime (other than the required minimum distributions (RMD)).
Even better news, we found a motivated buyer for our flip house. They are willing to buy it as is. They're working with contractors so they can have bids to arrange a 203K loan to purchase it with. They are hoping they don't have to include a contingency clause about selling their own home first. (We're hoping that, too.) So, if this works out we'll get all the karmic goodness for saving the house without having to do much work to fix it up. That's a plan I like!
I need to fix up my bicycle and start taking short trips on it to build up my muscle and lung strength. Right now, both are pretty poor after being sick for the last month and a goodly chunk of the winter. At least now I have the time!
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For all those who have finally resigned this year congratulations and good luck in your new life :)
To give my own update:
I am still looking to semi-retire down to 6-8 days a month at the end of 2018. The goal isn't to work for money but to transition to a role I really love and enjoy doing although I will get paid for it. I have yet to pick an official date because some big changes are about to come our way and my people will need me to help them through. I almost pulled the plug earlier this year due to utter frustration and lack of reason from my supervisor but decided to suck it up for the people I am responsible for. In the beginning dealing with him has been a soul sucking experience. Every phone call or face to face conversation would bring me to shear anger. It has taken me many months of stress and contemplation to learn how to ignore much of the BS that comes from him. He is still soul sucking, but now it is more tolerable. Imagine that before his arrival a year ago I actually liked my job.
When I give my notice it is customary to stay around until a replacement can be found and trained. Unbeknownst to them, I have been training my replacement all year long so the transition should go pretty smoothly. Hopefully I can relinquish my role by the end of the year, but realize it may take as long as March or April of 2019.
I wish everyone else who is yet to hand in their notice good luck and I hope everything goes smoothly and as planned.
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Wow Congrats on everything Swordguy!! I'm in the same boat as Aperture & Daisy now. I came back to work this past Tuesday after being off for 12 days and for the first time I can remember I wasn't sick the night before about returning to work after the time off. I'm in my final push to the end now and am pretty darn happy about it.
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Swordguy and Vegasgirl:
My last day is Friday (June 1st), after being on vacation for most of May except for 1 day (company physical exam, retirement BBQ and BS'ing around the office). Looking forward to retrieving my 40" 4K monitor for use at home, although I don't yet have a computer that can drive it 4K yet :-( as well as turning in the company phone (my only cell phone for 15 years). I have now have a personal iphone3gs, so I've upgraded to the 21st century at least.
Update: June 1st, unloaded laptop keys, said goodby to colleagues, had my first lunchtime beer of my working career ( I don't normally eat lunch), left and felt good about it.
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We closed on our retirement home yesterday.
Retirement is less than 2 weeks away!
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Congrats davisgang90!!!!!
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Congrats SwordGuy, davisgang90, markbike528CBX!!! I am right there with you Vegasgirl - 19 work days left (counting today). I am riding my bike to work as much as possible and plan to ride home from work midday on Friday 6/29 after turning in my keys, badge, phone, laptop and fob.
Thanks for the support Daisy - I am really looking forward to Moab in October and catching up with all the forum peeps. Best wishes to you all - aperture.
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Gah - plans have changed. Instead of leaving at the end of August (early August with all my banked holidays), I've agreed to leave at the end of December. Due to stupidity in government hiring processes, we can't fill the 3 of 4 current vacancies until September. If I left, there would literally be no one left in the department.
Not my problem, I know. However, the friend who got me the position, literally by telling HR I was the only one she would hire out of a pool of strong candidates, is now the manager of the team. I don't want to leave her in the lurch, so a few more months isn't a hardship. Hubby and I will be taking our planned trip to Europe in October, so the only real hassle for me is having fewer days off to get the house packed up, and move to our new home in another province.
At least I'm still in the 2018 cohort! No OMY syndrome for me!
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I've finally kicked the One More Month Syndrome. I'm all set for July 6. final paper work is in and I 'm counting the days.
29 calendar days and only 8 work days!
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I am now CONFIRMED as of June 1. Very happy to be done with the office, the commute, and the 40-hour work week. For this summer, I will be working from home on my own terms, only on the projects I want, when I want. I will probably keep this status as long as it works for me.
For statistical purposes, I am age 40, and worked in engineering. I found MMM sometime around 2012 and have been a devout follower of the blog and forums and semi-devout at implementing a frugal lifestyle.
Congrats to others in the 2018 FIRE cohort! I have enjoyed reading about everyone's experiences and thoughts as we approach a big turning point. Cheers!
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For statistical purposes, I am age 40, and worked in engineering. I found MMM sometime around 2012 and have been a devout follower of the blog and forums and semi-devout at implementing a frugal lifestyle.
Congratulations CodeZed. I love that you have been around since 2012, and your #2 all time post is to confirm you are FIRE'd. Very efficient CodeZed. I look forward to hearing more of your story. Could there be a post #3 in your future?
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01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert
05/24/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/04/18 SwissMister
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/22/18 Acastus
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
Update from SwissMister:
He informed his boss last Friday, 8 June that he would like to resign. No new employer involved.
Boss offers him more money (but no specific number was mentioned) or an 80% contract. No thanks.
Boss immediately talks to Big Boss. They ask SwissMister to have lunch with them on the following Monday (today).
Lunch was a bit tense, especially when they realized that there was nothing that they could offer to keep SwissMister.
For the next 2 weeks, they will analyze his clients and distribute them among the colleagues. After that, he is on garden leave for full 6 months.
We are sooooo excited!!!!
A whole new life is opening up before us. It is hard to imagine right now, but it definitely is becoming more real every day.
-
Update from SwissMister:
He informed his boss last Friday, 8 June that he would like to resign. No new employer involved.
Boss offers him more money (but no specific number was mentioned) or an 80% contract. No thanks.
Boss immediately talks to Big Boss. They ask SwissMister to have lunch with them on the following Monday (today).
Lunch was a bit tense, especially when they realized that there was nothing that they could offer to keep SwissMister.
For the next 2 weeks, they will analyze his clients and distribute them among the colleagues. After that, he is on garden leave for full 6 months.
We are sooooo excited!!!!
A whole new life is opening up before us. It is hard to imagine right now, but it definitely is becoming more real every day.
And they say there is no such thing a free lunch. Congrats!
-
For statistical purposes, I am age 40, and worked in engineering. I found MMM sometime around 2012 and have been a devout follower of the blog and forums and semi-devout at implementing a frugal lifestyle.
Congratulations CodeZed. I love that you have been around since 2012, and your #2 all time post is to confirm you are FIRE'd. Very efficient CodeZed. I look forward to hearing more of your story. Could there be a post #3 in your future?
Hah! Indeed. Congrats, CodeZed!
-
Update from SwissMister:
He informed his boss last Friday, 8 June that he would like to resign. No new employer involved.
Boss offers him more money (but no specific number was mentioned) or an 80% contract. No thanks.
Boss immediately talks to Big Boss. They ask SwissMister to have lunch with them on the following Monday (today).
Lunch was a bit tense, especially when they realized that there was nothing that they could offer to keep SwissMister.
...
Congrats Swiss Miss (and Swissmister)!
It really is amazing how common it is that employers offer more ... money, position, different work, etc, on indication of leaving.
It's a huge potential benefit of FI that is almost certainly not being properly exploited by non- FIRE mustachians. Imagine how much money we've all left on the table pre-FIRE by not asking for it.
-
It occurred to me today that I am now only 4 months from the start of my 6 months of LSL. This date marks the beginning
of the end - its not clear when I will fully FIR(E), but the 12 months from October 2018 will see me doing much less work.
-
I'm back after two months away. Looks like I missed a lot of FIRE's :-)
Congratulations SwissMister.
@SwissMiss there are two dates for you, one in Sept and one in June. Which one is right?
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/24/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/22/18 Acastus
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 SwissMiss
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 Desert
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
Wow congrats to all !
-
@CowboyAndIndian
Thank you so much for updating the list!
My FIRE date in September is the right one. And for the statistics, we are both 50 years old (SwissMister and SwissMiss).
-
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/22/18 Acastus
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 Mr Mark
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 Desert
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
corrected mine and added swissmiss(ter) age
-
I gave my notice today. My last day is Friday, June 29.
I have very mixed feelings about leaving the work force. Part of it is I never quit a job. I always overstayed and got laid off before. This is a new experience. I am certainly looking forward to discovering my next act. It is a leap of faith that I have enough money, even though I have done the calculations a lot. Knowing that those who have gone before me often feel the same really helps.
-
What an impressive list! This thread popped up due to new updates and I had to browse through since yesterday really had me thinking about pulling the plug early. I'm currently set for June 7, 2021, but really been seriously entertaining the idea of moving to Mexico. I'd been thinking about it during the early part of retirement anyway in order to ensure medical and sequence of return risks were better mitigated, but we had some friends of friends over for a BBQ over the weekend and they discussed their plans. Their Sister and Brother in law made the move in 2014 and now they just bought their property and have the plans for a house and casitas. It really got me thinking about not waiting, now to convince DW. So far that hasn't gone well, but one can dream.
-
Yesterday was effectively my last working day at megacorp!
From now on it's vacation and travel while megacorp's HR processes grind away irreversibly towards my eventual severance in mid July. So I'm calling it a bit earlier than forecast.
Mr. Mark CONFIRMED (@54)
It's a great feeling. And a big support to making the leap was this thread, so thanks Mustachians!
-
Congratulations Mr Mark! Awesome, 2 months before!
Fixed last day for Acastus. Hang in there. It is worth it.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/29/18 Acastus
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 Desert
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
Davisgang90 Retirement ceremony complete!!
CONFIRMED!
-
Davisgang90 Retirement ceremony complete!!
CONFIRMED!
What was the ceremony like ?
-
Congratulations davisgang90!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/03/18 moneytaichi
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 Desert
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
Davisgang90 Retirement ceremony complete!!
CONFIRMED!
What was the ceremony like ?
I had an old boss as my guest speaker. We sang Anchors Aweigh and I walked with my family through 4 sideboys and off into the sunset! We had a small reception at my work and we are doing a small dinner for family and close friends and a hotel nearby.
-
Congrats, Acastus for handing in your notice! You will not regret it.
Congrats, Mr Mark and davisgang90 on entering FIRE! Enjoy it!
-
The advert for my job was published today. Very surreal feeling!
Congrats to all our recent graduates.
-
Sent a PM to our missing folks (except @Alim Nassor who's not set up to receive PMs) to ask them for an update on their status.
-
Also sent a PM to the folks at the end of the list with no month specified, just a year, to ask them for an update on their status.
(Except @Michread and @Sofa King, who aren't set up for PMs.)
-
@SwordGuy , still have not made a final decision! Partly due to being a waffling waffler, partly due to trying to get my stuff together mixed with good old fashioned OMY and FOMO. We currently FI but working and the working habit is a tough one to kick. :) I have a large incentive to stay past Jan 1 due to another bonus and LTI that vests. That said I am working on getting my ducks in a row to bail. Just not sure when.
-
I have FIRED since April 20. Sold our over 2000 SF big house and got rid of 80% of our stuff. Currently our staff are stored in a PODS, and we are traveling in China (for 2 months). After returning to US, we plan to move to Southern Cali to kick back and enjoy beach for a while, before making next plan. I am having lots of fun in China, learning Taichi (a form of Taichi) and Chinese painting. Still feeling this type of life style is unreal.
Also, I want to apologize to my younger self for not taking care of my health and will do my best to do it right from now on :)
-
Dear 2018 Cohort,
For those of who have already FIRE'ed and those who are going to FIRE soon, I highly recommend that you read the following thread and an article by Dr. Doom
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/difficult-fire-decompressiontransition-anyone/
https://livingafi.com/2015/11/06/done-detoxing/
I am nearing the 6 full months of FIRE and there is a lot of truth in the posts and especially Dr. Doom's article.
-
Congratulations moneytaichi!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 Desert
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
Dear 2018 Cohort,
For those of who have already FIRE'ed and those who are going to FIRE soon, I highly recommend that you read the following thread and an article by Dr. Doom
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/difficult-fire-decompressiontransition-anyone/
https://livingafi.com/2015/11/06/done-detoxing/
I am nearing the 6 full months of FIRE and there is a lot of truth in the posts and especially Dr. Doom's article.
Thank you so much for posting this. I'd read some of his blog before, but I've been TFB to read it all and hadn't seen this particular post. And how true it rings. I'm lucky I've been stalking the 2018 cohort to catch this rec, and feeling very unhappy that I am (for now) in the 2019 cohort and can't escape sooner to work on this myself. One of my biggest goals in ER is to just do a lot less, everything at a less frenetic pace. And to bravely tell people, "I'm not busy at all."
-
One of my senior leads is swapping companies, so I need to post his role. Planning to tell my manager that we should be flexible on level & seniority of the candidates we see, and be open to finding my replacement as well. I'll stay on long enough to onboard at least one of the hires. Going to have that chat after I get back from vacation (first week of July), barring any unexpected happenings. WOOP!
-
Got a pm confirming Desert
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
My FIRE status? It looks like I made it. I detailed it a bit in the most recent Journal post here:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/mother-fussbudget's-no-fuss-budget/msg2043489/#msg2043489 (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/mother-fussbudget's-no-fuss-budget/msg2043489/#msg2043489)
All the Best! MFB
-
Got my first work related email since retirement. I was assigned to a hiring panel 3 weeks before I retired. I made it clear I'd only be available for the first 2 weeks, the last one I'd be busy with retirement ceremony preps and such.
Dude was confused on my availability.
I set him straight that I had no availability for work stuff any longer.
Felt good!
-
Got my first work related email since retirement. I was assigned to a hiring panel 3 weeks before I retired. I made it clear I'd only be available for the first 2 weeks, the last one I'd be busy with retirement ceremony preps and such.
Dude was confused on my availability.
I set him straight that I had no availability for work stuff any longer.
Felt good!
I'm five years FIRE and I still get calls occasionally. It is so much fun to politely tell them to Fuck the Fuck Off. If it is from an account that was not nice to me, sometimes I'm a wee bit less polite.
While I'm here, I have to say how much I am enjoying this thread. You are all killing it! I hope you can hear me cheering for every one of you, no matter where you are.
-
Congratulations MotherFussBudget. I guess double congratulations are in order :-)
I took June 19th as your FIRE date, let me know if you want me to fix it. Also, your age from your signature.
Edit: Fixed date to April 1st. That must have been a pretty good Aprils Fools joke on MFB's employer ;-)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
While I'm here, I have to say how much I am enjoying this thread. You are all killing it! I hope you can hear me cheering for every one of you, no matter where you are.
Dicey thanks for the support. Next week it is going to be my turn to run through the finish line. Because of you, and the folks that have built this generous space, I am on the precipice of FIRE. I am so grateful for this community. It would be a colder, harder path without you all. Thanks, aperture.
-
Hey guys/gals just a little check in here so say congratulations to everyone so far AND I've only got 6 working days left !! I am a little nervous but I am excited and looking forward to a relaxing summer. My last day in the office is Weds July 11 then I will be on leave until Aug 31st when I turn everything in. Sept 1st is my official date but I'm getting my summer off !!!
-
20 working days if I stick with my original plan. 15 if I get more aggressive. More likely to be in the 40-50 range as I am almost certainly going to work through part of August due to a number of team members being on vacation, possibly longer. Fighting the urge for OMM or even OMY, so we'll see.
-
Yesterday, I finished my last report, interviewed with my boss, and turned in my keys/badge. Despite the heat, I rode my bike home from work and it felt wonderful.
I am 56 years old and could not be more profoundly grateful to this community and the people that patiently answered my questions, and encouraged me along the way. Thanks to Pete and Jim Collins and Jeremy and Dr. Doom and @Daisy and all the rest of you internet friends. I would not be here except you gave me practical guidance in how to dream and how live in such a way as to make that dream real. Best wishes to you all, aperture.
-
Congratulations Aperture!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
Congratulations, Aperture!
I feel the same as you about this awesome community. We would never have considered FIRing without the help and support of all the contributors on this site.
-
Congratulations, Aperture!
I feel the same as you about this awesome community. We would never have considered FIRing without the help and support of all the contributors on this site.
With a mentally handicapped daughter to provide for, my wife and I thought we were going to have to work until we dropped.
Now we're retired and taking it (relatively) easy.
-
Congratulations, Aperture!
I feel the same as you about this awesome community. We would never have considered FIRing without the help and support of all the contributors on this site.
+1
Welcome aperture!
Congrats!
-
Yesterday, I finished my last report, interviewed with my boss, and turned in my keys/badge. Despite the heat, I rode my bike home from work and it felt wonderful.
I am 56 years old and could not be more profoundly grateful to this community and the people that patiently answered my questions, and encouraged me along the way. Thanks to Pete and Jim Collins and Jeremy and Dr. Doom and @Daisy and all the rest of you internet friends. I would not be here except you gave me practical guidance in how to dream and how live in such a way as to make that dream real. Best wishes to you all, aperture.
Congrats, Aperature! Welcome to the other side.
-
Yay, Ap!
-
I am officially FIRE'd, Friday June 29. I am not sure what is next other than the summer off to think about my next avocation, rather than vocation. Hopefully I have finally found the golden fleece.
Acastus
-
Congratulations Acastus!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
04/??/18 PKate and DH
04/??/18 Calvin
04/??/18 HappyMargo
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
06/??/18 HenryDavid
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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Yesterday, I finished my last report, interviewed with my boss, and turned in my keys/badge. Despite the heat, I rode my bike home from work and it felt wonderful.
I am 56 years old and could not be more profoundly grateful to this community and the people that patiently answered my questions, and encouraged me along the way. Thanks to Pete and Jim Collins and Jeremy and Dr. Doom and @Daisy and all the rest of you internet friends. I would not be here except you gave me practical guidance in how to dream and how live in such a way as to make that dream real. Best wishes to you all, aperture.
Congratulations aperture!
Thanks for the shout out so that I wouldn't miss this message. We will definitely party in Moab!
I can't believe you placed me in the same category with Pete, Jim Collins, Jeremy, and Dr. Doom. They are the FI gods! All I did was tell you interesting stories at Camp FI.
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OK, we're officially retired now. As of 6/30/2018.
Not much changing because of the long slow taper toward retirement since 2015 . . . biking, music, books, cooking, gardening, hiking. Travel, a bit. Tada!
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OK, we're officially retired now. As of 6/30/2018.
Not much changing because of the long slow taper toward retirement since 2015 . . . biking, music, books, cooking, gardening, hiking. Travel, a bit. Tada!
Congrats, and welcome to the club!
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Congratulations HenryDavid!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60)
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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Congratulations to all and I've just found a new hobby. Besides counting down paychecks, weeks and workdays, I can add counting down the number of people between me and the onrushing tide of 'confirmeds'. 21 to go!
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Congratulations to all and I've just found a new hobby. Besides counting down paychecks, weeks and workdays, I can add counting down the number of people between me and the onrushing tide of 'confirmeds'. 21 to go!
Nice game....I'm 25
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I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!
Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.
I wrote a brief, pleasant resignation letter in which I neither explained nor apologised. Only the manager knows at present; I'll tell my colleagues when I return from vacation the week after next.
It's only a month later than my original FIRE date from before I dropped back to 2019, and only five months earlier than my revised FIRE date, but I couldn't face another winter in a healthcare role with open-ended demand, limited reward, the perpetual risk of making an error due to overwork and exhaustion, and the constant pressure to chase largely meaningless metrics.
At the moment, my official position is, "Never going to work again," and if my arithmetic is correct we can afford this. But I'm only 54 and still very able and energetic; I can't imagine I won't find my way into doing something work-like before long. But on my own terms.
-
I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!
Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.
Congratulations TartanTallulah!!! So glad you are getting away from what sounds like a very demanding practice. Best wishes, aperture.
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Hey, congratulations @TartanTallulah! I retired at 54, which was 5+ years ago. I'm having a blast and you will too. Just allow plenty of time to decompress.
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I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!
Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.
Congratulations TartanTallulah!!! So glad you are getting away from what sounds like a very demanding practice. Best wishes, aperture.
Thanks, aperture :-) I'm confident that the time is right.
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I had a pretty rough meeting with boss. Basically wants to judge my team's performance "Wells Fargo style" instead of by total return to the shareholder. Follow up meeting is 7/16.
That date has a chance to hit 2018 after all. I could be a complete jerk and use a completely legitimate issue to file FMLA on December 10th. That'd still result in me being paid for 23 days+ of work over the following three month period and get me to the stock bonus that I pushed my date out for.
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Hey, congratulations @TartanTallulah! I retired at 54, which was 5+ years ago. I'm having a blast and you will too. Just allow plenty of time to decompress.
Thanks, Dicey! It makes me happy to see how well it's worked out for people like you who have made the leap. My parents both retired early for different reasons and, having enjoyed their jobs, have also loved being retired.
The prospect of having the option of doing nothing at all for a while appeals very much. The only time I've ever done nothing at all was for a short period of time a few years ago when I was almost catatonic with burnout. My husband and I were discussing the drop in our household income (because I earn a lot more than he does) and concluded that if the worst came to the worst we'd be quite content doing nothing, or only doing free things.
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Well today is the day.
I wanted to thank everyone on this forum for all the help and encouragement over the last year. There is no way I would have been able to retire without it.
I got in the office early to pack up the last of my pictures, transfer the last of my files and emails and say my good byes. The air conditioning is out so they are letting everyone go home early. (the predicted high is 105 today) Perfect day to retire!
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Congratulations HoneyFill!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18 CHF (at 51)
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!
Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.
I wrote a brief, pleasant resignation letter in which I neither explained nor apologised. Only the manager knows at present; I'll tell my colleagues when I return from vacation the week after next.
It's only a month later than my original FIRE date from before I dropped back to 2019, and only five months earlier than my revised FIRE date, but I couldn't face another winter in a healthcare role with open-ended demand, limited reward, the perpetual risk of making an error due to overwork and exhaustion, and the constant pressure to chase largely meaningless metrics.
At the moment, my official position is, "Never going to work again," and if my arithmetic is correct we can afford this. But I'm only 54 and still very able and energetic; I can't imagine I won't find my way into doing something work-like before long. But on my own terms.
Congrats TartanTalluh. By the sound of your post I am going to guess you work either in the ER or inpatient general medicine such as a hospitalist and not interested dealing with another flu season. I too am in healthcare and hate all the regulations and metrics which try to squeeze more and more from a smaller dollar. It is getting tough out there to make a profit and everyone in the field is paying the price. I still find some passion in my work and looking to go part time at the end of this year and see how it goes. I hope by working less I can continue to do some positive things in this world without the stress I feel today. Just 6 more months to go
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Well today is the day.
I wanted to thank everyone on this forum for all the help and encouragement over the last year. There is no way I would have been able to retire without it.
I got in the office early to pack up the last of my pictures, transfer the last of my files and emails and say my good byes. The air conditioning is out so they are letting everyone go home early. (the predicted high is 105 today) Perfect day to retire!
Congratulations, Honeyfill! Take a deep breath and relax...
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I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!
Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.
I wrote a brief, pleasant resignation letter in which I neither explained nor apologised. Only the manager knows at present; I'll tell my colleagues when I return from vacation the week after next.
It's only a month later than my original FIRE date from before I dropped back to 2019, and only five months earlier than my revised FIRE date, but I couldn't face another winter in a healthcare role with open-ended demand, limited reward, the perpetual risk of making an error due to overwork and exhaustion, and the constant pressure to chase largely meaningless metrics.
At the moment, my official position is, "Never going to work again," and if my arithmetic is correct we can afford this. But I'm only 54 and still very able and energetic; I can't imagine I won't find my way into doing something work-like before long. But on my own terms.
Congrats TartanTalluh. By the sound of your post I am going to guess you work either in the ER or inpatient general medicine such as a hospitalist and not interested dealing with another flu season. I too am in healthcare and hate all the regulations and metrics which try to squeeze more and more from a smaller dollar. It is getting tough out there to make a profit and everyone in the field is paying the price. I still find some passion in my work and looking to go part time at the end of this year and see how it goes. I hope by working less I can continue to do some positive things in this world without the stress I feel today. Just 6 more months to go
May the six months pass smoothly for you :-)
I'm in primary health care and a 'flu season on its own wouldn't be a big deal, but the service is straining at the seams and, faced with the prospect of being extremely short-handed over the winter, I decided I was getting out.
I'm too old for 13-hour working days and I didn't go into health care to tick boxes.
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I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!
Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.
I wrote a brief, pleasant resignation letter in which I neither explained nor apologised. Only the manager knows at present; I'll tell my colleagues when I return from vacation the week after next.
It's only a month later than my original FIRE date from before I dropped back to 2019, and only five months earlier than my revised FIRE date, but I couldn't face another winter in a healthcare role with open-ended demand, limited reward, the perpetual risk of making an error due to overwork and exhaustion, and the constant pressure to chase largely meaningless metrics.
At the moment, my official position is, "Never going to work again," and if my arithmetic is correct we can afford this. But I'm only 54 and still very able and energetic; I can't imagine I won't find my way into doing something work-like before long. But on my own terms.
Congrats TartanTalluh. By the sound of your post I am going to guess you work either in the ER or inpatient general medicine such as a hospitalist and not interested dealing with another flu season. I too am in healthcare and hate all the regulations and metrics which try to squeeze more and more from a smaller dollar. It is getting tough out there to make a profit and everyone in the field is paying the price. I still find some passion in my work and looking to go part time at the end of this year and see how it goes. I hope by working less I can continue to do some positive things in this world without the stress I feel today. Just 6 more months to go
May the six months pass smoothly for you :-)
I'm in primary health care and a 'flu season on its own wouldn't be a big deal, but the service is straining at the seams and, faced with the prospect of being extremely short-handed over the winter, I decided I was getting out.
I'm too old for 13-hour working days and I didn't go into health care to tick boxes.
I hear ya. The checking of boxes is soul crushing. It is just one of a few things that I think is crushing the health care industry.
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After a small delay confirmed per today:
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18 Alim Nassor
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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Congrats to all the recent graduates! Life outside of working is amazing.
-
Time for a check-in! I've been off work for a couple of weeks due to an illness/death in the family, so back to the grindstone to finish up my last transition items and then burning off vacation days.
Last work day: 7/13/18
Official end of employment day: 8/10/18
That's the latest plan at least. My boss wants me to stay until end of January, and I said "I don't think so, buddy!" :)
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After a bunch of hemming & hawing, I've set up "the" chat with my manager for 7/25. Given the nature of my work, and the time it takes to backfill positions like this, I will offer to stay on through a transition for a few months. I do not want to stay through Q4 (our busiest time of the year, but a wide margin), but would be open to potential financial incentives above & beyond my current compensation and then leave in January. I've discussed leaving work for YEARS, and this is by far the closest I've ever come. . . *nervous butterflies*
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It is so much fun to politely tell them to Fuck the Fuck Off.
Ah Dicey, you have such a way with words! Just made me splurt out my tea!
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Eeks - I'm so close! Yesterday I told my VP I was retiring on August 17. After she closed her dropped jaw and told me how envious she was that I could retire so early, I told her I would be willing to stay until August 31 if she felt those additional two weeks would be valuable. Between now and August 17, I'm on vacation for 5 days and out of town for work 4 days. So, only 19 or 29 work sleeps left! And truth be told, although I'm ready, I'm am also nervous as all get out - I have worked since I was 16 with only a three year baby break. And, all of you are so inspiring!
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@Rivertop - so exciting!!! You are so close!
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Huge Congratulations to everyone so far !! My boss keeps coming and asking if I've changed my mind about leaving. Guess she has not figured out that she's the main reason for my decision to retire. Last week the nail went into the coffin as I found out she spent $83K on a new car so I know she's not going anywhere anytime soon, poor thing !!! My happiness level is through the roof as I sign my papers tomorrow!
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Looks like my last day will be December 20th, 2018. I'm currently the only one at my level in my team at work (there used to be four of us) and there's no sign of anyone being hired yet. I don't mind staying on a few months longer as we've incurred a few big expenses relating to fixing up our current house to rent, replacing our 17 year old car, and paying for the move to a different province.
I'll be eligible for a DB pension as I've been in my position for over the two year minimum period. This afternoon I have an appointment with the pension administrator to crunch numbers and see what pulling my money out vs leaving it in the plan looks like. I'm leaning towards pulling it out, of course, being the control freak I am.
The countdown app on my phone is ticking down - very exciting!
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I don't have a date, but I'm still hoping to peace out before I turn 40 in December.
I'm finding it really hard, mentally, to step away. I have one project at work that I find really engaging, which is pretty rare, plus, at the moment, I feel appreciated, and for me that's a powerful motivator. And, if I stick around until late December, I'll get a significant bonus.
It's been a long time since I've taken a vacation, but I'm taking a long trip in August, and I hope it will remind me how awesome it feels not to have commitments on my time and just to do whatever I feel like.
ETA: Aw, hell. It's a never-ending cycle of OMY. I've been past my FI threshold for a while. Last year around this time, I was doing the same analysis re: bonus, but then once I got closer to bonus, from there it was only a few more months working to fill up my 401k and work the weeks required for 2018 to count for social security purposes. And once that was finished, my project was heating up and I didn't want to leave in the middle (I wanted certain experience, + I didn't want to leave anyone in the lurch). And now I'm back to the beginning of that cycle. Any suggestions on breaking it?
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I don't have a date, but I'm still hoping to peace out before I turn 40 in December.
I'm finding it really hard, mentally, to step away. I have one project at work that I find really engaging, which is pretty rare, plus, at the moment, I feel appreciated, and for me that's a powerful motivator. And, if I stick around until late December, I'll get a significant bonus.
It's been a long time since I've taken a vacation, but I'm taking a long trip in August, and I hope it will remind me how awesome it feels not to have commitments on my time and just to do whatever I feel like.
ETA: Aw, hell. It's a never-ending cycle of OMY. I've been past my FI threshold for a while. Last year around this time, I was doing the same analysis re: bonus, but then once I got closer to bonus, from there it was only a few more months working to fill up my 401k and work the weeks required for 2018 to count for social security purposes. And once that was finished, my project was heating up and I didn't want to leave in the middle (I wanted certain experience, + I didn't want to leave anyone in the lurch). And now I'm back to the beginning of that cycle. Any suggestions on breaking it?
You didn't need the extra money last year, right? And you really don't need the extra money this year? Ask yourself, "why on earth should I keep frittering away precious years of my life for money I don't need?"
If that doesn't help, let me run down the positive results of my first 6 months of FIRE:
I do whatever the fuck I want to do, whenever the fuck I want to do it.
I spend time outside every day.
I get a whole lot more exercise.
I've lost weight without trying.
I sleep much better.
My digestive system works better.
My back doesn't hurt from sitting all day any more.
Stress? What stress?
I absolutely do not miss work at all.
I've read more books in the last 6 months that I did in the previous 25 years.
I've caught up on a lot of household chores that usually get put off until the last possible moment.
All of that is worth more to me than the extra 55 grand I would have banked by working those 6 months.
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Thanks for the update/reminders @Monkey Uncle - today is "the day" for me, I go in and sign all the paperwork so no turning back and I am a little nervous this morning but deep down I know this is the chance of a lifetime for me!!
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Thanks for the update/reminders @Monkey Uncle - today is "the day" for me, I go in and sign all the paperwork so no turning back and I am a little nervous this morning but deep down I know this is the chance of a lifetime for me!!
CONGRATULATIONS Vegasgirl! While I understand the being nervous part, that should pass. So exciting!!!!
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The countdown app on my phone is ticking down - very exciting!
It is fun to look at each day, isn't it? After I FIREd I left the counter on my phone - and it started counting up! I find myself looking at it every once in a while and it makes me smile. Today it says "FIRE 117 days ago"
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Good to read the last few pages of posts and realize that I am not alone. I'm going to put in a 2.5 week notice next week for an end date of Aug 3. I'll be spending my time with my 10 month old son now and not the folks at work. Clocking in at 40 years old, although I'm leaving the possibility to do some work in the future when he starts school if I find something interesting and flexible.
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I did it !!!! Papers signed. Made it home. On leave now through Aug 31st !!! FIRE Sept 1 !!! Time to enjoy my summer !!!!!
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Thanks for the update/reminders @Monkey Uncle - today is "the day" for me, I go in and sign all the paperwork so no turning back and I am a little nervous this morning but deep down I know this is the chance of a lifetime for me!!
Many congratulations, Vegasgirl!
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Ptf as you all are so inspiring!
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I did it !!!! Papers signed. Made it home. On leave now through Aug 31st !!! FIRE Sept 1 !!! Time to enjoy my summer !!!!!
Congrats, Vegasgirl!
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I did it !!!! Papers signed. Made it home. On leave now through Aug 31st !!! FIRE Sept 1 !!! Time to enjoy my summer !!!!!
Congratulations Vegasgirl! great to see the confirmations starting to roll again.
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I don't have a date, but I'm still hoping to peace out before I turn 40 in December.
I'm finding it really hard, mentally, to step away. I have one project at work that I find really engaging, which is pretty rare, plus, at the moment, I feel appreciated, and for me that's a powerful motivator. And, if I stick around until late December, I'll get a significant bonus.
It's been a long time since I've taken a vacation, but I'm taking a long trip in August, and I hope it will remind me how awesome it feels not to have commitments on my time and just to do whatever I feel like.
ETA: Aw, hell. It's a never-ending cycle of OMY. I've been past my FI threshold for a while. Last year around this time, I was doing the same analysis re: bonus, but then once I got closer to bonus, from there it was only a few more months working to fill up my 401k and work the weeks required for 2018 to count for social security purposes. And once that was finished, my project was heating up and I didn't want to leave in the middle (I wanted certain experience, + I didn't want to leave anyone in the lurch). And now I'm back to the beginning of that cycle. Any suggestions on breaking it?
You didn't need the extra money last year, right? And you really don't need the extra money this year? Ask yourself, "why on earth should I keep frittering away precious years of my life for money I don't need?"
If that doesn't help, let me run down the positive results of my first 6 months of FIRE:
I do whatever the fuck I want to do, whenever the fuck I want to do it.
I spend time outside every day.
I get a whole lot more exercise.
I've lost weight without trying.
I sleep much better.
My digestive system works better.
My back doesn't hurt from sitting all day any more.
Stress? What stress?
I absolutely do not miss work at all.
I've read more books in the last 6 months that I did in the previous 25 years.
I've caught up on a lot of household chores that usually get put off until the last possible moment.
All of that is worth more to me than the extra 55 grand I would have banked by working those 6 months.
This list really gets to me. Particularly about the health benefits.
This year I took 4 weeks off of work and I felt amazing. I slept great and did not even need an alarm clock to wake up. My body would just wake up if I had something I wanted to do early that morning. Plus I had zero back pain during those 4 weeks. Now I am sitting in my recliner at 12:30am. My back is sore and I am not sleepy. 5.5 months to go.
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I don't have a date, but I'm still hoping to peace out before I turn 40 in December.
I'm finding it really hard, mentally, to step away. I have one project at work that I find really engaging, which is pretty rare, plus, at the moment, I feel appreciated, and for me that's a powerful motivator. And, if I stick around until late December, I'll get a significant bonus.
It's been a long time since I've taken a vacation, but I'm taking a long trip in August, and I hope it will remind me how awesome it feels not to have commitments on my time and just to do whatever I feel like.
ETA: Aw, hell. It's a never-ending cycle of OMY. I've been past my FI threshold for a while. Last year around this time, I was doing the same analysis re: bonus, but then once I got closer to bonus, from there it was only a few more months working to fill up my 401k and work the weeks required for 2018 to count for social security purposes. And once that was finished, my project was heating up and I didn't want to leave in the middle (I wanted certain experience, + I didn't want to leave anyone in the lurch). And now I'm back to the beginning of that cycle. Any suggestions on breaking it?
You didn't need the extra money last year, right? And you really don't need the extra money this year? Ask yourself, "why on earth should I keep frittering away precious years of my life for money I don't need?"
If that doesn't help, let me run down the positive results of my first 6 months of FIRE:
I do whatever the fuck I want to do, whenever the fuck I want to do it.
I spend time outside every day.
I get a whole lot more exercise.
I've lost weight without trying.
I sleep much better.
My digestive system works better.
My back doesn't hurt from sitting all day any more.
Stress? What stress?
I absolutely do not miss work at all.
I've read more books in the last 6 months that I did in the previous 25 years.
I've caught up on a lot of household chores that usually get put off until the last possible moment.
All of that is worth more to me than the extra 55 grand I would have banked by working those 6 months.
This list really gets to me. Particularly about the health benefits.
This year I took 4 weeks off of work and I felt amazing. I slept great and did not even need an alarm clock to wake up. My body would just wake up if I had something I wanted to do early that morning. Plus I had zero back pain during those 4 weeks. Now I am sitting in my recliner at 12:30am. My back is sore and I am not sleepy. 5.5 months to go.
Hang in there. I found that the time seemed to go faster the closer I got to my date.
I was quite surprised at some of the health benefits of FIREing. I didn't realize how much the job was contributing to back, sleep, and digestive issues. I had just chalked it all up to getting older. I still need to get my blood pressure checked. I'm hoping that has improved also due to weight loss, more exercise, and reduced stress.
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I have my meeting to discuss with my manager on Friday. I thought I might be having some qualms at this point, but I'm feeling great about the decision. In order to provide team stability, I can be (somewhat) flexible on end date. All of the feedback on this thread have been so helpful in order for me to crystalize my thinking, what I want, & how to prioritize my time & health over money.
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This year I took 4 weeks off of work and I felt amazing. I slept great and did not even need an alarm clock to wake up. My body would just wake up if I had something I wanted to do early that morning. Plus I had zero back pain during those 4 weeks. Now I am sitting in my recliner at 12:30am. My back is sore and I am not sleepy. 5.5 months to go.
Sleep is really critical for health, and that's why I didn't finish medical school
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This year I took 4 weeks off of work and I felt amazing. I slept great and did not even need an alarm clock to wake up. My body would just wake up if I had something I wanted to do early that morning. Plus I had zero back pain during those 4 weeks. Now I am sitting in my recliner at 12:30am. My back is sore and I am not sleepy. 5.5 months to go.
Sleep is really critical for health, and that's why I didn't finish medical school
I complain here and there, but all in all I am glad I am a physician. This is not just because of the benefits I bring to society or the income it brings, but because of the knowledge I have gained and the usefulness it is to not just for my patients but my family and friends as well. One of the biggest reasons why I will not fire completely is because I don't want to lose my skills or the in hospital connections it brings. I hope I continue to have the passion and desire to practice medicine 6-8 days a month for many more years to come despite being FI.
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The retirement of the main system I support has been pushed back from this October to next October. I have just agreed terms that, rather than officially 'retiring' at the end of October, I will stay on, basically as a consultant, one day per week, but taking all school holidays off. The money I'll clear from doing this doesn't even move the dial on my retirement spreadsheets, but I have to say I am feeling incredibly relieved to have struck the deal simply because the next three months now become a wind down to retirement rather than a desperate struggle to get everything I know / do documented and handed over.
I will still consider myself basically 'retired' from 24 October so yah boo sucks to the IRP! (But that won't stop me having a second celebration in 2019 when I stop entirely ;o)
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The retirement of the main system I support has been pushed back from this October to next October. I have just agreed terms that, rather than officially 'retiring' at the end of October, I will stay on, basically as a consultant, one day per week, but taking all school holidays off. The money I'll clear from doing this doesn't even move the dial on my retirement spreadsheets, but I have to say I am feeling incredibly relieved to have struck the deal simply because the next three months now become a wind down to retirement rather than a desperate struggle to get everything I know / do documented and handed over.
I will still consider myself basically 'retired' from 24 October so yah boo sucks to the IRP! (But that won't stop me having a second celebration in 2019 when I stop entirely ;o)
Congrats on this negotiation. I think a semiretirement such as this will be a nice way to transition into full retirement next year.
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+1 and congrats, @PhilB. That sounds like a better plan. I'd love a transition like that!
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+1 and congrats, @PhilB. That sounds like a better plan. I'd love a transition like that!
Thanks. Certainly less stressful than your attempt to get 42.5 billable hours a week in your 'run down'!
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Having just read up on the last few pages, I'm just giddy with excitement and anticipation! SO MUCH FUN to read these retirement notice posts!! I'm in the 2019 cohort (May 7, 2019), so I'm just 9.5 months away, which seems SO CLOSE and yet SO FAR at the same time! Feeling totally inspired after reading about you 2018 finishers!
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My resignation letter has gone in and has been accepted. I finish on 31/10/18.
I've been asked to do Just One More Month, and I've declined because I know if I agreed my current colleagues would stop looking for other solutions, and they need to look for other solutions.
I'm not particularly happy about the manner and timing of my departure, but logically I know that if you hear a speeding train the first thing you should do is get off the tracks unless you're suicidal or a martyr, and I'm neither. And I'm very much looking forward to not having to do quite a long list of specific things any more.
I intend to be an exemplary colleague until the minute I walk out the door for the last time.
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My resignation letter has gone in and has been accepted. I finish on 31/10/18.
I've been asked to do Just One More Month, and I've declined because I know if I agreed my current colleagues would stop looking for other solutions, and they need to look for other solutions.
I'm not particularly happy about the manner and timing of my departure, but logically I know that if you hear a speeding train the first thing you should do is get off the tracks unless you're suicidal or a martyr, and I'm neither. And I'm very much looking forward to not having to do quite a long list of specific things any more.
I intend to be an exemplary colleague until the minute I walk out the door for the last time.
Great News TT,
You can do 3 more months standing on your head. Now it is time to prioritize. Dump all your non productive busy-work projects, don't accept anything that wont be complete before Oct 31 and you will be twice as productive and twice as happy!!
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08/01/18 SugarMountain
Have not submitted my resignation. Current status is OMM (or maybe OMW) mode, depending on my mood. Hopefully doesn't turn into full blown OMY. Still working through the emotional side of this more than anything.
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Congrats TT !!!
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Had my meeting with my manager today & advised her that I planned to leave the company. She was lovely & offered me a variety of other options (none of which are typically available). Including: part time, a sabbatical, 80%, a reduced scope, etc. It was a great chat & we both agreed that we would take time to think about what comes next & any possible options that would make sense. I've discovered that I can take a sabbatical of up to 8 weeks (unpaid), but my stock would continue to vest. My options are worth about $10k/month, so this would be huge. I'll continue to work with her on a plan that will either result in: a sabbatical followed by part time work, a sabbatical followed by me quitting, or a longer transition plan followed by a sabbatical. I have a great manager, and am very happy to have the conversation done so we can now be transparent about future plans.
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Current plan for me is, drop to a strict 10 hr work week at the end of September so I can crack on with other projects and I'll aim to sell my business asap after that. Even though I'll be working hardly any hours on the business I won't feel retired til it's totally off my plate, but I'm not sure how long it will take.
Hubby will finish full-time work at the end of Sept and will seek to get a 2 days a week gig at the same place - he's on a contract but has asked to stay on, details yet to be worked out. He's going to try to talk to his manager soon. If that doesn't work he'll take a break and then look for something closer to home and part time just to keep him busy and his brain active.
So hopefully we will both be part-time from Oct 1 and full FIRE for me might eventually happen as late as 2019. I don't know if hubby will ever actually retire as such but if he's part-time and can take a decent amount of leave, we will get to do everything we want to anyway, so all is well.
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3 weeks since FIRE. I am on the road with my 13 year old daughter. We are headed into Acadia NP, camping for the next 5 days. It has been great to have this time with her. A big reason to avoid OMY is that my kids are going to be out of the house. Already the oldest is out more than in and I don't want to miss the chance at sharing more of our lives while there is opportunity.
I am starting to feel retired. I am sleeping well and I am not having any free floating anxiety.
We will be on the road about three more weeks. I will write a more complete update then. Best wishes to you all, aperture.
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3 weeks since FIRE. I am on the road with my 13 year old daughter. We are headed into Acadia NP, camping for the next 5 days. It has been great to have this time with her. A big reason to avoid OMY is that my kids are going to be out of the house. Already the oldest is out more than in and I don't want to miss the chance at sharing more of our lives while there is opportunity.
I am starting to feel retired. I am sleeping well and I am not having any free floating anxiety.
We will be on the road about three more weeks. I will write a more complete update then. Best wishes to you all, aperture.
Loved your update, aperture. Enjoy your time with your family!
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Dear 2018 Cohort,
For those of who have already FIRE'ed and those who are going to FIRE soon, I highly recommend that you read the following thread and an article by Dr. Doom
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/difficult-fire-decompressiontransition-anyone/
https://livingafi.com/2015/11/06/done-detoxing/
I am nearing the 6 full months of FIRE and there is a lot of truth in the posts and especially Dr. Doom's article.
Thanks for posting this. The afi link is totally apt to what I'm going through right now. I've been toying with going back to work, and the post was spot on to the underlying reasons why.
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
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We've been retired a bit over 2 1/2 months.
The first month was really rough, we both caught some kind of crud that lasted for a month.
2nd month was better, but we were still physically, emotionally and intellectually worn out.
3rd month, we've started feeling more energetic. I think it will take a few more to completely destress and heal, but every day it's better than better!
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
There will always be something else you can spend money on if you go get more of it, no matter how much you get. The key isn't in finally getting enough money to cover desires, the key is recognizing that your desires will never be truly satisfied, and you need to find your "enough" amount and then stick with it.
Lots of people want to keep working because they think they need more money to be happy. They don't realize that work is what is keeping them from being happy.
You assets, your investments, you house, your possessions, they're all fleeting and temporary. You don't really own them, not forever, you're just caretaking them until passing them on to someone else, or you're consuming/destroying them so that nobody else can have them. We don't really ever own anything, except own own choices. Those define what kind of person you are. Not what kind of car you drive.
How much money do you need to make the kinds of choices that will make you the kind of person you really want to be? Is seven more months in your job going to let you make the kinds of choices that will make you the kind of person you really want to be?
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
I'm living this decision right now, and @sol is right in everything he says! The numbers are overwhelmingly more in my situation (about an 8% increase for just under eight months) and I still question if I'm doing the right thing. The only other two things I'll add is around half of that comes in after-tax dollars and I've been hitting the retirement accounts so hard liquidity is a bit tighter than I'd like.
The other consideration is the morality of taking the 12 weeks allowed in leave in late December then just not coming back, it would still get me through that vesting schedule. Alternatively I could front-load "vacation" before my notice and just have it netted out of the last check.
Coming at peace with not "fixing" everything I see wrong at the company helps. I've made the conscious choice not to place the 2-5 year political and life game to get promoted to the next level where I can further influence change. I'd prefer it just got fixed, but I can accept what I can't control. I get to come in and hang out and lead good people ever day. The steps in my exit start picking up pace come September as well.
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My resignation letter has gone in and has been accepted. I finish on 31/10/18.
I've been asked to do Just One More Month, and I've declined because I know if I agreed my current colleagues would stop looking for other solutions, and they need to look for other solutions.
I'm not particularly happy about the manner and timing of my departure, but logically I know that if you hear a speeding train the first thing you should do is get off the tracks unless you're suicidal or a martyr, and I'm neither. And I'm very much looking forward to not having to do quite a long list of specific things any more.
I intend to be an exemplary colleague until the minute I walk out the door for the last time.
Great News TT,
You can do 3 more months standing on your head. Now it is time to prioritize. Dump all your non productive busy-work projects, don't accept anything that wont be complete before Oct 31 and you will be twice as productive and twice as happy!!
Thanks, honeyfill :-) Good advice! It's not that sort of job, I still have to Do All The Things (frontline healthcare, senior role involving making sure All The Things get done, potential serious consequences if anything is missed) and have almost no control over how many Things I have to do each day, and my remaining colleagues could pull all sorts of stunts to make things more difficult for me. I have a strong suspicion that I'll be working very short-handed and very long hours for at least my final two months.
But I'm leaving. I'm actually leaving. I'm going to have an opportunity to find out whether I genuinely want to do all the things I'm always saying I'd love to do if work didn't get in the way. This is most exciting.
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
I'm living this decision right now, and @sol is right in everything he says! The numbers are overwhelmingly more in my situation (about an 8% increase for just under eight months) and I still question if I'm doing the right thing. The only other two things I'll add is around half of that comes in after-tax dollars and I've been hitting the retirement accounts so hard liquidity is a bit tighter than I'd like.
The other consideration is the morality of taking the 12 weeks allowed in leave in late December then just not coming back, it would still get me through that vesting schedule. Alternatively I could front-load "vacation" before my notice and just have it netted out of the last check.
Coming at peace with not "fixing" everything I see wrong at the company helps. I've made the conscious choice not to place the 2-5 year political and life game to get promoted to the next level where I can further influence change. I'd prefer it just got fixed, but I can accept what I can't control. I get to come in and hang out and lead good people ever day. The steps in my exit start picking up pace come September as well.
All of this. It's a lot of money & would give us additional travel flexibility in some of the gap years while my husband is still working. (I plan to either full on retire or quit my "career" & do something enjoyable & part time, but my husband will continue to work). I also would be more flexible in helping my family (parents, sister) with a little extra money. Cover the cost of vacations, etc. They all work super hard & are amazing to us, but don't have much money. That's an extra incentive as well. But, to Sol's point, I can always generate a list like this so where does it end?
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@MaybeBabyMustache I don't think it ever "ends", but the required reward to stay increases exponentially.
My wife asked me "What if they try to convince you to stay, how much would it take?" My response for March of this coming year would be a $500,000 retention bonus, paid out monthly over 12 months. Your number will just price out your employer at some point.
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@MaybeBabyMustache I don't think it ever "ends", but the required reward to stay increases exponentially.
My wife asked me "What if they try to convince you to stay, how much would it take?" My response for March of this coming year would be a $500,000 retention bonus, paid out monthly over 12 months. Your number will just price out your employer at some point.
My employer offered me (potentially, was just a conversation) flexibility & part-time, which would be way more valuable to me than money at this point. My manager knows me well enough that she knew not to try & throw money in as the solution
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@MaybeBabyMustache I don't think it ever "ends", but the required reward to stay increases exponentially.
My wife asked me "What if they try to convince you to stay, how much would it take?" My response for March of this coming year would be a $500,000 retention bonus, paid out monthly over 12 months. Your number will just price out your employer at some point.
My employer offered me (potentially, was just a conversation) flexibility & part-time, which would be way more valuable to me than money at this point. My manager knows me well enough that she knew not to try & throw money in as the solution
I unfortunately don't have that option. There are almost no part-time jobs at the company and there's also a level of arrogance in upper management that looks down on people "stepping back" but collecting out all of their equity/deferred comp. I looked at one of the "remote" positions, but didn't go down that path after I saw how a peer was treated.
I agree that something like a three day a week schedule would be far more appealing to me at this point. The incremental savings are immaterial
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@chasesfish - there are zero part time roles in my company, and certainly not for senior people. People at my level are typically managing large teams & P&L. So, I'll be fascinated to see if this offer (it was a discussion in our initial conversation) is a possibility. In reasons why it may happen, I'm a senior woman in an area of the company where that's super rare, and have a long tenure in a skill set very few people have. They may prefer to keep me in a part time role for either optics for awhile, or because even a part time contribution will help bridge the gap until they can bring in other senior people who are ramped (likely a 2 year process from beginning to full ramp).
I go back & forth as to whether it would be easier or harder to do part time in my current role. Could I really step back & handle both the differences in how I'm treated, and my own contribution? I'd need a pretty rigid schedule (e.g. have to leave at noon in order to handle childcare, etc) to force my own hand in not turning into working a full time schedule again. We'll see how things end up.
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@sol
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
There will always be something else you can spend money on if you go get more of it, no matter how much you get. The key isn't in finally getting enough money to cover desires, the key is recognizing that your desires will never be truly satisfied, and you need to find your "enough" amount and then stick with it.
Lots of people want to keep working because they think they need more money to be happy. They don't realize that work is what is keeping them from being happy.
You assets, your investments, you house, your possessions, they're all fleeting and temporary. You don't really own them, not forever, you're just caretaking them until passing them on to someone else, or you're consuming/destroying them so that nobody else can have them. We don't really ever own anything, except own own choices. Those define what kind of person you are. Not what kind of car you drive.
How much money do you need to make the kinds of choices that will make you the kind of person you really want to be? Is seven more months in your job going to let you make the kinds of choices that will make you the kind of person you really want to be?
Thank you. I need no more money. I have all that I could ever desire as far as things. I have a mental hang up from my youth of "You must work". Parents grew up in the great depression and my 50 year old brain is having a tough time just walking out the door on a job that I actually like most days. (but not everyday). The fact that I am really free is a bit of a stunner to my head and given that I am FI I really need to get the RE part together. That said, life is very short indeed. It is much less the % of stash than what is going on inside my head. That is where the real battle is taking place. Only I can fight the fears, uncertainty, doubts, etc and thus far have a bit of trench warfare going on.
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Parents grew up in the great depression and my 50 year old brain is having a tough time just walking out the door on a job that I actually like most days. (but not everyday). The fact that I am really free is a bit of a stunner to my head and given that I am FI I really need to get the RE part together. That said, life is very short indeed. It is much less the % of stash than what is going on inside my head. That is where the real battle is taking place. Only I can fight the fears, uncertainty, doubts, etc and thus far have a bit of trench warfare going on.
Same. I've been working since I was twelve when I started mowing lawns and got a paper route. Even though I've been thinking about ER for years now, that I'm on the cusp, I'm finding it to be a big cliff and it's easy to come up with reasons not to just yet.
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
There will always be something else you can spend money on if you go get more of it, no matter how much you get. The key isn't in finally getting enough money to cover desires, the key is recognizing that your desires will never be truly satisfied, and you need to find your "enough" amount and then stick with it.
Lots of people want to keep working because they think they need more money to be happy. They don't realize that work is what is keeping them from being happy.
You assets, your investments, you house, your possessions, they're all fleeting and temporary. You don't really own them, not forever, you're just caretaking them until passing them on to someone else, or you're consuming/destroying them so that nobody else can have them. We don't really ever own anything, except own own choices. Those define what kind of person you are. Not what kind of car you drive.
How much money do you need to make the kinds of choices that will make you the kind of person you really want to be? Is seven more months in your job going to let you make the kinds of choices that will make you the kind of person you really want to be?
A couple of good friends were making fun of me/my plan the other day. The discussion of "what will you do if you retire" came up again, and I mentioned that we might do part-time work here or there, if we feel like it. They were talking about how that made no sense - fewer hours, big gap in your resume, likely less pay per hour - you'll earn so much less money. Stupid plan. You'd make so much more by just continuing to work.
Maybe true, but I'm not sure they get the point of the 'FI' part of 'FIRE.'
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Truly inspiring reading all these stories of people approaching their respective finish lines.
I am currently in the 2020 cohort with a 31 December 2020 finish line to coincide when the end of my current role. Seriously considering shortening the length of my race and crossing the line in December this year, or in January 2019. I’ve already cut back to 4 days a week but still suffering from the mental tourture if turning up to work.
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Had my meeting with my manager today & advised her that I planned to leave the company. She was lovely & offered me a variety of other options (none of which are typically available). Including: part time, a sabbatical, 80%, a reduced scope, etc. It was a great chat & we both agreed that we would take time to think about what comes next & any possible options that would make sense. I've discovered that I can take a sabbatical of up to 8 weeks (unpaid), but my stock would continue to vest. My options are worth about $10k/month, so this would be huge. I'll continue to work with her on a plan that will either result in: a sabbatical followed by part time work, a sabbatical followed by me quitting, or a longer transition plan followed by a sabbatical. I have a great manager, and am very happy to have the conversation done so we can now be transparent about future plans.
I got the sabbatical details today, and it's 30 days (unpaid) with my stock continuing to vest, and full medical. Then another 60 days (unpaid), with no stock vest but full medical. Either way, I will definitely pursue a sabbatical before I either switch to part time or leave. Such a great discovery & feel so happy my manager was supportive.
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Had my meeting with my manager today & advised her that I planned to leave the company. She was lovely & offered me a variety of other options (none of which are typically available). Including: part time, a sabbatical, 80%, a reduced scope, etc. It was a great chat & we both agreed that we would take time to think about what comes next & any possible options that would make sense. I've discovered that I can take a sabbatical of up to 8 weeks (unpaid), but my stock would continue to vest. My options are worth about $10k/month, so this would be huge. I'll continue to work with her on a plan that will either result in: a sabbatical followed by part time work, a sabbatical followed by me quitting, or a longer transition plan followed by a sabbatical. I have a great manager, and am very happy to have the conversation done so we can now be transparent about future plans.
I got the sabbatical details today, and it's 30 days (unpaid) with my stock continuing to vest, and full medical. Then another 60 days (unpaid), with no stock vest but full medical. Either way, I will definitely pursue a sabbatical before I either switch to part time or leave. Such a great discovery & feel so happy my manager was supportive.
Wow, what a nice surprise!
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Good for you! I am hoping I can sneak a deal like that or better yet, a package!
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I have 13 work days left. Shit's getting real.
13 morning commutes. 13 lunch breaks. 3 biweekly time cards to fill out. 2 weekly project review meetings, one of which I intend to cancel. Zero regrets.
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I have 13 work days left. Shit's getting real.
13 morning commutes. 13 lunch breaks. 3 biweekly time cards to fill out. 2 weekly project review meetings, one of which I intend to cancel. Zero regrets.
Whoa! Congrats @sol ! I happy for you!!
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I have 13 work days left. Shit's getting real.
13 morning commutes. 13 lunch breaks. 3 biweekly time cards to fill out. 2 weekly project review meetings, one of which I intend to cancel. Zero regrets.
I can't imagine the feeling. If it was me that close I would likely have excitement with a bit of fear.
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1 week to go.
32 years of work and 22 years at this company.
1 week to go.
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1 week to go.
32 years of work and 22 years at this company.
1 week to go.
CRAZY! 22 years at the same company. Wow! I spent 15 years at a company (and now, 5 at another) & think that's a long time. So close! How are you feeling about all of the upcoming changes?
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1 week to go.
32 years of work and 22 years at this company.
1 week to go.
Ignore the countdown, ignore the pucker factor, have a beer (or your relaxing beverage of choice).
same to @sol .
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I have 13 work days left. Shit's getting real.
13 morning commutes. 13 lunch breaks. 3 biweekly time cards to fill out. 2 weekly project review meetings, one of which I intend to cancel. Zero regrets.
I can't imagine the feeling. If it was me that close I would likely have excitement with a bit of fear.
I guess that's where the OMY syndrome from 2017 worked for us. By the time the extra year was over, we were just damned ready.
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I have 13 work days left. Shit's getting real.
13 morning commutes. 13 lunch breaks. 3 biweekly time cards to fill out. 2 weekly project review meetings, one of which I intend to cancel. Zero regrets.
Whoa! Congrats @sol ! I happy for you!!
Congrats from me as well. We've had agreements and debates, but my wife and I are happy for your successful realization of your life plans.
For those debating how it feels, we are hiking every other day with a local group, health improving every week, have taken one international bucket list trip, spent extra time helping and visiting with our aging parents, visited multiple cultural and music festivals, are traveling to visit college friends next week and will stop at another friends cabin in Denver on the way back, because they offered and we have the time (plus a SWA companion pass...so flights have been free...see that thread). Take the plunge.
Also, we are spending much less than we planned, we havent even spent the cash we set aside for living this year, much less our investments. No commute cost, cooking 95%+ of our own meals, ....and happy hour deals when we do go out. Planning to ditch a car. Retirement with a low consumption lifestyle rocks, is healthy, reduces our carbon footprint, etc.
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Also, we are spending much less than we planned, we havent even spent the cash we set aside for living this year, much less our investments. No commute cost, cooking 95%+ of our own meals, ....and happy hour deals when we do go out. Planning to ditch a car. Retirement with a low consumption lifestyle rocks, is healthy, reduces our carbon footprint, etc.
I want to be like PizzaSteve when I grow up.
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Also, we are spending much less than we planned, we havent even spent the cash we set aside for living this year, much less our investments. No commute cost, cooking 95%+ of our own meals, ....and happy hour deals when we do go out. Planning to ditch a car. Retirement with a low consumption lifestyle rocks, is healthy, reduces our carbon footprint, etc.
I want to be like PizzaSteve when I grow up.
I don't want to grow up.
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Also, we are spending much less than we planned, we havent even spent the cash we set aside for living this year, much less our investments. No commute cost, cooking 95%+ of our own meals, ....and happy hour deals when we do go out. Planning to ditch a car. Retirement with a low consumption lifestyle rocks, is healthy, reduces our carbon footprint, etc.
I want to be like PizzaSteve when I grow up.
@PhilB ans @sol. I want to be you guys, so were even....
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1 week to go.
32 years of work and 22 years at this company.
1 week to go.
CRAZY! 22 years at the same company. Wow! I spent 15 years at a company (and now, 5 at another) & think that's a long time. So close! How are you feeling about all of the upcoming changes?
It's been overwhelming. I'm walking away from a shit-hot salary, fun people and easy work, but the place is getting me down. The company's turned in a direction that I don't like and can't get up the motivation to continue in a professional way. I manoeuvred myself into a redundancy package that isn't life changing but is a bloody nice cherry on top of what I have squirrelled away. If not for this opportunity, I seriously doubt I would have had the courage to just resign - I've been OMYing for a while.
However, deep down I know that staying just for the sake of the money is the weak option - more personal growth awaits from taking the plunge. So I'm going through with it.
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Hooray for the whole lot of you!
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However, deep down I know that staying just for the sake of the money is the weak option - more personal growth awaits from taking the plunge. So I'm going through with it.
I'm almost there, and have been having this exact same thought. I could stay at my acceptably tolerable job. It's a predictable pathway, with work I know I can do in exchange for very predictable amounts of money.
But I've been doing it for a decade now, and the idea of another decade (or two!) in the same beige cubicle, staring at the same screens day after day, just feels like capitulation. Like accepting defeat. Like admitting that my life will never amount to anything better than this very moment, and it's all down hill from here on.
In a way, that makes NOT quitting my job a far scarier prospect than quitting it and plunging into early retirement. Life is short and the world is big, and there are a thousand opportunities out there just waiting for you, opportunities that you will miss if you take the predictable and safe pathway of "more of the same".
So the potential downside of staying is clear to me. And what's the potential upside? My current job has already made me rich enough, and having two or three time as much money as I do right now isn't really going to change very much about my life, so why would I give away the entire remaining portion of my life for more of the same?
It does hurt a little bit, to think about the hundreds of dollars per work day that I'll be leaving behind. But everyone has a price, and I think I've finally reached the point where getting my life back is worth more than more money.
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It does hurt a little bit, to think about the hundreds of dollars per work day that I'll be leaving behind. But everyone has a price, and I think I've finally reached the point where getting my life back is worth more than more money.
Amen to that. I'm currently on the last ever holiday where I will have to work right up to my departure date and have to frantically pack before leaving. I do NOT want to do that ever again. Nor do I ever again want to give up half a day of my holiday whilst away to deal with a work crisis. Extra money that I probably won't spend anyway doesn't make up for stress and lost time when I could be out in the hills.
On a brighter note, yesterday was a pretty perfect day, swimming in waterfalls in Swaledale with my wife and kids. I want more days like that, not sitting in front of a computer. The fact my stash hit a new all time high was a definite bonus!
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Also, we are spending much less than we planned, we havent even spent the cash we set aside for living this year, much less our investments. No commute cost, cooking 95%+ of our own meals, ....and happy hour deals when we do go out. Planning to ditch a car. Retirement with a low consumption lifestyle rocks, is healthy, reduces our carbon footprint, etc.
I want to be like PizzaSteve when I grow up.
Congrats, especially to someone who's been posting around here longer than I have. So close!
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
There will always be something else you can spend money on if you go get more of it, no matter how much you get. The key isn't in finally getting enough money to cover desires, the key is recognizing that your desires will never be truly satisfied, and you need to find your "enough" amount and then stick with it.
Lots of people want to keep working because they think they need more money to be happy. They don't realize that work is what is keeping them from being happy.
You assets, your investments, you house, your possessions, they're all fleeting and temporary. You don't really own them, not forever, you're just caretaking them until passing them on to someone else, or you're consuming/destroying them so that nobody else can have them. We don't really ever own anything, except own own choices. Those define what kind of person you are. Not what kind of car you drive.
How much money do you need to make the kinds of choices that will make you the kind of person you really want to be? Is seven more months in your job going to let you make the kinds of choices that will make you the kind of person you really want to be?
That wisdom carries a punch Sol. Reminds me of when I began reading the MMM blog and was nodding along with each relentless epiphany.
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True enough. Its not all roses though. Facing oneself and asking how do you want to spend this precious time is a tough ask. You have the time for all the self improvement you promised yourself. Mindfullness meditation? No excuses anymore, get on it and be a better human. Impatient on the roads? Why are you really in a hurry? You have time now....then you have to face that the impatience is within yourself and not in the schedule you needed to keep for work.
It is healthy, but also a challenge. As Sol points out, a good one. Moving on to improve oneself instead of focusing on the hamster wheel is what we are signing up for, but happy especially for the parents with kids to mentor too.
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
There will always be something else you can spend money on if you go get more of it, no matter how much you get. The key isn't in finally getting enough money to cover desires, the key is recognizing that your desires will never be truly satisfied, and you need to find your "enough" amount and then stick with it.
Lots of people want to keep working because they think they need more money to be happy. They don't realize that work is what is keeping them from being happy.
You assets, your investments, you house, your possessions, they're all fleeting and temporary. You don't really own them, not forever, you're just caretaking them until passing them on to someone else, or you're consuming/destroying them so that nobody else can have them. We don't really ever own anything, except own own choices. Those define what kind of person you are. Not what kind of car you drive.
How much money do you need to make the kinds of choices that will make you the kind of person you really want to be? Is seven more months in your job going to let you make the kinds of choices that will make you the kind of person you really want to be?
That wisdom carries a punch Sol. Reminds me of when I began reading the MMM blog and was nodding along with each relentless epiphany.
I think one of the things that happens is saving enough to fire has a lot of delayed gratification, i.e, "I won't buy this because I want the money to go towards early retirement." But then when you get there, it's difficult to turn off the delay cycle, "well, if I work for one more week/month/year, I can do x, y, or z."
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
Sol,
I have been thinking about this line for several days because on the face of it, it holds 100% accuracy. $1 more than what you need is useless. But, how much does one need? Sure ~4% of expenses is what we try to do around here and this is not a discussion of SWR because it has been discussed ad nauseam. But what is enough is a much better question? How do we know that 5,10, 20 years from now we won't need or want more? Personally I have struggled with "enough" because I am not 100% sure what that is. It gets even harder predicting enough when we consider what that will be 20 years from now on top of the extra free time we will have once retired. This is just one more reason for us to go part time and get a our toes wet before we dive right in.
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
Sol,
I have been thinking about this line for several days because on the face of it, it holds 100% accuracy. $1 more than what you need is useless. But, how much does one need? Sure ~4% of expenses is what we try to do around here and this is not a discussion of SWR because it has been discussed ad nauseam. But what is enough is a much better question? How do we know that 5,10, 20 years from now we won't need or want more? Personally I have struggled with "enough" because I am not 100% sure what that is. It gets even harder predicting enough when we consider what that will be 20 years from now on top of the extra free time we will have once retired. This is just one more reason for us to go part time and get a our toes wet before we dive right in.
Hopefully Sol will excuse me for butting into the conversation here. You are correct that defining "enough" is a difficult and highly personal decision. Most of us spent a lot of time and effort to come up with that number. Given the impossibility of predicting the future, there is nothing wrong with two people in the same situation coming up with a different answer. But once you have put in that effort and developed a number with which you are comfortable, moving the goal posts becomes problematic. Sure, we are all allowed to change our minds in the face of new evidence, but if you reach your number, and without the benefit of substantial new evidence you suddenly decide that number is no longer adequate, you're just giving in to irrational fear.
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I have 13 work days left. Shit's getting real.
13 morning commutes. 13 lunch breaks. 3 biweekly time cards to fill out. 2 weekly project review meetings, one of which I intend to cancel. Zero regrets.
Holy shit!
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
Sol,
I have been thinking about this line for several days because on the face of it, it holds 100% accuracy. $1 more than what you need is useless. But, how much does one need? Sure ~4% of expenses is what we try to do around here and this is not a discussion of SWR because it has been discussed ad nauseam. But what is enough is a much better question? How do we know that 5,10, 20 years from now we won't need or want more? Personally I have struggled with "enough" because I am not 100% sure what that is. It gets even harder predicting enough when we consider what that will be 20 years from now on top of the extra free time we will have once retired. This is just one more reason for us to go part time and get a our toes wet before we dive right in.
Hopefully Sol will excuse me for butting into the conversation here. You are correct that defining "enough" is a difficult and highly personal decision. Most of us spent a lot of time and effort to come up with that number. Given the impossibility of predicting the future, there is nothing wrong with two people in the same situation coming up with a different answer. But once you have put in that effort and developed a number with which you are comfortable, moving the goal posts becomes problematic. Sure, we are all allowed to change our minds in the face of new evidence, but if you reach your number, and without the benefit of substantial new evidence you suddenly decide that number is no longer adequate, you're just giving in to irrational fear.
That's the problem. For us I am not yet sure what enough really is. Work clothes are scrubs and practically free. Also they feed both of us at work which means our food costs will go up a little once retired. Our commute to work is about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Therefor car expenses won't go down that much. But, with the added free time we will travel a bit more which will increase expenses. We are also looking to take some classes that are not free. This is one of the reason why we will go part time at the end of this year. It will allow us to see what we will do with the extra free time and how our expenses will change.
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2018 Cohort: I am joining you!
I've decided between being pretty miserable at my job, having enough to do 3.25% WR and wanting to do more work on the mid-term elections, the time is right. I plan to give notice next week and be gone by August 20+/-. With my departure now being so sudden (and not to mention that I will be "working" full-time on the elections), it feels a lot less like "retirement" and more like I'm just quitting this particular job. Not that I am calling in the Retirement Police to adjudicate! It just feels....different....than the deliberative process I had planned leading up to my February 2019 departure. But, I still think it will maximize my happiness to leave ASAP, so I'm very excited. The only reason I am not giving notice immediately is that I'm working remotely this week (and taking a long weekend this weekend) and I'd rather talk to them in person.
Ok, now to figure out what little things I need to get taken care of in the next 2-3 weeks that I thought I had 6 more months to figure out!
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2018 Cohort: I am joining you!
I've decided between being pretty miserable at my job, having enough to do 3.25% WR and wanting to do more work on the mid-term elections, the time is right. I plan to give notice next week and be gone by August 20+/-. With my departure now being so sudden (and not to mention that I will be "working" full-time on the elections), it feels a lot less like "retirement" and more like I'm just quitting this particular job. Not that I am calling in the Retirement Police to adjudicate! It just feels....different....than the deliberative process I had planned leading up to my February 2019 departure. But, I still think it will maximize my happiness to leave ASAP, so I'm very excited. The only reason I am not giving notice immediately is that I'm working remotely this week (and taking a long weekend this weekend) and I'd rather talk to them in person.
Ok, now to figure out what little things I need to get taken care of in the next 2-3 weeks that I thought I had 6 more months to figure out!
Welcome to the group!
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2018 Cohort: I am joining you!
I've decided between being pretty miserable at my job, having enough to do 3.25% WR and wanting to do more work on the mid-term elections, the time is right. I plan to give notice next week and be gone by August 20+/-. With my departure now being so sudden (and not to mention that I will be "working" full-time on the elections), it feels a lot less like "retirement" and more like I'm just quitting this particular job. Not that I am calling in the Retirement Police to adjudicate! It just feels....different....than the deliberative process I had planned leading up to my February 2019 departure. But, I still think it will maximize my happiness to leave ASAP, so I'm very excited. The only reason I am not giving notice immediately is that I'm working remotely this week (and taking a long weekend this weekend) and I'd rather talk to them in person.
Ok, now to figure out what little things I need to get taken care of in the next 2-3 weeks that I thought I had 6 more months to figure out!
Congrats on the change of gears. And I wish you luck on the mid terms elections unless you are supporting "the other candidate."
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
Sol,
I have been thinking about this line for several days because on the face of it, it holds 100% accuracy. $1 more than what you need is useless. But, how much does one need? Sure ~4% of expenses is what we try to do around here and this is not a discussion of SWR because it has been discussed ad nauseam. But what is enough is a much better question? How do we know that 5,10, 20 years from now we won't need or want more? Personally I have struggled with "enough" because I am not 100% sure what that is. It gets even harder predicting enough when we consider what that will be 20 years from now on top of the extra free time we will have once retired. This is just one more reason for us to go part time and get a our toes wet before we dive right in.
Hopefully Sol will excuse me for butting into the conversation here. You are correct that defining "enough" is a difficult and highly personal decision. Most of us spent a lot of time and effort to come up with that number. Given the impossibility of predicting the future, there is nothing wrong with two people in the same situation coming up with a different answer. But once you have put in that effort and developed a number with which you are comfortable, moving the goal posts becomes problematic. Sure, we are all allowed to change our minds in the face of new evidence, but if you reach your number, and without the benefit of substantial new evidence you suddenly decide that number is no longer adequate, you're just giving in to irrational fear.
That's the problem. For us I am not yet sure what enough really is. Work clothes are scrubs and practically free. Also they feed both of us at work which means our food costs will go up a little once retired. Our commute to work is about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Therefor car expenses won't go down that much. But, with the added free time we will travel a bit more which will increase expenses. We are also looking to take some classes that are not free. This is one of the reason why we will go part time at the end of this year. It will allow us to see what we will do with the extra free time and how our expenses will change.
I presume you're tracking your expenses? Sounds like you might have some relatively minor changes once you FIRE, unless there is something major that you haven't mentioned, like a relocation.
I tracked expenses pretty closely for a few years pre-FIRE. I, too, had very low expenses for transportation, work lunches, clothes, etc., so I just assumed my expenses would stay about the same. Being the conservative type, I added about a 12%/yr buffer to account for travel and the occasional unexpected large expense. And given the age of the current bull market, I required a 100% success rate in historical simulations, such that something worse than the worst market declines in U.S. history would need to happen to cause a portfolio failure. Because of the market run-up in my last year at work, I actually ended up with an almost 30% buffer instead of my planned 12% buffer.
Of course nothing is certain, and there are still plenty of ways my FIRE could fail, most of which involve unexpected expenses (e.g., the U.S. health care/insurance system gets much worse than it already is, I get disabled and can no longer cut firewood, which causes my electric bill to quadruple - the list of potential calamities is endless...). But with those kinds of numbers, I had reached the point where I felt pretty certain it was going to work out, and I could no longer justify slowly killing myself at work. If I do run into unexpected expenses that upend my numbers, I figure I can find a way to make enough money to offset the extra expense. I don't need to make the kind of money I was making in my previous career; I just need to make up the difference between expected expenses and actual expenses.
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2018 Cohort: I am joining you!
I've decided between being pretty miserable at my job, having enough to do 3.25% WR and wanting to do more work on the mid-term elections, the time is right. I plan to give notice next week and be gone by August 20+/-. With my departure now being so sudden (and not to mention that I will be "working" full-time on the elections), it feels a lot less like "retirement" and more like I'm just quitting this particular job. Not that I am calling in the Retirement Police to adjudicate! It just feels....different....than the deliberative process I had planned leading up to my February 2019 departure. But, I still think it will maximize my happiness to leave ASAP, so I'm very excited. The only reason I am not giving notice immediately is that I'm working remotely this week (and taking a long weekend this weekend) and I'd rather talk to them in person.
Ok, now to figure out what little things I need to get taken care of in the next 2-3 weeks that I thought I had 6 more months to figure out!
sui generis:
As the OP of the 2019 cohort thread, I'm proud that you're joining this cohort.
Now.... deep breaths ..... and note that the forum has collected the wisdom of FIRE preparations and put it at
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/pre-fire-checklist/ -- it is even a sticky at the top.
You've probably got most of the stuff covered already, but in case the little bug in your ear thinks, "there must be something else", just check the checklist.
I have it printed out with checkmarks on all the relevant stuff.
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Added sui generis to the list.
Let me know if I've missed anything. I have been a little lax in keeping it up to date...
Fixed Sugar Mountain based on response.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 step_away
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/22/18 FernFree
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
08/20/18 sui generis
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
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Added sui generis to the list.
Let me know if I've missed anything. I have been a little lax in keeping it up to date...
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
08/01/18 SugarMountain
Has not happened. Currently in a holding pattern debating OMY. Will be at least OMM.
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I'm now officially into my last three months. Had one half-assed offer of another job so far; it's a contracting gig which I'd take on a very part time basis for a limited period after finishing my current role, doing just enough work to bridge the gap between my husband's income and our projected retirement spending until I draw my DB pension and let the cash I've got put aside for the purpose form an emergency fund. But if nothing comes of it, I won't mind.
I'm going to apply for a credit card while I've still got an income. I don't intend to use it - I haven't had any credit cards since 2005, when the cashback benefits stopped justifying the inconvenience of paying off my balance every month - but it would be a good thing to have.
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I'm going to apply for a credit card while I've still got an income. I don't intend to use it - I haven't had any credit cards since 2005, when the cashback benefits stopped justifying the inconvenience of paying off my balance every month - but it would be a good thing to have.
Auto-pay?
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I’ve known for a while that I wouldn’t make it out in July but I’ve waited to change my date until I knew for sure when it would be. Still don’t know but should be sometime in September. I really want to finish up my last project but the end has been elusive. I’ve had “the talk” with my boss now so he clearly understands and is supportive.
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You can add me to the list.
Retiring tomorrow, 3rd August, at 52 !!
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You can add me to the list.
Retiring tomorrow, 3rd August, at 52 !!
Congrats!!
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You can add me to the list.
Retiring tomorrow, 3rd August, at 52 !!
Awesome! Welcome to the group.
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@mjr, Welcome to the cohort and congratulations on achieving FIRE!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
06/??/18 step_away
06/??/18 FernFree
06/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18 dbtx
06/??/18 Omalley
06/??/18 randomgiraffe
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/20/18 sui generis
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
08/??/18 Mogadishu
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
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Also my last day is tomorrow. Have a dinner tonight with Co workers. Will be shifting to stay at home dad. Have reached FI. Age 40. Never had a high income. Mostly from rental properties and lots of savings.
Congrats to all who are striking out on their own this year.
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I'm going to apply for a credit card while I've still got an income. I don't intend to use it - I haven't had any credit cards since 2005, when the cashback benefits stopped justifying the inconvenience of paying off my balance every month - but it would be a good thing to have.
Auto-pay?
Yes, I'd set up an auto-pay arrangement this time. Previously, I opted to have statements coming in so that I could query any irregular transactions in advance of payment, but it was never necessary.
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Congratulations Mogadishu!
... Never had a high income. Mostly from rental properties and lots of savings...
That makes you a serious badass in my book. Way to go!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/20/18 sui generis
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 FernFree
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 randomgiraffe
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I emailed my boss my resignation today and sent the form to HR. Will retire on 31st October. Will start working with a former colleague in November, probably a few days a month. Boss was surprised even though l had told him last year. IT.
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Changed my status to confirmed. Ended up working 4 days and got paid for 8, plus health insurance for the month.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/20/18 sui generis
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 FernFree
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 randomgiraffe
[/quote]
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
Sol,
I have been thinking about this line for several days because on the face of it, it holds 100% accuracy. $1 more than what you need is useless. But, how much does one need? Sure ~4% of expenses is what we try to do around here and this is not a discussion of SWR because it has been discussed ad nauseam. But what is enough is a much better question? How do we know that 5,10, 20 years from now we won't need or want more? Personally I have struggled with "enough" because I am not 100% sure what that is. It gets even harder predicting enough when we consider what that will be 20 years from now on top of the extra free time we will have once retired. This is just one more reason for us to go part time and get a our toes wet before we dive right in.
Hopefully Sol will excuse me for butting into the conversation here. You are correct that defining "enough" is a difficult and highly personal decision. Most of us spent a lot of time and effort to come up with that number. Given the impossibility of predicting the future, there is nothing wrong with two people in the same situation coming up with a different answer. But once you have put in that effort and developed a number with which you are comfortable, moving the goal posts becomes problematic. Sure, we are all allowed to change our minds in the face of new evidence, but if you reach your number, and without the benefit of substantial new evidence you suddenly decide that number is no longer adequate, you're just giving in to irrational fear.
That's the problem. For us I am not yet sure what enough really is. Work clothes are scrubs and practically free. Also they feed both of us at work which means our food costs will go up a little once retired. Our commute to work is about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Therefor car expenses won't go down that much. But, with the added free time we will travel a bit more which will increase expenses. We are also looking to take some classes that are not free. This is one of the reason why we will go part time at the end of this year. It will allow us to see what we will do with the extra free time and how our expenses will change.
I presume you're tracking your expenses? Sounds like you might have some relatively minor changes once you FIRE, unless there is something major that you haven't mentioned, like a relocation.
I tracked expenses pretty closely for a few years pre-FIRE. I, too, had very low expenses for transportation, work lunches, clothes, etc., so I just assumed my expenses would stay about the same. Being the conservative type, I added about a 12%/yr buffer to account for travel and the occasional unexpected large expense. And given the age of the current bull market, I required a 100% success rate in historical simulations, such that something worse than the worst market declines in U.S. history would need to happen to cause a portfolio failure. Because of the market run-up in my last year at work, I actually ended up with an almost 30% buffer instead of my planned 12% buffer.
Of course nothing is certain, and there are still plenty of ways my FIRE could fail, most of which involve unexpected expenses (e.g., the U.S. health care/insurance system gets much worse than it already is, I get disabled and can no longer cut firewood, which causes my electric bill to quadruple - the list of potential calamities is endless...). But with those kinds of numbers, I had reached the point where I felt pretty certain it was going to work out, and I could no longer justify slowly killing myself at work. If I do run into unexpected expenses that upend my numbers, I figure I can find a way to make enough money to offset the extra expense. I don't need to make the kind of money I was making in my previous career; I just need to make up the difference between expected expenses and actual expenses.
Yup. We have been tracking our expenses every year. One thing I have noticed is that as I have been cutting back on work, we have had more free time and therefor travel more and spend more. This year alone we did/will do 8 weeks of traveling two of which are out of the country. That's not cheap. Travel has become 40-50% of our budget.
Our current home is face punch worthy and downsizing is always an option if we ever want to cut our expenses. Living in a smaller house we have enough to retire today with a potential lifestyle creep cushion. We are in the process of a remodel to make the house sellable since all the windows are old, single pane, and the frames are rotting in some areas. We will likely move out in about 5 years though depending on how we like part time. I really hope working 8 days a month will rejuvenate my desire to practice medicine. I would hate to give up something I really used to love and does so much good in the world, for my friends, and my family. I will give part time at least 1 year to give it a decent chance. During that year the remodel will be finished and we could move out if need be.
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
Sol,
I have been thinking about this line for several days because on the face of it, it holds 100% accuracy. $1 more than what you need is useless. But, how much does one need? Sure ~4% of expenses is what we try to do around here and this is not a discussion of SWR because it has been discussed ad nauseam. But what is enough is a much better question? How do we know that 5,10, 20 years from now we won't need or want more? Personally I have struggled with "enough" because I am not 100% sure what that is. It gets even harder predicting enough when we consider what that will be 20 years from now on top of the extra free time we will have once retired. This is just one more reason for us to go part time and get a our toes wet before we dive right in.
Hopefully Sol will excuse me for butting into the conversation here. You are correct that defining "enough" is a difficult and highly personal decision. Most of us spent a lot of time and effort to come up with that number. Given the impossibility of predicting the future, there is nothing wrong with two people in the same situation coming up with a different answer. But once you have put in that effort and developed a number with which you are comfortable, moving the goal posts becomes problematic. Sure, we are all allowed to change our minds in the face of new evidence, but if you reach your number, and without the benefit of substantial new evidence you suddenly decide that number is no longer adequate, you're just giving in to irrational fear.
That's the problem. For us I am not yet sure what enough really is. Work clothes are scrubs and practically free. Also they feed both of us at work which means our food costs will go up a little once retired. Our commute to work is about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Therefor car expenses won't go down that much. But, with the added free time we will travel a bit more which will increase expenses. We are also looking to take some classes that are not free. This is one of the reason why we will go part time at the end of this year. It will allow us to see what we will do with the extra free time and how our expenses will change.
I presume you're tracking your expenses? Sounds like you might have some relatively minor changes once you FIRE, unless there is something major that you haven't mentioned, like a relocation.
I tracked expenses pretty closely for a few years pre-FIRE. I, too, had very low expenses for transportation, work lunches, clothes, etc., so I just assumed my expenses would stay about the same. Being the conservative type, I added about a 12%/yr buffer to account for travel and the occasional unexpected large expense. And given the age of the current bull market, I required a 100% success rate in historical simulations, such that something worse than the worst market declines in U.S. history would need to happen to cause a portfolio failure. Because of the market run-up in my last year at work, I actually ended up with an almost 30% buffer instead of my planned 12% buffer.
Of course nothing is certain, and there are still plenty of ways my FIRE could fail, most of which involve unexpected expenses (e.g., the U.S. health care/insurance system gets much worse than it already is, I get disabled and can no longer cut firewood, which causes my electric bill to quadruple - the list of potential calamities is endless...). But with those kinds of numbers, I had reached the point where I felt pretty certain it was going to work out, and I could no longer justify slowly killing myself at work. If I do run into unexpected expenses that upend my numbers, I figure I can find a way to make enough money to offset the extra expense. I don't need to make the kind of money I was making in my previous career; I just need to make up the difference between expected expenses and actual expenses.
Yup. We have been tracking our expenses every year. One thing I have noticed is that as I have been cutting back on work, we have had more free time and therefor travel more and spend more. This year alone we did/will do 8 weeks of traveling two of which are out of the country. That's not cheap. Travel has become 40-50% of our budget.
Our current home is face punch worthy and downsizing is always an option if we ever want to cut our expenses. Living in a smaller house we have enough to retire today with a potential lifestyle creep cushion. We are in the process of a remodel to make the house sellable since all the windows are old, single pane, and the frames are rotting in some areas. We will likely move out in about 5 years though depending on how we like part time. I really hope working 8 days a month will rejuvenate my desire to practice medicine. I would hate to give up something I really used to love and does so much good in the world, for my friends, and my family. I will give part time at least 1 year to give it a decent chance. During that year the remodel will be finished and we could move out if need be.
Yeah, that much travel will really do a number on your numbers. But it sounds like you have a good plan in place for easing into FIRE while still keeping up your skills. If it doesn't work out, you can always go full-time again.
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Is adding 2% to your stash worth 8 more months at megacorp? We are FI now but another bonus and LTI vesting would be nice. KInda thinking of it, kinda just thinking of turning in my notice ASAP and just retiring.
I'm making almost this exact decision, except it's closer to 5%of stash for me, and 7 months max. I'm really torn. Even torn on how to go about deciding.
Once you reach "enough" what is $1 more really worth?
Sol,
I have been thinking about this line for several days because on the face of it, it holds 100% accuracy. $1 more than what you need is useless. But, how much does one need? Sure ~4% of expenses is what we try to do around here and this is not a discussion of SWR because it has been discussed ad nauseam. But what is enough is a much better question? How do we know that 5,10, 20 years from now we won't need or want more? Personally I have struggled with "enough" because I am not 100% sure what that is. It gets even harder predicting enough when we consider what that will be 20 years from now on top of the extra free time we will have once retired. This is just one more reason for us to go part time and get a our toes wet before we dive right in.
Hopefully Sol will excuse me for butting into the conversation here. You are correct that defining "enough" is a difficult and highly personal decision. Most of us spent a lot of time and effort to come up with that number. Given the impossibility of predicting the future, there is nothing wrong with two people in the same situation coming up with a different answer. But once you have put in that effort and developed a number with which you are comfortable, moving the goal posts becomes problematic. Sure, we are all allowed to change our minds in the face of new evidence, but if you reach your number, and without the benefit of substantial new evidence you suddenly decide that number is no longer adequate, you're just giving in to irrational fear.
That's the problem. For us I am not yet sure what enough really is. Work clothes are scrubs and practically free. Also they feed both of us at work which means our food costs will go up a little once retired. Our commute to work is about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Therefor car expenses won't go down that much. But, with the added free time we will travel a bit more which will increase expenses. We are also looking to take some classes that are not free. This is one of the reason why we will go part time at the end of this year. It will allow us to see what we will do with the extra free time and how our expenses will change.
I presume you're tracking your expenses? Sounds like you might have some relatively minor changes once you FIRE, unless there is something major that you haven't mentioned, like a relocation.
I tracked expenses pretty closely for a few years pre-FIRE. I, too, had very low expenses for transportation, work lunches, clothes, etc., so I just assumed my expenses would stay about the same. Being the conservative type, I added about a 12%/yr buffer to account for travel and the occasional unexpected large expense. And given the age of the current bull market, I required a 100% success rate in historical simulations, such that something worse than the worst market declines in U.S. history would need to happen to cause a portfolio failure. Because of the market run-up in my last year at work, I actually ended up with an almost 30% buffer instead of my planned 12% buffer.
Of course nothing is certain, and there are still plenty of ways my FIRE could fail, most of which involve unexpected expenses (e.g., the U.S. health care/insurance system gets much worse than it already is, I get disabled and can no longer cut firewood, which causes my electric bill to quadruple - the list of potential calamities is endless...). But with those kinds of numbers, I had reached the point where I felt pretty certain it was going to work out, and I could no longer justify slowly killing myself at work. If I do run into unexpected expenses that upend my numbers, I figure I can find a way to make enough money to offset the extra expense. I don't need to make the kind of money I was making in my previous career; I just need to make up the difference between expected expenses and actual expenses.
Yup. We have been tracking our expenses every year. One thing I have noticed is that as I have been cutting back on work, we have had more free time and therefor travel more and spend more. This year alone we did/will do 8 weeks of traveling two of which are out of the country. That's not cheap. Travel has become 40-50% of our budget.
Our current home is face punch worthy and downsizing is always an option if we ever want to cut our expenses. Living in a smaller house we have enough to retire today with a potential lifestyle creep cushion. We are in the process of a remodel to make the house sellable since all the windows are old, single pane, and the frames are rotting in some areas. We will likely move out in about 5 years though depending on how we like part time. I really hope working 8 days a month will rejuvenate my desire to practice medicine. I would hate to give up something I really used to love and does so much good in the world, for my friends, and my family. I will give part time at least 1 year to give it a decent chance. During that year the remodel will be finished and we could move out if need be.
Yeah, that much travel will really do a number on your numbers. But it sounds like you have a good plan in place for easing into FIRE while still keeping up your skills. If it doesn't work out, you can always go full-time again.
Going full time is out of the question that is for sure....I hope... We would sell the home and downsize before going full time. You have no idea how much I can't wait to hit part time. I am just have a few months away and can't stop counting.
Still, we worry that we are not sure how much enough really is. I guess the part time years will help us get closer to understand how much we spend and if we need to make any cuts. No need to spend money if it purchase little to no additional happiness. I think part time will give us the time to take a closer look at ourselves and what we value the most.
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Quick update:
My last day of classes (college professor) was April 19, my last official day of employment was June 30, and my last paycheck rolled in on July 13.
Since my last official duties (grading exams and turning in final grades) ended on April 26, I have hiked in Utah with @Cherry Lane , backpacked in Utah with a friend, spent a week near Austin (training for a work-related thing), spent a few days in Seattle (and met up with a few Seattle MMMers), spent two weeks in Japan (partly for a work-related thing, and partly for fun), helped out with two week-long Math Camps for kids in New Mexico, did more hiking in Utah with Cherry Lane, and am now about half way through a Big Road Trip (from Colorado up to the Vancouver area).
Thanks to a lump sum payout that I received at the end of June (and happy stock markets), I hit the double comma club in early July. That was a very welcome retirement present. :) But my travel budget has sort of been a little nuts. And I have splurged a bit in other areas as well. Will be interesting what my expenses in 2019, the first full calendar year of FIRE, will look like.
After looking at a few options, I decided to go with COBRA for July and August. Will look at things again in September and see what options are available then.
I guess I am sort of settling into retirement, although since I have been on the academic calendar for the last 20 years, this sort of just feels like a regular summer break to me. I suspect I will feel differently once the school year commences and I am out hiking in the mountains. :)
Also, I really over-scheduled myself this Spring and Summer, and haven't been able to enjoy long stretches of being at home, choosing between hiking, mountain biking, napping, doing yard work, walking by the river, etc. Once my travel slows down in September, I look forward to making those tough choices on a daily basis. :)
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Tomorrow is my confirmed FIRE day! (Age 46)
I will actually miss my job. I work with great people and really enjoy what I do. But my wife and I want to travel while we are still (relatively) young. We have sold, donated, or thrown out just about everything we own. In 10 days we leave to spend a year in South America, and plan to visit the rest of the world in the following years. We are starting a new phase of our lives that we think will bring many adventures and experiences.
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Congrats and thanks for the updates!
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Tomorrow is my confirmed FIRE day! (Age 46)
I will actually miss my job. I work with great people and really enjoy what I do. But my wife and I want to travel while we are still (relatively) young. We have sold, donated, or thrown out just about everything we own. In 10 days we leave to spend a year in South America, and plan to visit the rest of the world in the following years. We are starting a new phase of our lives that we think will bring many adventures and experiences.
Sounds wonderful. Congrats and bon voyage!
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Congratulations cap396!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
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02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
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02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
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03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
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03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
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04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
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05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
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05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
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06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
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07/??/18 AussieGirl
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07/??/18 BackAndForth
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08/01/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
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08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/20/18 sui generis
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
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12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
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??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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??/??/18 randomgiraffe
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Those of you who've retired feel free to post pictures.
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Today is my 6 month FIRE anniversary! It has been absolutely marvelous. We have traveled a lot--Florida, Hawaii (for 3 weeks!!), Tennessee, Ontario, Minnesota, and Georgia so far, and we have 4 weeks in Ireland coming up in September! We've gone to a lot of theater and concerts (and have more on the calendar for the rest of the year). I've read 54 books. I've memorized all 3 movements of Chopin's Mazurka Op 59 and can play them all decently. I've cooked a ton, including trying my hand at Indian food (my samosas are just so-so, but I'm having fun trying to make them better). I've lost 5 pounds (despite all the samosa eating). I sleep well. I love spending time with my husband, feeling like every day could lead to an adventure, but having the freedom to just read and snooze in a hammock if that's what the day brings.
I have never once missed being in a meeting, sending a status report, or submitting a time sheet :-)
We are running well below budget, but I don't feel like we are depriving ourselves of anything. We're cooking a lot more at home and traveling cheaply (Air B&Bs instead of hotels, making our own lunches and dinners on the road, etc.). Because we've been out of town a lot, we haven't spent a lot of the budget we earmarked for classes, lessons, or other "academic enrichment." We've also found a lot of free things to do in our area, which we've taken advantage of.
For those who have FIRE'd in 2018: Congratulations! I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.
For anyone on the fence: DO IT. If you've run the numbers and it all adds up, take the plunge.
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Today is my 6 month FIRE anniversary! It has been absolutely marvelous. We have traveled a lot--Florida, Hawaii (for 3 weeks!!), Tennessee, Ontario, Minnesota, and Georgia so far, and we have 4 weeks in Ireland coming up in September! We've gone to a lot of theater and concerts (and have more on the calendar for the rest of the year). I've read 54 books. I've memorized all 3 movements of Chopin's Mazurka Op 59 and can play them all decently. I've cooked a ton, including trying my hand at Indian food (my samosas are just so-so, but I'm having fun trying to make them better). I've lost 5 pounds (despite all the samosa eating). I sleep well. I love spending time with my husband, feeling like every day could lead to an adventure, but having the freedom to just read and snooze in a hammock if that's what the day brings.
I have never once missed being in a meeting, sending a status report, or submitting a time sheet :-)
We are running well below budget, but I don't feel like we are depriving ourselves of anything. We're cooking a lot more at home and traveling cheaply (Air B&Bs instead of hotels, making our own lunches and dinners on the road, etc.). Because we've been out of town a lot, we haven't spent a lot of the budget we earmarked for classes, lessons, or other "academic enrichment." We've also found a lot of free things to do in our area, which we've taken advantage of.
For those who have FIRE'd in 2018: Congratulations! I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.
For anyone on the fence: DO IT. If you've run the numbers and it all adds up, take the plunge.
Wow, so awesome, good for you! I'm so looking forward to posting a similar status report in 6 months. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
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Today is my 6 month FIRE anniversary! It has been absolutely marvelous. We have traveled a lot--Florida, Hawaii (for 3 weeks!!), Tennessee, Ontario, Minnesota, and Georgia so far, and we have 4 weeks in Ireland coming up in September! We've gone to a lot of theater and concerts (and have more on the calendar for the rest of the year). I've read 54 books. I've memorized all 3 movements of Chopin's Mazurka Op 59 and can play them all decently. I've cooked a ton, including trying my hand at Indian food (my samosas are just so-so, but I'm having fun trying to make them better). I've lost 5 pounds (despite all the samosa eating). I sleep well. I love spending time with my husband, feeling like every day could lead to an adventure, but having the freedom to just read and snooze in a hammock if that's what the day brings.
I have never once missed being in a meeting, sending a status report, or submitting a time sheet :-)
We are running well below budget, but I don't feel like we are depriving ourselves of anything. We're cooking a lot more at home and traveling cheaply (Air B&Bs instead of hotels, making our own lunches and dinners on the road, etc.). Because we've been out of town a lot, we haven't spent a lot of the budget we earmarked for classes, lessons, or other "academic enrichment." We've also found a lot of free things to do in our area, which we've taken advantage of.
For those who have FIRE'd in 2018: Congratulations! I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.
For anyone on the fence: DO IT. If you've run the numbers and it all adds up, take the plunge.
Wow, so awesome, good for you! I'm so looking forward to posting a similar status report in 6 months. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
Totally agree with @sui generis - thanks for posting @JLTinVA ! I'm hoping to have something similar soon. This week has really taken the air out of my plans to think I can work part time. Maybe it's just a bad week, but . . . it's been some of my roughest work time ever, and I've been in the industry for 20+ years. This post is like having a preview of the light at the end of the tunnel
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Today is my 6 month FIRE anniversary! It has been absolutely marvelous. We have traveled a lot--Florida, Hawaii (for 3 weeks!!), Tennessee, Ontario, Minnesota, and Georgia so far, and we have 4 weeks in Ireland coming up in September! We've gone to a lot of theater and concerts (and have more on the calendar for the rest of the year). I've read 54 books. I've memorized all 3 movements of Chopin's Mazurka Op 59 and can play them all decently. I've cooked a ton, including trying my hand at Indian food (my samosas are just so-so, but I'm having fun trying to make them better). I've lost 5 pounds (despite all the samosa eating). I sleep well. I love spending time with my husband, feeling like every day could lead to an adventure, but having the freedom to just read and snooze in a hammock if that's what the day brings.
I have never once missed being in a meeting, sending a status report, or submitting a time sheet :-)
We are running well below budget, but I don't feel like we are depriving ourselves of anything. We're cooking a lot more at home and traveling cheaply (Air B&Bs instead of hotels, making our own lunches and dinners on the road, etc.). Because we've been out of town a lot, we haven't spent a lot of the budget we earmarked for classes, lessons, or other "academic enrichment." We've also found a lot of free things to do in our area, which we've taken advantage of.
For those who have FIRE'd in 2018: Congratulations! I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.
For anyone on the fence: DO IT. If you've run the numbers and it all adds up, take the plunge.
Such a great and encouraging post. Thanks for sharing JLT!
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Today is my 6 month FIRE anniversary! It has been absolutely marvelous. We have traveled a lot--Florida, Hawaii (for 3 weeks!!), Tennessee, Ontario, Minnesota, and Georgia so far, and we have 4 weeks in Ireland coming up in September! We've gone to a lot of theater and concerts (and have more on the calendar for the rest of the year). I've read 54 books. I've memorized all 3 movements of Chopin's Mazurka Op 59 and can play them all decently. I've cooked a ton, including trying my hand at Indian food (my samosas are just so-so, but I'm having fun trying to make them better). I've lost 5 pounds (despite all the samosa eating). I sleep well. I love spending time with my husband, feeling like every day could lead to an adventure, but having the freedom to just read and snooze in a hammock if that's what the day brings.
I have never once missed being in a meeting, sending a status report, or submitting a time sheet :-)
We are running well below budget, but I don't feel like we are depriving ourselves of anything. We're cooking a lot more at home and traveling cheaply (Air B&Bs instead of hotels, making our own lunches and dinners on the road, etc.). Because we've been out of town a lot, we haven't spent a lot of the budget we earmarked for classes, lessons, or other "academic enrichment." We've also found a lot of free things to do in our area, which we've taken advantage of.
For those who have FIRE'd in 2018: Congratulations! I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.
For anyone on the fence: DO IT. If you've run the numbers and it all adds up, take the plunge.
Congrats and thanks so much for sharing. For us, our most expensive line item is travel which includes, flights, car rentals, and lodging as well as eating out while one the road, and we do tend to cook depending on the capabilities of a particular trip. I suspect that when we FIRE completely our travel budget will increase even more. If you don't mind me asking, how much are these trips running you and how are you keeping the costs down. Sure Air b&b can be less than a hotel but it is still pretty expensive when adding it up over so many trips. Congrats again and I hope you share a 1 year anniversary FIRE post as well.
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Today is my 6 month FIRE anniversary! It has been absolutely marvelous. We have traveled a lot--Florida, Hawaii (for 3 weeks!!), Tennessee, Ontario, Minnesota, and Georgia so far, and we have 4 weeks in Ireland coming up in September! We've gone to a lot of theater and concerts (and have more on the calendar for the rest of the year). I've read 54 books. I've memorized all 3 movements of Chopin's Mazurka Op 59 and can play them all decently. I've cooked a ton, including trying my hand at Indian food (my samosas are just so-so, but I'm having fun trying to make them better). I've lost 5 pounds (despite all the samosa eating). I sleep well. I love spending time with my husband, feeling like every day could lead to an adventure, but having the freedom to just read and snooze in a hammock if that's what the day brings.
I have never once missed being in a meeting, sending a status report, or submitting a time sheet :-)
We are running well below budget, but I don't feel like we are depriving ourselves of anything. We're cooking a lot more at home and traveling cheaply (Air B&Bs instead of hotels, making our own lunches and dinners on the road, etc.). Because we've been out of town a lot, we haven't spent a lot of the budget we earmarked for classes, lessons, or other "academic enrichment." We've also found a lot of free things to do in our area, which we've taken advantage of.
For those who have FIRE'd in 2018: Congratulations! I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.
For anyone on the fence: DO IT. If you've run the numbers and it all adds up, take the plunge.
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing
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Thanks for the responses! I was so nervous prior to actually retiring, and OMY has such a strong pull. It wasn't easy to actually go through with it, but in retrospect, it is the best decision we ever made (you know, in addition to all the decisions (and luck) that led us to get here in the first place).
Congrats and thanks so much for sharing. For us, our most expensive line item is travel which includes, flights, car rentals, and lodging as well as eating out while one the road, and we do tend to cook depending on the capabilities of a particular trip. I suspect that when we FIRE completely our travel budget will increase even more. If you don't mind me asking, how much are these trips running you and how are you keeping the costs down. Sure Air b&b can be less than a hotel but it is still pretty expensive when adding it up over so many trips. Congrats again and I hope you share a 1 year anniversary FIRE post as well.
Travel is the biggest line item in our budget, too. I don't have it broken out by trip, but we've spent about $8000 on roughly 12 weeks of travel so far (not including our upcoming trip to Ireland).
Transportation: The biggest way to save money is to drive, not fly, wherever possible (unless you can get a great deal). We've spent a lot of time in the car :-) We also both signed up for credit cars that gave us incentive miles, and use those cards exclusively. We used miles to buy one set of plane tickets. I also have an eRewards account where I answer surveys and get airline miles in return. Right now, we have over 200K miles to use. For flights, we always search for flexible dates, and are willing (and able!) to fly at off hours or mid-week, or to accept longer layovers if needed.
Lodging: Air B&Bs can add up over time, but I think it still is a cost savings as long as you can get one with a kitchen (and use it!). We also aren't really picky. As long as it's clean and safe, it doesn't have to be big or fancy, so ours have averaged around $65 per night. We stay with friends and family whenever we can. We were really lucky with Hawaii--we were cat-sitting for an old high school friend of my husband's, so we had a free place to stay in Honolulu and a car to use as well. Without that, it would have been a lot more expensive! (I'm allergic to cats, but for 3 free weeks, I bought some Allegra and packed my bags.)
Food: We cook on the road all the time. We pack a cooler in the car, and stop at rest stops and make sandwiches rather than eating out (it's so much healthier, too!). We grocery shop when on the road, and pack a lunch and snacks for our day trips. We have a box of must-haves for the kitchen that we travel with since some kitchens aren't well stocked: spices, vegetable peeler, can opener, cork screw, a good sharp knife, non-stick electric skillet, etc. I'd guess during a week of travel, we might go out for a meal once (lunch if we can, which tends to be less expensive). We also love hitting happy hours for cheaper food and drinks. We are never afraid to ask for doggie bags for leftovers to make the cost per meal lower.
Ireland in September is really the first trip where we both can't drive and aren't staying at least a portion of the time with family or friends. RT direct flights, rental car for 24 days, and Air B&Bs for 28 nights is $4300 so far. It's a lot, but one of the primary reasons we wanted to retire early was to travel while (relatively) young and healthy, so I'm trying to keep that in mind as we plan. All of the Air B&Bs have kitchens, so we plan on grocery shopping there and cooking as much as we can (of course there will be pub expenses!). Many also have laundry, so we're packing light and not checking any bags. We saw a good deal on Aer Lingus, and jumped on it. Our credit card offers Auto Rental CDW coverage in Ireland, so that helped keep the car cost down.
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I had a breakthrough, I did my first withdrawal of the FIRE stash, 0.4% of the stash (from VTSAX).
Not really needed, but the TOP was IN. <--- see thread of that name for details.
Dang, that felt weird after all the years of accumulation.
In all, it is best described as an asset allocation move, as I have ready cash to use before I dip into the new stuff (now VMMXX).
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Those of you who've retired feel free to post pictures.
That's about 13 or 14 pickup loads of firewood. For the first time ever, I had my entire winter's worth of wood cut, split, and stacked before August 1.
The glamorous travel comes next month. ;)
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Changed my ticker. Looking better now :-)
My boundaries have been getting pushed. It was inevitable. I was ready. I already know that the "one more month" I turned down at the start would have become "two more months and counting" and would have spanned the festive period, which my remaining colleagues are fighting over because they had both decided to take leave at the same time even though we have a policy of no annual leave at Christmas and New Year so that everyone can have a small block of days off. No, thank you. My husband did suggest that I might, if they fail to find a compromise, offer to provide a bare bones service for a few days in exchange for an exorbitant sum of money. Maybe ...
I said I would not work in the practice building in any capacity after I finish, but agreed to work the 40 hours a month that we currently provide for another organisation, as a contractor. It's work I don't mind doing and it's an efficient way of keeping the travel jam jar topped up. This suddenly turned into, "become an employee". Nope, I can see the thick end of that particular wedge and it's the opposite of what I want.
My remaining colleagues are digging in to be as uncooperative as possible with one another. They have no concept of partnership. I understand that the entire town is sitting quietly on the sidelines and popcorn is selling well.
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Those of you who've retired feel free to post pictures.
Retired life is pretty good. Did have a quick morning meeting to discuss the days events.
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Love the pictures @davisgang90 @Monkey Uncle !
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Love the pics as well folks! You make it look so tough ;)
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Update: we've decided not to rent the house but to take the plunge and sell it. It was listed yesterday and there's been a steady stream of viewings. If it sells quickly, I might pull the rip cord and retire in mid-September before my planned month long holiday. We're also closer to hiring someone to fill the multiple vacant positions by the end of August, however, two weeks of training won't be enough so I'll likely come back after my holiday and retire on December 20th as planned. Then, pulling out the commuted value of my pension should put a decent size chunk of money in my hands in early 2019 when my income is zero, and my taxes low.
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Interesting work update from the traitor who decided to wait until early 2019...
The consultants are coming!!
I can't tell you how exciting it is to be FI and know the consultants are coming. I give it a less than 1% chance I can pull off a severance/layoff package out of this, but I am going to sit back and watch a lot of people who need to get their cheese moved be disrupted, all with the comfort of being FI and not caring what happens to me. My direct reports are revenue producers, they always end up fine to better off in these moves.
Hoping for some fun for my last six months
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It's official!! Last day was 8/10/18. I'm enjoying just being lazy and sleeping in for now while I figure out what my routine will be like. Heading to Arizona on a camping/road trip on 9/10/18.
Bad news is I heard on 8/9 that we're going to be having some layoffs. I sure would have liked to leave with a severance package on my way out the door since we don't have any retirement benefits, and my boss would have helped me line it up. Oh well. :)
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Congratulations FernFree! So glad to move someone from MIA to FIRE!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree at 49) CONFIRMED
08/20/18 sui generis
08/24/18 sol (at 41)
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 randomgiraffe
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Congratulations, FernFree!
I gave my notice last Monday and wanted to give some time for a partner who was on vacation to hear about my departure when she got back and offer her an extra day or two, if she felt her matters would benefit. And no good deed goes unpunished. After being mostly nice on the phone when I told her, she is now ignoring all my calls and emails, so I finally told her yesterday I needed to set my departure date that day, but would still offer her the extra day or two if she needed it. She continued to ignore me (she is one of the most prompt people to return calls and emails I've worked with, so it's definitely not that) so fine, I'm set for this Friday 8/17 (small change from my predicted 8/20 on the list).
And I'm so annoyed with her lack of professionalism and reminded that that environment here is a not-small part of why I am leaving, and I'm gonna be so happy to be gone! It's a shame to end on a less than stellar note for what should be my last paid employment ever, when I've had other jobs I left on a much better note. But it is what it is and a week from now this will have no bearing on my life. 4 days left!
P.S. I am (and will still be on Friday) 41yo.
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You can go ahead and move me to CONFIRMED too. I've officially given notice and my paperwork is filed. I'm on approved leave for the duration of my career, and am only going to the office to wrap up a few IT things and empty out workspace.
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Tomorrow is my confirmed FIRE day! (Age 46)
I will actually miss my job. I work with great people and really enjoy what I do. But my wife and I want to travel while we are still (relatively) young. We have sold, donated, or thrown out just about everything we own. In 10 days we leave to spend a year in South America, and plan to visit the rest of the world in the following years. We are starting a new phase of our lives that we think will bring many adventures and experiences.
That sounds amazing! Congrats!
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Congratulations sui generis and sol! @sol l, I am so looking forward to your blog, no pressure ;-)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
07/??/18 AussieGirl
07/??/18 Mr Griz
07/??/18 BackAndForth
07/??/18 cerat0n1a
07/??/18 Fresh Bread
07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
MIA/Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 randomgiraffe
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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Someone take a picture of their emptied out office desk. Slightly messy I hope with some paperclips or something lying around.
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Someone take a picture of their emptied out office desk. Slightly messy I hope with some paperclips or something lying around.
The red stapler may be blurred out to protect its innocence/privacy.
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You can go ahead and move me to CONFIRMED too. I've officially given notice and my paperwork is filed. I'm on approved leave for the duration of my career, and am only going to the office to wrap up a few IT things and empty out workspace.
Congratulations Sol!
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You can go ahead and move me to CONFIRMED too. I've officially given notice and my paperwork is filed. I'm on approved leave for the duration of my career, and am only going to the office to wrap up a few IT things and empty out workspace.
Ok so the sun is not going to rise tomorrow?
(Sorry Sol, I always wanted to write that!)
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Congratulations, FernFree!
I gave my notice last Monday and wanted to give some time for a partner who was on vacation to hear about my departure when she got back and offer her an extra day or two, if she felt her matters would benefit. And no good deed goes unpunished. After being mostly nice on the phone when I told her, she is now ignoring all my calls and emails, so I finally told her yesterday I needed to set my departure date that day, but would still offer her the extra day or two if she needed it. She continued to ignore me (she is one of the most prompt people to return calls and emails I've worked with, so it's definitely not that) so fine, I'm set for this Friday 8/17 (small change from my predicted 8/20 on the list).
And I'm so annoyed with her lack of professionalism and reminded that that environment here is a not-small part of why I am leaving, and I'm gonna be so happy to be gone! It's a shame to end on a less than stellar note for what should be my last paid employment ever, when I've had other jobs I left on a much better note. But it is what it is and a week from now this will have no bearing on my life. 4 days left!
P.S. I am (and will still be on Friday) 41yo.
Sorry she's being an asshat. She's probably a teeny, tiny bit jealous. Since you have nothing to lose, you could sent an email saying you're sorry she's not returning your messages because you really wanted to leave things in tip-top shape.. If she's really a jerk, you should copy her boss. It's possible that she's behind on something or knows of a looming problem that she's planning to pin on you. Even if that's true, you'll be long gone, having won the big prize.
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...and sol! @sol l, I am so looking forward to your blog, no pressure ;-)
Wait! What? Is this true? I want to be a charter member, please. Congratulations, sol!
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...and sol! @sol l, I am so looking forward to your blog, no pressure ;-)
Wait! What? Is this true? I want to be a charter member, please. Congratulations, sol!
I remember reading something by sol that said that he wanted to write a blog when he FIRE'd. Could have been wishful thinking also, since I like reading what he writes :-)
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I've had a record breaking series of awful work weeks. My manager & i have been trying to find part time options, but at this point, I'm incredibly close to just taking my sabbatical & bailing.
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...and sol! @sol l, I am so looking forward to your blog, no pressure ;-)
Wait! What? Is this true? I want to be a charter member, please. Congratulations, sol!
I remember reading something by sol that said that he wanted to write a blog when he FIRE'd. Could have been wishful thinking also, since I like reading what he writes :-)
Just check through his previous posts. Only 6.7k of them.
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So, ahhhh....I feel really sick to my stomach and freaked out. But, this happens to everyone, right [nervous laughter]? I mean, I'm way too restless to read through all 39 pages of this thread to see if there are other people expressing the same thing (since I'm new to 2018 and haven't been following along for long), but maybe I will try to force myself to do it, and hope to find some similar expressions.
This is how bad it is: This morning, after seeing some emails that had come in overnight indicating someone hadn't done their job properly about a month ago and I was going to have to do some clean up today, I tried to cheer myself up by reminding myself I'll not have to deal with that again in less than 72 hours! And then I got really upset and scared, instead of happy! I mean, what kind of Stockholm Syndrome BS is that?
I'm going with "This is completely normal and you will not spend all next week, month or year crying due to the disaster you've made of your life, or missing cleaning up other people's shit on stuff that doesn't matter to you and has no purpose or meaning in your life." Because, what else can I do? That and some deep breaths. It's a small help.
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I remember reading something by sol that said that he wanted to write a blog when he FIRE'd.
'Tis true! Already working on it.
Content is the easy part, I would happily write for an hour a day to no one in particular. But I'm struggling a little bit with the business back end. It's been a lot of years since I learned html and I bailed on web design about the time everyone started moving to guis like dreamweaver. Search engine optimization pisses me off, so any blog I start is unlikely to ever be widely seen. Maybe that's liberating, in a way, because I can write whatever the hell I feel like publishing?
I have a lot of retirement projects on my short list, and they are all competing for that extra 40 hours per week. This weekend I'm tiling a kitchen backsplash, for example, so I'm unlikely to sit down at the computer long enough to open a blog until at least August 24th when I officially retire.
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@sui generis mine was different because I wasn't in the office when I quit, but yeah, I definitely had some freakouts. I keep a list of "back up plans" on my phone to remind myself that there are tons of ways to make money if I need to.
It's super scary, but you've got this. You're smart and resourceful and can weather any storms that come.
But many firees are the type of people who have always made conservative financial and professional decisions (that's how we got here). So doing the opposite of that is going to feel pretty damn unnatural and frightening.
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But I'm struggling a little bit with the business back end. It's been a lot of years since I learned html and I bailed on web design about the time everyone started moving to guis like dreamweaver. Search engine optimization pisses me off, so any blog I start is unlikely to ever be widely seen. Maybe that's liberating, in a way, because I can write whatever the hell I feel like publishing?
@sol, this is the easy part. I can have a blog started within about 20 minutes if you have a web server and a domain name.
First of all, install WordPress. You have multiple free/paid skins to give you the look you want. You do not need any knowledge of HTML or any hardcore development experience.
Second, install plugins. The two critical ones are for SEO (Yost SEO) and to prevent spam (Akismet).
You are now ready to go. Start publishing. There are editors etc.. built into WordPress.
The best part of WordPress is that you can change skins midway to change the look of your blog. So, start with the free one till you feel the need to change. Also, there are thousands of plugins and you are guaranteed to find the one that you need.
Let me know if you need any help and I'll be glad to help.
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@sol, this is the easy part.
Sorry, I wasn't clear. I didn't mean that I'm struggling because it is technically too complex of a task, I meant I'm struggling because I just can't bring myself to care about it. I gave up back-end support in favor of content production a loooong time ago, like right about the time I stopped being an hourly admin support employee and started being a real professional.
I'll get around to it eventually, it's just not as interesting of a project as the motion-sensing under cabinet LED strip lights I'm putting in today. And in the meantime, I can always continue to contribute a few thousand words a day to MMM's forum, instead of my own blog.
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I early retire in just 14 days now - wheeeee! I'm 85% excited and 15% scared, and that's okay with me. I leave Monday for my last trip, two days of vacation, and 4 final days in the office. 8/31/15 - Happy Retirement Day to me!
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I early retire in just 14 days now - wheeeee! I'm 85% excited and 15% scared, and that's okay with me. I leave Monday for my last trip, two days of vacation, and 4 final days in the office. 8/31/15 - Happy Retirement Day to me!
Solid allocation.
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I will be walking out the door on my last day of work in about an hour! I didn't have much chance to post here along the way since I arrived here abruptly just recently, but I think I posted a lot in my journal and the 2019 thread about how unhappy I was at this job and could not connect with my coworkers no matter how hard I tried, etc. Well, they held a little happy hour for me this afternoon and there were some small speeches and a few hugs and requests to stay in touch and even attempts to schedule lunch in a few months. It was AWFUL! I mean, it sounds really nice, but 1. I really hate being the center of attention and 2. it was so uncomfortable to have them be that nice after being MIA for so long and one of my primary reasons for leaving being because there was no interaction with anyone ever. Oh, the irony!
While it was awful for those reasons, I really do appreciate being able to end on a high note, even if I was...bending the truth...whenever I said it was so great to work here, etc. etc. I really hate feeling like I'm not being truthful. But I'm going to try to rest comfortably with a pleasant goodbye to my coworkers who are, after all, good people even if I wasn't able to make the connections I had hoped for.
Now on to the big, wide, scary, exciting, beautiful world! I'll be working my butt off for the elections in the near-term, so not sure how retired I will feel, but I will report back (and keep up with my journal). I do have other exciting plans to squeeze in, even in that timeframe, like fostering cats!, so there will be plenty of opportunity for it to start to hit me that I'm really retired. On to the next adventure!
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9 weeks to go for me, but my co-worker is still not recruited. I'm currently doing 2 peoples jobs and if I go without this recruitment there will be no-one covering this section. I know its not my problem, but I'm not prepared to leave my other colleagues in the lurch. If its not sorted I think I will negotiate a months leave, with the remainder (5 months) as soon as it is.
This leave may not be my final retirement date as I may return to work past Jun 30 2019, so as to minimise tax on my remaining leave entitlements. However it does mark the beginning of the end.
This may explain my lack of nervousness...I haven't finally pulled the plug yet.
Congrats to all the other FIREes, its been great reading your experiences.
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I will be walking out the door on my last day of work in about an hour! I didn't have much chance to post here along the way since I arrived here abruptly just recently, but I think I posted a lot in my journal and the 2019 thread about how unhappy I was at this job and could not connect with my coworkers no matter how hard I tried, etc. Well, they held a little happy hour for me this afternoon and there were some small speeches and a few hugs and requests to stay in touch and even attempts to schedule lunch in a few months. It was AWFUL! I mean, it sounds really nice, but 1. I really hate being the center of attention and 2. it was so uncomfortable to have them be that nice after being MIA for so long and one of my primary reasons for leaving being because there was no interaction with anyone ever. Oh, the irony!
While it was awful for those reasons, I really do appreciate being able to end on a high note, even if I was...bending the truth...whenever I said it was so great to work here, etc. etc. I really hate feeling like I'm not being truthful. But I'm going to try to rest comfortably with a pleasant goodbye to my coworkers who are, after all, good people even if I wasn't able to make the connections I had hoped for.
Now on to the big, wide, scary, exciting, beautiful world! I'll be working my butt off for the elections in the near-term, so not sure how retired I will feel, but I will report back (and keep up with my journal). I do have other exciting plans to squeeze in, even in that timeframe, like fostering cats!, so there will be plenty of opportunity for it to start to hit me that I'm really retired. On to the next adventure!
Congratulations on reaching your last day!
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(http://img10.deviantart.net/403b/i/2009/237/a/3/conga_rats_by_avery_xx.png)
Another round of congrats to everyone who has recently FIREd and is about to FIRE. You guys rock. I love it and appreciate the inspiration. :)
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@sol If you want any advice from 10 months of having a hobby blog....just take the default theme and start learning your writing style. It takes months to build a digital footprint before you'll see people show up to the site.
I have similar frustrations and need to tackle formatting/appearance now that its getting a nice number of views every time another site picks up something I write.
I also can't write the juicy stuff until I quit my job, too much career related in case "the man" finds it
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Congratulations RiverTop
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/01/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
MIA/Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 randomgiraffe
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 Mr Griz
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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I just put in for 31 October with HR. My current (and last) project should wrap up late September or early October. I’ll probably “vacation out” until the 31st.
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Hey all just checking in and as always congrats to everyone who's FIRE'd this year so far. Well I've been on vacation now for about six weeks - my last day in the office was July 11th and I've been out since then but technically on vacation. I've got 11 days left now until official FIRE on Sept 1st. (I go back in on the 31st to turn my stuff in). It's been a crazy summer so far!! I've been having a blast - almost too much fun. I now realize that at some point I'm going to have to get into some sort of routine at home. A couple trips planned for the fall, then the holidays. This is crazy.
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Congratulations VegasGirl!
Fixed the date for Mr. Griz.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/01/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18 NorCalistache
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
12/??/18 RunningWithScissors
MIA/Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 Michread
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Sofa King
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 HappyMargo
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 randomgiraffe
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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Hey all just checking in and as always congrats to everyone who's FIRE'd this year so far. Well I've been on vacation now for about six weeks - my last day in the office was July 11th and I've been out since then but technically on vacation. I've got 11 days left now until official FIRE on Sept 1st. (I go back in on the 31st to turn my stuff in). It's been a crazy summer so far!! I've been having a blast - almost too much fun. I now realize that at some point I'm going to have to get into some sort of routine at home. A couple trips planned for the fall, then the holidays. This is crazy.
Do I get the impression that you're quite enjoying this not-going-to-work lark? ;-)
I had a chat today with a sort-of-colleague who did more or less what I'm doing just over a year ago, for similar reasons, and hasn't regretted it, and is enjoying doing casual work for the same reasons I think I might enjoy doing casual work. That was encouraging. And I've had my first opportunity to return a demand for a laborious and pointless report to its originator saying I won't be doing it. Any backchat and they'll be getting, "What are you going to do? Sack me?"
Just under ten weeks to go, one week of which is leave. I'm owed another two weeks of leave, but will settle for cash in lieu.
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Just under ten weeks to go, one week of which is leave. I'm owed another two weeks of leave, but will settle for cash in lieu.
9 weeks today for me! That should mean we are neighbours in the cohort list, but you don't appear to be on there?
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Just under ten weeks to go, one week of which is leave. I'm owed another two weeks of leave, but will settle for cash in lieu.
9 weeks today for me! That should mean we are neighbours in the cohort list, but you don't appear to be on there?
I went back and saw that she had mentioned the date when I was off the forum for a few weeks. I added her for 10/31
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Cowboy and Indian - slot me in for December 21st, 2018. That will be my last day in the office, although thanks to working for government, I'll get paid until the end of the month/year.
Still waiting for my department to hire someone...
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Fixed the date for RunningWithScissors.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/01/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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Those of you who've retired feel free to post pictures.
Retired life is pretty good. Did have a quick morning meeting to discuss the days events.
It truly is a dog eat dog world.
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Interesting work update from the traitor who decided to wait until early 2019...
The consultants are coming!!
I can't tell you how exciting it is to be FI and know the consultants are coming. I give it a less than 1% chance I can pull off a severance/layoff package out of this, but I am going to sit back and watch a lot of people who need to get their cheese moved be disrupted, all with the comfort of being FI and not caring what happens to me. My direct reports are revenue producers, they always end up fine to better off in these moves.
Hoping for some fun for my last six months
How did your meeting with the Bobs go?
Be careful you don't get promoted instead of laid off!
(Office Space reference)
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You can go ahead and move me to CONFIRMED too. I've officially given notice and my paperwork is filed. I'm on approved leave for the duration of my career, and am only going to the office to wrap up a few IT things and empty out workspace.
For some reason I am getting a vicarious thrill out of knowing that today is Sol's last day. (ETA: At a W-2 job, in any event.)
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Just under ten weeks to go, one week of which is leave. I'm owed another two weeks of leave, but will settle for cash in lieu.
9 weeks today for me! That should mean we are neighbours in the cohort list, but you don't appear to be on there?
I went back and saw that she had mentioned the date when I was off the forum for a few weeks. I added her for 10/31
Thanks! It's definitely happening!
Today someone who accepted a job with us starting in September came for a look round. It would appear that management told them only that I was considering retiring, not that I had actually handed in my notice. Sneaky!
Nine weeks to go. It's been a long week.
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For some reason I am getting a vicarious thrill out of knowing that today is Sol's last day.
I had to resist the urge to wander around the office shouting "SO LONG, SUCKERS" at everyone today.
I was super excited to get up and go to work this morning, more so than any other day in my entire career. I actually caught myself speeding on the drive in, and had to remind myself not to rush it. Savor the moment, and all.
You know how Fridays are always better than Mondays at work? Today was kind of like that, except a million times more intense. Like the best Friday ever, the ultimate Friday. The last Friday before the long weekend that is the rest of your life.
It was kind of like the way I remember the last day of high school, like "Hooray we finally made it out!" but also slightly nostalgic about never walking the same hallways again, and slightly apprehensive about leaving behind the familiar to start a new chapter of your life, but also kind of looking forward to what comes next because you've already been admitted to a great college and you know it will be awesome. Success achieved! Onward and upward! Want to sign my yearbook?
Then the day itself kind of sucked. I had work to do! And not the fun kind, the tedious kind like recycling half of the shit in my workspace, meetings to discuss how someone else is going to do my job poorly after I'm gone, and lots of carrying things out to the car. I did get some lovely emails from distant colleagues at other agencies, so that was nice. I also really enjoyed turning in my ID and keycard and credit card; good riddance, symbols of my oppression, I hope to never see you again.
As I wandered down the block for an afternoon beer, I was struck by the feeling of emancipation. I had never realized how much a cubicle is like a cage, a prison cell so perfectly effective that they can leave the door wide open. They don't have to physically confine you, when they've captured your mind. I spent a decade voluntarily sitting in a little box every day, fighting and scraping and stressing for someone else's goals, and considered myself lucky to have the opportunity, and now that it's all gone I'm kind of shocked at how heavy the burden now seems, in its absence.
So I am free. Wish me luck, and reliable market returns.
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Godspeed, Sol! Congratulations, and welcome to the other side.
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So I am free. Wish me luck, and reliable market returns.
Good luck Sol, although we disagree politically I truly wish you nothing but the best and hope to hear how a high income earner such as yourself transitions from putting money into the account vs withdrawing it. Please come back and share.
Enjoy your new freedom :)
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For some reason I am getting a vicarious thrill out of knowing that today is Sol's last day.
I had to resist the urge to wander around the office shouting "SO LONG, SUCKERS" at everyone today.
I was super excited to get up and go to work this morning, more so than any other day in my entire career. I actually caught myself speeding on the drive in, and had to remind myself not to rush it. Savor the moment, and all.
You know how Fridays are always better than Mondays at work? Today was kind of like that, except a million times more intense. Like the best Friday ever, the ultimate Friday. The last Friday before the long weekend that is the rest of your life.
It was kind of like the way I remember the last day of high school, like "Hooray we finally made it out!" but also slightly nostalgic about never walking the same hallways again, and slightly apprehensive about leaving behind the familiar to start a new chapter of your life, but also kind of looking forward to what comes next because you've already been admitted to a great college and you know it will be awesome. Success achieved! Onward and upward! Want to sign my yearbook?
Then the day itself kind of sucked. I had work to do! And not the fun kind, the tedious kind like recycling half of the shit in my workspace, meetings to discuss how someone else is going to do my job poorly after I'm gone, and lots of carrying things out to the car. I did get some lovely emails from distant colleagues at other agencies, so that was nice. I also really enjoyed turning in my ID and keycard and credit card; good riddance, symbols of my oppression, I hope to never see you again.
As I wandered down the block for an afternoon beer, I was struck by the feeling of emancipation. I had never realized how much a cubicle is like a cage, a prison cell so perfectly effective that they can leave the door wide open. They don't have to physically confine you, when they've captured your mind. I spent a decade voluntarily sitting in a little box every day, fighting and scraping and stressing for someone else's goals, and considered myself lucky to have the opportunity, and now that it's all gone I'm kind of shocked at how heavy the burden now seems, in its absence.
So I am free. Wish me luck, and reliable market returns.
Heaven knows it wasn't you who set me free
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key
But me, I'm already gone
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Good luck Sol and congrads. Stay mindful and enjoy the freedom.
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Beautiful post Sol. Congratulations.
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Congratulations, Sol. Don't be a stranger now that you're free.
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Congratulations Sol. May the markets rise up to meet you.
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So I am free. Wish me luck, and reliable market returns.
New all-time high for the S&P 500 yesterday. Has to be a good omen, right?
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Outstanding post Sol
One great piece of advice to others in that...go slowly dispose of your stuff instead of having to deal with all of it the last day. I've been taking small things out of my office weekly
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Congrats Sol, from a fellow, yet-to-be-FIRE'd Oregonian. I might be two years behind you in FIREdom, but will live vicariously through you until then in my cubicle world. Good luck!
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Congrats Sol.
Only 8 weeks til LSL for me. The time is flying by.
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Congratulations, sol! Wishing you and your family much happiness in this next phase of life.
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Thank you, friends. I'm taking a few days away from it all to decompress. Seeing some family, hiking some trails, letting it all sink in while I prepare to make a new plan. I have approximately 40 years to occupy with something other than time cards and cubicle dwelling, and I don't want to just wing it from here on out.
My attitude towards my former co-workers has already shifted pretty dramatically. They are no longer part of the problem, even the annoying ones who made my life unnecessarily difficult. Now they seem more like victims just like I was, trapped in a prison of the mind, unable to see how ridiculous their predicament is. It's like the inmates are also the jailers. Maybe it's different in other workplaces, but my office is full of people who should have retired long ago but are too afraid to leap. They don't believe in themselves enough, and rely on the job to provide not only steady income, but also purpose and direction and meaning. When in reality, the job is the one thing keeping them from finding those things. It's sadly ironic, in a way.
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Glad you escaped. Enjoy it all!
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Added sui generis to the list.
Let me know if I've missed anything. I have been a little lax in keeping it up to date...
08/01/18 SugarMountain
Has not happened. Currently in a holding pattern debating OMY. Will be at least OMM.
So I pulled the trigger and told my boss last Wednesday I was leaving. His boss met with me on Friday. They've convinced me to stay at least for the moment. I'll be changing roles and moving out of management. It's possible I get to November/December and decide it's not what I want and I pull the trigger again, but I think this is going to end up being a OMY situation. We'll see.
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Congrats Sol !!
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Congrats Sol! An inspiration!
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Ok, SugarMountain, I'll put your date as undecided. Let me know if you want it moved to OMY...
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/25/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 JerseyGrrrl
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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Today's my day! It's weird, not gonna lie. I work from home, so I'm just sitting here as normal, listening to CNBC, finishing up my last few tasks. And hoping someone emails or calls, needing something. I really should be glad they are confident and can move forward without me. Every so often, I'm going to get up and do the happy dance today!
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Wow!!! I cant believe how many are in the 2018 class!!
Our 2021 class is like... 10 people : )
Everyone can throw their caps in the air and cheer,
Congrats to everyone!!! (que the song "forever young")
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Wow!!! I cant believe how many are in the 2018 class!!
It's been one of the best decades for market returns in US history. It's never been easier to retire early than it is right now, and this website and forum have been in operation for almost all of that period. Frankly I'm kind of shocked this thread doesn't have like 30% of the forum members retiring this year, because anyone who got on board when MMM launched is probably ready to go by now.
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Wow!!! I cant believe how many are in the 2018 class!!
It's been one of the best decades for market returns in US history. It's never been easier to retire early than it is right now, and this website and forum have been in operation for almost all of that period. Frankly I'm kind of shocked this thread doesn't have like 30% of the forum members retiring this year, because anyone who got on board when MMM launched is probably ready to go by now.
2019 Cohort member here. We have lost 6 people to the 2018 group so far, and there will probably be more. Here's to OLY!
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Today's my day! It's weird, not gonna lie. I work from home, so I'm just sitting here as normal, listening to CNBC, finishing up my last few tasks. And hoping someone emails or calls, needing something. I really should be glad they are confident and can move forward without me. Every so often, I'm going to get up and do the happy dance today!
The RiverTOP IS IN!
Congratulations!
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Wow!!! I cant believe how many are in the 2018 class!!
It's been one of the best decades for market returns in US history. It's never been easier to retire early than it is right now, and this website and forum have been in operation for almost all of that period. Frankly I'm kind of shocked this thread doesn't have like 30% of the forum members retiring this year, because anyone who got on board when MMM launched is probably ready to go by now.
I was thinking the same thing. If you've been on this path for 2 years or more, you've seen nothing but steady phenomenal returns and a growing 'stache (including home values). Especially if you are in the early growth period, you've probably doubled your NW and then some. Very few seem to question the 4% rule, other than it being too conservative when returns are so good, the good life is cheap, and side hustles are easy to come by.
Other than healthcare, ER seems like a lay-up. I would venture that at least 30% of active forum members are some level of FI or close. The only thing keeping me from setting an ER date is OMY on a project overseas. I would prefer to be doing this than being ER and doing my own thing (like, I'm getting paid to learn French and fly business class, how cool is that?), but even I have to admit that, nearing 45, I'm beginning to worry that I'm giving away too much to Big Oil Corp. I'd really like to have a decade of self-directed world travel before I get too much older.
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If I had found MMM 10yrs ago I'd be FIREd now. I only saw the light at the end of the tunnel in late 2014 and realized it was freedom not a train! I should be FIREd by the end of 2019 or 2020 sometime. 5-6 years isn't too bad. Luckily my past-self didn't do anything stupid to fuck up my future self's retirement beyond not saving enough.
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Well, It's REALLY official for me now. Went into the office at 930 this morning (after being on vacation since July 11) turned in my laptop, badge and keys. There were a few questions, hugs and farewell wishes but I'm now home and officially done !!! Honestly, if it were not for MMM and all the wisdom on this forum this would not have happened. I am eternally grateful. Now on to the second chapter !!!
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one of the best decades for market returns in US history. It's never been easier to retire early than it is right now, and this website and forum have been in operation for almost all of that period. Frankly I'm kind of shocked this thread doesn't have like 30% of the forum members retiring this year, because anyone who got on board when MMM launched is probably ready to go by now.
Good points
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I saw it two years ago, and am in 2019. All depends on when we found the blog, and the lifestyle/income before.
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Wow!!! I cant believe how many are in the 2018 class!!
It's been one of the best decades for market returns in US history. It's never been easier to retire early than it is right now, and this website and forum have been in operation for almost all of that period. Frankly I'm kind of shocked this thread doesn't have like 30% of the forum members retiring this year, because anyone who got on board when MMM launched is probably ready to go by now.
Counter intuitively, it may be the worst possible time to retire if those gains are ephemeral. (Yes, 4% SWR has a great track record, but the markets have extremely high valuations by pretty much any measure. Cape-Shiller for example has only been this high once before, right before the market tumbled. I do wonder how an FIRE folks who retired in say March of '99 are doing 19 years in.)
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Yeah, yeah SugarMountain, I thought the same thing in 2011, and in 2013, and in 2015... ;) Even MMM published that the market was due for a fall in June 2017 (https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2017/06/20/next-recession/) and May 2013 (https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/05/07/how-to-prosper-in-an-economic-boom/)...
Investments: Everyone is speculating vigorously on stocks, and the index is at a high valuation. You’ll want to continue your regular investing program, but your asset allocation rules will automatically make you buy fewer stocks and more bonds. And especially look into alternatives like paying off your mortgage early – this is the time to get out of debt, because the getting is easy.
I liked what Buffett had to say this week (https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/08/30/buffett-stocks-always-more-attractive-than-bonds.html), that US company valuations are high but the alternative of investing in bonds at 3% for 30 years or real estate in general isn't a favorable alternative.
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Yeah, yeah SugarMountain, I thought the same thing in 2011, and in 2013, and in 2015... ;) Even MMM published that the market was due for a fall in June 2017 (https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2017/06/20/next-recession/) and May 2013 (https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/05/07/how-to-prosper-in-an-economic-boom/)...
Investments: Everyone is speculating vigorously on stocks, and the index is at a high valuation. You’ll want to continue your regular investing program, but your asset allocation rules will automatically make you buy fewer stocks and more bonds. And especially look into alternatives like paying off your mortgage early – this is the time to get out of debt, because the getting is easy.
I liked what Buffett had to say this week (https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/08/30/buffett-stocks-always-more-attractive-than-bonds.html), that US company valuations are high but the alternative of investing in bonds at 3% for 30 years or real estate in general isn't a favorable alternative.
And you might not have been wrong in 2011, 2013, or 2015. We'll know in 20 years.
And I get what Buffett is saying. It's kind of like "Democracy is a terrible way to run a country. But, it's better than all of the alternatives." I'm not saying that stocks aren't the way to go. I think my current allocation is like 70% stocks, 10% bonds, 10% cash (sold a bunch of options last month, need to reinvest them), 10% real estate.
My point is simply that if with this recent run up in the market if you've suddenly hit the magic 4%, I'm not completely convinced it's real. In 1999, the S&P hit like 1515. It took until 2013 for it to get back there. That's 14 years with the only return being from dividends and many years where you had negative returns so if you're selling it's killing your portfolio.
If you look at cape-shiller and cfiresim together, you can see where say a 40 year retirement failed using straight 4% inflation adjusted WR several times. The worst times to retire were 1929 (made it, barely), 1937 (made it barely), 1966 (failed after 23 years), 1965 (failed after 25 years), etc. Don't know about 1999 yet or today obviously.
C/S
1929 - 32.4. All time high until 1999 (and again now).
1937 - 22. Highest peak between 1929 crash and the 60s.
1966 - 24. Highest peak between 1929 and 1999.
1965 - 22.3. Just under the 1966 peak.
We're currently over 33, 2nd highest ever to 1999.
Now, I don't think Cape Shiller is the be-all-end-all of market valuation measures, and I also think accounting changes in the 2000s to reporting earnings, and the shift from dividends to stock buybacks have an effect. But there is a correlation between high C/S valuation and risk of retirement failure. So, I would be very leery of doing a long RE right at 4% without plans for cutting spending/getting some additional income with today's valuation.
I'm also way more cautious than many on this board and am currently OMMing it even though my WR would be about 3.4%. But, remember that the Trinity study determined that with a 4% starting withdrawal rate was only 95% successful and I bet every one of the failure cycles started in a year with a cape shiller over 22.
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I was not aware of this thread. Feel free to add me to CONFIRMED FIRE as of 6/1/18. Thanks!
EDIT: I guess I was supposed to say that I was 53 years and almost 5 months old at that point.
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Congrats @Will
@SugarMountain One reminder, we don't get a *real* cape ratio until after 2019. There are tons of paper losses incurred in the financial sector that were realized outside the public markets. Its driving it down. Valuations are also high on a cape basis due to tax changes.
I think there may very well be a mild recession on the horizon, but I think the Cape is a terrible indicator right now with two massive issues baked into its numbers.
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In 1999, the S&P hit like 1515. It took until 2013 for it to get back there. That's 14 years with the only return being from dividends and many years where you had negative returns so if you're selling it's killing your portfolio.
This data contradicts what you say by 6 years, i.e., 2007:
http://www.multpl.com/s-p-500-historical-prices/table/by-month
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In 1999, the S&P hit like 1515. It took until 2013 for it to get back there. That's 14 years with the only return being from dividends and many years where you had negative returns so if you're selling it's killing your portfolio.
This data contradicts what you say by 6 years, i.e., 2007:
http://www.multpl.com/s-p-500-historical-prices/table/by-month
I can't believe that anyone old enough to remember the dot com bubble would seriously say that today's valuations are anything like what we saw then. Yes we've had an extended bull run, but nothing like the insane run up in values that occurred then or that preceded the Japanese meltdown.
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Yes we've had an extended bull run, but nothing like the insane run up in values that occurred then or that preceded the Japanese meltdown.
This bull isn't over yet. We still have time to get ridiculous.
This HAS been a very long run, though. Sustained growth, without a single negative year or even a legit recession in a decade. A couple of minor corrections here and there, that were all quickly buried by subsequent growth. Does anyone remember back to February of this year, or January of 2016, as times of market turmoil when everyone was proclaiming the "end" of the bull?
I agree that the dotcom bubble, and the even more severe Japanese bubble, were preceded by truly incredible runs that make our past ten years look pretty tame by comparison. Our best year over the past decade was the 32% in 2013, but the Japanese market averaged that much every year for like six years in a row before peaking.
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Congratulations Rivertop and Vegasgirl!!!
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I was not aware of this thread. Feel free to add me to CONFIRMED FIRE as of 6/1/18. Thanks!
EDIT: I guess I was supposed to say that I was 53 years and almost 5 months old at that point.
My twin! With my pic as the avatar!
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Yes we've had an extended bull run, but nothing like the insane run up in values that occurred then or that preceded the Japanese meltdown.
This bull isn't over yet. We still have time to get ridiculous.
This HAS been a very long run, though. Sustained growth, without a single negative year or even a legit recession in a decade. A couple of minor corrections here and there, that were all quickly buried by subsequent growth. Does anyone remember back to February of this year, or January of 2016, as times of market turmoil when everyone was proclaiming the "end" of the bull?
I agree that the dotcom bubble, and the even more severe Japanese bubble, were preceded by truly incredible runs that make our past ten years look pretty tame by comparison. Our best year over the past decade was the 32% in 2013, but the Japanese market averaged that much every year for like six years in a row before peaking.
Hey Sol, glad to see you haven’t retired from posting...I’m still hoping for a post about what your last month or so of work was like, and how people seemed to be dealing. Not sure how transferable the experience is to other Federal workplaces, but it might be illuminating...
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In 1999, the S&P hit like 1515. It took until 2013 for it to get back there. That's 14 years with the only return being from dividends and many years where you had negative returns so if you're selling it's killing your portfolio.
This data contradicts what you say by 6 years, i.e., 2007:
http://www.multpl.com/s-p-500-historical-prices/table/by-month
Yes, it touched on 1500 for a couple of months and then went back below where it was for another 6 years. My point is the same, basically 0 return aside from dividends from 1999 to 2013.
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Congrats @Will
@SugarMountain One reminder, we don't get a *real* cape ratio until after 2019. There are tons of paper losses incurred in the financial sector that were realized outside the public markets. Its driving it down. Valuations are also high on a cape basis due to tax changes.
I've heard that a lot but I'm not sure how accurate it is. This cool tool allows you to do an 8 or 9 year cape which drops off the worst of the "great recession". Doesn't look much better. https://dqydj.com/shiller-pe-cape-ratio-calculator/ (https://dqydj.com/shiller-pe-cape-ratio-calculator/)
I think there may very well be a mild recession on the horizon, but I think the Cape is a terrible indicator right now with two massive issues baked into its numbers.
Yes, the tax situation definitely has an impact, and as I noted the changes to how earnings are are reported over the years.
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In 1999, the S&P hit like 1515. It took until 2013 for it to get back there. That's 14 years with the only return being from dividends and many years where you had negative returns so if you're selling it's killing your portfolio.
This data contradicts what you say by 6 years, i.e., 2007:
http://www.multpl.com/s-p-500-historical-prices/table/by-month
Yes, it touched on 1500 for a couple of months and then went back below where it was for another 6 years. My point is the same, basically 0 return aside from dividends from 1999 to 2013.
But the key issue there is that it is that 1999 peak which was the massive outlier from the general trend. If we had started from vaguely 'normal' valuations, and then had a 14 year trough, then that would indeed be frightening. The real story of those numbers is quite different though. Much more a case of we had an insane bubble that pushed stock prices to a level they wouldn't normally have been expected to reach for more than a decade.
Like many people I feel somewhat twitchy that stocks may currently be overvalued, but nothing at all like the way they were in 1999 when you could double your stock price in days just by adding '.com' to your name.
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In 1999, the S&P hit like 1515. It took until 2013 for it to get back there. That's 14 years with the only return being from dividends and many years where you had negative returns so if you're selling it's killing your portfolio.
This data contradicts what you say by 6 years, i.e., 2007:
http://www.multpl.com/s-p-500-historical-prices/table/by-month
Yes, it touched on 1500 for a couple of months and then went back below where it was for another 6 years. My point is the same, basically 0 return aside from dividends from 1999 to 2013.
But the key issue there is that it is that 1999 peak which was the massive outlier from the general trend. If we had started from vaguely 'normal' valuations, and then had a 14 year trough, then that would indeed be frightening. The real story of those numbers is quite different though. Much more a case of we had an insane bubble that pushed stock prices to a level they wouldn't normally have been expected to reach for more than a decade.
Like many people I feel somewhat twitchy that stocks may currently be overvalued, but nothing at all like the way they were in 1999 when you could double your stock price in days just by adding '.com' to your name.
Sure, we're not in the same situation as 1999. But might we be the same as the mid 60s? 1937? Not sure.
My point is simply, that I'd rather hit my 4% when the stock market is not hitting super high valuations.
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Congrats @Will
@SugarMountain One reminder, we don't get a *real* cape ratio until after 2019. There are tons of paper losses incurred in the financial sector that were realized outside the public markets. Its driving it down. Valuations are also high on a cape basis due to tax changes.
I think there may very well be a mild recession on the horizon, but I think the Cape is a terrible indicator right now with two massive issues baked into its numbers.
So I took a look at where things will be when 2008 drops off (S&P had earnings of 17.84) and replaced it with estimates for 2018. Assuming the price stays the same, it does bring Cape-Shiller down to ~29 from 33. Still historically high, but not as bad as it is currently.
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I've got a side-hustle in the making. Going to work on my CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) qualification and then work for the same school as a CFI. Pay isn't much, but once I'm a CFI, I get paid to fly.
Looks like I'll be postponing growing up a few more years.
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Sure, we're not in the same situation as 1999. But might we be the same as the mid 60s? 1937? Not sure.
My point is simply, that I'd rather hit my 4% when the stock market is not hitting super high valuations.
I would rather FIRE at 4% when valuations are average but I will not delay my plan but rather be willing to adjust spending if/when that recession hits.
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Sure, we're not in the same situation as 1999. But might we be the same as the mid 60s? 1937? Not sure.
My point is simply, that I'd rather hit my 4% when the stock market is not hitting super high valuations.
I would rather FIRE at 4% when valuations are average but I will not delay my plan but rather be willing to adjust spending if/when that recession hits.
Snap. There can't be any question that retiring at a top increases the (very slim) chances of failure if you are mindlessly following a 4%+ inflation strategy. Question is do you a) not retire, b)retire on a lower %, c)retire as planned but ready to take evasive action? I plump for c and have thoroughly stress-tested my plans accordingly.
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Another margin of safety can be gained by diversifying income streams, rather than just relying on stocks. For example my retirement incomes will be 25% lifelong govt pension indexed to CPI, 25% rent, 50% from superannuation which is essentially stocks. I will also have a large amount in home equity able to be sold off and tapped when I am no longer able/wishing to live at my current home. I would be very worried about income from stocks alone. Nords also recommends considering purchasing an annuity for some income if one doesn't have a safe govt pension.
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I've got a side-hustle in the making. Going to work on my CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) qualification and then work for the same school as a CFI. Pay isn't much, but once I'm a CFI, I get paid to fly.
Looks like I'll be postponing growing up a few more years.
Lucky you!
davisgang90, wish you were closer. I am thinking of learning flying ...
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Just a quick drop in on this thread to note that my FIRE date has been pushed back to end of September. I am counting down the days. With today as a holiday in the US, and two vacation days later this week, only 17 work days to go.
There is a chance I could go in a few days after that to help train my replacement. I'm trying to decide if I will be flexible or stick to the end date. Either way, I am leaving town end of October, so it can't go past that.
Congrats to all who have fired already this year!!
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Moved JerseyGrrrl to end of September.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/??/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
??/??/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
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Hey brooklynguy whatever happened to you ?
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Hey brooklynguy whatever happened to you ?
I’m alive and well but now that I’m no longer chained to a desk in search of distractions I have become an occasional lurker instead of an active participant. I spent most of the summer on a road trip around the country but now that I’m back home I’ve been checking in on the forum more frequently, though I doubt I’ll ever spend as much time here as I did in my working days.
Retirement is grand. Congrats to all who have recently taken the plunge.
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Moved JerseyGrrrl to end of September.
Will you add me someday?
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Will you can also just copy, paste, edit and thereby you can be added.
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Sure, we're not in the same situation as 1999. But might we be the same as the mid 60s? 1937? Not sure.
My point is simply, that I'd rather hit my 4% when the stock market is not hitting super high valuations.
I would rather FIRE at 4% when valuations are average but I will not delay my plan but rather be willing to adjust spending if/when that recession hits.
Snap. There can't be any question that retiring at a top increases the (very slim) chances of failure if you are mindlessly following a 4%+ inflation strategy. Question is do you a) not retire, b)retire on a lower %, c)retire as planned but ready to take evasive action? I plump for c and have thoroughly stress-tested my plans accordingly.
Exactly. Trinity study basically said for a 30 year retirement, a 4% starting withdrawal rate indexed to inflation had a 95% success rate. Looking at the last 80 years, it's fairly easy to figure out where the 4 failure years were. All had high CAPEs. Doesn't mean that 4% won't work today, but I think someone who retires today will need to be more diligent than other periods where CAPE was in the teens.
I'm planning on all 3. I haven't yet retired, although I tried to a couple of weeks ago and have gotten talked into staying at least temporarily. We will most likely be retiring on lower than a 4% withdrawal rate. And we will be continuing to look at opportunities to cut spending. I'd rather not worry about side gigs.
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Sure, we're not in the same situation as 1999. But might we be the same as the mid 60s? 1937? Not sure.
My point is simply, that I'd rather hit my 4% when the stock market is not hitting super high valuations.
I would rather FIRE at 4% when valuations are average but I will not delay my plan but rather be willing to adjust spending if/when that recession hits.
Snap. There can't be any question that retiring at a top increases the (very slim) chances of failure if you are mindlessly following a 4%+ inflation strategy. Question is do you a) not retire, b)retire on a lower %, c)retire as planned but ready to take evasive action? I plump for c and have thoroughly stress-tested my plans accordingly.
Exactly. Trinity study basically said for a 30 year retirement, a 4% starting withdrawal rate indexed to inflation had a 95% success rate. Looking at the last 80 years, it's fairly easy to figure out where the 4 failure years were. All had high CAPEs. Doesn't mean that 4% won't work today, but I think someone who retires today will need to be more diligent than other periods where CAPE was in the teens.
I'm planning on all 3. I haven't yet retired, although I tried to a couple of weeks ago and have gotten talked into staying at least temporarily. We will most likely be retiring on lower than a 4% withdrawal rate. And we will be continuing to look at opportunities to cut spending. I'd rather not worry about side gigs.
PhilB,
Actually we are lucky enough to be able to work as much or as little as we want and still enjoy our work today. Our plan is going part time when we are close to 4% which is pretty much now and see how part time suits us. 1 year of part time would put us at 4%. If we hate part time we would FIRE completely. Otherwise we will continue part time work letting our stache grow indefinitely with the option to quit at any time. If we did not have that option we would definitely be choosing "C" retiring at 4% and cutting expenses when the market declines which we will likely do anyway just because we are human.
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I'm planning on all 3. I haven't yet retired, although I tried to a couple of weeks ago and have gotten talked into staying at least temporarily. We will most likely be retiring on lower than a 4% withdrawal rate. And we will be continuing to look at opportunities to cut spending. I'd rather not worry about side gigs.
There's some discussion of CAPE and 10 year negative returns in this thread. Interestingly, the periods of ten-year negative growth of a 60/40 portfolio did not start when CAPE was near the high end of the chart, but there's definitely a correlation to CAPE and 10 year growth.
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/investor-alley/10-years-of-negative-returns/
There are other metrics that indicate U.S. stocks have high valuations as well.
I'm planning on "C" to FIRE as planned in 2019 and take action as needed. Over half my budget is discretionary, so there's room to cut back there and still get the bills paid. Going back to work or side gig is a possibility if I have the urge. But I've taken "B" by a matter of circumstance. My stash has grown enough that I could cover my planned FIRE spending with a 3.65% SWR for a semi-fat FIRE that is more than double my expected barebones budget. And unless I do quite a bit of traveling, I'm more likely to spend even less than a 3.65% WR affords me. By dropping to a 3% SWR, that would would still give me $20K/yr discretionary as a single person while lightening the load on my stash. While my planned FIRE budget allows $30K/yr discretionary spending, even $20K/yr is far more than I've spent while working while also consistently saving 70% to 80%+ of my take home pay, so I wouldn't exactly feel deprived with that adjustment.
I also recently moved from 80/40 to 60/40 AA now that I'm well within a year of FIRE since I'll be within 15 years of SS and only need to fully cover expenses from my stash until SS kicks in. SS alone will cover barebones with plenty to spare, and my SWR% from my stash can then drop to about 1.8% WR to reach $30K/yr in discretionary spending and closer to 1.0% WR to reach $20K/yr discretionary spending (in today's dollars, part of discretionary will be covered by SS, which is why those WR's don't exactly correlate).
ACA is a big wild card, the uncertainty with that was the primary reason I didn't FIRE in the spring of 2018. The fact that I also got my own office (private, with door) in late 2017 also made my work environment better, so I didn't feel as much of a desire to get out of there this year. I really stepped up my 457B/401a contributions this year also.
-
I'm planning on all 3. I haven't yet retired, although I tried to a couple of weeks ago and have gotten talked into staying at least temporarily. We will most likely be retiring on lower than a 4% withdrawal rate. And we will be continuing to look at opportunities to cut spending. I'd rather not worry about side gigs.
There's some discussion of CAPE and 10 year negative returns in this thread. Interestingly, the periods of ten-year negative growth of a 60/40 portfolio did not start when CAPE was near the high end of the chart, but there's definitely a correlation to CAPE and 10 year growth.
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/investor-alley/10-years-of-negative-returns/
There are other metrics that indicate U.S. stocks have high valuations as well.
I'm planning on "C" to FIRE as planned in 2019 and take action as needed. Over half my budget is discretionary, so there's room to cut back there and still get the bills paid. Going back to work or side gig is a possibility if I have the urge. But I've taken "B" by a matter of circumstance. My stash has grown enough that I could cover my planned FIRE spending with a 3.65% SWR for a semi-fat FIRE that is more than double my expected barebones budget. And unless I do quite a bit of traveling, I'm more likely to spend even less than a 3.65% WR affords me. By dropping to a 3% SWR, that would would still give me $20K/yr discretionary as a single person while lightening the load on my stash. While my planned FIRE budget allows $30K/yr discretionary spending, even $20K/yr is far more than I've spent while working while also consistently saving 70% to 80%+ of my take home pay, so I wouldn't exactly feel deprived with that adjustment.
I also recently moved from 80/40 to 60/40 AA now that I'm well within a year of FIRE since I'll be within 15 years of SS and only need to fully cover expenses from my stash until SS kicks in. SS alone will cover barebones with plenty to spare, and my SWR% from my stash can then drop to about 1.8% WR to reach $30K/yr in discretionary spending and closer to 1.0% WR to reach $20K/yr discretionary spending (in today's dollars, part of discretionary will be covered by SS, which is why those WR's don't exactly correlate).
ACA is a big wild card, the uncertainty with that was the primary reason I didn't FIRE in the spring of 2018. The fact that I also got my own office (private, with door) in late 2017 also made my work environment better, so I didn't feel as much of a desire to get out of there this year. I really stepped up my 457B/401a contributions this year also.
Great plan. It is important to be flexible and have options.
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Updated my last day at work, 31st October, 2018:
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 DeSteeg
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
??/??/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
I'm planning on all 3. I haven't yet retired, although I tried to a couple of weeks ago and have gotten talked into staying at least temporarily. We will most likely be retiring on lower than a 4% withdrawal rate. And we will be continuing to look at opportunities to cut spending. I'd rather not worry about side gigs.
There's some discussion of CAPE and 10 year negative returns in this thread. Interestingly, the periods of ten-year negative growth of a 60/40 portfolio did not start when CAPE was near the high end of the chart, but there's definitely a correlation to CAPE and 10 year growth.
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/investor-alley/10-years-of-negative-returns/
There are other metrics that indicate U.S. stocks have high valuations as well.
I'm planning on "C" to FIRE as planned in 2019 and take action as needed. Over half my budget is discretionary, so there's room to cut back there and still get the bills paid. Going back to work or side gig is a possibility if I have the urge. But I've taken "B" by a matter of circumstance. My stash has grown enough that I could cover my planned FIRE spending with a 3.65% SWR for a semi-fat FIRE that is more than double my expected barebones budget. And unless I do quite a bit of traveling, I'm more likely to spend even less than a 3.65% WR affords me. By dropping to a 3% SWR, that would would still give me $20K/yr discretionary as a single person while lightening the load on my stash. While my planned FIRE budget allows $30K/yr discretionary spending, even $20K/yr is far more than I've spent while working while also consistently saving 70% to 80%+ of my take home pay, so I wouldn't exactly feel deprived with that adjustment.
I also recently moved from 80/40 to 60/40 AA now that I'm well within a year of FIRE since I'll be within 15 years of SS and only need to fully cover expenses from my stash until SS kicks in. SS alone will cover barebones with plenty to spare, and my SWR% from my stash can then drop to about 1.8% WR to reach $30K/yr in discretionary spending and closer to 1.0% WR to reach $20K/yr discretionary spending (in today's dollars, part of discretionary will be covered by SS, which is why those WR's don't exactly correlate).
ACA is a big wild card, the uncertainty with that was the primary reason I didn't FIRE in the spring of 2018. The fact that I also got my own office (private, with door) in late 2017 also made my work environment better, so I didn't feel as much of a desire to get out of there this year. I really stepped up my 457B/401a contributions this year also.
Great plan. It is important to be flexible and have options.
Thanks. That's for sure!
-
@Will added CONFIRMED!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/05/18 JumboShrimp
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
??/??/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
Will's date
I was not aware of this thread. Feel free to add me to CONFIRMED FIRE as of 6/1/18. Thanks!
EDIT: I guess I was supposed to say that I was 53 years and almost 5 months old at that point.
-
Will's date
I was not aware of this thread. Feel free to add me to CONFIRMED FIRE as of 6/1/18. Thanks!
EDIT: I guess I was supposed to say that I was 53 years and almost 5 months old at that point.
@CowboyAndIndian : what Cookie78 said. :)
-
Will's date
I was not aware of this thread. Feel free to add me to CONFIRMED FIRE as of 6/1/18. Thanks!
EDIT: I guess I was supposed to say that I was 53 years and almost 5 months old at that point.
@CowboyAndIndian : what Cookie78 said. :)
Sorry, I missed that. I'll edit my post and add it.
Thanks Cookie78 and Will.
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Congratulations to all you 2018 FIRE'ers and OLY'ers, job well done!
I am going to have to sneak out of here into the 2019 cohort.
My original FIRE date of October 5 was based on a couple factors, the main ones being the boring tedious project I was stuck on and a lengthy vacation in October. But then the boring project got cancelled and I moved to a new more interesting project.
For a while I was waffling whether to stick with the original plan or stay to the end of the new project. Finally decided to stay on; the work is reasonably interesting, I have a lot of autonomy and I am working with some nice folks, so why not? I hit a financial milestone and consider myself FI at this point which is quite nice. No reason for me to feel work place stress. When I told the project lead I would need October off for a Grand Canyon rafting trip (didn't really ask as it wasn't negotiable) he just thanked me for giving so much advance notice. Thank you FI. Amusingly enough during this waffling time I got a promotion, a raise and an extra week of vacation.
That makes my new FIRE date March 29, 2019. That is only going to be 5 more months of work (less than 100 work days) than I originally planned for. Earmarking a chunk of that extra income for a toy and travel fund, I plan on having a grand time next spring and summer.
Although to be honest, after a month off I may be ruined for work and may very well end up back here in 2018!
-
Congratulations to all you 2018 FIRE'ers and OLY'ers, job well done!
I am going to have to sneak out of here into the 2019 cohort.
My original FIRE date of October 5 was based on a couple factors, the main ones being the boring tedious project I was stuck on and a lengthy vacation in October. But then the boring project got cancelled and I moved to a new more interesting project.
For a while I was waffling whether to stick with the original plan or stay to the end of the new project. Finally decided to stay on; the work is reasonably interesting, I have a lot of autonomy and I am working with some nice folks, so why not? I hit a financial milestone and consider myself FI at this point which is quite nice. No reason for me to feel work place stress. When I told the project lead I would need October off for a Grand Canyon rafting trip (didn't really ask as it wasn't negotiable) he just thanked me for giving so much advance notice. Thank you FI. Amusingly enough during this waffling time I got a promotion, a raise and an extra week of vacation.
That makes my new FIRE date March 29, 2019. That is only going to be 5 more months of work (less than 100 work days) than I originally planned for. Earmarking a chunk of that extra income for a toy and travel fund, I plan on having a grand time next spring and summer.
Although to be honest, after a month off I may be ruined for work and may very well end up back here in 2018!
Congrats. Your hard work and dedication has bought you the freedom of choice. You are FI and can do whatever you want. Right now you chose to stay for 5 more months. Tomorrow you may change your mind, but that is what is so great about being FI.
-
JumboShrimp moved to OMY :-(
Hope (s)he changes his/her mind!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
??/??/18 MaybeBabyMustache (at 42) TBD, working thru options
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
-
Congratulations to all you 2018 FIRE'ers and OLY'ers, job well done!
I am going to have to sneak out of here into the 2019 cohort.
My original FIRE date of October 5 was based on a couple factors, the main ones being the boring tedious project I was stuck on and a lengthy vacation in October. But then the boring project got cancelled and I moved to a new more interesting project.
For a while I was waffling whether to stick with the original plan or stay to the end of the new project. Finally decided to stay on; the work is reasonably interesting, I have a lot of autonomy and I am working with some nice folks, so why not? I hit a financial milestone and consider myself FI at this point which is quite nice. No reason for me to feel work place stress. When I told the project lead I would need October off for a Grand Canyon rafting trip (didn't really ask as it wasn't negotiable) he just thanked me for giving so much advance notice. Thank you FI. Amusingly enough during this waffling time I got a promotion, a raise and an extra week of vacation.
That makes my new FIRE date March 29, 2019. That is only going to be 5 more months of work (less than 100 work days) than I originally planned for. Earmarking a chunk of that extra income for a toy and travel fund, I plan on having a grand time next spring and summer.
Although to be honest, after a month off I may be ruined for work and may very well end up back here in 2018!
Congrats. Your hard work and dedication has bought you the freedom of choice. You are FI and can do whatever you want. Right now you chose to stay for 5 more months. Tomorrow you may change your mind, but that is what is so great about being FI.
Yikes, that pushes me up to fourth in the queue. Scary. Mainly exciting, but still scary.
-
Well it's been over 5 months since I retired and life could not be sweeter. I even made my first withdrawal from my retirement savings which, after working so hard to save up, was something new but since I only needed to pull out less than my account has risen this year, it was not too traumatic. Anyway, for those of you sitting on the fence, you will not regret it and will ask yourself why you did not do it sooner. Well, I have to get back to doing the things that I want to do and not the things my boss wants me to do. Freedom indeed.
-
Freedom is a state of mind
-
Freedom is a state of mind
A fat wallet makes it easier to get that freedom state of mind.
-
Keep them coming. Congratulations to those that FIRED!!!
-
I confirmed with my manager that my sabbatical date will either be 1/25/19 or 2/25/19, so I'll need to shift out to that group. My plan post sabbatical is to either come back to a part time role (assuming we find something that mutually works), or FIRE completely.
-
So far for 2018 has the stock market gained enough such that one who is in FIRE feels confidant about not having to cut back on spending based on the 4% rule ?
-
MaybeBabyMustach moved to OMY :-(
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
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Thanks @CowboyAndIndian - it's actually a great deal for me. I get my 2018 bonus, and 12 weeks of free health care + one additional month of paid salary & stock. But, sad to not be able to wrap up in 2018. Still planning to be done before my 43rd birthday!
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So far for 2018 has the stock market gained enough such that one who is in FIRE feels confidant about not having to cut back on spending based on the 4% rule ?
The 4% Rule has no feedback loop based on market returns to alter the withdrawals. That said my globally diverse portfolio is up over 6% YTD so that would be enough to support my annual spend and inflation leaving me with approximately the same amount in my accounts.
What's causing you concern?
-
So far for 2018 has the stock market gained enough such that one who is in FIRE feels confidant about not having to cut back on spending based on the 4% rule ?
The 4% Rule has no feedback loop based on market returns to alter the withdrawals. That said my globally diverse portfolio is up over 6% YTD so that would be enough to support my annual spend and inflation leaving me with approximately the same amount in my accounts.
What's causing you concern?
Actually that would leave with about 1.9% more in your accounts as inflation is only about 2%. 4% SWR x 1.02 = 4.08 WR. So if you had a $1mil portfolio at start you would now have almost $20k more in balances after taking your withdrawal (depending on when you took it). So you would have more and not the same - so the experience is even better and the concern should be less.
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Actually that would leave with about 1.9% more in your accounts as inflation is only about 2%. 4% SWR x 1.02 = 4.08 WR. So if you had a $1mil portfolio at start you would now have almost $20k more in balances after taking your withdrawal (depending on when you took it). So you would have more and not the same - so the experience is even better and the concern should be less.
Yes and having about 2% more when inflation is about 2% leaves you with the same value once you include inflation.
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I am confirmed!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Blindsquirrel
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/??/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
-
Seven weeks to go for me.
I'll be IRP bait, because I've agreed to do some contracting for an organisation with which my workplace has a tricky relationship. Two or three 6-hour days a week, ad hoc rather than fixed, for the purpose of stash-sparing, giving some structure to my week while my husband is still working, and letting me do the parts of my job I enjoy without the box-ticking and hoop-jumping.
As I expected, the colleagues I'm leaving behind (who are trapped due to a clause in my partnership agreement) are now quite openly hostile and resentful. My approach is to offer to leave earlier if they're finding it difficult to be civil to me. I'd love to have my bluff called on that, but it won't happen.
I agreed to work till 2nd November to help them out of a self-inflicted predicament. I was then asked to work on until 6th November to help them out of another self-inflicted predicament. I may not be very bright, but some patterns are easy to spot and I said no. The person who caused the problem didn't even say please when they made the request. I may hand them back their 2nd November predicament and stick with 31st October.
SO glad I resigned when I did!
-
A few more days to go for me. I am now only working part-time to get all my vacation days in.
Next week we will be a few days in Italy to attend a wedding on Friday. Really looking forward to that!
The only bitter pill is that I will need to log on for work during my stay in Italy, as I need to publish a report before I FIRE.
But when I think of all the free time ahead, it's a small sacrifice.
Life is good!
-
24 work days to go for me before I too incur the wrath of the IRP with my one-day-a-week gig. Happy to say that my work colleagues have all been really nice about it. I'm getting the occasional mini panic about throwing in the towel, which is stupid because I'm ridiculously overprovided, but what can you do?
My biggest problem at the moment is summoning up the energy to do things as part of me says 'there'll be plenty of time to do that when you're retired.' Need to keep giving myself metaphorical kicks up the backside to get on with things!
-
You can place me in the OMY department but will be first half of 2019 at the latest. 51 is not as young as once was but not as old as I will be.
-
I'm just dropping in from the 2019 cohort to thank all of you who are posting. It is helping me prepare for my FIRE date (tentatively May 2019). It makes it feel a lot more real for me to see people getting checked off the list as the year goes on.
-
Blindsquirrel OMY :-(
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
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I love watching the long-time posters slowly confirm on the list, its awesome.
3/19/2019 is my official date, the handcuffs get to their lightest point
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@chasesfish will be out within a week of you, if you find yourself in Oh or surrounding states, feel free to hit me up to pester fish. :)
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6 weeks to go and my colleagues and management have realised that I'm getting out and leaving them stuck with one another and decided it's time to flip the Karpman Drama Triangle and see what I look like as a victim. "Spitting Exocets," is the impression I hope I've given, for they've started trying to make things very unpleasant for me and the one person I trusted among them is complicit. Though it's difficult to be sure who's the organ grinder and who's the monkey, because they've all blamed one another when I've confronted them.
It's OK. I was genuinely a bit shaken for the first day or two after the knife went in, but it's actually OK and even somewhat to my advantage. I'm a conciliator by nature and presenting a furious face when I'm calm inside doesn't come easily to me. I'm letting them think what they've done is far more damaging to me than it actually is. Apart from anything else, if I let them believe I was unscathed they might do something worse like try to stir up a complaint or litigation against me. As things stand, they think they've put me in the position of having to cancel a vacation close enough to the date of travel to lose the entire cost.
In the meantime, I'm not sure I'll be qualifying as "FIRE" this year after all. FI, yes, for I can collect a reasonable pension from next year and have enough other savings to bridge the gap even if I don't work again after 31st October. But I've now got a promise of freelance work of a type that quite appeals and have asked for up to three six-hour days a week, I no longer feel I owe my current workplace the courtesy of not making it look as if I've jumped ship (which wasn't at all my intention when I resigned, I just wanted to stop doing what I was doing before this coming winter), and last night I filled in my workplace pension application form then thought, "I'm not sure this is a good idea when I'll be earning enough to live on and keeping a toe in the door of my profession," and put it aside. I'll have a chance to talk to an accountant and a financial advisor about it in the next few weeks.
Maybe I just needed to get out of that particular job. I knew it was a hornets' nest, but I thought I was handling it. It's taught me a lesson. I'll never take on another role with that level of personal responsibility. And I'll never, ever, ever take on another role that involves being an employer.
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As things stand, they think they've put me in the position of having to cancel a vacation close enough to the date of travel to lose the entire cost.
No one can make you work. I've read lots of stories here of people being guilted into doing something they don't want to do, and every time I think to myself that these people don't recognize the position of power that FU money provides. You can tell them to sit and spin, and take your vacation anyway. What are they going to do, fire you? Yes please!
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As things stand, they think they've put me in the position of having to cancel a vacation close enough to the date of travel to lose the entire cost.
No one can make you work. I've read lots of stories here of people being guilted into doing something they don't want to do, and every time I think to myself that these people don't recognize the position of power that FU money provides. You can tell them to sit and spin, and take your vacation anyway. What are they going to do, fire you? Yes please!
No kidding! I mean, not only do you not have to work any more, but you get an unemployment check as a bonus for them being asshats.
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Okay. Had enough. I was planning to pull the pin early next year but have just moved my date forward to this Friday. Freedom. I will leave the office never to return. 2 weeks annual leave and then 6 months long service leave. Little do they know that I will quit while on leave and never return.
I will be done at 43. Date 28th of September 2018.
Not sure what everyone else has done/plans to do to celebrate the day of their freedom hut I plan to have a little BBQ and ceremoniously burn the work outfit I wear that day.
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Hello Richmond2020 waves to another Aussie.
And congrats! Well done on pulling the pin!
I am 4 weeks out from 6 months LSL also. I'm hoping not to go back afterwards but most likely I will need to work 3-6months more.
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Welcome to the 2018 cohort Richmond2020!
I love a good OLY ;-)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50)
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
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As things stand, they think they've put me in the position of having to cancel a vacation close enough to the date of travel to lose the entire cost.
No one can make you work. I've read lots of stories here of people being guilted into doing something they don't want to do, and every time I think to myself that these people don't recognize the position of power that FU money provides. You can tell them to sit and spin, and take your vacation anyway. What are they going to do, fire you? Yes please!
It's not quite that simple. If it was me, I would say, "Don't be ridiculous, what are you going to do, sack me?" I already have, when I was presented with a request to produce a heap of reports about patients I'd never set eyes on for another agency at very short notice when I was already overstretched with my actual job. The cancelled-vacation situation arose because my husband works part time for the same practice as an employee and had requested a week of leave spanning his birthday at the beginning of December. Management has announced a no-leave-in-December policy for staff and told him he would have to come in for one day that week. Had I not been leaving, it would have been granted without question; I booked leave for the same week before I knew I was going to resign, and the Big Boss said, "I'll put your husband down for the same week," at that time. But the Little Boss as good as told me I must be lying when I pointed this out to her last week, and it wasn't ever authorised on her HR software program.
My husband likes his job, intends to stay for as long as he continues to like it, and is not the sort of person who'd just take the time off anyway and call in sick or risk disciplinary proceedings, and I wouldn't ask him to. He is determined to nickel and dime every scrap of overtime he works from now on, and to start to refuse requests to work extra days.
I've stepped right outside my workplace persona and gone full-on After Everything I've Done For You at them. The decision will be reviewed this week, I'm told, while I'm on vacation (I have so much untaken vacation due to having been a f*cking martyr to the job that I'll be owed a full paycheck in lieu the month after I leave, though I suspect I'll be made to wait till the accounts for this year are finalised). I'm not holding my breath, which is just as well since it's already Tuesday evening and I haven't heard a squeak. I have a small and mean-spirited Epic FU Money plan in reserve and the idea of putting it into action becomes more appealing with every day that passes.
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Does anyone want to copy/paste a copy of their retirement/resignation letter to the thread? Its time I read a few for inspiration and politically correct wording
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''After 8 years of savings and renting out my productivity, I am now the only shareholder, so I will no longer be renting my time to you, thank you for your interest in this product, Have a Nice Day...''
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Does anyone want to copy/paste a copy of their retirement/resignation letter to the thread? Its time I read a few for inspiration and politically correct wording
Mine:
I am resigning my position effective <date>. My forwarding address is <address>.
Note this was after a verbal discussion of my departure. I asked what was needed in writing and provided what was required.
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Does anyone want to copy/paste a copy of their retirement/resignation letter to the thread? Its time I read a few for inspiration and politically correct wording
Short version:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/exit-strategy-how-to-announce/msg2085451/#msg2085451
and generally the thread exit-strategy-how-to-announce
Full version:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/when-you-retired-early-how-did-you-resign/msg1862912/#msg1862912
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Here's mine.
Dear ____,
As we have discussed, I am resigning my position with _____ effective January 6, 2018. I am resigning to spend more time on non-career-related pursuits.
I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to work for _____ for the last 14-plus years. The _____, and the __(subunit)__ in particular, accomplish some of the most important _____ work that is occurring in the world of _____ management. I am proud to have been a part of it. I hope to stay connected in some way to the network of practitioners that is working to restore the _____.
I am also grateful to you for everything you have done to help further my career at ______. Your guidance, support, and mentorship have helped immensely in my efforts to become a better manager.
My forwarding address is shown at the top of this letter. I may also be reached by telephone at ______, and by e-mail at ______. Please keep in touch. Thanks again for everything.
Sincerely,
Monkey Uncle
And yes, I meant all of that sincerely.
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Mine was something like:
I am resigning my position as ________ at ________.
My last day will be August 28th, 2018.
Anything more than that is superfluous.
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Appreciate the posts and direction to some inspiration
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It's done. I have given my notice of going part time. My contract stipulates 90 days which makes me part time prior to the end of 2018. Come January 1st I will be working 2 days a week.
I currently have two competing emotions. I have the joy for my future freedom and relief from removing a ton of responsibility. The other side is the fear of unshackling my golden handcuffs and dropping my income significantly. The math says we really don't need the money but the transition is scary nonetheless.
Well, there is no going back now :)
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It's done. I have given my notice of going part time. My contract stipulates 90 days which makes me part time prior to the end of 2018. Come January 1st I will be working 2 days a week.
I currently have two competing emotions. I have the joy for my future freedom and relief from removing a ton of responsibility. The other side is the fear of unshackling my golden handcuffs and dropping my income significantly. The math says we really don't need the money but the transition is scary nonetheless.
Well, there is no going back now :)
Woohoo!! Awesome to hear, @EnjoyIt ! The day I told my manager I was going to quit, it was . . . a huge moment for me. I feel similarly about going part time as well. Afraid, even though we could get by without the part time income, and yet. . . so damn freeing.
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The other side is the fear of unshackling my golden handcuffs and dropping my income significantly. The math says we really don't need the money but the transition is scary nonetheless.
I think you'll be fine, from an emotional perspective. I have been shockingly stress free about my finances since giving up my income.
I was far more concerned about money when I was earning it. I tracked it, I modeled it, I made predictions and scenarios. I eagerly anticipated finally hitting my milestones. Now? It's like the mental shift from accumulator to spender has completely freed me. I don't check balances every day anymore. I am only vaguely aware that the stock market seems fine. I plan major household expenses with the understanding that they have been previously budgeted.
I probably spend less now? Hard to say for sure until I do a proper budget at the end of the month, but I'm not worried about what it will say.
It's almost like releasing all of my job stress has also deflated other sources of stress that used to seem important, and just don't anymore. Maybe that's a bad thing, and the newly relaxed version of me is irresponsible? Time will tell.
Congratulations on your imminent retirement. I expect it will suit you just fine.
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My FIRE date is tomorrow. The report that I promised to finalize by the end of the month should have gone out yesterday. However, the publishing team were all out of office yesterday so I will have to login on Monday again for 1-2 hours (last data check and approval). I guess this is a case of "One More Day" (OMD).
Other than that, I have been working part-time the whole month, sometimes only a couple of hours a day. I have been working from home the whole time (except when we were in Italy last week, where I worked from the hotel room). I have been enjoying the wonderful autumn sunshine together with SwissMister, going on hikes, runs, bike rides and spending all our time outdoors. It is so relaxing to be able to spend your day doing exactly what you want.
SwissMister had his goodbye apéro this week. About 15 people came and it was really nice. His boss held a very nice speech and everyone was so happy for us ("great that you can do this", "you're doing the right thing", "wish I could to the same" etc.). Also, they genuinely wanted to know what we are going to do with our new freedom - they were happy to hear "travelling and sports". I didn't mention sleeping, relaxing, reading books and generally slowing down the pace of our busy lives.
Fun fact: SwissMister spent CHF 500.- on the drinks and food, and the gift voucher he got from his colleagues was also CHF 500.-. It is for a high-end sports store where we would never dream of buying anything normally. 1 CHF = 1 USD approx.
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Congratulations SwissMiss. So jealous of you getting to enjoy the lovely autumn weather, which I just know will have turned nasty by the time I'm free! Your wind down sounds great, I wish MrsB was able to do something similar, but she's actually working crazy hours instead trying to clear her desk:(
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Congrats @SwissMiss ! You are almost there.
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......
.....snip..... so I will have to login on Monday again for 1-2 hours (last data check and approval). I guess this is a case of "One More Day" (OMD).
.....snip.....
Just for the fun of it, you might enquire if the 1 day next month adds any benefits. :-)
Congratulations as of Tuesday! "Forget" to go to work.
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Big week here. My retirement is effective the end of October but I’m taking vacation all of October. So this week I logged my last day in the office & had a really nice retirement dinner with my boss and a few close associates. We’re sold our house and closed the sale this week. The movers also came this week and loaded everything up. Now I’m headed to our new (to us) FIRE house. My DW has been there for a couple of months now. A fun part of being FI was buying it for cash. It’s a bit of a downsize too so lots of stuff got donated & sold. Getting rid of all that stuff felt really liberating.
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Big week here. My retirement is effective the end of October but I’m taking vacation all of October. So this week I logged my last day in the office & had a really nice retirement dinner with my boss and a few close associates. We’re sold our house and closed the sale this week. The movers also came this week and loaded everything up. Now I’m headed to our new (to us) FIRE house. My DW has been there for a couple of months now. A fun part of being FI was buying it for cash. It’s a bit of a downsize too so lots of stuff got donated & sold. Getting rid of all that stuff felt really liberating.
Fantastic @Mr Griz! Congratulations!
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Congratulations SwissMiss and MrGriz!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
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It gets worse ... with a month still to go before I leave, I'm now persona non grata with management because I wouldn't move out of my room to allow it to be given to a recently-appointed colleague who needs special voice-activated software to be fitted to the computer, and spend four weeks hot-desking around the building. It was almost a fait accompli before anyone bothered to contact me to check that it was OK, and me saying, "No, it's not OK, I'd like to keep my room until I finish," meant that a lot of fait had to be hastily unaccompli'd or something like that. I get the impression I was supposed to capitulate and apologise for having been difficult. I did suggest "let me finish a month earlier" as a potential solution, without holding out much hope because I'm needed for a massive amount of holiday cover at the end of October. Had that not been the case, I'd have taken the last two weeks of the month off using the two weeks of annual leave I'm still owed.
The parallels with divorcing my ex-husband are uncanny. All I need now is for my mother to wade in and start making things worse under the guise of trying to help me.
-
Ya know, you could just walk and tell 'em to fuck off. That's the power of the "F" in "FU money." :)
-
I would give up the desk, then inform them I'd be working from home 3 days a week.
-
It gets worse ... with a month still to go before I leave, I'm now persona non grata with management because I wouldn't move out of my room to allow it to be given to a recently-appointed colleague who needs special voice-activated software to be fitted to the computer, and spend four weeks hot-desking around the building. It was almost a fait accompli before anyone bothered to contact me to check that it was OK, and me saying, "No, it's not OK, I'd like to keep my room until I finish," meant that a lot of fait had to be hastily unaccompli'd or something like that. I get the impression I was supposed to capitulate and apologise for having been difficult. I did suggest "let me finish a month earlier" as a potential solution, without holding out much hope because I'm needed for a massive amount of holiday cover at the end of October. Had that not been the case, I'd have taken the last two weeks of the month off using the two weeks of annual leave I'm still owed.
The parallels with divorcing my ex-husband are uncanny. All I need now is for my mother to wade in and start making things worse under the guise of trying to help me.
Hmmm, maybe if they'd been as accommodating to you during your tenure, you wouldn't be giving them the one finger salute. Perhaps they're trying to learn from their mistakes, albeit clumsily. If you can think of anything that would make you willing to accomodate this request, this could work in your favor, as Werthless has suggested.
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TartanTallulah,
On my return from a 1.5month field job, I was requested to take part in a late shift for a 24 hour test.
I replied, "No", and noted I was using my Comptime and vacation until my last day.
I'm with MonkeysUncle and Wertless, in that YOU have the power of FU money here.
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It gets worse ... with a month still to go before I leave, I'm now persona non grata with management because I wouldn't move out of my room to allow it to be given to a recently-appointed colleague who needs special voice-activated software to be fitted to the computer, and spend four weeks hot-desking around the building. It was almost a fait accompli before anyone bothered to contact me to check that it was OK, and me saying, "No, it's not OK, I'd like to keep my room until I finish," meant that a lot of fait had to be hastily unaccompli'd or something like that. I get the impression I was supposed to capitulate and apologise for having been difficult. I did suggest "let me finish a month earlier" as a potential solution, without holding out much hope because I'm needed for a massive amount of holiday cover at the end of October. Had that not been the case, I'd have taken the last two weeks of the month off using the two weeks of annual leave I'm still owed.
The parallels with divorcing my ex-husband are uncanny. All I need now is for my mother to wade in and start making things worse under the guise of trying to help me.
Hmmm, maybe if they'd been as accommodating to you during your tenure, you wouldn't be giving them the one finger salute. Perhaps they're trying to learn from their mistakes, albeit clumsily. If you can think of anything that would make you willing to accomodate this request, this could work in your favor, as Werthless has suggested.
Thank you, Dicey. And also Monkey Uncle, Werthless, and markbike528CBX.
Working from home isn't an option, nor is coasting. I'm a hands-on medical practitioner. There's no reason why I couldn't work in any consulting room, I just don't see why I should put up with the inconvenience of having to tote my equipment from room to room and deal with the vagaries of three or four different computers. It's been dealt with. The locum room has been given to the new staff member and it'll just mean that sometimes there will be a locum working in my room on the days I'm not there, which I don't mind in the least. I've always preferred to keep my consulting room tidy and impersonal so that patients and any other clinicians using the room see it as a neutral space.
My husband's time off in December has also been resolved. At the moment my overt response is that it will take time for me to forgive the needless distress we've both been caused by the initial refusal and the delay in reversing the decision. I'm not pleased at having been put in a situation where I had no option but to come down off the moral high ground and engage in a drama.
Four weeks to go, and provided nobody pulls any sickies or stunts during those four weeks I'll NEVER need to work another Monday. NEVER. It's getting real.
-
@tt: you are nearly there! No more Mondays - that's a good start.
It's my first week of FIRE and we used for a fantastic hike in the autumn sun. Really enjoying the new-found freedom.
-
@SwissMiss - beautiful & such a great vision of what we can be doing instead with our life
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Just dropped in to say congratulations, folks!
-
@
It's my first week of FIRE and we used for a fantastic hike in the autumn sun. Really enjoying the new-found freedom.
Gorgeous! What a way to celebrate :-)
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@
It's my first week of FIRE and we used for a fantastic hike in the autumn sun. Really enjoying the new-found freedom.
Gorgeous! What a way to celebrate :-)
That looks beautiful SwissMiss. I'm stuck at my laptop while a perfect autumn day is happening outside and reminding me precisely why I'm pulling the plug in 2 weeks time.
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Markets tanking 12 days before I fire. Why am I not surprised?
Good luck to all recent FiRE-ees currently hiding under the duvet.
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Markets tanking 12 days before I fire. Why am I not surprised?
Good luck to all recent FiRE-ees currently hiding under the duvet.
Is that why you're looking for a part-time gig on another thread? Have a little faith, man. What goes down eventually goes up again. I hope you're squirreled away a good slug of cash to help smooth out the dips. I agree that's a rough start, but stay the course and you'll be fine.
I have a friend who spent almost 10% of her stache in her first year of FIRE, all on planned stuff. She did the things that were important to her, then belt tightened for a couple of years, then the bull market happened and she's sitting pretty again. I thought it was very brave of her to see her plans through despite a huge market dump.
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Markets tanking 12 days before I fire. Why am I not surprised?
Good luck to all recent FiRE-ees currently hiding under the duvet.
Is that why you're looking for a part-time gig on another thread? Have a little faith, man. What goes down eventually goes up again. I hope you're squirreled away a good slug of cash to help smooth out the dips. I agree that's a rough start, but stay the course and you'll be fine.
I have a friend who spent almost 10% of her stache in her first year of FIRE, all on planned stuff. She did the things that were important to her, then belt tightened for a couple of years, then the bull market happened and she's sitting pretty again. I thought it was very brave of her to see her plans through despite a huge market dump.
My one-day-a-week consulting gig is all lined up and is very much for non-financial reasons - it makes everything less stressful for all concerned, gives me a bit of social contact and lets me keep doing some parts of the job I actually enjoy without materially impinging on my freedom. I'll admit it does make it easier to be sanguine about the drops though! I have faith that my stash should be proof against anything short of the Zombie apocalypse as not only am I fat fire, but I haven't marked to market for the last couple of years as I was nervous about valuations.
I'm a natural duvet hider by temperament, but the knowledge of my safety margins just means that for me under the duvet is a comfortable place to hide while I ride out the storms. I'm conscious that some on here have gone for a much leaner FIRE, but I'm confident that we should all be badass enough to cope anyway. Some will be like your friend and sail blithely through, others will be hodling through the FUD, but we've all got our seatbelts on so enjoy the ride!
-
Stopping by from the 2019 cohort to say hello and congrats to all recent FIREees! And also -- there is a chance I will be knocking on your door in the next few weeks and asking if I can join you. I'm currently planning to FIRE on 2/1/19 but not sure I'll make it that far. A very good problem to have!
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@Trifele: you're very welcome to join us! Would be great if you could make it in 2018!
@PhilB: well said! Yep, we're all well prepared for the market dip and will soldier through it! Enjoy your last few days of work. ;-)
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Markets tanking 12 days before I fire. Why am I not surprised?
Good luck to all recent FiRE-ees currently hiding under the duvet.
Is that why you're looking for a part-time gig on another thread? Have a little faith, man. What goes down eventually goes up again. I hope you're squirreled away a good slug of cash to help smooth out the dips. I agree that's a rough start, but stay the course and you'll be fine.
I have a friend who spent almost 10% of her stache in her first year of FIRE, all on planned stuff. She did the things that were important to her, then belt tightened for a couple of years, then the bull market happened and she's sitting pretty again. I thought it was very brave of her to see her plans through despite a huge market dump.
My one-day-a-week consulting gig is all lined up and is very much for non-financial reasons - it makes everything less stressful for all concerned, gives me a bit of social contact and lets me keep doing some parts of the job I actually enjoy without materially impinging on my freedom. I'll admit it does make it easier to be sanguine about the drops though! I have faith that my stash should be proof against anything short of the Zombie apocalypse as not only am I fat fire, but I haven't marked to market for the last couple of years as I was nervous about valuations.
I'm a natural duvet hider by temperament, but the knowledge of my safety margins just means that for me under the duvet is a comfortable place to hide while I ride out the storms. I'm conscious that some on here have gone for a much leaner FIRE, but I'm confident that we should all be badass enough to cope anyway. Some will be like your friend and sail blithely through, others will be hodling through the FUD, but we've all got our seatbelts on so enjoy the ride!
I am so not surprised. Hooray for you!
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It gets worse ... with a month still to go before I leave, I'm now persona non grata with management because I wouldn't move out of my room to allow it to be given to a recently-appointed colleague who needs special voice-activated software to be fitted to the computer, and spend four weeks hot-desking around the building. It was almost a fait accompli before anyone bothered to contact me to check that it was OK, and me saying, "No, it's not OK, I'd like to keep my room until I finish," meant that a lot of fait had to be hastily unaccompli'd or something like that. I get the impression I was supposed to capitulate and apologise for having been difficult. I did suggest "let me finish a month earlier" as a potential solution, without holding out much hope because I'm needed for a massive amount of holiday cover at the end of October. Had that not been the case, I'd have taken the last two weeks of the month off using the two weeks of annual leave I'm still owed.
The parallels with divorcing my ex-husband are uncanny. All I need now is for my mother to wade in and start making things worse under the guise of trying to help me.
Hahaha! Laughed out loud at this!
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Stopping by from the 2019 cohort to say hello and congrats to all recent FIREees! And also -- there is a chance I will be knocking on your door in the next few weeks and asking if I can join you. I'm currently planning to FIRE on 2/1/19 but not sure I'll make it that far. A very good problem to have!
Unacceptable! You keep the 2019 cohort updated and together!
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So did mark till he defected.
Our year is very supportive of damn traitors.
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So did mark till he defected.
Our year is very supportive of damn traitors.
Ahahaha . . . you two. :) Not a traitor yet, just thinking about it . . .
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Darth Vader voice Come to the dark side Trifele! BWAHHAAA.
Just kidding, it's all joy and light and snuggly cats (or furry critter of your choice).
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Koalas.
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Was targeting 12/31/17, but took a pay cut and did OMY to cut my commute from four hours per day to about 30 minutes. It was worth it.
Final day in the office was 10/5/18. I'm FIREd!
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Was targeting 12/31/17, but took a pay cut and did OMY to cut my commute from four hours per day to about 30 minutes. It was worth it.
Final day in the office was 10/5/18. I'm FIREd!
Welcome the club Jim2001! My commute has varied between 20 minutes by bicycle or 30 minutes (longer trip) via motorcycle/commuter van, so I can believe the 240 minute vs 30 minute made a big difference.
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Congratulations Jim2001!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/21/18 Ottawa
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/05/18 Jim2001 (CONFIRMED)
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
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Thanks for the reminder C&I!
Alas, 21 September was not my last day. Some of the folks who went to CM*TO will know why...too long of a story to go on about here. Here is where things may be headed...
1) 15 October to 12 November 2018 I will not be working!
2) 27/28 November is an important date.
3) depending on outcome of 2) some variation of notice handed in indicating a leave period commencing 21 January 2019 for 3 months initially - probably followed immediately by a 1 year of additional leave. (the 3 month leave attracts pension benefits) - the 1 year leave gives a safety net to allow return to work (unlikely); but a free perk nevertheless.
-Ottawa
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Was targeting 12/31/17, but took a pay cut and did OMY to cut my commute from four hours per day to about 30 minutes. It was worth it.
Final day in the office was 10/5/18. I'm FIREd!
Many congratulations :-)
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Three weeks to go before I "retire", and as things stand none of them will be a heavy working week. I've started clearing my room a little bit at a time. I'm not one for nest-building at work, so there are drawers with hanging files full of leaflets, letterheads and suchlike from long before I moved in. I'll leave it tidier than I found it.
There are a lot of logical-on-paper plans being put in place for after I've gone. I'm pleased that my main role in the discussions is just to listen (and I'm pleased to be included in the discussions, for I like wrapping my brain around workload planning) and that I'm not going to be the person who has to make those plans work with the people who will remain after I've gone.
I'm not wondering how I'll fill my time after retiring. To begin with, I expect that each day I'll do just a few things (on two days a week, one of those things will be a 6-hour work shift) and spend quite a lot of time doing nothing at all. The prospect is quite exciting.
The prospect of being able to train properly to run a marathon is also quite exciting. Work hasn't managed to stop me having a reasonable racing season at up to half marathon distance this year, but I haven't even been able to think of training for anything longer for a good few years. And I land in a new age category next spring.
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Thanks, Ottowa. I'm marking you down as OMY.
Hope all your plans work out! Enjoy your days off.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/05/18 Jim2001 (CONFIRMED)
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 EnjoyIt Parttime.
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
??/??/19 Ottawa OMY
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I am confirmed and officially part time starting Monday Oct 15th.
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I am confirmed and officially part time starting Monday Oct 15th.
Congratulations! I hope you thoroughly live up to your user ID.
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EnjoyIt to part time ahead of schedule!
As PhilB says, live up to your user name.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
??/??/19 Ottawa OMY
-
Just checking in to report that I did indeed FIRE on September 28 at age 48!
My last few weeks at work went smoothly. My replacement started two weeks before I left and I trained him as best I could. They threw a small lunch party for me where the bigwigs said some nice things about me. Usually I’m a crier, but I actually was not all that emotional as it came to an end. Finally walked out the door on Friday around 3pm, and that’s it!
First week I slept in a bit and did not do a whole lot. My usual gym time is 6am, but I went at 10am expecting it to be empty, and instead found it crowded with over-60-year olds. This is when the retirees work out!
This week and last week have been a bit of a whirlwind as I pack up the house for our long distance move this weekend. Lots of stuff to get done. On a sad note, my FIL passed away last week after a long illness, so have to attend the funeral then rush back to finish packing before the movers come.
Then we spend two weeks on the road heading to our new home, with stops along the way to visit family. Looking forward to this. Then I expect to have lots of stuff to do setting up the new place.
Once we’re settled in, I will then have to figure out what to do with the rest of my life! I have a few ideas, but no set plans. I have never ruled out getting another job, so if I get bored or really miss it, I have no problem going back. But I’m really enjoying the time off right now. Just today I was driving around running errands in the middle of the day and thought, “I like this – I don’t want to go back to work!”
So we’ll see. I’ll try to take it as it comes. Who knows what will come next?
-
Congratulations JerseyGrrrl!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 LateStarter
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
??/??/19 Ottawa OMY
-
I am confirmed and officially part time starting Monday Oct 15th.
Congratulations! I hope you thoroughly live up to your user ID.
Today I woke up at 10am, I made and enjoyed a delicious egg sandwich with a cup of coffee. I then went to the gym, picked up some groceries for dinner and played a little guitar. It was a good day and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks,
-
Interesting discussion about the age that MMM'ers actually retire using data from the 2018 cohort.
ARebelSpy's infographic is very interesting!
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/at-what-age-do-mmmers-actually-fire/
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It's getting real. Just over two weeks to go till I finish, I've had my last paycheck (though I'm owed the equivalent of another month's pay in lieu of annual leave I didn't have the opportunity to take), and I've put in my DB pension application. I don't plan to start drawing the pension until next April, when I'll be 55, but I don't want it to be delayed by any queries. It won't be a massive amount, but it will be enough to give me options, including the option of never doing any more paid work provided I don't mind a simple standard of living.
When people ask me what I'm going to do, I'm saying, "Nothing. I've never done nothing in my life and I want to know what it's like before I'm too old."
-
It's getting real. Just over two weeks to go till I finish, I've had my last paycheck (though I'm owed the equivalent of another month's pay in lieu of annual leave I didn't have the opportunity to take), and I've put in my DB pension application. I don't plan to start drawing the pension until next April, when I'll be 55, but I don't want it to be delayed by any queries. It won't be a massive amount, but it will be enough to give me options, including the option of never doing any more paid work provided I don't mind a simple standard of living.
When people ask me what I'm going to do, I'm saying, "Nothing. I've never done nothing in my life and I want to know what it's like before I'm too old."
Dicey here, reporting from six years out that 54 was an awesome age to retire. Congratulations!
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It's getting real. Just over two weeks to go till I finish, I've had my last paycheck (though I'm owed the equivalent of another month's pay in lieu of annual leave I didn't have the opportunity to take), and I've put in my DB pension application. I don't plan to start drawing the pension until next April, when I'll be 55, but I don't want it to be delayed by any queries. It won't be a massive amount, but it will be enough to give me options, including the option of never doing any more paid work provided I don't mind a simple standard of living.
When people ask me what I'm going to do, I'm saying, "Nothing. I've never done nothing in my life and I want to know what it's like before I'm too old."
Dicey here, reporting from six years out that 54 was an awesome age to retire. Congratulations!
That sounds wonderful TT. It's all feeling very real here too - all yesterday I was wandering around singing 'It's the final Thursday'. Now I need to come up with a new song for today!
-
It's getting real. Just over two weeks to go till I finish, I've had my last paycheck (though I'm owed the equivalent of another month's pay in lieu of annual leave I didn't have the opportunity to take), and I've put in my DB pension application. I don't plan to start drawing the pension until next April, when I'll be 55, but I don't want it to be delayed by any queries. It won't be a massive amount, but it will be enough to give me options, including the option of never doing any more paid work provided I don't mind a simple standard of living.
When people ask me what I'm going to do, I'm saying, "Nothing. I've never done nothing in my life and I want to know what it's like before I'm too old."
Dicey here, reporting from six years out that 54 was an awesome age to retire. Congratulations!
That sounds wonderful TT. It's all feeling very real here too - all yesterday I was wandering around singing 'It's the final Thursday'. Now I need to come up with a new song for today!
Emphasis is mine ... but sung to the tune of 'The Final Countdown' by Europe.
-
It's getting real. Just over two weeks to go till I finish, I've had my last paycheck (though I'm owed the equivalent of another month's pay in lieu of annual leave I didn't have the opportunity to take), and I've put in my DB pension application. I don't plan to start drawing the pension until next April, when I'll be 55, but I don't want it to be delayed by any queries. It won't be a massive amount, but it will be enough to give me options, including the option of never doing any more paid work provided I don't mind a simple standard of living.
When people ask me what I'm going to do, I'm saying, "Nothing. I've never done nothing in my life and I want to know what it's like before I'm too old."
Dicey here, reporting from six years out that 54 was an awesome age to retire. Congratulations!
That sounds wonderful TT. It's all feeling very real here too - all yesterday I was wandering around singing 'It's the final Thursday'. Now I need to come up with a new song for today!
Emphasis is mine ... but sung to the tune of 'The Final Countdown' by Europe.
Correct. Today I'm going with The Wild Rover:
And it's no, nay, never.
No, nay, never no more.
Will I work on a Friday.
No never, no more.
-
Hurray!
It's Friday and I'm still in my bathrobe. I'm enjoying being a complete slug for a few hours. There's nothing I have to do that won't keep.
-
It's getting real. Just over two weeks to go till I finish, I've had my last paycheck (though I'm owed the equivalent of another month's pay in lieu of annual leave I didn't have the opportunity to take), and I've put in my DB pension application. I don't plan to start drawing the pension until next April, when I'll be 55, but I don't want it to be delayed by any queries. It won't be a massive amount, but it will be enough to give me options, including the option of never doing any more paid work provided I don't mind a simple standard of living.
When people ask me what I'm going to do, I'm saying, "Nothing. I've never done nothing in my life and I want to know what it's like before I'm too old."
Dicey here, reporting from six years out that 54 was an awesome age to retire. Congratulations!
That sounds wonderful TT. It's all feeling very real here too - all yesterday I was wandering around singing 'It's the final Thursday'. Now I need to come up with a new song for today!
Emphasis is mine ... but sung to the tune of 'The Final Countdown' by Europe.
Correct. Today I'm going with The Wild Rover:
And it's no, nay, never.
No, nay, never no more.
Will I work on a Friday.
No never, no more.
Hahahahahahaha! You - WE - are all fantastic :-)
I had a patient in her early sixties come in for a test result this week. I commented, for in the context of the consultation it wasn't inappropriate, that she looked well. "I retired last year," she said, then winked at me and added, "You're going to love it."
Meanwhile, one of the remaining partners hasn't even waited till I've left the building before going on a power-crazed rampage and imposing some poorly-thought-out changes to workload management which have got the staff not knowing what way they're facing. I'm letting it happen, with the excuse that if there are teething problems it's best that they're discovered while I'm still here, and have intensified the habitual obligingness that could give the mistaken impression that I'm a nice person.
With every day that passes, I'm more relieved that I resigned when I did.
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Hurray!
It's Friday and I'm still in my bathrobe. I'm enjoying being a complete slug for a few hours. There's nothing I have to do that won't keep.
Grrrrrr... It's Friday. A few more hours of clock watching. :)
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Been off the forum for a while, and now dropping in to let the side down. Please move me to the OMY List of Shame - I'll be migrating to the 2019 thread.
I've got a house to sell before I can start my (slow-travel vagabond) retirement plan, and it's not ready yet. I might as well work at least until I get the house on the market, so I will - and some account padding won't go amiss.
Keep up the great work 2018 Cohort. It's very inspiring to see all those "CONFIRMED".
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Was targeting 12/31/17, but took a pay cut and did OMY to cut my commute from four hours per day to about 30 minutes. It was worth it.
Final day in the office was 10/5/18. I'm FIREd!
Welcome the club Jim2001! My commute has varied between 20 minutes by bicycle or 30 minutes (longer trip) via motorcycle/commuter van, so I can believe the 240 minute vs 30 minute made a big difference.
markbike528CBX, CowboyAndIndian, and TartanTallulah, Thanks!
The shorter commute gave me more time with my dear wifey (who has few more years to get the best pension benefits), as well as time to ride my bike. I'm back to a weight I'm comfortable at and 13% body fat, though my Dr. says according to my BMI measurement I'm overweight. So, in addition to increasing my healthy activities, I'm now focusing on catching up on my stack of reading material on the shelf. Literally the first thing I did when I left the office was drive to the library and got myself a new card! I'll start to work some visits in to see the grand kids by the end of the year as well. I'm still getting used to this lifestyle and am most surprised that my habit of hitting the snooze button has evaporated. I don't set an alarm, but now get up earlier than when I had to head off to the office.
-
Sorry to see you go LateStarter.
Down to the last 8 (not counting those whose date is not confirmed)
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 TartanTallulah
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
??/??/19 Ottawa OMY
??/??/19 LateStarter OMY
-
It's getting real. Just over two weeks to go till I finish, I've had my last paycheck (though I'm owed the equivalent of another month's pay in lieu of annual leave I didn't have the opportunity to take), and I've put in my DB pension application. I don't plan to start drawing the pension until next April, when I'll be 55, but I don't want it to be delayed by any queries. It won't be a massive amount, but it will be enough to give me options, including the option of never doing any more paid work provided I don't mind a simple standard of living.
When people ask me what I'm going to do, I'm saying, "Nothing. I've never done nothing in my life and I want to know what it's like before I'm too old."
Dicey here, reporting from six years out that 54 was an awesome age to retire. Congratulations!
That sounds wonderful TT. It's all feeling very real here too - all yesterday I was wandering around singing 'It's the final Thursday'. Now I need to come up with a new song for today!
Emphasis is mine ... but sung to the tune of 'The Final Countdown' by Europe.
Correct. Today I'm going with The Wild Rover:
And it's no, nay, never.
No, nay, never no more.
Will I work on a Friday.
No never, no more.
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
I'm gonna shoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oot,
The whole day down.
-
It's getting real. Just over two weeks to go till I finish, I've had my last paycheck (though I'm owed the equivalent of another month's pay in lieu of annual leave I didn't have the opportunity to take), and I've put in my DB pension application. I don't plan to start drawing the pension until next April, when I'll be 55, but I don't want it to be delayed by any queries. It won't be a massive amount, but it will be enough to give me options, including the option of never doing any more paid work provided I don't mind a simple standard of living.
When people ask me what I'm going to do, I'm saying, "Nothing. I've never done nothing in my life and I want to know what it's like before I'm too old."
Dicey here, reporting from six years out that 54 was an awesome age to retire. Congratulations!
That sounds wonderful TT. It's all feeling very real here too - all yesterday I was wandering around singing 'It's the final Thursday'. Now I need to come up with a new song for today!
Emphasis is mine ... but sung to the tune of 'The Final Countdown' by Europe.
Correct. Today I'm going with The Wild Rover:
And it's no, nay, never.
No, nay, never no more.
Will I work on a Friday.
No never, no more.
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
I'm gonna shoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oot,
The whole day down.
Goodbye working Tuesdays
I have had enough of you
Tomorrow is my good news day
I'm not gonna miss you.
-
It's getting real. Just over two weeks to go till I finish, I've had my last paycheck (though I'm owed the equivalent of another month's pay in lieu of annual leave I didn't have the opportunity to take), and I've put in my DB pension application. I don't plan to start drawing the pension until next April, when I'll be 55, but I don't want it to be delayed by any queries. It won't be a massive amount, but it will be enough to give me options, including the option of never doing any more paid work provided I don't mind a simple standard of living.
When people ask me what I'm going to do, I'm saying, "Nothing. I've never done nothing in my life and I want to know what it's like before I'm too old."
Dicey here, reporting from six years out that 54 was an awesome age to retire. Congratulations!
That sounds wonderful TT. It's all feeling very real here too - all yesterday I was wandering around singing 'It's the final Thursday'. Now I need to come up with a new song for today!
Emphasis is mine ... but sung to the tune of 'The Final Countdown' by Europe.
Correct. Today I'm going with The Wild Rover:
And it's no, nay, never.
No, nay, never no more.
Will I work on a Friday.
No never, no more.
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
I'm gonna shoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oot,
The whole day down.
Goodbye working Tuesdays
I have had enough of you
Tomorrow is my good news day
I'm not gonna miss you.
And that's me done. 24 Oct confirmed please. Good luck to all.
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Woohoo, @PhilB ! How do you plan to celebrate? What comes next? Excited for you!
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Woohoo, @PhilB ! How do you plan to celebrate? What comes next? Excited for you!
I'll probably have the lowest key FIRE celebration in history. Mrs B is also FIREing today and has a retirement do at her work (1 hour commute) after which she will be stopping over with one of her work friends and coming home tomorrow morning. I'm stuck home looking after the kids. My works isn't doing anything for me until I finish my 1 day a week consulting gig sometime next year so I basically finish my day working from home, log off and feed the kids. A drink or two may be consumed.
Next week we are off to South Wales for a week's holiday though.
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Congrats PhilB and Mrs B! Well done! Wishing you a great time FIRIng and enjoy Wales! Hopefully the weather will be still be fine enough for hiking. And if not, you can always do it another time, that's the beauty of FIRE!
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Woohoo, @PhilB ! How do you plan to celebrate? What comes next? Excited for you!
I'll probably have the lowest key FIRE celebration in history. Mrs B is also FIREing today and has a retirement do at her work (1 hour commute) after which she will be stopping over with one of her work friends and coming home tomorrow morning. I'm stuck home looking after the kids. My works isn't doing anything for me until I finish my 1 day a week consulting gig sometime next year so I basically finish my day working from home, log off and feed the kids. A drink or two may be consumed.
Next week we are off to South Wales for a week's holiday though.
As it turned out I had an excellent FIRE celebration. The kids and I fired up the Wii Sing and we all had a brilliant time. Now I remember why I'm retiring!
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It's getting real. Just over two weeks to go till I finish, I've had my last paycheck (though I'm owed the equivalent of another month's pay in lieu of annual leave I didn't have the opportunity to take), and I've put in my DB pension application. I don't plan to start drawing the pension until next April, when I'll be 55, but I don't want it to be delayed by any queries. It won't be a massive amount, but it will be enough to give me options, including the option of never doing any more paid work provided I don't mind a simple standard of living.
When people ask me what I'm going to do, I'm saying, "Nothing. I've never done nothing in my life and I want to know what it's like before I'm too old."
Dicey here, reporting from six years out that 54 was an awesome age to retire. Congratulations!
That sounds wonderful TT. It's all feeling very real here too - all yesterday I was wandering around singing 'It's the final Thursday'. Now I need to come up with a new song for today!
Emphasis is mine ... but sung to the tune of 'The Final Countdown' by Europe.
Correct. Today I'm going with The Wild Rover:
And it's no, nay, never.
No, nay, never no more.
Will I work on a Friday.
No never, no more.
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
Tell me why - It's my last Monday
I'm gonna shoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oot,
The whole day down.
Goodbye working Tuesdays
I have had enough of you
Tomorrow is my good news day
I'm not gonna miss you.
And that's me done. 24 Oct confirmed please. Good luck to all.
Con-gra-tu-la-tions! And ce-le-bra-tions! How does it go again?
Enjoy the next phase of your life :-)
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Congratulations PhilB!
Fixed TartanTallulah's date to 11/2.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/24/18 PhilB (at 52) CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/??/18 Fire1018
10/??/18 Happy
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/02/18 TartanTallulah
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 FLStache
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 PKate and DH
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
??/??/18 dbtx
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
??/??/19 Ottawa OMY
??/??/19 LateStarter OMY
-
I should change my ticker, because I'm not actually finishing till 2nd November and there's a big difference between seven days and nine days, especially when I'll be working all day on the extra two days.
A joint retirement "do" is being arranged for me and for the colleague who retired two months ago. I didn't want one. All I wanted was to be allowed to slip out quietly through the cat flap without a knife in my back. I'm not even sure that I'm retiring forever. But I'm not going to draw attention to myself by digging my heels in. I'll party wholeheartedly.
Four-and-a-half more days to work and then I'm done.
One member of staff is leaving a week after me, and another - a key member of the coal face team - asked me today if I'd give them a reference.
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well hi there cohort!
I'm now about 3 months post FIRE. Finally got some time to visit on MMM forum. So figured I'd post a mini status report.
I'd have to say in general, FIRE is totally fucking awesome.
Pluses:
Walking our daughter to school every day (about 15 mins) with the dog.
Time to go to the gym for 90 mins a few times a week, mid morning, with the place essentially empty.
Time to meal plan and shop when the supermarket and other stores are relatively quiet.
Associated ability to cook (I love cooking) more complex and extended time dishes.
Having a coffee and reading a book at a local coffee spot in the time ordinary people are working.
Not worrying about bills. Everything so far is well within the budget, which is apparently ample.
Lots of time to do a gazillion maintenance tasks large and small in our obscenely large and non-MMM old house.
Time and increased patience to help kid with homework.
Cutting down trees and making firewood. Mowing my own lawn.
Losing belly weight and getting some cardio fitness improvements. Down 30 lbs so far.
Reading books.
Travelling.
Looking after kid full time while DW travels/works.
Not resenting the time spent at parent teacher group meetings.
Talking to friends and family. Spending time with friends when they drop by.
Plenty of time to keep on top of bills, portfolio, taxes, etc.
Weekends are a lot free-er. No rush to cram domestic chores into the time your kid is off school.
Learning and doing new things - last month I did some youtube research and replaced my car's spark plugs.
Negatives:
You've got to establish ways for you and your significant other to spend time apart. After many many years of being separated for about 9 hrs a day 5 days a week, being with each other 24/7 - while great to begin with - can be a little claustrophobic. You both need to establish independent lives/friends/activities.
Weirdly - less time to surf around online on a laptop. Have been on MMM forum about 2000% less than when I was supposedly super busy working...
I'm thinking there must be more negatives.... but can't come up with any. :-) I'm old enough that I don't get too much judgmental shit from people when they ask what you do and the answer is "well, I guess you could say I'm retired, now I'm a consultant..."
So congratulations to the names that keep being "confirmed". Its so heart warming to see other people successfully getting FIRE.
Time. The one thing you can't buy. It's hard to explain. I knew intellectually that that's what came with post-FIRE. "More time" - Sure. But after a lifetime of study and work... the reality is almost a religious experience.
OK. Gotta go. Things to do.
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@Mr Mark
Thanks for sharing. Please do come back and share again in a few months.
-
Great update Mr. Mark!
I'm drafting my resignation letter and will submit it at the end of next week. Still on track for FIRE on December 21, 2018. Thirty-nine work days to go...!
-
Do you ever have a really great day?
Like a Friday where you wake up well rested two minutes before your alarm goes off, your morning coffee is just perfect, the weather is great and the house is clean and there's no traffic on the way to work and your coworkers all commend you? A day where you just walk around thinking to yourself, "wow, this is pretty fucking awesome" and then feel super grateful for your life?
Since I retired I've been having that feeling at woefully inappropriate moments. Like even when I'm tired and the house is a mess and I know I should probably be a little grumpy about things, I'm instead just been kind of serenely calm. None of it bothers me anymore. I never really understood how much of my stress in life was invisibly tied up with my 9-5 job. Even when I actually liked that job and didn't think it was stressful, it still created obstacles and conflicts and problems that needed solving and I was unwittingly spending huge amounts of mental energy on it that I can now spend on my own life instead, and the result has been that my own life has sort of all fallen into place.
I have time to reflect, and pursue a purpose beyond mere survival, and it feels great. I used to read about MMM's enjoying drinking coffee on the deck on a Tuesday morning and think to myself, "yea, that sounds nice" but it didn't really click for me until after I retired that the coffee drinking on a Tuesday isn't the goal, it's just a symptom of the new lifestyle. A life in which you get to choose how to spend each hour of each day, and only you are responsible for the consequences of those decisions, and I find that sort of autonomy almost exhilarating. It gives me warm fuzzy feelings that I didn't know I was missing when someone else was telling me where to sit and what to do for 40+ hours per week.
So have a great day, people, and if you're still working then try to remember that every day can be great as soon as you're ready to pull the plug. Having more money is nice, but you will never be able to spend it on anything as awesome as not having to earn more money.
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Great post Sol, really makes me wish we hadn't timed our FIRE for 2 days before we go on holiday as I could really do without the stress associated with it!
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It's been about 6 months since we FIRED. Maybe I should say "FIRD" since it wasn't particularly "early".
It's been great in a host of ways.
Our time is much more our own and that's been simply awesome.
We've done very well except for health-related issues. My wife and I were sick for much of May. My teeth have needed a lot of work and that's blown the budget. My wife fell and sprained her ankle so she's been on crutches and in a wheel chair. And my daughter (who has Downs Syndrome) slipped on the stairs this weekend and broke her leg, so now she's on a wheelchair. I'm getting a real workout helping her in and out of her wheelchair. If my back survives this I'll be much stronger for it.
So, health issues have made much of the last six months suck.
I can only say, I can't imagine how truly horrible it would have been if we had to try to go to work or if we couldn't pay our bills because we weren't working. That would have turned a bad situation into a horrific one.
Sometimes being FI means you can roll with life's punches and still end up standing afterwards.
So even if not all FIRE stories start off full of beaches and sunshine, they are still better than being stuck in the workplace.
My wife's ankle and my daughter's leg will heal, my back will stop aching, and we'll have more fun outings next year instead of this one.
On the plus side, I've been enjoying getting some rental properties fixed up. I was really enjoying painting the outside of rental #4 last week. The weather was great, the work was soothing and I could start or quit pretty much when I wanted. I'll start back up on it next week now that things are settling into a routine with my daughter.
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It's been about 6 months since we FIRED. Maybe I should say "FIRD" since it wasn't particularly "early".
It's been great in a host of ways.
Our time is much more our own and that's been simply awesome.
We've done very well except for health-related issues. My wife and I were sick for much of May. My teeth have needed a lot of work and that's blown the budget. My wife fell and sprained her ankle so she's been on crutches and in a wheel chair. And my daughter (who has Downs Syndrome) slipped on the stairs this weekend and broke her leg, so now she's on a wheelchair. I'm getting a real workout helping her in and out of her wheelchair. If my back survives this I'll be much stronger for it.
So, health issues have made much of the last six months suck.
I can only say, I can't imagine how truly horrible it would have been if we had to try to go to work or if we couldn't pay our bills because we weren't working. That would have turned a bad situation into a horrific one.
Sometimes being FI means you can roll with life's punches and still end up standing afterwards.
So even if not all FIRE stories start off full of beaches and sunshine, they are still better than being stuck in the workplace.
My wife's ankle and my daughter's leg will heal, my back will stop aching, and we'll have more fun outings next year instead of this one.
Ouch, that is pretty rough. Just imagine trying to deal with the injuries/illness AND still be working. Yuck. It makes you appreciate being retired even more.
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It gives me warm fuzzy feelings that I didn't know I was missing when someone else was telling me where to sit and what to do for 40+ hours per week.
I’ve spent the past couple of days no differently, in some respects, than in my working days: holed up indoors, reading words on a page, sitting a few short blocks away from my old office (I’ve been coming to the main library in Manhattan to read a book available only at this branch and only for in-library use). But I’m sitting here reading for pleasure, by my own autonomous choice, while my former colleagues remain chained to their desks by the invisible shackles of financial dependence. The sense of freedom I now have, and tangibly feel every day, is priceless. You’re not alone in finding that retirement brings on a case of the warm fuzzies frequently and spontaneously.
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It gives me warm fuzzy feelings that I didn't know I was missing when someone else was telling me where to sit and what to do for 40+ hours per week.
I’ve spent the past couple of days no differently, in some respects, than in my working days: holed up indoors, reading words on a page, sitting a few short blocks away from my old office (I’ve been coming to the main library in Manhattan to read a book available only at this branch and only for in-library use). But I’m sitting here reading for pleasure, by my own autonomous choice, while my former colleagues remain chained to their desks by the invisible shackles of financial dependence. The sense of freedom I now have, and tangibly feel every day, is priceless. You’re not alone in finding that retirement brings on a case of the warm fuzzies frequently and spontaneously.
Curiousity peaked...what are you reading? My time is spent learning classical guitar these days.
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Curiousity peaked...what are you reading?
Gone Bamboo, a novel by Anthony Bourdain. About halfway through and seriously enjoying it so far.
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I never really understood how much of my stress in life was invisibly tied up with my 9-5 job. Even when I actually liked that job and didn't think it was stressful, it still created obstacles and conflicts and problems that needed solving and I was unwittingly spending huge amounts of mental energy on it that I can now spend on my own life instead, and the result has been that my own life has sort of all fallen into place.
I had that same realization early on. The relief manifested itself in an almost instantaneous improvement in my health. Less back pain, better sleep, lost weight, and later on, lower blood pressure. I never really connected those issues directly to the job, but after I left, it was abundantly clear just how much the stress was getting to me.
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Curiousity peaked...what are you reading?
Gone Bamboo, a novel by Anthony Bourdain. About halfway through and seriously enjoying it so far.
I think I've probably read more books this year than I did in the previous 30 years. Today I started reading a college geology textbook. As an ecologist by training, I've always known that the physical earth and the biosphere are intimately interrelated, but I've never had the opportunity to study geology formally. Better late than never. Nice to be able to do it for my own edification than to tick some qualification box on a job application.
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Sending healthy thoughts to you & your family @SwordGuy .
For Sol & others. . . it sounds so very appealing! Home stretch!
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OK I'm done. Off on 6months LSL....maybe forever.
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Congratulations Happy!
And we are down to the last 5.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/24/18 PhilB (at 52) CONFIRMED
10/29/18 Happy CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/02/18 TartanTallulah
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 cerat0n1a
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Fire1018 (Inactive since 9/2017)
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower (Inactive since 2/2018)
??/??/18 FLStache (Inactive since 3/2018)
??/??/18 PKate and DH (Inactive since 5/2018)
??/??/18 dbtx (Inactive since 7/2018)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
??/??/19 Ottawa OMY
??/??/19 LateStarter OMY
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...
I think I've probably read more books this year than I did in the previous 30 years.
...
Same here. Thanks to a great library system in my town, only a handful were ones I had to pay for ;-)
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Many thanks to all the FIREd for checking in to encourage those of us who are on the brink and to offer advice and insight.
Four more days, only three of them working days, and then I'll be done with commitment. I'll be side-gigging for a while, but very part time and on a no-strings basis. And if I hear of anyone taking bets on how long it will be before I'm back in work (for the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour, and I've never been out of work), I'll administer a resounding slap on the chops.
One longstanding and hardworking grassroots staff member has asked me for a reference. There are a couple of recent appointees I'm going to have a quiet word with. I won't come straight out and tell them I think they should move on, I'll just let them know that if the job turns out not to be what they'd hoped for they're welcome to put my name down as a referee.
I am SO ready to be done with the long working days.
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Do you ever have a really great day?
Like a Friday where you wake up well rested two minutes before your alarm goes off, your morning coffee is just perfect, the weather is great and the house is clean and there's no traffic on the way to work and your coworkers all commend you? A day where you just walk around thinking to yourself, "wow, this is pretty fucking awesome" and then feel super grateful for your life?
Since I retired I've been having that feeling at woefully inappropriate moments. Like even when I'm tired and the house is a mess and I know I should probably be a little grumpy about things, I'm instead just been kind of serenely calm. None of it bothers me anymore. I never really understood how much of my stress in life was invisibly tied up with my 9-5 job. Even when I actually liked that job and didn't think it was stressful, it still created obstacles and conflicts and problems that needed solving and I was unwittingly spending huge amounts of mental energy on it that I can now spend on my own life instead, and the result has been that my own life has sort of all fallen into place.
I have time to reflect, and pursue a purpose beyond mere survival, and it feels great. I used to read about MMM's enjoying drinking coffee on the deck on a Tuesday morning and think to myself, "yea, that sounds nice" but it didn't really click for me until after I retired that the coffee drinking on a Tuesday isn't the goal, it's just a symptom of the new lifestyle. A life in which you get to choose how to spend each hour of each day, and only you are responsible for the consequences of those decisions, and I find that sort of autonomy almost exhilarating. It gives me warm fuzzy feelings that I didn't know I was missing when someone else was telling me where to sit and what to do for 40+ hours per week.
So have a great day, people, and if you're still working then try to remember that every day can be great as soon as you're ready to pull the plug. Having more money is nice, but you will never be able to spend it on anything as awesome as not having to earn more money.
Thanks, @sol, for the great testimonial. It sounds like you are living the dream. I wonder if the memory of your last months has already faded to the point that they seem like a dream.
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I wonder if the memory of your last months has already faded to the point that they seem like a dream.
Definitely not. Just today I was internet-talking with someone from my old life, who suggested I might consider part-timing a little side gig action back in my former area of expertise, and I literally laughed out loud at the suggestion. Why the fuck would I ruin my life like that? I told him I'd rather punch myself in the balls for eight hours per day.
No, the memory of my last months is still vivid. I can still mentally recreate the internal layout of buildings, the contents of my old desk drawers, and the pervasive feeling of dread whenever I contemplated doing the same thing for another twenty years.
I have no regrets about retiring at age 41, but there's still a fresh wound from making the break. It's like finally escaping a bad relationship. I know I'm better off, but I definitely haven't forgotten what it was like. I can still conjure up all of those old feelings, good and bad, every time I think about my old gig. And then I celebrate in the explosive sense of relief I get by just mentally letting it all go, knowing I never have to return to any of it. It just about gives me shivers, and then I smile so big I almost laugh.
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Many people on this thread retired right at the peak of this current market. Can anyone shed some light on how they feel sine the market receded recently and if anyone made any changes in spending during this time. Maybe worthwhile talking about our AA (asset allocation) as well.
Our AA is 70/30. We were at 25x before the correction and now I assume a decent bit lower. I have not calculated yet, but plan to tax loss harvest in a couple of days so should find out soon enough. In my mind I realize that historically a 4% withdrawal rate should easily tolerate a 10% correction, but it still does not change the feeling of concern behind it.
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Many people on this thread retired right at the peak of this current market. Can anyone shed some light on how they feel sine the market receded recently and if anyone made any changes in spending during this time. Maybe worthwhile talking about our AA (asset allocation) as well.
Our AA is 70/30. We were at 25x before the correction and now I assume a decent bit lower. I have not calculated yet, but plan to tax loss harvest in a couple of days so should find out soon enough. In my mind I realize that historically a 4% withdrawal rate should easily tolerate a 10% correction, but it still does not change the feeling of concern behind it.
How do I feel about it? "Typical."
Not making any changes to AA, probably less likely to make major expenditure until there's more clarity over Brexit and Trump's trade war, but otherwise steady as she goes. Wishing I could bring myself to adopt a low information diet!
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I wonder if the memory of your last months has already faded to the point that they seem like a dream.
Definitely not. Just today I was internet-talking with someone from my old life, who suggested I might consider part-timing a little side gig action back in my former area of expertise, and I literally laughed out loud at the suggestion. Why the fuck would I ruin my life like that? I told him I'd rather punch myself in the balls for eight hours per day.
No, the memory of my last months is still vivid. I can still mentally recreate the internal layout of buildings, the contents of my old desk drawers, and the pervasive feeling of dread whenever I contemplated doing the same thing for another twenty years.
I have no regrets about retiring at age 41, but there's still a fresh wound from making the break. It's like finally escaping a bad relationship. I know I'm better off, but I definitely haven't forgotten what it was like. I can still conjure up all of those old feelings, good and bad, every time I think about my old gig. And then I celebrate in the explosive sense of relief I get by just mentally letting it all go, knowing I never have to return to any of it. It just about gives me shivers, and then I smile so big I almost laugh.
Last night I had one of the very few dreams I've had about work since I left. I was hanging out in the restroom with several former colleagues (both male and female, even though we were in the men's room - hey, it was a dream). I don't really remember most of what we were talking about, but I remember that one of the toilets was clogged to the point of overflowing. I told my colleagues that I was tired of always being the one who had to plunge the toilets, and that I wasn't going to do it any more. So I just ignored it as it continued overflowing. Wonder if that's a metaphor for something...
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Many people on this thread retired right at the peak of this current market. Can anyone shed some light on how they feel sine the market receded recently and if anyone made any changes in spending during this time. Maybe worthwhile talking about our AA (asset allocation) as well.
Our AA is 70/30. We were at 25x before the correction and now I assume a decent bit lower. I have not calculated yet, but plan to tax loss harvest in a couple of days so should find out soon enough. In my mind I realize that historically a 4% withdrawal rate should easily tolerate a 10% correction, but it still does not change the feeling of concern behind it.
Thanks to military pension and VA disability, I don't really need to touch investments. That being said, I've started a Traditional IRA to Roth pipeline of about 2.5% of my stache. Gives us a little extra cushion and ensures the market fluctuations are not even mildly interesting. I've also got the first 2 years of the Roth out of the market to minimize impact even more.
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Many people on this thread retired right at the peak of this current market. Can anyone shed some light on how they feel sine the market receded recently and if anyone made any changes in spending during this time. Maybe worthwhile talking about our AA (asset allocation) as well.
Our AA is 70/30. We were at 25x before the correction and now I assume a decent bit lower. I have not calculated yet, but plan to tax loss harvest in a couple of days so should find out soon enough. In my mind I realize that historically a 4% withdrawal rate should easily tolerate a 10% correction, but it still does not change the feeling of concern behind it.
I'm still a few months out but picked out my asset allocation almost two years ago to help reduce volatility going into early retirement. I trailed the market pretty badly in 2017 but have made up some of that ground and not dealing with the same level of pain in this drop. The academics would call it a "lower beta" portfolio, I just call it accepting lower returns for lower volatility early on.
I am 60% index funds, all the favorites on this site. The other 40% I mix between cash, REITs, and a basket of "lower risk" individual stocks The latter of having some individual stocks isn't for everyone, I analyze private company's financial statements in my day job and choose to own companies that should perform like bonds. Lots of equity, minimal debt, and pay their shareholders their earnings in dividends.
I found it tougher to stick to this allocation last year when I earned 13% and the market did 21%. Drops like Jan/Feb and this one make me appreciate the capital protection it provides.
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Many people on this thread retired right at the peak of this current market. Can anyone shed some light on how they feel sine the market receded recently and if anyone made any changes in spending during this time. Maybe worthwhile talking about our AA (asset allocation) as well.
Our AA is 70/30. We were at 25x before the correction and now I assume a decent bit lower. I have not calculated yet, but plan to tax loss harvest in a couple of days so should find out soon enough. In my mind I realize that historically a 4% withdrawal rate should easily tolerate a 10% correction, but it still does not change the feeling of concern behind it.
With that AA and 10% you should be at 4.3%+/-.
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So far, the market downturn has been a bonus - a buying opportunity. RunningBoy and I timed the sale of our big house in September perfectly, paid off all debt with the proceeds (a HELOC on our retirement home, and a couple of small bills related to the house sale) and still had a good chunk to put into index funds and our cash stash.
He's downshifted into part-time work while I'll be completely FIREd at the end of the year, so we don't anticipate needing to tap our stash for at least a couple of years. With the big house and its bills gone, we're slowly adjusting to a much lower cost of living (almost half of what it was), so we have no concerns about the recent market adjustment.
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Many people on this thread retired right at the peak of this current market. Can anyone shed some light on how they feel sine the market receded recently and if anyone made any changes in spending during this time. Maybe worthwhile talking about our AA (asset allocation) as well.
Our AA is 70/30. We were at 25x before the correction and now I assume a decent bit lower. I have not calculated yet, but plan to tax loss harvest in a couple of days so should find out soon enough. In my mind I realize that historically a 4% withdrawal rate should easily tolerate a 10% correction, but it still does not change the feeling of concern behind it.
I haven't actually retired yet. After I turned in my notice they countered with a change in role so I've been OMM'ing it and suspect I'll slide into 2019 depending on how this goes. But, my original quit day was 9/14, the day before the market peak on the 17th. Not sure how I'd have felt about it, as I have enough cash that I wouldn't touch my investments for at least a year if the market continues to correct.
We're below 4% spending as well, but it would be closer now with our stache down about 6% since the peak. So would I attempt to cut our baseline spending further if I retired today? Interesting mental gymnastics.
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LOVE hearing from the posters above like sol, et al., talking about the immense freedom being FIRE'd provides. I realized recently I've inflated the lifestyle a tad this year on account of a raise I didn't really need, and when I looked at my expected FIRE income/spending compared to current income/spending, I was a little concerned. But then I really thought about it and realized that I'm a fucking wanker if I can't adapt to my FIRE income, since it's pretty fucking obscene as far as non-working incomes go (pension + 401k + eventual high-level SS), and reading the above-mentioned posts makes me realize that even if I have to tighten up spending a little bit, it's so fucking worth it. Thanks for the reminder. May 2019 . . .
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Do you ever have a really great day?
Like a Friday where you wake up well rested two minutes before your alarm goes off, your morning coffee is just perfect, the weather is great and the house is clean and there's no traffic on the way to work and your coworkers all commend you? A day where you just walk around thinking to yourself, "wow, this is pretty fucking awesome" and then feel super grateful for your life?
Since I retired I've been having that feeling at woefully inappropriate moments. Like even when I'm tired and the house is a mess and I know I should probably be a little grumpy about things, I'm instead just been kind of serenely calm. None of it bothers me anymore. I never really understood how much of my stress in life was invisibly tied up with my 9-5 job. Even when I actually liked that job and didn't think it was stressful, it still created obstacles and conflicts and problems that needed solving and I was unwittingly spending huge amounts of mental energy on it that I can now spend on my own life instead, and the result has been that my own life has sort of all fallen into place.
I have time to reflect, and pursue a purpose beyond mere survival, and it feels great. I used to read about MMM's enjoying drinking coffee on the deck on a Tuesday morning and think to myself, "yea, that sounds nice" but it didn't really click for me until after I retired that the coffee drinking on a Tuesday isn't the goal, it's just a symptom of the new lifestyle. A life in which you get to choose how to spend each hour of each day, and only you are responsible for the consequences of those decisions, and I find that sort of autonomy almost exhilarating. It gives me warm fuzzy feelings that I didn't know I was missing when someone else was telling me where to sit and what to do for 40+ hours per week.
So have a great day, people, and if you're still working then try to remember that every day can be great as soon as you're ready to pull the plug. Having more money is nice, but you will never be able to spend it on anything as awesome as not having to earn more money.
This is a quality post, and the feeling I'm hoping for FIRE. I've been a little concerned that I'm retiring away from something, rather than to something, which is a common issue that's raised. The fact is that I'm not that motivated, and never really have been, although I've accomplished some stuff at time in my life when it made sense to me to do so. I keep waiting to find the "something" that I want to do, but really, I enjoy my daily routine outside of work, and the bigger issue is that my lack of interest/frustration in being at work is spilling over into my personal life, interactions with family, etc. That's the part I don't like. So when I think that I can keep doing this job without too much effort, keep pulling in good money just in case, the answer I believe is that it's costing me personally. I'm also hopeful that without feeling like there's anything I have to do, it might free up to find the things that interest me knowing that I'm not required to do them.
Thanks for the post!
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If, in five years time, the market has dropped precipitously and my stash requires a 5 or 10% WR, then I will start worrying.
I think most people don't appreciate this option. If the market truly crashes catastrophically, like 50% or more, and your WR correspondingly rises to 10%, you still have 10 years of income saved up. That's ten years you have to formulate a new plan, while waiting to see if the market recovers or stays at zero percent returns. Ten years to figure out how to reduce your spending, or or earn some side income. Can you put together a plan in ten years? With that kind of time, I'm pretty sure I could train for an entirely new career and still come out okay at the end.
Most of the time we're telling people to have a six month emergency fund on hand, but an early retiree has a 25 year emergency fund on hand and even after a 50% drop would have ten years or more. You almost can't lose.
The person who has saved up 25x expenses is in such an incredible position of strength that it just baffles me how many of them are afraid to actually leave their jobs. You've won the game! Stop playing, and go live your life instead! Even in the worse case scenario of being 100% stocks during the worst market crash ever, you're still safe for years and years and years.
And the skills that got you to 25x will get you back there again, because your real achievement isn't the savings it's the mindset and the skillset that got you to 25x in the first place. You could recreate all of that, if you had to, and this time you've got a 10 year head start.
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I wonder if the memory of your last months has already faded to the point that they seem like a dream.
Definitely not. Just today I was internet-talking with someone from my old life, who suggested I might consider part-timing a little side gig action back in my former area of expertise, and I literally laughed out loud at the suggestion. Why the fuck would I ruin my life like that? I told him I'd rather punch myself in the balls for eight hours per day.
No, the memory of my last months is still vivid. I can still mentally recreate the internal layout of buildings, the contents of my old desk drawers, and the pervasive feeling of dread whenever I contemplated doing the same thing for another twenty years.
I have no regrets about retiring at age 41, but there's still a fresh wound from making the break. It's like finally escaping a bad relationship. I know I'm better off, but I definitely haven't forgotten what it was like. I can still conjure up all of those old feelings, good and bad, every time I think about my old gig. And then I celebrate in the explosive sense of relief I get by just mentally letting it all go, knowing I never have to return to any of it. It just about gives me shivers, and then I smile so big I almost laugh.
In the last two weeks, many people, including my husband, have said to me, "THAT'S come round quickly." Maybe it looks that way from the outside, but it SO hasn't. I've felt every minute of every long working day and every ounce of hostility from those who have been inconvenienced by my decision and every tedious box-ticking task and every stifling hour spent indoors during a glorious heatwave, and it feels as if forever has gone by since I handed in my notice in July. It doesn't take much to ping me back emotionally to the "trapped" feelings. In case I need reminding after I've gone, I have them recorded, popcorn-fashion, in a private diary.
Today is the last day of my notice period. My last actual working day is Friday and it's mitigated by neither of the colleagues I'm leaving behind being in work that day. My room is nearly empty of my belongings. I have just the right amount of side gig work booked for November. All is well.
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If, in five years time, the market has dropped precipitously and my stash requires a 5 or 10% WR, then I will start worrying.
I think most people don't appreciate this option. If the market truly crashes catastrophically, like 50% or more, and your WR correspondingly rises to 10%, you still have 10 years of income saved up. That's ten years you have to formulate a new plan, while waiting to see if the market recovers or stays at zero percent returns. Ten years to figure out how to reduce your spending, or or earn some side income. Can you put together a plan in ten years? With that kind of time, I'm pretty sure I could train for an entirely new career and still come out okay at the end.
Most of the time we're telling people to have a six month emergency fund on hand, but an early retiree has a 25 year emergency fund on hand and even after a 50% drop would have ten years or more. You almost can't lose.
The person who has saved up 25x expenses is in such an incredible position of strength that it just baffles me how many of them are afraid to actually leave their jobs. You've won the game! Stop playing, and go live your life instead! Even in the worse case scenario of being 100% stocks during the worst market crash ever, you're still safe for years and years and years.
And the skills that got you to 25x will get you back there again, because your real achievement isn't the savings it's the mindset and the skillset that got you to 25x in the first place. You could recreate all of that, if you had to, and this time you've got a 10 year head start.
And yet, even with a pension that will adequately cover all essential expenses, I'm reluctant/scared to take a 4% withdrawal! Fortunately, I don't have to (and frankly, if I did, I'd have more disposable income in retirement than I did while working), because a 1.5%-2% withdrawal should allow me to maintain my pre-retirement level of disposable income. And again, I'm even reluctant to take that! I guess it's that psychological barrier to switching from saver to spender mode.
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Do you ever have a really great day?
Like a Friday where you wake up well rested two minutes before your alarm goes off, your morning coffee is just perfect, the weather is great and the house is clean and there's no traffic on the way to work and your coworkers all commend you? A day where you just walk around thinking to yourself, "wow, this is pretty fucking awesome" and then feel super grateful for your life?
Since I retired I've been having that feeling at woefully inappropriate moments. Like even when I'm tired and the house is a mess and I know I should probably be a little grumpy about things, I'm instead just been kind of serenely calm. None of it bothers me anymore. I never really understood how much of my stress in life was invisibly tied up with my 9-5 job. Even when I actually liked that job and didn't think it was stressful, it still created obstacles and conflicts and problems that needed solving and I was unwittingly spending huge amounts of mental energy on it that I can now spend on my own life instead, and the result has been that my own life has sort of all fallen into place.
I have time to reflect, and pursue a purpose beyond mere survival, and it feels great. I used to read about MMM's enjoying drinking coffee on the deck on a Tuesday morning and think to myself, "yea, that sounds nice" but it didn't really click for me until after I retired that the coffee drinking on a Tuesday isn't the goal, it's just a symptom of the new lifestyle. A life in which you get to choose how to spend each hour of each day, and only you are responsible for the consequences of those decisions, and I find that sort of autonomy almost exhilarating. It gives me warm fuzzy feelings that I didn't know I was missing when someone else was telling me where to sit and what to do for 40+ hours per week.
So have a great day, people, and if you're still working then try to remember that every day can be great as soon as you're ready to pull the plug. Having more money is nice, but you will never be able to spend it on anything as awesome as not having to earn more money.
I needed to quote this again - amazing post, especially since I've followed Sol posting since 2013
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especially since I've followed Sol posting since 2013
It turns out this whole FIRE thing actually works. Invest 50% or more of your income, control your expenses, plug away diligently through a decade of great market returns, and Bob's your uncle you get to retire. Who knew?
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I wonder if the memory of your last months has already faded to the point that they seem like a dream.
Definitely not. Just today I was internet-talking with someone from my old life, who suggested I might consider part-timing a little side gig action back in my former area of expertise, and I literally laughed out loud at the suggestion. Why the fuck would I ruin my life like that? I told him I'd rather punch myself in the balls for eight hours per day.
No, the memory of my last months is still vivid. I can still mentally recreate the internal layout of buildings, the contents of my old desk drawers, and the pervasive feeling of dread whenever I contemplated doing the same thing for another twenty years.
I have no regrets about retiring at age 41, but there's still a fresh wound from making the break. It's like finally escaping a bad relationship. I know I'm better off, but I definitely haven't forgotten what it was like. I can still conjure up all of those old feelings, good and bad, every time I think about my old gig. And then I celebrate in the explosive sense of relief I get by just mentally letting it all go, knowing I never have to return to any of it. It just about gives me shivers, and then I smile so big I almost laugh.
In the last two weeks, many people, including my husband, have said to me, "THAT'S come round quickly." Maybe it looks that way from the outside, but it SO hasn't. I've felt every minute of every long working day and every ounce of hostility from those who have been inconvenienced by my decision and every tedious box-ticking task and every stifling hour spent indoors during a glorious heatwave, and it feels as if forever has gone by since I handed in my notice in July. It doesn't take much to ping me back emotionally to the "trapped" feelings. In case I need reminding after I've gone, I have them recorded, popcorn-fashion, in a private diary.
Today is the last day of my notice period. My last actual working day is Friday and it's mitigated by neither of the colleagues I'm leaving behind being in work that day. My room is nearly empty of my belongings. I have just the right amount of side gig work booked for November. All is well.
Sorry you've had such an awful time with your coworkers TT. Nearly there. I'm sure that you will rise above it all and not be tempted into any petty acts of revenge - such as unscrewing the back of someone's printer or computer and inserting a raw prawn - but that doesn't stop you from having fun imaging it!
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I wonder if the memory of your last months has already faded to the point that they seem like a dream.
Definitely not. Just today I was internet-talking with someone from my old life, who suggested I might consider part-timing a little side gig action back in my former area of expertise, and I literally laughed out loud at the suggestion. Why the fuck would I ruin my life like that? I told him I'd rather punch myself in the balls for eight hours per day.
No, the memory of my last months is still vivid. I can still mentally recreate the internal layout of buildings, the contents of my old desk drawers, and the pervasive feeling of dread whenever I contemplated doing the same thing for another twenty years.
I have no regrets about retiring at age 41, but there's still a fresh wound from making the break. It's like finally escaping a bad relationship. I know I'm better off, but I definitely haven't forgotten what it was like. I can still conjure up all of those old feelings, good and bad, every time I think about my old gig. And then I celebrate in the explosive sense of relief I get by just mentally letting it all go, knowing I never have to return to any of it. It just about gives me shivers, and then I smile so big I almost laugh.
In the last two weeks, many people, including my husband, have said to me, "THAT'S come round quickly." Maybe it looks that way from the outside, but it SO hasn't. I've felt every minute of every long working day and every ounce of hostility from those who have been inconvenienced by my decision and every tedious box-ticking task and every stifling hour spent indoors during a glorious heatwave, and it feels as if forever has gone by since I handed in my notice in July. It doesn't take much to ping me back emotionally to the "trapped" feelings. In case I need reminding after I've gone, I have them recorded, popcorn-fashion, in a private diary.
Today is the last day of my notice period. My last actual working day is Friday and it's mitigated by neither of the colleagues I'm leaving behind being in work that day. My room is nearly empty of my belongings. I have just the right amount of side gig work booked for November. All is well.
Sorry you've had such an awful time with your coworkers TT. Nearly there. I'm sure that you will rise above it all and not be tempted into any petty acts of revenge - such as unscrewing the back of someone's printer or computer and inserting a raw prawn - but that doesn't stop you from having fun imaging it!
Oh, you are BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD! I was only thinking of popping in over the weekend on the pretext of tidying up some loose ends and turning my soon-to-be-ex-coworkers' computer screens sideways or setting their keyboards to Cyrillic (I'd bet on neither of them knowing how to put it right). The prawn trick had never occurred to me.
I shall stride out on the moral high ground, leaving nothing in my wake apart from sufficient biscuits and chocolate to keep the staff sweet until the Christmas confectionery starts pouring in.
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Update: reached my anniversary of 40 yrs service today. Two more days tidying up in the office and out Friday evening. I start my freelance gig next week. Although I am retiring early, l haven't built up much of a stache as l have an occupational pension but all good.
Best wishes and regards to all in the 2018 cohort! Let's roll!
Irishtache.
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Update: reached my anniversary of 40 yrs service today. Two more days tidying up in the office and out Friday evening. I start my freelance gig next week. Although I am retiring early, l haven't built up much of a stache as l have an occupational pension but all good.
Best wishes and regards to all in the 2018 cohort! Let's roll!
Irishtache.
YAY! My FIRE-and-freelancing twin!
I don't expect clearing my office to take more than an hour. In seven and a half years, I didn't move in any personal stuff apart from consumables, a set of spare clothing, and some pictures that management disposed of prior to the last CQC visit because they weren't laminated.
One more day. Just one more day :-)
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Update: reached my anniversary of 40 yrs service today. Two more days tidying up in the office and out Friday evening. I start my freelance gig next week. Although I am retiring early, l haven't built up much of a stache as l have an occupational pension but all good.
Best wishes and regards to all in the 2018 cohort! Let's roll!
Irishtache.
YAY! My FIRE-and-freelancing twin!
I don't expect clearing my office to take more than an hour. In seven and a half years, I didn't move in any personal stuff apart from consumables, a set of spare clothing, and some pictures that management disposed of prior to the last CQC visit because they weren't laminated.
One more day. Just one more day :-)
Unfortunately, l filled my office with personal stuff, tax returns, health insurance claims etc going back 15 years! Best of luck, hen!
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Just realised I owe this thread an update. I'd originally brought my end date forward from May 2019 to May 2018. For various reasons (mainly the fact that I needed to drive to my old office every day to take my son to work over the summer), I pushed out my end date to October 5th (which also triggered a small retention bonus.) It's more of a petering out than a hard stop, because I'll do 3 days work this month and 1 in December.
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Congratulations cerat0nia!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
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01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
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02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
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03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
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04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/05/18 cerat0n1a CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/24/18 PhilB (at 52) CONFIRMED
10/29/18 Happy CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/02/18 TartanTallulah
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Fire1018 (Inactive since 9/2017)
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower (Inactive since 2/2018)
??/??/18 FLStache (Inactive since 3/2018)
??/??/18 PKate and DH (Inactive since 5/2018)
??/??/18 dbtx (Inactive since 7/2018)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
??/??/19 Ottawa OMY
??/??/19 LateStarter OMY
-
That's me done, aged fifty-four-and-a-half. I thought the day would never end.
I'm tired and emotionally flat, but I know I've done the right thing in leaving a deeply toxic situation. Throughout my long notice period, nothing has happened to make me doubt that.
-
@TartanTallulah - woop woop! Huge milestone. Congrats!!!
-
@TartanTallulah,
Congratulations! Today marks the end of my forth week and I'm still adjusting...
-
That's me done, aged fifty-four-and-a-half. I thought the day would never end.
I'm tired and emotionally flat, but I know I've done the right thing in leaving a deeply toxic situation. Throughout my long notice period, nothing has happened to make me doubt that.
Three cheers! Welcome to the other side.
-
I have less than two months to go before I go from full time down to a part time work situation. I’m self-employed so in some ways I’m my own worst enemy. I’ve been driving myself to work hard so that I can save as much money in this last year - full speed ahead.
I’m a massage therapist, and not only do I work out of my house, in my office, I also have an office I rent about 45 minutes (40 miles) away. I’m so looking forward to not having to make that drive to that location anymore. I hate the drive and dealing with bad traffic, people that swerve in and out of lanes almost hitting me, tailgaters, or just plain weirdly illogical drivers who speed ahead and then drastically slow down. Also, I hate the calls/texts from people wanting an appointment so far away without much notice. Just the other day I worked til 11pm. And tonight someone wants a massage appointment at a hotel in downtown Detroit starting at 10pm – no I won’t be doing that one, fuhgettaboutit. All of that craziness is going to be over soon.
It’s going to be such a strange adjustment psychologically, to be going from squirrelling away money, to deliberately making a lot less. Essentially, I’m putting boundaries on my time, energy, and improving the quality of my life – this is a new and different chapter of my life. I’ve probably oversaved, I could live on a 2% withdrawal rate right now and be perfectly comfortable. I have to keep reminding myself of that – it’s a comfort that is so at odds with the fears I feel from the politics of this country and much of the world.
I also have no good role models in my family, my brother likes status so he lives in a ridiculously expensive house and drives brand new Mercedes and likes to stay at the most expensive hotels, my sister indulges her daughter who can never finish any college program and therefore has tried multiple colleges, $20,000 here another $10,000 there – partly financed by my parents. It’s a weird space to be in and others see me as the odd one not going with the traditional lifestyle.
I have lots of ideas about how I will savor this increased free time. And reading the stories of others on here inspires me a lot.
-
I’m happy to report that, like TartanTallulah, I spent my last day on the job today and am retiring at 54. It’s been a 26.5 year career with an organization that has gotten bigger, more bureaucratic and more toxic over the years. I’m ready to decompress now and enjoy the freedom! I was given a surprisingly lovely sendoff and I feel good about my decision to FIRE.
-
Congratulations to @TartanTallulah and @LifePhaseTwo. 54 is clearly a popular age to FIRE as that's MrsB's age too (Yeah, I know, I'm a toyboy)
Still doesn't feel real to me yet as we've been on holiday since retirement. Next week we finally get to replace 'Guess what? We're on holiday!' with 'Guess what? We're retired!'
-
I've been peeking in here, and all the success is just tremendous!
It's also reinforcing my resolve to NOT wait for my pension @ age 53.5 with the 2027 cohort.
-
Congratulations TartanTallulah and LifePhaseTwo!
Moved Fire1018 from MIA to a future group.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/05/18 cerat0n1a CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/24/18 PhilB (at 52) CONFIRMED
10/29/18 Happy CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/02/18 TartanTallulah (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/02/18 LifePhaseTwo (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 Fresh Bread
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower (Inactive since 2/2018)
??/??/18 FLStache (Inactive since 3/2018)
??/??/18 PKate and DH (Inactive since 5/2018)
??/??/18 dbtx (Inactive since 7/2018)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
??/??/19 Ottawa OMY
??/??/19 LateStarter OMY
??/??/?? Fire1018 ?MY [Succumbs to golden handcuffs ;-) ]
-
Congratulations to @TartanTallulah and @LifePhaseTwo. 54 is clearly a popular age to FIRE as that's MrsB's age too (Yeah, I know, I'm a toyboy)
Still doesn't feel real to me yet as we've been on holiday since retirement. Next week we finally get to replace 'Guess what? We're on holiday!' with 'Guess what? We're retired!'
54 was my number too, six years ago. Sooner would have been better, but 54 still kicks ass!
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I have officially failed out of class. My date was arbitrarily chosen by my employer, but they have given me a reprieve by deciding to keep the doors open for a few more years...and offered up some golden handcuffs to boot! So I'll take it. I'm FI, but not quite up to the spendypants lifestyle I like. This will give me a little more wiggle room for life's unexpected situations.
-
Bummer Fire1018, sorry to loose you, but the 2019 Cohort are really nice people too.
Hopefully the golden handcuffs are at least .999 gold.
Usernames that include dates are sort of like tattoos with SO's names, they can get out of date.
MOM is always safe :-)
-
Congratulations to @TartanTallulah and @LifePhaseTwo. 54 is clearly a popular age to FIRE as that's MrsB's age too (Yeah, I know, I'm a toyboy)
Still doesn't feel real to me yet as we've been on holiday since retirement. Next week we finally get to replace 'Guess what? We're on holiday!' with 'Guess what? We're retired!'
54 was my number too, six years ago. Sooner would have been better, but 54 still kicks ass!
54 feels like a nice compromise between "early" and "conventional".
I was doing some freelance work today and heard myself say in a consultation, with reference to a prescription for a possibly non-formulary eczema preparation, "The prescribing committee can't rap my knuckles, I'm retired."
-
You can officially put me down for OMY. Our build plans were delayed (critical for fat FIRE), then I thought I'd go part time at least, but now an employee has handed in their notice and it's all just too hard! I'm pretty sure 2019 will be the year I make my escape as I'm having a few health issues which means I need to sell the business anyway.
Hubby was also supposed to negotiate PT when his contract got extended into October, but it seems to be more of a 'take a day off here and there when you need it' arrangement rather than a proper 3 day a week gig. Also, I suspect he will become one of the altruistic people that continue to earn after they are FI but then donate it all, rather than pack it all in as he is worried that his brain will melt.
He just took 10 days off and I took 2 days off so it's not all bad.
-
You can officially put me down for OMY. Our build plans were delayed (critical for fat FIRE), then I thought I'd go part time at least, but now an employee has handed in their notice and it's all just too hard! I'm pretty sure 2019 will be the year I make my escape as I'm having a few health issues which means I need to sell the business anyway.
Hubby was also supposed to negotiate PT when his contract got extended into October, but it seems to be more of a 'take a day off here and there when you need it' arrangement rather than a proper 3 day a week gig. Also, I suspect he will become one of the altruistic people that continue to earn after they are FI but then donate it all, rather than pack it all in as he is worried that his brain will melt.
He just took 10 days off and I took 2 days off so it's not all bad.
Team turnover wrecked my well laid plans for 2018. Work changed pretty significantly. 19 weeks to go
-
You ^three^ are still killin' it. This class is so big that the next crop can probably make room for you more easily. Jump over and show them how it's done!
Congratulations to all of you. 2018 is an amazing cohort, 2019 will be, too!
-
Sorry to see you go FreshBread. Best of luck with the 2019 cohort.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/05/18 cerat0n1a CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/24/18 PhilB (at 52) CONFIRMED
10/29/18 Happy CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/02/18 TartanTallulah (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/02/18 LifePhaseTwo (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 step_away
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
??/??/18 randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
??/??/18 HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
??/??/18 NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
??/??/18 DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
??/??/18 Agent Rosenflower (Inactive since 2/2018)
??/??/18 FLStache (Inactive since 3/2018)
??/??/18 PKate and DH (Inactive since 5/2018)
??/??/18 dbtx (Inactive since 7/2018)
??/??/18 Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
??/??/18 Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
03/19/19 ChasesFish OMY
??/??/19 RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/19 JumboShrimp OMY
??/??/20 Gooki 2MY or 3MY
??/??/19 MaybeBabyMustache OMY
??/??/19 Blindsquirrel OMY
??/??/19 Ottawa OMY
??/??/19 LateStarter OMY
??/??/?? Fire1018 ?MY [Succumbs to golden handcuffs ;-) ]
??/??/19 Fresh Bread OMY
-
So, I just have to shove Kris out of my way before I leap outta this plane!
Resignation letter is sent.
Retirement send-off luncheon with coworkers is booked for two days before I FIRE.
Meeting with accountant to review post-FIRE taxes booked for tomorrow.
All lines of credit and other debt paid off with proceeds of Ridiculously Big House sale.
Currently reviewing options for supplemental health care insurance.
Check. Check. Check.
The best part to this process is the reactions from coworkers who weren't aware of my FIRE plans. "You're retiring?! But, aren't you going to work? But...?!? [confused look]."
-
So, I just have to shove Kris out of my way before I leap outta this plane!
Funny! I had a vivid image of a WW2 para drop with the grizzled sergeant pushing the rookie out of the plane door ;-) Must be because I binge watched Band of Brothers this weekend.
Sorry @Kris, not calling you a rookie, but can you please update with your date?
Congratulations @RunningWithScissors, should I mark you as confirmed?
-
So, I just have to shove Kris out of my way before I leap outta this plane!
Funny! I had a vivid image of a WW2 para drop with the grizzled sergeant pushing the rookie out of the plane door ;-) Must be because I binge watched Band of Brothers this weekend.
Sorry @Kris, not calling you a rookie, but can you please update with your date?
Haha -- oh wow, I forgot about this thread! I didn't know people kept these updated so assiduously!
My situation has kinda changed. I'm guessing I might have to be removed completely. DH is retiring Feb. 1, 2019... BUT: I'm now a full-time author, and I'm gonna keep writing, albeit more part-time, as we transition to a more nomadic lifestyle (Ecuador is first on the list).
So... I'm guessing I don't qualify as being on the cusp of retirement anymore. :(
-
So, I just have to shove Kris out of my way before I leap outta this plane!
Funny! I had a vivid image of a WW2 para drop with the grizzled sergeant pushing the rookie out of the plane door ;-) Must be because I binge watched Band of Brothers this weekend.
Sorry @Kris, not calling you a rookie, but can you please update with your date?
Haha -- oh wow, I forgot about this thread! I didn't know people kept these updated so assiduously!
My situation has kinda changed. I'm guessing I might have to be removed completely. DH is retiring Feb. 1, 2019... BUT: I'm now a full-time author, and I'm gonna keep writing, albeit more part-time, as we transition to a more nomadic lifestyle (Ecuador is first on the list).
So... I'm guessing I don't qualify as being on the cusp of retirement anymore. :(
If you're writing part time because you want to (and not because you have to for the $$) - that's FIRE to me. Just like Pete doesn't sit like a lump at home.
-
Five whole days since I took the last of my belongings, plus a prodigious quantity of flowers, from my office to my car.
I could get to like this.
The initial feeling of having been steamrollered lasted only till Sunday night, thank goodness. It was horrible.
I'm not doing much. Don't want to create expectations that I'll have to keep fulfilling. But I'm picking off little tasks that I never found time to do when I was working. Eventually the house and garden will be in order.
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As I get close to my 1/4-of-a-year retirement anniversary and as I am starting what I not-so-secretly think of as my real retirement, I thought I'd post a quick update!
I "worked" pretty hard my first (almost-)three months out of work. Like, I didn't have a single day off and there were many days I worked 16 hours or more. I was organizing for the elections (part of my reason for OLYing and ending up here in this cohort) and while the activism doesn't stop, the long days and no days off do! So partly I don't have a really significant update since this was such a temporary situation, but I did start a few retirement bucket list things that I am so happy about and makes me all the more excited for the next steps of retirement.
The two things I managed to squeeze into my long days? Fostering kittens and establishing a meditation practice! I'm at 74 straight days meditating and really enjoying it and looking forward to digging in deeper now that I have more time. So much I want to explore. And fostering kittens has just been so fun! Since I was "working" from home since I left my job, I could squeeze in being a foster-cat-parent and it has been awesome. We are on our second pair of two kittens now, the first pair were 5 month old sisters that were fun and sweet and quickly were adopted. This pair came to us at 3.5 weeks old after having been found crawling out of a hole from a locked garage that the landlord of doesn't take responsibility for. And they totally would have been roadkill or snacks quickly if the tenant next door hadn't found them and worked with our rescue org to place them. We learned about bottle feeding (and burping!) every 4 hours, litter training, weaning and all the crazy things I never knew how to do when I only had kittens all my life that were 2 or more months old. Our kittens are now up for adoption and are healthy, wild, sweet 3 month olds and we're definitely gonna bawl and/or refuse to give them up when the time comes.
It has been just so wonderful to dip my toe in to the world of retirement and pull a couple of items off my aspiration list onto the action list these last few months. I am super excited and a little scared as I face a whole new world of options...as soon as I catch up on sleep!
ETA: on the money front, I haven't had time to do my expenses. And I'm not sure if it's just that I've been too busy to spend any money or if it is indeed the frequent experience I've read that you spend so much less in retirement than you think you will....but I've hardly been spending any money. I'm looking forward to doing the numbers soon to track down where I'm hitting and missing on my budget.
-
Just reporting back in as I just saw the PM sent to me re. my FIRE status. My last day was 6/1/2018.
Since then I had been to two vacations (South America in June and Western Caribbean Cruise in Sept) and planning my 3rd one in March next to Thailand / Philippines.
-
Love this, step_away was enjoying FIRE and forgot to update us. Congratulations @step_away!
@Kris, marking you as confirmed since leaving your day job to write books is being FIRE'ed in my book. Let me know if you want to change it.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 step_away CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/05/18 cerat0n1a CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/24/18 PhilB (at 52) CONFIRMED
10/29/18 Happy CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/02/18 TartanTallulah (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/02/18 LifePhaseTwo (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/??/18 Kris CONFIRMED
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 pecunia
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
Agent Rosenflower (Inactive since 2/2018)
FLStache (Inactive since 3/2018)
PKate and DH (Inactive since 5/2018)
dbtx (Inactive since 7/2018)
Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
ChasesFish OMY
RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
JumboShrimp OMY
Gooki 2MY or 3MY
MaybeBabyMustache OMY
Blindsquirrel OMY
Ottawa OMY
LateStarter OMY
Fire1018 ?MY [Succumbs to golden handcuffs ;-) ]
Fresh Bread OMY
-
So, I just have to shove Kris out of my way before I leap outta this plane!
Funny! I had a vivid image of a WW2 para drop with the grizzled sergeant pushing the rookie out of the plane door ;-) Must be because I binge watched Band of Brothers this weekend.
Sorry @Kris, not calling you a rookie, but can you please update with your date?
Haha -- oh wow, I forgot about this thread! I didn't know people kept these updated so assiduously!
My situation has kinda changed. I'm guessing I might have to be removed completely. DH is retiring Feb. 1, 2019... BUT: I'm now a full-time author, and I'm gonna keep writing, albeit more part-time, as we transition to a more nomadic lifestyle (Ecuador is first on the list).
So... I'm guessing I don't qualify as being on the cusp of retirement anymore. :(
If you're writing part time because you want to (and not because you have to for the $$) - that's FIRE to me. Just like Pete doesn't sit like a lump at home.
Sweet! It felt weird to consider myself a FIRE "failure" since I thought of it as a success! :D
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So, I just have to shove Kris out of my way before I leap outta this plane!
Funny! I had a vivid image of a WW2 para drop with the grizzled sergeant pushing the rookie out of the plane door ;-) Must be because I binge watched Band of Brothers this weekend.
Sorry @Kris, not calling you a rookie, but can you please update with your date?
Haha -- oh wow, I forgot about this thread! I didn't know people kept these updated so assiduously!
My situation has kinda changed. I'm guessing I might have to be removed completely. DH is retiring Feb. 1, 2019... BUT: I'm now a full-time author, and I'm gonna keep writing, albeit more part-time, as we transition to a more nomadic lifestyle (Ecuador is first on the list).
So... I'm guessing I don't qualify as being on the cusp of retirement anymore. :(
[snark] @Kris , may we post the above comment on the "OP doesn't get it" thread ? [/snark]
And yes, if your FI, and not tied to someone else's desk, then you are retired.
-
@pecunia moves to 2019 cohort.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 step_away CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/05/18 cerat0n1a CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/24/18 PhilB (at 52) CONFIRMED
10/29/18 Happy CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/02/18 TartanTallulah (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/02/18 LifePhaseTwo (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/06/18 Kris CONFIRMED
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
Agent Rosenflower (Inactive since 2/2018)
FLStache (Inactive since 3/2018)
PKate and DH (Inactive since 5/2018)
dbtx (Inactive since 7/2018)
Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
ChasesFish OMY
RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
JumboShrimp OMY
Gooki 2MY or 3MY
MaybeBabyMustache OMY
Blindsquirrel OMY
Ottawa OMY
LateStarter OMY
Fire1018 ?MY [Succumbs to golden handcuffs ;-) ]
Fresh Bread OMY
pecunia OMY
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I hadn't checked this list for a while. I'm trying for OMY. I look at the ages of the people retiring and think, Wow! They are younger than me. (yes, even SwordGuy) Some are Jack Benny's age and they are too young to remember Jack Benny. I need to save a few more pesos for the medical gangsters, buy an old truck and head for the dusty sunset.
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Congratulations @RunningWithScissors, should I mark you as confirmed?
I'm not confirmed yet! Twenty-six more workdays to go. I'm just leaning out of this plane, cheeks a-flappin' in the wind...
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Getting ready to send in my resignation letter on Monday! I think my official date will be Nov 30. It feel so surreal that the goal I have been dreaming of for so long is finally at hand. Especially since I am only 39.
It's also a bit weird because I have been on a leave of absence for most of 2018 to take care of my DH who has been battling cancer. I have been getting a small amount from Employment Insurance all year, which has been nice. Plus DH is still getting long term disability so we will still have an income for at least the next little while.
I'm not announcing retirement to any but our closest friends and family. To everyone else (and my work), I am just saying that I am taking some time to stay home with DH. I will be maintaining good relationships with work and plan to pop in to visit a few times a year.
So it doesn't quite feel like a big celebratory jump into FIRE. And it's unlikely I'll get a goodbye party at work or anything. DH says we should have our closest friends over for a little party for me - but I feel a bit awkward about that.
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Congratulations @RunningWithScissors, should I mark you as confirmed?
I'm not confirmed yet! Twenty-six more workdays to go. I'm just leaning out of this plane, cheeks a-flappin' in the wind...
Which ones?
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First time I clicked onto this thread! Wow, Congratulations to all those that did it! Welcome to the club. Awesome.
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Yay, Elaine!
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Getting ready to send in my resignation letter on Monday! I think my official date will be Nov 30. It feel so surreal that the goal I have been dreaming of for so long is finally at hand. Especially since I am only 39.
Woo hoo!!!! Happy for you!!!! :D
I am hoping that, among other things, you will develop a taste for lentils in your retirement. ;-)
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elaine amj enters the cohort and FIRE's on 11/30 (my birthday)!!!
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 step_away CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/05/18 cerat0n1a CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/24/18 PhilB (at 52) CONFIRMED
10/29/18 Happy CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/02/18 TartanTallulah (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/02/18 LifePhaseTwo (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/06/18 Kris CONFIRMED
11/30/18 elaine amj CONFIRMED
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 MiserlyMiser
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
Agent Rosenflower (Inactive since 2/2018)
FLStache (Inactive since 3/2018)
PKate and DH (Inactive since 5/2018)
dbtx (Inactive since 7/2018)
Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
ChasesFish OMY
RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
JumboShrimp OMY
Gooki 2MY or 3MY
MaybeBabyMustache OMY
Blindsquirrel OMY
Ottawa OMY
LateStarter OMY
Fire1018 ?MY [Succumbs to golden handcuffs ;-) ]
Fresh Bread OMY
pecunia OMY
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@Dicey
Nobody needs that mental image! *shudder* Although, it might be a way to leave a memorable image with my soon-to-be-former employer!
-
I'm out. Partly because I just haven't figured things like healthcare out yet, partly because I have a trial coming up in the first part of 2019 that I don't want to leave my colleagues in the lurch for, and partly because OMY/I'm scared to retire. I feel like a failure because this means I will not be retiring in my 30s, but on the other hand, these past few months have been good practice at remaining calm while seeing my NW fluctuate drastically.
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I feel like a failure because this means I will not be retiring in my 30s
I retired at 41. 41!
Not 40, like a badass, but 41, like a wannabe badass who couldn't quite get his shit together in time.
But it was the right decision for my family, and in retrospect I don't regret it. You should do what's best for you and your situation, and try not to let arbitrary big round numbers dictate your life choices.
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I feel like a failure because this means I will not be retiring in my 30s
I retired at 41. 41!
Not 40, like a badass, but 41, like a wannabe badass who couldn't quite get his shit together in time.
But it was the right decision for my family, and in retrospect I don't regret it. You should do what's best for you and your situation, and try not to let arbitrary big round numbers dictate your life choices.
:) -- that was mostly (I admit not entirely!) tongue-in-cheek. It feels like 40 is looming larger than 30 did, but I'm probably just suppressing how I felt about it 10 years ago. I clearly remember, though, 12:01am on my 30th birthday thinking that it wasn't a big deal at all, which is how I hope my 40th goes.
Regardless, I'm thinking of planning a huge trip in the summer of 2019, something like the Via Francigena, that I'll have to quit my job to do. I get more things done when I have clear deadlines.
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MiserlyMiser goes OMY
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 step_away CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/05/18 cerat0n1a CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/24/18 PhilB (at 52) CONFIRMED
10/29/18 Happy CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/02/18 TartanTallulah (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/02/18 LifePhaseTwo (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/06/18 Kris CONFIRMED
11/30/18 elaine amj CONFIRMED
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18 yoda34
Date not confirmed
??/??/18 Badblackgirl
??/??/18 Calvin
??/??/18 Omalley
??/??/18 AussieGirl
??/??/18 BackAndForth
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
MIA
randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
Agent Rosenflower (Inactive since 2/2018)
FLStache (Inactive since 3/2018)
PKate and DH (Inactive since 5/2018)
dbtx (Inactive since 7/2018)
Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
Michread (Cannot find in members list)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
ChasesFish OMY
RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
JumboShrimp OMY
Gooki 2MY or 3MY
MaybeBabyMustache OMY
Blindsquirrel OMY
Ottawa OMY
LateStarter OMY
Fire1018 ?MY [Succumbs to golden handcuffs ;-) ]
Fresh Bread OMY
pecunia OMY
MiserlyMiser OMY
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Getting ready to send in my resignation letter on Monday! I think my official date will be Nov 30. It feel so surreal that the goal I have been dreaming of for so long is finally at hand. Especially since I am only 39.
It's also a bit weird because I have been on a leave of absence for most of 2018 to take care of my DH who has been battling cancer. I have been getting a small amount from Employment Insurance all year, which has been nice. Plus DH is still getting long term disability so we will still have an income for at least the next little while.
I'm not announcing retirement to any but our closest friends and family. To everyone else (and my work), I am just saying that I am taking some time to stay home with DH. I will be maintaining good relationships with work and plan to pop in to visit a few times a year.
So it doesn't quite feel like a big celebratory jump into FIRE. And it's unlikely I'll get a goodbye party at work or anything. DH says we should have our closest friends over for a little party for me - but I feel a bit awkward about that.
Great news Elaine!
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Date not confirmed
??/??/18 SugarMountain In a holding pattern, debating between OMM/OMY.
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
I guess it's safe to say I've moved into the OMY category since the clock has just about run out on 2018 and haven't resubmitted my resignation after getting talked out of in it September. New target is 8/1/2019ish.
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I guess it's safe to say I've moved into the OMY category since the clock has just about run out on 2018 and haven't resubmitted my resignation after getting talked out of in it September. New target is 8/1/2019ish.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
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My condolences as well.
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I guess it's safe to say I've moved into the OMY category since the clock has just about run out on 2018 and haven't resubmitted my resignation after getting talked out of in it September. New target is 8/1/2019ish.
It's not too late!
What's really holding you back?
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Great news Elaine!
Especially after all my endless OMYing, hmm? I do wonder though - if we really do have enough. Then again, I guess at some point I have to take the plunge. Especially since what will all these little sacrifices/denials be for?
Frankly, I'm content with simplicity but don't have anything against a little luxury either :) I'm not particularly against overconsumption except when it detracts from my own goals.
So now I have been officially FIREd for a week. I will say - it's been crazy how busy we are right now. Countless, neverending little errands. I'm starting to suspect we are taking on too many things even though they all feel important. And of course (especially in my case as I am not very efficient right now), the work probably just expands to fill the time available.
Gotta scale back somehow! I spent sometime discussing it serioualy with DH a couple of nights ago. I think he took it to heart because he laid off the pressure today and it magically became a relaxed day and I somehow still got a lot accomplished.
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I guess it's safe to say I've moved into the OMY category since the clock has just about run out on 2018 and haven't resubmitted my resignation after getting talked out of in it September. New target is 8/1/2019ish.
It's not too late!
What's really holding you back?
Really easy money if I stick it out until August. After I told the boss I was quitting in September they gave me a new role with essentially no responsibility. I've got a lot of flexibility as far as what I'm working on, as well as where and when I'm working. I don't quite get why they've done this since they are now vastly over paying me, but I'm willing to ride it for a while. I think there's a non zero chance that there are layoffs coming and they wanted to keep me around so they'd have a body to throw on the pile, which would serve my purposes as well. Ironically, the stache has decreased by as much or more as the additional money I'll bank because of the market "correction". I literally would have had my last day within a day or two of the market peak if I'd stuck with it.
Having an extra buffer to deal with ever increasing health care costs will be nice as well. (We're admittedly going to be fat FIRE so probably not a lot of ACA subsidies and that looks like $30k+ per year by the time we reach our sixties.)
I also think that psychologically I wasn't quite ready. I probably need to go through livingafi's blog again as I think he went through some of the same issues.
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I gave my landlord notice yesterday by email that I would no longer be continuing to rent my office space after the month of December. I'm on a month to month lease, and the leasing manager said I just need to give one month notice.
It will be so nice not to have to drive back and forth there anymore.
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Four weeks on, I still have no evidence that I retired TO something rather than FROM something, but there's no hurry. I'm enjoying having mornings. And afternoons. And being able to go to bed at 10pm having had an evening rather than having arrived home from work, scarfed a bowl of breakfast cereal, felt bad about not having exercised all day, and gone to bed.
I'm enjoying my 12-18 hours a week of freelance work. It's just enough to deter me from taking on any committing voluntary activities. I said I wouldn't, but the need for validation through work doesn't go away just because you start to describe yourself as "retired". When those few sessions of work start to feel like an imposition, I'll stop.
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I haven't quite figured out what retirement will look like either :)
However, Nov 30 was the official date of my retirement so now I have officially been FIRE for 2 days!! Feels weird since I have been off on leave since January anyway lol.
My office reached out to me and said they would really like to do something to recognize my leaving so they are throwing me a goodbye lunch. I was very deeply touched by the gesture. That was so nice and unexpected since I have been gone for so long!
Things are getting real though. They posted my job today (changed the title and tweaked it a bit) and I got a message from an acquaintance asking what was up.
Still haven't decided what to say. I was planning to just tell close friends and keep it quiet with everyone else. But more and more people keep asking lol (since many know I had planned to return to work in December). Some of my friends tell me I should just shout it out from the rooftops - but I still feel a bit weird about it. DH says we should tell a wider circle of the people we see regularly. So I guess we will. I suppose there's no reason to keep it a deep, dark secret.
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I suppose there's no reason to keep it a deep, dark secret.
If you're authentically living your best life, then you absolutely can shout it from the rooftops. People need to see examples of non-traditional behaviors in order for those behaviors to be normalized. Once enough people are retired at age 40, it won't be weird anymore to be retired at age 40.
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Ten days to go....
Supplemental health care insurance? Check.
Office files disposed of or archived? Check.
Office parking pass cancelled? Check.
Personal belongings taken home? Check.
Smiling beatifically at my manager and coworkers when assignments for the New Year are discussed? Check.
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Ten days to go....
Supplemental health care insurance? Check.
Office files disposed of or archived? Check.
Office parking pass cancelled? Check.
Personal belongings taken home? Check.
Smiling beatifically at my manager and coworkers when assignments for the New Year are discussed? Check.
Woot! You are almost there!!!
Sent from my LG-K373 using Tapatalk
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I used to wonder why there were so few posts from people who had already FIREd. Seven weeks after pulling the plug, I suspect I now know why as I seem to barely have time to scratch my arse.
My feelings in that time have varied between weird, wonderful and knackered. On my first trip into the market after retirement I kept catching myself rushing and had to make myself relax and slow down as I didn't need to rush any more. This kept happening for the first few weeks until one sunny day when I found myself gently pootling around town on my bike and a strange, unfamiliar feeling came over me that I eventually realised was happiness. That feeling has been recurring with increasing frequency ever since.
The biggest difference to how I expected to pass my days and the reality is the sheer amount of physical work I'm doing almost every day. It turns out that the fatigue which I had been attributing to my leukaemia drugs, and which I expected to mean several hours every day would be spent chilling, was actually largely caused by work stress and a sedentary lifestyle. I'm feeling ten years younger, powering through the various projects around the house and garden and getting more of a feeling of achievement from things like building a new log store or digging up a tree stump than my job gave me in years. Spending is coming in under budget and I hardly ever think about my finances any more - after spending the last few years obsessing about them.
All in all I am having a wonderful time. Having concentrated my plans so hard on wealth the bonus of health and happiness post FIRE is a delight that I hope you all get to share.
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I used to wonder why there were so few posts from people who had already FIREd. Seven weeks after pulling the plug, I suspect I now know why as I seem to barely have time to scratch my arse.
My feelings in that time have varied between weird, wonderful and knackered. On my first trip into the market after retirement I kept catching myself rushing and had to make myself relax and slow down as I didn't need to rush any more. This kept happening for the first few weeks until one sunny day when I found myself gently pootling around town on my bike and a strange, unfamiliar feeling came over me that I eventually realised was happiness. That feeling has been recurring with increasing frequency ever since.
The biggest difference to how I expected to pass my days and the reality is the sheer amount of physical work I'm doing almost every day. It turns out that the fatigue which I had been attributing to my leukaemia drugs, and which I expected to mean several hours every day would be spent chilling, was actually largely caused by work stress and a sedentary lifestyle. I'm feeling ten years younger, powering through the various projects around the house and garden and getting more of a feeling of achievement from things like building a new log store or digging up a tree stump than my job gave me in years. Spending is coming in under budget and I hardly ever think about my finances any more - after spending the last few years obsessing about them.
All in all I am having a wonderful time. Having concentrated my plans so hard on wealth the bonus of health and happiness post FIRE is a delight that I hope you all get to share.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm thrilled FIRE life is working out for you.
It has been 2 months since I went part time. I get more exercise and feel healthier. My back has not hurt once during those 2 months and I even enjoy the little bit of work I do so much more. The first few weeks after making that transition I rotted away on the couch. It took a bit of decompression and motivation to get myself moving again. I also find that going in to work a few days a month helps give me a bit of a schedule and provides me with more motivation. I think for now part time is a good transition that I can do for the time being. If I stop liking it, I will retire completely.
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I used to wonder why there were so few posts from people who had already FIREd. Seven weeks after pulling the plug, I suspect I now know why as I seem to barely have time to scratch my arse.
My feelings in that time have varied between weird, wonderful and knackered. On my first trip into the market after retirement I kept catching myself rushing and had to make myself relax and slow down as I didn't need to rush any more. This kept happening for the first few weeks until one sunny day when I found myself gently pootling around town on my bike and a strange, unfamiliar feeling came over me that I eventually realised was happiness. That feeling has been recurring with increasing frequency ever since.
The biggest difference to how I expected to pass my days and the reality is the sheer amount of physical work I'm doing almost every day. It turns out that the fatigue which I had been attributing to my leukaemia drugs, and which I expected to mean several hours every day would be spent chilling, was actually largely caused by work stress and a sedentary lifestyle. I'm feeling ten years younger, powering through the various projects around the house and garden and getting more of a feeling of achievement from things like building a new log store or digging up a tree stump than my job gave me in years. Spending is coming in under budget and I hardly ever think about my finances any more - after spending the last few years obsessing about them.
All in all I am having a wonderful time. Having concentrated my plans so hard on wealth the bonus of health and happiness post FIRE is a delight that I hope you all get to share.
Shared this as the best post of the day. I hope we will all experience this good feeling after FIRE, and hopefully some before as well.
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Merry Christmas 2018 cohort!
Any more pulling the trigger by the end of the year?
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Merry Christmas to all our 2018 cohort! It will be awesome to add some extra names to our cohort :) :)
Sent from my LG-K373 using Tapatalk
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As we are coming into the end of the year I thought I'd give an update. TLDR is I'm doing at least OMY.
Long version:
I quit my highly paid, highly stressful job in fiance a year ago to take an individual contributor role at a local company. Despite much lower pay was still on track to hit our number by this December. Haven't actually hit our final number all the way because of market shenanigans since October - still close enough though to go ahead quite and do our plans for the Great Loop. Two things have changed - one is we found out (despite years of trying and doc's saying it wasn't going to happen) that we were pregnant and our first child was born this year (6 months old now!). Also at my new job my boss and my boss's boss got fired and they asked me to take over and run the entire department with a healthy pay bump.
With the kid I'm now not sure what our expenses will be or how much it will add to our budget so I'm reluctant to quit until I have that figured out. So for now i'm taking the new role and continuing to add to the stash. We'll see how long this lasts.
This has been a great group and I've really enjoyed watching all of you accomplish something awesome. Best wishes to you all.
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@yoda34 That makes sense - especially since you really don't have an idea how much the baby will add to your expenses. On the good side, sounds like you like this new job a lot better.
I have been FIREd a month now and am feeling overall good about it. I have been struggling a bit with emotional issues and overall fatigue - likely related to DH's battle with cancer over the past 3 years. He's been done treatment for over 6 months now and overall prognosis is very positive (althoygh we won't get an all-clear for another year at least) but I guess I am still dealing with the fallout from it all.
Being FIREd doesn't change that I am dealing with all this stuff but I am glad I don't have to be at work all day to add to my stress and fatigue.
My sister in law don't particularly think it's a great idea that I FIREd though. They think it is a waste to retire to sit on my butt all day (of course they are the original frugalistas and only work now to have something to do every day). Today we were walking past my old office and my BIL started asking me about the likelihood of getting rehired there if I wanted. I have been maintaining good relations with my bosses so its possible (although openings are rare) but whatever.
On the good side, DH has been finding various unexpected streams of income lately so he's been comfortable with the money side of things (instead of panicky like I thought he might be - especially with the recent drop in the stock market).
Now that 2018 is just about over, how is everyone else in the 2018 cohort feeling about FIREd life? I am hoping you are all enjoying the freedom :) :)
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I must admit that the recent market correction or pullback did cause me some pause. Going from 25x down to 22.5x right as we changed course is a bit disconcerting and I am glad I decided to go part time as opposed to retire completely. I know, I know, history says that we would still be fine despite the pull back, but it doesn't change the fact that we are currently not at 25x.
Just for perspective part time for me is 2 days a week and I chose this because I enjoy what I do, and enjoy it now so much more when I don't have to do it that often. We also chose this route because we are looking for a slightly fatter FIRE with the extra expenses devoted to experiences and travel but did not want to give up some of our happiness now to work full time an extra 1-2 years to get there when 3-4 years of part time will accomplish the same thing.
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Congratulations @yoda34 on your baby. I'm sure any disappointment at not FIREing in 2018 is absolutely insignificant compared to the joy of having your child.
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Hey are we all FIRED? Congrats to everyone. We are soon to be a past cohort...please post some followups.... and hope all the OMYs come to their senses in 2019.
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A little over six months in to FIRE and life is great!
Moved to a LCOL area, bought a great house and our budget is holding strong. My income from pension and VA compensation is higher than I planned, so that's been nice.
Last shave day, was the day of my retirement ceremony, 15 June. Beard is coming along nicely.
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Before...
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O MY
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It's been about 6 months since we FIRED. Maybe I should say "FIRD" since it wasn't particularly "early".
It's been great in a host of ways.
Our time is much more our own and that's been simply awesome.
We've done very well except for health-related issues. My wife and I were sick for much of May. My teeth have needed a lot of work and that's blown the budget. My wife fell and sprained her ankle so she's been on crutches and in a wheel chair. And my daughter (who has Downs Syndrome) slipped on the stairs this weekend and broke her leg, so now she's on a wheelchair. I'm getting a real workout helping her in and out of her wheelchair. If my back survives this I'll be much stronger for it.
So, health issues have made much of the last six months suck.
I can only say, I can't imagine how truly horrible it would have been if we had to try to go to work or if we couldn't pay our bills because we weren't working. That would have turned a bad situation into a horrific one.
Sometimes being FI means you can roll with life's punches and still end up standing afterwards.
So even if not all FIRE stories start off full of beaches and sunshine, they are still better than being stuck in the workplace.
My wife's ankle and my daughter's leg will heal, my back will stop aching, and we'll have more fun outings next year instead of this one.
On the plus side, I've been enjoying getting some rental properties fixed up. I was really enjoying painting the outside of rental #4 last week. The weather was great, the work was soothing and I could start or quit pretty much when I wanted. I'll start back up on it next week now that things are settling into a routine with my daughter.
My wife is getting around ok.
My daughter has started walking again. Slowly, and she's scared of falling. She needs to wear an ankle brace for a few more weeks. She gets tired easily after sitting instead of walking, so it may take another month to get her back up to speed.
The big market volatility has been good for getting us used to market ups and downs. Kind of like an innoculation. $50k up, $50k down, it's all in a day's market wandering. Good training for the bad times.
We'll finish rental #4 up in January.
Should be able to pick up a couple more rentals over the next couple of years. I'll just keep looking for good deals.
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Nice pics, DavisGang! If you go big in post-military life, maybe try a mohawk too? ;)
High-fives all around! Even the OMYers (hey, 2019 starts tomorrow!). And, happy first FIREd new year to the class of 2018!
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Love the pictures(s) Davis!
Just under 11 weeks to go for this OMYer, but I am taking almost two of those 11 weeks off to be in Hawaii
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Congratulations to the 2018 cohort. I hope you will keep coming back to give us updates and wisdom as your FI journeys continue.
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O MY
Don't forget - 6 months is also an option! ;)
Yoda - totally understand with the baby thing. Fortunately until we needed to start paying for care due to both working, costs haven't been bad at all.
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Am I the last FiREee of 2018? Last day of work was December 20th. Since then, it’s been a blur of Christmas celebrations and travel to our new home. Have spent the last few days setting up the new house.
Doesn’t feel real yet since it’s a traditional holiday time. Hopefully, it’ll sink in after a few more weeks.
HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!
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Am I the last FiREee of 2018? Last day of work was December 20th. Since then, it’s been a blur of Christmas celebrations and travel to our new home. Have spent the last few days setting up the new house.
Doesn’t feel real yet since it’s a traditional holiday time. Hopefully, it’ll sink in after a few more weeks.
HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!
I think you'll have the best new year ever, since it will start with not going to work! Congratulations.
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Hi all! First off, congrats to all those who FIREd this year!!!
A long-belated update:
TLDR: 1-2 more years. Quit job and started a business ~3 years ago that's going really well. Planning to "semi-retire" in about a year.
Not too long after I joined the cohort I ended up quitting my job and started a business related to my industry. The first year was a little slow getting things off the ground but at this point I've more than replaced my income from my job, so that's pretty awesome!
Also, I moved closer to family last year and bought my first house this year, so a few big changes recently.
Now that the business is going well, my plan is to dial back my time in it by the end of 2019 so that I'm more-or-less "semi-retired." But, I plan to keep the business going for the foreseeable future since it's fairly flexible, is doing well and I mostly enjoy it.
That's it for me. Once I have more settled plans, I'll probably jump into the 2020 cohort.
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Congrats to everyone on team 2018!!
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Congrats everyone! Living vicariously through your experience has been very motivating and inspiring.
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Congrats everyone! Living vicariously through your experience has been very motivating and inspiring.
+1! Congrats Class of 2018! Thanks for the motivation and I hope you all have a fantastic 2019.
Any and all OMYers are welcome to join us over in the 2019 cohort. Party's just getting started over there . . .
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Many Congratulations to the 2018 success stories, whether you pulled the rip cord or re-evaluated and made a new plan. You are so far ahead of the game it is worth taking a moment to reflect on all you have already accomplished!
May you have continued success in all that you set your minds to!
Loren
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Yesterday I closed down my office in Southfield, removed all my belongings and put the keys in the landlord's mailbox.
I'm now part time, with no more 80 mile round trip drives.
My part-time work will still generate income larger than my needs so I will still be saving money.
I also intend to SPEND MORE !!! Hello spinning classes, magazine/newspaper subscriptions, etc. etc.
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Yesterday I closed down my office in Southfield, removed all my belongings and put the keys in the landlord's mailbox.
I'm now part time, with no more 80 mile round trip drives.
My part-time work will still generate income larger than my needs so I will still be saving money.
I also intend to SPEND MORE !!! Hello spinning classes, magazine/newspaper subscriptions, etc. etc.
I rather like the fact that as the last member of the cohort you got to turn out the lights!
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Yesterday I closed down my office in Southfield, removed all my belongings and put the keys in the landlord's mailbox.
I'm now part time, with no more 80 mile round trip drives.
My part-time work will still generate income larger than my needs so I will still be saving money.
I also intend to SPEND MORE !!! Hello spinning classes, magazine/newspaper subscriptions, etc. etc.
I rather like the fact that as the last member of the cohort you got to turn out the lights!
Haha good point. I turned off the lights metaphorically and literally.
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Yesterday I closed down my office in Southfield, removed all my belongings and put the keys in the landlord's mailbox.
I'm now part time, with no more 80 mile round trip drives.
My part-time work will still generate income larger than my needs so I will still be saving money.
I also intend to SPEND MORE !!! Hello spinning classes, magazine/newspaper subscriptions, etc. etc.
That's so exciting! Especially ditching that commute!!
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Congrats 2018! I'm sorry I couldn't join you, but almost six figures of savings for ten weeks of work was too much to pass up. 41 working days left after vacation/holidays, ect
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Congratulations Cohort of 2018! We have successfully battled OMY and a fluctuating market to make the plunge. As someone who has done a full year now, I can attest that it just looks harder, but is actually easier.
@davisgang90. looks like beards are the in thing for FIRE. I've grown one, though not as majestic as yours!
2018 started with a bang with FIRE and ended with a whimper (sickness) for me. I returned from a 9-day trip to Mexico City and got Guillaume-Barre syndrome and spent 4 weeks in the hospital. Both Christmas and New Years in hospital :-(
I am doing much better now, got home a couple of days ago. I have a rigorous schedule of physical therapy and hope to be back to normal in a couple of months or so.
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Congratulations Cohort of 2018! We have successfully battled OMY and a fluctuating market to make the plunge. As someone who has done a full year now, I can attest that it just looks harder, but is actually easier.
@davisgang90. looks like beards are the in thing for FIRE. I've grown one, though not as majestic as yours!
2018 started with a bang with FIRE and ended with a whimper (sickness) for me. I returned from a 9-day trip to Mexico City and got Guillaume-Barre syndrome and spent 4 weeks in the hospital. Both Christmas and New Years in hospital :-(
I am doing much better now, got home a couple of days ago. I have a rigorous schedule of physical therapy and hope to be back to normal in a couple of months or so.
What a way to start your FIRE year. Best wishes for 2019 and I hope you will get well this year.
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Congratulations Cohort of 2018! Best wishes to all in FIRE.
Here is the final list for this cohort.
01/01/18 CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18 Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18 Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18 PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18 Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18 MomCPA CONFIRMED
02/01/18 DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18 Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18 JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18 Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18 Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18 Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18 brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18 Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18 Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18 Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18 Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18 homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18 Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18 msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18 Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18 lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18 OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18 moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18 Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18 ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18 SwordGuy (at 60) CONFIRMED
04/27/18 poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18 andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18 wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18 Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18 SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying. He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18 Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18 Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 Will (at 53) CONFIRMED
06/01/18 step_away CONFIRMED
06/08/18 SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18 Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18 DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18 aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18 HenryDavid CONFIRMED
07/06/18 Honeyfill (at 60) CONFIRMED
07/09/18 CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 mjr (at 52) CONFIRMED
08/03/18 Mogadishu (at 40) CONFIRMED
08/09/18 cap396 (at 46) CONFIRMED
08/10/18 FernFree (at 49) CONFIRMED
08/17/18 sui generis (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/24/18 sol (at 41) CONFIRMED
08/31/18 RiverTop (at 55) CONFIRMED
09/01/18 Vegasgirl (at 49) CONFIRMED
09/28/18 Richmond2020 (at 43) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 SwissMiss (at 50) CONFIRMED
09/30/18 JerseyGrrrl (at 48) CONFIRMED
10/05/18 Jim2001 CONFIRMED
10/05/18 cerat0n1a CONFIRMED
10/15/18 EnjoyIt CONFIRMED Part Time.
10/24/18 PhilB (at 52) CONFIRMED
10/29/18 Happy CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Mr Griz CONFIRMED
10/31/18 Irishtache CONFIRMED
11/02/18 TartanTallulah (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/02/18 LifePhaseTwo (at 54) CONFIRMED
11/06/18 Kris CONFIRMED
11/30/18 elaine amj CONFIRMED
12/21/18 RunningWithScissors CONFIRMED
12/31/18 DavidAnnArbor (at 53) CONFIRMED
MIA
randomgiraffe (Inactive since 2/2017)
Minnesota_mom (Inactive since 2/2017)
HappyMargo (Inactive since 6/2017)
NorCalistache (Inactive since 8/2017)
DeSteeg (Inactive since 12/2015)
Agent Rosenflower (Inactive since 2/2018)
FLStache (Inactive since 3/2018)
PKate and DH (Inactive since 5/2018)
dbtx (Inactive since 7/2018)
Alim Nassor (Cannot find in members list)
SnidelyWhiplashStache (Cannot find in members list)
Sofa King (Cannot find in members list)
Michread (Cannot find in members list)
Badblackgirl (No date provided)
Omalley (No date provided)
AussieGirl (No date provided)
BackAndForth (No date provided)
OMY/2MY/3MY etc.
ChasesFish OMY
RetireAbroadAt35 05/??/18, now OMY.
JumboShrimp OMY
Gooki 2MY or 3MY
MaybeBabyMustache OMY
Blindsquirrel OMY
Ottawa OMY
LateStarter OMY
Fire1018 ?MY [Succumbs to golden handcuffs ;-) ]
Fresh Bread OMY
pecunia OMY
MiserlyMiser OMY
SugarMountain OMY
yoda34 OMY
Calvin OMY
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2018 started with a bang with FIRE and ended with a whimper (sickness) for me. I returned from a 9-day trip to Mexico City and got Guillaume-Barre syndrome and spent 4 weeks in the hospital. Both Christmas and New Years in hospital :-(
I am doing much better now, got home a couple of days ago. I have a rigorous schedule of physical therapy and hope to be back to normal in a couple of months or so.
OMG, so glad you are ok and have a good prognosis! My fiance almost died of this when he was 2 and I've heard the recovery is very difficult the older you are when you get it. Best wishes for your physical therapy and all the hard work you are going to put into it.
Thanks for the update on the final cohort list, too!
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What a crazy twist of fate! Best wishes for a complete recovery @CowboyAndIndian!
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I wish you a complete and speedy recovery CowboyandIndian
Please keep us informed.
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Congratulations Cohort of 2018! We have successfully battled OMY and a fluctuating market to make the plunge. As someone who has done a full year now, I can attest that it just looks harder, but is actually easier.
@davisgang90. looks like beards are the in thing for FIRE. I've grown one, though not as majestic as yours!
2018 started with a bang with FIRE and ended with a whimper (sickness) for me. I returned from a 9-day trip to Mexico City and got Guillaume-Barre syndrome and spent 4 weeks in the hospital. Both Christmas and New Years in hospital :-(
I am doing much better now, got home a couple of days ago. I have a rigorous schedule of physical therapy and hope to be back to normal in a couple of months or so.
May your myelin regrow and your muscles strengthen in the new year.
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Thank you for your kind wishes for my recovery @Linda_Norway , @sui generis , @Dicey , @DavidAnnArbor , @EnjoyIt .
The prognosis is good but I have a long way to climb out of this hole. I am doing Physical and Occupational Therapy and later on when the myelin sheaths regrow, I might have to have vision therapy to get rid of my double vision.
I am in good spirits, thanks to family, friends and my friends on MMM.
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I read that Guillaume-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disorder.
Maybe getting probiotics will help the immune system.
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It's good to know that you're keeping your spirits up CowboyAndIndian. One of the real downsides of FIRE, that they don't tell you about, is that every time you are sick it's on your own time! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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Congratulations Cohort of 2018! Best wishes to all in FIRE.
Here is the final list for this cohort.
...
Do you differentiate between those who are living off their savings in the sense advocated on this site from those who stop working while a spouse continues earning a sizable income? Claiming FIRE is one thing but when your spouse keeps his/her job and it pays the bills, that is completely different. Not much freedom to do things as a couple. And no need to actually have the money to retire since someone else has a healthy income.
Half my household isn't working at the moment, can I claim FIRE? If so, we retired a long time ago.
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Do you differentiate between those who are living off their savings in the sense advocated on this site from those who stop working while a spouse continues earning a sizable income? Claiming FIRE is one thing but when your spouse keeps his/her job and it pays the bills, that is completely different. Not much freedom to do things as a couple. And no need to actually have the money to retire since someone else has a healthy income.
Half my household isn't working at the moment, can I claim FIRE? If so, we retired a long time ago.
If the other half of your household has earned/saved/invested enough to support you plural, even if you singular stopped working today, it's safe to call them FIRE.
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Do you differentiate between those who are living off their savings in the sense advocated on this site from those who stop working while a spouse continues earning a sizable income? Claiming FIRE is one thing but when your spouse keeps his/her job and it pays the bills, that is completely different. Not much freedom to do things as a couple. And no need to actually have the money to retire since someone else has a healthy income.
Half my household isn't working at the moment, can I claim FIRE? If so, we retired a long time ago.
If the other half of your household has earned/saved/invested enough to support you plural, even if you singular stopped working today, it's safe to call them FIRE.
Yep. It's perfectly reasonable to have an FI couple where one spouse is FIRE but the other chooses to still work. If the household isn't FI without the salary of the worker then generally no - but it gets complicated if an already FIRED individual becomes part of a couple with a non FI person...
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Our accounts are joint, so I guess we are retired. Only nothing has changed!
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Well into post-job life now and things are assuming a clearer shape.
Very, very part-time freelancing, purely for fun and out of curiosity (maybe 12 hours/month). At double my peak hourly rate when I worked.
Settling into a routine with creative work. So far so good. Music and language development goals still lagging though--needs more structure.
Maxed out holiday time with "chosen family" (friends) and had a decent visit with bio family.
Far better rested, a tad fitter, enjoying the limitless horizons--but no big rush to make enormous changes, i.e. move someplace new.
Spending on autopilot at road-tested levels.
And finally . .. .. much more outdoor time with spouse, mid-day, midweek, while the winter sun is shining. This is probably the biggest benefit so far. Good for both of us, relaxed, and free of course.
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Our accounts are joint, so I guess we are retired. Only nothing has changed!
I would posit that you are both FI if you already have enough money to never need to work again, even if one of you is still working for reasons unrelated to finances.
If one of you is still working, even for fun, you might be sort of RE but not fully RE. My FIL retired from 20 years in the military and 14 years in civil service, and then got a part time job at Lowe's to stay busy and get the employee discount, and he definitely considered himself retired even though he was still working. He did not need the money.
A stay at home spouse who never had a career is probably never retired. If a stay at home spouse previously had a career and then finished it after working 30 years, I think that counts as retired even in the case where the other spouse is still working to pay all expenses. I'm not sure that the "30 years" part of that sentence is really required.
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So the names in this 2018 FIRE list are simply those where everyone in the household is retired and the bills are paid via retirement instruments (SS, pensions, savings, etc)?
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So the names in this 2018 FIRE list are simply those where everyone in the household is retired and the bills are paid via retirement instruments (SS, pensions, savings, etc)?
Money is fungible. If one spouse is still earning $10k per year shelving books at the local library, and the rest of the family's $40k/year spending is coming from a $1,000,000 nest egg, I would suggest that they are 4% compliant with or without the library job, and should probably count as retired. Whether they withdraw 30k and spend the 10k of library money, or withdraw 40k and save the 10k of library money, I don't think it matters. In this example, a household might still be retired even if they are working to earn money that they are spending, because the money is unnecessary for them to be retired.
It's a fuzzy area, though. Some people want to reserve the term "retired" for people who do no paid work of any sort. Even hobbies that generate a little side income are sometimes considered a retirement-disqualifying "job", regardless of the size of your assets or spending rate. To these people, it doesn't matter if you only spend $25k/year and have a billion dollars of VTSAX, if you sell needlepoint on Etsy then you're not retired.
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I think we can agree hobbies and for fun work could still qualify a family as retired. Just not “normal” continuation of the same 40+ hour job/career for one worker while another takes a break or retires or wants to spend time at home or with kids.
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So the names in this 2018 FIRE list are simply those where everyone in the household is retired and the bills are paid via retirement instruments (SS, pensions, savings, etc)?
To me the people on the list are those who wanted to be held accountable for and subsequently celebrate a major life event that they considered an act of FIRE. There’re no prizes for joining the list (and not much to lose if you stay quiet).
If you don’t feel you meet that criteria, it probably doesn’t make sense to add yourself.
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So the names in this 2018 FIRE list are simply those where everyone in the household is retired and the bills are paid via retirement instruments (SS, pensions, savings, etc)?
To me the people on the list are those who wanted to be held accountable for and subsequently celebrate a major life event that they considered an act of FIRE. There’re no prizes for joining the list (and not much to lose if you stay quiet).
If you don’t feel you meet that criteria, it probably doesn’t make sense to add yourself.
Wait a minute! There are no prizes for joining this list!?!?
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So the names in this 2018 FIRE list are simply those where everyone in the household is retired and the bills are paid via retirement instruments (SS, pensions, savings, etc)?
To me the people on the list are those who wanted to be held accountable for and subsequently celebrate a major life event that they considered an act of FIRE. There’re no prizes for joining the list (and not much to lose if you stay quiet).
If you don’t feel you meet that criteria, it probably doesn’t make sense to add yourself.
Wait a minute! There are no prizes for joining this list!?!?
Ok, just for you Will.
(https://familyguyaddicts.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/you-did-good-kid.png)
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To me the people on the list are those who wanted to be held accountable for and subsequently celebrate a major life event that they considered an act of FIRE. There’re no prizes for joining the list (and not much to lose if you stay quiet).
If you don’t feel you meet that criteria, it probably doesn’t make sense to add yourself.
The criteria seem quite loose and broad. But I congratulate anyone who feels like they accomplished whatever they defined. I think everyone should get a prize or at least a certificate of merit.
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Hope everyone who self-declared FIRE in our 2018 FIRE cohort is enjoying their time - whether or not they meet the guidelines of the Internet Retirement Police :)
As for me,I am still loving sleeping in every morning!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
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To me the people on the list are those who wanted to be held accountable for and subsequently celebrate a major life event that they considered an act of FIRE. There’re no prizes for joining the list (and not much to lose if you stay quiet).
If you don’t feel you meet that criteria, it probably doesn’t make sense to add yourself.
The criteria seem quite loose and broad. But I congratulate anyone who feels like they accomplished whatever they defined. I think everyone should get a prize or at least a certificate of merit.
I think the prize is the lives we are leading as retired folk. The certificates of merit we get are the statements we get from our financial institutions. :)
Hope everyone who self-declared FIRE in our 2018 FIRE cohort is enjoying their time - whether or not they meet the guidelines of the Internet Retirement Police :)
As for me,I am still loving sleeping in every morning!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Yeah, I think I need to change the "Do Not Disturb" times on my phone. I love sleeping in as well, but I am getting phone calls at "normal times" that wake me up because I am no longer a part of the "normal".
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Yes I am sleeping in til 8 every day. But it makes a late start to the day if I have a leisurely breakfast and shower. I seem to still have a need to.get.stuff.done. And I have plenty to do. So I am trying to gradually wean myself back to an earlier start.
Today was an excellent blend. Sleep til 7:30. Slow start, which means coffee and a handful of nuts, knocked out a couple of forum posts. Then walked the dogs to the beach, gave them a run, and had family brunch at our local cafe. Then headed up to my parents house to work....we are preparing it for market so that meant clearing out the garage, some gardening, and planting, and clearing out an area of plants downstairs.
A quick pasta meal and some wine and I'm now chilling.
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I still have to get up at 6:50 to get the kids ready for school. I hate you all.
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I still have to get up at 6:50 to get the kids ready for school. I hate you all.
Ah, they say the days are long, but the years are short. You'll get there, @PhilB!
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Waking naturally (no alarm clock) has definitely been a highlight of my retirement!! Since I quite working back in April, I have used an alarm clock only a handful of times--to get up early to catch a plane to go somewhere fun, to meet friends for breakfast, to meet friends to hiking adventures, or to do math activities with kids or teachers. The days of routinely having to get up at 4:30 each morning are over!!
Even with no alarm clock, though, I usually wake up between 5 and 6 anyway. I like being up early to get a jump start on the day.
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I still have to get up at 6:50 to get the kids ready for school. I hate you all.
Ah, they say the days are long, but the years are short. You'll get there, @PhilB!
I only wish I was retired young enough still to have school age kids :P
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I still have to get up at 6:50 to get the kids ready for school. I hate you all.
Ah, they say the days are long, but the years are short. You'll get there, @PhilB!
I only wish I was retired young enough still to have school age kids :P
It's all in how you look at it, isn't it?
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I found a great spinning studio where there's this intense spinning class/boot camp class that I'm taking. I love it.
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I found a great spinning studio where there's this intense spinning class/boot camp class that I'm taking. I love it.
Cool! That will be fun!
We missed out on fun travel this year after FIRE because of illness and injuries in my family. I just found a 3 month gig in southern Italy that sounds like fun. My wife and I are still talking it over to see if (a) she wants to do it too and (b) she doesn't mind if I go ahead and give it a whirl.
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Swordguy I hope things are improving for your wife and your daughter.
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Swordguy I hope things are improving for your wife and your daughter.
They are, thanks! They are getting better every day. My honey and I are going for a walk tomorrow morning. Woot! First one in months!
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Hope everyone who self-declared FIRE in our 2018 FIRE cohort is enjoying their time - whether or not they meet the guidelines of the Internet Retirement Police :)
As for me,I am still loving sleeping in every morning!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Oh yes! We’re having a ball, travelling, shopping when it’s quiet, spending time with grandson, with another on the way. Life is excellent!
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Hope everyone who self-declared FIRE in our 2018 FIRE cohort is enjoying their time - whether or not they meet the guidelines of the Internet Retirement Police :)
As for me,I am still loving sleeping in every morning!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Everything is looking great! Enjoying FIRE tremendously. Budget is on track. Healthcare pretty much sorted. Spending time with friends and family. Cooking. Walking dog and daughter to school and back. Doing tasks around the house. Getting into the real estate deal with about 20% of the stache over the next few months. Supporting my DW as she returns to study for a more advanced qualification. Gearing up for a big bucket list trip to Japan in Oct. Starting a side gig consulting that hopefully will earn just enough to assist with tax optimization.
Looking a lot more after my health which thankfully is good all around incl. Family.
Hope everyone else is also having a blast!! For any 2019 cadre, come on in, the water's fine. Jump!
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I'm still an early riser, as are my kids. I like the quiet time in the morning before and after they leave for school.
I think one of my favorite things (other than not working) is the ability to run any errands when everyone else is at work.
Weekends we can just chill!
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Some VERY nice reports :)
We're still settling into a routine. I love that I am able to fit in more time for physical activities now and I have been getting 1-2 hours a day either swimming, walking, or running (slowly). Was talking to DH a couple of days ago and commented that this is a big part of what I want my FIREd life to look like.
Next step is to find more consistent time to spend with DH. Our schedules haven't been meshing frightfully well and most of our time together has been on the couch doing our own stuff. His idea of family time these days has been watching movies together. I like movies, but not every day. I'd sooner hang on my various forums. He says its not the same when I am not actively watching with him though.
He doesn't like either swimming or walking - my current 2 favorite activities. He does love ice skating so we are going to try to fit that into our regular schedule.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
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The psychological reality of FIRE is taking time to adjust to, realize, and the effects on my life are real.
I'm trying to be more in the moment. I'm less frantic now that I'm not trying to drive to a work location.
I still work part-time but am not hesitating to create more limits and boundaries regarding my time.
I'm becoming more spontaneous and spending more time with friends.
I have set up a bird feeder in my backyard, and a pair of cardinals are enjoying the safflower seeds.
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I'm nearing on 6 months in and am super happy! I am more busy than I would like, so I've promised myself not to take on anymore volunteer gigs. I have made time for consistent meditation and exercise, which is fantastic. But, I haven't gotten to several other priorities at all. But hey, if all goes well, I'll have another 40-50 years to get to them.
I was talking to one of my oldest friends the other day and telling her that I am more busy than I'd like to be with the stuff I've volunteered for and she somehow decided that was evidence that I really miss working, since I am trying so hard to fill my schedule up, and should just go back to work and get paid for it. I really wanted to ask her how we're even friends! Because I draw the exact opposite conclusion. I don't miss working and I do have more free time than when I was working and even that's not enough free time so I had to go so far as to make a rule that I wouldn't take anything else on! But she didn't get it. Needless to say, she won't be retiring early. And probably won't rest until she's able to drag me out of retirement, too. It'll be a long battle...
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I was talking to one of my oldest friends the other day and telling her that I am more busy than I'd like to be with the stuff I've volunteered for and she somehow decided that was evidence that I really miss working, since I am trying so hard to fill my schedule up, and should just go back to work and get paid for it.
I sort of inadvertently tried to go back to work (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/sol-fails-at-retirement). It did not go well for me, and now I'm trying to extricate myself so I can go back to other stuff.
All of those MMM posts about taking on little side-gigs in retirement were easy to misinterpret. You shouldn't ever take a retirement gig for the money, if you don't need the money. I feel like MMM put all those posts up as a way to help reassure people who were nervous about retirement that they will still have the option of earning money, but he forgot to clarify that you shouldn't. Yes you can, but you will instantly regret doing so.
If someone wants to pay you for something you're doing in retirement anyway, that's fine. Just be careful that you don't let anyone else tell you what to do in retirement by offering you money for it. That's just jumping right back into the slavery you already ran away from once. It's a careful balancing act, where you need to maintain full control of the situation and make decisions about how to spend your time based on your own preference, without any dollar signs involved. I made the mistake of letting a high hourly wage tempt me into doing work I wouldn't have otherwise done, but I forgot that money isn't really important to me anymore.
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Sounds like the best sort of FAIL to me Sol!
Next week I have to ring my boss and advise that I am not coming back from long service leave, but retiring. It is a conversation that I am dreading. To be honest, until I wind up all the loose ends at work, do the paperwork etc etc I don't really feel retired, so its something I need to do sooner than later so I can move on.
The dreading is partly because I hate letting people down, upsetting or disappointing them. I've always been very clear in my mind that my job did not define me. But if I'm truthful I now see I am somewhat invested in my role and leaving that and the familiar into the faceless space of the grey-haired retiree is a wee bit scary.
Wish me luck.
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Best of luck with that conversation, happy!!
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I sort of inadvertently tried to go back to work (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/sol-fails-at-retirement). It did not go well for me, and now I'm trying to extricate myself so I can go back to other stuff.
All of those MMM posts about taking on little side-gigs in retirement were easy to misinterpret. You shouldn't ever take a retirement gig for the money, if you don't need the money. I feel like MMM put all those posts up as a way to help reassure people who were nervous about retirement that they will still have the option of earning money, but he forgot to clarify that you shouldn't. Yes you can, but you will instantly regret doing so.
If someone wants to pay you for something you're doing in retirement anyway, that's fine. Just be careful that you don't let anyone else tell you what to do in retirement by offering you money for it. That's just jumping right back into the slavery you already ran away from once. It's a careful balancing act, where you need to maintain full control of the situation and make decisions about how to spend your time based on your own preference, without any dollar signs involved. I made the mistake of letting a high hourly wage tempt me into doing work I wouldn't have otherwise done, but I forgot that money isn't really important to me anymore.
Thanks for the post sol!
I do have to remember that I was never a "good employee" and would likely be an even worst one if I went back after a 7 month FIRE experience.
FIRE ON dude!
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I’m glad someone revived this thread - I was wondering how the 2018 cohort was doing.
As for me, I’m enjoying a more relaxed schedule although I’m keeping busy with moving-in and unpacking projects at the new house. (Thank the gods we decided to move to the west coast and avoid the polar vortex!)
Hubby is having a few issues adapting to the new routine and the idea that there’s no longer a double income coming in. Having a stagnant market for so many months didn’t help his frame of mind either, but I have multiple spreadsheets handy to reassure him that we’re fine. We spent a fair bit in January on essential for the new house, so now we’re doing a Frugal February to let our accounts recover.
The hardest thing so far is not dwelling on how freakin’ awesome it is to FIRE, especially to former friends/colleagues. I guess that what this forum and thread is for, right?
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I’m glad someone revived this thread - I was wondering how the 2018 cohort was doing.
Maybe it's time this thread transformed its purpose a little bit. Instead of a place for the cohort to find accountability for their retirement dates, I think it should be a place for the cohort to find accountability for their retirement goals.
Some people retire with good intentions to work out every day, or start a big home project, or spend more time on a particular hobby, and then lapse into tv watching and sleeping late. I think it would suck to wake up one day and realize you've been retired for a year and haven't done any of the things that were previously motivating you to retire.
What were your retirement goals for your first 12 months post FIREing? Which of those have you accomplished, which have you made progress towards, and which do you still need to get started on? What's holding you back?
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I’m glad someone revived this thread - I was wondering how the 2018 cohort was doing.
Maybe it's time this thread transformed its purpose a little bit. Instead of a place for the cohort to find accountability for their retirement dates, I think it should be a place for the cohort to find accountability for their retirement goals.
Some people retire with good intentions to work out every day, or start a big home project, or spend more time on a particular hobby, and then lapse into tv watching and sleeping late. I think it would suck to wake up one day and realize you've been retired for a year and haven't done any of the things that were previously motivating you to retire.
What were your retirement goals for your first 12 months post FIREing? Which of those have you accomplished, which have you made progress towards, and which do you still need to get started on? What's holding you back?
Not a bad idea. To be completely honest, initially I have had a very hard time being productive on my own goals. Over the last few months I have gotten better but sometimes still find myself mid afternoon like right now and have done absolutely nothing of value all day. Is that horrible? Am I wasting my free time away?
On one positive note after years of promising myself that I will start doing yoga. In 5 of the last 7 days I have done Yoga first thing in the morning. I hope to continue that practice.
Realistically I have so many projects I want to accomplish and have not really motivated myself very well to accomplish most of them. I honestly need a bit more motivation and for some reason I can't get it going. Maybe I am still decompressing from my stressful previous job responsibilities. Or maybe, I am just lazy.
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Realistically I have so many projects I want to accomplish and have not really motivated myself very well to accomplish most of them.
That's what we're for! Maybe it's time you picked the next project on your list for immediate execution, and then give us a target date for beginning and ending it. Then go do it, and we'll get back to you.
I have also discovered that I am less productive with my free time than I thought I would be, in part becuase I am no longer constantly stressed out about having enough time. That means that an evening that would have been previously devoted to grocery shopping at 9pm is instead devoted to 30 minutes of my book and then an early bedtime, which is also awesome in its own way but it does mean I check fewer things off of my daily list.
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Some people retire with good intentions to work out every day, or start a big home project, or spend more time on a particular hobby, and then lapse into tv watching and sleeping late. I think it would suck to wake up one day and realize you've been retired for a year and haven't done any of the things that were previously motivating you to retire.
I remember when I called it quits about 1.5 years ago I immediately built a couple pieces of nice farmhouse furniture and sold them both for a nice profit. I love building furniture. I love carpentry and volunteered to help family and friends with some home projects as well. That morphed into a nice little side gig because everyone wanted to pay me to do it. I might have called it quits earlier had I know this ( :
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Realistically I have so many projects I want to accomplish and have not really motivated myself very well to accomplish most of them.
That's what we're for! Maybe it's time you picked the next project on your list for immediate execution, and then give us a target date for beginning and ending it. Then go do it, and we'll get back to you.
I have also discovered that I am less productive with my free time than I thought I would be, in part becuase I am no longer constantly stressed out about having enough time. That means that an evening that would have been previously devoted to grocery shopping at 9pm is instead devoted to 30 minutes of my book and then an early bedtime, which is also awesome in its own way but it does mean I check fewer things off of my daily list.
Maybe worth doing.
1) 1 of my projects would likely get a face punch as I am building out a media room.
2) Adding a 3 way light switch in the office.
3) Putting in Knock Out Roses in the back yard.
4) Finally starting a garden.
5) Replacing the rear brakes on my car.
6) Looking into replacing our HVAC as it is getting old and a good chance it might not survive another hot summer.
7) Finishing up my business and personal taxes for 2018. I am pretty sure I am due a decent tax refund but need to go through all the steps to get it.
8) Replace the feet on the chairs around the kitchen island.
9) Clean out the garage
10) fix many of the tiny nail holes in the garage and then repaint.
11) remove all the tiles in the garage and pour down a nice epoxy.
12) Write an article about physician burnout I promised to write in the next 3 months.
13) I'm sure there is more I haven't thought about in this quick response.
BTW, you mentioned going back to work after FIRE and I saw a post somewhere saying you were offered a very nice compensation package. I'm sorry it is not working out for you. It's tough to put in hours doing something you don't really enjoy for a compensation you don't really need. I hope you get it all figured out. At least the extra money may find its way to a good use.
So far working 8-10 days a month has worked pretty well for us. By working less I enjoy my job so much more.
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Next week I have to ring my boss and advise that I am not coming back from long service leave, but retiring. It is a conversation that I am dreading. To be honest, until I wind up all the loose ends at work, do the paperwork etc etc I don't really feel retired, so its something I need to do sooner than later so I can move on.
That's great news Happy! You might remember I was in the same boat - went on long service leave and had to decide whether to go back or not. I can confirm that being "properly" retired does indeed feel different (and better!) than being on LSL with a decision looming over it. I hope the conversation goes well for you.
I do remember Ozbeach, I was thinking I hope it turns out like that for me. So although I am claiming my date of retirement to be October 2018, in a sense I'm retiring in retrospect after the rest of the cohort. So I'm a bit behind everyone else, still processing some of the emotions. I never did get around to joining 2019, so I'm staying here.
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I have also discovered that I am less productive with my free time than I thought I would be, in part becuase I am no longer constantly stressed out about having enough time. That means that an evening that would have been previously devoted to grocery shopping at 9pm is instead devoted to 30 minutes of my book and then an early bedtime, which is also awesome in its own way but it does mean I check fewer things off of my daily list.
Same. I may have been completely unrealistic about how much I could "accomplish" when I FIREd. Like, how many hours I could spend reading, listening to podcasts, and sleeping in, but also how much time I could devote to my new volunteer activities and working out and meditating. Perhaps I didn't realize I was counting on 30 or more hours per day? So I'm still feeling rather deprived in the laziness/relaxation category a lot of the time, although I haven't taken on as much as I expected toward my goals. Two examples are studying meditation more and taking my Spanish from conversational to fluent. I am not studying Spanish any more than I was pre-FIRE, and although I have established a consistent meditation practice, I have not found time to read up and study it.
Things standing in my way are planning a wedding (even a tiny wedding requires so much decision-making and research!) and an unexpected move. But also, the thing about just having been unrealistic in my expectations. I've mentally moved some goals back by a year or more and have new goals. Like the place we're moving to has a large garden, so I'd like to grow some veggies, even though I'm a notorious plant-killer.
Overall, I'm a teensy bit disappointed TBH, but mostly pretty sanguine about these revised expectations. Like I said above, if all goes well, I'll have 40-50 years to get to those things on my list, so if it takes me a year longer to prepare the Spanish curriculum I had hoped to develop for myself, I shouldn't freak out. I'm spending a higher proportion of my time (if not exactly more hours) on lazy, consumption-style stuff, but not so much that I think I'm wasting my life away or turning into a couch potato. But I absolutely intend to report back because who knows? I could fall off the fence either way - too much laziness or too much filling my time without living the slower life that was a huge part of FIRE for me. I'm walking a bit of a razor's edge between the two and I hope to mostly maintain that precarious balance over time.
P.S. Sooooo cliche, but "I don't know how I ever had time for a full-time job!"? 1000% true.
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Realistically I have so many projects I want to accomplish and have not really motivated myself very well to accomplish most of them.
That's what we're for! Maybe it's time you picked the next project on your list for immediate execution, and then give us a target date for beginning and ending it. Then go do it, and we'll get back to you.
I have also discovered that I am less productive with my free time than I thought I would be, in part becuase I am no longer constantly stressed out about having enough time. That means that an evening that would have been previously devoted to grocery shopping at 9pm is instead devoted to 30 minutes of my book and then an early bedtime, which is also awesome in its own way but it does mean I check fewer things off of my daily list.
Maybe worth doing.
1) 1 of my projects would likely get a face punch as I am building out a media room.
2) Adding a 3 way light switch in the office.
3) Putting in Knock Out Roses in the back yard.
4) Finally starting a garden.
5) Replacing the rear brakes on my car.
6) Looking into replacing our HVAC as it is getting old and a good chance it might not survive another hot summer.
7) Finishing up my business and personal taxes for 2018. I am pretty sure I am due a decent tax refund but need to go through all the steps to get it.
8) Replace the feet on the chairs around the kitchen island.
9) Clean out the garage
10) fix many of the tiny nail holes in the garage and then repaint.
11) remove all the tiles in the garage and pour down a nice epoxy.
12) Write an article about physician burnout I promised to write in the next 3 months.
13) I'm sure there is more I haven't thought about in this quick response.
BTW, you mentioned going back to work after FIRE and I saw a post somewhere saying you were offered a very nice compensation package. I'm sorry it is not working out for you. It's tough to put in hours doing something you don't really enjoy for a compensation you don't really need. I hope you get it all figured out. At least the extra money may find its way to a good use.
So far working 8-10 days a month has worked pretty well for us. By working less I enjoy my job so much more.
If you were near me I would gladly give you some knockout roses. I need to remove a few that are too big for the space I planted them.
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I didn't really go into FIRE with concrete goals, more like general ideas of the things I wanted to do more or less of. Mostly, I just wanted to break out of the intense job stress that was consuming most of my time and energy, slow down, and take life as it comes. I would say I have succeeded at that. Although I often have the feeling that I should be accomplishing more, I can usually recognize that it is a manufactured feeling that is a residue of all those years when I was overloaded and absolutely had to get X, Y, and Z done, or the world would end!
For example, this week I felt the intense need to (1) continue clearing a big tree I had taken down some time ago, (2) replace a radiator hose on my truck, and (3) try out my new spotting scope. Due to rain, snow, intense cold temperatures, more snow, and a bad head cold, none of those things happened. I've been stewing about it some, even though I fully recognize the fact that (A) the big tree will still be there when the weather clears, and I already have enough firewood cut for the next year or so; (B) I don't need to drive the truck anywhere immediately, so it will be fine if I change the hose later this week, and (C) I still have a couple of weeks left on the 30-day return period for the scope. I'm hoping that eventually my mind will stop feeling the need to manufacture a sense of urgency where none actually exists.
But after 13 months of FIRE, I do have some accomplishments relative to my general notions of what I might want to do/not do, as well as a few surprises.
I went into FIRE way behind on my firewood (my primary source of heat), so I knew I needed to focus on that task last spring and summer. I succeeded in spades at this effort - the wife and I cut, hauled, split, and stacked somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 pickup loads of wood (and that was before we had the giant tree taken down - I've since cut and partially split another 5 loads or so).
Although I wasn't in terrible shape when I FIREd, I wanted to make a better effort at getting and staying in shape. I was largely successful; I lost 15 lbs or so and my blood pressure went down from the "pre-hypertension" range into the normal range. I'm sure all the firewood cutting helped, but I also believe that lack of work stress and more time to devote to purposeful exercise (mainly walking) were big factors also.
I rebuilt the carburetor on my old truck. This wasn't something that was planned, but it became a necessity when the truck wouldn't run right. I had never rebuilt a carburetor before, so this was definitely a learning experience. I won't say it's perfect, but it runs a lot better than it used to.
About two months in, I took a side gig doing some consulting for a company that has some interactions with my former employer. This was totally unplanned. At that near distance from my launch date, I had absolutely no desire to do anything that related to my former career. But when the company approached me about it, I was hesitant to say no and burn a bridge. Who knows when I might need to parlay former connections into a money-making opportunity? (Or at least that's what my irrational inner bag man said.) Luckily their need for my services has been pretty sparse. Most weeks I don't do anything; every now and then I might put in an hour or two. This could have turned into a difficult situation like Sol's back-to-work effort, but I am fortunate that it didn't turn into much of anything, and I didn't have to burn a bridge.
I had the notion that I was going to elevate my guitar playing skills from stumbling through a few chords to something that sounds like music. So far, the motivation hasn't materialized.
About six months in, I was starting to go through a few periods of boredom, so when I was invited to join the board of a regional non-profit group, I accepted. This group conducts advocacy related to my former field of employment, so sometimes it starts to feel a bit like work, but mostly it's a good way to stay mentally engaged in something without going all-in.
I was very clear going into FIRE that I wanted to spend more time hiking and birding in my local area. I live in a scenic, forested area, so opportunities abound. I've been surprised that I haven't found much time to do this yet. It seems like there is always some little chore around the house that needs to be done. I think this is one area where my take-it-as-it-comes approach is hurting me. I need to at least make the effort to say to myself, "O.K., the weather is going to be good on Monday, so I'm going to schedule a trip to the woods, and anything else that crops up is just going to have to wait."
We took a big family trip out west this past fall, which we had been planning for a couple of years, since before I made my final decision to retire. It was our first big trip in a long, long time. We enjoyed it so much that we're going back later this spring. I didn't really think much about travel plans when I FIREd. I was having a hard time seeing past the work stress and envisioning what proactive things I might want to do. But I fear that DW and I have caught the travel bug. We've done some scrutinizing of the budget, and we think we can probably fit in a trip or two a year, and we might even look into a used RV (thank goodness I did OMY, LOL). I suppose I should have seen this coming, but it kind of caught me off guard.
I went grouse hunting with my brother and son a couple of times, and I ended up buying a cheap used shotgun so I could continue this avocation. I used to hunt some when I was younger, but hadn't done much in the last decade or so. This was another one of those outgrowths of the take-it-as-it-comes approach. My brother is an avid hunter, and he wanted to come visit my area to go grouse hunting. My son and I went along, and my son killed his first grouse on his first morning out. That was enough to get us hooked.
My wife and I started walking dogs at the local animal shelter twice a week. It's a great way to get some exercise, do a good deed, and get a pet fix without actually owning one. Except now DW is dropping hints about wanting to get a dog...
I've worked myself into the household grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning routine. My wife has been a SAHM for most of our time together, so I didn't do much of those things prior to retiring. DW is still in charge of these tasks since she is the expert, but she seems happy to have a helper.
And finally, I've read more books in the last 13 months than I did in probably the previous 30 years. Reading has become my go-to time filler when I have some down time between tasks and activities. It's been a nice luxury. But I'm beginning to worry that I'm going to run out of books to read at my dinky little small town library.
All in all, I'd say I've succeeded at slowing down and relaxing without turning into a slug. The slowing down has been more mental and emotional than physical, which what I was trying to achieve all along.
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I didn't really go into FIRE with concrete goals, more like general ideas of the things I wanted to do more or less of. Mostly, I just wanted to break out of the intense job stress that was consuming most of my time and energy, slow down, and take life as it comes. I would say I have succeeded at that. Although I often have the feeling that I should be accomplishing more, I can usually recognize that it is a manufactured feeling that is a residue of all those years when I was overloaded and absolutely had to get X, Y, and Z done, or the world would end!
For example, this week I felt the intense need to (1) continue clearing a big tree I had taken down some time ago, (2) replace a radiator hose on my truck, and (3) try out my new spotting scope. Due to rain, snow, intense cold temperatures, more snow, and a bad head cold, none of those things happened. I've been stewing about it some, even though I fully recognize the fact that (A) the big tree will still be there when the weather clears, and I already have enough firewood cut for the next year or so; (B) I don't need to drive the truck anywhere immediately, so it will be fine if I change the hose later this week, and (C) I still have a couple of weeks left on the 30-day return period for the scope. I'm hoping that eventually my mind will stop feeling the need to manufacture a sense of urgency where none actually exists.
But after 13 months of FIRE, I do have some accomplishments relative to my general notions of what I might want to do/not do, as well as a few surprises.
I went into FIRE way behind on my firewood (my primary source of heat), so I knew I needed to focus on that task last spring and summer. I succeeded in spades at this effort - the wife and I cut, hauled, split, and stacked somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 pickup loads of wood (and that was before we had the giant tree taken down - I've since cut and partially split another 5 loads or so).
Although I wasn't in terrible shape when I FIREd, I wanted to make a better effort at getting and staying in shape. I was largely successful; I lost 15 lbs or so and my blood pressure went down from the "pre-hypertension" range into the normal range. I'm sure all the firewood cutting helped, but I also believe that lack of work stress and more time to devote to purposeful exercise (mainly walking) were big factors also.
I rebuilt the carburetor on my old truck. This wasn't something that was planned, but it became a necessity when the truck wouldn't run right. I had never rebuilt a carburetor before, so this was definitely a learning experience. I won't say it's perfect, but it runs a lot better than it used to.
About two months in, I took a side gig doing some consulting for a company that has some interactions with my former employer. This was totally unplanned. At that near distance from my launch date, I had absolutely no desire to do anything that related to my former career. But when the company approached me about it, I was hesitant to say no and burn a bridge. Who knows when I might need to parlay former connections into a money-making opportunity? (Or at least that's what my irrational inner bag man said.) Luckily their need for my services has been pretty sparse. Most weeks I don't do anything; every now and then I might put in an hour or two. This could have turned into a difficult situation like Sol's back-to-work effort, but I am fortunate that it didn't turn into much of anything, and I didn't have to burn a bridge.
I had the notion that I was going to elevate my guitar playing skills from stumbling through a few chords to something that sounds like music. So far, the motivation hasn't materialized.
About six months in, I was starting to go through a few periods of boredom, so when I was invited to join the board of a regional non-profit group, I accepted. This group conducts advocacy related to my former field of employment, so sometimes it starts to feel a bit like work, but mostly it's a good way to stay mentally engaged in something without going all-in.
I was very clear going into FIRE that I wanted to spend more time hiking and birding in my local area. I live in a scenic, forested area, so opportunities abound. I've been surprised that I haven't found much time to do this yet. It seems like there is always some little chore around the house that needs to be done. I think this is one area where my take-it-as-it-comes approach is hurting me. I need to at least make the effort to say to myself, "O.K., the weather is going to be good on Monday, so I'm going to schedule a trip to the woods, and anything else that crops up is just going to have to wait."
We took a big family trip out west this past fall, which we had been planning for a couple of years, since before I made my final decision to retire. It was our first big trip in a long, long time. We enjoyed it so much that we're going back later this spring. I didn't really think much about travel plans when I FIREd. I was having a hard time seeing past the work stress and envisioning what proactive things I might want to do. But I fear that DW and I have caught the travel bug. We've done some scrutinizing of the budget, and we think we can probably fit in a trip or two a year, and we might even look into a used RV (thank goodness I did OMY, LOL). I suppose I should have seen this coming, but it kind of caught me off guard.
I went grouse hunting with my brother and son a couple of times, and I ended up buying a cheap used shotgun so I could continue this avocation. I used to hunt some when I was younger, but hadn't done much in the last decade or so. This was another one of those outgrowths of the take-it-as-it-comes approach. My brother is an avid hunter, and he wanted to come visit my area to go grouse hunting. My son and I went along, and my son killed his first grouse on his first morning out. That was enough to get us hooked.
My wife and I started walking dogs at the local animal shelter twice a week. It's a great way to get some exercise, do a good deed, and get a pet fix without actually owning one. Except now DW is dropping hints about wanting to get a dog...
I've worked myself into the household grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning routine. My wife has been a SAHM for most of our time together, so I didn't do much of those things prior to retiring. DW is still in charge of these tasks since she is the expert, but she seems happy to have a helper.
And finally, I've read more books in the last 13 months than I did in probably the previous 30 years. Reading has become my go-to time filler when I have some down time between tasks and activities. It's been a nice luxury. But I'm beginning to worry that I'm going to run out of books to read at my dinky little small town library.
All in all, I'd say I've succeeded at slowing down and relaxing without turning into a slug. The slowing down has been more mental and emotional than physical, which what I was trying to achieve all along.
Thank you for sharing. It does make me feel better that I have been unable to accomplish as much as I thought I would have. But, I have accomplished a decent amount and will likely continue to do so as time roles by. I still very much fear turning into a couch potatoes.
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...Due to rain, snow, intense cold temperatures, more snow, and a bad head cold, none of those things happened. I've been stewing about it some...
Thank you for sharing. It does make me feel better that I have been unable to accomplish as much as I thought I would have. But, I have accomplished a decent amount and will likely continue to do so as time roles by. I still very much fear turning into a couch potatoes.
After 3 weeks with a lousy cold and bad weather I can completely sympathise. I've actually been really glad I was able to do some overtime on my one-day-a-week gig for my old employer as it was the only thing I was fit to do and the feeling of not achieving anything at all was really getting me down. Hopefully I will soon be back on firewood duty and the other 1001 jobs around the house and garden.
One very unexpected side effect of FIRE is that because I now spend my days (before this sodding cold) doing manual labour outdoors rather than hunched over a computer I'm now half an inch taller!
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Wife and I had our first weekend long get away this weekend. We dressed up and went to a regency-era ball. We had a great time.
(We were horrible at the dancing we hadn't been able to dance since last April when we learned how. But we had a wonderful time.)
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And finally, I've read more books in the last 13 months than I did in probably the previous 30 years. Reading has become my go-to time filler when I have some down time between tasks and activities. It's been a nice luxury. But I'm beginning to worry that I'm going to run out of books to read at my dinky little small town library.
Can't you order books from other libraries to your library (for free)?
And about your birding trips. Yes, I think you should plan ahead, if your problem is to procrastinate those trips. Maybe you should even sleep over at the site (in a tent), so you can see the birds early in the morning. And otherwise make a plan to leave the house on time and calculate when you need to get out of bed.
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And finally, I've read more books in the last 13 months than I did in probably the previous 30 years. Reading has become my go-to time filler when I have some down time between tasks and activities. It's been a nice luxury. But I'm beginning to worry that I'm going to run out of books to read at my dinky little small town library.
Can't you order books from other libraries to your library (for free)?
And about your birding trips. Yes, I think you should plan ahead, if your problem is to procrastinate those trips. Maybe you should even sleep over at the site (in a tent), so you can see the birds early in the morning. And otherwise make a plan to leave the house on time and calculate when you need to get out of bed.
I can get books through interlibrary loan, but it costs a little bit. I'll have to look into it a little closer. Certainly it costs less than buying a book, but it's not free.
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I just realized one of the things I love the most about being retired. Nearly every day, at some point, I'm like, "What?!? It's 2:30pm already?" or "oh crap, it's already 4pm!" And I'm serious - I'm honestly shocked and super chagrined at how late it is, because I have so much more I want/need to do. I can tell you no matter how much work I was bogged down in in the old days of jobbing, I never was concerned with how fast the day was going by. Rather, I feel like there were very few days where I wasn't lamenting how slowly each day passed. So while I'm often a bit distressed to realize I don't have as much time to enjoy or get stuff done as I'd like, it's certainly worth it to not be wishing my life would go by more quickly.
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And finally, I've read more books in the last 13 months than I did in probably the previous 30 years. Reading has become my go-to time filler when I have some down time between tasks and activities. It's been a nice luxury. But I'm beginning to worry that I'm going to run out of books to read at my dinky little small town library.
Can't you order books from other libraries to your library (for free)?
I can get books through interlibrary loan, but it costs a little bit. I'll have to look into it a little closer. Certainly it costs less than buying a book, but it's not free.
I was anti-eReaders for the longest time ("I want real books!"), but once I bought myself a Kindle Paperwhite: my goodness, it feels so odd holding a regular book. There are so many advantages of eReaders, but one of the nicest ones is the ability to have literally 100s of books on it to read any time. I can get the latest books on it for free from my library without ever having to set foot into the building itself, and there are so many places online that have free books. Yeah, you have the initial cost of the Kindle or whatever, but I know mine has paid off over the years.
I just realized one of the things I love the most about being retired. Nearly every day, at some point, I'm like, "What?!? It's 2:30pm already?" or "oh crap, it's already 4pm!" And I'm serious - I'm honestly shocked and super chagrined at how late it is, because I have so much more I want/need to do. I can tell you no matter how much work I was bogged down in in the old days of jobbing, I never was concerned with how fast the day was going by. Rather, I feel like there were very few days where I wasn't lamenting how slowly each day passed. So while I'm often a bit distressed to realize I don't have as much time to enjoy or get stuff done as I'd like, it's certainly worth it to not be wishing my life would go by more quickly.
I can certainly relate to this! There have been many times where I wake up whenever with all kinds of plans, and those things I wanted to get done before I went to game night (or whatever) don't get done because it is suddenly too late. Instead of time slowing down in retirement, it seems to have sped up!
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There are so many advantages of eReaders, but one of the nicest ones is the ability to have literally 100s of books on it to read any time. I can get the latest books on it for free from my library without ever having to set foot into the building itself, and there are so many places online that have free books. Yeah, you have the initial cost of the Kindle or whatever, but I know mine has paid off over the years.
Can an iPad be used as an eReader ?
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There are so many advantages of eReaders, but one of the nicest ones is the ability to have literally 100s of books on it to read any time. I can get the latest books on it for free from my library without ever having to set foot into the building itself, and there are so many places online that have free books. Yeah, you have the initial cost of the Kindle or whatever, but I know mine has paid off over the years.
Can an iPad be used as an eReader ?
It can, but it is not ideal. Battery life is much shorter on an iPad. The lighting is so good on a Kindle. While reading in the daytime or outside, it is like you are looking at an actual printed page, and at night it is much easier on the eyes than an iPad.
So yeah, the iPad can be used as an eReader, and I would say it is better than nothing, but the Kindle Paperwhite really is the way to go.
This article goes into details: https://ebookfriendly.com/amazon-kindle-vs-apple-ipad-reading-books/ (https://ebookfriendly.com/amazon-kindle-vs-apple-ipad-reading-books/)
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There are so many advantages of eReaders, but one of the nicest ones is the ability to have literally 100s of books on it to read any time. I can get the latest books on it for free from my library without ever having to set foot into the building itself, and there are so many places online that have free books. Yeah, you have the initial cost of the Kindle or whatever, but I know mine has paid off over the years.
Can an iPad be used as an eReader ?
It can, but it is not ideal. Battery life is much shorter on an iPad. The lighting is so good on a Kindle. While reading in the daytime or outside, it is like you are looking at an actual printed page, and at night it is much easier on the eyes than an iPad.
So yeah, the iPad can be used as an eReader, and I would say it is better than nothing, but the Kindle Paperwhite really is the way to go.
This article goes into details: https://ebookfriendly.com/amazon-kindle-vs-apple-ipad-reading-books/ (https://ebookfriendly.com/amazon-kindle-vs-apple-ipad-reading-books/)
I have been a Kindle user for many years. When they first came out, I waited until the price dropped dramatically. That was when they introduced a second model. I love to read from a Kindle. It could last for a month or so without loading the battery, but it didn't have background light. After many years, my DH dropped a camera with telelens on the Kindle screen and then I had to buy a new one, also the paper white, without adds, but with built-in background light. I can read it in the dark.
In my country I cannot even load library books on it, so I have mostly been buying (cheap) books on Amazon and reading some Gutenberg books. But if you can load library books on it, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment. They are most more pleasant to hold than a real book. And on vacations I don't need to bring a whole box full of books.
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There are so many advantages of eReaders, but one of the nicest ones is the ability to have literally 100s of books on it to read any time. I can get the latest books on it for free from my library without ever having to set foot into the building itself, and there are so many places online that have free books. Yeah, you have the initial cost of the Kindle or whatever, but I know mine has paid off over the years.
Can an iPad be used as an eReader ?
It can, but it is not ideal. Battery life is much shorter on an iPad. The lighting is so good on a Kindle. While reading in the daytime or outside, it is like you are looking at an actual printed page, and at night it is much easier on the eyes than an iPad.
So yeah, the iPad can be used as an eReader, and I would say it is better than nothing, but the Kindle Paperwhite really is the way to go.
This article goes into details: https://ebookfriendly.com/amazon-kindle-vs-apple-ipad-reading-books/ (https://ebookfriendly.com/amazon-kindle-vs-apple-ipad-reading-books/)
I have been a Kindle user for many years. When they first came out, I waited until the price dropped dramatically. That was when they introduced a second model. I love to read from a Kindle. It could last for a month or so without loading the battery, but it didn't have background light. After many years, my DH dropped a camera with telelens on the Kindle screen and then I had to buy a new one, also the paper white, without adds, but with built-in background light. I can read it in the dark.
In my country I cannot even load library books on it, so I have mostly been buying (cheap) books on Amazon and reading some Gutenberg books. But if you can load library books on it, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment. They are most more pleasant to hold than a real book. And on vacations I don't need to bring a whole box full of books.
If you already have the iPad, definitely give that a try first - it's free with free library / Kindle apps (check which app your library uses). It also will let you access more formats than just Amazon's proprietary one. Pretty much everything is available for kindle, but not everything is free from the library in that format.
I'll say I've been reading almost exclusively on an iPad for years now quite happily. I do a lot of reading, both recreational and for work. I have set the Kindle app to light text on a dark background because that's better for me for eye strain and for reading at night. It's true the power doesn't last for months - I plug the tablet up every couple of nights just like I do my phone.
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Thanks for the information.
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I've been making art again. And designing pieces as well. Damn, but that feels good.
Teaching the art classes is lots of fun and it's good for my soul.
Just registered for an art technique conference today. It will take place this summer.
We're going to another Regency era ball this summer, too.
Rental #4 is almost done. Should be done by end of next week if all goes reasonably well. Bad weather caused some delays. Not understanding how much work painting the new deck instead of staining it was another. (Never making that mistake again!)
Having my wife and daughter injured was another reason. And just being in the doldrums and not working hard on it for the last two months was another. It will be good to get it done and rented.
Still on the fence about turning Flip #2 into a single family house or leaving it as a duplex and renting it out. A cute house next door to it isn't selling for a good sales price and it appears to be in fine condition. We'll be starting on it after rental #4 is done. After that I may take a break for a while (unless I find a *great* deal).
As far as finances go, I'll be happy if we just keep the gains in the market we've had already this year.
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A week ago I reached one year as a FIREee. My, how the time has flown. And yet, having a "real job" seems like a lifetime ago.
I haven't done a lot of what I'd planned, and FIREd life doesn't look quite how I thought it might, but I'm happy I'm here!
What about the rest of you?
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I sort of un-retired (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/sol-fails-at-retirement/), then decided that working isn't for me anymore.
I work out a lot more, as I expected I would. I think I have bigger muscles right now than at any other time in my life, which isn't saying a lot but it's not nothing.
I've completed a whole long list of household projects, both inside and out.
I stopped a burglary (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/off-topic/i-interrupted-a-burglary-poorly/) at a neighbor's house, because I was home during the day.
I spend a lot more time with my aging parents, and my kids. And my stress levels are almost unchartable, even in situation where I should probably rightfully feel stressed out. Nothing really bothers me anymore, at least not the ways they used to.
I've taken on a couple of volunteer gigs, and gotten waaay more involved in them than I thought I would. I have time and ability that no one else seems able to give.
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<>... And my stress levels are almost unchartable, even in situation where I should probably rightfully feel stressed out. Nothing really bothers me anymore, at least not the ways they used to.
I am so much looking forward to this. This last year feels very long.
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FIRE is great so far. I've not worked out as much as I wanted to, time to change that.
I've found a good volunteer gig one night a week. I'm in a Citizens Safety Academy for the next 8 months or so one night a week. We go around my county to learn about the different emergency services to better understand their various roles.
I am looking for another job (don't tell the IRP!) to give back tot he community as a 911 operator. I really enjoy helping people and also enjoy the stress associated with that kind of role. We'll see if I make the cut.
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The thread is alive! Hello :-) One of the things I didn't expect from FIRE is that I'm spending SO much less time on this site now.
This chimes.
I just realized one of the things I love the most about being retired. Nearly every day, at some point, I'm like, "What?!? It's 2:30pm already?" or "oh crap, it's already 4pm!" And I'm serious - I'm honestly shocked and super chagrined at how late it is, because I have so much more I want/need to do. I can tell you no matter how much work I was bogged down in in the old days of jobbing, I never was concerned with how fast the day was going by. Rather, I feel like there were very few days where I wasn't lamenting how slowly each day passed. So while I'm often a bit distressed to realize I don't have as much time to enjoy or get stuff done as I'd like, it's certainly worth it to not be wishing my life would go by more quickly.
I'm amazed at how time runs away on my "retired" days, especially when I have something I want to do.
Nearly five months in, I'm still fair game for the IRP. My retirement work gig has grown a little (30 hours some weeks, though this is exceptional) and sprouted expectations of mandatory training. I don't mind the training now that I have sofa-time to do it. I've declined other work opportunities, including pleas from my former workplace, which remains in a state of constant drama. I'm so glad it's no longer my problem.
My husband still works there in a junior role and hasn't been treated well since I left. He'll be reducing his working hours next month, having been unable to prevent them from loading more and more tasks into his sessions. I support him, but a bit of me is thinking, "I'm not sure my retirement plan included being back to working more hours than you within six months." Another bit of me is thinking, "Walk, we've got enough FU money for you too, and it would be great if we could take vacations at short notice without you having to get the approval of a manager neither of us regards as fit for the job."
Although I'm quite enjoying the work I do, I enjoy my "retired" weekdays, with nothing to do and all day to do it, even more. Sometimes I don't do much more than "nothing" - a bit of reading, mooch around on the internet, go for a run or a bike ride, pick off a small housework task.
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Although I'm quite enjoying the work I do, I enjoy my "retired" weekdays, with nothing to do and all day to do it, even more. Sometimes I don't do much more than "nothing" - a bit of reading, mooch around on the internet, go for a run or a bike ride, pick off a small housework task.
This chimed so much with me. Sunday was bright and sunny, we rode into town to do a bit of shopping in the morning and pottered in the garden in the afternoon. When we stopped for the day, just knowing that we could finish those tasks tomorrow or the day after or whenever was such a wonderful feeling compared to the days of 'Oh no, the weekend's over and we didn't get it all done!'
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Well, I've been so retired, I forgot that this is my cohort (I'm the OP of the 2019 thread).
I agree that time goes past quickly. My wife works 4 hours/day and by the time I'm up and about she's almost home. I'm updating iTunes on my (new to me iPad 2).
After FIRE, we spent a lot of time traveling so I fell down on 2019 thread upkeep. Fortunately, @Trifele stepped up, but is now retiring too, so we'll see how the thread list updates go.
Nearly a year in, the spend levels look OK (could be better).
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We retired last May and got off to a horrible start. Wife and I both got horribly sick and stayed that way for much of May. Wife messed up her ankle and then later her knee so she was in a wheelchair or on crutches for months. Daughter fell and broke her leg so she was in a wheelchair. (At one point, both needed a wheelchair at the same time.)
The two rental houses we picked up took more effort to get done that we expected, especially the 2nd one. Partly because we underestimated how much delay there would be due to painting the new deck and partly because with all the other stuff that had been going on, I was running on empty.
And yet, I can't imagine how absolutely horrible all that inconvenience would have been if we still needed to work for a living!
Our FI status turned what could have been a financial disaster into a mere pain in the rear nuisance.
Now that the rentals are done I've been doing things around the house that needed doing. Things like getting my woodshop and my wife's pottery studio organized so we can work in them plus some put-off repairs. I've hosted two art party weekends and I start teaching my 2nd art class tomorrow.
We're starting to lose track of what day is what. Missed putting the trash out on the right day last week!
We've been doing more reading.
Now that we're all healthy again we'll start taking some 3-4 day trips.
FIRE Life is good.
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We're starting to lose track of what day is what. Missed putting the trash out on the right day last week!
Thanks for remiding me to get the trash out tonight! I've only been remembering about once per three weeks. Fortunately I don't generate much trash.
FIRE Life is good.
I'm glad you are finding that, despite your initial setbacks. I agree!
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We're starting to lose track of what day is what. Missed putting the trash out on the right day last week!
Thanks for remiding me to get the trash out tonight! I've only been remembering about once per three weeks. Fortunately I don't generate much trash.
Our trash company sends out an SMS to every relevant household the evening before the collection. That is quite useful. Maybe you could request that they implement such a function?
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I succeeded in repairing some of the bathroom ceiling drywall with the help of a client/friend, and then I painted it white high gloss.
I'm still working part time but I feel like I have a good balance in my life, I mostly enjoy my work, and it is a social outlet for me.
Also, definitely working out more and really enjoying that a great deal. And I'm driving a whole lot less.
I did drive to the gym today and I was driving back I wondered about what would be a safe bike path to take in lieu of using a car to get there.
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I succeeded in repairing some of the bathroom ceiling drywall with the help of a client/friend, and then I painted it white high gloss.
I'm still working part time but I feel like I have a good balance in my life, I mostly enjoy my work, and it is a social outlet for me.
Also, definitely working out more and really enjoying that a great deal. And I'm driving a whole lot less.
I did drive to the gym today and I was driving back I wondered about what would be a safe bike path to take in lieu of using a car to get there.
Same with me, working part time about 2 days a week. I work out more with a better workout now each time since I have more time in the day. We eat better since we have more time to create new and exciting healthy dishes. I fill up my car now almost once a month instead of once a week.
I too want to ride my bike to the gym. It would take me about 30 minutes each way. I’m not too worried about the ride there, but the ride back especially after a leg workout scares me. One of these days it will happen.
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I did drive to the gym today and I was driving back I wondered about what would be a safe bike path to take in lieu of using a car to get there.
I bike to the gym (it's under 2 miles each way) and feel safer riding on a busy street than I do driving in the gym's parking garage. I drove there some over the winter (<50%) and am happy to be back biking more again.
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If I bicycle there I will definitely be taking sidestreets and use sidewalks which are mostly empty on this route.
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Weird Al song linked from the MMM blog (https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2019/04/01/how-i-sold-this-website-for-9-million/) frontpage on April 1st: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyV_UG60dD4
This dredged up all kinds of horrible feelings from inside of me, and then, finally, a calming sense of relief when I realized I never need to live in that world ever again. If I ever try to efficiently synergize my core competencies again, someone please kick me in the balls.
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A week ago I reached one year as a FIREee. My, how the time has flown. And yet, having a "real job" seems like a lifetime ago.
I haven't done a lot of what I'd planned, and FIREd life doesn't look quite how I thought it might, but I'm happy I'm here!
What about the rest of you?
I've been FIREd for almost 8 months now and I keep thinking that I just haven't quite yet really gotten a taste of it. I'm not really there yet. I started with "working" more hours than I ever did at work the first few months, on the 2018 mid-term elections (but unpaid). Then I had a wedding to plan, an unexpected move and took on a few too many volunteer obligations, so that wasn't really "true" FIREd life either, was it? Wedding is over and volunteer obligations have settled, but I still have to make a To Do list each and every day because I have a lot of work to do on our new home, we have two more trips/events to plan and I need a whole planning regime for a thru-hike I'm doing this summer. And all the stuff I was going to do when I was FIREd? Spanish, meditation, dancing classes, learning new skills? Well...I am meditating, but that's it. I have no time for my FIRE plans, so it feels like I'm still not really FIREd!
But....it sort of finally sunk in....as you say above, @Cherry Lane "FIREd life doesn't look quite how I thought it might." But that doesn't mean I'm not really experiencing a true FIREd life. And I'm quite happy, too. Certainly many times happier than if I had to work and do most of these things on top of working and not be able to do some of the other things at all. And if all goes well, I have 4 or 5 decades to fill and I don't expect my first 8 months will be indicative of what things will be like in a few years or a few decades. It's a true adventure to see what will come!
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Weird Al song linked from the MMM blog (https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2019/04/01/how-i-sold-this-website-for-9-million/) frontpage on April 1st: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyV_UG60dD4
This dredged up all kinds of horrible feelings from inside of me, and then, finally, a calming sense of relief when I realized I never need to live in that world ever again. If I ever try to efficiently synergize my core competencies again, someone please kick me in the balls.
Sweet Babelspeak Sol, but watch the Sailor! Proactively "From the Sea"; An agent of change leveraging the littoral best practices for a paradigm breaking six-sigma best business case to synergize a consistent design in the global commons, rightsizing the core value supporting our mission statement via the 5-vector model through cultural diversity.
(H/T CDR Salamander. https://cdrsalamander.blogspot.com/)
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I'm really enjoying browsing through the 2018 forums now. It seems the general theme is "how does the slowing down process go?"
Its already so easy to just keep operating at the prior pace. Learning to slow down is part of the process
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Weird Al song linked from the MMM blog (https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2019/04/01/how-i-sold-this-website-for-9-million/) frontpage on April 1st: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyV_UG60dD4
This dredged up all kinds of horrible feelings from inside of me, and then, finally, a calming sense of relief when I realized I never need to live in that world ever again. If I ever try to efficiently synergize my core competencies again, someone please kick me in the balls.
Sweet Babelspeak Sol, but watch the Sailor! Proactively "From the Sea"; An agent of change leveraging the littoral best practices for a paradigm breaking six-sigma best business case to synergize a consistent design in the global commons, rightsizing the core value supporting our mission statement via the 5-vector model through cultural diversity.
(H/T CDR Salamander. https://cdrsalamander.blogspot.com/)
Listening to this song reminded me of the corporate lingo used in one my old department's push for a "paradigm shift".
Management encouraged people to put a pair of dimes (get it...paradigm) in the plastic slot where their badges resided to join the "paradigm shift" movement.
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I went to a lecture this evening by a financial advisor on how to manage assets between 401k, 403b, and 457
It was very basic and I can't say I learned anything new or meaningful. In fact I kept interjecting about the value of rollovers to a Roth.
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Its now 6 months since I went on Long Service Leave, hoping that I would not need to return to work and events transpired to make that so. I am still on leave, and will use up more leave, resigning in July.
As quite a few people have remarked, FIRE that I’m living doesn’t look that much like the FIRE I’d imagined. Within a few weeks of going on leave, my remaining parent took ill suddenly and died. I had hoped to have more time available to help out but thats not how things turned out. This lead to a whirlwind of clearing out 60 years of possessions from the family home, selling it, and trying to wind up my parents affairs, a process which is still onging.
Simultaneously the realestate project DS and I are working on took a series of unexpected twists and turns. This meant a few changes of direction, and ultimately resulted in constraints with cashflow that has slowed down progress quite a lot. However a DA is now finally sitting with council.
Whole of house renovations, part of the above project ( we are flipping), meant that our possessions have been variously packed and unpacked, shifted from one end of the house to the other and covered in dust despite our best efforts due to chasing plumbing into the slab, once for the bathrooms and once for the kitchen at the other end of the house. Added to that has been a huge influx of my parents things…we set an aspirational timeline for selling their house and it was quicker to bring stuff we weren’t sure about disposing of back here. So wrangling too much stuff has featured prominently in the last 6 months and this is also ongoing.
In spite of this rather torrid beginning, some great things have also happened. I’ve lost about 7 kg, although I had hoped for more. I am a bit fitter, now walking several km regularly. I’m definitely less stressed, and loving the feeling of not having to have everything planned around my workdays. If I can’t or don’t wish to fit something in, then it can be done another day. The dogs and I have been to the dog beach quite a lot. I now have 4 miniature goats. I’ve been on a great 2 week holiday with a mustachian friend and have planned another later in the year. The veggie garden hasn’t progressed as much, nor been as productive as I would have liked, but hopefully more progress will be made as some of the earlier commitments are reducing. All in all, I would now say: living the dream :).
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Happy:
Nice to hear you're living the dream.
I've noticed quite a few FIREees taking on HUGE projects right at FIRE.
Your situation with your parents passing was forced on you, but many others haven't time to fully decompress( chill out) before starting the project(s) of a lifetime..
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Its probably a detail that doesn't matter too much, ..but the real estate project started about 18 months ago, and absolutely as the project of a lifetime that would enable me to retire doing what I wanted to do...living on a few acres: "homesteading" as Americans would say. So the big FIRE project started in advance of retirement and the renos were nearly finished when I went on leave, with a huge mess in the house. The date of the long service leave, either a prelude to retirement, or worst case scenario a mini retirement, I had planned for at least 3 years in advance when I look back through some private financial musings.
Before the RE project, my life was more or less on auto-repeat...I had my expenses down, savings rate 60% and I was trundling along making my way to retirement in my career of over 30 years. Most things were familiar and predictable. RE project came along and things got more interesting, exciting and challenging. I thought when the leave came around, I would slow down: sort out and declutter the household possessions, do more enjoyable chores around the place and have more time for family and friends. Instead everything sort of accelerated and piled up together..topped off with some grief and bereavement to boot. In spite of all the upheaval, I do feel more alive than I've felt in years and I wouldn't change a thing, except for my parent passing.
I too have noticed that others have retired and immediately faced some health or family challenges, or started on some immense projects. Maybe with the projects its all those things that one has always wanted to do, all piled up inside whilst sitting in a cubicle, that are suddenly released in retirement.
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At least, if you have family matters to spend time on, it is better to be FIRED and to have the time and resources to do so. My DH recently had to take 2 weeks off to visit his father when his mother was dying. Normally he would have worried about the potential impact on his career, being so long off work. But as this is our last working year, he doesn't care about it anymore.
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Indeed, I spent a lot of my sick leave ( I can take this as carer's leave) in the last 6 months of both my parents lives...just coincidence but they both developed crescendoing health issues and due to their stubbornness/independence I often had to try to rescue the situation. In this last episode my brother said frequently how grateful he that I was on leave since we would have faced an impossible task trying to keep our respective jobs going.
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2018 started with a bang with FIRE and ended with a whimper (sickness) for me. I returned from a 9-day trip to Mexico City and got Guillaume-Barre syndrome and spent 4 weeks in the hospital. Both Christmas and New Years in hospital :-(
I am doing much better now, got home a couple of days ago. I have a rigorous schedule of physical therapy and hope to be back to normal in a couple of months or so.
An update. I am walking normally and can walk almost a mile. My vision is improving, so for about half the day, I do not have double vision. Still working thru occupational therapy for my eyes. So, slowly inching my way back to normal.
I have been told to avoid crowded places since infection could retrigger GBS. So, I have spent a lot of time at home. The silver lining of having to stay home is that I have become fascinated by the birds around the house. I am spending time trying to learn about them. There are so many different birds in my neighborhood, I have only been able to identify the most common/colorful ones (cardinal, blue jay and robin). There are a bunch of raptors and song birds which I want to learn more about. What a fascinating hobby.
Also spending time updating the basic will, living will, etc. My old will had been done 20 years ago before my second son was born. Nothing like a health scare to drive you to action ;-) . Folks, please update your wills if it was done some time ago and review them annually if it was more recent.
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I have become fascinated by the birds around the house. I am spending time trying to learn about them. There are so many different birds in my neighborhood, I have only been able to identify the most common/colorful ones (cardinal, blue jay and robin). There are a bunch of raptors and song birds which I want to learn more about. What a fascinating hobby.
Yes it is! Have you checked out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website? www.allaboutbirds.org. Lot's of great resources there -- photos, info, maps, audio recordings, etc.
I highly recommend listening to audio recordings of birds to learn what the different species sound like; it will double or triple your enjoyment. It's often easier to hear the bird rather than see it. Knowing who it is you're hearing, and roughly what they are saying is really cool.
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In a week will be the 1 year anniversary of us retiring from our day jobs.
A lot of unexpected injuries kept us from doing things we had planned to do, but other than that, it's been great.
Net worth is down a bit since we retired but our stock/bond portfolio and our rental property portfolio is up.
We spent too much. :( Part of that was medical costs from injuries and my bad teeth. Part of it was just spending too much.
Good news is we have 2 more rental properties operational. We'll see profits from them starting in October 2019 and April 2020. (We worked out a deal with the person helping us get them operational to let them have the profits for the first year's renting so we could minimize our cash out of pocket costs.)
So, starting in 2020 we'll need a 0% SWR for a few years. One more operational rental by 2022 and we'll be able to keep a 0% SWR. I like the idea of not needed to withdraw from our stock/bond portfolio except for unusual, one-off expenses instead of routine ones.
We're starting to spend more time on our hobbies and expect to be travelling more assuming my darling wife can avoid injuring herself any more this year. (Just dropped a log on her foot, but thankfully only minor bruising - this time.) Just small, mini-vacations this year. I would like to take some longer trips next year after we get our spending stabilized a bit better.
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I have become fascinated by the birds around the house. I am spending time trying to learn about them. There are so many different birds in my neighborhood, I have only been able to identify the most common/colorful ones (cardinal, blue jay and robin). There are a bunch of raptors and song birds which I want to learn more about. What a fascinating hobby.
Yes it is! Have you checked out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website? www.allaboutbirds.org. Lot's of great resources there -- photos, info, maps, audio recordings, etc.
I highly recommend listening to audio recordings of birds to learn what the different species sound like; it will double or triple your enjoyment. It's often easier to hear the bird rather than see it. Knowing who it is you're hearing, and roughly what they are saying is really cool.
Thank you, great resources. I have downloaded the eBird and Merlin app, both from Cornell Univ.
Working on learning about calls and identifying flying birds. I think it will be a little slow and hope to jump-start the process when I can go to some classes held by the Audubon society.
Also, found a meetup.com group, which I will go to after I get better. There is also an Audubon run preserve very close to home which I hope I can go to soon.
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I have become fascinated by the birds around the house. I am spending time trying to learn about them. There are so many different birds in my neighborhood, I have only been able to identify the most common/colorful ones (cardinal, blue jay and robin). There are a bunch of raptors and song birds which I want to learn more about. What a fascinating hobby.
Yes it is! Have you checked out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website? www.allaboutbirds.org. Lot's of great resources there -- photos, info, maps, audio recordings, etc.
I highly recommend listening to audio recordings of birds to learn what the different species sound like; it will double or triple your enjoyment. It's often easier to hear the bird rather than see it. Knowing who it is you're hearing, and roughly what they are saying is really cool.
Thank you, great resources. I have downloaded the eBird and Merlin app, both from Cornell Univ.
Working on learning about calls and identifying flying birds. I think it will be a little slow and hope to jump-start the process when I can go to some classes held by the Audubon society.
Also, found a meetup.com group, which I will go to after I get better. There is also an Audubon run preserve very close to home which I hope I can go to soon.
That's awesome. Best of luck in your recovery!
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In a week will be the 1 year anniversary of us retiring from our day jobs.
A lot of unexpected injuries kept us from doing things we had planned to do, but other than that, it's been great.
Net worth is down a bit since we retired but our stock/bond portfolio and our rental property portfolio is up.
We spent too much. :( Part of that was medical costs from injuries and my bad teeth. Part of it was just spending too much.
Good news is we have 2 more rental properties operational. We'll see profits from them starting in October 2019 and April 2020. (We worked out a deal with the person helping us get them operational to let them have the profits for the first year's renting so we could minimize our cash out of pocket costs.)
So, starting in 2020 we'll need a 0% SWR for a few years. One more operational rental by 2022 and we'll be able to keep a 0% SWR. I like the idea of not needed to withdraw from our stock/bond portfolio except for unusual, one-off expenses instead of routine ones.
We're starting to spend more time on our hobbies and expect to be travelling more assuming my darling wife can avoid injuring herself any more this year. (Just dropped a log on her foot, but thankfully only minor bruising - this time.) Just small, mini-vacations this year. I would like to take some longer trips next year after we get our spending stabilized a bit better.
Nice, I wish I could get rentals properties which meet the 1% and 2% rule in our area. I am one of those hands on people, so do not like to be a remote landlord.
Keep safe, your 2019 resolution should be "No more injuries!"
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An update. I am walking normally and can walk almost a mile. My vision is improving, so for about half the day, I do not have double vision. Still working thru occupational therapy for my eyes. So, slowly inching my way back to normal.
Glad to hear you are improving... it can take a while.
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I have become fascinated by the birds around the house. I am spending time trying to learn about them. There are so many different birds in my neighborhood, I have only been able to identify the most common/colorful ones (cardinal, blue jay and robin). There are a bunch of raptors and song birds which I want to learn more about. What a fascinating hobby.
Yes it is! Have you checked out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website? www.allaboutbirds.org. Lot's of great resources there -- photos, info, maps, audio recordings, etc.
I highly recommend listening to audio recordings of birds to learn what the different species sound like; it will double or triple your enjoyment. It's often easier to hear the bird rather than see it. Knowing who it is you're hearing, and roughly what they are saying is really cool.
Thank you, great resources. I have downloaded the eBird and Merlin app, both from Cornell Univ.
Working on learning about calls and identifying flying birds. I think it will be a little slow and hope to jump-start the process when I can go to some classes held by the Audubon society.
Also, found a meetup.com group, which I will go to after I get better. There is also an Audubon run preserve very close to home which I hope I can go to soon.
Repetition is key - listen to the recording over and over again. Then go outside, listen to the bird, and find it in your binos to help reinforce the connection. In your neck of the woods, the next month or so is the absolute best time of year to be outside listening to and looking at birds. The neotropical migrants will be coming through in abundance.
Glad to hear you are on the mend. This thread hasn't been the same without our fearless leader keeping us straight.
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Being FIREd is busy, y'all. My summer is rapidly filling up. I will likely spend only 4 Saturday nights at home from this weekend until September:
Home, friend's cottage, Camp Mustache, camping, camping, visit friend, visit sister, visit other friend, visit cousin, parent's anniversary party, home, family cottage, family cottage, home, kayak gathering, family cottage, home.
It's a good thing I have weekdays to recover.
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Being FIREd is busy, y'all. My summer is rapidly filling up. I will likely spend only 4 Saturday nights at home from this weekend until September:
LOL...we joke all the time about how busy weekends can get!
My FIRED life is pretty quiet. My mother grumbles that I am not productive but for now, I have no real desire to be productive. I did set myself the goal of 1-2 hours of physical activity a day and have been keeping up with that 90% of the time since January. Most days I do 1.5-2 hours. Sometimes 3hrs. It feels good :)
However, that doesn't leave a whole lotta time for much else. Especially since I have started afternoon naps.
Another challenge is that DH and I haven't been able to figure out much Mustachian ways to spend time together. We are both home, but we tend to be immersed in our own activities. We need to work harder at this...without spending too much money either. Really don't want to have to resort to going out to eat all the time.
We cut back a little on vacationing because I discovered it gets dangerously expensive when you have all the time in the world to add on days. So I am more careful now.
I am still very glad that we made the FIRE decision last year. So nice not to be tied to a desk.
Sent from my VCE-AL00 using Tapatalk
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Another challenge is that DH and I haven't been able to figure out much Mustachian ways to spend time together. We are both home, but we tend to be immersed in our own activities. We need to work harder at this...without spending too much money either. Really don't want to have to resort to going out to eat all the time.
We hold hands and go for walks around the neighborhood. We'll be trying a walking trail soon. (My honey messed up her ankle and knee last year so we've been taking short walks close to home for now.)
I found a nice picnic basket and on nice days we'll have a picnic in the park.
Our car gets good gas mileage and we don't drive much anymore, so we'll put some snacks and drinks in a cooler, buy some french fries for our daughter, and drive around. We'll pick a random direction and just go sight see. Or we'll drive around an area and look at homes to invest in.
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Our car gets good gas mileage and we don't drive much anymore, so we'll put some snacks and drinks in a cooler, buy some french fries for our daughter, and drive around. We'll pick a random direction and just go sight see. Or we'll drive around an area and look at homes to invest in.
My friend's mom dubbed this type of activity, "random rambles". Excellent post-FIRE pasttime.
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I haven't had time to do this myself, but free tickets from the library to local museums, gardens, other attractions is high on my list for when my schedule opens up (sometime in the 2040s perhaps?). I love the opportunity to just go for an hour or two rather than feel pressured to stay for 5 hours or more to get my money's worth.
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Checking in at almost 1 year post-FIRE.
Immediately after FIRE, I converted my minivan into a camper and went on a 4 week trip with my daughter across parts of the US and Canada I had never visited before. It was wonderful and a great opportunity for us to bond. On return home, she went back to school and I began puttering about the house, and selling on eBay.
After the holidays, I wanted to do some more traveling, so I bought a cheap flight to London and travelled from London to Paris to Zurich to Munich and Berlin over about 3 weeks. I stayed in hostels, cheap hotels and AirBnb and enjoyed the trip very much (though it was lonely at times). I learned a lot about travel that will inform future plans (e.g. how to pack under 10kg for winter travel and what I need for a hostel and etc.).
This spring, my wife and I visited the Big Island and enjoyed our time there, then we took the kids to the South of Spain. Both trips were wonderful but involved too much time on airplanes compared to time in country for my tastes. Mrs aperture is still working and the kids have their own lives, so we were not at liberty to take off for the entire summer to kick around Europe.
My mood was elated for the first 6 months post FIRE and now slowly, my morbid Eeyore-like character has caught up to me and I have to work at keeping my mood upbeat (avoid the news and depressing media), exercise everyday, don't beat myself or family up for not living up to my stupid expectations, don't take myself too seriously etc.). Today, I am not working in a job in a box and I need only pause for a moment to be happy about that. I can do whatever I want, but mostly, that is laundry, cooking, groceries, eBay (think treasure hunt with real treasure that people pay you for) walking, fixing broken stuff (lots of deferred maintenance in the house that I continued to defer on FIRE until about 2 month s ago).
I have not looked at a spreadsheet or calculated our net worth since I left work. The markets went down, the markets went up and I do not give a flying fuck (it helps that we continue to live off and save money from my wife's job and my eBay business). Learning to frugal travel has been one of my favorite accomplishments this past year. I also read a book - something I hadn't done in 10 years. I am proud of that, but I switched back to audiobooks because I really enjoy books more that way.
I am looking forward to a second minivan-camper trip with my daughter later this summer. We plan to visit the Pacific Northwest. I sent my passport in for a renewal and asked for the larger 52 page book for visa stamps. God willing, I hope to fill it up in the next ten years. Best wishes to you all, aperture.
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Ooh, I loves me a good update! Thanks, @aperture!
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Thanks for the update, aperture. It is a bit special to be the only one in the family who has retired. And that almost automatically means you will do a greater share of the household tasks, to relieve the still working spouse. I have a friend who is retired with a much younger working wife and he also does most household chores, if he is home, that is.
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Checking in at almost 1 year post-FIRE.
Immediately after FIRE, I converted my minivan into a camper and went on a 4 week trip with my daughter across parts of the US and Canada I had never visited before. It was wonderful and a great opportunity for us to bond. On return home, she went back to school and I began puttering about the house, and selling on eBay.
What did you do to convert the minivan to a camper? I often thought about doing the same thing.
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I removed all the rear seats, built a set of shelves in the well where the rear seats used to fold into that went up to the bottom of the rear window. I built a platform on the rest of the back that stood about 6" proud of the floor. My bed rests on the rear platform and underneath I can slide storage bins for clothes and supplies. My rear shelves are the kitchen with space for a cooler, my stove, a small folding table (almost never used) two larger bins that come out of the well when you remove the shelves above them (pantry and tools) and a couple shelves for frequently used items (think of all you need to make coffee in the AM). I can take pictures later if you are interested, but I think it is a pretty standard build if you google DIY minivan camper.
I had kicked the idea around for a while. When we finally went travelling with it, I was amazed at how great it was. No more sleeping in a tent on a crappy air mattress or pad. No set up when you get to a camping site. Everything where you want it and accessible. I am looking forward to another season of camping in it this summer. What I did not do was stealth camp. To effectively stealth camp, I would probably need a vent and fan on the roof (I rolled windows down and held bug screens over the windows with magnets).
This worked out great for me. If you are considering it and don't have to invest a lot to do it, I would say pull the trigger. Best wishes, apertrure.
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How's everyone in the 2018 cohort doing?
Other than medical insurance and too many visits to the doctor/dentist/surgeon in the last year and a half, we're doing very well.
I think we're almost caught up. :) Wish us luck on that!
Had a panic when I had an unplanned ready-cash shortage because that meant I was going to have to use the HELOC or sell some assets to tide us thru. Then I realized that the amount I was needing was only going to take us up to a 4% withdrawal rate for the year and I relaxed again.
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Things are going well for me. Currently on a 6 week "vacation" visiting family in the Midwest for a couple of weeks, then two weeks in the Caribbean with my mom, then two more weeks before heading home.
I haven't had to spend any of my retirement money yet, and this is even after paying cash for a brand new car (my financial guy said I could spend way more than I was planning on and still not run out if I lived to be 100, plus my car was old and I plan on driving around the country for fun).
In the process of converting Traditional IRA money over to Roth. We are making sure it is as much as possible without affecting ACA subsidies.
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We've taken two big trips out west so far (one last fall and one this past spring), and we're planning another for next spring. With the trip this spring and the not entirely expected need to replace a vehicle this fall, we are pushing right up to the limit of our maximum annual spending buffer. That has caused me more stress than I expected it would, given that we are still keeping spending in line with what historical simulations say should produce a 100% success rate. Next year we hope to stay well below the absolute max spending buffer, even with the spring trip and our son's wedding coming up in the fall. Through all of this, we've been living off of stockpiled cash and some cash generated by getting out of my last ill-advised individual stock positions around the time I FIREd in 2018. Next year we will probably have to sell some mutual fund assets for the first time. That should be fun.
In non-spending matters, I'm doing some volunteer work on the board of a regional environmental non-profit, and my wife and I are both volunteering for the local animal shelter. Beyond those two activities, I've been amazed at how much the normal odds and ends of life have expanded to fill my time. "How did I ever have time to work" may sound like a cliche, but it is true.
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I am soooo happy! I got to hike the John Muir Trail this summer (one of my dream goals for ASAP after retirement). 21 days and 220+ miles in the High Sierra wilderness. It was just truly one of the best things I've done in my life.
And I'm just really, really doing well with not having a job. I think it's the combination of not having the obligation AND not having something I have to give *so much* time to. I have about 4 volunteer jobs, one of which is temporarily taking way more than 40 hours per week (because it's about the elections next week), but is generally more modest, as are all the others. And that more limited amount of time plus the knowledge that I could bail at any time, seems to work really well for me. I wouldn't actually bail at any time, because I would feel guilty, but there's a difference between the obligation you feel because you they are paying you vs because you volunteered. It's just not as oppressive-feeling.
I still think I might have to pull back on the level of volunteering to be able to pursue many of my other post-retirement goals which I have not touched in the last 14+ months. But I hope to have plenty of time (knock on wood) and am not rushing anything.
As for money, I have not checked as religiously, though I should do a net worth analysis soon. Annual spending is just below my spending plan, so I feel comfortable. And that's with an amazing amount of travel so far this year (in addition to the trail, I did a few weeks in Africa and Europe and a honeymoon to Puerto Rico, plus small trips to CO and SC and various trips to SoCal to visit family). I'm not sure I'll sustain this much travel in the future, although the budget accommodates it, because I am just really really totally burned on flying. I won't go into it here, but I just want to avoid airports and airplanes as much as possible. Honestly will be looking into opportunities to travel overseas by other methods.
Tl;dr = it's been the best thing ever!
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I am soooo happy! I got to hike the John Muir Trail this summer (one of my dream goals for ASAP after retirement). 21 days and 220+ miles in the High Sierra wilderness. It was just truly one of the best things I've done in my life.
And I'm just really, really doing well with not having a job. I think it's the combination of not having the obligation AND not having something I have to give *so much* time to. I have about 4 volunteer jobs, one of which is temporarily taking way more than 40 hours per week (because it's about the elections next week), but is generally more modest, as are all the others. And that more limited amount of time plus the knowledge that I could bail at any time, seems to work really well for me. I wouldn't actually bail at any time, because I would feel guilty, but there's a difference between the obligation you feel because you they are paying you vs because you volunteered. It's just not as oppressive-feeling.
I still think I might have to pull back on the level of volunteering to be able to pursue many of my other post-retirement goals which I have not touched in the last 14+ months. But I hope to have plenty of time (knock on wood) and am not rushing anything.
As for money, I have not checked as religiously, though I should do a net worth analysis soon. Annual spending is just below my spending plan, so I feel comfortable. And that's with an amazing amount of travel so far this year (in addition to the trail, I did a few weeks in Africa and Europe and a honeymoon to Puerto Rico, plus small trips to CO and SC and various trips to SoCal to visit family). I'm not sure I'll sustain this much travel in the future, although the budget accommodates it, because I am just really really totally burned on flying. I won't go into it here, but I just want to avoid airports and airplanes as much as possible. Honestly will be looking into opportunities to travel overseas by other methods.
Tl;dr = it's been the best thing ever!
I am happy for you that it worked put so well.
Not wanting to fly is also good for the environment. Maybe being a crew member on a sailboat could be a thing?
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Its just about a year since I left work, so time for the annual update. I left on 6 months long service leave, hoping to be able not to return due to being very close to my number, but not knowing whether that was going to be possible. As events turned out, I retired.
Quick recap:
- on my last day of work I got a phone call from my 91 year old mother to say she was sick. Within a month she had died :(. One of my hopes for my LSL was to spend more time helping her out, but it was not to be.
- this left my brother and I with the long term family home to sort out: full of 60 years worth of stuff. We removed > half a ton ( 500kg) of paper alone. We decided to clean it up and sell it: by March the deed was done. Since we both live at a distance it was a bit of a saga.
- renovations on the flip house were largely completed on the inside, but the DA to subdivide it off foundered, largely due to being on fire prone land, and the red tape this involves.
- not having the DA through meant in theory I had to go back to work since I would need the cashflow to pay for ongoing reports/works etc, but unfortunately due to mother's death, my share of the proceeds of family home meant I was able to retire. Bitter sweet, retirement by inheritance.
-still working on sorting/donating removing stuff from mother's house, relocated to mine in a hurry.
- went on 2 fabulous trips : one for 2 weeks to Tasmania, and one for 2 months to Northern Canada with my travelling buddy @deborah. The Canada trip is chronicled in my journal more or less. A visit to Nunavut, Tuk and the Dempster highway have been on my bucket list for 15 years.
- lost weight (13kg or 2 stone or 28lbs) and got fitter...joined a gym, started swimming again, and was gifted a kayak. Saw a physio, followed advice and the achilles tendonitis that has got worse and worse over the last decade, is nearly gone. It got to the point I was shuffling like and old person and I thought I would never be able to hike again. Completed a 7km "run" at a walking pace. I will go again next year and see how much I have improved.
- acquired 4 miniature goats to help keep the weeds at bay on the property. Still learning about goat-keeping.
- some progress in my garden, but not as much as I would have liked. Still finding and clearing about rubbish around the place.
- bought a ute as a work horse around the place, and joined a 4WD club as a side interest. Drove the most amazing tracks on the induction weekend.
- found it harder that I thought to finally terminate my medical registration...a bit of a surprise to me.
- had a fabulous time at CM*TO, meeting internet friends and a few others too.
So a roller-coaster of a year....but on balance: Life is good.
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Well,......I didn't go in 2018. Looks like I won't go in 2019.
I read all of the wonderful comments . I can just sense the lack of stress. I can feel the relaxation through the words on the computer screen. I say YES! I certainly do have something to look forward to. I have resisted to ensure that I will have health care. My employer gives good health care.
I will be 63-1/2 at the end of the year. I have been saving money to COBRA to Medicare. I could go the ACA route, but it still may go away.
I have been sent out of town on a job for 2 months or so. A few days ago, I received an e-mail from one of the bosses. He was demanding something before COB today. My co-worker and I were able to laugh when we saw it. We both smiled and said, "Oh my, he will send us home." He did not get his demand before COB that day. Unfortunately, he didn't send us home. Even, just being close to the end takes the stress off from these guys. Oddly enough, it makes it easier to get along with them.
Your stories are like a beautiful ray of sunshine seen at the end of a tunnel.
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My first year of FIRE flew by. We spent 20% away on various holidays including 5 and a bit weeks round France and Spain. Lost weight and got a bit fitter fitter. I learned how to use trekking poles properly and managed to climb Snowdon (highest mountain in Wales at 3000 odd feet) for the first time in years despite my knackered knees. Got a few DIY jobs done, but still have a long list. My books to be read pile has grown rather than shrunk :o(
Financially, spending came in at the low end of budget and a bit of overtime on my one-day-a-week part time job meant my net spending for the year came out at Ł3k which is a bit embarrassing. Still sitting with about 3 years' worth of spending in cash and I have yet to sell any investments. Ever. Eek! Oh and I started a journal to make my 1 year anniversary!
My wife and I will still frequently look at each other and say 'Guess what, we're retired!' then grin manically.
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Also 1 year FIRE anniversary here. It has been fantastic!
We have been doing so much that the last 12 months feel more like 12 years. My husband and I are sooo insanely happy. Every day feels like a holiday and I am forever grateful of having discovered FIRE and this community at MMM.
The first 2 months we spent in Florida, then 3 months in Spain, then Florida again, then 3 months Switzerland, 1 month Berlin and currently we’re in Florida again until Christmas.
We have more in our stash than when we FIREd a year ago, despite all the traveling. We’re planning to continue this mode of life for the next few years.
I also have time to learn Spanish, read a non-fiction book a week, work on my (non-finance) blog and to do sports everyday.
Life is so so good!
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2nd FIRE anniversary!
Wow, it has been two years since I FIRE’ed! It has been an interesting 2 years. Other than one low, life in FIRE has been great!
First the low, I fell sick with GBS 11 months into FIRE and spent the next 6 months waiting for my nerve sheath to regenerate, learning how to walk again and struggling with double vision. As of now, I am 90% of normal, so I am extremely grateful.
Now, every one of my friends who have not retired asks me how I spend my free time.
Sleeping is definitely something I was deprived of, working on Wall St. with a 3 hour round trip commute. It does not matter if you wake up at 4 AM and cannot fall asleep for another hour or so, you just wake up an hour later. So wonderful to wake up only when my body decides it has enough sleep.
I was always a voracious reader but had not been able to read much in the 20 years before FIRE. I have read more books in the past two years than I did in the 20 years before, even including the 6 months in FIRE when I could not read.
I picked up a few new hobbies, dropped the planned hobby of traveling to exotic locations and grew totally disinterested in the hobby of writing software for myself instead of as a profession.
I had expected to travel the world and had my bucket list prepared. So, I did a couple of trips in the first 11 months of FIRE. I fell sick just after my second trip of the year, to Mexico. My neurologist does not want me to travel, especially to locations where I might fall sick as my GBS could be retriggered. Bye, bye Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. But I can still travel in the US, Canada, India, and Western Europe, so it is not a total loss. In 2019, I have traveled to Scottsdale, Tampa, Cape Cod, Montauk, and DC.
During my recuperation, I got interested in the birds outside my window since there was nothing else to do since I could not read or watch TV. I ended up setting up a bird feeder with a birdbath right outside the window next to my sofa. I ended up with endless entertainment and a desire to learn more about birds. I found a great community of birders on this forum who gave great advice and guidance.
I wanted to create a bird-friendly environment in my back yard (so I could watch more birds!). When the local Audobon had a native plant sale, I ended up buying a couple of milkweed plants and I suddenly had Monarch butterflies visiting and a whole crop of Monarch caterpillars. I decided that I am now going to make sure that one part of my garden is going to be a butterfly, insect and hummingbird garden. I have spent the last couple of months planning out my butterfly/insect/hummingbird garden. I cannot wait till spring when I can start implementing it.
I pulled out my old DSLR and tried taking pictures of the birds and butterflies. I used to be a photographer who took the easy way out, using automatic mode and not taking the trouble to learn the basics of composition or the technical aspects of photography. So, the University of YouTube has been a great educator. I abandoned the kit-lens and splurged for a couple more lenses, a telephoto, and a prime (cheap) lenses, and a tripod. I have started shooting in RAW instead of jpeg and am using the free RawTherapee to process my photos (still a work in progress). I have seen a huge improvement in my photos, but still quite a ways to go.
Moneywise, I have not yet withdrawn from any of my retirement accounts, just using what I had in cash. My burn rate has been much lower than what I thought it would be. Beginning in 2020, I will have to start the withdrawal process. After 30+ years of saving and putting money away in retirement accounts, it is very hard to start withdrawing money :-(
So, how has your FIRE been?
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Just finished our 20th month of FIRE. We love it!
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2019 was a pretty good year. Of course, as we all know, being retired is something amazing, and I highly recommend to everyone I talk to.
According to Goodreads, last year I read 8,323 pages over 22 books. Probably the best one was The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.
I am a very big fan of hobby board games and card games. Last year I logged 1,339 plays of over 300 games. It is my one indulgence (don't ask how much I spent or how many games I own). I think it is a pretty mustachian hobby because each game can be played multiple times for many hours, and it is very social as I am playing games with multiple friends at least 5 out of 7 days every week. I even attended a board game convention in Las Vegas (and will be doing so again this year).
My health is good. Last year I started eating whole food/plant-based no oil. I lost 35 pounds, dropping from (at least) 205 down to 170 (I am 6'-1"). I am hoping my good health continues. I am going to try to be even more active this year, hiking in National Parks and Forests, riding my bicycle more, walking, pushups.
Last year, besides my Vegas trip for board games, I spent a couple of weeks visiting family in the Midwest, took Mom to the Caribbean for 15 days, and then spent a couple more weeks with family. As mentioned above, Vegas is in the plans again, and hitting at least some of the scenic Southwest while down there.
My major expenditure last year was purchasing a brand new car, a 2018 Mazda 3. My previous car was 12 year old MINI Cooper S. They aren't known for being incredibly reliable, so I consider myself lucky I got as much out of it as I did before I sold it for a pretty good amount. Now I have a car that I know I will be able to drive anywhere for many many miles (as I go to those National Parks and so on, and drive down to Vegas) without worry. I got a really good deal on it and have been very happy with it these last 11 months.
I did have a major loss last year. While I was traveling, my roommate emailed me that little Scruffy, a rescued doxipoo of mine, was not breathing funny. It was late at night so we agreed that he would take him to the vet in the morning. Sadly, my sweet boy passed away overnight. I miss him so much! I am thinking there is a good chance I will get another dog once our spring rains here in the Pacific Northwest draw to a close.
Financially, my net worth went up substantially due to the great performance of the stock market. It didn't go up quite as much as the market since my Vanguard guy has half of my money in bonds. I'm fine with that; the market won't always go up, and the money I have will last me until at least age 100 in 99.9%+ of the 10,000 scenarios they run.
I think that is most of the news for me from my first full year of retirement!
Happy 2020 everyone!
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Hello! Loving reading about everyone's successes.
I haven't done so well. Due to other people's health crises and my own ingrained desire to be helpful, my little 12-18 hours per week retirement gig expanded to become 30-36 hours spread over 5-6 days and that's where I'm currently at. I quickly learned to refuse 12-hour working days because being at a desk that long brought back the IBS and migraine I used to experience and left me tired for days. I expect to drop my workload back again this year as colleagues return from sick leave.
Since I developed a knee cartilage problem in May and had to cut back on all my sports to manage it, working extra wasn't a disaster. And I like what I do, though I like not going to work even better. I'm on a waiting list for arthroscopic surgery but not all that keen on the idea except for on the two or three days every few weeks when I'm dragging my leg around and waking in pain in the night.
Then my newfound Home Alone time, which I appreciated, was kiboshed when my FiL moved in because he could no longer safely live alone. This also required a large and sudden rearrangement of our house. He doesn't need a lot of looking after and he's well motivated to make the arrangement work, but he's always here and we can't leave him overnight so we can't shoot off for weeks away here and there. And SO MANY medical appointments! And then my son came back too.
At this rate, my lean FIRE will be quite fat by the time I send my professional registration back.
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In our 15th month of FIRE and it has been fantastic.
Lots of travel (Spain, Florida, Berlin, now South Africa).
I couldn't imagine living any differently. I could never work in a stuffy office ever again.
The only thing that went wrong was an annoying Achilles tendonitis that stopped me from running. But that is over and I'm back to running.
So thankful to MMM and this community here. Without you all, I wouldn't have thought FIRE was possible.
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Just finished our 20th month of FIRE. We love it!
I follow your journal @SwordGuy . I think you are busier in FIRE than before ;-)
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Just dropped by to say Hi! and confirm FIRE is freaking awesome. Lots of travel. Family super happy, SO has been able to go back to school and is about to graduate top of her class with some certificates. She'll then be able to pick up the work she wants to do but with lots of flexibility for vacations and other adventures.
As noted, the market has been more than kind, plus my tenants are paying on time every month and looking after the place. Last year I made at least 3 times more money after tax not working than I would have made working full time in my old mega-corp job. And I'm pretty sure it's only thanks to MMM and JR Collins that I had the balls to hold my nose, ignore the pundits, and put my huge redundancy payout into the market at a 70/30 split last January as soon as the cheque cleared.
And I must say the retired life is damn good. I love the feeling of having a nice relaxed lunch at our local art museum's restaurant, say at about 1:30pm on a Thursday, sipping a glass of sav blanc over my delicious spinach salad, and knowing all is well. Or being able to splurge on upgrades to business class on our next trip because it was a great deal and not having to blink when paying off the credit card.
It's strange I now spend hardly any time back on the forum. Too much other shit to do! Plus, the huge amount of investing research I used to do & enjoy is totally moot - I'm gradually moving to a 'pure' 70/30 ratio using total market and total bond admirals (although included in the bonds % is about 2 years expenses in ultra-short term bonds) as per JL Collins. He was right all along I reckon... now the game is more about tax optimization and finessing the health care system.
Hope everyone else is enjoying being part of the 2018 cohort! Woohoo!!
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Just dropped by to say Hi! and confirm FIRE is freaking awesome. Lots of travel. Family super happy, SO has been able to go back to school and is about to graduate top of her class with some certificates. She'll then be able to pick up the work she wants to do but with lots of flexibility for vacations and other adventures.
As noted, the market has been more than kind, plus my tenants are paying on time every month and looking after the place. Last year I made at least 3 times more money after tax not working than I would have made working full time in my old mega-corp job. And I'm pretty sure it's only thanks to MMM and JR Collins that I had the balls to hold my nose, ignore the pundits, and put my huge redundancy payout into the market at a 70/30 split last January as soon as the cheque cleared.
And I must say the retired life is damn good. I love the feeling of having a nice relaxed lunch at our local art museum's restaurant, say at about 1:30pm on a Thursday, sipping a glass of sav blanc over my delicious spinach salad, and knowing all is well. Or being able to splurge on upgrades to business class on our next trip because it was a great deal and not having to blink when paying off the credit card.
It's strange I now spend hardly any time back on the forum. Too much other shit to do! Plus, the huge amount of investing research I used to do & enjoy is totally moot - I'm gradually moving to a 'pure' 70/30 ratio using total market and total bond admirals (although included in the bonds % is about 2 years expenses in ultra-short term bonds) as per JL Collins. He was right all along I reckon... now the game is more about tax optimization and finessing the health care system.
Hope everyone else is enjoying being part of the 2018 cohort! Woohoo!!
Wow! I was going to go in 2018 and here I am still working. I am writing this working out of town from a less expensive hotel room. I could be at home living the good life that I read about continuously on this forum. The current project ends in April. No more OMY and no more TMYs.
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D'oh! I can't believe I didn't think this out better...
I converted too much of my Traditional IRA over to Roth, so now I have taxes to pay. It isn't a crazy amount or anything, but I feel silly. It isn't like I am going to need that money anytime soon. Oh well, now I know.
Speaking of having money to spend: How are you all doing now that we are "spenders" instead of "savers"? I'm nowhere close to spending 4% each year. I'm not even at 2%, but I am so used to living frugally now that spending more feels odd.
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Wow! I was going to go in 2018 and here I am still working. I am writing this working out of town from a less expensive hotel room. I could be at home living the good life that I read about continuously on this forum. The current project ends in April. No more OMY and no more TMYs.
@pecunia Welcome to the 2020 cohort.
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Speaking of having money to spend: How are you all doing now that we are "spenders" instead of "savers"? I'm nowhere close to spending 4% each year. I'm not even at 2%, but I am so used to living frugally now that spending more feels odd.
We’re in the same boat: our spending is not even at 1%. So all good. FIRE is amazing!
@Mr Mark: thanks for the update!
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Finally pulled the plug a few weeks ago. Two years late. I'm sort of glad I did right now. Those extra two years of money should help me weather this pandemic and recover from the big value drop in my retirement savings. Lots of smart people warning that the financial situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. However, even in normal times there are a lot of smart people warning that the financial situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better.
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Finally pulled the plug a few weeks ago. Two years late. I'm sort of glad I did right now. Those extra two years of money should help me weather this pandemic and recover from the big value drop in my retirement savings. Lots of smart people warning that the financial situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. However, even in normal times there are a lot of smart people warning that the financial situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better.
Better late than never.
Welcome to FIRE!
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Finally pulled the plug a few weeks ago. Two years late. I'm sort of glad I did right now. Those extra two years of money should help me weather this pandemic and recover from the big value drop in my retirement savings. Lots of smart people warning that the financial situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. However, even in normal times there are a lot of smart people warning that the financial situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better.
Congratulations!
I haven't been following the 2020 cohort, but I'm guessing there is a lot of OMY going on over there. It takes guts to retire early, and even more to do so while watching your stash shrink. So good for you!
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Finally pulled the plug a few weeks ago. Two years late. I'm sort of glad I did right now. Those extra two years of money should help me weather this pandemic and recover from the big value drop in my retirement savings. Lots of smart people warning that the financial situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. However, even in normal times there are a lot of smart people warning that the financial situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better.
Congratulations 🎊
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... recover from the big value drop in my retirement savings.
I have more money now than when I retired two years ago, and more money than even a year ago.
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... recover from the big value drop in my retirement savings.
I have more money now than when I retired two years ago, and more money than even a year ago.
We're down about $54,000 since we retired 2 years ago, but that's just a smidge above what we gave to our son to help with our grandson's medical bills.
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Just dropped by to say Hi! and confirm FIRE is freaking awesome. Lots of travel. Family super happy, SO has been able to go back to school and is about to graduate top of her class with some certificates. She'll then be able to pick up the work she wants to do but with lots of flexibility for vacations and other adventures.
As noted, the market has been more than kind, plus my tenants are paying on time every month and looking after the place. Last year I made at least 3 times more money after tax not working than I would have made working full time in my old mega-corp job. And I'm pretty sure it's only thanks to MMM and JR Collins that I had the balls to hold my nose, ignore the pundits, and put my huge redundancy payout into the market at a 70/30 split last January as soon as the cheque cleared.
And I must say the retired life is damn good. I love the feeling of having a nice relaxed lunch at our local art museum's restaurant, say at about 1:30pm on a Thursday, sipping a glass of sav blanc over my delicious spinach salad, and knowing all is well. Or being able to splurge on upgrades to business class on our next trip because it was a great deal and not having to blink when paying off the credit card.
It's strange I now spend hardly any time back on the forum. Too much other shit to do! Plus, the huge amount of investing research I used to do & enjoy is totally moot - I'm gradually moving to a 'pure' 70/30 ratio using total market and total bond admirals (although included in the bonds % is about 2 years expenses in ultra-short term bonds) as per JL Collins. He was right all along I reckon... now the game is more about tax optimization and finessing the health care system.
Hope everyone else is enjoying being part of the 2018 cohort! Woohoo!!
This is a great tale and I wish I saw you on the forum more often. You have some good insights.
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Today is my 2 year anniversary!
At this point, I've almost forgotten what it was like to have a job. It's actually a scary thought to think about some terrible circumstance in which I have to report in for a regular job again and deal with all the hassles and politics of the workplace.
I'm keeping busy with volunteering and rather appreciating that travel isn't so possible right now, given the pandemic. I'm too busy to do much and am glad I don't feel like I'm missing out. Also, I haven't been to an airport in over 6 months and I couldn't be happier. Not sure what this says for my future travel after pandemic worries ramp down. Perhaps less international travel and more backpacking than I had planned.
Speaking of backpacking, a year ago right now I was on the John Muir Trail. I did this trail solo in 21 days and just over 221 miles altogether. It was one of the big reasons I wanted to retire early. To find out if I liked backpacking for that long a time. And just as an accomplishment. It was honestly one of the best things I've ever done. The JMT is a particularly easy long-distance trail, I suspect (the weather in the Sierras can't really be beat, easy resupplies for my hiking style, etc.) so I'm not sure this means I'll do other longer trails in this country, but I could spend a lifetime in the Sierras alone (as Mr. Muir in fact did), so that bodes well for my hiking future...as long as this old body holds up. Extra glad I retired at 41 to maximize that.
One question I have for folks here: After spending so much time in spreadsheets before retirement, I now just update my expenses each month to see that I'm staying on budget and check my net worth every...6 months? Year even? It's nice not to be too obsessed. But, one thing I need to look into after November 3...how do you all monitor whether you are "on track"? Do you just trust in the calculations and risks you evaluated before retiring and as long as you are sticking to your own SWR, you are happy? I'd like to track how my NW is doing as compared to the simulations I did, as I progress through retirement. See which scenarios I'm most closely following and what the eventual outcome of those are. Is there a way any of you do that?
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@sui generis , I check our net worth every month and track it to monitor overall trends.
As for overall long term plans, I update our plan on www.cfiresim.com (http://www.cfiresim.com) as things change.
For the short term, I have a cash flow spreadsheet for the next year or so. I track when the various bills and estimated incomes will come in. That way, I'm unlikely to be surprised with the "sudden" need for cash. (We owned 9 houses at the start of the year, so our home insurance and property tax bills are non-trivial to plan for. Thankfully we should be down to 5 soon, so I've redone a new cash flow plan for next year when we've sold the excess houses and paid off the mortgages.) Each month has two columns, one for the 1st-15th, the other for the 16th to the end of the month. I track income as available if it came in before the first day of the half-month. I track expenses in the half-month they will come due. It lets me know which months are budget busters so I plan for covering them. September is the worst because that's when all the property tax is due.
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@sui generis , I check our net worth every month and track it to monitor overall trends.
As for overall long term plans, I update our plan on www.cfirsim.com (http://www.cfirsim.com) as things change.
For the short term, I have a cash flow spreadsheet for the next year or so. I track when the various bills and estimated incomes will come in. That way, I'm unlikely to be surprised with the "sudden" need for cash. (We owned 9 houses at the start of the year, so our home insurance and property tax bills are non-trivial to plan for. Thankfully we should be down to 5 soon, so I've redone a new cash flow plan for next year when we've sold the excess houses and paid off the mortgages.) Each month has two columns, one for the 1st-15th, the other for the 16th to the end of the month. I track income as available if it came in before the first day of the half-month. I track expenses in the half-month they will come due. It lets me know which months are budget busters so I plan for covering them. September is the worst because that's when all the property tax is due.
@SwordGuy , did you mean http://www.cfiresim.com/ ? missed the "e" ?
I update the spreadsheet that I used to obsess over (at work no less) on a weekly to monthly basis. It updates the future value (FV, in a spreadsheet) of the taxable and non-taxable, gives a combined total that I then plug into various calculators.
Despite its very conservative values for stock gains (low), taxes(high), etc. , I kinda like https://www.marketwatch.com/calculator/retirement/retirement-planning-calculator, as it is nicely graphical, easy to show DW.
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Today is my 2 year anniversary!
At this point, I've almost forgotten what it was like to have a job. It's actually a scary thought to think about some terrible circumstance in which I have to report in for a regular job again and deal with all the hassles and politics of the workplace.
I'm keeping busy with volunteering and rather appreciating that travel isn't so possible right now, given the pandemic. I'm too busy to do much and am glad I don't feel like I'm missing out. Also, I haven't been to an airport in over 6 months and I couldn't be happier. Not sure what this says for my future travel after pandemic worries ramp down. Perhaps less international travel and more backpacking than I had planned.
Speaking of backpacking, a year ago right now I was on the John Muir Trail. I did this trail solo in 21 days and just over 221 miles altogether. It was one of the big reasons I wanted to retire early. To find out if I liked backpacking for that long a time. And just as an accomplishment. It was honestly one of the best things I've ever done. The JMT is a particularly easy long-distance trail, I suspect (the weather in the Sierras can't really be beat, easy resupplies for my hiking style, etc.) so I'm not sure this means I'll do other longer trails in this country, but I could spend a lifetime in the Sierras alone (as Mr. Muir in fact did), so that bodes well for my hiking future...as long as this old body holds up. Extra glad I retired at 41 to maximize that.
One question I have for folks here: After spending so much time in spreadsheets before retirement, I now just update my expenses each month to see that I'm staying on budget and check my net worth every...6 months? Year even? It's nice not to be too obsessed. But, one thing I need to look into after November 3...how do you all monitor whether you are "on track"? Do you just trust in the calculations and risks you evaluated before retiring and as long as you are sticking to your own SWR, you are happy? I'd like to track how my NW is doing as compared to the simulations I did, as I progress through retirement. See which scenarios I'm most closely following and what the eventual outcome of those are. Is there a way any of you do that?
I still track my expenses down to the individual item. It isn't a hassle as long as I keep up with data entry daily or nearly daily. I suppose I don't really need to track expenses so closely any more, given that we had our basic expenses dialed in a long time ago. But I like knowing where we stand in relation to our allowable annual spend. Our assets need to last another 30-40 years, so I consider it pretty important not to overspend in the early years.
I'm not as anal about tracking net worth. I'm pretty confident that our allowable spend is safe, so as long as we have spending under control and we're maintaining our target asset allocation, I don't stress too much over whether the stash is going up or down. I do update the net worth spreadsheet a couple of times per quarter, more out of curiosity that anything else. So far I haven't had to do any rebalancing.
Congrats on the backpacking trip. Sounds like you have an idea of what life is about now. I'm still working out what I want to be when I grow up (though I'm pretty sure it doesn't involve doing full time career work ever again). The wife and I have done a couple of trips, and would like to do more traveling, but of course that is on hold for now. We're also doing a bit of volunteer work. Life has thrown us a couple of serious curve balls this past year (in addition to the pandemic stuff), so we're feeling a bit disjointed, but we're hopeful that we're reaching the point where we can focus on the good stuff again.
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I haven't actually retired yet. After I turned in my notice they countered with a change in role so I've been OMM'ing it and suspect I'll slide into 2019 depending on how this goes.
I ultimately TMY'ed it, but I've now FIRE'd myself in the middle of a pandemic as part of the 2020 cohort because why not? As of this past Monday I am done. Still doesn't seem real.
Our stache increased by about 30% in that time, which is nice. I guess once I get into being FIRE'd I'll have to decide whether the TMY were worth it. Actually, I doubt I'll think about it much and just look forward.
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Congratulations and welcome to the club!
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I haven't actually retired yet. After I turned in my notice they countered with a change in role so I've been OMM'ing it and suspect I'll slide into 2019 depending on how this goes.
I ultimately TMY'ed it, but I've now FIRE'd myself in the middle of a pandemic as part of the 2020 cohort because why not? As of this past Monday I am done. Still doesn't seem real.
Our stache increased by about 30% in that time, which is nice. I guess once I get into being FIRE'd I'll have to decide whether the TMY were worth it. Actually, I doubt I'll think about it much and just look forward.
Welcome to FIRE @SugarMountain!
Well before FIRE, I checked my portfolio almost every day/week. During the last couple of years, the checks were once a month. After FIRE, I think I check once in 6 months or so.
TMY is done, don't worry about it. Go ahead and complete your decompression period. You do not have to do anything. 6 months from now, you will get up when your body has had enough of sleep and you are not obsessing about tasks to do, you know decompression has ended! Enjoy FIRE!
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I haven't actually retired yet. After I turned in my notice they countered with a change in role so I've been OMM'ing it and suspect I'll slide into 2019 depending on how this goes.
I ultimately TMY'ed it, but I've now FIRE'd myself in the middle of a pandemic as part of the 2020 cohort because why not? As of this past Monday I am done. Still doesn't seem real.
Our stache increased by about 30% in that time, which is nice. I guess once I get into being FIRE'd I'll have to decide whether the TMY were worth it. Actually, I doubt I'll think about it much and just look forward.
Congrats! You made it.
I did the two more year thing myself. It's been almost 4 months now and decompression is going along pretty well. I do not miss work!
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Bought a new, awesome home last January. My BIL refers to it as "the estate". Just sold a few houses we bought on a temporary basis to help some folks out. Went on SS early last January also. Paid off the new home mortgage.
Our living expenses, with the removal of both mortgages and the carrying costs of the houses we sold, just dropped about $55K a year. Our planned SWR based on our generous budget is around negative 1%.
I think we'll do ok. :)
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Hey folks, next month will be my 3 year anniversary and time has flown. This year we left Seattle and bought a rural home with some land. Learning about home repair and maintenance has been fun. I've dug a half mile of trail my 2 year old can handle and have put in a huge garden. We're going to try our hand at having a no-till market garden. Should we have a bounty I'll probably start a CSA. We're very much enjoying being out of the city and closer to family. I don't get on here much and I just did some scrolling through. It was fun seeing all your familiar handles again. I only check my financial situation twice a year and we continue to have more money than we need. I don't have anything unique or interesting to say so I'll just echo the sentiment that retirement suits us and we'll keep it going for the foreseeable future. I'll also echo the experience that people think it's strange for a 36 y/o to be retired and it generally creates confusion that I'm less than graceful at diffusing. Keep on keeping on!
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Thanks for the update fellow cohort-ees. It has been so long I'd forgotten that I FIREd with this cohort, but was OP for 2019.
Wow, Two years and some odd days in. I'm occasionally astounded that I used to have a JOB, with all the frustrations and stress. I finally came clean with my former employer, and said I would NOT be available for occasional work. The whole idea of a full time job give me the creeps nowadays.
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Thanks for the update fellow cohort-ees. It has been so long I'd forgotten that I FIREd with this cohort, but was OP for 2019.
Wow, Two years and some odd days in. I'm occasionally astounded that I used to have a JOB, with all the frustrations and stress. I finally came clean with my former employer, and said I would NOT be available for occasional work. The whole idea of a full time job give me the creeps nowadays.
I really liked your attitude. Been out six months and glad to see the goodness can continue.
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Hope all of my fellow 2018 cohorters are doing well. We'll hit our 3 year anniversary in under 2 weeks. :)
It's grand. Simply grand.
Health issues and covid got in the way of a lot of fun we had planned to have, but having to work for a paycheck during all that would have been immeasurably worse.
Life is good and we're just waiting for enough people to get vaccinated so that this plague will end.
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Also super grateful I am not tied to a job and an income anymore. Also just got my first shot, so excited about all the plans coming up - several backpacking trip. A big 50th birthday trip to MT for my DH and his middle/high school friends + spouses. A trip to see my own family.
Last night we went out to dinner and a drive-in movie. It was actually a bit shocking to see so many people out and about and enjoying all the restaurants in the city (San Francisco). I think they literally just opened to 50% capacity indoors a couple of days ago and people were *there for it*. I didn't feel comfortable eating inside yet, so we ate outside and partially froze but it was tasty and it was actually pretty fun and festive to be around (at a distance) so many people, even if it felt a bit weird and slightly worrisome.
Things are looking up and I'm so glad I'm retired to take advantage of it!
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I passed the three year mark a little over three months ago. Life has thrown us some serious health-related curve balls in the past couple of years, but we've been fortunate and we've managed to get through it in good shape. As Swordguy said, it would have been much worse if I'd have been working a full-time, full-stress career job through all the shit. The pandemic has pretty much been an afterthought for us, as we've had bigger fish to fry.
Things are looking up, fingers crossed. We bought a travel trailer and will be taking a big trip out west in a few weeks.
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Just past my 3d FIRE anniversary. Wow.
I gotta giggle when "bad" shit comes up. Had a wasp sting that blew up my arm. Zero fucks on the cost of "quack-in-the box" visit or the prescription.
Got the front yard landscaped by a competent crew/designer, but awe-full business customer communication and care.
It turned out great despite my lack of confidence in the company.
Spent more money on the landscaping than the purchase of DW hand-me-down car several years ago.
Also 10K to nephew's college education.
Still below 4% withdrawal rate.
MPP: need to work on the excess spending for hedonic adaptation :-)
Edit:
Just be aware that a direct contribution to the institution can affect the students FAFSA (student financial aid) eligibility.
I wanted to be an "anonymous" donor, but the best way (barring some tax issues of the super-rich) is to give to the parents, as this avoids a question (44i) on the STUDENT's portion of the FAFSA . https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/2020-21-fafsa.pdf
My apologies to the non-US mustaschians who probably have their own bureaucracy forms.
Hope everybody in this and other cohorts are doing similarly and/or better.
Sweating out a 113F (45C) day.
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Been out a bit over a year and the goodness has continued.
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Getting close to 3 years for me and I am so happy and grateful. On the downside (which doesn't take up a lot of my time/mental energy, though it's about to take up a significant and disproportionate amount of this post) I'm finding two things: I'm increasingly resentful of things that take up my time without my permission or beyond my desires. It's like since I've been out of a job for so long, where I don't HAVE to spend my time in ways someone else tells me to, that I've got out of practice and just can't tolerate it in small ways anymore. Maybe not a terrible thing, but let's just say I get irritated easily with my volunteer gigs taking up more time and work than they were supposed to.
Other thing is that I still haven't found my perfect day. I really love staying in bed and reading for a couple hours after DH goes to work, being a bit lazy, etc. But that can lead me to feeling logy and unproductive when I finally get out of bed. It seems to be that I literally can't get going if I don't get going relatively early. But getting up at 7am each day and working out and doing chores just feels like ....too much discipline for me! But I do feel better, physically and mentally, when I do that. I just resent it a tiny bit. Some really tough problems I have, yeah?
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Just passed my 3.5 year anniversary.
Has anyone stopped looking at their retirement funds? My spending is lower than I expected and returns have been bountiful. I used to obsess over "The number" but I don't think I have looked at it in over a year.
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Just passed my 3.5 year anniversary.
Has anyone stopped looking at their retirement funds? My spending is lower than I expected and returns have been bountiful. I used to obsess over "The number" but I don't think I have looked at it in over a year.
Good for you,.......the pressure is off. Now you can just live.
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Just passed my 3.5 year anniversary.
Has anyone stopped looking at their retirement funds? My spending is lower than I expected and returns have been bountiful. I used to obsess over "The number" but I don't think I have looked at it in over a year.
I still look at the end of every month. I don't do anything with the information but I like to see it.
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Just passed my 3.5 year anniversary.
Has anyone stopped looking at their retirement funds? My spending is lower than I expected and returns have been bountiful. I used to obsess over "The number" but I don't think I have looked at it in over a year.
I still look at the end of every month. I don't do anything with the information but I like to see it.
I track ours on a monthly basis. I don't do anything with it other than verify (a) it's still there because financial institutions often have no time limit on them correcting their mistakes in my favor but often DO have time limits on my correcting their mistakes in their favor and (b) verify it's within acceptable limits. If it weren't, then we would know not to make any withdrawals of capital from affected investments unless necessary - so we might put off an expensive upgrade or repair if feasible.
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I check mint on a regular basis just to keep an eye on potential problems and to be aware of spending levels (also I top off the checking once it reaches a certain level) but updating my spreadsheet gets done about once a year. Back when I worked my husband used to tease me about my semi-erotic relationship with my spreadsheets so my finances are definitely not front and center anymore. I get to spend my time living life instead.
I am not sure how I ever had time for work though. My days go by far too quickly. I presume I sacrificed a lot of sleep, outsourced too many meals and skipped regular chores in order to make it all fit. I like this period of life much better.
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So, folks, how is it going as you close out your fourth year of FIRE? Today is my 4-year anniversary. I posted a short update in the post-FIRE forum.
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/reflections-on-my-4th-fire-anniversary/
Hope you all are doing well.
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I'm closing in on 3.5 years shortly and am just now doing a real decompression.
I actually retired at least 6 months earlier than I had planned to work on some volunteer projects. Those have been ongoing and added to in the intervening time. I was often much too busy, though nothing I hated nearly as much as any job I ever had, thankfully. But the point is, I decided I finally wanted to do the much-talked-about Decompression.
So now I guess I am. Stepped back from volunteer gigs to a large degree and starting to see a lot of days with literally nothing on my calendar. Once I've had enough of that (which presumably will happen at some point!), I have a list of things to investigate, get involved in, learn about, etc. and we'll see how it goes!
Financially, all seems to be quite well, with huge increases in the portfolio, withdrawals much lower than my planned 3.25% (and not even all due to COVID!) and the longer I can put off those concerns about SORR, the better!
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Financially, all seems to be quite well, with huge increases in the portfolio, withdrawals much lower than my planned 3.25% (and not even all due to COVID!)
It's funny, I originally planned to retire in 2018, but got talked into staying by my boss. Part of my hesitancy was a bit of lack of faith in our ability to cut spending if needed. We talked about it a lot, but had never really flexed the frugality muscles. The first 9 months of 2020 showed me we easily could as just cutting out eating out and travel saved us many thousands. While it was a little boring, it was not painful at all and having that knowledge that we could do it in our back pocket made it a lot easier to pull the trigger in 2020.
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Like Sugar Mountain, I retired halfway into 2020 as the Covid hit.
It sure has been less stressful. The days sort of slide by. I'm thinking that this approaches the way life is intended to be.
Hope it works out for all of you!
Happy New Year!
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So, folks, how is it going as you close out your fourth year of FIRE? Today is my 4-year anniversary. I posted a short update in the post-FIRE forum.
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/reflections-on-my-4th-fire-anniversary/
Hope you all are doing well.
wonderful. 2018 was a great time to pop imho
Just pulled 2 years cash expenses to rebalance. Can't wait to get back to travelling.
Anyone in Paris October-ish 2023? My friends and I going for rugby world cup.
all the best,
Mr Mark
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So, folks, how is it going as you close out your fourth year of FIRE? Today is my 4-year anniversary. I posted a short update in the post-FIRE forum.
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/reflections-on-my-4th-fire-anniversary/
Hope you all are doing well.
wonderful. 2018 was a great time to pop imho
Just pulled 2 years cash expenses to rebalance. Can't wait to get back to travelling.
Anyone in Paris October-ish 2023? My friends and I going for rugby world cup.
all the best,
Mr Mark
Yes, it seemed like "the top" at the time, and I guess it was a top of sorts, but the overall market expansion over that 4 year period definitely provided some breathing room.
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It's three years and four months since I "retired" and over two years and a whole pandemic since I posted on this thread. I'm still doing my little "retirement" job, currently six hours a day on five days a week, and have remained freelance because I don't value paid vacation and pension contributions as much as I value the freedom to walk away without giving notice and take as much time off as I want. During the various lockdowns I was glad DH and I both had a workplace and colleagues and a respectable reason for going out most days.
I'm 58 now. When I do stop work, it won't be early retirement now, it will just be retirement.
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Thanks for the update TT. I hope you learn to not work soon ;-)
It's been 3 years and nine months since I retired, and I'm pleased to announce that Mrs. Aperture is joining me in retirement this summer. She has given notice at work that July 1 will be her last day! I am thrilled. We are looking forward to dropping our daughter off at the University of her choice (decision pending), and embarking on travel to a relaxing climate for a few months. Our long term ambition is to be slomads & travel around the world, but we'll stay close to the US initially to make sure we're available if the daughter & college don't play nice together.
International travel was the theme song for my pre-Covid retirement 19 months, I spent COVID putting our house in tip-top condition to sell it. We sold in last spring's crazy market and had 13 offers after 3 days - all way over asking. We down sized into an apartment for my daughter's last year of highschool and my wife's last year of work. I took up hiking and besides my regular favorites, have hit at least 100 trails around Denver in the last six months. Despite the pandemic, Mrs. aperture and I took a 2 week trip to Iceland and camped on the ring road which was a blast. I managed to do a 3-week solo trip to Portugal.
I'm pretty sure everyone is going to travel this summer, so I'll probably be backpacking the Lost Creek Wilderness or section hiking the CT.
I hope all of my classmates are enjoying excellent health and well being. Best regards to you all, aperture.
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That was an inspirational update!
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Wow! It has been(will be) 5 years for this cohort? I finished five years at the start of the year.
How is your retirement going? Anyone fall off the wagon? How has covid complicated things? Has the market affected your safe withdrawal rate?
If you had to do this again, what would you do differently?
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I finished five years at the start of the year. I am thoroughly enjoying retirement. DW unfortunately has not joined me in retirement. I have a strong feelinn that this will be the year she does.
My original plan was a lot of travelling. I spent my childhood glued to National Geographics and had a huge list of places I wanted to go. Unfortunately, my first trip to Mexico city triggered off Guillain-Barre Syndrome and I am now limited to the places I can go. Then covid hit! I still have managed to travel in the US (South Dakota, North Carolina), a trip to India for my mothers 92nd birthday and finally a trip to Greece over the Christmas-New Year break a few days ago.
I have also replaced my house with a much smaller one at the start of 2021. I've spent the last couple of years building closets, laundry room and semi-finishing my basement (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/do-it-yourself-forum!/semi-finishing-a-basement/). Also, working on a native, pollinator garden for my backyard. This spring will start a vegetable garden. I also hope to get back to my bird photography which has taken the back seat to my other projects.
My only regret , I was too conservative and waited too long. Could have easily retired a couple of years earlier.
Best wishes to all for 2023 and welcome to your 5 year of retirement.
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@CowboyAndIndian -- good to see an update. Have more adventures.
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We'll be at 5 years in April.
We love it!
Financially we're on very firm ground.
Didn't do the travel we wanted. Injuries/Illnesses the first two years got in the way, and then Covid. Starting to travel some now.
I'm doing lots of art and writing, both of which I enjoy.
Life is good!
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I'm three days shy of my 5 year FIRE anniversary. It has been a whirlwind, for sure. Lots of bad shit in the personal department, mostly having to do with family health challenges. But we're still here. Traveling in fits and starts. Bought an un-mustachian travel trailer, and now in the midst of an even more un-mustachian size upgrade. Any financial challenges have been self-inflicted in the form of lifestyle inflation. But it's nice to know that we would be absolutely fine if we had to pull back on those extravagances.
I'm actually looking at taking on some very minimal part time contracting work. But I am way too far gone to ever consider going back to the career world. I don't know how I ever had the time or the forbearance to hold down a full time job.
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@CowboyAndIndian -- good to see an update. Have more adventures.
Thank you @rpr. Hope you and yours are doing fine.
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We'll be at 5 years in April.
We love it!
Financially we're on very firm ground.
Didn't do the travel we wanted. Injuries/Illnesses the first two years got in the way, and then Covid. Starting to travel some now.
I'm doing lots of art and writing, both of which I enjoy.
Life is good!
I've been following your journal.
Impressed by your helping the Ukraininan artist/refugee!
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I'm nearly at 4.5 years and I am just so happy and better off running my own life and not being beholden to a boss or job or similar obligations.
Except I ended up getting myself two jobs in the last 5 months. They are both extremely part time (they've been less than 15 hours per week *combined*) and I made enough money to almost completely avoid withdrawals at all for 2022 (TBD with some financial record cleanup still happening). And they are passion projects, too! But even then, the obligation chafes a bit. So I definitely definitely must not commit to any more than this. I think both of these things will be ongoing for 6 months to a couple more years, but we shall see.
It is nice to have some money coming in and covering expenses. It's funny how my perspective has changed from being unimpressed with the firehose of cash pre-FIRE to now seeing my direct deposits that add up to less like 1/5 of that previous amount and being like, "ohhhh, look at all the money that's just appearing in my bank account!!"