Author Topic: 2019 fire cohort  (Read 793030 times)

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2050 on: March 16, 2019, 05:34:56 PM »
Congrats @Firehazard!  Welcome to the happy club --got you added above.  :)

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2051 on: March 16, 2019, 06:53:11 PM »
Woohoo @Firehazard   Congrats!!!!

Firehazard

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2052 on: March 16, 2019, 08:29:27 PM »
Thanks you guys!!!!  And thank you for adding me to the cohort even though I haven't contributed along the way.  Glad to be on the list :)

itchyfeet

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2053 on: March 17, 2019, 04:33:58 AM »
I have climbed to 22.8x desired spending. Getting close now...

I was only at 21.6x desired spending at 31 December, so it’s certainly been a productive 3 months.

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2054 on: March 18, 2019, 06:15:44 AM »
Good luck today @Cycling Stache!  :) 

In other news, we're waiting to hear from @exit2019 whether he FIREd on Friday or decided to stick around at work a bit longer.

I heard from @albireo13 that he is now most likely OMYing to January of 2020, so I have moved him on the list.  Let us know if your plans change again and you decide to pull the plug sooner Albireo!

FIRE 20/20

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2055 on: March 18, 2019, 08:32:51 AM »
@Trifele - Thank you for continuing to stay up to date on the upcoming people in the cohort.

For those who have FIREd - I'd love to hear updates on how things are going!  If FIRE what you expected?  Are you struggling with boredom or are you still on a high from achieving something so monumental?


Luck12

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2056 on: March 18, 2019, 09:55:38 AM »
Put me down as FIRED!!  Gave notice on Friday.  Funny thing is about 30 min before I gave notice I got reamed out over email by the bitch boss b/c I delegated something (of course I delegated b/c I'm not going to be around haha).   It was as if the FIRE gods gave me one last push (not that I needed the push).    I gotta say though other than the getting reamed out I'm going to miss the last few months where I did just the min amount of work, came into work once every 2-3 weeks, took care of so many personal things on work time b/c I just DGAF anymore. 

Also I'll be starting the Pacific Crest Trail in 15 days, so excited and also very nervous! 

Eric

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2057 on: March 18, 2019, 10:29:24 AM »
Also I'll be starting the Pacific Crest Trail in 15 days, so excited and also very nervous!

That sounds like a great way to kick off retirement.  Congrats!

Livingthedream55

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2058 on: March 18, 2019, 10:39:05 AM »
Put me down as FIRED!!  Gave notice on Friday.  Funny thing is about 30 min before I gave notice I got reamed out over email by the bitch boss b/c I delegated something (of course I delegated b/c I'm not going to be around haha).   It was as if the FIRE gods gave me one last push (not that I needed the push).    I gotta say though other than the getting reamed out I'm going to miss the last few months where I did just the min amount of work, came into work once every 2-3 weeks, took care of so many personal things on work time b/c I just DGAF anymore. 

Also I'll be starting the Pacific Crest Trail in 15 days, so excited and also very nervous!

Awesome - congrats!!!    What was boss' reaction to you giving notice?????????

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2059 on: March 18, 2019, 10:39:34 AM »
Congrats @Luck12 -- got you confirmed above.  That trimmed more than a month off your target date.  Enjoy the hike! 

sui generis

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2060 on: March 18, 2019, 11:00:49 AM »

Also I'll be starting the Pacific Crest Trail in 15 days, so excited and also very nervous!

Congrats and best wishes for the hike!  Do come back and let us know how it went!

Luck12

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2061 on: March 18, 2019, 11:27:17 AM »
Awesome - congrats!!!    What was boss' reaction to you giving notice?????????

"That's not 2 weeks notice".  I kid you not.  It was 13 days notice, worked out that way b/c of my permit date.  Then it was just a bunch of phony "that's unfortunate, but good for you" blah blah.   Her boss was way cool about it and knows and is pursuing FIRE too. 

2Birds1Stone

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2062 on: March 18, 2019, 02:03:07 PM »
That's awesome! Are you blogging/vlogging your hike?? It's on our bucket list to do, and I've vicariously lived through dozens of people who documented the journey on youtube.

This one in particular should get you amped up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PleoqR7VjY

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2063 on: March 19, 2019, 05:10:05 AM »
WOO HOO @Luck12

That is wonderful.  Sorry it wasn't more pleasant, but you are DONE!

As I have been going around work, people are congratulating me and we are chatting.  Then yesterday, one of the managers whose people I do work for, offered me jobs.  She apparently thinks I have some great skill.  If I was unhappy due to my role she has a full time job in her group and would hire me.  I told her I was done sitting in an office for 40 hours, so she offered me part time (15-20 hours) working from home or in the office, doing what ever I wanted to do.  She said her group is willing to get creative (like I could work my non-travel months if I wanted to).

Oh man, that is pretty tempting.  DH and I are really really lean so some padding to reduce sequence of return risks is pretty nice. 

I told her I would think about it, but probably nothing until 2020, as I want to be retired first and have many trips to go on.

It was really nice to know someone values my skills enough to reach out and try to accommodate me. 

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2064 on: March 19, 2019, 05:34:24 AM »
..... she offered me part time (15-20 hours) working from home or in the office, doing what ever I wanted to do.  She said her group is willing to get creative (like I could work my non-travel months if I wanted to).

Oh man, that is pretty tempting.  DH and I are really really lean so some padding to reduce sequence of return risks is pretty nice. 

I told her I would think about it, but probably nothing until 2020, as I want to be retired first and have many trips to go on.

It was really nice to know someone values my skills enough to reach out and try to accommodate me.

That's great @Loren Ver -- congrats!  That speaks really well of how you're perceived at work.  There are some that may warn you not to do it, because it's the slippery slope to more full time work (looking at you Mark ;), but personally I'm a fan of small side gigs.  I've had one for almost 10 years -- for a former employer -- that takes about 5 hours per week from home.  It's fun and the income is nice, speaking as a skinny FIREee. 

Don't be surprised if job offers continue to come your way.  I think MMM said in one of his posts that FIREees are like catnip to working people -- irresistible.   

PhilB

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2065 on: March 19, 2019, 07:37:47 AM »
..... she offered me part time (15-20 hours) working from home or in the office, doing what ever I wanted to do.  She said her group is willing to get creative (like I could work my non-travel months if I wanted to).

Oh man, that is pretty tempting.  DH and I are really really lean so some padding to reduce sequence of return risks is pretty nice. 

I told her I would think about it, but probably nothing until 2020, as I want to be retired first and have many trips to go on.

It was really nice to know someone values my skills enough to reach out and try to accommodate me.

That's great @Loren Ver -- congrats!  That speaks really well of how you're perceived at work.  There are some that may warn you not to do it, because it's the slippery slope to more full time work (looking at you Mark ;), but personally I'm a fan of small side gigs.  I've had one for almost 10 years -- for a former employer -- that takes about 5 hours per week from home.  It's fun and the income is nice, speaking as a skinny FIREee. 

Don't be surprised if job offers continue to come your way.  I think MMM said in one of his posts that FIREees are like catnip to working people -- irresistible.   
Depending on what type of travel you are planning, it could be well worth grabbing that opportunity with both hands.  If you can do the job from home, you can do it from anywhere that has an internet connection.  That isn't going to work if your plans are for things like hiking the PCT, but for travelling the world it could be ideal.  One full day and a few odd hours when you could do with a break from being a tourist anyway gets you your 15 hours.  The money lets you stay there twice as long and see a whole lot more.  If I didn't mind the work or find it particularly stressful that would suit me pretty well!

Linea_Norway

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2066 on: March 19, 2019, 07:50:38 AM »
Hey Nineteen-  What do you think of this?

And thanks-     

I just told my boss I am resigning.  Last day at MegaCorpSucks is April 5th.

I am talking to FormerCo today formally about possibly doing some work there.   

I am not sure if this makes me a 2019 success or possibly a flunky if I choose to take some job at FormerCo.  The fact that I quit my job without any other offer in hand feels like a victory.  The shackles are falling away. 

I know that if I do something for FormerCo I can quit at any time.  I can enjoy a job that doesn't come with a 24 hours a day ball and chain cell phone and ridiculous travel.  I don't have to be in charge of anyone.  Taking work at FormerCo might be a nice downshift into a final early retirement status while I get my head straight, a nice glide into FIRE instead of a sudden stop.  I can re-engage with life outside of work, have some social connection with people who do not report to me, and just breathe for a while.  I won't beat myself up for not being totally done and FIRE if I do spend some months at FormerCo unwinding the knots in my gut.  I will check my feelings on this more as I speak with them later today.

The talk with my youngish boss was interesting.  I pulled no punches and just told him I am an early retiree and I have decided I will do the same as I tell my staff that I am leaving.  I have decided there is no need to hide.  My boss said he has longed for early retirement but knows he is way, way off and his wife is not quite on board.  I may have inspired him to get after it.   

Congrats, @MissNancyPryor.

My DH is also going to downsize from being a manager to just being a consultant in his field. The add for a replacement is currently being published and DH's Facebook friends are wondering that is happening to DH.

(Changed my username a little for privacy reasons)

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2067 on: March 19, 2019, 08:35:39 AM »
Congrats on giving notice @MissNancyPryor.  You are a badass.  Got your date updated.

@chasesfish -- Is today the big day???

Waiting to hear from @exit2019 and @Cycling Stache as to whether they are done.

Exciting times!

Luck12

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2068 on: March 19, 2019, 08:54:58 AM »
That's awesome! Are you blogging/vlogging your hike?? It's on our bucket list to do, and I've vicariously lived through dozens of people who documented the journey on youtube.

This one in particular should get you amped up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PleoqR7VjY

Definitely not blogging or any social media, I really appreciate all those who do that, very entertaining and informative, but I'm just way too lazy to do that and will have my hands full just hiking and resupplying, etc. 

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2069 on: March 19, 2019, 09:17:35 AM »
Yah @MissNancyPryor !!! 

Thank you @Trifele and @PhilB It is nice to have another option in my belt that doesn't require my decision right now. 

The catnip line made me actually laugh out loud and cover my mouth!  I had forgotten about that.

chasesfish

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2070 on: March 19, 2019, 09:58:18 AM »
Its official as of yesterday.   Notice given, its been pretty epic with the word retirement emailed out to nearly 400 people in our division.  More to come on the crazy social experiment.   They didn't walk me out the door, my guess is I'm valuable for 5-7 days and they'll pay me for 30, including a bunch of "work remote" time.

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2071 on: March 19, 2019, 10:19:37 AM »
Its official as of yesterday.   

Congrats @chasesfish !!

2019 FIRE Cohort:

01/01/19     Bingeworker (52)        CONFIRMED
01/31/19     Trifele (51)                 CONFIRMED
02/01/19     Socmonkey (37)         CONFIRMED
02/01/19     August (54)                CONFIRMED
02/01/19     Keeks (42)                 CONFIRMED
02/01/19     TheShinyHorse           CONFIRMED   
02/13/19     SeanTash                   CONFIRMED
02/28/19     nowwhat? (56)           CONFIRMED
03/15/19     Half Stached  (47)      CONFIRMED
03/15/19     FireHazard                 CONFIRMED
03/15/19     Luck12  (41)              CONFIRMED       
03/18/19     chasesfish (36)           CONFIRMED
03/18/19     Cycling Stache (43)     CONFIRMED
03/29/19     JumboShrimp
03/29/19     Loren Ver (36)
03/29/19     Mr. Ver (39)
03/??/19     exit2019  (40)
03/??/19     Edgema
04/01/19     Gerardc  (35)
04/01/19     Ryder (39)
04/04/19     PowerStache (43)
04/05/19     MissNancyPryor (50)   
04/19/19     Eric (42)
04/26/19     FIRE 20/20  (42)
05/15/19     MaybeBabyMustache                   
05/??/19     SamIAm38  (29)
05/31/19     Odiedog8590  (62)
05/31/19     Livingthedream55  (59)
05/31/19     dude                              Date Confirmed
06/01/19     Prairie Stash
06/07/19     DreamFire
06/15/19     Okonomiyaki (49)
06/15/19     2Birds1Stone  (32)
06/21/19     Parizade  (62)
06/22/19     Waffles  (52)
06/30/19     Pylortes  (42)
06/??/19     Oldtoyota
07/??/19     powersuitrecall  (47)
07/??/19     Thedividebyzero  (45)
07/03/19     Miss Piggy
07/05/19     StoaX (58)
07/29/19     Lews Therin (29)
08/01/19     SugarMountain
08/31/19     Gerard
09/02/19     Cornbread OMalley  (42)  Date Confirmed
09/??/19     RetirementDreaming
09/??/19     dayzero
10/18/19     MoMan  (55)
10/??/19     VoteCthulu  (39)
10/??/19     Trix76  (43)
10/??/19     Dreamer
10/??/19     Cookie78
12/??/19     HBFI  (38)
12/??/19     luckyme13  (45)
12/19/19     Itchyfeet  (47)
12/27/19     moxie
12/31/19     texxan1  (47)

2019 Cohort with date TBD:
Lowerbills (40)
getoutsoon (52)
IPlawyer
MustacheAnxiety
forward
BlindSquirrel
I'm Fred (51)
JoJo (45)

OMY/2MY/Etc:
Freedomin5 (38)
Roboturner  (30)
Bateaux (51)
Linda_Norway (45)
CryingInThePool  (44)
Albireo13  (61)

OLY
markbike528cbx  (55)      OLY -- CONFIRMED 6/1/18; checking in as OP
MoneyStacher  (50)         OLY -- CONFIRMED 2018
PhilB  (52)                      OLY -- CONFIRMED 10/24/18
sui generis  (41)              OLY -- CONFIRMED 8/17/18
TartanTallulah  (55)          OLY -- CONFIRMED 10/2018
cerat0n1a                       OLY -- CONFIRMED 2018 
Chairman                        OLY -- CONFIRMED 2018
Bognish (43)                   OLY -- CONFIRMED 11/16/18
« Last Edit: March 24, 2019, 03:41:14 AM by Trifele »

MoMan

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2072 on: March 19, 2019, 12:47:43 PM »
Wow, timely medical advice for the 2019 cohort - from 'Mayo Clinic' ;-D

[Health Experts Recommend Standing Up At Desk, Leaving Office, Never Coming Back]

Thanks Parizade! I love the Onion. I've already printed this article out which will be pinned to my cubicle wall the day I give notice.

I am also pinning down my last day: October 18. Just 29 weeks until I give notice. Feels so far away as we congratulate those who have already pulled the trigger, but the days are going fast and my Post-It countdown pad gets thinner every week.

Cycling Stache

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2073 on: March 19, 2019, 02:22:45 PM »
Waiting to hear from @exit2019 and @Cycling Stache as to whether they are done.

CONFIRMED that 3/18/19 was my last day!  There was a little farewell breakfast and happy hour, and I got to talk to a bunch of people that I care about.  Also, after a bit of deliberation, I did tell people that I was retiring early, and I think a number of people found the idea kind of exciting, if also a total shock.

So today is the first day of the rest of my life! 

It was emotional, and as I was leaving, I realized what a big deal it is to leave a "good" job that is a career.  This may seem common in MMM world, but it is WAY outside the norm in real life.  I still can't believe that risk-averse me actually did it.

But two documents confirmed my decision.  The first was a packet listing my total annual compensation (salary and benefits) at $215,000.  That figure seemed ridiculously high to walk away from, and yet I realized that I didn't care about it at all.  Being some amount richer at the end of this year wasn't going to make me happier, and if I ever need money again, I can go out and make it.  The second document was a page of handwritten notes.  For the last couple years, every 3 months I've revisited the decision whether to FIRE and written down my thoughts about it.  In the last few entries I could see how unhappy I've been trying to keep working when I didn't have to any more.  That sealed the decision. 

OMY is a huge temptation, and I've been doing it the last year, but staying just to add inconsequential dollars to an already sufficient amount of money is pointless.  I wasn't unhappy at work because it was a bad job or because I was performing poorly.  I was unhappy because deep down I knew that I had enough money, and I didn't have a good reason to keep going to work each day.  While it was incredibly hard to make the decision to leave, once I made it, it's seemed like the easiest decision in the world because it's what I know to be true to myself.

So, I don't know what the rest of my life holds, but it starts today, and I'm excited about it!

tl/dr FIRE 3/18/19.  :)


Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2074 on: March 19, 2019, 02:32:04 PM »

CONFIRMED that 3/18/19 was my last day! 

So today is the first day of the rest of my life! 


Congratulations and welcome to the FIRE side @Cycling Stache !!!


« Last Edit: March 19, 2019, 03:44:14 PM by Trifele »

Blindsquirrel

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2075 on: March 19, 2019, 05:19:15 PM »
    You folks are giving me itchy feet and I am actively searching for some nuts. :)

chasesfish

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2076 on: March 19, 2019, 06:39:40 PM »
@Cycling Stache and I will always be tied together as same-date retirees.  (and that total comp statement does hit me)

Did you find the social interaction at work odd?

I've found the under 30 employees see me as inspirational.

The over 40 employees generally don't want to talk to me

The 30-40 all fall somewhere in between.

The boss decided to send this as a retirement announcement to 400+ people and word quickly spread in the company.  It...is...so....damn....awesome.   More posted on my journal (linked below), but its been unbelievable. 

I'm going to have to have some technology free time later this evening to get some good sleep.  I can't believe just how much fun this is.  Its exceeded all expectation.

gerardc

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2077 on: March 19, 2019, 07:05:52 PM »
I talked with my manager about taking a 6 month leave starting next month. My rationale is that it keeps my foot in the door if I want to come back and keeps me officially employed. But I realized it is harder than I thought. There is some planning involved to reshuffle my projects elsewhere or put them on standby, hire new people, coordinate my return... it probably won't be that well received if I don't return after all. I do have 3-4 big projects in flight just half-way completed. He tried to push for 3 months instead, starting in 3-4 months from now. I probably should have given more notice. Now, if I threaten to quit (which I only alluded to) they might say yes. But I'm not sure if that's the most ethical thing to do, since that company always treated me extremely well. Maybe I should simply quit, or get a leave with a plan of finding a new team on my return, which might be simpler to organize. On the other hand, maybe he's just trying to negotiate. We're supposed to think about it. But my plans will come true either way. I'm just unsure if I should bother pursuing this leave or not. I could get rehired there or elsewhere if necessary instead.

Linea_Norway

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2078 on: March 20, 2019, 12:38:31 AM »
I talked with my manager about taking a 6 month leave starting next month. My rationale is that it keeps my foot in the door if I want to come back and keeps me officially employed. But I realized it is harder than I thought. There is some planning involved to reshuffle my projects elsewhere or put them on standby, hire new people, coordinate my return... it probably won't be that well received if I don't return after all. I do have 3-4 big projects in flight just half-way completed. He tried to push for 3 months instead, starting in 3-4 months from now. I probably should have given more notice. Now, if I threaten to quit (which I only alluded to) they might say yes. But I'm not sure if that's the most ethical thing to do, since that company always treated me extremely well. Maybe I should simply quit, or get a leave with a plan of finding a new team on my return, which might be simpler to organize. On the other hand, maybe he's just trying to negotiate. We're supposed to think about it. But my plans will come true either way. I'm just unsure if I should bother pursuing this leave or not. I could get rehired there or elsewhere if necessary instead.

In many cases it costs the company to have you employed, regardless of whether you work or not. Therefore they are often reluctant to grant you a long sabbatical. Often it is easier to quit for for that period and make a deal to be rehired afterwards.

RedefinedHappiness

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2079 on: March 20, 2019, 01:32:10 AM »
I'm 1-2 years away.  Posting so I can follow along and learn from you all.  Good luck everyone!

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2080 on: March 20, 2019, 05:24:19 AM »
Congrats to those that pulled the trigger!!

I have a healthcare.gov question for those that have done it.

I was filling out the questions last night.  Oh man.  The repetition was kinda crazy and some of the questions had no answers (Are you the primary care taking for kids? Yes/No?  Uh, there are no kids, which I stated earlier....).

The application couldn't go through for some reason, so I have to try again tonight.  I know the form is for all kinds of people, and that I am an odd ball in this, but I had to go through all my current insurance costs and information, then there was one question on if i was losing coverage in 2019.  Seemed like a lot of work and looking stuff up that is not relevant.  Now I am concerned I did something wrong.

Other experiences before I head back to the form to try again tonight?

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2081 on: March 20, 2019, 05:59:31 AM »
Congrats to those that pulled the trigger!!

I have a healthcare.gov question for those that have done it.

I was filling out the questions last night.  Oh man.  The repetition was kinda crazy and some of the questions had no answers (Are you the primary care taking for kids? Yes/No?  Uh, there are no kids, which I stated earlier....).

The application couldn't go through for some reason, so I have to try again tonight.  I know the form is for all kinds of people, and that I am an odd ball in this, but I had to go through all my current insurance costs and information, then there was one question on if i was losing coverage in 2019.  Seemed like a lot of work and looking stuff up that is not relevant.  Now I am concerned I did something wrong.

Other experiences before I head back to the form to try again tonight?

Hey Loren

I just went through this at the end of January, and it took me three goes at the application before I got it right.  (Sounds like my trouble spots were different than yours though).  The questionnaire is cumbersome and there are a few questions that are not intuitive at all.  The Healthcare.gov help desk is great, however.  I called them several times and each time got someone who actually helped me; great customer service.  I was worried about screwing up a question and torpedoing the whole thing permanently, but there was no need.  It seems they allow multiple corrections.  It took about a week of on-again/off-again trying before I made it through the application process.  Then it was about three weeks before my application was handed off from healthcare.gov to the insurer.  That was a bit nerve wracking, but it worked out ok.  The insurance cards arrived, and the insurance was backdated to our approval date.

Another thing that may bring you comfort -- they have people that can walk you through the process at no cost if you hit a brick wall.  I was close to calling that "phone a friend" a couple times, but ended up getting through all right.   

tl;dr -- Clunky process, but don't be discouraged, you'll get there.     


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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2082 on: March 20, 2019, 06:03:09 AM »
Thank you Trifele!  I have several concern points (my income, COBRA options etc).  I wasn't sure if I just send it in and they give me an answer, of it the process will let me refine my answers as needed.... 

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2083 on: March 20, 2019, 06:27:17 AM »
Thank you Trifele!  I have several concern points (my income, COBRA options etc).  I wasn't sure if I just send it in and they give me an answer, of it the process will let me refine my answers as needed....

@Loren Ver -- Yes the income part was hard.  At the end of the application they put me in "Pend" status and said they needed more information.  I sent them a simple one page letter where I outlined how I was predicting my income for 2019, and they accepted that. 

And COBRA is kind of a land mine -- watch out.  COBRA and Exchange insurance are mutually exclusive for the remainder of the calendar year.  So if you go on COBRA for even one month, you cannot go onto the exchange until the next open enrollment at the end of the year.  There is one question on the application form that asks about COBRA and is potentially misleading.  I forget the exact wording, but I think it's something like "were you offered COBRA by your employer", and I called to ask about that one.  I was told by customer service to answer "No" to that if I was declining COBRA to go onto the Exchange.   That is a very common scenario, where COBRA is offered, but ultra expensive, so people decide to decline it and go on the Exchange.

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2084 on: March 20, 2019, 07:52:29 AM »
Thank you Trifele!  I have several concern points (my income, COBRA options etc).  I wasn't sure if I just send it in and they give me an answer, of it the process will let me refine my answers as needed....

@Loren Ver -- Yes the income part was hard.  At the end of the application they put me in "Pend" status and said they needed more information.  I sent them a simple one page letter where I outlined how I was predicting my income for 2019, and they accepted that. 

And COBRA is kind of a land mine -- watch out.  COBRA and Exchange insurance are mutually exclusive for the remainder of the calendar year.  So if you go on COBRA for even one month, you cannot go onto the exchange until the next open enrollment at the end of the year.  There is one question on the application form that asks about COBRA and is potentially misleading.  I forget the exact wording, but I think it's something like "were you offered COBRA by your employer", and I called to ask about that one.  I was told by customer service to answer "No" to that if I was declining COBRA to go onto the Exchange.   That is a very common scenario, where COBRA is offered, but ultra expensive, so people decide to decline it and go on the Exchange.

THIS!   DH and I are very analytical.  It asked if there was access to COBRA at all, so the answer is yes, but I am not going to take it.  So there was much confusion and going back and forth on what to put.  Sounds like a phone call might be in order.

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2085 on: March 20, 2019, 11:10:30 AM »
Did you find the social interaction at work odd?

I've found the under 30 employees see me as inspirational.

The over 40 employees generally don't want to talk to me

The 30-40 all fall somewhere in between.

Somewhat shockingly, so far I've received nothing but positive responses.  Of course, there are a couple of caveats to that.  It hasn't been announced to everyone, so I've just told people individually.  I haven't mentioned retirement specifically, only that I'm quitting to travel the world for the foreseeable future.  I work for a travel company, so basically everyone that works here would want to do the same thing.

In fact, I've gotten two identical responses of "I've always heard that people do that, but I've never known anyone.  That's awesome!"

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2086 on: March 20, 2019, 02:50:38 PM »
So I decided last October to step back from my full time computer career and test out the waters with being a real-estate broker/realtor.  The goal was to give me the feeling of retiring early (commission pay vs salary pay) [FIRE was planned for July-2019]
Note: I still have personal income and residual income.  Also I moved to a LCOL area in Tennessee.

The first issue that I ran into was the bronzes marketplace plan which costed almost $400/month.  To be honest I wanted to choose the Platinum plan but wasn’t willing to spend almost $1000/month.  I also purchased a house with payments around $1650/m.
I was hit with multiple high dollar items (Investment property taxes ~ $25k, Investment insurance ~ $10k, and IRS personal taxes ~$13k).  For the most part I borrowed some of the money from my parents.  Although most of it is paid off now.

This is one of the few times that my residual income was being used to finance my personal life.  I HATED THE FEELING.  My net worth was still growing but at a slower rate.  Every time I turned around another high item expense popped up.  Fees of becoming a realtor have been around $3k with about $1k more spread throughout the year.

------

About 6 weeks ago, an employer less than 40 miles away offered me a high-paying computer job.  I started my first day last week.  For the most part they sought me out for the computer skills that I have.  This company has offered me more benefits than any other companies have in the past.  (Every other Friday off, 12 paid holidays) I even opted to pay for 2 extra weeks of paid vacation.

I plan to postpone my goal of retiring until I have my investments completely paid off (currently around 80% paid off).  Until then I am planning to max my 401k, max my HSA, max my IRA, and pay extra in Fed Taxes.  Plus be covered for my medical, dental, ST/LT disabilities, term life, AD&D Insurance, and about 10 other miscellaneous benefits.

Please remove me from FIRE 2019 timeline.  Maybe I will re-investigate the idea in a couple of years.  ;)

-----

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2087 on: March 20, 2019, 03:14:05 PM »
<snip>
Please remove me from FIRE 2019 timeline.  Maybe I will re-investigate the idea in a couple of years.  ;)
-----

Best of luck @Enigma!  Come back any time.   

Cookie78

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2088 on: March 20, 2019, 03:15:41 PM »
Looks like I'm out for this year's graduation class too.

I went to put my rental house on the market earlier this month and found out that the real estate market had continued to drop a lot more over the last 2 years. If I sold now I'd get about 3% more than what I bought it for over 10 years ago. I was expecting an extra 50k each for both houses, and 100k less net worth is just too close to minimal lean FIRE for my comfort. The market isn't expected to improve for at least a year or two.

The good news is that my mindset regarding this turn of events is surprisingly calm and accepting. Financially, everything else is under control and on autopilot and the tenants are all reliable. I'm planning on loosening the reins a bit over the next 2 years and spending more on things I enjoy while I wait for the market to improve. I chatted with my supervisor yesterday about taking a 6 month leave of absence for a summer, and using vacation time and short term unpaid leave for a different summer so I can still do some of the medium length adventures I have planned. It looks like things might work out just fine.

I'll have to put some of the longer term adventures on hold again, but I'm sure I have enough to keep me busy for now. I just hope I don't keep '1 more year'ing until I'm 55!


Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2089 on: March 20, 2019, 03:39:06 PM »
Best of luck with everything @Cookie78!  Sorry to see you go.     

Cookie78

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2090 on: March 20, 2019, 04:16:37 PM »
Best of luck with everything @Cookie78!  Sorry to see you go.   

Yeah it sucks, but it is what it is, and I'm a bit excited that maybe I can get to 1M before I quit for good now, and maybe I can do a few extra more costly adventures in the future if I save up a bit more. :)

The biggest downsides are that 1) I'm not getting younger and some of the more challenging adventures are only going to get harder, and 2) my elder 4 legged adventure sidekick is already coming up on 10 years old in a couple months and won't be around for some of the dog friendly adventures I was planning for too much longer.


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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2091 on: March 21, 2019, 05:01:02 AM »
Sorry to see you go @Cookie78 and @Enigma, but you need to make the right decisions for you.  Cookie, your dogs are SOO CUTE.  AWWW. 

@Eric I am glad things are so positive for you.  DH has been the same way, mine have too for the most part.  People that are most similar to my age or older but make more money tend of have some incredulous to their congrats, but maybe that will get them thinking.   

In other news, I fought the healthcare.gov website with help of one of the phone people and failed, again.  Ugh.  Now I have to wait another 24 hours and start again. Apparently there are some technical issues in addition to the Loren issues. 

LV

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2092 on: March 21, 2019, 05:27:12 AM »
This has been a fascinating week.  I took some time to write about the reactions I got from publicly announcing this as retirement at 36.  I didn't want to forget this moment and think what I learned and experienced will be helpful to everyone soon to deliver their retirement/resignation notice

It may or may not be a good idea in your situation, please be sure to know your audience.  I had a good mix of both supportive and grumpy folks.   

Communicating an Early Retirement

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2093 on: March 21, 2019, 06:05:53 AM »
This has been a fascinating week.  I took some time to write about the reactions I got from publicly announcing this as retirement at 36.  I didn't want to forget this moment and think what I learned and experienced will be helpful to everyone soon to deliver their retirement/resignation notice

It may or may not be a good idea in your situation, please be sure to know your audience.  I had a good mix of both supportive and grumpy folks.   

Communicating an Early Retirement

That is a good write-up, thanks for sharing.  I am seeing some of the same.  I find it funny that people that know me best are not really surprised at all.  They see how I live and once they got another data point found the logical conclusion.  My version of the entrepreneurs those that retired at normal retirement age, then came back as consultants part time.  They are so excited!  Excited for me, for my opportunities.   They are some fun people to talk to, and get advice from!

LV

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2094 on: March 21, 2019, 06:08:10 AM »
I read this article off Rockstar Finance that talks about some interesting things to be mindful of as we all get ready to FIRE.  I enjoy reading articles that give an alternative view of FIRE so I can have a better overall approach to FIRE.

https://www.freemoneyfinance.com/2019/01/an-alternative-look-at-the-fire-financial-independence-retire-early-movement.html

As for me I'm still on glide path to my FIRE date.  I stop working at my current job on May 23rd.  On May 24th I start a period of 100 days of leave as a precursor to FIRE.  I will still be earning a salary all the way until August 31st so that's some good travel money.  I have a few road trips planned during that 100-day period.  Right now I'm busy closing things out in the office.

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2095 on: March 21, 2019, 06:46:21 AM »
I read this article off Rockstar Finance that talks about some interesting things to be mindful of as we all get ready to FIRE.  I enjoy reading articles that give an alternative view of FIRE so I can have a better overall approach to FIRE.

As for me I'm still on glide path to my FIRE date.  I stop working at my current job on May 23rd.  On May 24th I start a period of 100 days of leave as a precursor to FIRE. 

I like reading all sorts of FIRE articles too, @Cornbread OMalley.  This one is pretty well written, so I was a bit surprised that the author doesn't seem to know about early access to a 401k account without the 10% penalty?  I'm not arguing it's ideal to use 401k money early, but it is possible.  His 'Better Path' points at the end are good, but I see them as totally compatible with the FIRE concept we have going here in this forum -- not only an alternative.  My take -- well written, not a hate piece, but lacking understanding of some of the finer points. 

Your glide path sounds fantastic.  Do you want to be confirmed after you finish work on May 23 instead of waiting until September for us to congratulate you?   :)

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2096 on: March 21, 2019, 07:10:43 AM »
My countdown app says I'm 50 days out -- but only 22 or so of those are work days. Getting really, really close. Also, amazingly, my invested stash is exactly where I'd hoped it would be some 5-6 years ago when I was looking out toward 2019.

On the downside, now that it's getting real, DW has been expressing her doubts about my retirement -- not from the financial perspective, but rather from the perspective of me being gone all the time. She's concerned that I'll be flying off on any whim that moves me, to go adventuring here and there. My doing exactly that a week ago -- i.e., booked a last minute flight back to Utah (where I'd just spent a week just a week prior) to seize upon the 38" of new fluff they'd gotten -- probably set a bad precedent. DOH! At any rate, my attitude is it's either going to work out or it isn't. If it doesn't, well then, that's life. Not that I'm looking to sabotage our marriage or anything, it's just that I'm not willing to sacrifice my happiness on the altar of her insecurity. I'm confident in the end we'll reach a compromise and all will be fine, though I anticipate there are some battles ahead, but that's married life (at least in my experience).

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2097 on: March 21, 2019, 07:53:02 AM »
I like reading all sorts of FIRE articles too, @Cornbread OMalley.  This one is pretty well written, so I was a bit surprised that the author doesn't seem to know about early access to a 401k account without the 10% penalty?  I'm not arguing it's ideal to use 401k money early, but it is possible...
True.  But how can a person access 401k funds before age 59.5 without it being disadvantageous and/or being in dire circumstances?  The only positive I see is withdrawing early to partially fund a first-house payment.

Your glide path sounds fantastic.  Do you want to be confirmed after you finish work on May 23 instead of waiting until September for us to congratulate you?   :)
Please keep my FIRE date the same as I will still be bound to the organization until that date.  After my FIRE date I will totally FREE!!!

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2098 on: March 21, 2019, 08:12:20 AM »
My countdown app says I'm 50 days out -- but only 22 or so of those are work days. Getting really, really close. Also, amazingly, my invested stash is exactly where I'd hoped it would be some 5-6 years ago when I was looking out toward 2019.

On the downside, now that it's getting real, DW has been expressing her doubts about my retirement -- not from the financial perspective, but rather from the perspective of me being gone all the time. She's concerned that I'll be flying off on any whim that moves me, to go adventuring here and there. My doing exactly that a week ago -- i.e., booked a last minute flight back to Utah (where I'd just spent a week just a week prior) to seize upon the 38" of new fluff they'd gotten -- probably set a bad precedent. DOH! At any rate, my attitude is it's either going to work out or it isn't. If it doesn't, well then, that's life. Not that I'm looking to sabotage our marriage or anything, it's just that I'm not willing to sacrifice my happiness on the altar of her insecurity. I'm confident in the end we'll reach a compromise and all will be fine, though I anticipate there are some battles ahead, but that's married life (at least in my experience).

Is your wife also FI?

Otherwise, try to find some compromise by not travelling ALL the time.

I have been seeing this situation at my friends. He is a "normal" pensioner, she is much younger and still working (not FI). He travels for 1-2 months at the time. She is home alone a lot and need to solve home emergencies on her own. That has annoyed her at occasions. When he is home though, he takes a lot of responsibility for the household, doing the cleaning and the cooking.

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2099 on: March 21, 2019, 08:37:02 AM »
I like reading all sorts of FIRE articles too, @Cornbread OMalley.  This one is pretty well written, so I was a bit surprised that the author doesn't seem to know about early access to a 401k account without the 10% penalty?  I'm not arguing it's ideal to use 401k money early, but it is possible...
True.  But how can a person access 401k funds before age 59.5 without it being disadvantageous and/or being in dire circumstances?  The only positive I see is withdrawing early to partially fund a first-house payment.

There's a sticky thread in Investor Alley about it.

 

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