Author Topic: Would like some thoughts on how we're doing....retirement and college coming up.  (Read 3353 times)

Juslookin

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 321
Ok, here we go. I'm new around here and see sometimes you guys will kick some bodies ass. I'm going to take that chance.

DH and I are 43. We have a combined income of $200,000. We both work full time.

Home is valued at $550,000, we currently owe $55,000, original loan $250,000 approximately 7 years ago. We are making extra payments like crazy. Expect it will be paid off in 6-8 months depending on certain circumstances.

We currently have combined $670,000. in our 401ks.

Car loan of approximately $13,000 with 0% interest. No other loans, we do use a credit card for rewards but only for expenses and we pay it off each month.

We have approximately $8,000 in mutuals funds, we started those not too long ago. We have $20,000 in 529 accounts but we have two kids, 14 and 16.  We have approximately $15,000 in various savings accounts. Will be moving more of that into mutual funds shortly.  I think we need more cash savings, we have been maxing out our 401ks for years and want more liquid cash like mutual funds.

So my questions. We think we are on a good track to retire. DH will probably go first, he is not intending to go very early, maybe 56 - 57. He doesn't think he can go earlier. I don't mind my job at all and would be happy to keep doing it after he retires. I have a huge amount of flexibility with it and work at home. I also carry our health insurance.

Do you think DH could go at that age? What about college? No idea about the costs there, just starting to learn. I never went myself. DH wants to pay costs for kids as long as they do well, fail a class we stop paying. I'm ok with that and we intended to have the house paid off by then which would free up income. Is this feasible do you think?

One kid is looking at smaller colleges, in state. The other one (younger one) is looking at state school which is pricey but she will more than likely score some merit scholarships.

We would like to enjoy life after retirement, maybe while we're still young do some traveling. However retirement calculators are ridiculous, there is no way I will need retired what I have now. My house will be paid, my kids grown, my big saving will be done.
Opinions? Thoughts?

ltt

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 761
I don't have a lot to offer.  I think you are doing fantastic.  But I agree to save and put some money in some more liquid assets.  Also, what are your plans with your home once the kids are off in college??  That's a "lot of house" that you could free up to invest.  I'm not necessarily for paying for kids' college, helping out every now and then, yes, but not financing the entire thing.  You are still looking at over a decade's worth of work.  When you get your home paid off, you will be able to really invest like crazy.  And, should you decide to downsize, all the better in having more to invest.

Juslookin

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 321
The plan is to downsize our home at or fairly shortly after retirement. We have a large piece of land, barn, animals, all of this requires maintenance. We won't need a house this size at all. We would sell, buy smaller, cheaper, hopefully warmer.

It's so hard to know how we're doing. I read other threads, like the 24 y/o millionaire dude. Clearly we don't compare to that type of progress so I was starting to doubt where we're at. Money isn't something my friends or family discuss.

ltt

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 761
I must have missed the 24/y/o millionaire dude thread--haha!  Off to find it.

mxt0133

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1547
  • Location: San Francisco
If you list out your current expenses then we can better know your situation and tell you if you'll be OK or not.  But it seems like with your house almost paid of and the amount you have in your retirement accounts with 10+ more years of work it seems like you will be OK.  With your income I'm thinking you can probably cut down your husband's time to retirement if you can lower your expenses and maintain your income.

Juslookin

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 321
I must have missed the 24/y/o millionaire dude thread--haha!  Off to find it.

Ok, he's 29. Still rattled me, here you go.

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/young-wealthy-and-still-working-advice/