Author Topic: 2018 FIRE cohort  (Read 738158 times)

Monkey Uncle

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #700 on: November 05, 2017, 03:57:48 AM »
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!

chasesfish

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #701 on: November 05, 2017, 05:50:47 AM »
Another week off the list!

aperture

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #702 on: November 05, 2017, 07:28:35 AM »
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 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.   

chasesfish

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #703 on: November 05, 2017, 07:59:44 AM »
@ Aperture...

You're speaking my exact same thoughts

Retire-Canada

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #704 on: November 05, 2017, 08:01:52 AM »
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.

wordnerd

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #705 on: November 05, 2017, 08:55:46 AM »
6 months from yesterday :) :)

aperture

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #706 on: November 05, 2017, 03:53:45 PM »
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.

happy

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #707 on: November 06, 2017, 04:04:40 AM »
Less than 12 months now to my LSL!

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #708 on: November 06, 2017, 10:45:24 AM »

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!

davisgang90

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #709 on: November 07, 2017, 06:12:25 AM »
2nd to last PRT (Physical Readiness Test) complete.  Just one more in the spring!

DTaggart

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #710 on: November 07, 2017, 11:52:36 AM »
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.

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #711 on: November 07, 2017, 12:08:01 PM »
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.

Monkey Uncle

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #712 on: November 07, 2017, 06:45:29 PM »
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!

GuitarBrian

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #713 on: November 07, 2017, 07:55:01 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 :)

honeyfill

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #714 on: November 07, 2017, 08:08:29 PM »
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.

Livingthedream55

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #715 on: November 08, 2017, 12:05:41 PM »
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).




DTaggart

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #716 on: November 08, 2017, 08:52:50 PM »
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 :)

TartanTallulah

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #717 on: November 09, 2017, 10:43:33 AM »
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.




Livingthedream55

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #718 on: November 09, 2017, 11:09:37 AM »
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!!!

honeyfill

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #719 on: November 09, 2017, 02:41:38 PM »
Quote
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. 

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #720 on: November 09, 2017, 04:32:52 PM »
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


aperture

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #721 on: November 09, 2017, 05:59:31 PM »
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.

TartanTallulah

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #722 on: November 11, 2017, 02:34:11 PM »
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 £200 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.

SugarMountain

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #723 on: November 13, 2017, 05:39:31 PM »
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.




CowboyAndIndian

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #724 on: November 13, 2017, 06:48:48 PM »
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


SugarMountain

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #725 on: November 14, 2017, 10:56:20 AM »
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.

Vegasgirl

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #726 on: November 14, 2017, 11:03:44 AM »
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.

Aegishjalmur

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #727 on: November 14, 2017, 12:07:20 PM »
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.

Fresh Bread

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #728 on: November 14, 2017, 01:07:33 PM »
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.

RunningWithScissors

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #729 on: November 15, 2017, 02:13:21 PM »
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!

DavidAnnArbor

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #730 on: November 15, 2017, 06:12:42 PM »
Congratulations to you Running

Monkey Uncle

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #731 on: November 15, 2017, 06:15:47 PM »
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.

Vegasgirl

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #732 on: November 16, 2017, 05:28:20 AM »
Congratulations RWS !!!!!

ZiziPB

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #733 on: November 16, 2017, 07:18:53 AM »
If everything goes according to plan, I will be giving notice at work exactly 4 months from now!  It's starting to feel real.

Cherry Lane

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #734 on: November 16, 2017, 10:02:48 AM »
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!

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #735 on: November 16, 2017, 10:38:20 AM »
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

honeyfill

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #736 on: November 17, 2017, 07:10:25 PM »
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.

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #737 on: November 18, 2017, 07:30:51 PM »
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!

Vegasgirl

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #738 on: November 20, 2017, 05:47:36 AM »
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.   

ZiziPB

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #739 on: November 22, 2017, 07:14:47 AM »
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?

DTaggart

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #740 on: November 22, 2017, 07:39:23 AM »
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.

homestead neohio

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #741 on: November 22, 2017, 07:46:45 AM »
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.

Gimesalot

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #742 on: November 22, 2017, 07:48:22 AM »
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!

SugarMountain

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #743 on: November 22, 2017, 08:34:02 AM »
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.

Caoineag

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #744 on: November 22, 2017, 08:45:47 AM »
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.

Retire-Canada

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #745 on: November 22, 2017, 08:46:18 AM »
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!

SwordGuy

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #746 on: November 22, 2017, 09:19:13 AM »
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.


Aegishjalmur

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #747 on: November 22, 2017, 09:55:25 AM »
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.

TartanTallulah

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #748 on: November 22, 2017, 10:06:15 PM »
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.

Fresh Bread

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #749 on: November 23, 2017, 12:50:55 AM »
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!