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General Discussion => Welcome and General Discussion => Topic started by: Piwakawaka on December 25, 2015, 11:27:23 PM

Title: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Piwakawaka on December 25, 2015, 11:27:23 PM

For all you 2026ers... of which I hope there are a few lurking around!

2026 is my FIRE date, based on a desire to retire at age 40 (age 30 now and a few months into serious mustache mode). In a few days (its boxing day 2015 as I write this), 2016 will roll in, beginning a decade long countdown! It'll be a long road, but no 45 years road at least ;)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: dontwannaworkforever on December 26, 2015, 06:44:21 AM
In! I plan to retire at 35. I will be 25 years old this coming New Years.

I'm aiming for a $750,000 stash. I'm 5% of the way there. In 2016, I'll be changing careers, purchasing my first home, and hopefully start my business as well once I get employment settled.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Davids on December 26, 2015, 09:50:04 AM
2026 sounds like a potential FIRE year for me. I should hopefully be FI for 5-6 years at that point and then still working to build the stache buffer and then this would seem like a reasonable point then to hit the RE button.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on December 26, 2015, 04:11:22 PM
I'll qualify for my government pension in 2026, so it's the year my better half and I are targeting.  Our current net worth would probably meet most of our needs, and the pension and health insurance benefits make it worthwhile to keep stashing while we continue to enjoy our overseas adventures.  Good luck to all in our cohort!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: A frugal millennial on December 26, 2015, 04:11:52 PM
I could be FIRE by 2026 if I really push it, and am super frugal both during the accumulation phase and post-retirement. This is my first year of employment post grad school, I've got around 40K in student loans, and I'm making about 50k pre-tax. My husband is doing an internship, and will be going to grad school for his degree next year. I'll be 37 in that year. Even now, my goal is not to stop working entirely, but rather shift to a field that right now is not stable enough to support us, thus I intend to bring in a small amount of income even after I retire, so I don't feel the need to build up quite as big a stash as others.

The plan basically boils down to this:

1. Save 33% of my take-home pay for the rest of this school year, then 40% next year, and then 50% ever year after.

2. Do everything we can to save money. We're selling our very old-and often needs repairs- car, I'll commute by walking and he commutes by busing. We already cook everything from scratch at home, bring all our food with us, etc. I'm thinking about giving up data on my cellphone, or switching to another plan. We have a roommate moving in with us come January.

3. Find side income in addition to our primary jobs. I don't really know what all that will look like, but I have a few ideas.


Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Yankuba on December 26, 2015, 06:02:59 PM
I'm shooting for 2026. I will have 25 years of federal service and am hoping for a VERA. My agency has been offering them every year so fingers crossed.

I am planning on a second career - something more enjoyable than what I do now.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Zamboni on January 10, 2016, 04:25:22 PM
Count me in.

I will likely keep working until 2026. At that point my children will be finishing college and I can decide if I want to RE or semi-retire.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Dexterous on January 13, 2016, 09:58:13 PM
It feels nice to have company with the same goal!!  :)  I joined the military in 2006, therefore 2026 is the earliest I can retire under the current system.  My wife and I invest over half our income, and get big pay raises next month so everything is going good so far.  We spent a lot of time focusing on finances during the last few years, and feel that is all on track so we've recently switched our focus towards being more healthy.  I've learned a lot from the "blue zones".

Upon retirement, we plan to buy a ~42' liveaboard yacht/sailboat and live on that part of each year.  If you guys are still members at that time you'll have to join us in the Caribbean for the celebration.  Cheers!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: asauer on January 20, 2016, 01:44:43 PM
2026 is our goal.  I'll be 47.  Kids will be off to college!  Right now we're focusing on paying off the mortgage which (god willing and the creek don't rise) should be November or December of this year.  That will give us quite a bit extra to invest!  We've already changed our lifestyle big time over the last 4 years but could use some additional optimization in the clothing and restaurant areas.  Hopefully, we can get those where they need to be this year giving us even more to 'stache away.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: CanIndian on January 20, 2016, 01:59:28 PM
I am targeting FIRE in 2026 too.

I am 34 and DW 28 with 2 very young kids. I will be 45 in 2026 and it is reasonably aggressive target to hit the FIRE date.
We are on track to hit 100K in a few months and if all goes to plan we should be 1MM+ by 2026.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: NonprofitER on February 02, 2016, 08:54:13 AM
We're in this boat as well.

2026 our child will be graduating from high school and we'll have paid off the house - our last two steps to FIRE. We'll be 43 and 44.

Net worth is $188,000 right now, including some home equity. Haven't yet decided if we'll downsize when we FIRE, but its a possibility.  We're looking to FIRE with $1MM, not including equity (which will conservatively be ~$400,000 - current market price, assuming no appreciation or major crashes).
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: KMMK on February 07, 2016, 12:47:50 PM
It's too far away to say whether 2025, 2026 or 2027 is more appropriate for me. Either way, worst case scenario in 10 years I'll be down to part-time work - just enough to pay my bills, letting investments increase only. Best case scenario I'll be fully FIRE. I'll be 49 but my SO will only be 43 and plans to work until he is 54 or so. However, he gets tons of vacation time, so the sooner I can be part-time/flexible the better, so we can actually travel and do fun things. Right now I'd rather work part-time/seasonal for more years, rather than full-time and RE sooner, but I flip-flop on that one. I find work interferes a lot with my life. I'm still working on ways around that. At least my SO likes to do a lot more fun things than my ex did, so already life is better outside of work.

Financially my goal is to save at least $1,000/month in order to get where I want to be in 10 years. But that's not counting raises at all, and it seems unlikely that my salary won't increase over 10 years. I want about $600,000 to FIRE. 28% there.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Rhoon on February 15, 2016, 08:58:45 PM
I'm targeting 2026 as well. Currently on course to be completely debt free (except the mortgage) in 5 years. Combined assets (pre downturn) were around $110K; probably took a $10K hit in the dip(trying not to look). Currently stashing away roughly 45% of my Net per year; in 5 years when everything is paid off (student loans, truck, solar panels -- no electric bill!), it'll be closer to 65%.

At that point we will determine whether I want to stash away for another year or two to try and pay off the house to rent it out or whether I sell it and move the family aboard a live-aboard boat (thinking either 38' Cat or 42' mono). My son's college education will also be covered by this time.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: clarkfan1979 on February 15, 2016, 09:42:58 PM
This sounds like a good year for us to be FIRED on paper. I don't think we would actually retire because we like our day jobs. I am a college prof with 4 months off. That's enough time for us to travel. My wife is now a personal assistant for a financial planner. She works 3 days a week, works from home and can travel anytime. Our net worth in 10 years should be around 1 million plus a small pension. I don't think we would change anything, but we could at that point. We will see when we get there.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Reader on February 15, 2016, 10:11:49 PM
I'm aiming for a simpler less stressful life in 2026. Semi RE is on the cards as i prefer to keep active with side income to avoid drawing on the stash for as long as feasible.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PseudoStache on February 19, 2016, 04:01:18 PM
Just tuning in as this is the year my wife and I would like to FIRE.

I would say we are about a third of the way towards our number.

If things remain "status quo" I'd feel very confident in achieving this... but I just can't see me holding this job or finding something that generates the same level of income for the next ten years.

At the very least I hope to have FU money that allows me to something I really want to do.

Good luck to all!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: NickleNurser on February 21, 2016, 08:24:40 PM
I just found MMM in January, but my SO and I are ON BOARDDDDD!

We have the usual student loan debt and a car payment, but we have made major changes in the past 2 months and are seeing significant results. We guesstimate that we can be FI/RE in 10yrs which puts us in the 2026 cohort. We will be in our early 40s and plan to continue working part time.

We have future variables to consider--not yet married, want 1-2children, plan to buy a house. However, we also have moderate incomes and few expenses, so we're able to save a lot right now.

Cheers to ten more years!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: EuroGap on February 22, 2016, 05:55:24 AM
Another 2026'er here! Might be 2025 - who knows, but if all goes according to plan then 2026 is the definite year.

Me and SO are getting out of college this spring (engineers), and have already realised that we enjoy travelling too much to buy in to the 40+ years "demanded" of us.

I'm very happy we have found the concept of FIRE so early in our lives.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Piwakawaka on February 24, 2016, 04:56:06 PM
Major step today on the long road ahead; A few weeks ago I bumped up my contributions into my index fund investment portfolio significantly, to $20K per annum. The first monthly tranche of the amount has gone through and boy does it feel good! I imagine what crap I would have got / done with that money only a few years ago... as for now, what can I say! wealth creation is ridiculously satisfying!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: bkmnky72 on February 25, 2016, 12:41:17 AM
Signing in.  It's ideally 2027 which will make DH and I 50 and 55 respectively. 

Our current NW is about $350K, which is mostly real estate, about 33/67. 

The goal is $1M NW, 50% or $500K in retirement $ or other non-real estate investments.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sabby on February 25, 2016, 08:14:49 AM
I stumbled onto MMM, and FIRE discussion on the internet last year with a help from a colleague. I've many things to do in the next few days, including

a) checking my portfolio mix,
b) calculating my NW,
c) creating a dividend portfolio,
d) checking the health of my current investments, and
e) setting some BHAGs for savings, and funding for this year and beyond.

Believe me, by writing this post I'm taking the next step (or leap) in my (and my family's) financial evolution.

Proud to say, last year was the first time i maxed our 401K, Roth+tIRA (+DW's), and HSA. Opened up a 529 on account of my daughter's birth 3 months ago, and started picking up some stocks to invest.

Aiming for FIRE by 2026.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tacosandbeer on March 08, 2016, 07:57:10 AM
2026 here. Officially making it official. Here's to more time for tacos and beer!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Duchess of Stratosphear on March 09, 2016, 01:33:22 PM
Yay! I'm glad somebody started a 2026 thread. That's the year I'll have my 25 years in my pension program. I'll be 57, but I hope to have enough saved to get me through to when I can collect my pension at 60. Then I can reduce my withdrawals but still take out a little if needed to get me to 70 and SS. (I hope there will be side gigs in there somewhere). It seems like a million years away, I have to say. It will be nice to have company.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: EuroGap on March 10, 2016, 11:03:36 PM
Can someone inform me on the general purpose of these cohort threads after the initial "I'm in" phase?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: bkmnky72 on March 11, 2016, 05:14:10 AM
Can someone inform me on the general purpose of these cohort threads after the initial "I'm in" phase?

You're supposed to check in on the regular to update on how everyone's going and support/cheer people on. 

I plan to check in once a month towards the end of the month.  Real estate is crazy right now in my zip code which brings up our NW to $391-ish.  Without Real Estate, it is grossly low at $131K, which is a whole lot lower than I previously posted.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Mega on March 22, 2016, 11:23:16 AM
I am expecting a 2026 FIRE date. It would have been 2023 (when I would be 40), if childcare wasn't so expense!

I started the journey in 2013, so 13 (10) years is pretty good, I think.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: missmoneymachine on March 22, 2016, 11:47:37 AM
2016 is my goal too! I turn 25 this summer and I want to be FIREd at 35
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: dodojojo on March 22, 2016, 12:18:23 PM
2026 is do-able for me if I'm aiming for 40K annually.  My current monthly expenses add up to about 32K annually.  But add in travel and financial support for a parent, and i'm closer to 40K.

If I can find a good part time gig, 2026 is viable.

I'm aiming for a cushier 50K and that would push me back to 2029.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Mega on March 23, 2016, 10:55:06 AM
2026 is do-able for me if I'm aiming for 40K annually.  My current monthly expenses add up to about 32K annually.  But add in travel and financial support for a parent, and i'm closer to 40K.

If I can find a good part time gig, 2026 is viable.

I'm aiming for a cushier 50K and that would push me back to 2029.

Well, you could always does something part time or seasonal. I expect to "retire" to be an independent contractor. Then I only do the jobs I want.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: dodojojo on March 23, 2016, 11:17:42 AM
Well, you could always does something part time or seasonal. I expect to "retire" to be an independent contractor. Then I only do the jobs I want.

Yes, that would be ideal.  I would do it if it was gig that would pay me around the $50/hour as that's my FT compensation.  I wouldn't do it for significantly less.  If that's the option, then I'd rather just work full time for a couple of years more.  I'm a paper pusher so I don't have a niche talent or specialization that would notch a high consulting rate.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PlanetDee on March 24, 2016, 12:34:41 PM
Joining in! 2026 is the goal for my husband and I to both switch to part time / side business work. Depending on how things go, we may be able to completely FIRE and work for travel expenses so we're not tapping into the stache. I can't wait!!!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: bestname on April 15, 2016, 01:07:17 PM
After pondering and making various calculations for three weeks, I've decided I will retire in 2026. I'm 42, very late to the MMM game. I wish I had discovered it sooner, but I'm glad I didn't discover it later.

Anyway. I will have saved enough to replace my income in 10 yrs. We are going to try to save a bit of my husbands income as well. My plan now is to work at least PT until my husband can retire. But no more 40+ hours in an office.

Goal set!!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on May 01, 2016, 05:36:57 AM
I have officially established my countdown to retirement timer at http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20260320T00&p0=263&msg=Retirement+Timer&ud=1&font=sanserif (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20260320T00&p0=263&msg=Retirement+Timer&ud=1&font=sanserif).

I'd only extend the date significantly if I'm promoted in the three years before (my pension payment is based on my high-3), though we might adjust by a month or two depending on the particular circumstances.

We are on track so far NW-wise.  Keep 'staching, everyone!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Dexterous on May 14, 2016, 01:57:57 AM
^ That calendar is really depressing.  It seems so far away when it's broken down like that :\

Update since January:  My wife and I both got the pay raises we expected, and I also got an unexpected bonus of $50k!  :)  We maxed out the TSP and IRAs in February, so our extra money is going into a taxable account for the remainder of the year.  Unfortunately, that doesn't increase my retirement timeline due to the whole military contract thing.  :P
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Rhoon on May 14, 2016, 09:24:05 PM
^ That calendar is really depressing.  It seems so far away when it's broken down like that :\

Update since January:  My wife and I both got the pay raises we expected, and I also got an unexpected bonus of $50k!  :)  We maxed out the TSP and IRAs in February, so our extra money is going into a taxable account for the remainder of the year.  Unfortunately, that doesn't increase my retirement timeline due to the whole military contract thing.  :P

Congrats on the pay raises and bonus! Nuclear Engineer? Wife and I are planning on the cruiser life style in 10-12 years ourselves.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIREdancer on May 17, 2016, 02:54:57 PM
My goal is to reach FIRE in 10 years, so I'm in.  At my current income and spending levels, it is more likely that it will take me 15 years, but I'm hoping to increase my badassity along the way, so I will be optimistic and join the 2026 cohort!  Ultimately, I plan to continue working part time, so I'm definitely shooting for FI by then.

Since finding MMM almost exactly a year ago, my current savings rate is about 30%, up from about 15% last year...shooting for 40-50% saving rate within a couple years.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Jessamine on June 23, 2016, 02:04:52 PM
Put me in this cohort as well.  Like many here, I started following MMM early last year and was floored by the idea that early retirement was doable.  After doing the math (several times), I should be FIRE at 40.  Current goal is to have my last day on my 40th birthday, which just so happens to be a Friday.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Dexterous on June 24, 2016, 06:29:18 AM

Congrats on the pay raises and bonus! Nuclear Engineer? Wife and I are planning on the cruiser life style in 10-12 years ourselves.

I'm not that smart! *edited for security*

We'll have to keep in touch about sailing.  Maybe we can learn a thing or two from each others plans.

Put me in this cohort as well.  Like many here, I started following MMM early last year and was floored by the idea that early retirement was doable.  After doing the math (several times), I should be FIRE at 40.  Current goal is to have my last day on my 40th birthday, which just so happens to be a Friday.

Welcome to the club, especially if you're a Patriots fan!  :)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Jessamine on June 24, 2016, 07:34:04 AM
Welcome to the club, especially if you're a Patriots fan!  :)

Of course!  Boston born and bred!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on July 01, 2016, 09:09:00 PM
I'm in. I currently have 10 years in the military, and will be eligible for retirement on 7-MAR-2026. I'll probably have to extend past the date to lock in a high-3 base salary, but I have a little dream of retiring exactly on the day.

Seems far away, but in reality it's only 4 billets away:
- 12 years service at the end of the current billet
- 14 at the end of my next sea tour as XO
- 17 at the end of land assignment as ???
- 20 at the end of CO sea tour.

Of course, the detailer might have other plans. I'll take the years as they come.

I went to college in Mass, and I find the Patriots worthy....of being heckled and harassed. ;)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PFHC on July 10, 2016, 07:19:22 PM
Howdy all!

I'm saying 2026, to be conservative. Realistically, could be as early as 2022... but, I don't like counting unhatched chickens.

I'm 36, married, with two terrifying monsters who live with us. We are natural born Mustachians, who fell off briefly in 2008, and were immediately slapped back on the wagon by the housing collapse. Been making strong gains in our NW for the past 4 years, hoping to continue.

We're Mainers, so, if we followed football, we'd naturally have to root for the Patriots!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: OurTown on July 12, 2016, 01:46:13 PM
We can probably hit this target.  My daughter should finish college in 2026.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: ABK on August 21, 2016, 10:22:03 AM
We're in for 2026. That'll be 11 years since discovering MMM, which has transformed our lives in this first year.

The kids will be out of the house, and said house will be paid off by then. I'll also be sick of my job by then ... I'm not yet, but I will be :-)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: amnash on August 21, 2016, 10:26:41 AM
I'm closer to 2028. But I am being realistic with it for my projections and already aggressively eliminating all debt. GOod luck to everyone!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on September 24, 2016, 07:46:03 PM
Hello everyone!

We're looking at retiring in 2026 also. I'm a SAHM, and my husband works for a state university. Current investments are around $340k-$350k, depending on the day. We plan to have somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.4m+ to retire on. But we will see how the plan goes. 2026 is a long way out, so we may end up being 2025 or 2027!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Gronnie on September 24, 2016, 09:22:43 PM
In! I'll be 40 in 2026 and am aiming for about $1m net worth plus paid for house.

Wife is a nurse and gets benefits even if part time, so we may have her continue to work 0.6FTE to continue to get benefits, plus that amount would nearly cover all our expenses and the 'stache could continue to grow!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Lindy on September 25, 2016, 04:42:12 PM
We're aiming for FIRE in 2026!  By then we should have a $1M net worth and a paid off house.  I'll be 46 and the Mr. will be 40. 

We talked about this last night actually.  We figured out our combined expenses for a year and then figured out how much we should need to retire.  $1M will cover our expenses with a healthy buffer. 

I don't see either one of us ending paid work completely after we retire.  Sure, we might take a couple years off, but eventually I see us finding work that we enjoy more than the jobs that we currently have. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: youngfruitbat on September 26, 2016, 09:31:02 AM
Would love to FIRE in 2026 (if not sooner, but 2026 at the latest)! That would make me 33 and DH 35. We are on the very beginning of our journey, as I just discovered MMM in March.

Luckily, we are starting out with no debt, so we will be able to start straight away with investments. Right now we are working on getting the minimum principle to invest with vanguard. I'm working on learning about investing as well.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FrugalLakes on October 05, 2016, 09:44:42 AM
I am aiming for 2026 as well.  No specific date as of right now but aiming for net worth of 1.25 million.  I will be 40 and free to do whatever pleases me then.  Just past the 10% mark and am aiming to add 45-50k to the stash in 2017.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: jade on October 05, 2016, 09:53:24 AM
2026 is roughly what I'm thinking as the FIRE for my husband and I. I'm now 40, he's 45. We are semi retired, and just starting on our stache, saving rate of 60%+. It may be a little later than that as our earnings fluctuate but I'll join in and give it our best shot. :)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: mooshie on November 03, 2016, 03:06:48 PM
2026 is looking like a good date for us. Only time will tell. It's possible it could be sooner, and less likely, but still possible it could take a little longer, but we're shooting for 2026 right now. Though we're always trying to move that date closer, so I guess we'll just have to keep saving and working hard and see what happens.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: OurTown on November 16, 2016, 08:30:25 AM
I am optimistic that this is still doable for us if we can do the following:

Pay off the mortgage about two years early.  It's currently set to hit zero in 2028.

Get my daughter (about to turn 13!!!!) through college, hopefully graduating in 2026.

Get affordable healthcare until Medicare kicks in.  Who knows what options will be available at that time.

Do some badass savings and pray for decent markets over the next 9-10 years to get the NW up to about 1.25 mil.  That would give us 50K in income until Social Security kicks in.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: E Dubya on November 21, 2016, 02:27:22 PM
Hello!  I will join this group and hope I make it until June 30, 2026, as that is when I am eligible for federal retirement.  I would like to retire much sooner, but I am trying to stay in it for the long haul, in order to keep qualifying for health insurance.  It will be difficult, but I only work 33 hours per week, which keeps me relatively sane.  Paid off the house in 2013, and have two children, one of whom will have finished an undergraduate degree by 2026 (I hope), and the other of whom will just be starting undergrad. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: velvethammer on November 21, 2016, 05:29:45 PM
Count me in!  DH (38) and I (37) are planning on pulling the plug in May 2026 after our youngest graduates from high school.  We're on track to pay off our mortgage in mid-2017, and then we'll really speed up the savings.  "Only" 2,025 working days to go.  We're planning to spend our time volunteering and road tripping around the U.S. in early retirement.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: DrMoneyTails on November 22, 2016, 05:46:51 AM
posting to follow. 2026 sounds like it is doable. I will be 41, and significant other will be 46.
currently our networth is 40K with 47K in debt. no kids yet and no mortgage, but those will be a few changes that should happen in the next 2 years or so..
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: OurTown on January 05, 2017, 02:51:37 PM
Okay 26'ers.  It looks like we are at $468k and my goal is a million and a quarter.  That puts me at around 37% of my magic number. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PseudoStache on January 05, 2017, 11:16:07 PM
Just completed my goals/targets for 2017... and I seem to be on track from a Net Worth perspective.

However we had a large expenditure this year that has resulted in the delay of our mortgage payoff.. which should complete at the end of 2027, and is pretty important to us so we may have to give it OMY.

If we want to make our 2026 FIRE timeline... we may have to "live lean" in 2027.

Happy New Year!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on January 06, 2017, 09:28:59 AM
Okay 26'ers.  It looks like we are at $468k and my goal is a million and a quarter.  That puts me at around 37% of my magic number.

Great update, OurTown. I'm currently at $370k, with a goal of $750 - 1M. So I'm sitting at 50% of my goal. Woot!

I'm primed to save ~$55k in 2017, and I have a networth goal of $450. We'll have to see how the markets perform.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: OurTown on January 06, 2017, 09:37:39 AM
Okay 26'ers.  It looks like we are at $468k and my goal is a million and a quarter.  That puts me at around 37% of my magic number.

Great update, OurTown. I'm currently at $370k, with a goal of $750 - 1M. So I'm sitting at 50% of my goal. Woot!

I'm primed to save ~$55k in 2017, and I have a networth goal of $450. We'll have to see how the markets perform.

Outstanding.  Say, don't you have a journal or something?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on January 06, 2017, 09:43:32 AM
Okay 26'ers.  It looks like we are at $468k and my goal is a million and a quarter.  That puts me at around 37% of my magic number.

Great update, OurTown. I'm currently at $370k, with a goal of $750 - 1M. So I'm sitting at 50% of my goal. Woot!

I'm primed to save ~$55k in 2017, and I have a networth goal of $450. We'll have to see how the markets perform.

Outstanding.  Say, don't you have a journal or something?

Yup, link in my signature line. That journal is a beast, but (I assume) everyone involved has a good time. Feel free to jump on and catch the tiger by the tail.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: thebattlewalrus on January 08, 2017, 07:51:56 AM
Looking over my numbers the last couple days it looks like we will FIRE in 2026. Would have been a year or two sooner but had to drop $70k in some medical stuff which set us back in 2016. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Rhoon on February 04, 2017, 08:28:54 AM
I'm targeting 2026 as well. Currently on course to be completely debt free (except the mortgage) in 5 years. Combined assets (pre downturn) were around $110K; probably took a $10K hit in the dip(trying not to look). Currently stashing away roughly 45% of my Net per year; in 5 years when everything is paid off (student loans, truck, solar panels -- no electric bill!), it'll be closer to 65%.

At that point we will determine whether I want to stash away for another year or two to try and pay off the house to rent it out or whether I sell it and move the family aboard a live-aboard boat (thinking either 38' Cat or 42' mono). My son's college education will also be covered by this time.

Last year was a wild ride on the financial front and I had slipped into the 2027 cohort for about 6 months. But with a strong finish at my job's year end in 2016, I was able to front load and max all my tax deferred savings already this year in 2017. With the projected growth (and current stock market returns), I'm back into a 2026 retirement cohort.

Now back to eliminating as much debt as possible.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PepperPotts on February 04, 2017, 04:56:17 PM
I'm thinking 2026-2028 would be an ideal time to retire.  We'd be 53-55 an should have adequate savings for a 4% SWR. Our daughter will graduate college in 2028 and son will be 2 yrs post-grad at that point.  Sounds good, we're in!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: bugbaby on February 04, 2017, 05:37:44 PM
I'm in! I'll be 50 in 2026 and my son will be graduating college, my daughter will be a sophomore. 

I hope to go very part time then because I still like my work. My goal is $1.2m, I'm at $150k excluding paid off rental townhome (180k). I live in a rental which I might change but works fine right now.

Best luck everyone!

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LinneaH on March 25, 2017, 04:19:15 AM
Can I join?
Our plans are early December 2026, just before I turn 55. DH will be 56. Originally we said early 2027, but I'd rather have a relaxing long holiday break that has no ending...

So giving notice in 9.5 years. (Living in Sweden where 3 months is the norm if you been employed for more than a year). A lot can of course happen, we have two young kids (6&4) and currently on a somewhat rough period jobwise.

I'd say we have more downside than upside opportunities but I still hope to somehow get ahead of our schedule. Will come back with target and where we are in %.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: kaadalac on March 28, 2017, 02:03:35 PM
Joining for an end of 2026 retirement on my 43rd birthday.

We have a total NW of 334k:
 104k in retirement accounts
 200k in home equity

Aiming for a total NW of 1.5m with 1m in stocks/bonds, .5m in home equity. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: MayDay on March 28, 2017, 08:50:02 PM
This is about what we are targeting.

DS is class of 2026. DD class of 2028.

Currently 525k, aiming for around 1.5 million including college funding (could cash flow it if we are still working).

100% depends on the state of health insurance though. We'll be 44 and 52 in 10 years.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on April 19, 2017, 10:03:04 AM
We're still on track for December 2026. Right now, we're just a tad over 400k. I hope to have more than $1,700,000 by the time we retire. This is partially dependent on whether my husband is able to maintain his VA disability pay. If he is re-evaluated and the amount were to drop, then we would have to look at things again.

The situation with the ACA is somewhat concerning. We have the ability to purchase retiree coverage through my husband's work but that would be very pricey--over $20,000 per year. I hope it does not come to that.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on April 19, 2017, 10:23:05 AM
I'm currently at $370k, with a goal of $750 - 1M. So I'm sitting at 50% of my goal. Woot!

I'm primed to save ~$55k in 2017, and I have a networth goal of $450. We'll have to see how the markets perform.

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017. Networth was $405,407.56 on 1-Apr. I've saved ~$25k YTD. Hopefully the trend will continue, and I'll smoke that goal of $55k saved.

Currently at 54% of my lower bound, and 40% of my upper bound. I think 2017 will be marked as the first time I actually started to believe early retirement, as in retiring before my govt pension kicks in, might truly be a feasible thing. At this rate of accumulation I'm 3.5 years from my lower bound, and 6 away from the upper bound. 

It's an interesting emotional journey, flopping from believing I'd retire in 10 years, to understanding I really could retire in 3. It involves a lot of fluttery tummy. Can't tell if it's excitement, or fear. Suddenly all those posts about social stigma and family reactions, the once I used to brush off as something that would never happen to me...well, now I'm feeling it. Currently still planning to stick the whole decade, because the US healthcare system is so uncertain, and my pension includes a lifetime of low coast healthcare. Still, the emotions, they gyrate.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on April 28, 2017, 05:31:48 AM
Due to my husband's VA pay, and unused GI bill (housing allowance), we are showing around a 25-30% of FIRE success in 3 years. I don't think that's quite a high enough chance, so we'll keep at it a bit longer. Haha
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on June 09, 2017, 07:04:31 AM
Time for some updates! We had record gains in the last few weeks, and I'm guessing most of you did as well. Our current net worth is around $438k. We should get to $500k in the first half of 2018 unless something wild happens with the stock market. Everything is still on track for retirement no later than the end of 2026!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: ABK on July 04, 2017, 05:19:19 PM
Yep, we are also just over $400K and still on target. We're expecting to have somewhere between $900K and $1.1M when we FIRE in 2026, and both SS's and my pension will kick in between 5 and 11 after that. It was exciting to see the odometer flip to $400K last month.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on July 04, 2017, 07:11:18 PM
I'm currently at $370k, with a goal of $750 - 1M. So I'm sitting at 50% of my goal. Woot!

I'm primed to save ~$55k in 2017, and I have a networth goal of $450. We'll have to see how the markets perform.

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017. Networth was $405,407.56 on 1-Apr. I've saved ~$25k $19k (bad math first time around) YTD. Hopefully the trend will continue, and I'll smoke that goal of $55k saved.

Currently at 54% of my lower bound, and 40% of my upper bound. I think 2017 will be marked as the first time I actually started to believe early retirement, as in retiring before my govt pension kicks in, might truly be a feasible thing. At this rate of accumulation I'm 3.5 years from my lower bound, and 6 away from the upper bound. 

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. Clocking in at 57% of the lower bound, and 43% of the upper bound.

3. I've saved ~38k YTD. The rate has slowed in Q2, because of some professional expenses, and because Q1 contains the tax refund. If Q1 shows my responsibility when faced with a 'windfall', then Q2 is a testament to my ability to keep my nose to the grindstone. I don't foresee any difficulty reaching my $55k savings goal.

4. I'm continuing to eyeball quitting my current job in Jan of 2020, but interest waxes and wanes. Right now I'm coming off the high of a really great long weekend with a FIRE'd friend, and struggling with a boring job. So interest is high. But I'm switching positions in 2018, which might drive interest back down again. We'll see. The quote "Man proposes, but God disposes," has a lot of applicability when dealing with long timelines.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on July 11, 2017, 12:03:31 PM
Our net worth increased to $444,000.

This morning I was feeling really ready to be done with the either of us having to work. We want our freedom, already! But, we will have to keep plugging along for a while.

We are not expecting large financial changes anytime soon, so things are a bit dull. Our car will be paid off in Sept or Oct of next year, but the payment is only $350. It's not going to change things much. Right now, I'm waiting for deposits/good days in the stock market to take us over $450k and then on to $500k. I've got a bottle of champagne (from Aldi) in the fridge for the $500k occasion. We live a luxurious life.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: The Viking on September 26, 2017, 02:21:24 PM
After some thinking and advanced guessing I´ve come to the conclusion that THIS will be the year! By the end of November I will retire, avoiding another fun, but also rather tiring Christmas in retail and instead freeing up room for time with family and friends. I will be 46 years and a few months by then.

I´m currently at 4 1/2years saved up, so only another 20 1/2years to save up for left. To help keep myself motivated I only countdown the days that I am at work, leaving only 2165 working days until 30th of November 2026!
Counting days off och days during vacation just seems crazy since I want ALL my days to be off from work. At least the kind of work someone else tells me to do.

Good luck and happy saving to all of you, special "Hej" (hello) to LinneaH for having pretty much the exact same date and also for being a swede!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 01, 2017, 12:46:17 AM
I'm currently at $370k, with a goal of $750 - 1M. So I'm sitting at 50% of my goal. Woot!

I'm primed to save ~$55k in 2017, and I have a networth goal of $450. We'll have to see how the markets perform.

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017. Networth was $405,407.56 on 1-Apr. I've saved ~$25k $19k (bad math first time around) YTD. Hopefully the trend will continue, and I'll smoke that goal of $55k saved.

Currently at 54% of my lower bound, and 40% of my upper bound. I think 2017 will be marked as the first time I actually started to believe early retirement, as in retiring before my govt pension kicks in, might truly be a feasible thing. At this rate of accumulation I'm 3.5 years from my lower bound, and 6 away from the upper bound. 

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. Clocking in at 57% of the lower bound, and 43% of the upper bound.

3. I've saved ~38k YTD. The rate has slowed in Q2, because of some professional expenses, and because Q1 contains the tax refund. If Q1 shows my responsibility when faced with a 'windfall', then Q2 is a testament to my ability to keep my nose to the grindstone. I don't foresee any difficulty reaching my $55k savings goal.

4. I'm continuing to eyeball quitting my current job in Jan of 2020, but interest waxes and wanes. Right now I'm coming off the high of a really great long weekend with a FIRE'd friend, and struggling with a boring job. So interest is high. But I'm switching positions in 2018, which might drive interest back down again. We'll see. The quote "Man proposes, but God disposes," has a lot of applicability when dealing with long timelines.

Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of lower bound, and 46% of upper bound.

3. Saved 47k YTD.

4. I've developed some health stuff that has a slight possibility of forcing me out of my job. It will be a large bummer to lose out on the gold plated pension, but I've always saved like the pension didn't exist. Pretty happy with my past self right now.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: EuroGap on October 01, 2017, 04:29:35 AM
After some thinking and advanced guessing I´ve come to the conclusion that THIS will be the year! By the end of November I will retire, avoiding another fun, but also rather tiring Christmas in retail and instead freeing up room for time with family and friends. I will be 46 years and a few months by then.

I´m currently at 4 1/2years saved up, so only another 20 1/2years to save up for left. To help keep myself motivated I only countdown the days that I am at work, leaving only 2165 working days until 30th of November 2026!
Counting days off och days during vacation just seems crazy since I want ALL my days to be off from work. At least the kind of work someone else tells me to do.

Good luck and happy saving to all of you, special "Hej" (hello) to LinneaH for having pretty much the exact same date and also for being a swede!

Hej from another Swede! That makes us three in here.

ISK all the way? How do you deal with the 950 000 SEK guarantees?

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: The Viking on October 07, 2017, 02:31:42 PM


Hej from another Swede! That makes us three in here.

ISK all the way? How do you deal with the 950 000 SEK guarantees?


[/quote]

Look, another! Seems so far that 2026 will be the "FIRE year of the Swedes"!
I don´t worry about any guarantees because I "give yourself the gift of not worrying". IF everything would fail and all our monetary gains would be in vain we will find another way to reach our goals. Don´t worry. Be happy.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on October 17, 2017, 09:24:13 AM
At the beginning of this year, I didn't think we could possibly hit 500k by the end of the year. Now, after several exceptionally good weeks with the stock market, we are less than $15k away. Our net worth is just over $485,000 right now.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Apple_Tango on November 01, 2017, 05:55:25 PM
I've picked my graduation year!! I'll be 35 years old in 2026 and it seems like a good age to retire :) I graduated in 2015, paid off my student loans in less than 6 months after graduation. But in 2016 (before I found MMM) I went from being 100% debt free to having major debt due to taking a family member up on an offer for a personal loan. I wish I had not done that now, but it is what it is. I was just introduced to MMM this summer, and it has lit a fire under my ass to get rid of the debt.

 $45k on a truck loan at 1.7% interest
 $137.5k on a personal loan to a family member at 0% interest
That's a grand total of...$182,500 accumulated debt. ouch.

My family member does not need me to pay back the cash right away so she keeps encouraging me to punt it down the road and just focus on my personal saving and investing now. But the debt is GNAWING at my bones. Knowing that she can ask for me to make extra payments at any time, or that she kind of still controls me through these loans is just such a bummer. Especially because she cannot comprehend FIRE and doesn't really support it, and I can't ethically FIRE until I have paid her back in full. Plus I would rather her have the money so I know she'll be taken care of if she falls ill as she ages. My plan is just to hand her extra checks whether she likes it or not. I figure that once I'm debt free I can really just POUND the money into my accounts and still meet all my goals. 

From June 2015 (my first real career job) through June 2017 I didn't really have a plan or a budget, but I thought I was "good" at money because I always had money left over at the end of the month. Whatever extra I had was just dumped  into Vanguard investments, which I've been doing since i was 18, or toward paying off my truck loan. But now I have a budget and some MAJOR goals to use my income to get back on track.

I currently have a negative net worth but I have paid off $31,644 towards my debt since September 2016 and am hoping to have a positive net worth again by March 2018. While paying off debt I have also been maxing out my IRAs and working toward maxing out my 401k, however this year was the first time I have ever been eligible for one so I'm not quite there yet.

I'm single with no kids (I believe the term here is SINK?) so the plan is to do it all with one income! And if a second income comes to join me along the way in the next 9 years or so, it will just be gravy :) 

My monetary goals by 2026:
1) Own a home outright (I'm thinking around $250,000 would be reasonable).
2) Have $750,000 in my liquid accounts
3) Be 100% debt free and never take out a car loan or a personal loan ever again. The only loan I want to consider is a mortgage for investment properties, however I would much prefer to pay cash.
4) Have a side business to provide extra income and a hobby in preparation for FIRE. It is actually a dream of mine for my business to take off in the next 3-4 years and surpass my corporate income so I could quit my current job even before I FIRE.

After that point, I believe I will still work but maybe only part time and maybe in a totally different field than the one i'm in now. Who knows :) I want to travel in my RV, and travel internationally, and develop a good home base community with lots of friends around. I have grown up with both my of parents as loners and they hardly have any friends..and I don't want to emulate that behavior. I want a life rich as defined by experiences :) It's less about the money itself, and more about the freedom that FIRE will give me.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on November 25, 2017, 08:42:00 AM
We hit a new milestone yesterday. With my husband's paycheck hitting our checking account, our net worth is over $500,000. Woohoo! Over 90% of this is investments, not home equity. We'll see how long it takes for us to get to $600,000. I'm estimating early 2019. It all depends on what the stock market has in store for us.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: ABK on December 27, 2017, 11:02:34 PM
Quick hello, and to say that our stash hit $450K just days before the end of the year!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on January 01, 2018, 01:30:49 PM
I'm currently at $370k, with a goal of $750 - 1M. So I'm sitting at 50% of my goal. Woot!

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017. Networth was $405,407.56 on 1-Apr. I've saved ~$25k $19k (bad math first time around) YTD. Hopefully the trend will continue, and I'll smoke that goal of $55k saved. Currently at 54% of my lower bound, and 40% of my upper bound

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. Clocking in at 57% of the lower bound, and 43% of the upper bound.

Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of lower bound, and 46% of upper bound.

End of Q4, and the end of 2017.

1. Networth i $496,452

2. 66% of 750k, and 49% of 1m.


The market have been kind to everyone!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sweet_Flips on January 02, 2018, 09:08:06 AM
I'm joining the cohort! Think I can make FI (or pretty darn close) by 2026. I'll be in my early 40s.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on January 02, 2018, 10:41:25 AM
We're up to $517,000 now. This stock market is insane. I'm about $60,000 higher than what I projected 2 years ago.

2026 is our worst case scenario date. Hopefully we'll be out by 2024 or 2025, but it's too early to tell.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: kaadalac on January 02, 2018, 12:35:39 PM
Going to start an annual End of Year Update from my Mint profile. 

Overall gained about 80k Net Worth last year between home appreciate and investment accounts. Not bad for having our second baby!

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on January 15, 2018, 07:37:13 AM
We're up to $536,000 now, almost entirely due to stock market gains. We're currently 1 year ahead of schedule. I'm sure the stock market will wipe a lot of our gains out at some point in the next several years, so we'll see how we hold up as we move closer to our target, and our date.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: never give up on January 20, 2018, 02:22:54 PM
Hello 2026’s. I haven’t really had a FIRE date. There’s so many variables involved and things that can go wrong with long term goals. I haven’t wanted to set a year in case mentally I started to believe that, and then life gets in the way and pushes the date out. I would find this a little crushing. However I ought to have some sort of target and I think 2026 is as good as any.

I’m 40 now, UK, have been naturally cautious and was a mortgage overpayer for years. I only found this site in October 2017. I was naturally frugal anyway but this site has helped me feel confident enough to invest. So I’ve messed up on the compounding front here, but nevertheless I’m very determined to FIRE in my 40’s.

Will look forward to encouraging those in here and celebrating milestones along the way.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on January 26, 2018, 03:59:31 PM
After another insane day on the stock market, we're now over 550,000. That's a $50,000 increase in 2 months. Our actual contributions were probably around $5,000 during that period. Maybe not even that much. I gotta admit this stock market seems very bubbly and has me a bit worried, but I'm not going to do anything crazy!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LinneaH on January 29, 2018, 07:42:30 AM
We are still in the game for Dec 2026, although I hope we can make an early exit when we come closer. Currently in the accumulation phase, trying to increase savings %, and not really clear on exactly what we will need or how far we have come. I mean, I know very well how much money we have, but we don't know the needed end target.

Our kids are just starting school and we don't know how much they will cost us in the future. They have been cheap so far, but now I see costs are coming for some things (such as more food, shortage of second hand clothes). We have very low-cost daycare/after school care in Sweden so ending that will not be as big a relief as in some other countries (we pay less than $150/month for two kids full time daycare, and that is standard).

We are still renovating the house, but much less costs going forward. Which is good as we are out of designated renovation money.



@The Viking & @Supernumerary, hej! Hope you are doing well. Do you know if there is a specific Swedish topic somewhere? I’d love to chat about pension stuff and other things.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FreshPrincess on March 15, 2018, 11:44:14 AM
I'm going to place us here.  Conservatively, we are looking at 2028... but I've never liked being conservative on things that feel completely in my control.  I can control this.  Aside from a sudden job loss or huge unexpected expense, there's no reason I can't cut back here and there and make better choices to shave off 2 years.

2026 it is.  My DH and I will be 43.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Indexer on March 16, 2018, 04:53:07 AM
Hello 2026’s. I haven’t really had a FIRE date. There’s so many variables involved and things that can go wrong with long term goals. I haven’t wanted to set a year in case mentally I started to believe that, and then life gets in the way and pushes the date out. I would find this a little crushing. However I ought to have some sort of target and I think 2026 is as good as any.

This says what I want to say perfectly. Aiming for FIRE 2026, but there are a lot of variables.

My calculator currently says March, 2027, but if I save at least $5k/yr more it drops into mid 2026. I will probably save $5-10k more in 2018 than 2017, and if trends continue I'll be saving even more in 2019.

However, markets are fickle, and no one knows if our assumed rates of return are realistic. I'm using a 4% real rate of return for my calculations. If that's 6% instead I'll be in the FIRE 2025 group. If it's 2% I'm looking at FIRE late 2027.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: EuroGap on April 04, 2018, 07:03:27 AM
@The Viking & @Supernumerary, hej! Hope you are doing well. Do you know if there is a specific Swedish topic somewhere? I’d love to chat about pension stuff and other things.

Don't know of any such topic. Is there any specific part of it you are interested in discussing?

Out basic strategy is:

If there are benefits of the private pensions, e.g. for tax reasons, I'd love to hear about it.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on April 20, 2018, 01:38:14 PM
1. Opening net worth of $370k

2. 50% of my $750k lower bound, 37% of the $1M upper bound

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017.

1. $405,407.56 on 1-Apr

2. 54% of my $750k lower bound, and 40% of $1M upper bound

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. 57% of $750k lower bound, and 43% of $1M upper bound.

Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of $750k, and 46% of $1M.

End of Q4, and the end of 2017.

1. Networth is $496,452

2. 66% of 750k, and 49% of 1m.

End of Q1 for 2018

1. Networth is $528,029 on 20-Apr

2. That's 70% of $750k, and 53% of $1M.

The idea of not working at my current job is pretty attractive today, but I think it's a temporary attack of the snits.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: clarkfan1979 on April 23, 2018, 03:06:51 AM
Feeling much better about 2026 after reading posts from other people. Thank you posters.

I am 38 and wife is 33. Over the last 6.5 years our net worth increased from about zero to 505K. Our current net worth is (240K of rental house equity, 165K cash, and 100K of retirement accounts).

We are buying a primary home with sweat equity and close in June. I am hoping to add 60K of sweat equity to our net worth over the next 6-12 months.

My goal for FIRE is 1.2 million and no debt. I tried to suggest in another post that we would get to 1 million by 2025 and 95% of the people on MMM shot me down. The consensus was that I had too much real estate and there are no more real estate deals left.

My wife worked full-time for the first 3.5 years. However, she has worked part-time for the past 3 years. We could probably get to FIRE quicker if she worked full-time, but that wouldn't be as much fun.



Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: salt cured on May 01, 2018, 01:16:37 PM
Posting to join the fun. We are mid-30s DINKs with $540k in equities and another $60k in home equity that we plan to cash out after FIRE. I still have no clear idea of what FIRE looks like, but we've been kicking around a move from the US to Canada, possibly starting a family, and definitely some slow travel. I'd like to be able to support USD $80k of expenses, though Ottawa and Montreal (the two cities on my radar) may actually have a lower cost-of-living than our current small city. I also go back and forth on whether to work full-time until FI or to exit for a part-time gig and coast across the finish line. These questions call for deeper introspection than I'm used to.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: never give up on May 19, 2018, 06:22:24 AM
Well early retirees certainly need some good fortune with timing especially when it comes to the markets. I’m not talking market timing here in the sense of when to buy and sell I mean luck around the timing of what the markets are doing relative to ones FIRE date. For example 2009/2010 would have been an excellent time to hit a FIRE target.

Although I obviously can’t predict what will happen, part of me is a bit worried the markets will continue up with some sideways spells for the next few years and then have a fall around our date 2026. Natural caution and pessimism shining through here.

I almost feel for our 2026 date I would rather the markets had a fall now while I am heavily committed to accumulation. An 18 month slide followed by 3 or years of sideways movement and then rising markets would be great for us.

I think if I was one of the 2018-2021 cohorts I would be really quite concerned about sequencing risk. It’s all completely out of our hands of course and I’m just continuing to invest on autopilot every month, but I do wonder where the year 2026 will fall in the good/bad year to FIRE league table. Anyone else think about this?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: aneel on May 19, 2018, 11:29:19 AM
Hello all! Hoping to reach our number by 2026, and start downshifting until ~4 years later when 1st kid is out of school.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on July 09, 2018, 03:16:52 PM
1. Opening net worth of $370k

2. 50% of my $750k lower bound, 37% of the $1M upper bound


Wrapping up Q1 for 2017.

1. $405,407.56 on 1-Apr

2. 54% of my $750k lower bound, and 40% of $1M upper bound


Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. 57% of $750k lower bound, and 43% of $1M upper bound.


Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of $750k, and 46% of $1M.


End of Q4, and the end of 2017.

1. Networth is $496,452

2. 66% of 750k, and 49% of 1m.


End of Q1 for 2018

1. Networth is $528,029 on 20-Apr

2. That's 70% of $750k, and 53% of $1M.

End of Q2 for 2018

1. Net worth is $546,907

2. That's 73% of $750k, and 55% of $1M

Work is busy, busy, and my greenback soldiers are busy, busy.  Not much else to report. Between the dream and the deed like the doldrums, eh?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LoanShark on August 03, 2018, 09:33:55 AM
Hey everyone! First post here. Figured I'd do a quick intro here since my FIRE goal is 2026 as well. I'll be 40 in 2026. :)

First off - background on my username. I'm a finance professional, investing capital on behalf of the bank I work for in middle market companies.

I LOVE to hike and one my buddies who's in his 70's and FIRE (He's a Mustachian, just doesn't know the term) gave me the trail name "Loan Shark" since I'm in the banking/investing business. I thought it was funny and tongue-in-cheek, so figured I'd use it as my username here. :)

I'm 32, my wife is 30 and we love to travel and hike. As I mentioned, I'm in finance and she works for our public utility.

I've always been interested in finance and began saving early in life.  I got serious about it after starting my professional career. I keep a quarterly personal balance sheet so I can track my performance quarterly and make sure I'm saving enough. I've saved 50%+ since I started tracking this back in 2009.

Here's where my wife and I are at now:
Cash - $236,000 (Goal is to keep $200,000 liquid in case I find an investment I want to make or distressed asset to purchase)
Wife and I's 401k - $371,000 (maxed each of our accounts for the past six years or so)
Home - $444,000 cost basis (market value is $500,000)
"Other assets" (personal possessions, cars, etc) - $198,000

Debt - $95,000 in car notes at a blended cost of capital of 1.55%.
Our cash is earning 1.6% in money market accounts so the debt is essentially a wash and I like keeping the cash liquid for opportunities to invest on the side.

Total net worth is ~ $1.1MM.

This is the most cash I'll keep though and start funding post-tax retirement funds here shortly.

Our over arching goal was to become debt free and we achieved that last year when we paid off our home in September (I don't consider our car notes debt given the wash on our money market interest rate).

Second goal over the past year was to build up $200,000 in cash savings which is now done in case I want to buy an asset at distressed prices in the event of a "market correction".

Next goal is to start funding retirement accounts outside of our 401k to the tune of $100-200,000 a year. That'll start in Q4.

We're starting the process of analyzing our monthly "spend" which we'll then use to figure out where we need to be officially FIRE'd.... My rough calculation of this is $30,000-60,000 a year though currently. Most of this "spend" has been spent on travel over the past four years - that's totaled about $10-12,000/year - but we've done that consciously as we want to see the world and enjoy the time we have with each other while we're young and healthy and don't have children yet.

At any rate, that's a little bit about us. I've been reading MMM for the past few years along with other books/blogs and I've really enjoyed it! Not sure what "retirement" would mean yet but I my goal is to figure that out over the next few years. I do genuinely enjoy what I do though and paying off our home and becoming "debt-free" has been great for reducing stress as my work environment can be quite stressful.

I look forward to learning more about everyone's journey and working toward that 2026 goal!

Best,
Loan Shark
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Zoot on August 09, 2018, 06:06:41 AM
Hey, everybody--signing in to this thread to draw a "line in the sand" at 2026 as the outer limit for my FIRE date.

That's the year I turn 59.5 and can draw from retirement assets with no penalty.  :) 

I'm hoping to go earlier than that, but I'm committing to no longer than 2026.

Two biggest challenges for us to overcome:

HEALTH CARE:  While it would only be 6 years to cover me until Medicare would kick in, DH is 11 years younger (we got married when I was 46 and he was 35, so I'm not TECHNICALLY a cougar, right?) and would need coverage for 17 years prior to Medicare.  God only knows what might change on the health care field between now and then, though, so it's just something to take into account as we continue to make our plans.  If we decide to pull the trigger earlier, we will have to make a brass-tacks level plan.

ACCOUNT TYPES:  While we are members of the Double Comma Club, most of our net worth is tied up in retirement accounts or home equity, which would make it not-impossible-but-hard to access the funds to fund our lifestyle in the absence of a paycheck. 

Our current yearly spending is about $60K, so our current savings goal is $1.5 MM in non-home-equity assets.  At $878K, we are about 58% there.  We are maxing our pre-tax retirement and Roth accounts yearly and saving additionally from our take-home (currently all earmarked for a major home renovation, but will go to taxable accounts after that's done). 

I think we can reduce our spending as a FIREd household--the house will be paid off by then, for example, which reduces the need for cash flow--so the target will likely move downward as we continue to tweak our lifestyle.  We would also go from a two-car household to a one-car household, which lowers insurance and maintenance costs.  And so on and so on.

My Inner Bag Lady is a force to be reckoned with--it will be some time before I will truly be comfortable with us pulling the plug as a household.  But 2026 is the limit--no more after that.  :)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Mesmoiselle on August 09, 2018, 08:13:45 PM
I have a tentative 2026 goal for myself. :)

Debt free except 30k left on the mortgage.
32k in the IRAs
10k liquid
$4500 in the 401k with achievable maxing of my 401k this year

My goals are:
1. to reach 80k ish by 33 in that standard Retirement accounts so it'll be around 350k when I'm 60
2. buy 350k of stocks over next 8 years as well

By the time 38 rolls around, I should be able to live on 1k/month and be FI
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: nurseart on October 09, 2018, 08:16:53 AM
I ran some numbers and we are tentatively hoping for a 2026 FIRE date as well, will be turning 39 that year. :)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: AndyCats on October 26, 2018, 11:15:45 AM
Just landed here. I'm 57 and way behind. So I'm going to act as if I'm 47 and plan to fire in 2026.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 26, 2018, 02:49:10 PM
1. Opening net worth of $370k

2. 50% of my $750k lower bound, 37% of the $1M upper bound

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017.

1. $405,407.56 on 1-Apr

2. 54% of my $750k lower bound, and 40% of $1M upper bound

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. 57% of $750k lower bound, and 43% of $1M upper bound.

Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of $750k, and 46% of $1M.

End of Q4, and the end of 2017.

1. Networth is $496,452

2. 66% of 750k, and 49% of 1m.

End of Q1 for 2018

1. Networth is $528,029 on 20-Apr

2. That's 70% of $750k, and 53% of $1M.

End of Q2 for 2018

1. Net worth is $546,907

2. That's 73% of $750k, and 55% of $1M

I'm late collating, and even later posting for the end of Q3 for 2018. Late, late, for an arbitrary date. These were the numbers on 15-Oct. They've probably taken a dive, but at this point I'm simply holding course.

1. Net worth is $558,995

2. That's 74% of $750k, and 56% of $1M

The wife is considering a move from military to private pilot. We keep our finances separate, so my net worth climb rate won't be effected much, but the general fire hose of cash might be cracking even wider.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: kaadalac on December 12, 2018, 09:58:00 AM
Not an impressive leap from last year. Our income is still low because my wife is working part time until my son is old enough for day care. Savings rate is still decent, able to sock away about 3k a month.  Holding steady for progress on 2026 retirement.

 

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LoanShark on December 31, 2018, 08:36:20 AM
Hey everyone! First post here. Figured I'd do a quick intro here since my FIRE goal is 2026 as well. I'll be 40 in 2026. :)

First off - background on my username. I'm a finance professional, investing capital on behalf of the bank I work for in middle market companies.

I LOVE to hike and one my buddies who's in his 70's and FIRE (He's a Mustachian, just doesn't know the term) gave me the trail name "Loan Shark" since I'm in the banking/investing business. I thought it was funny and tongue-in-cheek, so figured I'd use it as my username here. :)

I'm 32, my wife is 30 and we love to travel and hike. As I mentioned, I'm in finance and she works for our public utility.

I've always been interested in finance and began saving early in life.  I got serious about it after starting my professional career. I keep a quarterly personal balance sheet so I can track my performance quarterly and make sure I'm saving enough. I've saved 50%+ since I started tracking this back in 2009.

Here's where my wife and I are at now:
Cash - $236,000 (Goal is to keep $200,000 liquid in case I find an investment I want to make or distressed asset to purchase)
Wife and I's 401k - $371,000 (maxed each of our accounts for the past six years or so)
Home - $444,000 cost basis (market value is $500,000)
"Other assets" (personal possessions, cars, etc) - $198,000

Debt - $95,000 in car notes at a blended cost of capital of 1.55%.
Our cash is earning 1.6% in money market accounts so the debt is essentially a wash and I like keeping the cash liquid for opportunities to invest on the side.

Total net worth is ~ $1.1MM.

This is the most cash I'll keep though and start funding post-tax retirement funds here shortly.

Our over arching goal was to become debt free and we achieved that last year when we paid off our home in September (I don't consider our car notes debt given the wash on our money market interest rate).

Second goal over the past year was to build up $200,000 in cash savings which is now done in case I want to buy an asset at distressed prices in the event of a "market correction".

Next goal is to start funding retirement accounts outside of our 401k to the tune of $100-200,000 a year. That'll start in Q4.

We're starting the process of analyzing our monthly "spend" which we'll then use to figure out where we need to be officially FIRE'd.... My rough calculation of this is $30,000-60,000 a year though currently. Most of this "spend" has been spent on travel over the past four years - that's totaled about $10-12,000/year - but we've done that consciously as we want to see the world and enjoy the time we have with each other while we're young and healthy and don't have children yet.

At any rate, that's a little bit about us. I've been reading MMM for the past few years along with other books/blogs and I've really enjoyed it! Not sure what "retirement" would mean yet but I my goal is to figure that out over the next few years. I do genuinely enjoy what I do though and paying off our home and becoming "debt-free" has been great for reducing stress as my work environment can be quite stressful.

I look forward to learning more about everyone's journey and working toward that 2026 goal!

Best,
Loan Shark

Quick update - net worth is at steady quarter over quarter at $1.15MM...took a beating in the stock market over the last few months, but continuing to invest. Won't need the money for quite awhile, so it's all good! Hope everyone has a great start to 2019.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on December 31, 2018, 11:58:29 AM
1. Opening net worth of $370k

2. 50% of my $750k lower bound, 37% of the $1M upper bound

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017.

1. $405,407.56 on 1-Apr

2. 54% of my $750k lower bound, and 40% of $1M upper bound

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. 57% of $750k lower bound, and 43% of $1M upper bound.

Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of $750k, and 46% of $1M.

End of Q4, and the end of 2017.

1. Networth is $496,452

2. 66% of 750k, and 49% of 1m.

End of Q1 for 2018

1. Networth is $528,029 on 20-Apr

2. That's 70% of $750k, and 53% of $1M.

End of Q2 for 2018

1. Net worth is $546,907

2. That's 73% of $750k, and 55% of $1M

End of Q3 for 2018.

1. Net worth is $558,995

2. That's 74% of $750k, and 56% of $1M

End of Q4, and end of 2018!

1. Networth is $522,427

2. That's 69% of $750k, and 52% of $1M

It goes up, it goes down, it goes 'round, and 'round, and 'round. I was around for 2008, and I am not entirely gruntled, I am not flustered, either.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on January 29, 2019, 07:18:39 AM
I'm joining in. 2026 seems to be right around the date that we're planning on. (though hey things change right? ;))

I'll be 35.
Goal is 1.5M invested assets. (ie ~60-80k annual spending)

Boy when I say it like that... I hit 35 and then I just have enough capital to live forever in luxury? That's nuts.

We currently spend about 25k not counting health insurance, so the need for 60k is a combination of inflation, future family addition/s, a house purchase (currently in 400 sqft apartment, so not sustainable).
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Zoot on February 16, 2019, 09:37:37 AM
  At $878K, we are about 58% there. 

Just wanted to check in with an update.

The last quarter of 2018 was a bumpy ride for investing, but we kept plugging away at our savings plan.  Today's liquid net worth is $901K, putting us at 60% of our $1.5M goal ($60K spend at 4% SWR).

However, based on the fact that the conventional wisdom regarding the 4% rule of thumb seems to be shifting, I'm considering changing my model to a 3% SWR, which would mean upping the goal to $2M.  At $901K, we're 45% there.

A lot can change between now and then, of course, so we'll just keep monitoring and tweaking as we go.

Keep the faith, 2026!  We can do it!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FreshPrincess on February 18, 2019, 11:07:24 AM
This morning I woke up with my brain stressed out for no goddamned reason, so I went and did math. If somehow my kids and dogs magically evaporated (which is not something I want, to be clear) and my income streams dried up, I could sell all my assets and scrape by. I'm not FI, but I do have a huge safety net that could keep me from homelessness and starvation in a worst case scenario situation.
Which is really cool.
Take that, stressed brain.

My husbands brain does the same thing sometimes.  So, he took a minute on Sunday to really look through things and finally exclaimed "holy shitskies - we are saving $62,000/yr on autopilot; so that doesn't include what we put in additionally when we can" to which I said "yes, dear.  welcome back to the plan and the correct side of your anxiety."
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on April 01, 2019, 10:34:04 AM
1. Opening net worth of $370k

2. 50% of my $750k lower bound, 37% of the $1M upper bound

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017.

1. $405,407.56 on 1-Apr

2. 54% of my $750k lower bound, and 40% of $1M upper bound

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. 57% of $750k lower bound, and 43% of $1M upper bound.

Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of $750k, and 46% of $1M.

End of Q4, and the end of 2017.

1. Networth is $496,452

2. 66% of 750k, and 49% of 1m.

End of Q1 for 2018

1. Networth is $528,029 on 20-Apr

2. That's 70% of $750k, and 53% of $1M.

End of Q2 for 2018

1. Net worth is $546,907

2. That's 73% of $750k, and 55% of $1M

End of Q3 for 2018.

1. Net worth is $558,995

2. That's 74% of $750k, and 56% of $1M

End of Q4 for 2018!

1. Networth is $522,427

2. That's 69% of $750k, and 52% of $1M

End of Q1 for 2019. Time flies.

1. Networth is $616,505

2. That's 82% of $750k, and 62% of $1m. Whoop!

My projections have me hitting $750k in mid-2020 and $1m in mid-2022, but golden handcuffs are going to keep me firmly in the 2026 FIRE Cohort. There are certainly worse things in the world than being 'stuck' for an extra 3.5 years.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LoanShark on April 01, 2019, 08:44:20 PM
Hey everyone! First post here. Figured I'd do a quick intro here since my FIRE goal is 2026 as well. I'll be 40 in 2026. :)

First off - background on my username. I'm a finance professional, investing capital on behalf of the bank I work for in middle market companies.

I LOVE to hike and one my buddies who's in his 70's and FIRE (He's a Mustachian, just doesn't know the term) gave me the trail name "Loan Shark" since I'm in the banking/investing business. I thought it was funny and tongue-in-cheek, so figured I'd use it as my username here. :)

I'm 32, my wife is 30 and we love to travel and hike. As I mentioned, I'm in finance and she works for our public utility.

I've always been interested in finance and began saving early in life.  I got serious about it after starting my professional career. I keep a quarterly personal balance sheet so I can track my performance quarterly and make sure I'm saving enough. I've saved 50%+ since I started tracking this back in 2009.

Here's where my wife and I are at now:
Cash - $236,000 (Goal is to keep $200,000 liquid in case I find an investment I want to make or distressed asset to purchase)
Wife and I's 401k - $371,000 (maxed each of our accounts for the past six years or so)
Home - $444,000 cost basis (market value is $500,000)
"Other assets" (personal possessions, cars, etc) - $198,000

Debt - $95,000 in car notes at a blended cost of capital of 1.55%.
Our cash is earning 1.6% in money market accounts so the debt is essentially a wash and I like keeping the cash liquid for opportunities to invest on the side.

Total net worth is ~ $1.1MM.

This is the most cash I'll keep though and start funding post-tax retirement funds here shortly.

Our over arching goal was to become debt free and we achieved that last year when we paid off our home in September (I don't consider our car notes debt given the wash on our money market interest rate).

Second goal over the past year was to build up $200,000 in cash savings which is now done in case I want to buy an asset at distressed prices in the event of a "market correction".

Next goal is to start funding retirement accounts outside of our 401k to the tune of $100-200,000 a year. That'll start in Q4.

We're starting the process of analyzing our monthly "spend" which we'll then use to figure out where we need to be officially FIRE'd.... My rough calculation of this is $30,000-60,000 a year though currently. Most of this "spend" has been spent on travel over the past four years - that's totaled about $10-12,000/year - but we've done that consciously as we want to see the world and enjoy the time we have with each other while we're young and healthy and don't have children yet.

At any rate, that's a little bit about us. I've been reading MMM for the past few years along with other books/blogs and I've really enjoyed it! Not sure what "retirement" would mean yet but I my goal is to figure that out over the next few years. I do genuinely enjoy what I do though and paying off our home and becoming "debt-free" has been great for reducing stress as my work environment can be quite stressful.

I look forward to learning more about everyone's journey and working toward that 2026 goal!

Best,
Loan Shark

Quick update - net worth is at steady quarter over quarter at $1.15MM...took a beating in the stock market over the last few months, but continuing to invest. Won't need the money for quite awhile, so it's all good! Hope everyone has a great start to 2019.

Q1 2019 update - net worth is at $1.3MM, an increase of $164M from the previous quarter. About half of that was driven by market gains. So far, so good.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on May 08, 2019, 06:03:35 AM
I haven't checked in for a while, but didn't want to write a boring update.

I recently hit the 13th anniversary of my federal employment, I mean, "Leave Service Computation Date", which means

I HAVE FEWER THAN SEVEN YEARS TO GO!!!!!!

Our NW has continued its upward climb despite one child currently attending college and another starting this fall.  My state reduces income tax for 529 contributions, so I'm using several 529 accounts to funnel tuition payments to the respective universities at a nice discount.  We continue to max TSP (using Roth because we've probably saved too much in our traditional and will face rising taxes after 70-1/2 due to RMDs), HSA, his/her Roth IRAs, you know, the usual suspects.

Since my children had earned income in 2017 and 2018, I made contributions to their Roth IRAs as well (they kept their earnings, *I* made the contributions).  I won't benefit directly, but they will perhaps be able to afford high-class long-term care for me when they reach 59-1/2.

Powering onward and upward,

Elysian
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: salt cured on May 08, 2019, 07:16:49 AM
Posting to join the fun. We are mid-30s DINKs with $540k in equities and another $60k in home equity that we plan to cash out after FIRE. I still have no clear idea of what FIRE looks like, but we've been kicking around a move from the US to Canada, possibly starting a family, and definitely some slow travel. I'd like to be able to support USD $80k of expenses, though Ottawa and Montreal (the two cities on my radar) may actually have a lower cost-of-living than our current small city. I also go back and forth on whether to work full-time until FI or to exit for a part-time gig and coast across the finish line. These questions call for deeper introspection than I'm used to.

A lot can happen in a year. I am soon to be single with a net worth of approximately $420k. Splitting up with my SO was difficult but overdue and, on the bright side, has pushed up my FIRE date. I'm now targeting 2022. I'm thinking about splitting my time between Montreal and SE Asia, but who knows what will happen over the next several years. Good luck everyone.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on May 08, 2019, 08:43:28 AM
Posting to join the fun. We are mid-30s DINKs with $540k in equities and another $60k in home equity that we plan to cash out after FIRE. I still have no clear idea of what FIRE looks like, but we've been kicking around a move from the US to Canada, possibly starting a family, and definitely some slow travel. I'd like to be able to support USD $80k of expenses, though Ottawa and Montreal (the two cities on my radar) may actually have a lower cost-of-living than our current small city. I also go back and forth on whether to work full-time until FI or to exit for a part-time gig and coast across the finish line. These questions call for deeper introspection than I'm used to.

A lot can happen in a year. I am soon to be single with a net worth of approximately $420k. Splitting up with my SO was difficult but overdue and, on the bright side, has pushed up my FIRE date. I'm now targeting 2022. I'm thinking about splitting my time between Montreal and SE Asia, but who knows what will happen over the next several years. Good luck everyone.

Sorry to hear about your split, hope it is for the best.  Keep a stiff upper lip and your eyes on the prize!

Montréal is of course the bomb, but what a change of temperature between there and SE Asia!  Maybe you can convince someone to invent Thai Poutine?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: salt cured on May 08, 2019, 10:47:40 AM
Posting to join the fun. We are mid-30s DINKs with $540k in equities and another $60k in home equity that we plan to cash out after FIRE. I still have no clear idea of what FIRE looks like, but we've been kicking around a move from the US to Canada, possibly starting a family, and definitely some slow travel. I'd like to be able to support USD $80k of expenses, though Ottawa and Montreal (the two cities on my radar) may actually have a lower cost-of-living than our current small city. I also go back and forth on whether to work full-time until FI or to exit for a part-time gig and coast across the finish line. These questions call for deeper introspection than I'm used to.

A lot can happen in a year. I am soon to be single with a net worth of approximately $420k. Splitting up with my SO was difficult but overdue and, on the bright side, has pushed up my FIRE date. I'm now targeting 2022. I'm thinking about splitting my time between Montreal and SE Asia, but who knows what will happen over the next several years. Good luck everyone.

Sorry to hear about your split, hope it is for the best.  Keep a stiff upper lip and your eyes on the prize!

Montréal is of course the bomb, but what a change of temperature between there and SE Asia!  Maybe you can convince someone to invent Thai Poutine?

Haha I'm not sure about Thai poutine. Although I could see using the sauce from kho bo stew in place of the gravy. Yeah, that could work...
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on June 20, 2019, 07:31:32 AM
We have around $600,000 in investments right now, plus my spouse gets VA compensation of around $1,970 per month. Realistically, to pay for health insurance for me and our 1 child, (spouse has free care through the VA), and pay our regular monthly expenses, we are looking at around $5,000 per month. Our mortgage is nowhere near paid off and is only about $1,100 a month anyway.

My spouse has a suuuuper easy job right now, but we are literally chained to our location. He has a good amount of vacation time, but it's not enough to do what we really want. And we are both bored. So, last week we hatched a plan to try and get other money coming in---jobs, businesses, etc where we can work from anywhere. For now, he is staying at his day job. But, if we can get other income coming in then maybe we'll feel comfortable enough to take a leap. And maybe not. We're both very nervous. Just 6 years ago (pre-kid) we were totally different people and we would have been fine with the idea of leaving a steady job. Now, we are chickens.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on August 31, 2019, 10:19:17 AM
It's been a few months now and our side jobs are well underway. During August we received an extra $813 in income. I just started my side job at the end of July so it will be much higher this month. I'll report back in with the new total at the end of September. Our investments are currently at $613,000.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 03, 2019, 02:00:38 PM
1. Opening net worth of $370k

2. 50% of my $750k lower bound, 37% of the $1M upper bound

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017.

1. $405,407.56 on 1-Apr

2. 54% of my $750k lower bound, and 40% of $1M upper bound

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. 57% of $750k lower bound, and 43% of $1M upper bound.

Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of $750k, and 46% of $1M.

End of Q4, and the end of 2017.

1. Networth is $496,452

2. 66% of 750k, and 49% of 1m.

End of Q1 for 2018

1. Networth is $528,029 on 20-Apr

2. That's 70% of $750k, and 53% of $1M.

End of Q2 for 2018

1. Net worth is $546,907

2. That's 73% of $750k, and 55% of $1M

End of Q3 for 2018.

1. Net worth is $558,995

2. That's 74% of $750k, and 56% of $1M

End of Q4 for 2018!

1. Networth is $522,427

2. That's 69% of $750k, and 52% of $1M


End of Q1 for 2019. Time flies.

1. Networth is $616,505

2. That's 82% of $750k, and 62% of $1m. Whoop!

I missed the end of Q2 for 2019. I got sucked into...something I can't even remember.

1. Networth on 30-June was $656,706

2. That's 88% of $750k, and 66% of $1m.

I'm trucking, and I'm keeping on.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Enough on September 10, 2019, 09:34:50 AM
I wish I could go earlier, but factoring in a couple OMY's and a lifestyle inflation buffer, I think 2026 is the earliest realistic date.  Currently 30, will be 37.

Currently 524K.  Lean FIRE at 750K (70%), FIRE at 1M (52%), Semi 'fat' FIRE at 1.25M (42%), projected June 2026.

Networth tracking in Race from 500k to 1M thread, latest post here: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/race-from-500k-to-1m!/msg2457062/#msg2457062
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 02, 2019, 07:29:10 AM
1. Opening net worth of $370k

2. 50% of my $750k lower bound, 37% of the $1M upper bound

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017.

1. $405,407.56 on 1-Apr

2. 54% of my $750k lower bound, and 40% of $1M upper bound

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. 57% of $750k lower bound, and 43% of $1M upper bound.

Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of $750k, and 46% of $1M.

End of Q4, and the end of 2017.

1. Networth is $496,452

2. 66% of 750k, and 49% of 1m.

End of Q1 for 2018

1. Networth is $528,029 on 20-Apr

2. That's 70% of $750k, and 53% of $1M.

End of Q2 for 2018

1. Net worth is $546,907

2. That's 73% of $750k, and 55% of $1M

End of Q3 for 2018.

1. Net worth is $558,995

2. That's 74% of $750k, and 56% of $1M

End of Q4 for 2018!

1. Networth is $522,427

2. That's 69% of $750k, and 52% of $1M

End of Q1 for 2019. Time flies.

1. Networth is $616,505

2. That's 82% of $750k, and 62% of $1m. Whoop!

End of Q2 for 2019.

1. Networth is $656,706

2. That's 88% of $750k, and 66% of $1m.

End of Q3 for 2019

1. Networth on 30-Sep was $675,812

2. That's 90% of $750k, and 67% of $1m

Ninety percent is pretty mind boggling. I guess this is maybe actually going to happen?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: never give up on October 13, 2019, 10:13:09 AM
I've enjoyed being here but I'm sorry I am off to join the 2025 Cohort. I'll see you again I'm sure with my tail between my legs when the next recession strikes before moving on again to the 2030 Cohort or something depending on how bad it gets!

I wish everyone well on their own journey's.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on October 13, 2019, 12:51:34 PM
Catching up on this thread and I'm puzzled why Loan Shark needs >$100k worth of cars. And have you found a use for that enormous pile of cash moldering away in a sub-par money market?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LoanShark on October 14, 2019, 02:27:16 PM
Catching up on this thread and I'm puzzled why Loan Shark needs >$100k worth of cars. And have you found a use for that enormous pile of cash moldering away in a sub-par money market?

Hey Tom - certainly don't "need" them. I've always been into sports cars and it's a fun hobby. I drive, race and attend car shows in them...makes zero financial sense though.

Cash is down to $150K or so now... There's no "right" amount but my thought process is to keep enough liquid in the event there's broad asset correction and I can buy a mountain cabin / rental property / condo at the right price (i.e. in the event there's a 30% drop in valuations).  I've also been looking at making personal investments into some privately held companies but haven't pulled the trigger yet.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on October 14, 2019, 06:56:48 PM
Thanks for the explanation.

Is the cash at least in a >2% money market? Citi is the easy, big name answer (for now anyway. Rates are dropping)

You can also use the cash to roll up a bunch of bank account opening bonuses - Citi again, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LoanShark on October 15, 2019, 09:54:57 AM
Thanks for the explanation.

Is the cash at least in a >2% money market? Citi is the easy, big name answer (for now anyway. Rates are dropping)

You can also use the cash to roll up a bunch of bank account opening bonuses - Citi again, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.


Yep. In a money market account at 2%.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Milkshake on December 10, 2019, 01:32:22 PM
Well I'll join this thread too! Goal is my birthday, 2026. I'll be 33, DW 32, and that will be about 10.5 years after I started my first job out of college. 65% savings rate for the past 4 years, but that will continue to increase with raises!

I got extremely lucky that my first job at 22 was pretty terrible. I remember I was standing at the only window in the factory trying to get some fresh air one day, when an older guy walked up behind me and said "See that out there? That's life, passing you by". My next google search was "how much money does it take to retire".
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Zoot on December 11, 2019, 05:56:38 PM
Time for a year-end-ish check-in!  :)

The last quarter of 2018 was a bumpy ride for investing, but we kept plugging away at our savings plan.  Today's liquid net worth is $901K, putting us at 60% of our $1.5M goal ($60K spend at 4% SWR).

Rather unbelievably, today's liquid net worth is $1.072M, which is $171K more than it was only 10 months ago.

What makes this astounding is that $171K is more than our entire pre-tax household income.  We've added roughly $50K in those 10 months through our 401/403/Roth/HSA/employer-match savings, but the rest has been pure growth. 

I still have a hard time wrapping my head around it.  Eighth wonder of the world, and all that--but still, just... wow.

This puts us at about 71% of a $1.5M goal, 54% of a $2M goal.  We may decide to move into an earlier cohort eventually, but sticking with 2026 for now.

Onward!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: frugal_c on December 16, 2019, 10:12:59 PM
Count me in.  At that point I will be 48 and I think I will have had enough of work.  I am starting a list of projects in anticipation.  Hope to see you all signing off work in 7. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on January 01, 2020, 08:22:13 AM
1. Opening net worth of $370k

2. 50% of my $750k lower bound, 37% of the $1M upper bound

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017.

1. $405,407.56 on 1-Apr

2. 54% of my $750k lower bound, and 40% of $1M upper bound

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. 57% of $750k lower bound, and 43% of $1M upper bound.

Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of $750k, and 46% of $1M.

End of Q4, and the end of 2017.

1. Networth is $496,452

2. 66% of 750k, and 49% of 1m.

End of Q1 for 2018

1. Networth is $528,029 on 20-Apr

2. That's 70% of $750k, and 53% of $1M.

End of Q2 for 2018

1. Net worth is $546,907

2. That's 73% of $750k, and 55% of $1M

End of Q3 for 2018.

1. Net worth is $558,995

2. That's 74% of $750k, and 56% of $1M

End of Q4 for 2018!

1. Networth is $522,427

2. That's 69% of $750k, and 52% of $1M

End of Q1 for 2019. Time flies.

1. Networth is $616,505

2. That's 82% of $750k, and 62% of $1m. Whoop!

End of Q2 for 2019.

1. Networth is $656,706

2. That's 88% of $750k, and 66% of $1m.

End of Q3 for 2019

1. Networth on 30-Sep was $675,812

2. That's 90% of $750k, and 67% of $1m

End of Q4, and the end of a decade.

1. Networth is $706,933

2. That’s 94% of $750k, and 70% of $1m

Zoinks!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LoanShark on January 02, 2020, 09:39:01 AM
End of 2019 update...net worth up to $1.5MM.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: kaadalac on January 06, 2020, 07:14:21 AM
Not an impressive leap from last year. Our income is still low because my wife is working part time until my son is old enough for day care. Savings rate is still decent, able to sock away about 3k a month.  Holding steady for progress on 2026 retirement.

 
Up about $80k year over year and breaking the half million mark! Making stead progress now. 2026 is starting to seem more realistic.

ASSETS . $649,507.14
DEBTS . -$141,151.87

NET WORTH . $508,355.27
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on January 06, 2020, 11:47:57 AM
We ended the year right around 555k. I decided that I want to go for a Phd which hurts the earning potential for a few years, but I'll do Master's part-time over 3 years and then do a Phd full-time afterwards. That way I'm still projecting us hitting 1.3MM in 2026 when I finish my Phd program. Not quite where I want to be to say I'm full FIRE.

1. I've been reading a lot on how to best give away money. I realized that after I reach 1.5MM I really don't need anymore money. I'd like to work a few years and instead of saving 50-70% of my income, give away 50-70% of it. Then when I'm done with my job, move on. With not touching any of my retirement money, I'll still have way too much money at 50 to reasonably spend it all on myself. I'll have plenty to give some to my family, but also plenty to help fix a little bit of the world we live in.

I still need to do some research to figure out which charities I'll want to focus on, but I have plenty of time to do that.

2. This year was a big simplification year for me. As I realized I wanted to spend more time on other hobbies than stocks, I decided to reduce the number of accounts I have and sold most of my stock for index funds. And I've been able to reduce the number of tax filing documents I need in half.

I was able to sell off the rest of my Lending Club notes this past year. I'll get the trailing recoveries this year and then close it at the end of the year.

I reduced my brokerage accounts down to a single Vanguard account.

Good year overall. We're well on our way to financial freedom, and the simplification I went through this year should save me many hours going forward.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Apple_Tango on January 07, 2020, 12:52:13 PM
I've picked my graduation year!! I'll be 35 years old in 2026 and it seems like a good age to retire :) I graduated in 2015, paid off my student loans in less than 6 months after graduation. But in 2016 (before I found MMM) I went from being 100% debt free to having major debt due to taking a family member up on an offer for a personal loan. I wish I had not done that now, but it is what it is. I was just introduced to MMM this summer, and it has lit a fire under my ass to get rid of the debt.

 $45k on a truck loan at 1.7% interest
 $137.5k on a personal loan to a family member at 0% interest
That's a grand total of...$182,500 accumulated debt. ouch.

My family member does not need me to pay back the cash right away so she keeps encouraging me to punt it down the road and just focus on my personal saving and investing now. But the debt is GNAWING at my bones. Knowing that she can ask for me to make extra payments at any time, or that she kind of still controls me through these loans is just such a bummer. Especially because she cannot comprehend FIRE and doesn't really support it, and I can't ethically FIRE until I have paid her back in full. Plus I would rather her have the money so I know she'll be taken care of if she falls ill as she ages. My plan is just to hand her extra checks whether she likes it or not. I figure that once I'm debt free I can really just POUND the money into my accounts and still meet all my goals. 

From June 2015 (my first real career job) through June 2017 I didn't really have a plan or a budget, but I thought I was "good" at money because I always had money left over at the end of the month. Whatever extra I had was just dumped  into Vanguard investments, which I've been doing since i was 18, or toward paying off my truck loan. But now I have a budget and some MAJOR goals to use my income to get back on track.

I currently have a negative net worth but I have paid off $31,644 towards my debt since September 2016 and am hoping to have a positive net worth again by March 2018. While paying off debt I have also been maxing out my IRAs and working toward maxing out my 401k, however this year was the first time I have ever been eligible for one so I'm not quite there yet.

I'm single with no kids (I believe the term here is SINK?) so the plan is to do it all with one income! And if a second income comes to join me along the way in the next 9 years or so, it will just be gravy :) 

My monetary goals by 2026:
1) Own a home outright (I'm thinking around $250,000 would be reasonable).
2) Have $750,000 in my liquid accounts
3) Be 100% debt free and never take out a car loan or a personal loan ever again. The only loan I want to consider is a mortgage for investment properties, however I would much prefer to pay cash.
4) Have a side business to provide extra income and a hobby in preparation for FIRE. It is actually a dream of mine for my business to take off in the next 3-4 years and surpass my corporate income so I could quit my current job even before I FIRE.

After that point, I believe I will still work but maybe only part time and maybe in a totally different field than the one i'm in now. Who knows :) I want to travel in my RV, and travel internationally, and develop a good home base community with lots of friends around. I have grown up with both my of parents as loners and they hardly have any friends..and I don't want to emulate that behavior. I want a life rich as defined by experiences :) It's less about the money itself, and more about the freedom that FIRE will give me.

Wow time flies!  I can’t believe it’s been over two years since I posted that and my life has changed dramatically. I paid off my truck and then I sold it, and I sold the RV too. Now I just have a paid for in cash used Prius. I also have a new job that I absolutely love. It’s the best job I’ve ever had in my life I love my boss and I love my coworkers. I’m now living within 5 miles of work and plan to get a bike so I can bike to work in the spring.  Plus one of my best friends in the world might be moving to my town, which is exciting because friendship rocks! I’m perfectly fine settling down here for at least the next 6 years and just really working on my income.  I could not have predicted that back in 2017!

My new job came with a salary upgrade- I now make about $90,000 gross per year. I work 40  hours per week, plus 5 hours a week of overtime that I choose to do. I’ve been stashing my cash plus paying off debt so I now have a positive net worth of $60,000 :) I still owe my family member about $120,000 but I’m chipping away at that. That’s my only debt! My expenses (rent is my highest expense- DC area) total $3000 per month. So my FIRE number is now $900,000.

My new 2020 goals (wow 2026 is only 6 years away!! Might have to jump to a later class because i was a bit...optimistic lol!):

1) pay off $20,000 in debt
2) reach networth of $125,000
4) get $15,000 promotion
5) get a roommate to lower cost of housing


Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: formerlydivorcedmom on February 03, 2020, 01:36:54 PM
I'm tentatively joining you guys for 2026.  By then we'll both be 48, with 2 kids in college and one still in HS.   Our total net worth hit $1M this month, which is an exciting yet useless milestone.

Our goals are a paid off house (we still owe $99k), $150k in college funds (currently at $114k), and ~$1.5M retirement stash (currently at $721k).  Overall, we are about 52% to our goals.

My husband and I had our annual "state of the finances" discussion last night.  He was genuinely shocked when I told him we were on track to retire by 2026.  I've been telling everyone for YEARS that I planned to retire between ages 47-50, and no one believes me.  It amuses me greatly that H didn't believe it either.  Seriously, people - I HAVE SPREADSHEETS.

Husband is fairly sure he won't want to quit working by then.  I foresee a lot of discussion in our future as to what he would want to retire to, how long he's going to want to work, and how much extra stash he might want for some of his (expensive) hobbies.   He thinks the retirement hobby budget is too low.

He's also thinking about a career change that would increase his salary by about $15k/year ... and put his net salary at about 75% of our estimated retirement living expenses.

I'm excited to see a light at the end of the tunnel.  Just a few more years...
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on February 13, 2020, 07:05:43 AM
I haven't checked in for a while, but didn't want to write a boring update.

I recently hit the 13th anniversary of my federal employment, I mean, "Leave Service Computation Date", which means

I HAVE FEWER THAN SEVEN YEARS TO GO!!!!!!

Our NW has continued its upward climb despite one child currently attending college and another starting this fall.  My state reduces income tax for 529 contributions, so I'm using several 529 accounts to funnel tuition payments to the respective universities at a nice discount.  We continue to max TSP (using Roth because we've probably saved too much in our traditional and will face rising taxes after 70-1/2 due to RMDs), HSA, his/her Roth IRAs, you know, the usual suspects.

Since my children had earned income in 2017 and 2018, I made contributions to their Roth IRAs as well (they kept their earnings, *I* made the contributions).  I won't benefit directly, but they will perhaps be able to afford high-class long-term care for me when they reach 59-1/2.

Powering onward and upward,

Elysian

Closing in on the end of year fourteen working for the American Taxpayer, six to go.  Mr. Market (sorry, that's really sexist) has also helped increase our portfolio value.

We're departing Europe this summer for a 25% hardship-differential African post.  With two children in college and the nest empty, now is a good time to boost the 'stache.

Since we're paying high €ducationa£ €xp€n$€$ right now, by maxing our TSPs, Roth IRAs, FSA and HSA, we're effectively borrowing from our HELOC and paying (very low-rate) interest for the privilege.  That should stop between our higher income & impending graduations.  Also, trying to keep our income below the phase-out for the AOTC will be difficult in the new assignment.

Onward and Upward!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on February 14, 2020, 05:51:32 PM
@elysianfields, my date of service is 9-Mar, and you bet I tick a little box every year that date passes.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on February 14, 2020, 06:29:02 PM
We ended the year right around 555k. I decided that I want to go for a Phd which hurts the earning potential for a few years, but I'll do Master's part-time over 3 years and then do a Phd full-time afterwards. That way I'm still projecting us hitting 1.3MM in 2026 when I finish my Phd program. Not quite where I want to be to say I'm full FIRE.

Why the heck do you want a PhD?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: regenaeb on March 24, 2020, 11:07:12 AM
Jumping on this thread. 2026 is our mostly FIRE goal. My DH is active duty military and 2026 is his retirement date goal from service. He will have 37 years active duty service so that puts us at about 92% of his base pay at his last 3 years of service (which will be O-5), at that point his retirement check will pay all our monthly expenses. That is also the year our twins graduate high school. So after his retirement and their graduation shakes out and we will know where/if they are attending college locally or a couple of hours away we will be able to see how much extra is needed every month. It should not be a lot since their college is paid for in full except for room and board. If at least one of them stays home and goes to college that would work out great (I think at least 1 will, she is a mama's girl and doesn't like to be apart from me for more than 2 nights, she is 12 now, so may change, but she has always been this way since birth).

I think at that point DH and I can just do side hustle gigs to make what we need. He has 2 master degrees and is already teaching adjunct on the side, so will continue to do that. My company will probably be selling and closing up shop sometime between 2025 and 2030. The owners (brothers) are about 55 now and I figure they will probably want to be retired by 65, they won't go earlier unless they have health problems. Their last business they owned (which I worked for) they sold off when they were about 40 for millions. Took 2 years in retirement for them to decide they were bored, so they bought into a new business and I started working for them again, that was 16 years ago. I figure when they sell, I won't continue on, I will call it quits. I plan to get my notary license and become a travel notary in my local area. I will live in FL near a large older population that is more house bound and always in need of a notary that will come to them and the local retirement homes/rehabilitation facilities are always looking for travel notaries. I will also do wedding ceremonies on the weekends. DH is also kicking around becoming a home inspector. Neither of us wants to be locked into full time employment once he retires from the military. More, take the jobs when we want to, since we want to travel more when the girls are in college.

In 2026 I will be 50 and my DH will be 55. Making progress little by little.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 27, 2020, 10:41:32 AM
@elysianfields, my date of service is 9-Mar, and you bet I tick a little box every year that date passes.
Indeed @Sailor Sam, I recently ticked my 14th box, six to go.  It's a good feeling.

In the shadow of COVID-19, I'm reminded that the best part about a federal retirement isn't necessarily the pension, but the continuation of FEHB (Federal Employee Health Benefit), assuming you qualify.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Apple_Tango on March 28, 2020, 06:11:42 PM
Prediction: The timing of the coronavirus economic downturn, while incredibly poor for the 2019/2020 classes, is probably pretty good for the 2026 class. If the economy gets going again by 2021, we will be able to ride about a 6 year upswing before FIRE.  And there shouldn’t be another stock market crash after this one until the early 2030s (if history repeats itself), so that’s another 4ish year buffer of potential good stocks after we FIRE.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on June 25, 2020, 08:09:48 AM
My retirement countdown clock dropped below 300 weeks:  http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20260320T00&p0=263&msg=Retirement+Timer&ud=1&font=sanserif

That may seem like a long time, but I'm currently focused on another countdown: I depart my current assignment and the worst boss I have ever reported to in the Foreign Service in < 3 weeks.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Dexterous on June 29, 2020, 08:55:04 AM
Prediction: The timing of the coronavirus economic downturn, while incredibly poor for the 2019/2020 classes, is probably pretty good for the 2026 class. If the economy gets going again by 2021, we will be able to ride about a 6 year upswing before FIRE.  And there shouldn’t be another stock market crash after this one until the early 2030s (if history repeats itself), so that’s another 4ish year buffer of potential good stocks after we FIRE.
Yeah it's not a problem for us, and we actually got a bit lucky with it.  I increased my cash holdings last year due to a move, and ended up not needing any of that money so it all got invested during this downturn.  We're still ahead of our goals for 2026.

I depart my current assignment and the worst boss I have ever reported to in the Foreign Service in < 3 weeks.
Best of luck with the new assignment!  I feel your pain, because my last one also SUCKED due to the boss.  We just moved to Hawaii this year.  4 years to go in Hawaii, and then we'll either get lucky with an extension until retirement or I'll have one more move.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Zoot on July 04, 2020, 02:07:54 PM
Hey, 2026 cohort!  Time for a mid-year check-in.

When last we left our heroine:
Rather unbelievably, today's liquid net worth is $1.072M, which is $171K more than it was only 10 months ago.

...

This puts us at about 71% of a $1.5M goal, 54% of a $2M goal.  We may decide to move into an earlier cohort eventually, but sticking with 2026 for now.

Not as much progress in this six-month period as in the last one, but we're still plugging away.  Today's LNW is $1.123M, which is roughly $51K more than the number I reported in December 2019.  Roughly $36K of that delta came from our own savings in retirement funds and from and employer match, which makes the gain only about $15K over those 6 months. 

With the wacky ride we've all been on in 2020 so far, though, I'll take it--and we're still adding at the same rate.  That puts us at 74.8% of a $1.5M goal.

My spreadsheets indicate that we're on track for a late 2023 or early 2024 FIRE date (depending on whether we do or do not include paying off the mortgage on our home as part of that plan), but I'm staying in the 2026 cohort for now.

Onward!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on July 12, 2020, 01:11:48 PM
A lot has happened since my last update. In August we were working on getting some side income coming in. As of now, we are seeing around $3,000 per month come into the household between both of our side jobs. My husband also still is receive around $2,000 a month from the VA. We sold our house, and he'll be starting a new job soon (or so we think--COVID has a way of making life change). We have around $840,000 in liquid assets. About $530,000 of that is in retirement accounts, $175,000 in taxable, and the remainder is cash (from the sale of our house). If and when we get to our new location we may pay cash for a house. Getting a mortgage was such a HUGE hassle last time.

My husband is still working, making around $90-$95k. I can't remember exactly. I don't know how much we've been saving each month but it has been a LOT. I suspect we'll have way more money than we'll ever need by the time 2026 rolls around, so we may end up jumping ship sooner.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on July 12, 2020, 05:06:08 PM
My husband is still working, making around $90-$95k. I can't remember exactly. I don't know how much we've been saving each month but it has been a LOT. I suspect we'll have way more money than we'll ever need by the time 2026 rolls around, so we may end up jumping ship sooner.

Um, yeah - if the $2k from the VA and the $2-3k from the side gigs is reasonably steady - you're already FI (ish) - no need for a regular job.

Heck, $2k from the VA and $2k from a 4% SWR of $600k and a paid-off $240k house you should be FI. Even without the side gigs.

If you like rockets (I do) - $240k will buy a pretty nice house in Titusville or Cocoa. Yes, I noticed you declared Florida for location.

Evaluate where you are and whether you really want to keep working. You may have already won! ;)

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on July 12, 2020, 06:28:24 PM
Yes, we want to leave Florida. It has been fun for a while, but it's getting old now. We're looking at the central/eastern US--KY, TN, VA, NC, etc. And there are plenty of affordable towns around there.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: regenaeb on August 12, 2020, 03:25:56 PM
I would say stay away from VA, the taxes suck. Just lived there 4 years (but not a resident since we are military) and all my neighbors were constantly complaining about the taxes. You have to pay taxes every year on your personal property, meaning cars/RV's. Not just registration like FL. And that tax amount is different depending on how expensive your vehicle is. Also they have state income taxes as well. Everyone I know that is currently a resident, but a federal employee, says as soon as they hit their retirement date they are moving the next day to get away from the taxes.

I have no idea about those other states, but I would look into the tax situation in each state. We are still FL residents living in MA and we will ALWAYS keep our FL residency because of the low taxes.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on September 19, 2020, 08:46:10 PM
I'm out, folks. Presuming things stay reasonably on track (no worse than zero market growth) - I'm solidly in the Class of '23 for FI.

Kinda scary. I started the 2027 thread - but boosted income and a more granular look at investments/pension/SS has accelerated things, lopping off 4 years so far.

(Apologies for the crosspost if you read multiple FIRE Cohort threads)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LinneaH on September 20, 2020, 09:14:52 AM
I'm out, folks. Presuming things stay reasonably on track (no worse than zero market growth) - I'm solidly in the Class of '23 for FI.

Kinda scary. I started the 2027 thread - but boosted income and a more granular look at investments/pension/SS has accelerated things, lopping off 4 years so far.

(Apologies for the crosspost if you read multiple FIRE Cohort threads)

Sounds great! Congratulations, sorry to see you leave the 2026:ers :-)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Huskerfan on October 06, 2020, 08:54:04 PM
I’m going to toss my hat into the ring for 2026. Specifically I’m looking at 30JUN2026.

Things are looking good for the spouse and I, as we keep chugging along and work towards our goal as FI.  Spouse just rec’d a pay raise, and I’m due about 25% pay increase next fall. We have about three years left for our mortgage, and basically everything else is complete and paid off.  I could technically retire in less than two years; but the Jun ‘26 timeframe allows a bit more for cushioning our savings. Retiring in ‘26 places my spouse at 50 and myself at 48.  Plus I’d like to ensure my high-3 pension so I can squeak out additional pension money.

I’ll have to dive into some numbers here for this thread, but need to compile a couple more things first and then check it with my case study.   

Happy to join you all
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Segare on November 04, 2020, 08:26:59 AM
2026 is when I plan to retire also. I will be 62.  The wife will be retiring in a few years.
I had a late start. We only owe a few years on the house and I am starting to put more into investments like mutual funds and ETF's.  We might not have as huge of an amount as many, but we are going work on getting up there and then we can deal with whatever it is.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on November 15, 2020, 06:04:00 PM
Joining in for 2026! I've only been doing this for a few years, but have reason to believe I'll get a few boosts in the next few years. Like OP, I'll be 40 in 2026, so my goal is to be FIRE-able by July of that year!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Jessamine on January 11, 2021, 10:21:04 AM
Hope everyone is doing well! Giving us a bit of a bump since we've dropped to page 5.

But we're only 5 years out now!!  How is everyone doing on their journey?

I had an epiphany midway through 2020 and the lockdown that if I sold my current condo and invested the proceeds, I could FIRE now... As long as I found a place to live for free.  So I'm reframing this in my mind that once I figure out my retirement living situation, I'm ready to go.  My condo isn't necessarily a good fit for me now as far as location, hobbies, and neighbors, so I'm actively looking for a new living situation... Likely going to purchase a new place further out of the city that better fits my needs and wants.  So once I save enough to manage payments after retirement, or pay it off before I retire, I'll be pretty much good to go.  It's simplified the remaining journey toward FIRE for me into one tangible goal.  I'm excited!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on January 11, 2021, 11:10:26 AM
So far, I'm about where I thought I would be.

21% of the way to full FIRE and 26% of the way to lean FIRE. I expect this year to double my overall investments through some bonuses I'm hoping to hit as well as pivoting a significant portion of my income into investing/savings over the next 12 months. I also expect the market to gain a nice boost this year, but who knows what the markets will do - and who knows what our world will do.

All that being said, I am still on track for 2026. It seems like I am a long way off, but there are a few large boosts I expect to hit over the next two years that should accelerate my percentages quite a bit.

Honestly? At this time of year I really long for FIRE. Wish I could just walk away from work for awhile and recover from 2020....heck recover from the last few weeks! It's emotionally and spiritually draining.

Just another reason to keep working, keep savings, and keep pressing forward toward FIRE!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LoanShark on January 11, 2021, 01:54:41 PM
Still on track. Finished the year at 67% of my "FIRE" goal. If i just average what I've been able to save annually over the last five years, we should be "independent" in 2.7 years. Fingers crossed...
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on January 13, 2021, 08:18:18 PM
I haven't done this calculation in a while!

I measure us at about 54% of the way to lean FIRE and 45% of the way to full FIRE! Still showing using hitting our number by the end of 2026, but I've been thinking about potentially shifting down instead around 2025 or finding a different career.

But overall I'm very happy with our progress. I already have been feeling more freedom in changing jobs or not necessarily needing to have the highest paying job. I've been having a lot of fun thinking about all the different directions I could take in the next few years. Traveling, working on new projects or ideas. I feel like once we start to approach the 80% mark, my SO can probably quit. There's something a bit unsettling about thinking that only one of us will be working in a few years. In fact, it'll be very strange how in a few years I'll be able to say "yeah, I'm just wealthy enough to do whatever, or nothing." Not many people in history have had that privilege.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Focus_on_the_fire on January 24, 2021, 01:24:54 PM
Hi,

Count me in the 2026 group. 01NOV26.

At that point, I'll have 30 years in at 59 YO. For some reason, retiring before 60 is a big deal to me. I'd get more if I stayed to 62, but IT years are hard years.

We've been diligent and are at the "no debt, just bills" phase. Neither of us want to be landlords, so we're focused on investments for the next few years. I'm also considering side hustles that could work into nice retirement gigs.

I made a spreadsheet that calculates, days, weeks, and months. It's silly, but after back-to-back meetings and inane requests from "management," it makes me happy.

Thanks!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Huskerfan on February 06, 2021, 02:07:34 PM
Just checking back in.  Still looking at JUN 2026 as our time to retire and move to the next phase in life. I was running some math and was going to move our date to DEC 2025, but the thought of missing out on perhaps $650 a month for pension money didn’t sit well with me.  Especially if I’d be on leave for @ 90-110 of those days.  I’m still in debate on if I want to accelerate my TSP payments to max out my contributions that early (by June of that year) or pocket the extra money and start bleeding money over to a Roth IRA. 

A lot of things up for consideration... but JUN 2026 sounds very solid.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LeftA on February 06, 2021, 02:19:35 PM
I’d like to join you 2026’ers. I just left the 2028 group and feel like this is a good place for me now. DH wants to work longer so it’s realistic to expect I’ll be able to FIRE in 2026. Not going to pick an exact date within the year though.

Thanks for having me!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on February 06, 2021, 07:22:15 PM
I’d like to join you 2026’ers. I just left the 2028 group and feel like this is a good place for me now. DH wants to work longer so it’s realistic to expect I’ll be able to FIRE in 2026. Not going to pick an exact date within the year though.

Thanks for having me!

Good for you! I started the 2027 thread and have drifted to closer dates ;)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PseudoStache on February 06, 2021, 07:58:35 PM
Just tuning in as this is the year my wife and I would like to FIRE.

I would say we are about a third of the way towards our number.

If things remain "status quo" I'd feel very confident in achieving this... but I just can't see me holding this job or finding something that generates the same level of income for the next ten years.

At the very least I hope to have FU money that allows me to something I really want to do.

Good luck to all!

I haven't really been on the forum much in the last 2 years, but this thread popped up and I'm about 1/2 way through from my original post.

Back in 2016 I said I was only about a third of the way there... but I surpassed that target in 2020 with this crazy market... and am already 22% above it!  So I did it in half the time (5 of 10 years)!

I guess I'm a SWAMI at this point, as I'm still planning to remain in this cohort with golden handcuffs attached.

While I've surpassed the Net Worth bucket and could pay off my home today, I timed that payoff for 2026 - This is probably the main and only reason why I'm still hanging around.

I will say that if I do lose the job that I currently have before 2026, I will not likely seek a traditional 9-5, but will probably find a "fun" way to bring enough income to not dip into the stache while I pay off my home.

5-ish more years!  (December 31st, 2026 at 11:59PM still counts!)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LeftA on February 19, 2021, 02:54:46 PM
Thanks @TomTX ! I did see that, congratulations to you!

I’d love to have enough to do it in 2025. But, I think moving from 2028 to 2026 is a big jump already so I’ll stay here.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on February 19, 2021, 08:34:36 PM
Thanks @TomTX ! I did see that, congratulations to you!

I’d love to have enough to do it in 2025. But, I think moving from 2028 to 2026 is a big jump already so I’ll stay here.

Thank you. I am now targeting 2023...
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 03, 2021, 02:18:41 AM
I would say stay away from VA, the taxes suck. Just lived there 4 years (but not a resident since we are military) and all my neighbors were constantly complaining about the taxes. You have to pay taxes every year on your personal property, meaning cars/RV's. Not just registration like FL. And that tax amount is different depending on how expensive your vehicle is. Also they have state income taxes as well. Everyone I know that is currently a resident, but a federal employee, says as soon as they hit their retirement date they are moving the next day to get away from the taxes.

I have no idea about those other states, but I would look into the tax situation in each state. We are still FL residents living in MA and we will ALWAYS keep our FL residency because of the low taxes.

@regenaeb, Of course if you don't own a car or RV, or only own old ones, your personal property tax drops significantly.

Virginia resident, Federal worker, we briefly considered changing to FL as well.  However, we decided we preferred the public colleges in the Old Dominion, and one child is attending.  We also feel we obtain pretty good value for our taxes in Virginia, YMMV.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 03, 2021, 02:23:45 AM
I depart my current assignment and the worst boss I have ever reported to in the Foreign Service in < 3 weeks.
Best of luck with the new assignment!  I feel your pain, because my last one also SUCKED due to the boss.  We just moved to Hawaii this year.  4 years to go in Hawaii, and then we'll either get lucky with an extension until retirement or I'll have one more move.

@Dexterous thanks for the well wishes.  This assignment and the boss have been much better, but the workload really increased due to COVID.  I'm hoping to get a promotion out of it, at least.  Stay tuned.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 03, 2021, 03:35:17 AM
Just checking back in.  Still looking at JUN 2026 as our time to retire and move to the next phase in life. I was running some math and was going to move our date to DEC 2025, but the thought of missing out on perhaps $650 a month for pension money didn’t sit well with me.  Especially if I’d be on leave for @ 90-110 of those days.  I’m still in debate on if I want to accelerate my TSP payments to max out my contributions that early (by June of that year) or pocket the extra money and start bleeding money over to a Roth IRA. 

A lot of things up for consideration... but JUN 2026 sounds very solid.

@Huskerfan  @Sailor Sam is this turning into a Fed thread?

In a few more weeks, I'll pass my "Service Computation Date" for the 15th time, start enjoying an extra six days of leave each year, and begin counting down the last five years to my 20.  Congrats to @Sailor Sam who reaches a similar anniversary next week.

I'm one of those stock-picking infidels (!) who has lots of indexing funds in my TSP and retirement plans from former employers.  My Roth IRA has done better than any of those funds so :-P to all of you who say it can't be done.  Perhaps I'm luckier than smart but there you are.

I long had an infatuation with DRIPs, but now that many brokerages offer free dividend reinvestment and fractional share purchases, I simplified my life by selling, transferring, and consolidating lots of DRIPs.  Like @FIPurpose I've also been consolidating Lending Club funds and look forward to reclaiming lots of hours previously spent accounting for these multiple accounts.

When HSA Bank started requiring account holders to maintain $1000 in cash rather than allowing me to invest all of my HSA funds immediately, I opened an HSA at Fidelity, which allows fractional share purchase and is completely fee-free, and moved all my ETFs there.  Now when employer contributions hit HSA Bank, I transfer everything but $0.01 (long story) into Fidelity, which already receives my pre-tax employee contributions through payroll.  I put my green soldiers to work more quickly and continue to save OASDI and Medicare taxes.

Fidelity seemed like a good choice for my Roth IRA as well, since I wanted to purchase fractional shares.

After paying fees for some ATM withdrawals from our two banks (though I'm otherwise generally a fan of PenFed and USAA), I remembered @Jeremy 's International ATM Bonanza (https://www.gocurrycracker.com/international-atm-bonanza/).  Further down that page, there's a referral code for Charles Schwab that I used to consolidate our former DRIPs with some other taxable funds and score a $500 bonus.  Schwab also refunded the $75 transfer fee that E*Trade charged us.

In the Foreign Service, we're allowed to take a salary advance at 0% when we transfer to a new assignment; this allows us to cover expenses we might have in making the transfer.  Automobiles are expensive, and some countries, for instance, will only allow diplomats to import cars of that model year; others require right-hand drive, untinted windows, or something else.  In our case, we moved from Europe, where we infrequently drove a 13 year-old hatchback (acquired for a mere €4500), to Africa, where we really needed a 4WD vehicle with clearance for our jaunts in the hinterlands.  We're not SUV people generally, and we used all the space and the cargo box on the roof for a three-week adventure upcountry that saw us drive ~2000 km over some really crappy "roads".  All in all, I took advantage of the full salary advance, > $20k, and invested a portion of it in our eight year-old new-to-us vehicle.  The rest we spent on lodging during home leave and on consumables (in some countries, one cannot purchase or ship certain foods, beverages, or other consumables (think: TP, kitty litter, diapers, as the case may be) so we receive a consumable allowance).  I'm repaying the advance over 18 pay periods and will complete that at the end of the month.  Thank you, American Taxpayers, I'm indeed deeply grateful.

We've paid the final tuition bill for one soon-to-be college grad, and have two years to go for our younger child.  The 25% differential pay for working in this particularly difficult country has really helped.  We were also very happy to take such a long vacation - perhaps one of the last as a family - in the SUV.

I continue to contribute the maxima to our various accounts: TSP, Roth IRAs, HSA, LEXFSA.  Once I've finished repaying the salary advance, I can even start paying down our HELOC at PenFed at 4.75%.  Our net worth has increased tremendously along with the market since I last checked in, and we're on track for fat - or perhaps even obese - FIRE.  I'm really staying for the adventure - I love the Foreign Service lifestyle - and the FEHB that continues into Federal retirement.  My pension will provide an additional benefit, but we consider the FEHB almost as valuable, though our contributions will increase faster than inflation.  I could write an entire post on American health care, but this post is getting fairly long already.

In any case, it's an honor and incredible privilege to live overseas while serving my country, despite some of the hardships of my current assignment.  COVID, in particular, has brought serious challenges given the lack of medical care available in this developing country.  But that's a topic for another post perhaps.

Keep the FIRE burning,

Elysian
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on March 03, 2021, 08:21:11 AM
@elysianfields, it might be turning into a Fed Thread!

Only a few more days until the big 15, yup. You get increases in leave computation, but officially get to turn down REDUX. Is telling The Man to suck it actually telling yourself to suc..... Okay, I’ll stop.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on March 03, 2021, 11:36:50 AM
Nice report @elysianfields !

I got my 1099 from LC and it said that I had $33 of recoveries last year. Mostly in the early half of the year. please please please be done! Hopefully they won't be sending me anymore 1099's.

I was dabble a bit here and there with stocks. I would say that my ability to stock pick is middling-to-bad haha. I escaped some of my most volatile positions without huge losses, so I'll call it good.

Vanguard recently changed their costs for trading from $7 to free for all stocks in their index fund and I think $2 for everything else. So I figured, "yep, that's good enough to close out my Interactive Brokers account". I was getting very annoyed at how much effort making trades were at IB. If I were trading daily, it's a fantastic tool set. But for the dozen or so trades I put in a year, it's way too much bother. Consolidation has greatly reduced the amount of time it takes to keep track of my stuff and simplified my life a good bit.

Congrats on the anniversary. My parent is also in federal work and is hanging in for another year to hit that big pension boost.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LeftA on March 28, 2021, 06:11:35 PM
I came over to this thread looking for more activity...but it’s pretty quiet here!

How far along is everyone in terms of NW and in relation to your overall goal?

Mine is sitting at 1.4M NW. However, house is not yet paid off and I want to have $1.25 M in LNW. Currently only have around $650K. DH plans to continue working, so really want to call it quits in 2026.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on March 28, 2021, 07:58:59 PM
Once I've finished repaying the salary advance, I can even start paying down our HELOC at PenFed at 4.75%.

Why are you sitting on a HELOC at 4.75%? You can get a much better rate, and there is typically no prepayment penalty.

As a comparison, my CU has a 10-year HEL or HELOC at 2.75%.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on March 29, 2021, 09:04:42 AM
I came over to this thread looking for more activity...but it’s pretty quiet here!

How far along is everyone in terms of NW and in relation to your overall goal?

Mine is sitting at 1.4M NW. However, house is not yet paid off and I want to have $1.25 M in LNW. Currently only have around $650K. DH plans to continue working, so really want to call it quits in 2026.

Not a ton has changed for me. I'm 24% of the way to my FIRE goal and 28% of the way to my lean fire goal. Most of my Net Worth is in stocks & cash with about 18% in my home value. I expect to make some significant progress on my NW this year with a recent raise and a lot of opportunities for very large bonuses as we come out of COVID. Further, I expect to hit 60% of my goal over the next two years if my current company continues to do well (I have a lot of stock options and we are a prime candidate for acquisition in the next 18-to-24 months).

so, all-in-all I am still chugging along. I don't expect to pay off my house or git my big break this year, but I do hope to be more than 30% to FIRE by EOY.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 30, 2021, 06:45:01 AM
Once I've finished repaying the salary advance, I can even start paying down our HELOC at PenFed at 4.75%.

Why are you sitting on a HELOC at 4.75%? You can get a much better rate, and there is typically no prepayment penalty.

As a comparison, my CU has a 10-year HEL or HELOC at 2.75%.

Thanks for asking, @TomTX, it's a non-owner occupied home, AKA an investment property, and I searched high & low a few years back before taking out the HELOC at prime plus 1.5%.  Moreover, they offered a huge credit line, which serves as our emergency fund.  On top of that, some of the balance was actually used for renovations, so the interest is tax-deductible.

That said, the State Dept Federal Credit Union said they would agree to refinance our first mortgage as if we lived there, since it's our only house and we're away due to our overseas assignment in the Foreign Circus.  They don't have the best rates compared to owner-occupied, but for non-owner-occupied, they're pretty ok.

Oh, and we have an Interactive Brokers account, and are using some margin there as our other-other-emergency fund, at [pretty damn cheap - see https://interactivebrokers.com/en/accounts/fees/pricing-margin-rates.php].  Yes, I'm watching our leverage and cutting it back judiciously.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on March 30, 2021, 06:11:00 PM
I came over to this thread looking for more activity...but it’s pretty quiet here!

Busy making the donuts! But it’s always nice to see this thread pop up. It’s been a few quarters since I did an update, and it’s actually the end of a quarter. Fearful symmetry.

I’m sitting just under $1m in net worth, which is 128% of my lower goal, and 97% of my $1m goal. I’m also at 74.9897% of the way through unlocking my golden handcuffs.

There’s a lot to love about them, but Imma still be happy the day they fall off.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 31, 2021, 01:20:16 AM
I came over to this thread looking for more activity...but it’s pretty quiet here!

How far along is everyone in terms of NW and in relation to your overall goal?

Mine is sitting at 1.4M NW. However, house is not yet paid off and I want to have $1.25 M in LNW. Currently only have around $650K. DH plans to continue working, so really want to call it quits in 2026.

DS & I a tad ahead of @Sailor Sam on the golden handcuffs thing, at 75.164% of the way there. 

As mentioned, our house isn't paid off because we can afford leverage while we're working, and the USG lets us deduct some of that interest.

No major changes from my previous update, though I did just close one airline's credit card and open a different one, giving the routings we'd typically take.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: the_hobbitish on April 10, 2021, 03:26:40 PM
I think this thread is the right spot for me. I knew I didn't want to work until retirement age for the government job golden handcuffs. This year I decided I wanted to push for 5 years when I'll be in my early 40s.

I've got $450k which I hope will make it to the $730-750 range by 2026. I've got a good amount of home equity which will be my move to a LCOL area mortgage free fund. My mortgage is a bit of anchor on my ability to save more than I am now. I'm musing about whether I'll want to keep working parttime past 2026 to add padding to my FIRE number.

Has anyone changed their saving/investing strategy now that 2026 is only 5years out? So far I'm maxing my TSP and IRA the way I always have, but I wonder if I there's a point where I should be doing something different to prepare for FIRE.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on April 11, 2021, 12:27:49 AM
I think this thread is the right spot for me. I knew I didn't want to work until retirement age for the government job golden handcuffs. This year I decided I wanted to push for 5 years when I'll be in my early 40s.

I've got $450k which I hope will make it to the $730-750 range by 2026. I've got a good amount of home equity which will be my move to a LCOL area mortgage free fund. My mortgage is a bit of anchor on my ability to save more than I am now. I'm musing about whether I'll want to keep working parttime past 2026 to add padding to my FIRE number.

Has anyone changed their saving/investing strategy now that 2026 is only 5years out? So far I'm maxing my TSP and IRA the way I always have, but I wonder if I there's a point where I should be doing something different to prepare for FIRE.

See @Sailor Sam @Huskerfan, I told you this was a Fed thread!

@the_hobbitish we did consider adding bonds to our portfolio, following the Early Retirement Now glidepath, but since we carry mortgages it makes no sense to add bonds.  We're all-in, 100% stocks.  Lately I have been investing more in index funds for diversification since I'm one of those Mustachian infidel stock-pickers with reasonable luck/success, especially in my Roth IRA.  I also trade options a bit for income - covered calls on plodding dividend payers.

Since I'll receive a pension in retirement, we'll face a high tax rate due to RMDs from our traditional retirement accounts.  DS & I contribute to Roth IRAs, but I'm still contributing all my TSP to traditional to keep our AGI below $160k, because with two children in college, we really like the AOTC.  We stop paying tuition in 2022, so in 2023 I'll start contributing only to Roth.  But if you're retiring before you qualify for a pension, or if you do qualify but the pension only starts paying at age 65, you won't have this "problem" and can build a long Roth conversion ladder.

The other thing to consider is life insurance, though you didn't mention any family.  Since I'm in the Foreign Circus, most traditional insurance underwriters don't want to write me a policy, because we're always moving from "dangerous" foreign location to "dangerous" foreign location.  When I started with the USG I went with FEGLI, Basic + option A + option B at 5x my salary.  Now that our college students have nearly finished and we'll start stacking more cheese in the taxable account, and given how FEGLI rates increase rapidly with age, we've decided to pare back option B 1x per year.  If, after retirement, I meet the grim reaper first, my spouse will have plenty of assets, so I'll retire with the 75% reduction of basic to keep the free life insurance after 65.

Depending on your yearly budget, I'd want to have a bigger stash than you project, but if you move from a HCOL to a LCOL, your home equity might provide that.  It also depends on whether you have a partner or family to support.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on April 11, 2021, 09:20:05 AM
I think this thread is the right spot for me. I knew I didn't want to work until retirement age for the government job golden handcuffs. This year I decided I wanted to push for 5 years when I'll be in my early 40s.

I've got $450k which I hope will make it to the $730-750 range by 2026. I've got a good amount of home equity which will be my move to a LCOL area mortgage free fund. My mortgage is a bit of anchor on my ability to save more than I am now. I'm musing about whether I'll want to keep working parttime past 2026 to add padding to my FIRE number.

Has anyone changed their saving/investing strategy now that 2026 is only 5years out? So far I'm maxing my TSP and IRA the way I always have, but I wonder if I there's a point where I should be doing something different to prepare for FIRE.

Good question, and my answer is...I have not started moving things into bonds. I'm actually getting more aggressive at the moment. But, our situations are pretty different. You're sitting at 60% to FIRE where I'm more like 25-30%. My inclusion in this Cohort is banking heavily on my current company's stock options paying off in the next 2 years. 

But what about when I'm a bit closer? I definitely want to have some sort of protection against down years post-FIRE, and that seems to be the goal of bonds, but I can see that protection coming from a few different options:
I've thought quite a bit about the above and am really interested to hear feedback on my current perspectives. Here they are:

Bonds. Advice seems to be somewhere between 10-30% in Bonds for FIRE, and the last 3-5 years before FIRE is the right time to begin moving investments in that direction. Ideally, bonds allow you to weather the storm of a couple of down years *cough2008-to-2012cough*. Seems like a fairly sound plan as long as the other 90-70% in stocks is growing solidly year-over-year to compensate for your withdraw rate during the good years.

A lot of folks have a lot of concerns about the future of the bond market - concerns I don't fully understand. If I were considering pivoting to bonds in the next few years, I would want to understand those concerns a lot better. At the moment, I think a combination of the other three hedges are more likely to benefit my family and better protect us against down years. If monetary policy changes and bonds become a better overall investment, I may change my opinion.

CDs. I got this idea from Dr. Doom a few years back and I like this strategy. Instead of relying on Bonds in a bad year, have a CD or CD ladder in place to live off of during the down years. This assumes recovery comes in a couple of years, but that is pretty realistic when I look at the last several drops in the market. 2008 meaningfully dropped in Sept 2008 and was fully recovered to those levels in Nov 2010. If I do a yearly withdraw in January, of 2008, then two CDs would have got me through the recession (2009 & 2010) without touching my stash. Even if you go back to the pre-recession peak of Oct 2007, we were recovered to those levels by Sept 2012. That's a meaningful five year stretch, for sure, but the worst of that (2008) would have been compensated by my CDs. 

CDs are probably my main plan, instead of bonds.

Cut Spending. My planned withdraw amount is ~20% higher than my expected lifestyle. I've got the added space to compensate for things like repairing the roof and traveling. But I can live the life I want, in my town, for about 80% of what I intend to withdraw. If I'm willing to cut back on eating out, buying people presents, etc. I can probably cut another 10-20% on top of that. There is a lot of decadence in my planned withdraw amount. If the CD Ladder runs out and things are still bleak, I think I can cut spending enough to compensate for the down years. 

Take into account that a multi-year recession is something that will cause most folks to tighten their belts, so the opportunities to spend money will likely be less overall and much cheaper if we do still want to participate in them.

Grow Past the Loss. This is the hardest to name, but it breaks down in two ways: (1) stock growth compensating for down years and (2) earning enough to compensate for down years.

(1) Most of the folks around here who retired after 2010 found their stash double in the last decade. Even with April 2020's 30% hit, they were still way, way ahead of where they needed to be to keep their planned withdraw rate. Most of them could have withdrawn 5-6% of their stash in April and still been under their original withdraw plan. It's bonkers how much growth there has been over the last decade. The policies and political structure that allowed such crazy growth are being double and tripled down on. Beyond that, I am not nearly as concerned with inflation as others are - I understand the logic behind why folks think it'll happen, but after looking into it, I'm convinced we should have seen it by now for the "common sense" logic to be true (but that's a conversation for a different thread!). All that to say, I think it is likely that, if I FIRE in 2026, I'll see at least a few years of significant growth post-FIRE that will help compensate for the down years.

(2) The second piece to this is really unrelated, but I still put it under the same heading: I plan to work on projects post-FIRE and I expect to earn some amount of money on some number of those projects. Writing, exploring hobbies, and maybe even some light consulting with insiders I trust and work with today. This means that some amount of my withdraw amount will be compensated by some level of earnings. Depending on how all this plays out, instead of withdrawing 4-5% a year, I may have years where I withdraw 1% or maybe even a negative withdraw rate due to adding more than I take out. No one knows what the future holds, what motivations I'll have, what opportunities will exist, etc.

These two things go together because it means a withdraw in a down year won't necessarily negatively impact my long-term FIRE strategy. Both growth from the overall market and additions I add in during up years mean I have more wiggle room come the bad years.

In Conclusion

You didn't ask for a book, but you got one. Sorry about that...but this is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I plan to really start to solidify my strategy I'm about 3-years from fire (so 2023ish). But, being me, I think about these things a lot even now. The above is my feelings today and I expect they will change as the reality of FIRE sets in and the world changes. Hopefully it was helpful to you as you think through these things!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Huskerfan on April 11, 2021, 03:36:20 PM
I came over to this thread looking for more activity...but it’s pretty quiet here!

How far along is everyone in terms of NW and in relation to your overall goal?

Mine is sitting at 1.4M NW. However, house is not yet paid off and I want to have $1.25 M in LNW. Currently only have around $650K. DH plans to continue working, so really want to call it quits in 2026.

I don’t go too much into the net worth calculations as everyone seems to do things a bit different with these. For example; a lot like to add their home equity into it.  I just don’t care to do that as I’m not selling my home.  It’s about 80% paid off and I’m not going anywhere even though the equity has doubled according to estimates. 

With the Gov pension, and the amount I already have in things like TSP; I am already at the point I could retire and call it good.  The extra five years or so is more in lines with practically getting a few extra grand a month and also securing kiddos future if something were to happen to me. 

 I would say my goals are a bit different than blurting out a NW goal to reach as it’s complicated a bit with the pension and other factors.  But it’s also a bit easier to toss up the hands and say “I’m through” whenever I feel like it.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: the_hobbitish on April 12, 2021, 06:36:06 AM
I've got no partner or family to support at the moment, but I recognize that my FIRE date and number would likely change if my life shifts between now and 2026. I know my budget is set a lot lower than many on the forum, but it's what I'm living on now if you don't count my mortgage payment and savings. It's a little tighter than I'd like, but my move to a 2026 plan includes doing a little part time work in the first couple years of retirement. I guess that's more downsizing jobs that full strict retirement.

Who knows... two years from now I may end up dropping back to a later cohort, but for now the aggressive goal suits.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on April 19, 2021, 12:03:44 PM
Just checked my TSP and my returns for the last 12 months ending 03/31/2021 were 66.61%.

I'm planning my retirement strategy around that continuing indefinitely... and remaining in the 2026 FIRE Cohort.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on June 14, 2021, 04:38:11 PM
A lot has happened since my last update. In August we were working on getting some side income coming in. As of now, we are seeing around $3,000 per month come into the household between both of our side jobs. My husband also still is receive around $2,000 a month from the VA. We sold our house, and he'll be starting a new job soon (or so we think--COVID has a way of making life change). We have around $840,000 in liquid assets. About $530,000 of that is in retirement accounts, $175,000 in taxable, and the remainder is cash (from the sale of our house). If and when we get to our new location we may pay cash for a house. Getting a mortgage was such a HUGE hassle last time.

My husband is still working, making around $90-$95k. I can't remember exactly. I don't know how much we've been saving each month but it has been a LOT. I suspect we'll have way more money than we'll ever need by the time 2026 rolls around, so we may end up jumping ship sooner.

Another year has gone by! We moved! (yay!) I wish I could say the new job has been good, but lets just say my husband quickly found out the reason the last person left. Yikes. Given our substantial amount of savings, he is not afraid to rock the boat in the slightest. We may end up with one of those amazing FU money stories.

We are sitting with about $1,080,000 in investments now. At the rate we're going, we'll be at $1.1M later this summer. Money is just pouring in. My husband is making a smidge less than before (about $87k, if I'm remember correctly) but is on a 9 month contract now instead of a 12 month. He is still receiving VA disability compensation of about $2k per month, but he has filed for additional compensation due to some conditions worsening (at least, I think that's what is happening). Currently, he gets 80% plus another $100 or so in special compensation. If he were to be awarded 100%, then I think we would pull the plug shortly. 100% Compensation would give him a little over $3,500 per month. From what I understand, if he were awarded permanent and total disability (which is different from just 100%) then our entire family would be awarded medical care. Obviously, medical insurance is a huge concern for all of us, and this would take a huge load off mentally speaking.

We still have our side gigs. We are bringing in $2,500-$5,000 per month, combined.

At this point, we are waiting to see what happens with the VA disability and my husband's work situation. I'd say there's a 50% chance he chooses not to return next fall, but I think it's likely he will continue working this fall. I'll give an update when we have one!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: GodlessCommie on June 15, 2021, 09:04:29 AM
If we don't change anything on the expense side, 2026 is our FIRE year.

Our biggest expenses, and thus opportunities to save, are all related to the fact that we are in a HCOL area. We don't need to be here anymore, strictly speaking. It's the same part of the Old Dominion where people whose paychecks are funded 100% with taxes like to live, while complaining about taxes.

I'd like to avoid these taxes just like any other guy or gal. The problem is, as we explore LCOL/low tax areas, we are finding out that our current taxes buy us a lot, directly and indirectly, and we are not willing to let go of things they buy us. All locations that are both attractive and cheaper enough to warrant a move seem to be overseas. And compared to other HCOL areas, ours is not that HCOL.

My job is boring, low stress, pays pittance by the standards of FAANG, but a lot compared to the median even in this HCOL area. People at work are nice, including my boss. So I'm kind of at crossroads, main options being

- move, FIRE soon(-er)
- stay put, coast to fatter FIRE in 2026
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on June 15, 2021, 09:44:45 AM
1. Opening net worth of $370k

2. 50% of my $750k lower bound, 37% of the $1M upper bound

Wrapping up Q1 for 2017.

1. $405,407.56 on 1-Apr

2. 54% of my $750k lower bound, and 40% of $1M upper bound

Update to close Q2 of 2017.

1. Net worth is $433,670 on 3-July

2. 57% of $750k lower bound, and 43% of $1M upper bound.

Q3 roundup:

1. Networth is $466,531 on 1-Oct.

2. 62% of $750k, and 46% of $1M.

End of Q4, and the end of 2017.

1. Networth is $496,452

2. 66% of 750k, and 49% of 1m.

End of Q1 for 2018

1. Networth is $528,029 on 20-Apr

2. That's 70% of $750k, and 53% of $1M.

End of Q2 for 2018

1. Net worth is $546,907

2. That's 73% of $750k, and 55% of $1M

End of Q3 for 2018.

1. Net worth is $558,995

2. That's 74% of $750k, and 56% of $1M

End of Q4 for 2018!

1. Networth is $522,427

2. That's 69% of $750k, and 52% of $1M

End of Q1 for 2019. Time flies.

1. Networth is $616,505

2. That's 82% of $750k, and 62% of $1m. Whoop!

End of Q2 for 2019.

1. Networth is $656,706

2. That's 88% of $750k, and 66% of $1m.

End of Q3 for 2019

1. Networth on 30-Sep was $675,812

2. That's 90% of $750k, and 67% of $1m

End of Q4 for 2019, and the end of a decade.

1. Networth is $706,933

2. That’s 94% of $750k, and 70% of $1m

Lost a bit of historical data, thanks to COVID, and related existential despair.

End of Q1 for 2020

1. Networth is $627,674

2. That's: 84% of $750k, and 63% of $1m


End of Q2 for 2020 = ??
End of Q3 for 2020 = ??
End Q4 for 2020 = ??


End of Q1 for 2021

1. Networth is $969,034

2. That's 129% of $750k, and 97% of $1m.


End of Q2 for 2021

1. Networth is 1,042,451

2. That's bingo.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LinneaH on June 15, 2021, 03:01:16 PM

End of Q2 for 2021

1. Networth is 1,042,451

2. That's bingo.

Are you "done" now Sailor Sam? But you still have to wait regarding the "golden handcuffs"? Will they be on until 2026? No way to get them off earlier?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on July 01, 2021, 07:01:31 AM
I'm committable.  11 June 2026.  there I said it.  5 long years.

Good information here.  I was contemplating moving into bonds.  After all the talk with financial advisors who strongly suggest it and want me to hire them as the planners, I'm still strongly in stocks with index funds getting the majority of the new investments with no financial planner hired.  I'll guess most here are do-it-yourself.  Or control freaks.  I'm good with either.  The best argument to hire a planner is to assist Lady in case of my demise.  Still considering.

I'll be 56 and my dear, beloved Lady will be 61 and that much closer to Medicare.  In truth, we could cut today.  In actuality, health costs are in flux and will always be in flux and our needs will increase.  I'm sorely tempted.  The kids are getting settled, so I can wait.  Make plans.  Scheme.  Truth be told, I have nothing pressing me.  Work is tolerable, if not challenging.

Thanks to all for the encouragement.  Original goal was 50 and I missed that because of life, college and kids.  No regrets.  I have a plan.  The comment that RE is before 60 tickles me.  I'll make it.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on July 01, 2021, 09:15:11 AM
I'm committable.  11 June 2026.  there I said it.  5 long years.

Good information here.  I was contemplating moving into bonds.  After all the talk with financial advisors who strongly suggest it and want me to hire them as the planners, I'm still strongly in stocks with index funds getting the majority of the new investments with no financial planner hired.  I'll guess most here are do-it-yourself.  Or control freaks.  I'm good with either.  The best argument to hire a planner is to assist Lady in case of my demise.  Still considering.

I'll be 56 and my dear, beloved Lady will be 61 and that much closer to Medicare.  In truth, we could cut today.  In actuality, health costs are in flux and will always be in flux and our needs will increase.  I'm sorely tempted.  The kids are getting settled, so I can wait.  Make plans.  Scheme.  Truth be told, I have nothing pressing me.  Work is tolerable, if not challenging.

Thanks to all for the encouragement.  Original goal was 50 and I missed that because of life, college and kids.  No regrets.  I have a plan.  The comment that RE is before 60 tickles me.  I'll make it.

I like hearing from older people in this group. Many times, I feel like us young ones (like me) are overly optimistic about our expenses and how life is going to go for us. Plenty of people on this board would tell me it's time and we have enough. And I think there's a good chance they are correct. However, I'm not willing to risk it just yet. We have a lot up in the air right now, and maybe next year is our year. And maybe it's not. So, I'm planning on 2026 as my worst-case-scenario, which is not bad at all. I will be 40.

I went back to work last week, after 8 years at home. It has been incredibly challenging emotionally. I'm sticking it out for now, because I feel odds are high I've got a bad case of return-to-work syndrome...almost like a super-late return from maternity leave. I've been horribly depressed for week, but I figure if I'm still that way in a month then I can always quit. I've been working in the office for now, but they understand I need to be at home/remote when school starts again in the fall. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on July 01, 2021, 09:48:46 AM
I like hearing from older people in this group. Many times, I feel like us young ones (like me) are overly optimistic about our expenses and how life is going to go for us. Plenty of people on this board would tell me it's time and we have enough. And I think there's a good chance they are correct. However, I'm not willing to risk it just yet. We have a lot up in the air right now, and maybe next year is our year. And maybe it's not. So, I'm planning on 2026 as my worst-case-scenario, which is not bad at all. I will be 40.

I went back to work last week, after 8 years at home. It has been incredibly challenging emotionally. I'm sticking it out for now, because I feel odds are high I've got a bad case of return-to-work syndrome...almost like a super-late return from maternity leave. I've been horribly depressed for week, but I figure if I'm still that way in a month then I can always quit. I've been working in the office for now, but they understand I need to be at home/remote when school starts again in the fall.
Everyone chooses their own path.  I sat around wondering how everyone else was making it.  Then I found out they made more than me and I got a better paying, easier job.  Should have done this MUCH sooner.  It's true that you must negotiate.  I was offered a 20% raise to stay.  The offer was 25% + bonus + better health, matching, stock purchase.  No competition and I'd mentally left because of the time suck.  I like to think I left a vacuum.  They have turned over staff a LOT since I left.  Good people and I wish them well.

I'm glad you have the option of working or not.  Try it, you might like it.  If you don't, try something else.  Good luck with the depression.  I was burnt out when I left the previous job and went into a tailspin after I left.  Set goals.  Keep focus.  Breathe.  Smell the flowers and hug.  Hug the family the mostest.  Other selected individuals as deemed worthy.

I've got the most free time since college and that makes me want more.  Retirement = freedom. 

In truth, I'm looking forward to more grandkids, but not rushing anyone here.  That will be the deciding factor on where (maybe when) things get settled.  DD#1 starts graduate school in the fall and is deciding on when to kid.  DD#2 has selected cats.  We'll visit her.  Short visits as I'm allergic.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on July 01, 2021, 01:29:54 PM

End of Q2 for 2021

1. Networth is 1,042,451

2. That's bingo.

Are you "done" now Sailor Sam? But you still have to wait regarding the "golden handcuffs"? Will they be on until 2026? No way to get them off earlier?

I have a 20 year cliff vest that will get me a pension and very low cost healthcare. So I’m sticking around. But it certainly is nice to see that number!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on July 01, 2021, 01:36:07 PM
I should still be on track for 2026. I'm 27% to full FIRE and 34% to my minimum. A bit lower than most of the other folks here, but I'm contributing a significant amount toward FIRE and I have a few big bets I'm expecting to pay off.

Should because one of those bets is my current company. I have a significant number of vested options and was just gifted another big chunk. My original timeline for a buyout was 2022 (which would have put me extremely close to FIRE), but with all the insane valuations companies are getting from IPOs, my leadership is abandoning the buyout plan and moving towards an IPO or SPAC - which probably adds at least another year or two to my original plan.

That timeline isn't terrible or anything, but my job is pretty demanding and I'm not sure I want to live this lifestyle for that long. I also have noticed some leadership issues recently. We're growing insanely fast and it doesn't seem like the folks in place now are the right ones to get us to the next level. Nothing critical or toxic at this point, but it has me considering looking around a bit at other opportunities. 2 years in and this is the first time I've considered not sticking with the company through the eventual buyout/IPO.

Hoping this is just a low period and it'll all be just a fuzzy memory soon.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Huskerfan on July 05, 2021, 04:20:10 PM
Just checked my TSP and my returns for the last 12 months ending 03/31/2021 were 66.61%.

I'm planning my retirement strategy around that continuing indefinitely... and remaining in the 2026 FIRE Cohort.

I’m not entirely sure you are going to be able to sustain 66% in gains on an annual basis.  My strategy has done well for me over the past few year.  I just don’t think it is sustainable. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on July 05, 2021, 09:11:05 PM
Just checked my TSP and my returns for the last 12 months ending 03/31/2021 were 66.61%.

I'm planning my retirement strategy around that continuing indefinitely... and remaining in the 2026 FIRE Cohort.

I’m not entirely sure you are going to be able to sustain 66% in gains on an annual basis.  My strategy has done well for me over the past few year.  I just don’t think it is sustainable.

Great to see some activity in this thread!

@Huskerfan I was being ironical, which is why I said I was remaining in the 2026 cohort.  If I could maintain 66.61% annual returns going forward, I'd retire today!  But something closer to 6.6% seems much more realistic, if even that, given current valuations.

@tomorrowsomewherenew keep your chin up!  Focus on the benefits you seek from returning to work - you didn't go back to feel depressed, after all.

@Sailor Sam Congratulations on reaching your number(s) as we both count down.

@alcon835 Having the IPO/SPAC push your date back would make me impatient as well, especially if the work tempo hasn't relented.

@Nutty Congratulations on your better-paying job!

In my own case, I cannot currently take leave due to a personnel gap.  Work is piling up and I'm feeling the stress.  The prognosis for even temporary help isn't good until October or so.  Because I'm working late, I'm accumulating lots of comp time in addition to my already excessive paid leave.  My supervisor suggested planning my extra hours in advance to be paid OT and keep time from building up.  If I earn OT, it would be at my current hourly rate, I wouldn't qualify for a higher rate because I work for the USG, but that would be better than accumulating additional hours of comp time that I cannot take.

Our portfolios continue to do well, we're well ahead of our number, but continue to max our retirement contributions.  We could probably retire now, and like Sailor Sam and Huskerfan we are waiting to pass a magic date in 2026 that will provide a pension and (relatively) inexpensive health care.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on July 06, 2021, 07:40:58 AM
Thank you, @elysianfields !  I'm tickled to be here.

Ah, yes.  The health care plan.  The more I dig into it, the more the "we don't know what they are going to legislate" answer upsets me.  As the Magic Eight Ball says, "ask again later."

I've narrowed the what are we going to do next down to three options:
1. Follow DD#1 and play nanny.  This appears to be winning, but she's heading back to grad school and doesn't have long term job.  Yet.
2. Go to my brother's farm and play with furry and feathered things. 
3. Go to wife's family area and find something to do. 

At least I'm getting Lady thinking about long term options.  5 years is going quick.

I thought I wanted to travel and have discovered that Lady isn't easy to travel with.  This could change, but dogs and luggage. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on July 06, 2021, 11:52:30 AM
Thank you, @elysianfields !  I'm tickled to be here.

Ah, yes.  The health care plan.  The more I dig into it, the more the "we don't know what they are going to legislate" answer upsets me.  As the Magic Eight Ball says, "ask again later."

You can lobby your Congresscritter and get involved in the political process, help get someone elected who supports your views, join AARP.  Or just not worry about what you can only influence and not control.

I selected an employer who will continue our healthcare plan choices in retirement, for a relatively inexpensive price, but it's not for everyone.

At least I'm getting Lady thinking about long term options.  5 years is going quick.

I thought I wanted to travel and have discovered that Lady isn't easy to travel with.  This could change, but dogs and luggage. 

I attended a week-long retirement seminar through my employer (I work for the US Department of State in the Foreign Service) and realized it's important to retire to something.  The seminar covered finances and taxes and pensions and Social Security, oh my, but it also covered things like health (keep exercising, don't just pig out & sit on the couch) and relationships (your relationship / marriage / partnership may need renegotiating).

Traveling with pets in the Foreign Service is expensive and exhausting, I don't think I'd choose to do it in retirement unless it came with me in a camper van on a road trip.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on July 06, 2021, 12:28:19 PM
You can lobby your Congresscritter and get involved in the political process, help get someone elected who supports your views, join AARP.  Or just not worry about what you can only influence and not control.

I selected an employer who will continue our healthcare plan choices in retirement, for a relatively inexpensive price, but it's not for everyone.
Dad & brother went career and they are taken care of.  I went civilian and have different issues.  Seems I have issues with congresscritters.  Work coverage goes to cobra at the end of full time employment, so we will find something.  Lady is older, so one option to to wait until she is covered and then me bail.  I'll bridge the gap out of pocket, but sooner is always better.

I attended a week-long retirement seminar through my employer (I work for the US Department of State in the Foreign Service) and realized it's important to retire to something.  The seminar covered finances and taxes and pensions and Social Security, oh my, but it also covered things like health (keep exercising, don't just pig out & sit on the couch) and relationships (your relationship / marriage / partnership may need renegotiating).
Yep.  I'm watching tube and all the free stuff through fidelity and learning things that I never wanted to know.  That is why I'm negotiating with her now.  Putting the bug in her ear and letting it develop.  Will be interesting to see where we go and how we get there.  At least we are talking. 

Boss is retiring to the beach.  Boats, sand and fishing.  I've played with boats but they aren't a passion.  Nothing is speaking to me and that is why I'm still looking for an answer.  I'll try several things, I'm sure.  Still looking for answers, but playing farmer is new, at the moment.  I'm doing this in my free time and have already discovered that you don't get rich.  It's a labor of love.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on July 07, 2021, 05:03:06 AM
You can lobby your Congresscritter and get involved in the political process, help get someone elected who supports your views, join AARP.  Or just not worry about what you can only influence and not control.

I selected an employer who will continue our healthcare plan choices in retirement, for a relatively inexpensive price, but it's not for everyone.
Dad & brother went career and they are taken care of.  I went civilian and have different issues.  Seems I have issues with congresscritters.  Work coverage goes to cobra at the end of full time employment, so we will find something.  Lady is older, so one option to to wait until she is covered and then me bail.  I'll bridge the gap out of pocket, but sooner is always better.

Indeed, thank your lucky stars that you have options!  I'm serving in Africa right now, and one measure of how developed a country is how they treat their disabled, mentally ill, and animals.  Where I live now treatment of those groups leaves much to be desired...

I attended a week-long retirement seminar through my employer (I work for the US Department of State in the Foreign Service) and realized it's important to retire to something.  The seminar covered finances and taxes and pensions and Social Security, oh my, but it also covered things like health (keep exercising, don't just pig out & sit on the couch) and relationships (your relationship / marriage / partnership may need renegotiating).
Yep.  I'm watching tube and all the free stuff through fidelity and learning things that I never wanted to know.  That is why I'm negotiating with her now.  Putting the bug in her ear and letting it develop.  Will be interesting to see where we go and how we get there.  At least we are talking. 

Boss is retiring to the beach.  Boats, sand and fishing.  I've played with boats but they aren't a passion.  Nothing is speaking to me and that is why I'm still looking for an answer.  I'll try several things, I'm sure.  Still looking for answers, but playing farmer is new, at the moment.  I'm doing this in my free time and have already discovered that you don't get rich.  It's a labor of love.

Great that you're discussing this ahead of time, and my own DW and I love (mostly vegetable) gardening as well.  The payoff is in the home-grown tomatoes and baby kale that actually have taste.  Well, plus the additions to the soil through composting...

Where we haven't reached agreement is *where* to retire.  But as you say, we're talking, and we mostly share values.  And we still have some time to negotiate that.  And whatever decision we make is not necessarily a definitive one.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on July 07, 2021, 06:57:56 AM
Great that you're discussing this ahead of time, and my own DW and I love (mostly vegetable) gardening as well.  The payoff is in the home-grown tomatoes and baby kale that actually have taste.  Well, plus the additions to the soil through composting...

Where we haven't reached agreement is *where* to retire.  But as you say, we're talking, and we mostly share values.  And we still have some time to negotiate that.  And whatever decision we make is not necessarily a definitive one.
Gardening started me on chickens which helped the garden.  Making the blackest compost now with chicken poop, shredded yard waste and kitchen scraps.  Due to life, garden got neglected this year and I focused on the chickens.  The two are very complementary.  I'm amazed.  I also like feeding the chickens the worms that eat my kale, but that is a side benefit.  No likes it when I refer to the eggs as worm fed or worm boosted.  LOL

Yes, negotiation is critical.  Before it was, I'm moving here for work.  Are you coming?  Being a military brat, I'm accustomed to moving.  Lady has lived in 3 cities and settled down.  I get the itch to move every 4 years still.  Home is where your heart is and anyplace can be a home.

Question for the cohort:  What are your plans after FIRE?

I've heard travel is a big one, if you didn't travel with work.  Family is always appealing, if you get along with them.  I'm floundering because I've lost my passions.  I'll blame work, but that is only part of it.  I've tried several things and moved on.  The people who are hyper focused amaze me.  BIL is doing the triathlete thing in his 50s.  I'm not that motivated, but respect his dedication.  In short, I like the early game. 

I am reading the journals.  Interesting ideas and a bit of dirty laundry.  Glad this forum is open for discussion.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on July 07, 2021, 08:39:40 AM
Question for the cohort:  What are your plans after FIRE?

I might to back to the tall ships that I cut my teeth on as a kid, but I might be too institutionalized to revert back to dirty schooner rat. I like the idea of van living, for a few years. But overall, I intend to spend a lot of time fucking around with my rifle, my pony, and me. Except the rifle is a violin, the pony is a small fleet of lap dogs, and me is, uh, me.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: GodlessCommie on July 07, 2021, 09:50:40 AM
Question for the cohort:  What are your plans after FIRE?

This is the biggest damn question. Travel for sure. Books. Exercise. Hikes. Stay involved with the community - maybe find something I enjoy more, as opposed to what I feel obligated doing. But mostly I hope that a year or so will clear my mind, and something will pop up.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on July 07, 2021, 10:13:44 AM
Question for the cohort:  What are your plans after FIRE?

This is the biggest damn question. Travel for sure. Books. Exercise. Hikes. Stay involved with the community - maybe find something I enjoy more, as opposed to what I feel obligated doing. But mostly I hope that a year or so will clear my mind, and something will pop up.

I'm glad I'm not the only one looking.  If'n I had a goal, I may try to get there sooner.  As it is, I'm along for the ride and not in a hurry.  I've announced that I will be hiking come the fall.  Lady isn't a hiker, so these will be solo.  Looking at the local trails and there are several in the Piney Woods.

Question for the cohort:  What are your plans after FIRE?

I might to back to the tall ships that I cut my teeth on as a kid, but I might be too institutionalized to revert back to dirty schooner rat. I like the idea of van living, for a few years. But overall, I intend to spend a lot of time fucking around with my rifle, my pony, and me. Except the rifle is a violin, the pony is a small fleet of lap dogs, and me is, uh, me.
Van living has a lot of info on utube.  I've been watching and taking notes and Lady is getting nervous.  It'd be a whole lot simpler if I was the one following the wind.  With two, the wind blows different ways and discussion ensues.

I wanted to sail the tall ships when I was younger.  Looked like an adventure.  I mean, pirates!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on July 10, 2021, 07:00:17 AM
Question for the cohort:  What are your plans after FIRE?

At the moment, my hope is to start a business making short form documentaries for YouTube with a friend of mine. I should have more than enough to live on and invest a few years into a small business.

Other than that? I'm not sure yet. Work on my house? Do more investing (I really like investing). Read more?

There are a lot of things I would like to explore that I just don't have time for, so my plan is to either (1) start the above business, (2) restructure my life to explore things I'm not able to now, or (3) both!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on July 12, 2021, 06:50:52 AM
Thanks to all who replied.  It sounds like, after reading a bunch, there are a few who are on a mission and are striving to the goal.  There are those of us who want a change, but willing to wait for the right time and see what opportunities are presented.  The last sort are adrift and searching.

The biggest theme is to get your head sorted and find peace.  Peace with life and partners.  I think I've made my peace, but trying to help my partner find peace.  As a team we are strong.  I'm pulling my limits in, but partner is setting up for failure and discouragement.  The getting old part is not for faint of heart.

Adventure this weekend!  DD#2 has purchased a house and I get to haul her treasures out of my house.  Claiming a little more space.  Lady is sad to see the littlest one officially move out, grow up and start on their own adventure.  I figured the wedding was the clincher, but this makes it official.  Best wishes to DD#2 and SIL.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Dexterous on July 18, 2021, 03:00:20 PM
Question for the cohort:  What are your plans after FIRE?

This is the biggest damn question. Travel for sure. Books. Exercise. Hikes. Stay involved with the community - maybe find something I enjoy more, as opposed to what I feel obligated doing. But mostly I hope that a year or so will clear my mind, and something will pop up.

I'm entertaining the idea of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in '26 upon retirement. It should provide a lot of time to self-reflect since it takes upwards of 5 months. :) Maybe you could do something like that, or a shorter hike like the John Muir Trail to help clear the mind.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on July 20, 2021, 08:56:26 AM
Question for the cohort:  What are your plans after FIRE?

This is the biggest damn question. Travel for sure. Books. Exercise. Hikes. Stay involved with the community - maybe find something I enjoy more, as opposed to what I feel obligated doing. But mostly I hope that a year or so will clear my mind, and something will pop up.

I'm entertaining the idea of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in '26 upon retirement. It should provide a lot of time to self-reflect since it takes upwards of 5 months. :) Maybe you could do something like that, or a shorter hike like the John Muir Trail to help clear the mind.

If you're not already a dedicated hiker, may I suggest the C&O canal towpath, starting in Georgetown/DC? If you get to Cumberland, MD and decide you want to keep going, the GAP trail continues all the way to Pittsburgh. I hiked the C&O as a kid, once I retire I'd like to try biking both the C&O and GAP trail.

https://www.canaltrust.org/plan/co-canal-towpath/
https://gaptrail.org/
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Mini-Mer on July 23, 2021, 06:12:17 AM
I am in for getting out in 2026.  Early June, if I stay at my current job that long.  I have FU money and am at about 20x, for current best estimates of expenses.  Once I hit 25x, I plan to pay off the mortgage (which, I know, but it's also my largest monthly expense), and then exit full-time stable work. 

I'll probably do a mix of  home/garden/hobbies, travel, volunteer work, and possibly contracting in my current career.  That towpath hike looks like fun!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on July 23, 2021, 05:08:26 PM
I am in for getting out in 2026.  Early June, if I stay at my current job that long.  I have FU money and am at about 20x, for current best estimates of expenses.  Once I hit 25x, I plan to pay off the mortgage (which, I know, but it's also my largest monthly expense), and then exit full-time stable work. 

I'll probably do a mix of  home/garden/hobbies, travel, volunteer work, and possibly contracting in my current career.  That towpath hike looks like fun!
Welcome and congratulations. 

I'm getting antsy now that I'm no longer playing with the idea but ambling to the goal.  One year at a time and we will see.  I picked June since it is after the bonuses are awarded.  One last contribution and done. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on August 03, 2021, 08:17:55 AM
I am in for getting out in 2026.  Early June, if I stay at my current job that long.  I have FU money and am at about 20x, for current best estimates of expenses.  Once I hit 25x, I plan to pay off the mortgage (which, I know, but it's also my largest monthly expense), and then exit full-time stable work. 

I'll probably do a mix of  home/garden/hobbies, travel, volunteer work, and possibly contracting in my current career.  That towpath hike looks like fun!

In addition to hiking, I'm thinking about biking in retirement, for example, biking to all of the Trappist beer breweries in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.  There are eight of them, nine total if you count Achel, which no longer has any living monks.  :-(  But the Low Countries lack many tall hills, so the biking should be okay, especially if one hasn't just quaffed a few Trappist beers...

Then I discovered this:  https://en.eurovelo.com/#routes-and-countries.  How about a biking tour around the Baltic Sea?

Another month checked off, 55 to go, so much to look forward to.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on August 03, 2021, 05:10:41 PM
I am in for getting out in 2026.  Early June, if I stay at my current job that long.  I have FU money and am at about 20x, for current best estimates of expenses.  Once I hit 25x, I plan to pay off the mortgage (which, I know, but it's also my largest monthly expense), and then exit full-time stable work. 

I'll probably do a mix of  home/garden/hobbies, travel, volunteer work, and possibly contracting in my current career.  That towpath hike looks like fun!

In addition to hiking, I'm thinking about biking in retirement, for example, biking to all of the Trappist beer breweries in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.  There are eight of them, nine total if you count Achel, which no longer has any living monks.  :-(  But the Low Countries lack many tall hills, so the biking should be okay, especially if one hasn't just quaffed a few Trappist beers...

Then I discovered this:  https://en.eurovelo.com/#routes-and-countries.  How about a biking tour around the Baltic Sea?

Another month checked off, 55 to go, so much to look forward to.

Yes! I talked with someone last year who was all about doing parts of the Euro Velo. I absolutely want to do the southern half of the 1 and maybe parts of 8 and 12 as well. Unfortunately, I have a 1 year old so that might have to wait a few years before I can do that reasonably.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LeftA on August 08, 2021, 08:23:21 PM
I joined this thread just over 6 months ago now, moving up from the 2028 cohort. I thought it was a big leap at that time, but feel it’s the right place now. I haven’t chosen the exact timing, but don’t think I’ll want to go past mid summer, which means I’m down to less than 5 years now! Wow, that doesn’t seem all that far away!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on August 18, 2021, 05:47:43 PM
As predicted, we are now just a paycheck or two away from $1.1M in investments.

My mental state regarding my work situation has improved some, and I think after I start remote work in two weeks I'll be much, much better.

My husband's job is a total dumpster fire, but since we don't really care much about it (given our financial situation) it's been pretty easy to deal with. We are waiting to hear back from the VA about his increase in compensation. If he ends up with 100% P&T then I very much doubt his employment will continue past this year. He has a side gig that has been pretty consistent in bringing in $2,000+ a month, and with me working part-time, I'm pretty comfortable with him leaving employment. If I had to go back to work, my current employer would take me full-time, I'm sure.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on September 03, 2021, 04:41:11 PM
I'm now working from home and no longer going into the office every day. Yay for that!

The state of my husband's job hasn't changed much, other than he may be made a Dean at his university. If that happens, he'll continue to work. Otherwise, this will be his last school year employed full-time at a university. I wouldn't say he's "retiring" as his side gig income is considerable--around $3,500/month so far this year. Last year it was lower---maybe $2,000 or so, but looking back through his records, he's been doing much better this year.

My husband got notice that his VA disability was increased from 80% to 90% due to worsening of one condition. He has one more condition he intends to file for an increase on, and if that is approved he will be at 100%, meaning he'll be receiving $3,500/month.

We could probably retire now and make it, but we prefer to have a solid cushion and also some money we can give our son to "get started" once he's an adult...assuming that he's responsible. But he's 7, so we'll see, haha!

Our investments have hit $1.13 million, and our net worth has been climbing rapidly all year.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: JJ- on September 04, 2021, 07:17:58 AM
Hi

Can I join as FI cohortee? No plans to retire early but by 2026 we should have assets to support our current lifestyle minus daycare (!!!). Once we get to 2026 we are talking about all of the glorious things we can do when the kids are older (1.5 & 4) and have enough life energy and $$$ to do as we please. We're taking about some changeups around then and planning for them, so targets may shift.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on September 04, 2021, 08:00:36 AM
Hi

Can I join as FI cohortee? No plans to retire early but by 2026 we should have assets to support our current lifestyle minus daycare (!!!). Once we get to 2026 we are talking about all of the glorious things we can do when the kids are older (1.5 & 4) and have enough life energy and $$$ to do as we please. We're taking about some changeups around then and planning for them, so targets may shift.
You can only join if you give updates.  :)
Would love to hear the plans.  Baby girl graduated college and her older sister just returned for her Master's degree, so expect the plans to be dynamic and shift as the years go by.  Nothing more fun than a moving target.

I'm still battling the frugal challenge.  DW keeps finding stuff that she needs.  I beg to differ. 

Welcome!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on September 04, 2021, 08:17:19 AM
We could probably retire now and make it, but we prefer to have a solid cushion and also some money we can give our son to "get started" once he's an adult...assuming that he's responsible. But he's 7, so we'll see, haha!

Our investments have hit $1.13 million, and our net worth has been climbing rapidly all year.

Congratulations!! That's HUGE!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: JJ- on September 04, 2021, 10:04:52 AM
Hi

Can I join as FI cohortee? No plans to retire early but by 2026 we should have assets to support our current lifestyle minus daycare (!!!). Once we get to 2026 we are talking about all of the glorious things we can do when the kids are older (1.5 & 4) and have enough life energy and $$$ to do as we please. We're taking about some changeups around then and planning for them, so targets may shift.
You can only join if you give updates.  :)
Would love to hear the plans.  Baby girl graduated college and her older sister just returned for her Master's degree, so expect the plans to be dynamic and shift as the years go by.  Nothing more fun than a moving target.

I'm still battling the frugal challenge.  DW keeps finding stuff that she needs.  I beg to differ. 

Welcome!
Thank you!

After having worked for our own financial benefit for the last 10+ years (and that of our kids), we feel pulled to contribute more than just money to charitable causes like homeless or hungry. We've started donating supplemental garden produce and plan on expanding that - physical and mental capability willing - to support larger donations. That doesn't seem like enough though for us, just what we can support now, so really shaping our lives to have that be our primary focus rather than just being an ancillary part of our life. That and we can also show the kids that the white collar lifestyle we have is not the same for most.

Whether that means engaging in homeless support operations, transitional housing, or simply soup kitchen / food prep support, we are still exploring that. We're planning on a brief sabbatical in a few years to help us start to engage with the various operations in the community to see where we might best fit.

We've got a ways to go though, and most of the work to get us to FI needs to be done by the stock market.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Extramedium on September 25, 2021, 09:27:25 PM
I guess I'll put my name on this board, too.  I think I can do it, if things keep going as they have been.  Hoping for a bit of a glide path with switching to part-time in 2-3 years, and then FIRE before the end of 2026.  Still working on getting more detailed with our annual spending to really get more detailed for planning.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: magus on September 27, 2021, 01:49:07 PM
My goal for FIRE is 1.2 million and no debt. I tried to suggest in another post that we would get to 1 million by 2025 and 95% of the people on MMM shot me down. The consensus was that I had too much real estate and there are no more real estate deals left.


clarkfan1979 - As is often the case, the consensus is often wrong =) Hope you kept onto that real estate!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on September 29, 2021, 06:50:07 AM
My goal for FIRE is 1.2 million and no debt. I tried to suggest in another post that we would get to 1 million by 2025 and 95% of the people on MMM shot me down. The consensus was that I had too much real estate and there are no more real estate deals left.


clarkfan1979 - As is often the case, the consensus is often wrong =) Hope you kept onto that real estate!

What a ridiculous idea. No more real estate deals left? I thought the MMM community was suppose to be radical.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on October 02, 2021, 11:49:39 AM
My goal for FIRE is 1.2 million and no debt. I tried to suggest in another post that we would get to 1 million by 2025 and 95% of the people on MMM shot me down. The consensus was that I had too much real estate and there are no more real estate deals left.


clarkfan1979 - As is often the case, the consensus is often wrong =) Hope you kept onto that real estate!

What a ridiculous idea. No more real estate deals left? I thought the MMM community was suppose to be radical.

Different areas of the forum attract different people with different perspectives. I suggest starting here: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/real-estate-and-landlording/
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Focus_on_the_fire on October 02, 2021, 12:55:08 PM
Hi,

I'm happy to join y'all in 2026.

I plan to retire from state service at 59 with 30 years. I have been working the past few years to pay off debts and invest more. I think I could technically be called "coast fire" at this point. However, my workplace drama, makes using the word "coast" sound more pleasant than it actually is. Each week is really hard and I spend a lot of time reminding myself of how much I've accomplished and how the end is in sight. I just have to put one foot in front of another.

Next year, I'm changing to TRICARE, so there won't be any coverage gap in health insurance when I FIRE.

I have some general plans for retirement, but what I'm looking forward to is having complete control of my time. It seems that between parents, teachers, and bosses, I have always answered to someone. So, that's what I'm looking forward to.

 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on October 02, 2021, 12:58:43 PM
Hi,

I'm happy to join y'all in 2026.

I plan to retire from state service at 59 with 30 years.

Is that the earliest you can draw the pension? In my system it generally makes little financial sense to stay in state service once you can retire directly from service to pension. Lots of folks get another job (or the same job) to get both an equivalent paycheck and the pension.

Sure, if I work another year the pension check is an extra 2.3% - at the cost of giving up 12 pension checks.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Focus_on_the_fire on October 02, 2021, 06:05:23 PM
Is that the earliest you can draw the pension? In my system it generally makes little financial sense to stay in state service once you can retire directly from service to pension. Lots of folks get another job (or the same job) to get both an equivalent paycheck and the pension.

Sure, if I work another year the pension check is an extra 2.3% - at the cost of giving up 12 pension checks.

Technically, you can retire at 55 with at least 25 years of service. However, the pension is severely reduced. If I FIRE'd next year (55 and 26) I would lose about 60% of what I would get at 30 years.

So, I'm trying to tough it out these last five years. It's not easy. Lots of drama.



Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on October 03, 2021, 10:03:30 AM
Is that the earliest you can draw the pension? In my system it generally makes little financial sense to stay in state service once you can retire directly from service to pension. Lots of folks get another job (or the same job) to get both an equivalent paycheck and the pension.

Sure, if I work another year the pension check is an extra 2.3% - at the cost of giving up 12 pension checks.

Technically, you can retire at 55 with at least 25 years of service. However, the pension is severely reduced. If I FIRE'd next year (55 and 26) I would lose about 60% of what I would get at 30 years.

So, I'm trying to tough it out these last five years. It's not easy. Lots of drama.

Understood. Fortunately I'm in the "old" version of the pension - as soon as I hit "Rule of 80"* I'm good. New folks are getting something similar to you where benefits are cut noticeably if you retire early.

*Age + years of service = 80
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Focus_on_the_fire on October 03, 2021, 12:17:10 PM
Is that the earliest you can draw the pension? In my system it generally makes little financial sense to stay in state service once you can retire directly from service to pension. Lots of folks get another job (or the same job) to get both an equivalent paycheck and the pension.

Sure, if I work another year the pension check is an extra 2.3% - at the cost of giving up 12 pension checks.

Technically, you can retire at 55 with at least 25 years of service. However, the pension is severely reduced. If I FIRE'd next year (55 and 26) I would lose about 60% of what I would get at 30 years.

So, I'm trying to tough it out these last five years. It's not easy. Lots of drama.

Understood. Fortunately I'm in the "old" version of the pension - as soon as I hit "Rule of 80"* I'm good. New folks are getting something similar to you where benefits are cut noticeably if you retire early.

*Age + years of service = 80

That’s great for you! 😁 I’m definitely jealous. The only variable is separating and then retiring later.  It’s a reduction, but less so. That’s gambling that something new is better than this. That concerns me as much as the prospect of learning a new org.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on October 05, 2021, 11:58:12 AM
I just returned from some PTO, during which I managed to sleep 11-12 hours most nights.  I was clearly burning the candle at both ends at work and needed a recharge.

While away, a clock somewhere struck:  I have only 4-1/2 years to go before I qualify for the pension and FEHB.

Upon my return to work, the first day started fine, I felt the vacation afterglow as I settled in, and as the day went on and I caught up on email, the sheer absurdity of some aspects of my job started to get me down again: the stupid requirements pulling me in multiple directions as the unrelentless task-conveyor piles more shit on my desk (“Welcome back!  Now I need you to do this and that and the other…”).

The golden handcuffs are real, and already having a reasonably-sized portfolio gives me a double-edged sword of satisfaction and frustration.  I want the payoff of reaching my MRA, and I’m tired of the bullshit; we’d probably be ok if I jettisoned the job now for portly-FIRE.

When this happens, I try to refocus on gratitude for our health, financial and family situation, and the great options that we enjoy; and those negative feelings burden me less.

Anyone else face similar burdens upon post-PTO re-entry?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Extramedium on October 05, 2021, 09:29:59 PM
I just returned from some PTO, during which I managed to sleep 11-12 hours most nights.  I was clearly burning the candle at both ends at work and needed a recharge.

While away, a clock somewhere struck:  I have only 4-1/2 years to go before I qualify for the pension and FEHB.

Upon my return to work, the first day started fine, I felt the vacation afterglow as I settled in, and as the day went on and I caught up on email, the sheer absurdity of some aspects of my job started to get me down again: the stupid requirements pulling me in multiple directions as the unrelentless task-conveyor piles more shit on my desk (“Welcome back!  Now I need you to do this and that and the other…”).

The golden handcuffs are real, and already having a reasonably-sized portfolio gives me a double-edged sword of satisfaction and frustration.  I want the payoff of reaching my MRA, and I’m tired of the bullshit; we’d probably be ok if I jettisoned the job now for portly-FIRE.

When this happens, I try to refocus on gratitude for our health, financial and family situation, and the great options that we enjoy; and those negative feelings burden me less.

Anyone else face similar burdens upon post-PTO re-entry?

We did a 6-month sabbatical in an RV with DDs 14 and 10 from Feb-July of this year.  Going back to work was really weird, as I had been essentially living the retirement life, then back to full-time.  It was truly a shock, but only at first.  For the most part I really do like my job; I do help people, and enjoy having a valued skill set.  Plus, I like my team.  So that helped a lot: focusing on the positives of work.  Overall, though, the sabbatical taught me that retirement suits me well.  It strengthened my resolve to make it happen within the next few years.  I want my time to be greedily mine!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on October 06, 2021, 06:37:22 AM
Is that the earliest you can draw the pension? In my system it generally makes little financial sense to stay in state service once you can retire directly from service to pension. Lots of folks get another job (or the same job) to get both an equivalent paycheck and the pension.

Sure, if I work another year the pension check is an extra 2.3% - at the cost of giving up 12 pension checks.

Technically, you can retire at 55 with at least 25 years of service. However, the pension is severely reduced. If I FIRE'd next year (55 and 26) I would lose about 60% of what I would get at 30 years.

So, I'm trying to tough it out these last five years. It's not easy. Lots of drama.

Understood. Fortunately I'm in the "old" version of the pension - as soon as I hit "Rule of 80"* I'm good. New folks are getting something similar to you where benefits are cut noticeably if you retire early.

*Age + years of service = 80

That’s great for you! 😁 I’m definitely jealous. The only variable is separating and then retiring later.  It’s a reduction, but less so. That’s gambling that something new is better than this. That concerns me as much as the prospect of learning a new org.

Thanks. Even the old pension is a pretty raw deal if you don't put in a significant number of years.

On your "gambling" comment - for me it's about having the investments to bridge the gap between "I retire" and "I can draw the pension". I have no plans on needing to work for pay in between. I've got plenty to do with the nonprofit I started up.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on October 06, 2021, 07:15:37 AM
I just returned from some PTO, during which I managed to sleep 11-12 hours most nights.  I was clearly burning the candle at both ends at work and needed a recharge.

While away, a clock somewhere struck:  I have only 4-1/2 years to go before I qualify for the pension and FEHB.

Upon my return to work, the first day started fine, I felt the vacation afterglow as I settled in, and as the day went on and I caught up on email, the sheer absurdity of some aspects of my job started to get me down again: the stupid requirements pulling me in multiple directions as the unrelentless task-conveyor piles more shit on my desk (“Welcome back!  Now I need you to do this and that and the other…”).

The golden handcuffs are real, and already having a reasonably-sized portfolio gives me a double-edged sword of satisfaction and frustration.  I want the payoff of reaching my MRA, and I’m tired of the bullshit; we’d probably be ok if I jettisoned the job now for portly-FIRE.

When this happens, I try to refocus on gratitude for our health, financial and family situation, and the great options that we enjoy; and those negative feelings burden me less.

Anyone else face similar burdens upon post-PTO re-entry?

We did a 6-month sabbatical in an RV with DDs 14 and 10 from Feb-July of this year.  Going back to work was really weird, as I had been essentially living the retirement life, then back to full-time.  It was truly a shock, but only at first.  For the most part I really do like my job; I do help people, and enjoy having a valued skill set.  Plus, I like my team.  So that helped a lot: focusing on the positives of work.  Overall, though, the sabbatical taught me that retirement suits me well.  It strengthened my resolve to make it happen within the next few years.  I want my time to be greedily mine!

I am seriously debating a sabbatical, but I doubt my job would be okay with it. I have enough money to afford it, but I would be giving up a significant number of stock options at a start up to leave. I also like what I'm doing and see a bright future with the organization.

But man, I really want a taste of the FIRE life. haha.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: magus on October 07, 2021, 07:59:41 AM
Officially joining this cohort from 2022. Got a great job offer at a great company with a great fit that will allow DW and I to live extremely well forever at the end of my initial 4.5 year deal so likely summer 2026 unless the company gets bought and everything accelerates with vest. At least I was able to negotiate starting with 5 weeks of PTO!

Current age: 39
Retirement age: 44
Current NW: $1.75MM
Expected NW at retirement: $3.5-$4.5MM
Expected annual expenses in retirement: $80k/yr or $55k/yr with no mortgage (w/ ~$15k annual travel budget)
Expected annual income at retirement: $150-$175k in rental income from $2M Real estate NW (let equity investments continue to grow)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on October 07, 2021, 08:46:45 PM
Officially joining this cohort from 2022. Got a great job offer at a great company with a great fit that will allow DW and I to live extremely well forever at the end of my initial 4.5 year deal so likely summer 2026 unless the company gets bought and everything accelerates with vest. At least I was able to negotiate starting with 5 weeks of PTO!

Current age: 39
Retirement age: 44
Current NW: $1.75MM
Expected NW at retirement: $3.5-$4.5MM
Expected annual expenses in retirement: $80k/yr or $55k/yr with no mortgage (w/ ~$15k annual travel budget)
Expected annual income at retirement: $150-$175k in rental income from $2M Real estate NW (let equity investments continue to grow)

Welcome to the club and congrats on the new gig!

That's quite the portfolio you have & are putting together.  Is your RE mostly in Charlotte?  I've heard it's a good & growing RE market but not at the crazy SF/DC/NYC/SEA levels.

What are your mortgages like, and are you planning to refi just before you bail to restart the 30-year clock?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: magus on October 09, 2021, 06:39:07 AM
Officially joining this cohort from 2022. Got a great job offer at a great company with a great fit that will allow DW and I to live extremely well forever at the end of my initial 4.5 year deal so likely summer 2026 unless the company gets bought and everything accelerates with vest. At least I was able to negotiate starting with 5 weeks of PTO!

Current age: 39
Retirement age: 44
Current NW: $1.75MM
Expected NW at retirement: $3.5-$4.5MM
Expected annual expenses in retirement: $80k/yr or $55k/yr with no mortgage (w/ ~$15k annual travel budget)
Expected annual income at retirement: $150-$175k in rental income from $2M Real estate NW (let equity investments continue to grow)

Welcome to the club and congrats on the new gig!

That's quite the portfolio you have & are putting together.  Is your RE mostly in Charlotte?  I've heard it's a good & growing RE market but not at the crazy SF/DC/NYC/SEA levels.

What are your mortgages like, and are you planning to refi just before you bail to restart the 30-year clock?

Thanks! They are all in the Carolinas, mostly Charlotte area but not all. Mortgages range from non existent (paid off), to 2.75% 5 year ARMs to 3.25% 30 yr fixed. I have 3 more I can get a credit union with low rates then switch to buying them as “second home” mortgages - at my income I still easily qualify without any rental income. Will depend on rates in a few years on my ARMs but doubt I’ll refi the fixed

CLT is a great rental market, especially the southern half into SC - also great place to live
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Extramedium on October 16, 2021, 10:45:36 AM
I just returned from some PTO, during which I managed to sleep 11-12 hours most nights.  I was clearly burning the candle at both ends at work and needed a recharge.

While away, a clock somewhere struck:  I have only 4-1/2 years to go before I qualify for the pension and FEHB.

Upon my return to work, the first day started fine, I felt the vacation afterglow as I settled in, and as the day went on and I caught up on email, the sheer absurdity of some aspects of my job started to get me down again: the stupid requirements pulling me in multiple directions as the unrelentless task-conveyor piles more shit on my desk (“Welcome back!  Now I need you to do this and that and the other…”).

The golden handcuffs are real, and already having a reasonably-sized portfolio gives me a double-edged sword of satisfaction and frustration.  I want the payoff of reaching my MRA, and I’m tired of the bullshit; we’d probably be ok if I jettisoned the job now for portly-FIRE.

When this happens, I try to refocus on gratitude for our health, financial and family situation, and the great options that we enjoy; and those negative feelings burden me less.

Anyone else face similar burdens upon post-PTO re-entry?

We did a 6-month sabbatical in an RV with DDs 14 and 10 from Feb-July of this year.  Going back to work was really weird, as I had been essentially living the retirement life, then back to full-time.  It was truly a shock, but only at first.  For the most part I really do like my job; I do help people, and enjoy having a valued skill set.  Plus, I like my team.  So that helped a lot: focusing on the positives of work.  Overall, though, the sabbatical taught me that retirement suits me well.  It strengthened my resolve to make it happen within the next few years.  I want my time to be greedily mine!

I am seriously debating a sabbatical, but I doubt my job would be okay with it. I have enough money to afford it, but I would be giving up a significant number of stock options at a start up to leave. I also like what I'm doing and see a bright future with the organization.

But man, I really want a taste of the FIRE life. haha.

Yeah, it was really affirming.  My workplace hadn't had a policy on sabbaticals, but now does.  So when I hear from people (at work), "That's so great, I wish that I could do that," I say, "you can."  For my much younger colleagues, especially, I take the opportunity to tell them, "be frugal and invest your money.  Don't let lifestyle creep get you, and you can do this.  It's a gift of being a relatively high earner in a good company." But most people don't really hear me.

One interesting thing has happened in the last month.  I have realized that my work is more satisfying since returning.  My little wins each day or week are more meaningful and satisfying than before the sabbatical, and the little inconveniences leave less of a dent on my day.  I'm wondering if MBA types have studied workers' productivity after sabbaticals.  Could be a beneficial thing for companies to promote!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: regenaeb on October 20, 2021, 03:09:24 PM
Still sticking with the 2026 cohort. Hubby didn't get promoted this summer like we expected, which he freaked out about. I on the other hand sat down and crunched the numbers and informed him we are still fine. Even if he doesn't get promoted next summer and he is booted (military officer, if passed over twice for promotion you are kicked out) we will be fine. He still will have a great pension as he will have 34 years of active service at retirement date, which means over 80% of base pay is what he will receive. We can cover all our bills and my part time job will cover our twins college living expenses in the years form 2026-2030. I am not worried about in the least. He on the other hand, big time worrier. He has never been passed over before and has always gone above and beyond for his job. But at the next rank they only make 60% or less each year, the numbers get tighter and tighter with every promotion. I am cool with being done, he is not. It's kind of like a prisoner that is "institutionalized". He has been active duty since 17 years old, this life is all he knows. He is nervous about looking for a job at 52 years old. I get it, but he really only needs to get a job making keys at the local Lowes. Just something to fill his time. Because he cannot be home with me all day, climbing the wall.

My plan is still to work until May 2026, this is the time my twins graduation high school. I will turn 50 that February. At that point I am going to take the summer off and travel, do what I want to do when I want to do it. That fall I will start substitute teaching in our local schools for part time money. I will still have all holidays off and the summers off. I can make enough to pay my twins college room and board. We already have their tuition and fees paid for (thank you Florida College Prepay). I will let my investments do what they are going to do and will not need to touch them until much later in life.

I just negotiated a big pay rate increase with the company I do contract work with. I plan on investing every penny in my retirement accounts and continuing to live off my previous budget/money. Keep on keeping on.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on October 24, 2021, 09:11:56 AM
So, an officer with 34 years in who has never before been passed over for promotion is likely to be an O-8 (2 stars) since a fast-track officer should be O-6 at 22 years.

Pay scale I'm seeing is $16k/month base pay - and pay scale barely increases after O-8. In a year with 35 years of service he should be getting $14k/month, plus good medical and lifetime inflation adjustments to the pay.

Financially this should not be an issue, even with putting 2 kids through college - and that's completely ignoring your income which would cover college and likely a bit more.

As a reference, $14k is around 4x our budget.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on October 25, 2021, 12:08:24 AM
Still sticking with the 2026 cohort. Hubby didn't get promoted this summer like we expected, which he freaked out about. I on the other hand sat down and crunched the numbers and informed him we are still fine. Even if he doesn't get promoted next summer and he is booted (military officer, if passed over twice for promotion you are kicked out) we will be fine. He still will have a great pension as he will have 34 years of active service at retirement date, which means over 80% of base pay is what he will receive. We can cover all our bills and my part time job will cover our twins college living expenses in the years form 2026-2030. I am not worried about in the least. He on the other hand, big time worrier. He has never been passed over before and has always gone above and beyond for his job. But at the next rank they only make 60% or less each year, the numbers get tighter and tighter with every promotion. I am cool with being done, he is not. It's kind of like a prisoner that is "institutionalized". He has been active duty since 17 years old, this life is all he knows. He is nervous about looking for a job at 52 years old. I get it, but he really only needs to get a job making keys at the local Lowes. Just something to fill his time. Because he cannot be home with me all day, climbing the wall.

My plan is still to work until May 2026, this is the time my twins graduation high school. I will turn 50 that February. At that point I am going to take the summer off and travel, do what I want to do when I want to do it. That fall I will start substitute teaching in our local schools for part time money. I will still have all holidays off and the summers off. I can make enough to pay my twins college room and board. We already have their tuition and fees paid for (thank you Florida College Prepay). I will let my investments do what they are going to do and will not need to touch them until much later in life.

I just negotiated a big pay rate increase with the company I do contract work with. I plan on investing every penny in my retirement accounts and continuing to live off my previous budget/money. Keep on keeping on.

Great update, and congratulations on the pay raise!  I love that you're sending those additional green workers straight to the factory (your retirement and investment accounts) to produce even more.

Remember that a military retirement includes TriCare in addition to the pension, a great benefit!

Has your husband read any of @Nords blog, The Military Guide (https://the-military-guide.com/) ?  In addition to answering any questions your husband has, Doug might also calm his nerves about departing his military career.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nords on October 25, 2021, 12:27:28 AM
Still sticking with the 2026 cohort. Hubby didn't get promoted this summer like we expected, which he freaked out about.
He on the other hand, big time worrier. He has never been passed over before and has always gone above and beyond for his job.
I am cool with being done, he is not. It's kind of like a prisoner that is "institutionalized". He has been active duty since 17 years old, this life is all he knows. He is nervous about looking for a job at 52 years old. I get it, but he really only needs to get a job making keys at the local Lowes. Just something to fill his time. Because he cannot be home with me all day, climbing the wall.
Has your husband read any of @Nords blog, The Military Guide (https://the-military-guide.com/) ?  In addition to answering any questions your husband has, Doug might also calm his nerves about departing his military career.
Thanks, @elysianfields!

Let me know how I can help, @regenaeb.  This seems like more of a lifestyle question than a financial one.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on November 02, 2021, 06:00:27 AM
I just returned from some PTO, during which I managed to sleep 11-12 hours most nights.  I was clearly burning the candle at both ends at work and needed a recharge.

While away, a clock somewhere struck:  I have only 4-1/2 years to go before I qualify for the pension and FEHB.

Upon my return to work, the first day started fine, I felt the vacation afterglow as I settled in, and as the day went on and I caught up on email, the sheer absurdity of some aspects of my job started to get me down again: the stupid requirements pulling me in multiple directions as the unrelentless task-conveyor piles more shit on my desk (“Welcome back!  Now I need you to do this and that and the other…”).

The golden handcuffs are real, and already having a reasonably-sized portfolio gives me a double-edged sword of satisfaction and frustration.  I want the payoff of reaching my MRA, and I’m tired of the bullshit; we’d probably be ok if I jettisoned the job now for portly-FIRE.

When this happens, I try to refocus on gratitude for our health, financial and family situation, and the great options that we enjoy; and those negative feelings burden me less.

Anyone else face similar burdens upon post-PTO re-entry?

We did a 6-month sabbatical in an RV with DDs 14 and 10 from Feb-July of this year.  Going back to work was really weird, as I had been essentially living the retirement life, then back to full-time.  It was truly a shock, but only at first.  For the most part I really do like my job; I do help people, and enjoy having a valued skill set.  Plus, I like my team.  So that helped a lot: focusing on the positives of work.  Overall, though, the sabbatical taught me that retirement suits me well.  It strengthened my resolve to make it happen within the next few years.  I want my time to be greedily mine!

I am seriously debating a sabbatical, but I doubt my job would be okay with it. I have enough money to afford it, but I would be giving up a significant number of stock options at a start up to leave. I also like what I'm doing and see a bright future with the organization.

But man, I really want a taste of the FIRE life. haha.

While I'd love a taste of the FIRE life, I think going back to work after a sabbatical would be extremely difficult for me personally - I would dread the return to the office - and professionally as well, as I work in IT support.  The tools we use change so rapidly that a few months away would cause my skills to atrophy.  I do definitely enjoy helping people get their technology working, so another point of gratitude I keep in mind.

Checking my portfolio, we've experienced a large increase in value YTD (including contributions) of more than 20%, after 30+ % gains in CY2020.  I don't expect similar gains going forward - I'd be happy with 5% p.a. from here on out - and am astounded at the progress we've made in the last almost two years.

On another front I've made some great progress in some dietary (less meat, cheese, and fat; more salads, legumes, & olive oil) and exercise habits (nearly every day - a mix of weights, cardio, yoga, and hiking).  DW and I have also consciously planned our menus better, bringing in more lunches from home, which helps the budget.  Consequently I've slimmed down quite noticeably, though I haven't dropped much weight.  Perhaps I'm transforming body fat into muscle, which would account for my slow weight reduction.  Anyway, I'm feeling better and stronger.  Maybe I'm outgrowing my inner bookish geek finally?

Keep on keeping on.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on November 02, 2021, 08:21:19 AM
I just returned from some PTO, during which I managed to sleep 11-12 hours most nights.  I was clearly burning the candle at both ends at work and needed a recharge.

While away, a clock somewhere struck:  I have only 4-1/2 years to go before I qualify for the pension and FEHB.

Upon my return to work, the first day started fine, I felt the vacation afterglow as I settled in, and as the day went on and I caught up on email, the sheer absurdity of some aspects of my job started to get me down again: the stupid requirements pulling me in multiple directions as the unrelentless task-conveyor piles more shit on my desk (“Welcome back!  Now I need you to do this and that and the other…”).

The golden handcuffs are real, and already having a reasonably-sized portfolio gives me a double-edged sword of satisfaction and frustration.  I want the payoff of reaching my MRA, and I’m tired of the bullshit; we’d probably be ok if I jettisoned the job now for portly-FIRE.

When this happens, I try to refocus on gratitude for our health, financial and family situation, and the great options that we enjoy; and those negative feelings burden me less.

Anyone else face similar burdens upon post-PTO re-entry?

We did a 6-month sabbatical in an RV with DDs 14 and 10 from Feb-July of this year.  Going back to work was really weird, as I had been essentially living the retirement life, then back to full-time.  It was truly a shock, but only at first.  For the most part I really do like my job; I do help people, and enjoy having a valued skill set.  Plus, I like my team.  So that helped a lot: focusing on the positives of work.  Overall, though, the sabbatical taught me that retirement suits me well.  It strengthened my resolve to make it happen within the next few years.  I want my time to be greedily mine!

I am seriously debating a sabbatical, but I doubt my job would be okay with it. I have enough money to afford it, but I would be giving up a significant number of stock options at a start up to leave. I also like what I'm doing and see a bright future with the organization.

But man, I really want a taste of the FIRE life. haha.

While I'd love a taste of the FIRE life, I think going back to work after a sabbatical would be extremely difficult for me personally - I would dread the return to the office - and professionally as well, as I work in IT support. The tools we use change so rapidly that a few months away would cause my skills to atrophy.  I do definitely enjoy helping people get their technology working, so another point of gratitude I keep in mind.

Checking my portfolio, we've experienced a large increase in value YTD (including contributions) of more than 20%, after 30+ % gains in CY2020.  I don't expect similar gains going forward - I'd be happy with 5% p.a. from here on out - and am astounded at the progress we've made in the last almost two years.

On another front I've made some great progress in some dietary (less meat, cheese, and fat; more salads, legumes, & olive oil) and exercise habits (nearly every day - a mix of weights, cardio, yoga, and hiking).  DW and I have also consciously planned our menus better, bringing in more lunches from home, which helps the budget.  Consequently I've slimmed down quite noticeably, though I haven't dropped much weight.  Perhaps I'm transforming body fat into muscle, which would account for my slow weight reduction.  Anyway, I'm feeling better and stronger.  Maybe I'm outgrowing my inner bookish geek finally?

Keep on keeping on.

I did this. I took a year off about 4 years ago (Actually closer to 11 months). I remember the first month I was back in the office I kept having these moments of dread and that far away feeling you get thinking "I can't believe I'm in an office again".

Part of that was a bit of culture shock after moving back from Africa, but another was just that the company that I started working for was so much worse than I thought it would be. The people were great, but the company underpaid me from the start (I had to push them just to match my last salary). Once I changed jobs about 6 months after that, things really turned around. I'd say that it took about 3 months though for that feeling of dread to go away.

Today, I like my job. Though I'd say that I'd probably prefer that I was really only part-time. I think 60% would be great long-term. Enough to do to stay busy, but real weekends and possibilities to do something else. Perhaps I can do that before 2026, but it's always tough to figure out health insurance going part time. So I want to be in a better position before doing something like that. Much easier to ratchet down than back up.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: semiretired31 on November 02, 2021, 05:52:59 PM
I like hearing from older people in this group. Many times, I feel like us young ones (like me) are overly optimistic about our expenses and how life is going to go for us. Plenty of people on this board would tell me it's time and we have enough. And I think there's a good chance they are correct. However, I'm not willing to risk it just yet. We have a lot up in the air right now, and maybe next year is our year. And maybe it's not. So, I'm planning on 2026 as my worst-case-scenario, which is not bad at all. I will be 40.

I went back to work last week, after 8 years at home. It has been incredibly challenging emotionally. I'm sticking it out for now, because I feel odds are high I've got a bad case of return-to-work syndrome...almost like a super-late return from maternity leave. I've been horribly depressed for week, but I figure if I'm still that way in a month then I can always quit. I've been working in the office for now, but they understand I need to be at home/remote when school starts again in the fall.
Everyone chooses their own path.  I sat around wondering how everyone else was making it.  Then I found out they made more than me and I got a better paying, easier job.  Should have done this MUCH sooner.  It's true that you must negotiate.  I was offered a 20% raise to stay.  The offer was 25% + bonus + better health, matching, stock purchase.  No competition and I'd mentally left because of the time suck.  I like to think I left a vacuum.  They have turned over staff a LOT since I left.  Good people and I wish them well.

I'm glad you have the option of working or not.  Try it, you might like it.  If you don't, try something else.  Good luck with the depression.  I was burnt out when I left the previous job and went into a tailspin after I left.  Set goals.  Keep focus.  Breathe.  Smell the flowers and hug.  Hug the family the mostest.  Other selected individuals as deemed worthy.

I've got the most free time since college and that makes me want more.  Retirement = freedom. 

In truth, I'm looking forward to more grandkids, but not rushing anyone here.  That will be the deciding factor on where (maybe when) things get settled.  DD#1 starts graduate school in the fall and is deciding on when to kid.  DD#2 has selected cats.  We'll visit her.  Short visits as I'm allergic.

Love this. Not even in this cohort. This made me chuckle.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on November 03, 2021, 06:15:32 AM
Love this. Not even in this cohort. This made me chuckle.
Please elaborate and I'm glad you chuckled.  Feel free to join and teach us something new.  I've still got a lot to learn.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tomorrowsomewherenew on December 07, 2021, 08:18:25 PM
Tonight I read through all of my posts in this thread. It's been over 5 years since I first posted about our plans. Things have changed a lot since then. Our plan is coming together.

My husband's job is still a dumpster fire, but whatever! This year's contract runs out in 6 months, and we can make do until then. My husband will be working a new 100% remote job after this. In the meantime we are stacking cash in I bonds in order to grow our cash savings. Since he won't have the protection of being in a non-fireable job anymore, we want to have a heavier amount of cash than what we currently do.

My husband's VA disability is still sitting at 90%. We are waiting on a few other conditions, but it's possible it will go up to 100%. Even if it's not approved, I'll be pretty content with our situation. We will be mobile, we have a nice house in an affordable location, decent health, and life is good. I'm looking forward to 2022.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Huskerfan on December 30, 2021, 06:33:30 AM
Just checking in to see how everyone is doing.  Has COVID changed any of your plans? Some forums I read, people are working longer now until they pull the plug.  Others used the telework time and decided enough was enough.


Plans are still in motion on my end, as I’m still looking at 30JUN2026 as my date to call it quits.  COVID really didn’t change much for me aside from making my 401ks/TSP much better. However; with that, there is now an opportunity to likely do the same gig as a Tech, making really good money for a few extra years-and working at home.  I have the opportunity to build this NOW and structure the program so the job would be fairly easy and non-stressful.  But I’m really not sure I wanna make a commitment to that.   Obviously nothing is a guarantee; but it would be stupid money pulling that, military pension and VA Disability all at once.   Something to consider for sure. 

Either way; I think things are tracking for the house to be paid off even earlier than I anticipated.  A large pay raise is on the way.  And I’m getting my health back.  Hope you all are doing well
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LeftA on December 30, 2021, 11:08:58 AM
@Huskerfan , well I AM considering work longer, but not sure it’s exactly COVID…but the inflation rate makes me wonder how much more money we’ll need to maintain a basic lifestyle.

I want to stop working between the date my yearly bonus is paid out and before the start of summer, so if I can’t do that by mid-June of 2026, I’ll likely push out to that timing in 2027.
 
I actually negotiated a nice pay raise in 2021 and have hit a goodgroove in terms of work, so I wonder how I’ll feel as we approach 2026.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on December 30, 2021, 05:04:18 PM
I hit my overall goals for the year, so I'd say I'm on track. at 31% of my FIRE goal, but I should be able to dramatically increase that number over the next few years.

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing.  Has COVID changed any of your plans?

To answer your question, I hadn't put it together until now... but yes, COVID has changed my FIRE plans. Originally DW and I were planning on staying in our current home (and city) post FIRE. COVID completely changed that. We learned a lot of hard truths about the people and groups we are a part of...things I wish we never learned. It really soured us to a lot of the locals and killed a lot of the future we thought we had here. Our new plan is to explore the US (and maybe parts of South America) looking for a second home. If we find one, we'll buy a second house and live there part of the year. That'll give us a "home base" near family in current city and a new home to explore and enjoy away from our baggage back home. Long term, we'll either rent or sell our current house if we no longer want to live in it part time.

COVID also impacted my career quite a bit. I put a lot of chips into my current company several years ago. When I originally joined I expected us to sell or get acquired mid-to-late 2022,but there's no shot of that happening. COVID hit us pretty hard and we allowed some important things to fall behind our competition. Leadership is in the process of fixing what's been broken, so I'm going to stick around another six months and see if we can put things back on track. We're also close to a significant round of funding which would open a lot of doors for us. If we get the additional investment and we can fix what's broken, then 2022 could be an exceptionally good year for me financially. I'm going to re-access in July.

Either way, I am still on track for July 2026 FIRE, but COVID had a real impact on how I planned to get there and what I thought that life would look like.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on December 31, 2021, 10:29:11 AM
I'm going to go ahead and put myself on the list for Class of 2026 - mostly likely April.

There's some chance it will be earlier, unlikely to be much later.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on December 31, 2021, 12:09:21 PM
Best as I can tell, we're still on track for that.

I have a spread sheet where I've been tracking tracking a FIRE goal of 50k in retirement in 2015 dollars. So now that's around 54k today or 1.35MM in today's dollars.

We're about 60% of the way there, might even be able to make it 2025, though 2026 is the safer bet still. With the great year for investments I think the date moved from late 2026 to early 2026.

I'm also considering a job change that might slow it down to 2027 or 2028 (slightly lower pay for a few years and moving to HCOL city), but if that doesn't work out, I might move to a LCOL area with my current job that would almost certainly put FIRE in 2025.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on December 31, 2021, 03:51:30 PM
Has COVID changed any of your plans?

Yup, COVID changed my plans. I finally realized that not only was I going to die, I could actually die at any time. I decided to stop postponing a few important things. Thus, I got a dog in Jan of 2020, instead of waiting until after I retire.

His name is Gabe, he is a Yorkie, and he was free from the rescue! He has since cost me so much money. I won’t even admit how much, but its in the 5 figures. I’d say never take a free dog, but he’s the best thing I’ve got going right now.

Here’s a pic, so all y’all can also bask in how fucking adorable he is.
(https://i.imgur.com/1tLl8vx.jpg)


More seriously, I think COVID kinda broke me. I’m still holding out for the golden handcuffs, but I’m also starting therapy, and on some anti-anxiety drugs. I’ve spent two years trying to make policy without information, inside a pressure cooker that’s at first too slow, then too reactive, then too slow. I’m going to see what 2022 brings, and if the medical community can help me even out mentally. If not, I might have to pull the plug early.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Huskerfan on December 31, 2021, 09:41:43 PM
Has COVID changed any of your plans?

Yup, COVID changed my plans. I finally realized that not only was I going to die, I could actually die at any time. I decided to stop postponing a few important things. Thus, I got a dog in Jan of 2020, instead of waiting until after I retire.

His name is Gabe, he is a Yorkie, and he was free from the rescue! He has since cost me so much money. I won’t even admit how much, but its in the 5 figures. I’d say never take a free dog, but he’s the best thing I’ve got going right now.

Here’s a pic, so all y’all can also bask in how fucking adorable he is.
(https://i.imgur.com/1tLl8vx.jpg)


More seriously, I think COVID kinda broke me. I’m still holding out for the golden handcuffs, but I’m also starting therapy, and on some anti-anxiety drugs. I’ve spent two years trying to make policy without information, inside a pressure cooker that’s at first too slow, then too reactive, then too slow. I’m going to see what 2022 brings, and if the medical community can help me even out mentally. If not, I might have to pull the plug early.

Gave us cute as hell!  A worthy investment.

Let’s talk about that last part for a second.  You aren’t alone. Out of all things, please remember that.  You aren’t alone.  The last two years have been absolutely horrendous for the mental well being.  Even for strong peeps; this stuff can easily break them. Even worse; help is hard to come by as all of the psychiatrists are swamped with new patients like you and myself that are needing help. Just remember you have peeps to talk to.  I struggled for about a year until we just started having some weekly chats at work.  A lot of us were not able to get professional help, but the old fashioned support groups are very helpful. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: regenaeb on January 18, 2022, 10:14:07 AM
So, an officer with 34 years in who has never before been passed over for promotion is likely to be an O-8 (2 stars) since a fast-track officer should be O-6 at 22 years.

Pay scale I'm seeing is $16k/month base pay - and pay scale barely increases after O-8. In a year with 35 years of service he should be getting $14k/month, plus good medical and lifetime inflation adjustments to the pay.

Financially this should not be an issue, even with putting 2 kids through college - and that's completely ignoring your income which would cover college and likely a bit more.

As a reference, $14k is around 4x our budget.

Sorry been a while since I was on this forum. My DH started as an E-1 at 17 years old. He worked his way up to E-6 then made warrant. After being a warrant for 1 year he applied and was accepted into direct commission officer, they brought him in as JG (O-2), from there he has worked his way up to O-4. Since he started on the enlisted side many moons ago, he is not as far as an OCS, direct commission, academy grad. would be at 34 years of service. He laughs because he currently has more active duty years of service then the admiral that is command of his district. Right now he would get about $ 7500 a month before taxes.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: regenaeb on January 18, 2022, 10:22:58 AM
Still sticking with the 2026 cohort. Hubby didn't get promoted this summer like we expected, which he freaked out about.
He on the other hand, big time worrier. He has never been passed over before and has always gone above and beyond for his job.
I am cool with being done, he is not. It's kind of like a prisoner that is "institutionalized". He has been active duty since 17 years old, this life is all he knows. He is nervous about looking for a job at 52 years old. I get it, but he really only needs to get a job making keys at the local Lowes. Just something to fill his time. Because he cannot be home with me all day, climbing the wall.
Has your husband read any of @Nords blog, The Military Guide (https://the-military-guide.com/) ?  In addition to answering any questions your husband has, Doug might also calm his nerves about departing his military career.
Thanks, @elysianfields!

Let me know how I can help, @regenaeb.  This seems like more of a lifestyle question than a financial one.

Yes Nords, you are correct, this is a lifestyle issue, but he makes it a financial one in his head. Things are going well. He is slowly starting to accept the idea of maybe being done. Although his command has been giving him every opportunity they can to beef up his evaluation due this spring. Having him be acting XO on several occasions over the past 4 months. We also just found out they put him in for an award and he got it. He is being awarded the C4IT officer of the year for the entire Coast Guard. I am so proud of him. He works so very hard, and he deserves this recognition. I have purchased your book and given it to him to read. He is currently studying for his PMP test this spring, so I don't think he has read it yet, but I am going to keep at him. I found it very informative for easing into military retirement life.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on January 18, 2022, 11:52:53 AM
So, an officer with 34 years in who has never before been passed over for promotion is likely to be an O-8 (2 stars) since a fast-track officer should be O-6 at 22 years.

Pay scale I'm seeing is $16k/month base pay - and pay scale barely increases after O-8. In a year with 35 years of service he should be getting $14k/month, plus good medical and lifetime inflation adjustments to the pay.

Financially this should not be an issue, even with putting 2 kids through college - and that's completely ignoring your income which would cover college and likely a bit more.

As a reference, $14k is around 4x our budget.

Sorry been a while since I was on this forum. My DH started as an E-1 at 17 years old. He worked his way up to E-6 then made warrant. After being a warrant for 1 year he applied and was accepted into direct commission officer, they brought him in as JG (O-2), from there he has worked his way up to O-4. Since he started on the enlisted side many moons ago, he is not as far as an OCS, direct commission, academy grad. would be at 34 years of service. He laughs because he currently has more active duty years of service then the admiral that is command of his district. Right now he would get about $ 7500 a month before taxes.

Still, $7500/mo is a big pile of money.  Glad you gave him @Nords ’ book, I hope it’s helpful, because you probably won’t have money problems.

COVID didn’t change our FIRE plans other than to confirm we want out when the gong sounds.  50 months until the golden handcuffs come off and get pawned.

I bought some more ETFs in my HSA, thought I obtained decent pricing but then watched the market fall more.  If the market continues to trend down, I’ll start shoveling cash into my Roth IRA earlier.  Given how well the economy is doing generally, I’m looking forward to earnings season - I think many stocks will surprise to the up side.

Edited due to change of circumstances.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: jinga nation on January 18, 2022, 12:11:08 PM
Still sticking with the 2026 cohort. Hubby didn't get promoted this summer like we expected, which he freaked out about.
He on the other hand, big time worrier. He has never been passed over before and has always gone above and beyond for his job.
I am cool with being done, he is not. It's kind of like a prisoner that is "institutionalized". He has been active duty since 17 years old, this life is all he knows. He is nervous about looking for a job at 52 years old. I get it, but he really only needs to get a job making keys at the local Lowes. Just something to fill his time. Because he cannot be home with me all day, climbing the wall.
Has your husband read any of @Nords blog, The Military Guide (https://the-military-guide.com/) ?  In addition to answering any questions your husband has, Doug might also calm his nerves about departing his military career.
Thanks, @elysianfields!

Let me know how I can help, @regenaeb.  This seems like more of a lifestyle question than a financial one.

Yes Nords, you are correct, this is a lifestyle issue, but he makes it a financial one in his head. Things are going well. He is slowly starting to accept the idea of maybe being done. Although his command has been giving him every opportunity they can to beef up his evaluation due this spring. Having him be acting XO on several occasions over the past 4 months. We also just found out they put him in for an award and he got it. He is being awarded the C4IT officer of the year for the entire Coast Guard. I am so proud of him. He works so very hard, and he deserves this recognition. I have purchased your book and given it to him to read. He is currently studying for his PMP test this spring, so I don't think he has read it yet, but I am going to keep at him. I found it very informative for easing into military retirement life.

Reading your posts, seems like your DH is in the IT field, working as/towards a Project Manager.
We simply don't have enough experienced folks in IT/project management in the DoD. If he has a clearance, tell him to look into becoming a DoD civilian/contractor. We have a lot of retired vets.
Work isn't stressful, 40 hours/week, 4 weeks PTO, plus 10 US holidays. And the pay is significantly more (but in the military he gets BAH, Tricare, TSP, etc).
DM me if you want to take this further.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: semiretired31 on January 20, 2022, 11:58:33 PM
Love this. Not even in this cohort. This made me chuckle.
Please elaborate and I'm glad you chuckled.  Feel free to join and teach us something new.  I've still got a lot to learn.

Looking back at this, I’m not sure what struck me funny. I’m guessing the cats comment. I’m on a path for 2031ish, so I also have a lot to learn. Love reading earlier cohorts to get a feel for vibe as people get closer and things people are planning.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on January 21, 2022, 10:50:48 AM
One of the weird things about still being in the accumulation phase:

Being happy that the markets are down on payday when the newest contribution to the retirement accounts happens!

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: bluzi2027 on January 27, 2022, 10:45:06 AM
Going to join this cohort , non us based so some of the things you worry about , I don’t have , I do have other worries to keep me up at night , I’ll do my best but apologies upfront for any bad English , first post and I am already tilting , picked my user name to be 2027 for the cohort I wanted to join but couldn’t find the thread , looks like 2027 is a barren year , so some story time mainly to put it out there , will start being active here as it seems fun to have so many ppl with the same goal but different paths !
Turned 40 , married plus 2 , love them all , this year my father retired and he can’t do it , he says it’s Covid and what not , but he is back working , not for money but for his ‘sanity’ , it’s clear to me he is scared because he has nothing to do but watching soccer and Netflix , which is how he pass his time with the excuse he is tired from work , I fear ending up the same ,I work a very very high stress tech job where I work non stop including weekends when needed , which happens every third weekend or so ,evening meetings are the norm , this was my choice in life so no one to blame but me , but the realization I can keep on trucking until the end if I just do nothing worries me , because I am starting to ask the best question of all - WHY , that is keeping me up at night a lot , and I can’t focus on anything else , on the one end , I can’t imagine staying at home and taking care of the household , I love cooking , but no way I will clean and organize the house every day while my SO goes to world , I feel staying home with the kids is much much harder then our daily jobs , so the next step is to tell the SO the plan , which includes me stop working AND not doing all the chores , those will still be split between us as today , I fear the backlash here , but she will have a choice to quit her job with me , the other thing she won’t like is the fact we will both be unemployed, I fear she will look at it as a failure on our part or won’t understand how it’s possible to do , all the ppl in our life retired on retirement age , let’s see how that first talk will go ……. anxious but excited !!
By the way , when you did your first talk , did you sell the dream first or went to the details of the math of it.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on January 27, 2022, 03:04:07 PM
Cohorts are generally linked in the sticky thread:

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/'class-of'cohort-what-year-will-you-fire/

...and 2027 definitely exists. I started it. ;)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on January 28, 2022, 05:10:14 PM
Going to join this cohort , non us based so some of the things you worry about , I don’t have , I do have other worries to keep me up at night , I’ll do my best but apologies upfront for any bad English , first post and I am already tilting , picked my user name to be 2027 for the cohort I wanted to join but couldn’t find the thread , looks like 2027 is a barren year , so some story time mainly to put it out there , will start being active here as it seems fun to have so many ppl with the same goal but different paths !
Turned 40 , married plus 2 , love them all , this year my father retired and he can’t do it , he says it’s Covid and what not , but he is back working , not for money but for his ‘sanity’ , it’s clear to me he is scared because he has nothing to do but watching soccer and Netflix , which is how he pass his time with the excuse he is tired from work , I fear ending up the same ,I work a very very high stress tech job where I work non stop including weekends when needed , which happens every third weekend or so ,evening meetings are the norm , this was my choice in life so no one to blame but me , but the realization I can keep on trucking until the end if I just do nothing worries me , because I am starting to ask the best question of all - WHY , that is keeping me up at night a lot , and I can’t focus on anything else , on the one end , I can’t imagine staying at home and taking care of the household , I love cooking , but no way I will clean and organize the house every day while my SO goes to world , I feel staying home with the kids is much much harder then our daily jobs , so the next step is to tell the SO the plan , which includes me stop working AND not doing all the chores , those will still be split between us as today , I fear the backlash here , but she will have a choice to quit her job with me , the other thing she won’t like is the fact we will both be unemployed, I fear she will look at it as a failure on our part or won’t understand how it’s possible to do , all the ppl in our life retired on retirement age , let’s see how that first talk will go ……. anxious but excited !!
By the way , when you did your first talk , did you sell the dream first or went to the details of the math of it.

Welcome to the cohort!

Getting your spouse on board is a MASSIVE part of the whole thing. I don't know what country you are in so I'm ignorant about what cultural pushback you might get from your spouse, but the ideas of FIRE work mostly universally. Good luck!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on February 13, 2022, 12:36:10 AM
Going to join this cohort , non us based so some of the things you worry about , I don’t have , I do have other worries to keep me up at night , I’ll do my best but apologies upfront for any bad English , first post and I am already tilting , picked my user name to be 2027 for the cohort I wanted to join but couldn’t find the thread , looks like 2027 is a barren year , so some story time mainly to put it out there , will start being active here as it seems fun to have so many ppl with the same goal but different paths !
Turned 40 , married plus 2 , love them all , this year my father retired and he can’t do it , he says it’s Covid and what not , but he is back working , not for money but for his ‘sanity’ , it’s clear to me he is scared because he has nothing to do but watching soccer and Netflix , which is how he pass his time with the excuse he is tired from work , I fear ending up the same ,I work a very very high stress tech job where I work non stop including weekends when needed , which happens every third weekend or so ,evening meetings are the norm , this was my choice in life so no one to blame but me , but the realization I can keep on trucking until the end if I just do nothing worries me , because I am starting to ask the best question of all - WHY , that is keeping me up at night a lot , and I can’t focus on anything else , on the one end , I can’t imagine staying at home and taking care of the household , I love cooking , but no way I will clean and organize the house every day while my SO goes to world , I feel staying home with the kids is much much harder then our daily jobs , so the next step is to tell the SO the plan , which includes me stop working AND not doing all the chores , those will still be split between us as today , I fear the backlash here , but she will have a choice to quit her job with me , the other thing she won’t like is the fact we will both be unemployed, I fear she will look at it as a failure on our part or won’t understand how it’s possible to do , all the ppl in our life retired on retirement age , let’s see how that first talk will go ……. anxious but excited !!
By the way , when you did your first talk , did you sell the dream first or went to the details of the math of it.

@bluzi2027 Welcome to 2026, even if you decide to shift to a different cohort later!

My DW makes me very proud because she tells people, "When I first started working in America (she didn't grow up in the US), DH told me that in the US you have to plan for your own retirement, not spend your whole paycheck, but instead put money aside and start investing in the stock market.  That has paid off in a big way for us, I'm very grateful DH gave me this advice, you should follow it too."  It has taken me years to get her onboard, but the benefits are accumulating, and she definitely values our FU money.

Maybe there are some easy wins or cheap victories you can share first before expounding on the whole FIRE idea.  Or perhaps you have friends you can point to who cut back their work hours because they have FU money, or maybe some tragedy befell someone that caused them or others to shift their priorities, as in the following anecdote.

I encountered someone who is a leader in his field, had no desire to retire at the top of his game, until one of his adult children developed cancer.  He quit as soon as he could hand things off, realizing that time with his child was worth much more than his career.  He had the mustache to pull it off and the contacts to support a transition to part-time consulting; he works when he likes and only if the project is interesting.  His child recovered and is cancer-free, so it all worked out, but I learned a valuable lesson as I count down to pawning off my own golden handcuffs.

Can you draw your father out to spend more time with his grandchildren and less working? 

You might talk about your core values with your spouse as well - whatever they are - and then talk about how FU money can lead to less work and the ability to live out those values.

ETA: Poking through the archives of Brave New Life, I found this great article about convincing your spouse to become Mustachian: https://web.archive.org/web/20191226183211/http://www.bravenewlife.com/02/how-to-get-your-significant-to-embrace-a-brave-new-life/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20191226183211/http://www.bravenewlife.com/02/how-to-get-your-significant-to-embrace-a-brave-new-life/)

Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: nurseart on February 16, 2022, 11:18:06 AM
awww I love him. Dogs are so worth it.

Has COVID changed any of your plans?

Yup, COVID changed my plans. I finally realized that not only was I going to die, I could actually die at any time. I decided to stop postponing a few important things. Thus, I got a dog in Jan of 2020, instead of waiting until after I retire.

His name is Gabe, he is a Yorkie, and he was free from the rescue! He has since cost me so much money. I won’t even admit how much, but its in the 5 figures. I’d say never take a free dog, but he’s the best thing I’ve got going right now.

Here’s a pic, so all y’all can also bask in how fucking adorable he is.
(https://i.imgur.com/1tLl8vx.jpg)


More seriously, I think COVID kinda broke me. I’m still holding out for the golden handcuffs, but I’m also starting therapy, and on some anti-anxiety drugs. I’ve spent two years trying to make policy without information, inside a pressure cooker that’s at first too slow, then too reactive, then too slow. I’m going to see what 2022 brings, and if the medical community can help me even out mentally. If not, I might have to pull the plug early.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 21, 2022, 07:54:32 AM
A clock somewhere gonged and in fewer than four years now I can pawn off the golden handcuffs.

The portfolio, while it hasn't climbed all the way to last year's highs, has recovered fairly nicely.  We keep maxing our TSPs, Roth IRAs, and HSAs, and staching the cash.  With the government pension and FEHB continuing into retirement, we're sticking with 100% equities plus a rented property in the US.

I'm continuing to focus on fitness & health, exercising regularly - no need to wait until FIRE to make gains here.  DW & I also frequently have date nights to continue to foster our relationship.  When I attended a retirement seminar some years back, I was struck by how much time was devoted to personal, social, relationship, and health issues, above and beyond the expected discussions of taxes, pensions, and finances.  Consequently, I'm working more on the first group of concerns, as the finances are mostly on auto-pilot.

How is the rest of the cohort getting along?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Missy B on March 23, 2022, 12:15:00 AM
Going to join this cohort , non us based so some of the things you worry about , I don’t have , I do have other worries to keep me up at night , I’ll do my best but apologies upfront for any bad English , first post and I am already tilting , picked my user name to be 2027 for the cohort I wanted to join but couldn’t find the thread , looks like 2027 is a barren year , so some story time mainly to put it out there , will start being active here as it seems fun to have so many ppl with the same goal but different paths !
Turned 40 , married plus 2 , love them all , this year my father retired and he can’t do it , he says it’s Covid and what not , but he is back working , not for money but for his ‘sanity’ , it’s clear to me he is scared because he has nothing to do but watching soccer and Netflix , which is how he pass his time with the excuse he is tired from work , I fear ending up the same ,I work a very very high stress tech job where I work non stop including weekends when needed , which happens every third weekend or so ,evening meetings are the norm , this was my choice in life so no one to blame but me , but the realization I can keep on trucking until the end if I just do nothing worries me , because I am starting to ask the best question of all - WHY , that is keeping me up at night a lot , and I can’t focus on anything else , on the one end , I can’t imagine staying at home and taking care of the household , I love cooking , but no way I will clean and organize the house every day while my SO goes to world , I feel staying home with the kids is much much harder then our daily jobs , so the next step is to tell the SO the plan , which includes me stop working AND not doing all the chores , those will still be split between us as today , I fear the backlash here , but she will have a choice to quit her job with me , the other thing she won’t like is the fact we will both be unemployed, I fear she will look at it as a failure on our part or won’t understand how it’s possible to do , all the ppl in our life retired on retirement age , let’s see how that first talk will go ……. anxious but excited !!
By the way , when you did your first talk , did you sell the dream first or went to the details of the math of it.
You say, 'honey, we can both stop working if we want by 2027. Can I show you the math?'
Wife: You crazy. I married a crazy man. We can't just stop working in 5 years.
You: Of course, dear wife. You are right. But for fun, can I show you my crazy math?

Then you are prepared with tables, compounding growth with a conservative return. Budgets, whatever you've worked out. You don't try to sell. Ask her if she sees any holes in your plan. Bad assumptions. Maybe the budget is too tough, you left things out because you didn't realize they were important to her.

Maybe it's intriguing to her. She's open. But If she hates it, its ok too. You're okay with that.

Because later she will most likely think about it again, even if it's her crazy husband's stupid idea. She will hate it a little less, and then when some shit happens at work or whatever, and she has a flash that she wished she didn't have to do this job, Husband's Crazy Idea will pop into her head and she'll be curious about that math again.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on March 28, 2022, 06:59:20 AM
Let’s talk about that last part for a second.  You aren’t alone. Out of all things, please remember that.  You aren’t alone.  The last two years have been absolutely horrendous for the mental well being.  Even for strong peeps; this stuff can easily break them. Even worse; help is hard to come by as all of the psychiatrists are swamped with new patients like you and myself that are needing help. Just remember you have peeps to talk to.  I struggled for about a year until we just started having some weekly chats at work.  A lot of us were not able to get professional help, but the old fashioned support groups are very helpful.

Hey @Huskerfan, I know this reply isn't timely, but I wanted to let you know your response meant something to me. It was one of the nudges that pushed me towards sucking it up, and starting counseling.

My first match ended up being really terrible, and after 2 chances with her I switched to an out of pocket online format. I probably could have made TRICARE work for me. I'm near Walter Reed for god's sake which means there must be good therapists & psyches here, but I wasn't willing to go back onto the 3 month waiting list for a new match. Seems like getting myself straight is worth at least $1,600 a year. One might even say that having the option to to buy my way out of shitty mental health faster than insurance can help me is what savings are for.

@elysianfields, my clock also gonged at 0001 on 9-March-2022. It's a good feeling, and I'm starting to realize this whole pension thing might actually happen.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 30, 2022, 11:48:07 AM

@elysianfields, my clock also gonged at 0001 on 9-March-2022. It's a good feeling, and I'm starting to realize this whole pension thing might actually happen.

@Sailor Sam and you just snagged your dream job?  That’s fucking righteous right there, keep it up!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Huskerfan on April 15, 2022, 06:08:08 PM
Let’s talk about that last part for a second.  You aren’t alone. Out of all things, please remember that.  You aren’t alone.  The last two years have been absolutely horrendous for the mental well being.  Even for strong peeps; this stuff can easily break them. Even worse; help is hard to come by as all of the psychiatrists are swamped with new patients like you and myself that are needing help. Just remember you have peeps to talk to.  I struggled for about a year until we just started having some weekly chats at work.  A lot of us were not able to get professional help, but the old fashioned support groups are very helpful.

Hey @Huskerfan, I know this reply isn't timely, but I wanted to let you know your response meant something to me. It was one of the nudges that pushed me towards sucking it up, and starting counseling.

My first match ended up being really terrible, and after 2 chances with her I switched to an out of pocket online format. I probably could have made TRICARE work for me. I'm near Walter Reed for god's sake which means there must be good therapists & psyches here, but I wasn't willing to go back onto the 3 month waiting list for a new match. Seems like getting myself straight is worth at least $1,600 a year. One might even say that having the option to to buy my way out of shitty mental health faster than insurance can help me is what savings are for.

@elysianfields, my clock also gonged at 0001 on 9-March-2022. It's a good feeling, and I'm starting to realize this whole pension thing might actually happen.


Good to hear man.  I finally got in to talk to someone as well.  I’m not sure how it’s going, it just started, but I believe my talks with some co-workers for weekly Tuesday coffee time is really paying dividends.  I’m truly glad you got some assistance!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Huskerfan on April 15, 2022, 06:18:28 PM
There’s mention of “a clock gonging somewhere”
Things are getting closer and closer for me as well. In about two weeks; I will hit a guarantee for military pension. I’ll hit my 20 years, but as soon as I do, it jumps up an extra year so I’ll have 21 years under my belt (yay to the FREE 2.5% pay raise to the pension).  So the clock is ticking VERY loudly for me.

I honestly think my time will be moving to the left, but if it does, I plan to grab another gig through 2026.  So I’ll still stick around here if I can.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on April 23, 2022, 09:53:05 AM
There’s mention of “a clock gonging somewhere”
Things are getting closer and closer for me as well. In about two weeks; I will hit a guarantee for military pension. I’ll hit my 20 years, but as soon as I do, it jumps up an extra year so I’ll have 21 years under my belt (yay to the FREE 2.5% pay raise to the pension).  So the clock is ticking VERY loudly for me.

I honestly think my time will be moving to the left, but if it does, I plan to grab another gig through 2026.  So I’ll still stick around here if I can.

That's exciting! Is the pension enough to FIRE if you wanted to?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on April 23, 2022, 10:03:46 AM
Adding my own update to the mix: My company was just purchased by a private equity firm and 75% of my shares are being paid out. This is enough money (after taxes) to comfortably live on for the next year+. This is all in addition to my normal savings, the 25% of shares not being paid out that's turn into common stock, and any options/shares they offer to retain me long-term. I expect to be in a very good financial position once everything closes in May.

Yesterday I also learned that the PE firm has an executive training program. Basically folks in my position can have a year-ish long mentorship towards a specific executive role - learning how to communicate with the board, set budgets, that kind of thing. After the year is up, they will look for a role in your company or in one of the companies they've invested into and help you move to that new position.

Additionally, a friend of mine wants to start a business. He's been planning on it for awhile and has the skills and connections to be successful. He's asked me to join him and help him set up and grow the business and maybe be its CEO. It's a big ask, but all things I believe I would be good at.

And of course, I am drowning in linkedin requests from start ups, from large established companies - all offering crazy incentives and salaries.

I am richly, richly blessed - but also I am not sure what to do. In my current role I am completely stuck. There really isn't an opportunity for me to move up any higher and as the organization grows my influence on that growth and the opportunities I have to be hands-on in building what we become next get further and further away. With the PE purchase, I planned to leave the company later this year.

But I make a lot of money, and that executive training program is interesting to me. I want to look into that more - maybe I could join a growth stage company and help them develop around my skills? Build out an effective team, make the business run more smoothly, etc. That sounds like a lot of fun.

I also have a bunch of start ups with early stage funding that I could go work at - do the same sort of work without the training from proven executives. I think I would be good at it, but I'm going to have a harder time early on as I have to figure out things on my own.

And then there is my friend starting a business. It's an industry I am familiar in and influential in. It's the kind of work I am good at. The risk is extremely high (we would be without real revenue for at least a quarter) but the rewards are head and shoulders higher than anything else I could do.

It's a lot to think about. I have a few mentors I plan to reach out too soon and start getting feedback from them on where they think my skills are, if they think I am ready for some of the roles being presented to me, and what they would do in my shoes.

No one can make this decision but me, but I'm always open to feedback and advice. I am in an extremely blessed position to even have these choices in front of me - but being blessed doesn't make the decision any easier in the moment.

Anyway, I would love to hear thoughts from others in this cohort.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on May 05, 2022, 01:29:18 AM
Adding my own update to the mix: My company was just purchased by a private equity firm and 75% of my shares are being paid out. This is enough money (after taxes) to comfortably live on for the next year+. This is all in addition to my normal savings, the 25% of shares not being paid out that's turn into common stock, and any options/shares they offer to retain me long-term. I expect to be in a very good financial position once everything closes in May.

Yesterday I also learned that the PE firm has an executive training program. Basically folks in my position can have a year-ish long mentorship towards a specific executive role - learning how to communicate with the board, set budgets, that kind of thing. After the year is up, they will look for a role in your company or in one of the companies they've invested into and help you move to that new position.

Additionally, a friend of mine wants to start a business. He's been planning on it for awhile and has the skills and connections to be successful. He's asked me to join him and help him set up and grow the business and maybe be its CEO. It's a big ask, but all things I believe I would be good at.

And of course, I am drowning in linkedin requests from start ups, from large established companies - all offering crazy incentives and salaries.

I am richly, richly blessed - but also I am not sure what to do. In my current role I am completely stuck. There really isn't an opportunity for me to move up any higher and as the organization grows my influence on that growth and the opportunities I have to be hands-on in building what we become next get further and further away. With the PE purchase, I planned to leave the company later this year.

But I make a lot of money, and that executive training program is interesting to me. I want to look into that more - maybe I could join a growth stage company and help them develop around my skills? Build out an effective team, make the business run more smoothly, etc. That sounds like a lot of fun.

I also have a bunch of start ups with early stage funding that I could go work at - do the same sort of work without the training from proven executives. I think I would be good at it, but I'm going to have a harder time early on as I have to figure out things on my own.

And then there is my friend starting a business. It's an industry I am familiar in and influential in. It's the kind of work I am good at. The risk is extremely high (we would be without real revenue for at least a quarter) but the rewards are head and shoulders higher than anything else I could do.

It's a lot to think about. I have a few mentors I plan to reach out too soon and start getting feedback from them on where they think my skills are, if they think I am ready for some of the roles being presented to me, and what they would do in my shoes.

No one can make this decision but me, but I'm always open to feedback and advice. I am in an extremely blessed position to even have these choices in front of me - but being blessed doesn't make the decision any easier in the moment.

Anyway, I would love to hear thoughts from others in this cohort.

Congratulations on the cash out and all the different options you have!  I appreciate your modest attitude toward your good fortune - that will make you a better executive if you go that route.

I wouldn't mix friendship and business, but that's only my view.  The friendship might bring other advantages to the venture though, so you'll have to judge that yourself.

If you did the executive training program, I'm sure that the firm would want to lock you into something, as they wouldn't want to give that away for free.  What would your obligation be?  How much more valuable would you become than you are already?

Lots to think about, and certainly worth discussing with your mentors.  Good luck!

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on May 23, 2022, 09:59:55 AM
Hi Friends!

I was in the 2024 cohort, but I'm jumping to 2026 for a number of reasons that were unplanned, such as covering my parents' healthcare costs until 2027. I'm happy to be here!

Current stache sitting at about 22-24x spending, depending on the market for that week. My rough plan is to have 32x (I've always been conservative on this front) and to shoot for December 1, 2026 (I'll be 40). I should be able to get there no problem with my current strategy and may get a boost if the private company I work for provides an exit opportunity for a small chunk of equity.

I look forward to cheering on the rest of the cohort!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on May 24, 2022, 06:44:06 AM
Hi Friends!

I was in the 2024 cohort, but I'm jumping to 2026 for a number of reasons that were unplanned, such as covering my parents' healthcare costs until 2027. I'm happy to be here!

Current stache sitting at about 22-24x spending, depending on the market for that week. My rough plan is to have 32x (I've always been conservative on this front) and to shoot for December 1, 2026 (I'll be 40). I should be able to get there no problem with my current strategy and may get a boost if the private company I work for provides an exit opportunity for a small chunk of equity.

I look forward to cheering on the rest of the cohort!

Welcome to the crew!!!!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on May 25, 2022, 11:35:48 AM
Anyone else thinking that the high inflation this year might push everyone back a year?

Inflation around 9% but raises will only average 5%.

I know this can always look very different down the road, but if this carries on for another year or 2, it looks like we might all become 2027-2028'ers.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on May 26, 2022, 05:15:47 PM
Anyone else thinking that the high inflation this year might push everyone back a year?

Inflation around 9% but raises will only average 5%.

I know this can always look very different down the road, but if this carries on for another year or 2, it looks like we might all become 2027-2028'ers.

We have been in an unusually long period of low inflation and an unusually long period of stock value growth.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on May 27, 2022, 02:44:12 PM
Anyone else thinking that the high inflation this year might push everyone back a year?

Inflation around 9% but raises will only average 5%.

I know this can always look very different down the road, but if this carries on for another year or 2, it looks like we might all become 2027-2028'ers.

I don't - mostly because I don't see much of a correlation between the current inflation rate and my timeline. Who says income only increases 5% this year? I plan to make a bigger than 5% difference to my income year-over-year.

Additionally, the last few days have seen a bit of a stock market rally. We're still down for the year, but Total Stock Market has been making some pretty good gains the last week. I don't see any reason for the stock market to go down long-term as interest rates increase. I know everyone says that's what must happen, but history doesn't actually bare that out except in the short term. In reality, interest rates go up, the stock market freaks out for a quarter or two, and then things go back to where they were.

And of course, this is a Mustachian forum - I expect to keep my expenses low and adjust accordingly as things change. Food is more expensive? Then it's time to cut somewhere else in the budget. Pretty simple stuff. Most of the inflation doesn't directly effect my spending though.

So with all that, I am still on track for 2026. If I'm really lucky on a few big bets, I could hit my number sooner.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on May 28, 2022, 12:20:44 AM
Anyone else thinking that the high inflation this year might push everyone back a year?

Inflation around 9% but raises will only average 5%.

I know this can always look very different down the road, but if this carries on for another year or 2, it looks like we might all become 2027-2028'ers.

I don't - mostly because I don't see much of a correlation between the current inflation rate and my timeline. Who says income only increases 5% this year? I plan to make a bigger than 5% difference to my income year-over-year.

Additionally, the last few days have seen a bit of a stock market rally. We're still down for the year, but Total Stock Market has been making some pretty good gains the last week. I don't see any reason for the stock market to go down long-term as interest rates increase. I know everyone says that's what must happen, but history doesn't actually bare that out except in the short term. In reality, interest rates go up, the stock market freaks out for a quarter or two, and then things go back to where they were.

And of course, this is a Mustachian forum - I expect to keep my expenses low and adjust accordingly as things change. Food is more expensive? Then it's time to cut somewhere else in the budget. Pretty simple stuff. Most of the inflation doesn't directly effect my spending though.

So with all that, I am still on track for 2026. If I'm really lucky on a few big bets, I could hit my number sooner.

Not in my case either.  Even with the latest market drop, we were well into FI.  Meanwhile, I have 46 months before I can pawn off the golden handcuffs (somewhat-COLA-adjusted Foreign Service pension + cheap FEHB healthcare), I may hang around a few months further but not due to inflation or stock market returns.

Much of the inflation is due to the double shocks of COVID and the Ukraine war.  No matter what happens in the war, I think the West will continue to sanction Russia for the next decade at least.  The rise in prices is already pushing demand for alternatives to fossil fuels in both the HVAC and transportation sectors.  I believe that higher interest rates will dampen demand for goods and services, allowing supply chains to catch up, moderating prices somewhat.

2026 is still a few years off...
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: the_hobbitish on July 15, 2022, 11:19:15 AM
Is anyone starting on a roth conversion ladder while they're still working or otherwise managing where they're saving to make the first few years of retirement work?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on July 16, 2022, 10:29:14 AM
Is anyone starting on a roth conversion ladder while they're still working or otherwise managing where they're saving to make the first few years of retirement work?

iBond ladder :D
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on July 17, 2022, 08:27:17 AM
Is anyone starting on a roth conversion ladder while they're still working or otherwise managing where they're saving to make the first few years of retirement work?

My income is too high to do the Roth ladder at the moment, so my plan is to live off my taxable investments for the first few years.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on July 18, 2022, 10:16:38 AM
Hi 2026 Friends!

Still just chugging along on the way to a 2026 curtain call.

Among the items on my pre-retirement checklist is paying off the mortgage. This week, I took a significant step toward that. My company paid out some equity that I'd accumulated over the last seven years and I just dropped it on the mortgage (I know there are a few better things I could do with it mathematically, but psychologically the mortgage is the money thing that irks me the most). After the payment, I now only owe $9000, which will be crushed by end of year through regular payments.

Pretty stoked on it, so I just wanted to share with my 2026 friends. What recent wins have you had on your path to FI?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LoanShark on July 18, 2022, 12:52:14 PM
Hi 2026 Friends!

Still just chugging along on the way to a 2026 curtain call.

Among the items on my pre-retirement checklist is paying off the mortgage. This week, I took a significant step toward that. My company paid out some equity that I'd accumulated over the last seven years and I just dropped it on the mortgage (I know there are a few better things I could do with it mathematically, but psychologically the mortgage is the money thing that irks me the most). After the payment, I now only owe $9000, which will be crushed by end of year through regular payments.

Pretty stoked on it, so I just wanted to share with my 2026 friends. What recent wins have you had on your path to FI?

Congrats!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on July 19, 2022, 11:36:35 AM
Is anyone starting on a roth conversion ladder while they're still working or otherwise managing where they're saving to make the first few years of retirement work?

My income is too high to do the Roth ladder at the moment, so my plan is to live off my taxable investments for the first few years.

Since we’ll receive Federal pensions, our incomes are too high now and will be too high in retirement for Roth conversions to work for us.  Mustachian Fed problems, I guess.  Uncle Sugar wants his cut of our pre-tax retirement savings.

OTOH, the pensions remove the need for bonds in our portfolio. @TomTX

Also, we’re in the Never Pay Off Your Mortgage club, and it’s silly to hold bonds if you also hold a mortgage.  Congratulations to @lilkidjesus for the step toward your goal.

We continue to invest the max in our TSPs and Roth IRAs despite the bear showing his face.  Next year, we’ll probably do all Roth in the TSPs, as our last college student will finish, removing our access to the AOTC and we’ll land squarely within the 24% tax bracket.  Speaking of, Harry Sit has posted his projected tax brackets and retirement plan contribution limits for 2023 over at The Finance Buff, inflation is pushing the 401k/TSP limit to $22,500 + $7,500 for those who can make catch-up contributions.  IRA limit will increase to $6,500 + $1,000 catch-up.  We both have HSAs which we max and invest as well, the HSA limit goes to $7,750 next year plus two catchups of $1,000 each.

Not sure what other Feds are thinking, but we’re not interested in paying the fees to access the mutual fund window in our TSP, we’ll stay with the super-low-cost options.

Wall St. seems to think that a recession is likely.  We’ll see whether the Fed is slamming too hard on the brakes.  In any case, I find the current values of many stocks we already own very attractive, so we continue to buy.

We’re still planning to pull the ripcord in 2026, and our one question mark is our house. It is rented, we’ve raised the rent again recently and have good tenants.  The question we’re struggling with is what to do with it.  The property cash flows nicely so moving in ourselves would become an expensive choice.  It’s really a tear-down candidate given the market in the HCOL DC area; even renovating to bring e.g. the kitchen up to a more modern standard would cost a pretty penny and we couldn’t make up for it in higher rents.

Also, when we do bail out, we’ll need someplace near DC ideally to receive all our stuff in storage so that we can downsize before heading to our final destination, which remains under discussion.  Perhaps we’ll rent someplace for a year while we downsize and figure that out.

- EF
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on July 23, 2022, 09:00:17 AM
Hi 2026 Friends!

Still just chugging along on the way to a 2026 curtain call.

Among the items on my pre-retirement checklist is paying off the mortgage. This week, I took a significant step toward that. My company paid out some equity that I'd accumulated over the last seven years and I just dropped it on the mortgage (I know there are a few better things I could do with it mathematically, but psychologically the mortgage is the money thing that irks me the most). After the payment, I now only owe $9000, which will be crushed by end of year through regular payments.

Pretty stoked on it, so I just wanted to share with my 2026 friends. What recent wins have you had on your path to FI?

Congratulations!!!!!

I've had a lot of very, very big wins this year and I feel.....unworthy? I'm not sure how to describe it. I joined the 2026 group even though I was way behind everyone else here because I'd taken some big bets and believed I could fill the gap starting in 2022.

Well, I've filled the gap and then some. The drop in the market this year has been a god send to me. My company sold to private equity who bought up 75% of my options, providing me with a significant chunk of cash. Then the company offered me a retainer bonus. Then the company gave me a promotion and a significant raise. In 2022 my taxable income is going to be about 2x higher than I ever thought it could be. I'm getting a tax person involved since I'd like to keep as much of it as possible (though Uncle Sam is progressively taking a bigger and bigger chunk...). I took a big gamble 3 years ago and I've recently decided to take another roll of the dice and set myself up for another payday in 3 years. We'll see if that is anywhere near as lucrative as the first.

So, even with the significant hit to the value of my stocks, I've been able to invest heavily into the market, max out my various retirement accounts, and do a few things around the house we've been putting off. There is no longer any doubt that I will hit my originally planned number in 2026. The question now is, will I want to increase my FI number or not, which may knock me out of this race.

Either way, this has been (financially) the best year of my life by a wide, wide margin and with the market drop that much higher income is buying me way, way more shares. I literally have no one else to talk to about all of this except DW and this forum and she doesn't care about money stuff.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on July 23, 2022, 01:38:10 PM
OTOH, the pensions remove the need for bonds in our portfolio. @TomTX

Also, we’re in the Never Pay Off Your Mortgage club, and it’s silly to hold bonds if you also hold a mortgage.

Well, looks like I was called out a bit. :D No worries.

I'm keeping my fixed 30(now 28) year 3.2% mortgage, so extra cash has been going into I-bonds with current yield of 9.62%

Pretty good rate spread to me. Another factor is spousal comfort level - they prefer to have more fixed/savings, and everything in the retirement accounts is in broad based stock index funds.

Admittedly it's definitely limited in how much you can put in - but with the refund-into I-bonds trick and the "gift box" trick - we've added $65k in I-bonds over the past year (2021 direct buy $20k, $5k refund on 2021 taxes, 2022 direct buy $20k, then the gift boxes have another $20k - which is already earning interest and seasoning.

And yes, I agree that a pension largely fills the "bond" role in retirement.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on August 21, 2022, 07:51:47 AM
OTOH, the pensions remove the need for bonds in our portfolio. @TomTX

Also, we’re in the Never Pay Off Your Mortgage club, and it’s silly to hold bonds if you also hold a mortgage.

Well, looks like I was called out a bit. :D No worries.

I'm keeping my fixed 30(now 28) year 3.2% mortgage, so extra cash has been going into I-bonds with current yield of 9.62%

Pretty good rate spread to me. Another factor is spousal comfort level - they prefer to have more fixed/savings, and everything in the retirement accounts is in broad based stock index funds.

Admittedly it's definitely limited in how much you can put in - but with the refund-into I-bonds trick and the "gift box" trick - we've added $65k in I-bonds over the past year (2021 direct buy $20k, $5k refund on 2021 taxes, 2022 direct buy $20k, then the gift boxes have another $20k - which is already earning interest and seasoning.

And yes, I agree that a pension largely fills the "bond" role in retirement.

Glad you took it the right way @TomTX !

My issue with I-bonds is that they’re virtually guaranteed to get you 0% real return.  I suppose that’s better than a savings account, but it’s no place for growth.  Given the withdrawal penalties, I-bonds seem like a good place to park cash you’ll need in 60+ months or so.  If you redeem I Bonds in less than 60 months, you lose the last three months of interest.

We’ve paid another semester of tuition, one left to go.  We’re using the 529 as a funnel to reduce our state income tax, 2022 may be the last year for that.

I really need to do some post-retirement tax and fund planning & analysis, but it seems like a big project and I’m sure I can gather stories from other Feds on what worked for them.

Our portfolio remains a bit below the peak.  We keep stacking away.  Apologies for the boring update.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on August 26, 2022, 08:46:02 PM
My issue with I-bonds is that they’re virtually guaranteed to get you 0% real return.  I suppose that’s better than a savings account, but it’s no place for growth.  Given the withdrawal penalties, I-bonds seem like a good place to park cash you’ll need in 60+ months or so.  If you redeem I Bonds in less than 60 months, you lose the last three months of interest.

Well, yes - but currently I Bond yield is FAR higher than any CD or savings account. If it drops to a noncompetitive rate and I want to swap out to a higher yielding CD or something, I lose... 3 months of a noncompetitive rate. Even if the interest rate drops to 0% after the first 6 months, I still come out way ahead of any type of CD or savings account I can get today by having an effective yield of 4.8%.

That said, the vast majority of our retirement/stash is in stocks.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on August 27, 2022, 02:21:51 AM
My issue with I-bonds is that they’re virtually guaranteed to get you 0% real return.  I suppose that’s better than a savings account, but it’s no place for growth.  Given the withdrawal penalties, I-bonds seem like a good place to park cash you’ll need in 60+ months or so.  If you redeem I Bonds in less than 60 months, you lose the last three months of interest.

Well, yes - but currently I Bond yield is FAR higher than any CD or savings account. If it drops to a noncompetitive rate and I want to swap out to a higher yielding CD or something, I lose... 3 months of a noncompetitive rate. Even if the interest rate drops to 0% after the first 6 months, I still come out way ahead of any type of CD or savings account I can get today by having an effective yield of 4.8%.

That said, the vast majority of our retirement/stash is in stocks.

Thanks for the reply.  You're right, if you have cash to stash and you don't want it losing value, I Bonds can make sense.

So many people have been talking about I Bonds - I think the nominal interest rate caused that -  that I did some research to see if I was missing out on something.  Since we don't hold any cash - we use our HELOC as our emergency fund and nearly all of our cash is invested in stocks or our house - it just doesn't work in our case.

With inflation at a high pace, it's advantageous to hold debt, even if rising interest rates push the cost of our HELOC up, because the value of the nominal debt decreases on a real basis.  Interest rates still do not exceed the inflation rate - for now.

Of course, Mr. Market doesn't like to see interest rates rising as that slows the economy and reduces corporate earnings, and Fed. Chairman Powell's remarks yesterday clearly spooked many.

With 2026 looming closer and our tuition payments coming to an end, we'll focus more on building up cash to get us through the first few post-retirement years.  Having a Fed. pension really provides stability, should stocks not cooperate during the first few years.  Lifetime access to FEHB at the employee contribution level also stabilizes the level of a cost center which, for many people, grows as they age.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: regenaeb on September 15, 2022, 07:03:02 AM
Update: DH was notified he is being promoted to O-5 (military), which means he is continuing for another 3-6 years on active duty. This is the news we have been hoping for since last year when he was passed over. In DH's military service officer corps if you are passed over twice you are mandatory retired (unless you are an academy grad with at least 16 years of service - my DH is not an academy grad). Which means my plan to semi retire in 2026 is still on track. My plan is to be done with my 9-5 grind in May of that year, the month my twins graduate high school. From there I will take the summer off to relax and travel, visit family in other states. In the fall, I will probably pick up work (when I want) as a substitute teacher for our FL school district and in the district that DH is located. He will be due to transfer again that year and I plan to spend several months at his location and then back to our home in FL for a couple of months. Going back and forth throughout the year, a lot depending on his location and weather between each of our locations.

This year's goal is to double my retirement contributions, which I am on track to accomplish, especially now with DH's latest news. Next year, I will max my 401K and also max my Roth IRA. I am still putting a little money each month in my taxable brokerage account, to start padding that for the future. I have not been putting money in that the last couple of years trying to put as much as I can in my retirement accounts.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on September 17, 2022, 11:49:23 AM
Update: DH was notified he is being promoted to O-5 (military), which means he is continuing for another 3-6 years on active duty. This is the news we have been hoping for since last year when he was passed over. In DH's military service officer corps if you are passed over twice you are mandatory retired (unless you are an academy grad with at least 16 years of service - my DH is not an academy grad). Which means my plan to semi retire in 2026 is still on track. My plan is to be done with my 9-5 grind in May of that year, the month my twins graduate high school. From there I will take the summer off to relax and travel, visit family in other states. In the fall, I will probably pick up work (when I want) as a substitute teacher for our FL school district and in the district that DH is located. He will be due to transfer again that year and I plan to spend several months at his location and then back to our home in FL for a couple of months. Going back and forth throughout the year, a lot depending on his location and weather between each of our locations.

This year's goal is to double my retirement contributions, which I am on track to accomplish, especially now with DH's latest news. Next year, I will max my 401K and also max my Roth IRA. I am still putting a little money each month in my taxable brokerage account, to start padding that for the future. I have not been putting money in that the last couple of years trying to put as much as I can in my retirement accounts.

That's awesome @regenaeb!! Congratulations on DH's promotion and the confirmation of your timeline!!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on September 24, 2022, 07:36:08 AM
Congratulations @regenaeb fantastic news!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on September 28, 2022, 02:48:51 PM
After playing around with the Rich, Broke, Dead tool during some down time today, I've decided it's time to declare my line in the sand.

I'm aiming for retirement in June 2026.  I'll be 58.

Market movement between now and then will determine if it's fat fire or lean fire, but I should have enough by then regardless.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on September 28, 2022, 08:48:29 PM
After playing around with the Rich, Broke, Dead tool during some down time today, I've decided it's time to declare my line in the sand.

I'm aiming for retirement in June 2026.  I'll be 58.

Market movement between now and then will determine if it's fat fire or lean fire, but I should have enough by then regardless.

That's awesome!! Welcome to the cohort!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on September 30, 2022, 09:22:48 PM
After playing around with the Rich, Broke, Dead tool during some down time today, I've decided it's time to declare my line in the sand.

I'm aiming for retirement in June 2026.  I'll be 58.

Market movement between now and then will determine if it's fat fire or lean fire, but I should have enough by then regardless.

Welcome and congratulations!

We're about the same age, and I'm still going to consider my escape in 2026 as RE.  If other people don't like it, fuck 'em.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: 9patch on September 30, 2022, 10:50:57 PM
I think I'm finally going to join a group! My son will be in Grade 11 in 2026, and I think I can make this happen!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on October 02, 2022, 10:37:48 AM
I think I'm finally going to join a group! My son will be in Grade 11 in 2026, and I think I can make this happen!

Nice! Welcome to the cohort! Excited to hear your updates as we get closer!! We're all only a few years away.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on October 06, 2022, 12:05:03 AM
I think I'm finally going to join a group! My son will be in Grade 11 in 2026, and I think I can make this happen!

Welcome to the group!

What are you thinking with regard to higher ed or trade training for your son?

Are you planning to remain in Portland?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: TomTX on October 08, 2022, 02:05:58 PM
Thanks for the reply.  You're right, if you have cash to stash and you don't want it losing value, I Bonds can make sense.

So many people have been talking about I Bonds - I think the nominal interest rate caused that -  that I did some research to see if I was missing out on something.  Since we don't hold any cash - we use our HELOC as our emergency fund and nearly all of our cash is invested in stocks or our house - it just doesn't work in our case.
Having a partner who views HELOC capacity as fungible with cash/I bond/equivalent would make an enormous difference in my situation... As the current situation is, I Bonds@9.62% are the perfectly cromulent choice.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Reader on October 10, 2022, 08:42:23 AM
I'm aiming for a simpler less stressful life in 2026. Semi RE is on the cards as i prefer to keep active with side income to avoid drawing on the stash for as long as feasible.

how times flies. it's been almost 7 years since the last time i posted in this thread and i'm glad to say i'm on track. debt free, home paid up and having enough of a stash for a leanFIRE. it's now time to think of how to pivot to a new career with less stress in 4 years. i'm in IT project management focusing on analytics and am thinking of pivoting into fully remote work / teaching / part time consulting for semi RE.

any advice would be greatly appreciated :)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on November 02, 2022, 04:33:08 AM
I'm aiming for a simpler less stressful life in 2026. Semi RE is on the cards as i prefer to keep active with side income to avoid drawing on the stash for as long as feasible.

how times flies. it's been almost 7 years since the last time i posted in this thread and i'm glad to say i'm on track. debt free, home paid up and having enough of a stash for a leanFIRE. it's now time to think of how to pivot to a new career with less stress in 4 years. i'm in IT project management focusing on analytics and am thinking of pivoting into fully remote work / teaching / part time consulting for semi RE.

any advice would be greatly appreciated :)

Welcome back to the thread!  I'm in IT myself working for Uncle Sugar, I get the desire for less stress but don't have any particular advice for you.  I'm sure you have a network of colleagues and friends who can help as you consider your pivot.

In my case, the demand for cleared American IT staff remains critical, and I could continue to work part-time (or full-time for half the year) for the State Department post-retirement, but I'm not sure I really want the headaches that come with that income.

We'll make our final undergraduate tuition payment in December, so 2022 is our last year to enjoy the AOTC.  We think switching our TSP contributions to Roth beginning in 2023 makes the most sense; we'll fall squarely in the 24% bracket, so we'll also want to convert some traditional to Roth next year while remaining under the $250k cap to avoid the NIIT.  We have RMD bombs building up in our traditional TSPs and IRAs and would like to defuse them before retirement, and before tax rates rise with the expiry of the TCJA in 2026.

How is everyone else doing?  Making progress despite the market drops?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on November 02, 2022, 11:56:11 AM
Hey Friends! It's been a few months since my last update, so I figured I'd share the latest:

1. I paid off my mortgage on Oct 4th. Good mentally to have that checked off.
2. My gal recently got a tenure track gig with the college she teaches at that now contributes 14.2% of her salary into a 401(a). That'll definitely be an added boon for the stash over the next few years.

What are other's latest wins?



Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 03, 2022, 07:40:08 AM
Awesome update @lilkidjesus. Must feel nice to have the house paid off.


No major updates from me. I fled Headquarters in DC and finagled an assignment in eastern Connecticut. The puppy is adorable, and the leaves are beautiful.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on January 04, 2023, 10:18:47 AM
Hey 2026 friends!

Stash down (~$650k), spending up slightly (~$32.5k). Ended the year at just under 20x my 3-year spending average. All in all, however, made some progress elsewhere (like paying off the mortgage). Still on track for Coast or Full FIRE in 2026 (or a downshift prior if circumstances dictate).

I hope you all had fantastic holidays!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on January 05, 2023, 07:41:18 AM
Happy New Year!

To add my update to the mix, I was able to keep my stash positive this year due to a significant influx of cash. The company I work for sold and I unloaded a good amount of stock to diversify out of my private company and into the market. Investing heavily in a down market hurts, but I am hoping that this cycle ends sometime in 2023 and I can see returns on all the shares I've added at recession discounts either this year or early 2024.

I'm at about 8x-10x saved of my expected FIRE spending, which seems way behind where I need to be at this point. I am relying heavily on a few things to hit my FIRE goal in 2026:

First, I have a high income and relatively low spend and I plan to contribute about 50% of my gross income into savings this year and each year between now and 2026.  This amount is a good chunk more than I plan to spend year-over-year post FIRE, so I'm hoping my high savings rate combined with the current market 'discount' leads to significant gains towards my goal over the next three years. I work in a sales-supporting role so my job also comes with bonuses which have an opportunity to increase my savings even more and (worst case) leave me on track.

Second, I've made a couple of big bets that (if they hit) can bump me 20% closer to FIRE almost overnight. If any of them pop, they will pop somewhere around 2025/2026 which would either help me cross the finish line or give me a nice buffer going into FIRE. Worst case scenario for all these bets is they lead to nothing and it doesn't help me (but also doesn't hurt me in any way). These are truly low risk, high reward scenarios with practically no downside and I'm here for it.

Third, DW and I have decided to really invest in lifestyle this year and next. Figuring out how we want to live and making all the little changes to our lives that we've been putting off. Things like landscaping, repairs around the house, buying cooking tools, budgeting more money to bring friends and family together, things like that. The kind of general life stuff that we've historically put off. It's time to start building our home and our lives so they match our desires pre and post FIRE. This has the added benefit of significantly reducing post FIRE spend if we can do it without impacting savings, which I believe we can. 

Looking at the above, there's a lot of "what ifs" in there. I am definitely behind where I hoped to be at this time, but that's due to the down market more than any failures on my part. If we'd had the kind of steady returns we had from 2010-2019 I'd be exactly where I'd hoped. So, let's say I'm ahead of my goals with all these extra shares I'm buying at 20-30% discounts!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on January 30, 2023, 12:24:36 PM
Congrats @lilkidjesus and @alcon835, you both seem to be on your way even if both stock & bond markets sucked in 2022.

I really don’t have much of an update.  We continue to max our TSPs, Roth IRAs, and HSAs, and I’m at <38 months from the pension plus medical insurance for life (we’ll need to continue paying the employee portion).

We’ve made our final tuition payments, so our savings rate should increase.  We’re also establishing residency in a no-income-tax state, which will net us some $8-10k per year while we’re still working.

I’ve met the OASDI tax base maximum in each of the last two years, so I guess I have a high income.  Although I would have preferred stock market gains in 2022, it’s nice to purchase stocks at a 10-20% discount while it lasts.  Future me will thank current me.

We continue to marvel at the good fortune that has smiled upon us.

Keep on keeping on!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: OttawaNeal on February 16, 2023, 07:00:18 PM
Although I'm sure a lot will change over the next 3 years, it's important to have goals - something to work towards. 2026 looks like the year I'm aiming for now. 😊

Hello everyone! 👋
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on February 17, 2023, 08:48:29 AM
Although I'm sure a lot will change over the next 3 years, it's important to have goals - something to work towards. 2026 looks like the year I'm aiming for now. 😊

Hello everyone! 👋

Hello and welcome!  I'm officially Class of 2027, but hoping to shave some time off of that depending on how things go between now and then.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on February 18, 2023, 04:07:26 AM
Although I'm sure a lot will change over the next 3 years, it's important to have goals - something to work towards. 2026 looks like the year I'm aiming for now. 😊

Hello everyone! 👋

Welcome!   Keep us updated on your journey!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: wageslave23 on February 18, 2023, 11:46:27 AM
Happy New Year!

To add my update to the mix, I was able to keep my stash positive this year due to a significant influx of cash. The company I work for sold and I unloaded a good amount of stock to diversify out of my private company and into the market. Investing heavily in a down market hurts, but I am hoping that this cycle ends sometime in 2023 and I can see returns on all the shares I've added at recession discounts either this year or early 2024.

I'm at about 8x-10x saved of my expected FIRE spending, which seems way behind where I need to be at this point. I am relying heavily on a few things to hit my FIRE goal in 2026:

First, I have a high income and relatively low spend and I plan to contribute about 50% of my gross income into savings this year and each year between now and 2026.  This amount is a good chunk more than I plan to spend year-over-year post FIRE, so I'm hoping my high savings rate combined with the current market 'discount' leads to significant gains towards my goal over the next three years. I work in a sales-supporting role so my job also comes with bonuses which have an opportunity to increase my savings even more and (worst case) leave me on track.

Second, I've made a couple of big bets that (if they hit) can bump me 20% closer to FIRE almost overnight. If any of them pop, they will pop somewhere around 2025/2026 which would either help me cross the finish line or give me a nice buffer going into FIRE. Worst case scenario for all these bets is they lead to nothing and it doesn't help me (but also doesn't hurt me in any way). These are truly low risk, high reward scenarios with practically no downside and I'm here for it.

Third, DW and I have decided to really invest in lifestyle this year and next. Figuring out how we want to live and making all the little changes to our lives that we've been putting off. Things like landscaping, repairs around the house, buying cooking tools, budgeting more money to bring friends and family together, things like that. The kind of general life stuff that we've historically put off. It's time to start building our home and our lives so they match our desires pre and post FIRE. This has the added benefit of significantly reducing post FIRE spend if we can do it without impacting savings, which I believe we can. 

Looking at the above, there's a lot of "what ifs" in there. I am definitely behind where I hoped to be at this time, but that's due to the down market more than any failures on my part. If we'd had the kind of steady returns we had from 2010-2019 I'd be exactly where I'd hoped. So, let's say I'm ahead of my goals with all these extra shares I'm buying at 20-30% discounts!

Let's keep in mind that the sp500 has returned about 6.5% after inflation from 2019 to current. That's right in line with historical returns. I would say the market is priced about right in historical terms and the last 4 years have been a roller coaster but overall still pretty great.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on February 18, 2023, 11:47:42 AM
Welcome to the cohort OttwaNeal and Turtle! It's great to have you both here! Looking forward to your updates as we get closer and closer to 2026!!!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on February 22, 2023, 02:08:26 PM
After meeting with a Financial Planner and running a Monte Carlo on all my numbers while trying to break things, it's looking pretty likely that I will pull the trigger in mid June of 2026.

That optimizes a couple additional factors specific to my employer, while still coming up with a 99 in the Monte Carlo.  (Which is in line with what I was getting on the Rich, Broke, Dead site.)

3 years, 3 months, and 3 weeks to go.  :-)

The end is in sight.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 24, 2023, 08:56:40 AM
After meeting with a Financial Planner and running a Monte Carlo on all my numbers while trying to break things, it's looking pretty likely that I will pull the trigger in mid June of 2026.

That optimizes a couple additional factors specific to my employer, while still coming up with a 99 in the Monte Carlo.  (Which is in line with what I was getting on the Rich, Broke, Dead site.)

3 years, 3 months, and 3 weeks to go.  :-)

The end is in sight.

Welcome aboard @Turtle !  The end definitely is in sight... I'm now at < 36 months.  This week was tough at the office, but there's sun breaking through the clouds.

We continue to load up on stocks on sale, hoping for a big price rise three years from now but not before!

It's renewal time for our tenants, so we hope they'll sign for another year.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: cannotWAIT on March 24, 2023, 07:14:57 PM
Can you please add me to this cohort, for August 2026? There won't really be an E in my FIRE since I'll be 60, and it will be somewhat lean, but that's my date. I'm currently funneling the entirety of my paycheck into my 401(a), 403(b) Roth, and 457(b), and living super frugally on cash that was the result of some tax loss harvesting. It feels like pounding sand down a rathole. If things ever turn around, though, three years of doing that should pay off. I'm at a little over $600K now, plus a paid off house worth $320K.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 29, 2023, 01:47:13 AM
Can you please add me to this cohort, for August 2026? There won't really be an E in my FIRE since I'll be 60, and it will be somewhat lean, but that's my date. I'm currently funneling the entirety of my paycheck into my 401(a), 403(b) Roth, and 457(b), and living super frugally on cash that was the result of some tax loss harvesting. It feels like pounding sand down a rathole. If things ever turn around, though, three years of doing that should pay off. I'm at a little over $600K now, plus a paid off house worth $320K.

Welcome to the club @cannotWAIT !

I know the feeling of throwing cash at retirement funds in lieu of current consumption, it's especially hard with the markets so uneven.  I firmly believe that we're buying stocks on sale now and will reap the benefits in the coming years.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on April 29, 2023, 07:22:18 AM
This is one of the quietest cohort threads on this forum, I'm quite not sure why, especially with three years to go.  Perhaps we're mostly Gen-Xers who keep our heads down and our noses to the grindstone.

Our tenants renewed for another year with a small rent increase.  We're changing property management firms because both our tenants and we were tired of dealing with a PM company that neither communicates well nor fixes the problems.

We're finally seeing some positive movement in our equity portfolios as the US economy grows slowly, inflation falls, and it seems likely that the Fed will slow or stop its interest rate increases.  During this period of rising rates, our HELOC rate has increased from 4.75% to 8.5%.  We've accepted some 0% CC offers and moved some of the HELOC debt to a margin loan at Interactive Brokers at a lower rate.  Most of the HELOC debt is personal/non-deductible amassed during our children's college studies, which are now behind us, so we've started attacking the balance.  The smaller, but tax-deductible portion comes from a necessary renovation in our rental that we'll finish paying next year.  Our tenants keep paying down our main mortgage as well.  All in all, our debt load remains very manageable at comfortably low rates.  We could pay everything off at any time, and choose to allow our portfolio to grow as we continue plowing the maximum into our tax-advantaged vehicles.

Work remains challenging for us both, and we're grateful for the approaching end of this assignment.  I have < 35 months before reaching MRA.  As I've said elsewhere, the impending pension entitlement has us eschewing bonds and maintaining a  reasonably small amount of portfolio leverage through the aforementioned debt load.

We both exercise regularly, get fresh air, and eat healthy meals.  My commitment to fitness has seen me slowly lose about 5 kg over the last 18 months and has converted much of my fat into muscle while allowing me to manage (mostly work) stress in a healthy way.  I should have started strength exercise years ago, but am thrilled with the results since starting.

How are you all doing?  What progress are you making, what challenges are you struggling with?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on April 30, 2023, 11:54:20 AM
How are you all doing?  What progress are you making, what challenges are you struggling with?

You're right, it is quiet in here. In truth, I'm worried I won't make my FIRE Number by 2026. 2022 saw me contribute more than I ever have in my entire career and see almost no growth. 2023 has the markets barely beating my contributions. If things don't pick back up this year or next my growing contributions aren't going to end up mattering for my 2026 goal. I'm starting to get worried since I'm over $300k behind where I need to be by the end of this year. But we'll see how things play out. I've still got some tricks in me, and no one can predict the future.

Besides that, life is going okay. We've realized we need to sell our house and move somewhere different, but there's nowhere really calling us. The places with people we love are all in places we don't want to live, so that's been difficult. Buying a new home one selling our current one would be pretty straight forward if I had some idea of where we wanted to end up.

Work wise, things have never been better. I am in a strong position in the company, I am doing meaningful work (most of the time), and I enjoy my job.

Healthwise, I have been doing better at regimenting my eating and doing regular exercise. I really enjoy running and I LOVE running on a treadmill, but I don't have one at home, so we're going to remedy that in the next few weeks. I also like seeing progress from Bodyweight fitness and am debating joining a gym or orange theory or something similar to get some coaching and accountability. I always enjoying having worked out, but I really struggle to actually get up and do it. I'm not sure that ever goes away, from what people tell me. Some folks just have this insane inner urge to avoid exercise at all cost and I am one of them. Still, after exercising I'm happier, I sleep better, and it's easier not to overeat so I will keep searching for ways to keep me doing it. 

I also splurged pretty hard and went on an extravagant vacation a few weeks ago. We were gone for 10 days and had an absolute blast! But I think I spent more in those 10 days than I do in entire quarters! Hotels and rental cars and fun events are expense, but I think it was worth it. I don't want to do a ton of that kind of stuff, but it is an important reminder that I'm not broke, I am actually doing very well financially (even if we don't hit my FIRE number by 2026), and it is okay to make non-frugal choices from time-to-time.

Anyway, that's where I'm at. Nervous about if I belong in this thread, unsure about my future living situation, doing some moderate (but inconsistent) exercise, and in the best financial and career position of my entire life.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: cannotWAIT on April 30, 2023, 01:44:01 PM
I think I have a classic case of so-close-but-yet-so-far and am driving myself crazy with it. Technically I would have been fine to switch to part time a couple of years ago and although my balances are (grrr) exactly the same now as they were then, I own a lot more shares, so I should be even safer. But FIRE psychology is weird and I think I would feel safer with fewer shares but valued at my target number. I know it makes no sense. And I think my job would be a lot less aggravating if I weren't always thinking I'm on the verge of quitting. I have a bad attitude and I know it, and I'm really trying hard to break out of it, but it's so hard!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on April 30, 2023, 03:23:51 PM
Like others have stated. I too am a bit skeptical that I'll be in the 2026 class unless there is an amazing market turn around (which is always possible I guess)

When I started back in 2014 at my first post-college job, I estimated my spending (including my SO) needs at around $50k. Since then inflation has raised those needs to $60k.

This past year has been a double whammy of poor stock returns and increased prices which at the moment appears to have moved my date back a year.

I'm now considering a career change, and might go more of the coast FIRE route if I end up liking it. Looking at the numbers, even if I contribute nothing more, my current stash would be worth about 4MM around age 50. So declaring myself FIRE 2026 or 2027 may be somewhat moot if I'm a SWAMI soon either way.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Gronnie on April 30, 2023, 09:17:59 PM
The SP500 is up over 9% YTD -- not sure how that's slow?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on May 01, 2023, 05:42:38 AM
The SP500 is up over 9% YTD -- not sure how that's slow?

We're flat from 2 years ago. The past 2 years have basically been a flat 0%. So basically just the 1.7% dividend or so return for the past 2 years. Considering inflation averaged like 6.5%, in real terms, we're probably closer to around -10%,

This site that shows S&P 500 adjusted for inflation https://www.officialdata.org/us/stocks/s-p-500/2021?amount=100&endYear=2023 (https://www.officialdata.org/us/stocks/s-p-500/2021?amount=100&endYear=2023)

says that 2021-2023 inflation adjusted S&P return was .9% CAGR.

Pretty much any way you slice it, we've been in a market slump for a while.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LinneaH on May 01, 2023, 07:11:02 AM
I joined this cohort just over six years ago, in March 2017. I knew then that it was going to be tough for us to retire in less than 10 years, but thought there was a pretty good chance.

Since then I have gotten through a divorce and there is much less possibility. I now think it will be up to five years later, but I still want to be in this cohort, and I still want to make it in 2026. To be honest, I can't see how I can last much longer than that, I am so fed up with not being able to spend my time like I want to. I have a job I like, and I have a good life, but I don't have enough free/me time. I will continue to work towards freedom, even though I can't save as much now. However, I am lucky that I had quite a lot saved already, and my finances are in a way better after divorce, now that I can make all the decisions myself.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on May 01, 2023, 07:51:13 AM
The SP500 is up over 9% YTD -- not sure how that's slow?

Just agreeing with other replies here, last year we were down about that much and we're still down from the 2021 high by a lot. VTI needs to get back up to $240 to be back up to where it was in December 2021, and it's currently hovering around $205. Personally, I'm considering the Total Stock Market recovered when VTI gets to and holds above $230.

So yes, the growth this year is fantastic so far, but we still need almost 12% growth to catch up to where we were 18 months ago. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: rockeTree on May 01, 2023, 08:54:32 AM
Still just a hair down from end 2021 here (less than a percent looks like, improved since I last looked), with over $100k of sand in the rathole since. It happens, but it's not a hey let's make plans vibe. A lot of wait and see for folks thinking about taking steps in the next ~5 years at a guess.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: grantmeaname on May 01, 2023, 09:31:43 AM
The SP500 is up over 9% YTD -- not sure how that's slow?

Just agreeing with other replies here, last year we were down about that much and we're still down from the 2021 high by a lot. VTI needs to get back up to $240 to be back up to where it was in December 2021, and it's currently hovering around $205. Personally, I'm considering the Total Stock Market recovered when VTI gets to and holds above $230.

So yes, the growth this year is fantastic so far, but we still need almost 12% growth to catch up to where we were 18 months ago. 
I don't think that's the right way to look at it. 2022 gave back only a portion of the '20-'21 bubble's far above-reasonable growth. We're not below normal on valuations - we're still actually slightly above the S&P's long term valuation multiples.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on May 08, 2023, 04:19:42 AM
How are you all doing?  What progress are you making, what challenges are you struggling with?

You're right, it is quiet in here.

Besides that, life is going okay. We've realized we need to sell our house and move somewhere different, but there's nowhere really calling us. The places with people we love are all in places we don't want to live, so that's been difficult. Buying a new home one selling our current one would be pretty straight forward if I had some idea of where we wanted to end up.

Work wise, things have never been better. I am in a strong position in the company, I am doing meaningful work (most of the time), and I enjoy my job.

Healthwise, I have been doing better at regimenting my eating and doing regular exercise. I really enjoy running and I LOVE running on a treadmill, but I don't have one at home, so we're going to remedy that in the next few weeks. I also like seeing progress from Bodyweight fitness and am debating joining a gym or orange theory or something similar to get some coaching and accountability. I always enjoying having worked out, but I really struggle to actually get up and do it. I'm not sure that ever goes away, from what people tell me. Some folks just have this insane inner urge to avoid exercise at all cost and I am one of them. Still, after exercising I'm happier, I sleep better, and it's easier not to overeat so I will keep searching for ways to keep me doing it.

@alcon835 you had mentioned having a big career choice upthread, I'm curious as to what you decided.

I also used to avoid exercise like the plague until I created a routine that keeps me from opting out.  I prepare everything for the early wake up and exercise the night before, and so it just happens.  At first I had to think about it, and now it's become a habit.  Furthermore, the results I see motivate me to keep going.

I hear you on not knowing where to move to.  We're still exploring options as the months tick by toward RE.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on May 08, 2023, 04:22:16 AM
I think I have a classic case of so-close-but-yet-so-far and am driving myself crazy with it. Technically I would have been fine to switch to part time a couple of years ago and although my balances are (grrr) exactly the same now as they were then, I own a lot more shares, so I should be even safer. But FIRE psychology is weird and I think I would feel safer with fewer shares but valued at my target number. I know it makes no sense. And I think my job would be a lot less aggravating if I weren't always thinking I'm on the verge of quitting. I have a bad attitude and I know it, and I'm really trying hard to break out of it, but it's so hard!

@cannotWAIT Can you reframe your inner conversation?  Perhaps you could focus on feeling gratitude for past you putting yourself in this situation through previous actions.  Can you stop looking at your portfolio balances and do something you enjoy in the here & now?  What goals do you have in retirement?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on May 08, 2023, 04:39:49 AM
The SP500 is up over 9% YTD -- not sure how that's slow?

Just agreeing with other replies here, last year we were down about that much and we're still down from the 2021 high by a lot. VTI needs to get back up to $240 to be back up to where it was in December 2021, and it's currently hovering around $205. Personally, I'm considering the Total Stock Market recovered when VTI gets to and holds above $230.

So yes, the growth this year is fantastic so far, but we still need almost 12% growth to catch up to where we were 18 months ago. 
I don't think that's the right way to look at it. 2022 gave back only a portion of the '20-'21 bubble's far above-reasonable growth. We're not below normal on valuations - we're still actually slightly above the S&P's long term valuation multiples.

Well said @grantmeaname , it's all about reframing away from a particular price/anchor point.  Eyeing my portfolio graph through 2021, I can see that the slope rose well above the growth rate of the previous years.  While I've increased my contributions with inflation to stay at the retirement/tax-advantaged account max, it's clearly much more reasonable to conclude that higher valuations account for more of the portfolio growth in 2021.

Practicing gratitude, enjoying the pleasures of the moment, and remaining patient continue to serve me well as the clock ticks down.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on May 09, 2023, 12:24:56 PM
Hey 2026 peeps!

I figured I was due for a mid-year check-in.


Other than that, just traveling a lot for work (SF, Dallas, Nashville, etc.), catching up on some Klosterman collections from the library, enjoying getting outside for exercise, and hoping Salt Lake doesn't flood too badly when the snow starts melting in earnest.

How are the rest of you faring one-third in?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on May 15, 2023, 08:24:21 AM
@alcon835 you had mentioned having a big career choice upthread, I'm curious as to what you decided.

Great question! I decided to stay with my current job. I talked to some mentors, paid a career coach, and my boss gave me a promotion towards what I really want to do careerwise. All-in, the advice was "this is a new opportunity for you so you should consider staying where you are and trying out this new thing." I agreed with that logic and decided to stretch myself in the new role. That was July of 2022. Unfortunately, I've basically been doing nothing new since then. Finally, in February, I sat down with my boss and he agreed to change some things within the org to give me more responsibilities that are actually giving me experience in the career I want and that's been better.

But I'm a little frustrated that I'm not doing the things I really wanted to with the promotion. I referred a few folks to this company in Q4 of last year so my plan is to keep at this job until the end of 2023 at which point if my career path isn't significantly further along towards what I really want to be doing (management) I'm going to start putting my resume out there. For now, I'm actually pretty happy overall. I make very good money and expect no trouble hitting any of my financial goals this year (sans whatever the market decides to do), I work with really good people who are doing good work that I enjoy, and I have some time to pursue other things in life (like time with my family and friends). I'm okay with the decision I made last year, but it feels like there is a countdown ticking towards December 31st.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Dexterous on May 28, 2023, 08:15:06 AM
Aloha 2026 team,

I've been with you guys for almost ten years, but that's about to change! I just went through a grueling job selection process and got accepted. It is a job I've always wanted and a great place to end my career, but I'll have to stay in the military for a few more years. I am now going to retire in February 2028 instead of early 2026. I just got promoted as well with a ~$900 per month pay raise, which will also increase my pension by ~$300 per month upon retirement. Bad news: like a few others in the thread, I might get a divorce soon. However, it won't impact either of our retirement plans.

Last, I still plan to hike the Pacific Crest Trail upon retirement and will do some sailing or extended travel after that adventure. Let me know if you are interested in any of those things! All the best to each of you.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on May 29, 2023, 09:28:50 AM
Aloha 2026 team,

I've been with you guys for almost ten years, but that's about to change! I just went through a grueling job selection process and got accepted. It is a job I've always wanted and a great place to end my career, but I'll have to stay in the military for a few more years. I am now going to retire in February 2028 instead of early 2026. I just got promoted as well with a ~$900 per month pay raise, which will also increase my pension by ~$300 per month upon retirement. Bad news: like a few others in the thread, I might get a divorce soon. However, it won't impact either of our retirement plans.

Last, I still plan to hike the Pacific Crest Trail upon retirement and will do some sailing or extended travel after that adventure. Let me know if you are interested in any of those things! All the best to each of you.

Both a happy and sad update in so many ways. Hoping the best for you and congratulations on the promotion and career advancement!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PlanetDee on May 30, 2023, 07:44:10 AM
Hi all -

I want to officially throw myself into this cohort. Husband and I are planning to lean fire with around $750k liquid at the end of 2026. We will be 35. We both make middle incomes, me as a government paralegal and he as a business analyst / report developer for a healthcare company. We plan to take some time off around then at a minimum - we would love to do some slow travel around the US. DH also dreams of having some acreage to do a mini farm. So during this break we will likely buy land and build a home. We’ll likely end up back at work at some point, but will enjoy being at a lean fire number for the freedom.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on May 30, 2023, 05:00:46 PM
Welcome!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on June 02, 2023, 02:59:25 PM
Hi 2026 peeps!

I just did our May spending, and it's officially our lowest spending month since 2014 (helps that our mortgage is gone as of last Oct).

$817! Definitely on track to crush our $29k goal for the year.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Milkshake on June 06, 2023, 07:31:27 PM
Hi 2026 family!

It's been a reeeaally long time since I've posted on the forum, but I wanted to come back and say I'm still on track for 2026, and today's modest market gain was enough to push me over the big $1M milestone!

I targeted 2026 as my goal 7 years ago, when I had a negative $50k NW. I don't have anyone to tell irl, but it's literally all thanks to MMM and this forum that changed my whole life, so thank you all for the incredible support and advice I've received over the years.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: OttawaNeal on June 07, 2023, 05:42:28 AM
Hi 2026 family!

It's been a reeeaally long time since I've posted on the forum, but I wanted to come back and say I'm still on track for 2026, and today's modest market gain was enough to push me over the big $1M milestone!

I targeted 2026 as my goal 7 years ago, when I had a negative $50k NW. I don't have anyone to tell irl, but it's literally all thanks to MMM and this forum that changed my whole life, so thank you all for the incredible support and advice I've received over the years.

Wow! Congratulations on such a big milestone! 😊
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on June 07, 2023, 07:38:40 AM
Hi 2026 family!

It's been a reeeaally long time since I've posted on the forum, but I wanted to come back and say I'm still on track for 2026, and today's modest market gain was enough to push me over the big $1M milestone!

I targeted 2026 as my goal 7 years ago, when I had a negative $50k NW. I don't have anyone to tell irl, but it's literally all thanks to MMM and this forum that changed my whole life, so thank you all for the incredible support and advice I've received over the years.

Such a great feeling to reach 7 figures, isn't it?   Congratulations!  Great work to get there in 7 years!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Milkshake on June 08, 2023, 08:22:13 PM
Wow! Congratulations on such a big milestone! 😊

Thank you!

Such a great feeling to reach 7 figures, isn't it?   Congratulations!  Great work to get there in 7 years!

Thanks, yes it feels amazing! It's so cool to see the math in action and the compounding effect of time in the market, etc. When I first started, it kind of felt like I was just taking a big gamble!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: OurTown on June 13, 2023, 07:35:57 AM
Hi.  Save me a seat on this bus, I may have to delay out of 2025.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on June 13, 2023, 08:06:43 AM
Welcome!
You may get to take my place.  DW is looking at health care expenses and we aren't comfortable with the costs of her treatments.  We just got a new one for Macular Degeneration and they are intimidating. 

Protect your health!  Deal with your genetics.

The first treatment went well.  So here we go!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Must_ache on June 20, 2023, 02:02:12 PM
Time for me to join the club.  I work as an actuary and my stash is about $1.35M. 

In January 2026 I will become rule-of-55-eligible and will be able to withdraw without penalty from my 401k.  However I will probably wait until April to collect bonus money. 

The big decision for me will be if I work half-time after that for a year or two.  If I stay employed until Feb 2027 I would have another $14K in restricted stock coming to me.

I have about $50K on my mortgage (2.625%) which goes until March 2028 although if interest rates go back down I might pay it off. 

In retirement I hope to volunteer some and continue tutoring/teaching math because I enjoy it.  And more duplicate bridge tournaments and travel hacking Europe visits.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on June 22, 2023, 07:33:17 AM
Things are really heating up in here!!

Welcome all the newcomers, congrats to those in here who are on track, and don't freak out those who are feeling behind!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on July 03, 2023, 10:30:00 AM
Mid-year check in time!

Spending:

Last year was heavier on the spending side than we like. We spent $32,520, driven by replacing our AC unit and paying for my parents insurance. So, this year we decided to make an effort to bring our spending back into a range we prefer (with a goal of $29k). As of the last day of June, we're clocking in at $11,858.57, which is far below our projections. The crazy part is, we don't feel that our quality of life has diminished at all as a result of the lower spending. Considering we will likely spend 20%+ less than last year if this holds up, I'd say spending is solidly in the plus column.

The Stash:

We ended last year at $646k, after our first drop since we started saving in 2013. With our mortgage paid off last October, we accelerated our savings. That move, as well as the the solid climb in markets that has occurred over the last six months, has us sitting at $818k at the end of June -- a 26.6% increase! That puts the stash in the plus column as well.

Fun:

We've managed a good deal of leisure time all the while.


All positive vibes out our way. Wishing you the same!

What are your updates halfway through the year?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on July 03, 2023, 10:59:12 AM
Time for me to join the club.  I work as an actuary and my stash is about $1.35M. 

In January 2026 I will become rule-of-55-eligible and will be able to withdraw without penalty from my 401k.  However I will probably wait until April to collect bonus money. 

The big decision for me will be if I work half-time after that for a year or two.  If I stay employed until Feb 2027 I would have another $14K in restricted stock coming to me.

I have about $50K on my mortgage (2.625%) which goes until March 2028 although if interest rates go back down I might pay it off. 

In retirement I hope to volunteer some and continue tutoring/teaching math because I enjoy it.  And more duplicate bridge tournaments and travel hacking Europe visits.

Actuaries and duplicate bridge go together well.  It was one of my grandfather's favorite games.  Welcome to the club!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on July 04, 2023, 12:41:58 AM
Time for me to join the club.  I work as an actuary and my stash is about $1.35M. 

In January 2026 I will become rule-of-55-eligible and will be able to withdraw without penalty from my 401k.  However I will probably wait until April to collect bonus money. 

The big decision for me will be if I work half-time after that for a year or two.  If I stay employed until Feb 2027 I would have another $14K in restricted stock coming to me.

I have about $50K on my mortgage (2.625%) which goes until March 2028 although if interest rates go back down I might pay it off. 

In retirement I hope to volunteer some and continue tutoring/teaching math because I enjoy it.  And more duplicate bridge tournaments and travel hacking Europe visits.

Welcome to the cohort!  That Rule of 55 is a nice exception, isn't it?!

I suppose if you like your job, an additional $14k is a nice bonus, it all depends on what your time spent at work competes with.

On the mortgage, financially it makes sense to hold onto it, because the rate is so damn low.  But if it provides comfort to pay it off, go for it!

Sounds like you have some great activities to retire to when the time comes.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on July 04, 2023, 12:45:02 AM
@alcon835 you had mentioned having a big career choice upthread, I'm curious as to what you decided.

Great question! I decided to stay with my current job. I talked to some mentors, paid a career coach, and my boss gave me a promotion towards what I really want to do careerwise. All-in, the advice was "this is a new opportunity for you so you should consider staying where you are and trying out this new thing." I agreed with that logic and decided to stretch myself in the new role. That was July of 2022. Unfortunately, I've basically been doing nothing new since then. Finally, in February, I sat down with my boss and he agreed to change some things within the org to give me more responsibilities that are actually giving me experience in the career I want and that's been better.

But I'm a little frustrated that I'm not doing the things I really wanted to with the promotion. I referred a few folks to this company in Q4 of last year so my plan is to keep at this job until the end of 2023 at which point if my career path isn't significantly further along towards what I really want to be doing (management) I'm going to start putting my resume out there. For now, I'm actually pretty happy overall. I make very good money and expect no trouble hitting any of my financial goals this year (sans whatever the market decides to do), I work with really good people who are doing good work that I enjoy, and I have some time to pursue other things in life (like time with my family and friends). I'm okay with the decision I made last year, but it feels like there is a countdown ticking towards December 31st.

Thanks for this update!  I'm sorry to hear that the new role hasn't provided the results you expected, and it's great that you discussed your frustrations with your boss.  It sounds as if you're positioning yourself well for future options.  Good luck!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on July 04, 2023, 01:07:29 AM
This is one of the quietest cohort threads on this forum, I'm quite not sure why, especially with three years to go.  Perhaps we're mostly Gen-Xers who keep our heads down and our noses to the grindstone.

Our tenants renewed for another year with a small rent increase.  We're changing property management firms because both our tenants and we were tired of dealing with a PM company that neither communicates well nor fixes the problems.

We're finally seeing some positive movement in our equity portfolios as the US economy grows slowly, inflation falls, and it seems likely that the Fed will slow or stop its interest rate increases.  During this period of rising rates, our HELOC rate has increased from 4.75% to 8.5%.  We've accepted some 0% CC offers and moved some of the HELOC debt to a margin loan at Interactive Brokers at a lower rate.  Most of the HELOC debt is personal/non-deductible amassed during our children's college studies, which are now behind us, so we've started attacking the balance.  The smaller, but tax-deductible portion comes from a necessary renovation in our rental that we'll finish paying next year.  Our tenants keep paying down our main mortgage as well.  All in all, our debt load remains very manageable at comfortably low rates.  We could pay everything off at any time, and choose to allow our portfolio to grow as we continue plowing the maximum into our tax-advantaged vehicles.

Work remains challenging for us both, and we're grateful for the approaching end of this assignment.  I have < 35 months before reaching MRA.  As I've said elsewhere, the impending pension entitlement has us eschewing bonds and maintaining a  reasonably small amount of portfolio leverage through the aforementioned debt load.

We both exercise regularly, get fresh air, and eat healthy meals.  My commitment to fitness has seen me slowly lose about 5 kg over the last 18 months and has converted much of my fat into muscle while allowing me to manage (mostly work) stress in a healthy way.  I should have started strength exercise years ago, but am thrilled with the results since starting.

How are you all doing?  What progress are you making, what challenges are you struggling with?

Happy Independence Day to all the Americans here!  Here's my update:

Our countdown has dropped below T-33 months, and I'm trying to focus on gratitude and avoid clock-watching, a real challenge as we wind down our current assignment.

Our HELOC rate now stands at 9% and we just paid off a 0% CC loan, so we're in the market for another one.  With tuition payments in the rearview, we're focusing more on deleveraging, which increases (makes less negative) our bond allocation.  Since our portfolio has risen along with the market, we want to reduce risk.  In fact, our net worth has finally exceeded the previous high reached at the end of 2021.

We have a few individual stocks in our taxable accounts with significant capital gains, and with our incomes at high levels, I'm reluctant to realize and pay taxes on those CG.  In a perfect world, we'd reallocate more to broad index funds.  While I also believe in letting one's winners run, I could see taking some gains off the table.  I suppose I'll monitor our income and make a decision toward the end of the year, remembering that we can also choose to sell a portion of the shares - this isn't an all-or-nothing decision necessarily.

As I mentioned in the "How many Feds here hanging on for MRA" thread, I've cut back on our Federal life insurance coverage - our children have launched so our LI needs are much reduced.  We both continue to max our TSP, Roth IRA, and HSA contributions, and in light of the size of our tax-deferred portfolios, are considering moving more of our TSP contributions to Roth.

We're very much looking forward to home leave at the conclusion of this assignment - we both need to decompress and reconnect with friends and family.  We'll also have our usual check-ins with dentists, ophthalmologists, and so forth before heading out to our next post.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Must_ache on July 31, 2023, 01:01:29 PM
Time for me to join the club.  I work as an actuary and my stash is about $1.35M. 

That stash is now past $1.4M and I just asked my boss if I could start working 3 days per week starting in 2024.  No word yet, I think they would want to have me around for a year or three which I would be quite happy with.

I thought I needed to wait until 2026 so I could use the rule of 55 to have penalty-free access to my 401k but decided that my liquid savings, Roth accounts, deferred income, and some tutoring on the side should get me to 59.5 without too much trouble.  If I get to work part-time my pay will likely get cut in half (down to $60K) but that's fairly close to what I expect my annual spend to be anyway, and I would just stop contributing to my retirement accounts but wouldn't have to tap them yet so they could continue to grow.  We'll see what the boss says.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on August 14, 2023, 10:40:48 AM
Hi Friends!

Last Saturday marked the 10th anniversary of my FIRE journey. August 12th, 2013 is the day I began to set up automated maxing of my HSA, 401(k), and IRA, all three of which didn't even exist until that day, let alone get maxed out. It's the day I started my first job making over $20k/year (it was $48k, and I felt MEGA rich).

In the last ten years of generally great markets, the liquid stash went from $0 to $850k.

It went by sooo fast.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: grantmeaname on August 14, 2023, 12:10:32 PM
Fuck yeah! Time in the market at work. Do you still feel a sense of abundance?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on August 14, 2023, 04:31:03 PM
Fuck yeah! Time in the market at work. Do you still feel a sense of abundance?

My thoughts exactly. And, yes, I absolutely do. I recognize DW and I are physically and mentally healthy, have no kids, and have hobbies that heavily include relatively free nature and the public library, but I'm still absolutely blown away at the amounts that some people report to spend each month. I am equally blown away that these same people often reportedly feel like they have no choice but to spend that much.

Primary takeaway: It pays to be boring!!! (as compared to the average person in my neck of the woods)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on September 01, 2023, 09:51:19 PM
I received some welcome news today - the Foreign Service promotion lists came out, and my name appeared!  Yowza!

This entails both the status of a higher rank as well as a ~7 6.46% raise, effective sometime in October November 4.

The Foreign Service Pension System formula includes the highest three years of salary, so to maximize that I could consider working through October November 2026.  However, a few months of my pre-promotion salary remaining in the three-year moving window probably wouldn't make a huge difference.  I'll run the calculators to obtain a ballpark figure to see whether it makes any sense to stay in the game that long.

In any case, our stash has grown large enough to maintain our hedonistic lifestyle, and the real benefit of Federal retirement remains the privilege of remaining in the FEHP at the employee rate.  A small needle move in my pension resulting from the higher salary merely spreads cream on top.

Edited to correct the amount of the raise and reflect the effective date.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on September 02, 2023, 03:08:12 PM
I received some welcome news today - the Foreign Service promotion lists came out, and my name appeared!  Yowza!

This entails both the status of a higher rank as well as a ~7% raise, effective sometime in October.

The Foreign Service Pension System formula includes the highest three years of salary, so to maximize that I could consider working through October 2026.  However, a few months of my pre-promotion salary remaining in the three-year moving window probably wouldn't make a huge difference.  I'll run the calculators to obtain a ballpark figure to see whether it makes any sense to stay in the game that long.

In any case, our stash has grown large enough to maintain our hedonistic lifestyle, and the real benefit of Federal retirement remains the privilege of remaining in the FEHP at the employee rate.  A small needle move in my pension resulting from the higher salary merely spreads cream on top.

Big congrats. I'll be starting FS here next week. Honestly, I don't like the sound of how the promotion system works there (a little too much random factor), but I consider any promotion gravy at this point for myself too. This train is already hitting FI in 2026. I'm definitely working through at least 2028 to hit the 5 year pension mark though. That would put us close to 1.8MM.

If I work the full 20, we'd be at well over 5MM + the full pension. I'm not 100% sure what we'd do with that money, but I do feel like hitting FI and continuing to work gives me some amount of freedom to do fancy things more often.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on September 08, 2023, 07:03:20 AM
I received some welcome news today - the Foreign Service promotion lists came out, and my name appeared!  Yowza!

This entails both the status of a higher rank as well as a ~7% raise, effective sometime in October.

The Foreign Service Pension System formula includes the highest three years of salary, so to maximize that I could consider working through October 2026.  However, a few months of my pre-promotion salary remaining in the three-year moving window probably wouldn't make a huge difference.  I'll run the calculators to obtain a ballpark figure to see whether it makes any sense to stay in the game that long.

In any case, our stash has grown large enough to maintain our hedonistic lifestyle, and the real benefit of Federal retirement remains the privilege of remaining in the FEHP at the employee rate.  A small needle move in my pension resulting from the higher salary merely spreads cream on top.

Congratulations!! That's great news!!!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on September 08, 2023, 01:01:23 PM
I received some welcome news today - the Foreign Service promotion lists came out, and my name appeared!  Yowza!

This entails both the status of a higher rank as well as a ~7% raise, effective sometime in October.

The Foreign Service Pension System formula includes the highest three years of salary, so to maximize that I could consider working through October 2026.  However, a few months of my pre-promotion salary remaining in the three-year moving window probably wouldn't make a huge difference.  I'll run the calculators to obtain a ballpark figure to see whether it makes any sense to stay in the game that long.

In any case, our stash has grown large enough to maintain our hedonistic lifestyle, and the real benefit of Federal retirement remains the privilege of remaining in the FEHP at the employee rate.  A small needle move in my pension resulting from the higher salary merely spreads cream on top.

Big congrats. I'll be starting FS here next week. Honestly, I don't like the sound of how the promotion system works there (a little too much random factor), but I consider any promotion gravy at this point for myself too. This train is already hitting FI in 2026. I'm definitely working through at least 2028 to hit the 5 year pension mark though. That would put us close to 1.8MM.

If I work the full 20, we'd be at well over 5MM + the full pension. I'm not 100% sure what we'd do with that money, but I do feel like hitting FI and continuing to work gives me some amount of freedom to do fancy things more often.

Awesome!  Congratulations right back at you @FIPurpose !  I didn't realize you had received the call finally.  Let me know if you want any insights about possible posts once you receive your bid list.

20 years seems like a long time from the front end, but as I approach the finish line, it doesn't seem like it took so long.  It's all a matter of your priorities and so forth, and whether the constant moves grate or inspire.

Let me know how things go!

Edited to send batsignal.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on September 08, 2023, 01:02:08 PM
Congratulations!! That's great news!!!

Thanks @alcon835 , hope this finds you doing well!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on September 10, 2023, 01:28:21 PM
The Foreign Service Pension System formula includes the highest three years of salary, so to maximize that I could consider working through October November 2026.  However, a few months of my pre-promotion salary remaining in the three-year moving window probably wouldn't make a huge difference.  I'll run the calculators to obtain a ballpark figure to see whether it makes any sense to stay in the game that long.

So I spent some time in Excel to make a reasonable guesstimate, but I could have just considered the factors in the FSPS formula.  For one's first 20 years of service, each year is multiplied by 1.7%; each year thereafter is multiplied by only 1%.  Consequently, the increase in the monthly pension amounts slows after the first 20 YOS.

After working three years from the effective date of my promotion, the salary increase associated with the promotion no longer factors; instead, I simply have the usual 3% step increases.  Consequently, the increase in the high-three and therefore the pension amount also slows after three years at the promoted rate.

Of course I'd continue to receive a paycheck while building up the pension amount, but the increase in the pension - approximately $300 annual pension increase per additional month worked - seems a rather diminished return on effort invested.  Plenty of time remains, of course, for us to consider our options before making a decision.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on September 18, 2023, 10:34:14 AM
Hi 2026 friends!

Figured I would drop in for another update:

Stache: Still on track -- a solid market after last year has us currently sitting at 15.9x the FIRE budget that we're shooting for. With an average market and our current incomes/spending, we would hit our target in summer of 2026. 

Spending: Still tracking to be under our goal of $29k for the year -- $20,713 through today.

Life: The year continues to be busy and fun -- DW spent a month of the summer in the middle east visiting family. I am visiting Nashville, doing a hiking trip with friends, and then going to hang out with the MMM peeps in Moab, UT all in the next month.

How is the journey going for the rest of y'all?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: fireready on September 18, 2023, 03:22:38 PM
We are shooting for March 2026!

On target so far with a 73% savings rate!

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PlanetDee on September 20, 2023, 08:17:08 AM
About 55% to target! Exciting to see progress, but feels like an eternity away.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Huskerfan on October 05, 2023, 02:29:46 PM
Hello everyone. I haven’t been here in a while.  Things have been busy. 
You know how it goes, life gets in the way, blah blah blah. 

Let’s start with some updates. 
In April, we paid off our mortgage.  That was such an amazing weight off of my shoulders.  With that, I started terminal leave from the military and officially retired in July. 

So far I’ve received a couple of pension checks, which is a crazy odd feeling.  I have finalized things on the VA disability side, and I’m happy with how it turned out.  So it’s time to turn the page on that chapter and move forward.

On top of this I was hired into a position that is mostly remote work.  I was hired at a higher pay scale due to my military experience, and it has a lot of upward mobility for the next few years.  I didn’t plan on anything beyond 5 years.  But who knows.  Perhaps only three years. 

Right now the wife and I are financially stable and enjoying things
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on October 18, 2023, 10:48:10 AM
Great update @Huskerfan!

I just returned from the Moab, Utah meet-up, which resulted in a nice burst of energy stolen from friendly souls!

During one of our campfire chats, I recruited a slew of volunteers that agreed to stand in a line and give me a series of quick-fire face-punches if I'm working a regular 9 to 5 after Dec 1, 2026.

Thanks to the Mustachians out there keeping me honest!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on October 18, 2023, 10:52:24 AM
Hello everyone. I haven’t been here in a while.  Things have been busy. 
You know how it goes, life gets in the way, blah blah blah. 

Let’s start with some updates. 
In April, we paid off our mortgage.  That was such an amazing weight off of my shoulders.  With that, I started terminal leave from the military and officially retired in July. 

So far I’ve received a couple of pension checks, which is a crazy odd feeling.  I have finalized things on the VA disability side, and I’m happy with how it turned out.  So it’s time to turn the page on that chapter and move forward.

On top of this I was hired into a position that is mostly remote work.  I was hired at a higher pay scale due to my military experience, and it has a lot of upward mobility for the next few years.  I didn’t plan on anything beyond 5 years.  But who knows.  Perhaps only three years. 

Right now the wife and I are financially stable and enjoying things

Congratulations and I hope you are enjoying the new remote opportunity!  With the mortgage paid off and the pension coming in, that should help greatly with stashing. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PlanetDee on November 16, 2023, 07:33:42 AM
Sharing my excitement that we passed $500k liquid yesterday!! I am sure we will swing around, but it feels like this has taken FOREVER and I’m so proud of us sticking the course.

Hope all of you are well and are hitting your own milestones!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on November 16, 2023, 08:06:58 PM
Sharing my excitement that we passed $500k liquid yesterday!! I am sure we will swing around, but it feels like this has taken FOREVER and I’m so proud of us sticking the course.

Hope all of you are well and are hitting your own milestones!

Congratulations!! That's HUGE!!!!!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on November 29, 2023, 03:02:47 AM
Congratulations @Huskerfan and @PlanetDee !

I don't have any earth-shattering news.  DW and I incurred a lot of the usual PCS (permanent change of station) expenses we're used to: home leave lodging, groceries, and auto rental; some shoe & clothing replacements; pre-paid consumables purchases for our new hardship post, that sort of thing.

I re-examined our retirement savings and realized that we have a substantial amount in pre-tax vehicles (traditional TSP and IRAs), so I'm redirecting my TSP contributions to Roth going forward.  We're likely to incur heavy taxes when those accounts become subject to MRDs, and higher interest rates will likely push a future Congress to raise revenues via higher taxes instead of borrowing.

The recent market rise has pushed our portfolio near historic highs.

We expect to invest in a new roof and some other repairs for our rental in the next six months, and it continues to pull its weight in terms of cash flow, appreciation, and mortgage amortization.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on November 29, 2023, 06:09:44 AM

I don't have any earth-shattering news.  DW and I incurred a lot of the usual PCS (permanent change of station) expenses we're used to: home leave lodging, groceries, and auto rental; some shoe & clothing replacements; pre-paid consumables purchases for our new hardship post, that sort of thing.

I re-examined our retirement savings and realized that we have a substantial amount in pre-tax vehicles (traditional TSP and IRAs), so I'm redirecting my TSP contributions to Roth going forward.  We're likely to incur heavy taxes when those accounts become subject to MRDs, and higher interest rates will likely push a future Congress to raise revenues via higher taxes instead of borrowing.

The recent market rise has pushed our portfolio near historic highs.

We expect to invest in a new roof and some other repairs for our rental in the next six months, and it continues to pull its weight in terms of cash flow, appreciation, and mortgage amortization.

I actually recently made a similar decision for a similar reason. I realized that the longer I keep working, the higher and higher those minimum withdraws become in retirement. Suddenly the words of my boss from just after I graduated college are ringing in my head now ("this is the lowest amount of money you'll make in your life going forward" to encourage me to put more in Roth) I didn't really believe him at the time, but he was right. Well now I took this lower paying job that provides a lot of tax-free benefits, so it seemed reasonable to start out pushing more Roth contributions.

So I redirected our IRA contributions to Roth, but I haven't considered TSP. I might look into that for next year.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on December 05, 2023, 11:39:30 PM
Hi friends!

Just wanted to drop in for an update and to encourage others to do the same. Since my last check-in, I've been primarily spending time with DW at home. We leave for Hawaii in a week, so I'm looking forward to getting away from work for a bit. Megacorp went through a RIF in October (about 15% of the company), but I squeaked through. I know that those that were impacted likely are dealing with the fallout, and I feel for them, but at least some small part of me would've enjoyed some small forcing of hands for a month or two away.

The above aside, November was a fantastic month for the market, and our stash ended at $902k on the last day of November, with YTD spending at $26,545.78 as of the same day.

In other news, my dad came over with some tools so I could replace my water heater, and while there, he noticed a "countdown to retirement" clock on my desk. After he did the math, he asked if it was a joke. I said it wasn't. He then inquired how I could possibly think I could retire in 2026. I told him "Compared to a typical person, I'm probably considered very boring -- my lifestyle just doesn't cost that much." He made a few comments afterward that suggested he thinks I'm delusional and have no clue how expensive the world actually is. I think he often still sees me as the know-it-all 16-year-old he threw out of his house over twenty years ago, and I'm in for some kind of rude awakening.

Based upon the current stash, an average market, and our current behaviors, we are projected to hit our number in June of '26. But I'm still planning for December (anything could happen between now and then).

How is the rest of the class of '26?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PlanetDee on December 06, 2023, 08:00:58 AM
@Purple_Crayon that is so similar to my own parent’s reaction! They know we are good with money and know that we have way more saved than people our age (32), but are always suggesting that I stay at my state job for “at least 20 years” to get the good pension. I always laugh and say that we would have more money than we could ever spend if I worked for that long. We just get a blank stare in return.

November was also an amazing month for us - finally passed $500k liquid and hoping that it sticks. Pumping money into taxable account since all the retirement accounts have been maxed out. Hoping to pull the trigger on full time work at the end of 2026! I am also a massage therapist, so I plan to work a few hours a week after that to pad the stache and pay for some trips.

Hope all are well during the holiday season!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tj on December 11, 2023, 10:47:12 AM
The Foreign Service Pension System formula includes the highest three years of salary, so to maximize that I could consider working through October November 2026.  However, a few months of my pre-promotion salary remaining in the three-year moving window probably wouldn't make a huge difference.  I'll run the calculators to obtain a ballpark figure to see whether it makes any sense to stay in the game that long.

So I spent some time in Excel to make a reasonable guesstimate, but I could have just considered the factors in the FSPS formula.  For one's first 20 years of service, each year is multiplied by 1.7%; each year thereafter is multiplied by only 1%.  Consequently, the increase in the monthly pension amounts slows after the first 20 YOS.

After working three years from the effective date of my promotion, the salary increase associated with the promotion no longer factors; instead, I simply have the usual 3% step increases.  Consequently, the increase in the high-three and therefore the pension amount also slows after three years at the promoted rate.

Of course I'd continue to receive a paycheck while building up the pension amount, but the increase in the pension - approximately $300 annual pension increase per additional month worked - seems a rather diminished return on effort invested.  Plenty of time remains, of course, for us to consider our options before making a decision.

Are you also getting something like the COLA increases every year like most federal employees do? e.g.. https://www.federalpay.org/gs/raises ?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on December 11, 2023, 02:59:57 PM
Still planning on early 2026 here, unless a RIF hits me beforehand.  (That would probably lead to immediate slightly leaner FIRE)  Could work until mid 2027, but that's unlikely unless some great offer lands in my lap.

There's enough grey in my hair that people won't find it that odd for me to be retired, though they may reevaluate their estimate of my age.  I have quite a few younger friends who will still be working, but some older ones who are close to or have already done the traditional route.

My father was RIF'd at 60 and never worked again, so he's unlikely to give me any odd looks or lectures even though I'll still be in my later 50s.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on December 12, 2023, 06:52:19 AM
I am thinking about quitting my job and taking a personal sabbatical next year. If we do that, it'll probably push my FIRE date out past 2026, as we'll be spending some of our stash and not adding anything to the stash in the interim.

Other than that, things are going okay. The Economy is in a very weird place. The stock market is almost back up to where it was before the dip, which means my stash is growing well, but also almost everyone I talk to is dealing with layoffs (my 300 person company had two rounds of layoffs this year). Also I'm in Sales and things aren't selling - not just for us but for everyone I talk too.

So, I'm not sure if 2026 will be my year or not. But I'll stick around until I know for sure. We've got 2 more years to figure it all out.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: the_hobbitish on December 12, 2023, 07:49:00 AM
I pulled the trigger on the decision to get a graduate certificate in a new field and not return to my old job after my current 1 year sabbatical (expires August 2024). If I find the right remote or hybrid position I might work past 2026 though I'd probably try for part time after that.

Now that I'm less burned out I think I'm not ready to be completely done working. I may even end up somewhere back in government. It's hard for the private sector to match the 5 weeks leave plus sick time I'd get if I go back. I'm realizing that what I want is a major downshift and a new field instead of complete RE.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tj on December 12, 2023, 08:12:25 AM
I pulled the trigger on the decision to get a graduate certificate in a new field and not return to my old job after my current 1 year sabbatical (expires August 2024). If I find the right remote or hybrid position I might work past 2026 though I'd probably try for part time after that.

Now that I'm less burned out I think I'm not ready to be completely done working. I may even end up somewhere back in government. It's hard for the private sector to match the 5 weeks leave plus sick time I'd get if I go back. I'm realizing that what I want is a major downshift and a new field instead of complete RE.

This is something I can relate to - where work gets in the way for me is being able to take advantage of last minute travel deals. If I had a part time position where i could take extended leave at short notice, I wouldn't necessarily need to retire. That seems a bit hard to find though.  In your case, if you can ride it out in the gov until MRA you would presumably keep growing your pension and  get retiree health insurance.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on December 17, 2023, 07:41:16 AM
The Foreign Service Pension System formula includes the highest three years of salary, so to maximize that I could consider working through October November 2026.  However, a few months of my pre-promotion salary remaining in the three-year moving window probably wouldn't make a huge difference.  I'll run the calculators to obtain a ballpark figure to see whether it makes any sense to stay in the game that long.

So I spent some time in Excel to make a reasonable guesstimate, but I could have just considered the factors in the FSPS formula.  For one's first 20 years of service, each year is multiplied by 1.7%; each year thereafter is multiplied by only 1%.  Consequently, the increase in the monthly pension amounts slows after the first 20 YOS.

After working three years from the effective date of my promotion, the salary increase associated with the promotion no longer factors; instead, I simply have the usual 3% step increases.  Consequently, the increase in the high-three and therefore the pension amount also slows after three years at the promoted rate.

Of course I'd continue to receive a paycheck while building up the pension amount, but the increase in the pension - approximately $300 annual pension increase per additional month worked - seems a rather diminished return on effort invested.  Plenty of time remains, of course, for us to consider our options before making a decision.

Are you also getting something like the COLA increases every year like most federal employees do? e.g.. https://www.federalpay.org/gs/raises ?

Yes, Foreign Service employees also receive scale-wide pay raises based on Presidential determination or Congressional legislation most every year (Obama froze Federal pay for three years, thanks, Obama!).
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on December 31, 2023, 01:44:01 PM
End of year update!

It was a great year on all fronts in this house (knock on wood). Almost enough to forget about the pain that was last year!

Stache: Looking solid -- sitting at 17.6x the FIRE budget that we're shooting for, after starting the year at 12x. Projections have us now hitting our number mid-2025, but staying in this cohort, as anything could happen between now and then.

Spending: We were trying to keep it under $29k, but with the level of travel this year, we didn't quite hit our goal. We came it at $29,512.56. Super close, and still down 5.83% YoY, which is still pretty cool considering the inflationary environment. Cutting out a few restaurants went a long way.

Life: 2023 was a big year for travel and fun. We spent a week on the coast in Oregon in March, a week in Alaska in May, a week and a half in southern Utah in September, and a week in Hawaii earlier this month. In addition, we did smaller trips to visit friends and family in Dallas, Nashville, Arizona, and Seattle. Everything stayed relatively great on the health front. DW's dad moved back to our state after being away for 15 years, and she was able to spend the holidays with him.

I've spent some more time thinking about downshifting recently. Long story short -- our FatFire goals are not very motivating. We hit LeanFire in 2019 and have been on the ~6-year path from one toward the other ever since. However, whenever dealing with a stressful project at work, my go to psychological instinct has become to think "I don't need to put myself through this anymore." Not sure if I'll actually pull the trigger on anything just yet, but I've begun to put feelers out there. I have meetings with a group from the college DW works at for a 3-day per week, $35/hr gig that would be far less stress, but still valuable and fun (for my nerdy tendencies). So, CoastFire is becoming more of an option for me, when I was scared to consider it just a year ago. We'll see what happens.

How was 2023 for the rest of y'all's plans?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on January 01, 2024, 01:07:46 PM
Reviewing our EOY numbers, I'm curious how everyone has handled inflation increases? When I started tracking back in 2015, I determined that I would likely need $50k to consider myself FIRE'd. So 1.2MM using the standard 25x expenses. Since then, inflation has pushed that 1.5MM.

So even though my net worth has gone up between 2020 and now, inflation during that period has it all at a wash. Unless something in the market changes and makes up for what are essentially flat years, it seems that FIRE may not happen for 2026. I'll be close, but it seems like 2028/2029 are more likely now.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on January 01, 2024, 01:10:13 PM
End of year update!

It was a great year on all fronts in this house (knock on wood). Almost enough to forget about the pain that was last year!

Stache: Looking solid -- sitting at 17.6x the FIRE budget that we're shooting for, after starting the year at 12x. Projections have us now hitting our number mid-2025, but staying in this cohort, as anything could happen between now and then.

Spending: We were trying to keep it under $29k, but with the level of travel this year, we didn't quite hit our goal. We came it at $29,512.56. Super close, and still down 5.83% YoY, which is still pretty cool considering the inflationary environment. Cutting out a few restaurants went a long way.

Life: 2023 was a big year for travel and fun. We spent a week on the coast in Oregon in March, a week in Alaska in May, a week and a half in southern Utah in September, and a week in Hawaii earlier this month. In addition, we did smaller trips to visit friends and family in Dallas, Nashville, Arizona, and Seattle. Everything stayed relatively great on the health front. DW's dad moved back to our state after being away for 15 years, and she was able to spend the holidays with him.

I've spent some more time thinking about downshifting recently. Long story short -- our FatFire goals are not very motivating. We hit LeanFire in 2019 and have been on the ~6-year path from one toward the other ever since. However, whenever dealing with a stressful project at work, my go to psychological instinct has become to think "I don't need to put myself through this anymore." Not sure if I'll actually pull the trigger on anything just yet, but I've begun to put feelers out there. I have meetings with a group from the college DW works at for a 3-day per week, $35/hr gig that would be far less stress, but still valuable and fun (for my nerdy tendencies). So, CoastFire is becoming more of an option for me, when I was scared to consider it just a year ago. We'll see what happens.

How was 2023 for the rest of y'all's plans?

Is that 30k just your discretionary spending? I'd be very impressed if that included housing, taxes, and health insurance. Or is that number your half of the expenses in your relationship?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on January 02, 2024, 10:01:32 AM
Even with inflation, I'm still planning on pulling the trigger in March or April 2026.  That's going to work out most optimally for me.

I'm close to hitting my number, but I also still have a couple large house maintenance items which I'd like to do while still working in case there are any potential financing deals to take advantage of in the process.

Need to start making lists for the next couple years to make sure I'm not forgetting anything.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on January 03, 2024, 07:19:34 AM
Reviewing our EOY numbers, I'm curious how everyone has handled inflation increases? When I started tracking back in 2015, I determined that I would likely need $50k to consider myself FIRE'd. So 1.2MM using the standard 25x expenses. Since then, inflation has pushed that 1.5MM.

So even though my net worth has gone up between 2020 and now, inflation during that period has it all at a wash. Unless something in the market changes and makes up for what are essentially flat years, it seems that FIRE may not happen for 2026. I'll be close, but it seems like 2028/2029 are more likely now.

Like real inflation or just your own increased spending?

my base costs haven't really changed. A few years ago, I figured out that if we paid off the house, we could live very well for about $65k/year.  Even with prices going up in some things, that's just encouraged me to create a 'stretch goal" of $80k for FIRE. And most of that was more driven to give us a little extra freedom in FIRE to travel and stuff.

Inflation hasn't really cost me a lot more. For instance, my insurances and taxes all went down this year. And even though food costs went up, it wasn't so bad, honestly. I barely noticed and it doesn't effect my FIRE goals much. What has effected my fire goals is things like my wife becoming a medical foster, adds a lot of food costs for sick cats and guinea pigs. Or travel - we have gained a lot of friends across the US, and I would like to visit them. That's expensive (even with travel hacking) and to do all that, we'd need like an extra $10-15k. So I created stretch goals for us to hit those numbers.

So, I guess my question is, what has inflation impacted for you that is making you feel like $50k is no longer worth it? Is it that stuff is actually getting a lot more expensive or is it that how you want to live has changed? Either answer is fine (and its likely a mix a both), but make sure you're calling it the right thing. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on January 03, 2024, 07:32:22 AM
My end of year update is that I did the math and I should be able to quit my job in March or April and take a 6+ month sabbatical from working. This will very likely force me to push my FIRE date back past 2026, but I need a break. I am so burned out by life these last few years and I want a reset.

I asked my job for a two-month sabbatical and my direct supervisor shut it down, he specifically told me, "I don't like the precedent it sets for the team, so I am personally not going to let you do it and I have the ability to do that here. If that means you'll quit, then there's the door." Then he tried to list a lot of reasons I shouldn't quit, but he doesn't understand why I need the sabbatical and won't ask the question. I need a break from working in general. It has to do with work but also my wife, my family, my friends, my mental health, my physical health. The last few years were brutal. I can't hold it all together anymore.

Anyway, I can only do this because I've been working so hard towards FIRE. I did the math and I could quit today if I wanted too, but I'd like to save a little extra money, finish a few things first (mostly finish the FY ending in January and set some people up for success in February/March).  and finish training a few folks I hired in Q4.

I guess the other half of my update is I am behind on my progress because of the ongoing economic uncertainty from 2022 and 2023. Yes, the last few months have seen significant growth in my portfolio, but I'm still almost $200k behind where I wanted to be at the end of this year, which is a direct result of the rough couple of years the market has had. Growth is MUCH faster now, but progress is still slow.

I am also starting a bit of an entrepreneurial effort. A few of us came up with an idea we think can be a very successful business. We're interviewing developers to help us create the code, but overall this feels extremely doable and like something the market desperately needs. The ROI is so ridiculously clear, I think we can sell it for a lot of money and folks will happily pay it. So, that's been pretty fun and invigorating to kick things off with.

If I wasn't going to quit my job and add a lot of uncertainty into my future, I am confident I would hit my goal. If this business is successful, I can likely hit my goal before 2026. If this business is unsuccessful and/or I need more than 6 months to get a job after I quit this one, it could be way past 2026 before I can FIRE.

So if i could summarize my update its - I am adding a TON of uncertainty in 2024. But all of it is good and fun and needed and supported by my financial situation. At the end of the day, this is why we do all this - to live. And I feel like I can live because of this community, because of FIRE, and because of all the work I've done up until now.

Happy New Year.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: grantmeaname on January 03, 2024, 07:38:48 AM
Wow. Tell your boss to eat shit for me on your way out!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: farmecologist on January 03, 2024, 08:03:10 AM

I asked my job for a two-month sabbatical and my direct supervisor shut it down, he specifically told me, "I don't like the precedent it sets for the team, so I am personally not going to let you do it and I have the ability to do that here. If that means you'll quit, then there's the door." Then he tried to list a lot of reasons I shouldn't quit, but he doesn't understand why I need the sabbatical and won't ask the question. I need a break from working in general. It has to do with work but also my wife, my family, my friends, my mental health, my physical health. The last few years were brutal. I can't hold it all together anymore.


Wow...I credit you for holding it together after your boss said that!   If it were me, I'm afraid I would have told him to go pound sand.  It is a lot easier to do when you have some "FU money", which I do have now.   I'm currently in the 2025 cohort though ( originally was considering 2026 )...and with some massive returns that came out of nowhere at the end of the year, it may be difficult to even hold out until then.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on January 03, 2024, 09:04:24 AM
My end of year update is that I did the math and I should be able to quit my job in March or April and take a 6+ month sabbatical from working. This will very likely force me to push my FIRE date back past 2026, but I need a break. I am so burned out by life these last few years and I want a reset.

I asked my job for a two-month sabbatical and my direct supervisor shut it down, he specifically told me, "I don't like the precedent it sets for the team, so I am personally not going to let you do it and I have the ability to do that here. If that means you'll quit, then there's the door." Then he tried to list a lot of reasons I shouldn't quit, but he doesn't understand why I need the sabbatical and won't ask the question. I need a break from working in general. It has to do with work but also my wife, my family, my friends, my mental health, my physical health. The last few years were brutal. I can't hold it all together anymore.

Anyway, I can only do this because I've been working so hard towards FIRE. I did the math and I could quit today if I wanted too, but I'd like to save a little extra money, finish a few things first (mostly finish the FY ending in January and set some people up for success in February/March).  and finish training a few folks I hired in Q4.

I guess the other half of my update is I am behind on my progress because of the ongoing economic uncertainty from 2022 and 2023. Yes, the last few months have seen significant growth in my portfolio, but I'm still almost $200k behind where I wanted to be at the end of this year, which is a direct result of the rough couple of years the market has had. Growth is MUCH faster now, but progress is still slow.

I am also starting a bit of an entrepreneurial effort. A few of us came up with an idea we think can be a very successful business. We're interviewing developers to help us create the code, but overall this feels extremely doable and like something the market desperately needs. The ROI is so ridiculously clear, I think we can sell it for a lot of money and folks will happily pay it. So, that's been pretty fun and invigorating to kick things off with.

If I wasn't going to quit my job and add a lot of uncertainty into my future, I am confident I would hit my goal. If this business is successful, I can likely hit my goal before 2026. If this business is unsuccessful and/or I need more than 6 months to get a job after I quit this one, it could be way past 2026 before I can FIRE.

So if i could summarize my update its - I am adding a TON of uncertainty in 2024. But all of it is good and fun and needed and supported by my financial situation. At the end of the day, this is why we do all this - to live. And I feel like I can live because of this community, because of FIRE, and because of all the work I've done up until now.

Happy New Year.

Mental Health FMLA is an alternative to quitting, if you want to keep the option open to go back there. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on January 03, 2024, 09:48:46 AM
End of year update!

It was a great year on all fronts in this house (knock on wood). Almost enough to forget about the pain that was last year!

Stache: Looking solid -- sitting at 17.6x the FIRE budget that we're shooting for, after starting the year at 12x. Projections have us now hitting our number mid-2025, but staying in this cohort, as anything could happen between now and then.

Spending: We were trying to keep it under $29k, but with the level of travel this year, we didn't quite hit our goal. We came it at $29,512.56. Super close, and still down 5.83% YoY, which is still pretty cool considering the inflationary environment. Cutting out a few restaurants went a long way.

Life: 2023 was a big year for travel and fun. We spent a week on the coast in Oregon in March, a week in Alaska in May, a week and a half in southern Utah in September, and a week in Hawaii earlier this month. In addition, we did smaller trips to visit friends and family in Dallas, Nashville, Arizona, and Seattle. Everything stayed relatively great on the health front. DW's dad moved back to our state after being away for 15 years, and she was able to spend the holidays with him.

I've spent some more time thinking about downshifting recently. Long story short -- our FatFire goals are not very motivating. We hit LeanFire in 2019 and have been on the ~6-year path from one toward the other ever since. However, whenever dealing with a stressful project at work, my go to psychological instinct has become to think "I don't need to put myself through this anymore." Not sure if I'll actually pull the trigger on anything just yet, but I've begun to put feelers out there. I have meetings with a group from the college DW works at for a 3-day per week, $35/hr gig that would be far less stress, but still valuable and fun (for my nerdy tendencies). So, CoastFire is becoming more of an option for me, when I was scared to consider it just a year ago. We'll see what happens.

How was 2023 for the rest of y'all's plans?

Is that 30k just your discretionary spending? I'd be very impressed if that included housing, taxes, and health insurance. Or is that number your half of the expenses in your relationship?

That 30k is everything our household spent. It's very average for us. Our small house is paid off (purchased in 2014), so we spend about $8k consistently on housing between insurance, taxes, and utilities. Health insurance is covered by Megacorp. No kids. Haven't had a car payment since 2012. The trips to Alaska and Oregon were put on the credit card in 2022.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on January 03, 2024, 04:04:58 PM
Reviewing our EOY numbers, I'm curious how everyone has handled inflation increases? When I started tracking back in 2015, I determined that I would likely need $50k to consider myself FIRE'd. So 1.2MM using the standard 25x expenses. Since then, inflation has pushed that 1.5MM.

So even though my net worth has gone up between 2020 and now, inflation during that period has it all at a wash. Unless something in the market changes and makes up for what are essentially flat years, it seems that FIRE may not happen for 2026. I'll be close, but it seems like 2028/2029 are more likely now.

Like real inflation or just your own increased spending?

my base costs haven't really changed. A few years ago, I figured out that if we paid off the house, we could live very well for about $65k/year.  Even with prices going up in some things, that's just encouraged me to create a 'stretch goal" of $80k for FIRE. And most of that was more driven to give us a little extra freedom in FIRE to travel and stuff.

Inflation hasn't really cost me a lot more. For instance, my insurances and taxes all went down this year. And even though food costs went up, it wasn't so bad, honestly. I barely noticed and it doesn't effect my FIRE goals much. What has effected my fire goals is things like my wife becoming a medical foster, adds a lot of food costs for sick cats and guinea pigs. Or travel - we have gained a lot of friends across the US, and I would like to visit them. That's expensive (even with travel hacking) and to do all that, we'd need like an extra $10-15k. So I created stretch goals for us to hit those numbers.

So, I guess my question is, what has inflation impacted for you that is making you feel like $50k is no longer worth it? Is it that stuff is actually getting a lot more expensive or is it that how you want to live has changed? Either answer is fine (and its likely a mix a both), but make sure you're calling it the right thing.

There is some amount of work that can be done to mitigate inflation, but inflation affects future years too, not just a single year's budget. If we're projecting our spending 30 years into the future that includes not just items that you buy every year, but also an eventual car, healthcare, child's education, etc.

It's not just this thread, I see several people on this forum that seem to think they're invincible to inflation either through reducing consumption, ignoring deferred expenses, ignoring the value of company benefits (not including company paid health insurance in their costs eg), devaluing the cost of their time, or separating out "one time expenses" from their budgets as though they don't count.

So even if I don't spend 4% more than last year, that inflation cost may not be reflected in my 2023 expenses, but may be reflected in future years.

It seems wiser to me to adjust expected expenses along with inflation since it would be quite difficult to accurately perceive inflation from year to year on a personal basis.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: grantmeaname on January 03, 2024, 06:59:05 PM
But there's a massive gulf between 4% higher expenses and a 25% higher stache...
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on January 03, 2024, 07:23:15 PM
But there's a massive gulf between 4% higher expenses and a 25% higher stache...

Are you speaking to what I said my increased stache needs would be? That was 1.2MM in 2015 dollars is now 1.5MM in 2023 dollars. There's been close to 30% inflation since then.

The biggest part of that would be housing cost increases. Would love to still have the condo I bought back in 2014, but alas, I cashed out instead. Health insurance costs continue to go up ~7% this year, so if I quit my job, I'd be responsible for that much more of the cost vs it being hidden in my benefit package.

An additional 10k a year in expenses now vs 8 years ago seems pretty reasonable to me.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: grantmeaname on January 04, 2024, 05:17:33 AM
Reading comprehension fail. Tired brain, sorry.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on January 04, 2024, 07:23:37 AM
Thank you @grantmeaname @farmecologist and @Turtle for the feedback, (especially the righteously angry feedback).

My boss isn't a bad guy, but his work/life balance and views on work/life balance are pretty terrible. I've known that for as long as I've known him, but was still surprised. I'm one of the top people in the entire organization and I figured they would just give me what I asked for. Having him be the one who shut it down because of his terrible work ethic is disappointing, to say the least.

Anyway, that conversation happened in early December and I have had a lot of time to process and consider it. I knew in that exact moment that it was time to leave my current job. There really isn't anything they can do to keep me at this point. I've been in this situation before, where a boss let me know I'd hit the highest I was ever going to go paywise and opportunity wise. In that instance, I had a new job within a few weeks. This time, I'm taking it a bit slower. My job situation isn't bad per say, and the next few months should be relatively light for me.

It's funny, I talked to my boss yesterday and he is pretty aggressively fishing to see if I am planning on quitting. I pretty much just avoid those questions, I see what he is doing but he doesn't need to know where I stand. In all honesty, he doesn't deserve that answer even if he asked directly I would just dodge the question.

Building up to a pretty solid FU story when this is all done, haha. I am fully expecting multiple executives to call me once I finally turn in my notice. I'll keep y'all updated.

--------------------------------------

One side note, on the Medical FMLA thing, I don't have any sort of mental health diagnosis. I don't have clinical depression or need in patient care or have severe anxiety. I am definitely depressed, but not "sever" depression (I don't think?) and I don't really feel like I need to go to a professional at this point and get diagnosed. That may be a next step if the sabbatical doesn't clear things up for me. Anyway, Medical FMLA for mental health is out because of that.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: grantmeaname on January 04, 2024, 08:11:14 AM
I wouldn't count yourself out of FMLA yet - the DOL's definition (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/28o-mental-health) is less severe than you have built it up to be in your head, I think.
"Mental and physical health conditions are considered serious health conditions under the FMLA if they require 1) inpatient care or 2) continuing treatment by a health care provider." where the second definition includes "Chronic conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, or dissociative disorders) that cause occasional periods when an individual is incapacitated and require treatment by a health care provider at least twice a year. "

Pretty much any depression meets that standard in my layperson opinion...
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: farmecologist on January 04, 2024, 09:00:58 AM
Thank you @grantmeaname @farmecologist and @Turtle for the feedback, (especially the righteously angry feedback).

My boss isn't a bad guy, but his work/life balance and views on work/life balance are pretty terrible. I've known that for as long as I've known him, but was still surprised. I'm one of the top people in the entire organization and I figured they would just give me what I asked for. Having him be the one who shut it down because of his terrible work ethic is disappointing, to say the least.

Anyway, that conversation happened in early December and I have had a lot of time to process and consider it. I knew in that exact moment that it was time to leave my current job. There really isn't anything they can do to keep me at this point. I've been in this situation before, where a boss let me know I'd hit the highest I was ever going to go paywise and opportunity wise. In that instance, I had a new job within a few weeks. This time, I'm taking it a bit slower. My job situation isn't bad per say, and the next few months should be relatively light for me.

It's funny, I talked to my boss yesterday and he is pretty aggressively fishing to see if I am planning on quitting. I pretty much just avoid those questions, I see what he is doing but he doesn't need to know where I stand. In all honesty, he doesn't deserve that answer even if he asked directly I would just dodge the question.

Building up to a pretty solid FU story when this is all done, haha. I am fully expecting multiple executives to call me once I finally turn in my notice. I'll keep y'all updated.

--------------------------------------

One side note, on the Medical FMLA thing, I don't have any sort of mental health diagnosis. I don't have clinical depression or need in patient care or have severe anxiety. I am definitely depressed, but not "sever" depression (I don't think?) and I don't really feel like I need to go to a professional at this point and get diagnosed. That may be a next step if the sabbatical doesn't clear things up for me. Anyway, Medical FMLA for mental health is out because of that.

Great way to handle it, I'd do the same.  Give them NO indication of your plans whatsoever.  If it were me, I'd even keep a cheery disposition saying I'm going to stay for a long time...haha.  And that is exactly what I am doing with my job.

With my job, it isn't my immediate boss, whom I like, but the corporate "culture".   You see, they are trying to push a "high performance culture".  However, there is no "culture" whatsoever at my megacorp.   And I'm in "quite quitting" mode right now anyway...so that obviously doesn't mesh with what upper management is trying ( and failing) to do.  My immediate team is currently woefully short on resources because of other idiotic HR moves over the last 15 years or so ( they didn't hire anyone at all for over a decade while laying folks off at the same time ).  The aftermath of that is...boomer aged folks retiring, a few GenX'ers not far behind, and very few younger folks to pick up the slack...and many of the newer folks end up leaving after a couple years after they see what a S&*T show this place is.  The point though is, due to the lack of resources, I may be able to continue on for quite a while without working my ass off.  We will see how it goes.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on January 04, 2024, 12:32:31 PM
Thank you @grantmeaname @farmecologist and @Turtle for the feedback, (especially the righteously angry feedback).

My boss isn't a bad guy, but his work/life balance and views on work/life balance are pretty terrible. I've known that for as long as I've known him, but was still surprised. I'm one of the top people in the entire organization and I figured they would just give me what I asked for. Having him be the one who shut it down because of his terrible work ethic is disappointing, to say the least.

Anyway, that conversation happened in early December and I have had a lot of time to process and consider it. I knew in that exact moment that it was time to leave my current job. There really isn't anything they can do to keep me at this point. I've been in this situation before, where a boss let me know I'd hit the highest I was ever going to go paywise and opportunity wise. In that instance, I had a new job within a few weeks. This time, I'm taking it a bit slower. My job situation isn't bad per say, and the next few months should be relatively light for me.

It's funny, I talked to my boss yesterday and he is pretty aggressively fishing to see if I am planning on quitting. I pretty much just avoid those questions, I see what he is doing but he doesn't need to know where I stand. In all honesty, he doesn't deserve that answer even if he asked directly I would just dodge the question.

Building up to a pretty solid FU story when this is all done, haha. I am fully expecting multiple executives to call me once I finally turn in my notice. I'll keep y'all updated.

--------------------------------------

One side note, on the Medical FMLA thing, I don't have any sort of mental health diagnosis. I don't have clinical depression or need in patient care or have severe anxiety. I am definitely depressed, but not "sever" depression (I don't think?) and I don't really feel like I need to go to a professional at this point and get diagnosed. That may be a next step if the sabbatical doesn't clear things up for me. Anyway, Medical FMLA for mental health is out because of that.

Great way to handle it, I'd do the same.  Give them NO indication of your plans whatsoever.  If it were me, I'd even keep a cheery disposition saying I'm going to stay for a long time...haha.  And that is exactly what I am doing with my job.

With my job, it isn't my immediate boss, whom I like, but the corporate "culture".   You see, they are trying to push a "high performance culture".  However, there is no "culture" whatsoever at my megacorp.   And I'm in "quite quitting" mode right now anyway...so that obviously doesn't mesh with what upper management is trying ( and failing) to do.  My immediate team is currently woefully short on resources because of other idiotic HR moves over the last 15 years or so ( they didn't hire anyone at all for over a decade while laying folks off at the same time ).  The aftermath of that is...boomer aged folks retiring, a few GenX'ers not far behind, and very few younger folks to pick up the slack...and many of the newer folks end up leaving after a couple years after they see what a S&*T show this place is.  The point though is, due to the lack of resources, I may be able to continue on for quite a while without working my ass off.  We will see how it goes.

About a year ago, I gave my management chain the extended heads up that I'd likely retire by the end of 2027.  They seem to have forgotten.  Coasting here as well. 

In checking the dates for various vesting and other HR benefits, it seems my most optimal time to give notice will be the middle of May 2026.  Last day of work being June 5th gives me medical coverage that month and 18 months of COBRA will take me through to the end of 2027.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on January 04, 2024, 04:00:28 PM
I wouldn't count yourself out of FMLA yet - the DOL's definition (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/28o-mental-health) is less severe than you have built it up to be in your head, I think.
"Mental and physical health conditions are considered serious health conditions under the FMLA if they require 1) inpatient care or 2) continuing treatment by a health care provider." where the second definition includes "Chronic conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, or dissociative disorders) that cause occasional periods when an individual is incapacitated and require treatment by a health care provider at least twice a year. "

Pretty much any depression meets that standard in my layperson opinion...

It's the last bit "that cause occasional periods when an individual is incapacitated and require treatment by a health care provider at least twice a year" that i think disqualifies me. I know people whose depression means they can't get out of bed sometimes, or who have such severe anxiety that it incapacitated them for a day or two. I of course, am also a layman and would need to talk to a healthcare professional to get a real answer, and I do take your comment seriously here.

But the other side, of course, is I'm done with this company now. This is a bit of a last straw from the pats 2-3 years and the fact that my boss' boss knows this is going on (he was briefly brought in to ask me questions about the sabbatical) and isn't talking to me or doing anything about it is all I need. So, even if Medical FMLA was available to me, I don't think I want to go that route anymore.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on January 04, 2024, 04:01:18 PM
Thank you @grantmeaname @farmecologist and @Turtle for the feedback, (especially the righteously angry feedback).

My boss isn't a bad guy, but his work/life balance and views on work/life balance are pretty terrible. I've known that for as long as I've known him, but was still surprised. I'm one of the top people in the entire organization and I figured they would just give me what I asked for. Having him be the one who shut it down because of his terrible work ethic is disappointing, to say the least.

Anyway, that conversation happened in early December and I have had a lot of time to process and consider it. I knew in that exact moment that it was time to leave my current job. There really isn't anything they can do to keep me at this point. I've been in this situation before, where a boss let me know I'd hit the highest I was ever going to go paywise and opportunity wise. In that instance, I had a new job within a few weeks. This time, I'm taking it a bit slower. My job situation isn't bad per say, and the next few months should be relatively light for me.

It's funny, I talked to my boss yesterday and he is pretty aggressively fishing to see if I am planning on quitting. I pretty much just avoid those questions, I see what he is doing but he doesn't need to know where I stand. In all honesty, he doesn't deserve that answer even if he asked directly I would just dodge the question.

Building up to a pretty solid FU story when this is all done, haha. I am fully expecting multiple executives to call me once I finally turn in my notice. I'll keep y'all updated.

--------------------------------------

One side note, on the Medical FMLA thing, I don't have any sort of mental health diagnosis. I don't have clinical depression or need in patient care or have severe anxiety. I am definitely depressed, but not "sever" depression (I don't think?) and I don't really feel like I need to go to a professional at this point and get diagnosed. That may be a next step if the sabbatical doesn't clear things up for me. Anyway, Medical FMLA for mental health is out because of that.

Great way to handle it, I'd do the same.  Give them NO indication of your plans whatsoever.  If it were me, I'd even keep a cheery disposition saying I'm going to stay for a long time...haha.  And that is exactly what I am doing with my job.

With my job, it isn't my immediate boss, whom I like, but the corporate "culture".   You see, they are trying to push a "high performance culture".  However, there is no "culture" whatsoever at my megacorp.   And I'm in "quite quitting" mode right now anyway...so that obviously doesn't mesh with what upper management is trying ( and failing) to do.  My immediate team is currently woefully short on resources because of other idiotic HR moves over the last 15 years or so ( they didn't hire anyone at all for over a decade while laying folks off at the same time ).  The aftermath of that is...boomer aged folks retiring, a few GenX'ers not far behind, and very few younger folks to pick up the slack...and many of the newer folks end up leaving after a couple years after they see what a S&*T show this place is.  The point though is, due to the lack of resources, I may be able to continue on for quite a while without working my ass off.  We will see how it goes.

About a year ago, I gave my management chain the extended heads up that I'd likely retire by the end of 2027.  They seem to have forgotten.  Coasting here as well. 

In checking the dates for various vesting and other HR benefits, it seems my most optimal time to give notice will be the middle of May 2026.  Last day of work being June 5th gives me medical coverage that month and 18 months of COBRA will take me through to the end of 2027.

Congrats on both of your "quiet quitting". haha, sounds like a pretty good situation to soft land into retirement.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LoanShark on January 06, 2024, 08:50:50 AM
Welp. We officially hit our FI # as of 12/31/23.

Going the SWAMI route for now. We’ll see what comes in 2026.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: farmecologist on January 08, 2024, 09:07:15 AM
Welp. We officially hit our FI # as of 12/31/23.

Going the SWAMI route for now. We’ll see what comes in 2026.

The EOY 2023 rally was tremendous.  Padded our stache nicely!   

Will it hold up in 2024 though?  That is a topic for another discussion.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LoanShark on January 09, 2024, 04:41:39 PM
Welp. We officially hit our FI # as of 12/31/23.

Going the SWAMI route for now. We’ll see what comes in 2026.

The EOY 2023 rally was tremendous.  Padded our stache nicely!   

Will it hold up in 2024 though?  That is a topic for another discussion.

Agreed! Good thing we have two more years to ride it out. :)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Shuchong on January 10, 2024, 01:52:09 PM
Adding myself to this cohort! 

My plan is "downshift so significantly that it feels like retirement" rather than straight up no more working.  I hope to negotiate a deal with my employer where I essentially pinch-hit when they need extra help, but have off otherwise, and am only paid when working on specific projects. 

I'll be 42, which seems like a good number.  No dependents except for a dog.  I have promised her that we won't ever run out of dog food. 

I'm FI now, with about 30x my projected expenses (including ACA premiums) -- so the dog food promise is one I can make in good conscience, and I can also be reasonably sure I won't be eating dog food either.  Hoping to have 40x by 2026 for more padding.

The big question mark is spending on health.  I have a chronic condition that has already caused me to go part-time at work.  Right now, it's not that expensive because the treatments are old, generic drugs.  But if a new drug comes along, it would likely be a fancy, uber-expensive biologic.  So having extra saved and keeping a hand in the labor market seems like a good idea in case I need to get back on employer-sponsored health insurance. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on January 23, 2024, 07:15:49 AM
End of year update!

It was a great year on all fronts in this house (knock on wood). Almost enough to forget about the pain that was last year!

Stache: Looking solid -- sitting at 17.6x the FIRE budget that we're shooting for, after starting the year at 12x. Projections have us now hitting our number mid-2025, but staying in this cohort, as anything could happen between now and then.

Spending: We were trying to keep it under $29k, but with the level of travel this year, we didn't quite hit our goal. We came it at $29,512.56. Super close, and still down 5.83% YoY, which is still pretty cool considering the inflationary environment. Cutting out a few restaurants went a long way.

Life: 2023 was a big year for travel and fun. We spent a week on the coast in Oregon in March, a week in Alaska in May, a week and a half in southern Utah in September, and a week in Hawaii earlier this month. In addition, we did smaller trips to visit friends and family in Dallas, Nashville, Arizona, and Seattle. Everything stayed relatively great on the health front. DW's dad moved back to our state after being away for 15 years, and she was able to spend the holidays with him.

I've spent some more time thinking about downshifting recently. Long story short -- our FatFire goals are not very motivating. We hit LeanFire in 2019 and have been on the ~6-year path from one toward the other ever since. However, whenever dealing with a stressful project at work, my go to psychological instinct has become to think "I don't need to put myself through this anymore." Not sure if I'll actually pull the trigger on anything just yet, but I've begun to put feelers out there. I have meetings with a group from the college DW works at for a 3-day per week, $35/hr gig that would be far less stress, but still valuable and fun (for my nerdy tendencies). So, CoastFire is becoming more of an option for me, when I was scared to consider it just a year ago. We'll see what happens.

How was 2023 for the rest of y'all's plans?

Is that 30k just your discretionary spending? I'd be very impressed if that included housing, taxes, and health insurance. Or is that number your half of the expenses in your relationship?

That 30k is everything our household spent. It's very average for us. Our small house is paid off (purchased in 2014), so we spend about $8k consistently on housing between insurance, taxes, and utilities. Health insurance is covered by Megacorp. No kids. Haven't had a car payment since 2012. The trips to Alaska and Oregon were put on the credit card in 2022.

Impressive, @Purple_Crayon, way to keep it real and your spending restrained!

Thank you @grantmeaname @farmecologist and @Turtle for the feedback, (especially the righteously angry feedback).

My boss isn't a bad guy, but his work/life balance and views on work/life balance are pretty terrible. I've known that for as long as I've known him, but was still surprised. I'm one of the top people in the entire organization and I figured they would just give me what I asked for. Having him be the one who shut it down because of his terrible work ethic is disappointing, to say the least.

Anyway, that conversation happened in early December and I have had a lot of time to process and consider it. I knew in that exact moment that it was time to leave my current job. There really isn't anything they can do to keep me at this point. I've been in this situation before, where a boss let me know I'd hit the highest I was ever going to go paywise and opportunity wise. In that instance, I had a new job within a few weeks. This time, I'm taking it a bit slower. My job situation isn't bad per say, and the next few months should be relatively light for me.

It's funny, I talked to my boss yesterday and he is pretty aggressively fishing to see if I am planning on quitting. I pretty much just avoid those questions, I see what he is doing but he doesn't need to know where I stand. In all honesty, he doesn't deserve that answer even if he asked directly I would just dodge the question.

Building up to a pretty solid FU story when this is all done, haha. I am fully expecting multiple executives to call me once I finally turn in my notice. I'll keep y'all updated.

--------------------------------------

One side note, on the Medical FMLA thing, I don't have any sort of mental health diagnosis. I don't have clinical depression or need in patient care or have severe anxiety. I am definitely depressed, but not "sever" depression (I don't think?) and I don't really feel like I need to go to a professional at this point and get diagnosed. That may be a next step if the sabbatical doesn't clear things up for me. Anyway, Medical FMLA for mental health is out because of that.

@alcon835 I'm sorry that your current job isn't working out for you, and I look forward to reading about your epic FU money story after you've collected your incentives. Given your burnout I hope you take a significant sabbatical, even if other execs start calling once they realize you're available.


Great way to handle it, I'd do the same.  Give them NO indication of your plans whatsoever.  If it were me, I'd even keep a cheery disposition saying I'm going to stay for a long time...haha.  And that is exactly what I am doing with my job.

With my job, it isn't my immediate boss, whom I like, but the corporate "culture".   You see, they are trying to push a "high performance culture".  However, there is no "culture" whatsoever at my megacorp.   And I'm in "quite quitting" mode right now anyway...so that obviously doesn't mesh with what upper management is trying ( and failing) to do.  My immediate team is currently woefully short on resources because of other idiotic HR moves over the last 15 years or so ( they didn't hire anyone at all for over a decade while laying folks off at the same time ).  The aftermath of that is...boomer aged folks retiring, a few GenX'ers not far behind, and very few younger folks to pick up the slack...and many of the newer folks end up leaving after a couple years after they see what a S&*T show this place is.  The point though is, due to the lack of resources, I may be able to continue on for quite a while without working my ass off.  We will see how it goes.

Welcome and well-played, @farmecologist !

Welp. We officially hit our FI # as of 12/31/23.

Going the SWAMI route for now. We’ll see what comes in 2026.

Congratulations, @LoanShark !  Do you have other reasons for staying, or are you padding the stash?

About a year ago, I gave my management chain the extended heads up that I'd likely retire by the end of 2027.  They seem to have forgotten.  Coasting here as well. 

In checking the dates for various vesting and other HR benefits, it seems my most optimal time to give notice will be the middle of May 2026.  Last day of work being June 5th gives me medical coverage that month and 18 months of COBRA will take me through to the end of 2027.

Have you hit your number already @Turtle ?  It sounds like you have your perks lined up.

Adding myself to this cohort! 

My plan is "downshift so significantly that it feels like retirement" rather than straight up no more working.  I hope to negotiate a deal with my employer where I essentially pinch-hit when they need extra help, but have off otherwise, and am only paid when working on specific projects. 

I'll be 42, which seems like a good number.  No dependents except for a dog.  I have promised her that we won't ever run out of dog food. 

I'm FI now, with about 30x my projected expenses (including ACA premiums) -- so the dog food promise is one I can make in good conscience, and I can also be reasonably sure I won't be eating dog food either.  Hoping to have 40x by 2026 for more padding.

The big question mark is spending on health.  I have a chronic condition that has already caused me to go part-time at work.  Right now, it's not that expensive because the treatments are old, generic drugs.  But if a new drug comes along, it would likely be a fancy, uber-expensive biologic.  So having extra saved and keeping a hand in the labor market seems like a good idea in case I need to get back on employer-sponsored health insurance. 

Welcome @Shuchong , you seem to have your SWAMI plan lined up as well and your health care risks well-managed.

We've also welcomed the recent spurt in the markets and have watched our NW surpass even the stretch goals we had set.  We're following up on the many maintenance issues at our rental to ensure it continues to provide the ROI to which we've become accustomed.  I mentioned the new roof a while back, it hasn't been completed yet, but a few other internal systems needed some work.  We also have many handyman tasks ready to go, but the PM's handyman ghosted them.  We'll keep the pressure on the PM.

Speaking of pressure, since I was just promoted I'm under little pressure to perform in the office for the next two years, and by then I'll have almost reached the finish line.  I'm not apt to slack, just describing my fairly SWAMI circumstances.

While the clock ticks, the putative monthly pension amounts keep growing and we'll have valuable FEHB medical insurance.

I've identified a few risks which I'm working on:


Have others here examined their own risks along these lines?

Finally, we still haven't agreed where we'd like to retire, and while we've taken a few small forward steps, I'd like to get this resolved before the two-minute warning.  We want to downsize upon retirement and set ourselves up in a home base which we enjoy, but then travel while we still have the youth, vigor, and good health to do so.  Plenty to do before the clock runs out completely.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: cannotWAIT on January 23, 2024, 11:43:02 AM
I added myself to this cohort last March but now I'm wrestling with the idea of packing it in sooner. The thing is that I would need to do it really soon, like within a couple of months, for it to make financial sense in terms of the ACA plans available to me at various income points. If I get to October or something and want to quit, I'm going to be stuck with a high premium and starting over with a new deductible. I need to work out the exact numbers but roughly the end of March would be the most optimal time, in terms of health insurance, to quit.

My actual average expenditures have been about $18K for the last five years, and I feel like I live a pretty nice life. My house is paid off and shouldn't need any huge maintenance items for many years. Same with my car. I'm 57 and don't really believe that SS will be cut for people in my age group. I feel like $30K a year would be wildly luxurious and allow me to do some international travel and indulge my hobbies or address any unexpected home repairs. And cFIREsim says that, factoring in taking SS at 70, I can actually spend $37K starting now.

I'm not ever going to find a job as cushy as the one I have now, and in fact will probably find it hard to get back into the job market (older, female, with a very niche skill set). I don't really feel like I have as much flexibility as we commonly talk about in FIRE. Also, my house is only worth about $330K and I think it would be hard to buy into an equally good situation elsewhere if I want to move.

But I'm so tired, and so ready to move on to the next phase of my life.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Shuchong on January 24, 2024, 03:05:29 PM
I added myself to this cohort last March but now I'm wrestling with the idea of packing it in sooner. The thing is that I would need to do it really soon, like within a couple of months, for it to make financial sense in terms of the ACA plans available to me at various income points. If I get to October or something and want to quit, I'm going to be stuck with a high premium and starting over with a new deductible. I need to work out the exact numbers but roughly the end of March would be the most optimal time, in terms of health insurance, to quit.


Do you have COBRA available to you, and have you priced out what it would cost? If you quit in October and did COBRA until end of December, it might not be too terrible.  (I think it's normally your cost plus employer cost... at least for me, I can find those on my paystubs and W2s.)

Also, those are crazy low expenses!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Shuchong on January 24, 2024, 03:16:01 PM

  • Our traditional retirement vehicles have become very well-funded, implying that we risk paying some very high taxes when we reach RMD at 75.  To lower that risk, we did a large Roth conversion this year, but intervening market gains brought our traditional portfolios back up to the pre-conversion level (I know, boo fucking hoo). 
Thanks for the welcome @elysianfields

This is indeed the saddest story I have ever heard:) Luckily, my employer has nothing but a 401k to which it contributes no match, so despite maxing it out every year, most of my investments are taxable and I have avoided this terrible problem.[/list]
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on January 25, 2024, 08:03:28 AM
Even with inflation, I'm still planning on pulling the trigger in March or April 2026.  That's going to work out most optimally for me.

I'm close to hitting my number, but I also still have a couple large house maintenance items which I'd like to do while still working in case there are any potential financing deals to take advantage of in the process.

Need to start making lists for the next couple years to make sure I'm not forgetting anything.

Took another look at various dates compared with annual work calendar.  Leaving the first week of June 2026 would mean health coverage for that month and HSA could be used to cover COBRA for 18 months, which puts me at a clean start to the year for ACA in 2028. 

So I may try to hang on that long.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: grantmeaname on January 25, 2024, 11:24:16 AM
Have you run the math on how much COBRA vs ACA is worth? I was elated the first time I priced out an ACA plan that met my needs how reasonable it was, but I know that's entirely dependent on what state you're in, family size, your ACA MAGI, and more.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on January 25, 2024, 02:03:03 PM
Have you run the math on how much COBRA vs ACA is worth? I was elated the first time I priced out an ACA plan that met my needs how reasonable it was, but I know that's entirely dependent on what state you're in, family size, your ACA MAGI, and more.

As a single person, my ACA numbers are smaller.  I likely won't qualify for aid my first year for my state even only working a few months.  It's possible I'll switch from COBRA to ACA a year earlier.  Will definitely compare closer to the date.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: afuera on January 25, 2024, 02:46:55 PM
I just realized that my new 401K doesn't fully vest until 2026 so after 9 happy years in the 2025 cohort I'm officially moving to this one for now.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on January 25, 2024, 04:07:54 PM
Happy to have you!  Maximizing personal value from company benefits is why I'm at least a month or 2 into this cohort. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on January 26, 2024, 10:03:16 PM
I just realized that my new 401K doesn't fully vest until 2026 so after 9 happy years in the 2025 cohort I'm officially moving to this one for now.

¡Bienvenido/a abordo, @afuera!  Sorry to hear about your employer’s long vesting calendar.

Happy to have you!  Maximizing personal value from company benefits is why I'm at least a month or 2 into this cohort.

A-fucking-men to that! Following your employers’ rules to maximize those benefits simply makes sense.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on January 28, 2024, 03:26:16 AM

  • Our traditional retirement vehicles have become very well-funded, implying that we risk paying some very high taxes when we reach RMD at 75.  To lower that risk, we did a large Roth conversion this year, but intervening market gains brought our traditional portfolios back up to the pre-conversion level (I know, boo fucking hoo).


Thanks for the welcome @elysianfields

This is indeed the saddest story I have ever heard:) Luckily, my employer has nothing but a 401k to which it contributes no match, so despite maxing it out every year, most of my investments are taxable and I have avoided this terrible problem.

Go Curry Cracker has been writing about his plan to claim Social Security at the earliest possibility.  In one of the recent comments, in response to someone who wants to defer claiming SS in order to use the tax space for Roth conversions between ages 62 and 70, he says,

Quote from: Go Curry Cracker
...Big IRAs get bigger faster than you can convert them... our Traditional IRA/401k is at least 2x bigger than when I quit working 11 years ago despite all the Roth conversions along the way.

While I haven't crunched the numbers myself, we're likely to face this horrible situation on an ongoing basis.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on January 28, 2024, 08:05:19 AM
So then would it be better to start converting earlier? Potentially even while working?

Perhaps we imagine ourselves staying under a tax bracket going forward and our estimates are far too optimistic.

If you have 2MM in IRA's at 73 when RMD's begin, you'll start at having to withdraw at least 80k, and it only goes up from there. Add the 20-40k in SS a lot. We imagine ourselves being able to arbitrage in the 10-15% tax bracket range for our retirement and controlling our income level, but that goes out the window after SS and RMD's start.

My wife isn't working atm, but might start again sometime this year. I still have my child tax credits. I've already changed my contributions to start doing more Roth than Traditional, but maybe I should start doing some conversions as well to flatten out the taxes across the next 50-70 years I have left. (And that's not even considering the potential for receiving an inherited IRA in the next 20 years that may also include RMD's at some point soon)

If someone has an article modeling some of this kind of discussion, I'd appreciate the read.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on January 29, 2024, 06:30:14 AM
So then would it be better to start converting earlier? Potentially even while working?

Perhaps we imagine ourselves staying under a tax bracket going forward and our estimates are far too optimistic.

If you have 2MM in IRA's at 73 when RMD's begin, you'll start at having to withdraw at least 80k, and it only goes up from there. Add the 20-40k in SS a lot. We imagine ourselves being able to arbitrage in the 10-15% tax bracket range for our retirement and controlling our income level, but that goes out the window after SS and RMD's start.

My wife isn't working atm, but might start again sometime this year. I still have my child tax credits. I've already changed my contributions to start doing more Roth than Traditional, but maybe I should start doing some conversions as well to flatten out the taxes across the next 50-70 years I have left. (And that's not even considering the potential for receiving an inherited IRA in the next 20 years that may also include RMD's at some point soon)

If someone has an article modeling some of this kind of discussion, I'd appreciate the read.

So I don't know how old you are, and if you're in my age bracket (born after 1959), SECURE Act 2.0 raised the RMD age to 75 in 2033 (cf. https://www.kitces.com/blog/secure-act-2-omnibus-2022-hr-2954-rmd-75-529-roth-rollover-increase-qcd-student-loan-match/).

You'd need to look at your AGI and tax brackets, keeping in mind that the TCJA expires on December 31, 2025 as it relates to individual tax brackets.

As I mentioned, Go Curry Cracker has written about this as well:

https://www.gocurrycracker.com/is-your-401k-too-big/
https://www.gocurrycracker.com/is-your-401k-too-big-part-2/

And The Finance Buff says most TSP participants should use Roth because they will receive a pension in retirement.  Exceptions: they're already in a high tax bracket, won't qualify for the pension, if they're obtaining important large tax credits which would phase out due to a higher AGI, or if they're currently in a high-tax state:

https://thefinancebuff.com/most-tsp-participiants-should-switch-to-the-roth-tsp.html

For someone whose Traditional holdings are $1 million at age 55, they could expect those holdings to double 2x in 20 years if they increase at 7% per year (the long-range stock market average return).  This would come to $4 million at the time they start taking RMDs at age 75, meaning an RMD of ~ $160k in the first year.  And who knows what the tax brackets will be when you reach 75...
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on January 29, 2024, 07:23:33 AM
I've done some Roth conversions while still working.  Even with those, Roth is about only 15% of what I have in stash.  Taxable retirement accounts are over half.  I do expect the RMDs to be large when I reach 75 regardless of what I do, but having a good chunk in Roth gives me flexibility for the earlier retirement years when I'm guarding against SORR and trying to keep expenses low for ACA.



Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on January 29, 2024, 10:11:38 AM

For someone whose Traditional holdings are $1 million at age 55, they could expect those holdings to double 2x in 20 years if they increase at 7% per year (the long-range stock market average return).  This would come to $4 million at the time they start taking RMDs at age 75, meaning an RMD of ~ $160k in the first year.  And who knows what the tax brackets will be when you reach 75...

I expect tax brackets to more or less look the same. But what will change is my reporting status at some point. ie my kid will no longer be my dependent, at some point either my spouse or I will likely return to single filing, etc.

The link is helpful though. It looks like staying under 1.5MM (probably even 1MM) would be where IRA might max out for me.

I think I probably need to stop contributing to traditional as it is. I don't know about doing some conversions while still working, perhaps this year's taxes will help with that. There may be some wisdom at the very least maximizing the 12% bracket if I'm not already.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on January 29, 2024, 12:05:31 PM

For someone whose Traditional holdings are $1 million at age 55, they could expect those holdings to double 2x in 20 years if they increase at 7% per year (the long-range stock market average return).  This would come to $4 million at the time they start taking RMDs at age 75, meaning an RMD of ~ $160k in the first year.  And who knows what the tax brackets will be when you reach 75...

I expect tax brackets to more or less look the same. But what will change is my reporting status at some point. ie my kid will no longer be my dependent, at some point either my spouse or I will likely return to single filing, etc.

The link is helpful though. It looks like staying under 1.5MM (probably even 1MM) would be where IRA might max out for me.

I think I probably need to stop contributing to traditional as it is. I don't know about doing some conversions while still working, perhaps this year's taxes will help with that. There may be some wisdom at the very least maximizing the 12% bracket if I'm not already.

Do not forget that if marital status changes, brackets will change as well.  RMDs could also possibly change depending on whether there was an age difference factored in. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on January 29, 2024, 04:00:56 PM
I've done some Roth conversions while still working.  Even with those, Roth is about only 15% of what I have in stash.  Taxable retirement accounts are over half.  I do expect the RMDs to be large when I reach 75 regardless of what I do, but having a good chunk in Roth gives me flexibility for the earlier retirement years when I'm guarding against SORR and trying to keep expenses low for ACA.

Right, I'm not implying that one should not abandon Roth conversions, simply that if one's Traditional stash becomes too large, it will grow faster than your ability to convert to Roth at the desired tax bracket.  One should examine the details of the bet one is making - should I pay 22% or 24% today or a possibly higher bracket later?

Having Roth funds available, in addition to taxable, clearly provides flexibility, especially if you RE.

In my own case, I don't expect to use ACA as I'll continue to qualify for the FEHB once I hit the minimum required years of service.


I expect tax brackets to more or less look the same. But what will change is my reporting status at some point. ie my kid will no longer be my dependent, at some point either my spouse or I will likely return to single filing, etc.

Correct, continuing to use Traditional contributions to reduce your AGI to obtain the Child Tax Credit makes sense.  But if Uncle Sugar needs more cash, the Congress could certainly raise tax rates, above & beyond the automagic tax increase when the TCJA expires.

I think I probably need to stop contributing to traditional as it is. I don't know about doing some conversions while still working, perhaps this year's taxes will help with that. There may be some wisdom at the very least maximizing the 12% bracket if I'm not already.

Even if taxed at the highest rate, TSP matching remains free money.  You should continue to invest at least 5% of your paycheck - Traditional or Roth - to earn the match.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on January 30, 2024, 07:05:36 AM
Are we getting close enough that we want to start a roll call for this thread?

I volunteer to compile it if so.

Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on January 30, 2024, 09:35:32 AM
 A roll call sounds good.  However, my SO is getting anxious about not having employer health care.  It's a slow process getting educated about the options.

Thank you for the information about the Roth.  I need to read and understand it more.  In the process of looking for a fee only advisor.  PM me if someone has a recommendation cause I'm not understanding a lot. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on February 02, 2024, 09:29:56 AM
Initial Roll Call earburn for everyone who has posted in this thread within the past few years.

@9patch
@afuera
@alcon835
@bluzi2027
@cannotWAIT
@elysianfields
@Extramedium
@FIPurpose
@fireready
@Focus_on_the_fire
@grantmeaname
@Gronnie
@Huskerfan
@jinga nation
@JJ-
@LeftA
@lilkidjesus
@LinneaH
@LoanShark
@magus
@Milkshake
@Mini-Mer
@Must_ache
@nurseart
@Nutty
@OttawaNeal
@OurTown
@PlanetDee
@Purple_Crayon
@Reader
@regenaeb
@rockeTree
@Sailor Sam
@Shuchong
@the_hobbitish
@tj
@tomorrowsomewherenew
@TomTX
@wageslave23
@Dexterous - changed to 2028 due to new work position
@farmecologist - OYL to 2025

Please post whether or not you wish to be included in future roll calls, with month/age if you'd like that included.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: grantmeaname on February 02, 2024, 10:29:05 AM
I am probably March 2026, when I will be 34
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: afuera on February 02, 2024, 10:52:55 AM
October 2026 and I'll be 35
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Purple_Crayon on February 02, 2024, 11:12:25 AM
December 1st, 2026 at the latest. I'll be 40.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tj on February 02, 2024, 11:40:17 AM
If it's 2026 for me, I'm guessing that it'll be towards the end of the year. I'll be 41.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: jinga nation on February 02, 2024, 11:46:47 AM
I'm FI. But not RE (spouse has taken that glory).
New plan is to FIRE by end 2032.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: tj on February 02, 2024, 12:31:44 PM
I'm FI. But not RE (spouse has taken that glory).
New plan is to FIRE by end 2032.

How did you get stuck with the six extra years of work? Hopefully that is a desirable outcome for you.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: rockeTree on February 02, 2024, 12:50:36 PM
Hmm my spouse also left the workforce two years earlier than planned. Still might be a thing at the very end of 2026, but I suspect it will creep OMY or even two unless the markets are absolutely roaring/we are very confident of health care being a solved problem due to policy changes of some sort.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: cannotWAIT on February 02, 2024, 03:10:24 PM
I'm technically still with you but struggling mightily and might end up a December 2024 graduate. Even that sounds like an eternity.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Shuchong on February 02, 2024, 06:13:17 PM
I'm technically still with you but struggling mightily and might end up a December 2024 graduate. Even that sounds like an eternity.

Well, internet points for an accurate username, though sorry to hear that the job sucks so much!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on February 02, 2024, 09:49:05 PM
Current goal is July 2026, when I will turn 40. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PlanetDee on February 03, 2024, 07:11:17 AM
I’m in! Aiming for December 2026 when I will be 35. We will be pretty lean at that point.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on February 03, 2024, 09:35:07 AM
I am probably on the more pessimistic side of this.

I don't think I'll be attaining FI by 2026. I think like too many Uber drivers, this board tends to hide behind hidden costs that they absorb. And thankfully the US economy continues to be strong, so those costs perhaps are easier to ignore. For example, if healthcare costs are the main driving factor of inflation, then we may be ignoring our increasing future costs while hiding behind our current health and youth. Or simply writing certain house repairs or large purchases as "one-offs" and not counting them in an annual budget. I think it biases too many people to think they're spending less than they actually are.

So rather than necessarily taking my actual spending in any given year as my expenses, every FIRE budget should include some level of annuitizing on going larger costs.

I think the 2021-2023 inflation adjusted total returns averaged something like 3-4%, which comes out to a 1-2 year delay from the standard 7-8% estimates a lot of us use.

Could there be an amazing turn around where our economy both continues to expand while our costs also deflate 1-2%? I guess anything is possible, but it doesn't feel probable.

I'll hold my opinion for another year or 2, but for personal planning, I don't think it'd be wise to consider myself FIRE'd until 2028. (I'll be 37 then)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: frugaldevil on February 03, 2024, 10:38:25 AM
I'm planning for summer 2026. I'll be 49.

Will probably need to dial back current spending a bit or have partner continue part time for a few more years. But there's a really nice reset in my job that makes the timing ideal for me.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: wageslave23 on February 03, 2024, 03:37:06 PM
I am probably on the more pessimistic side of this.

I don't think I'll be attaining FI by 2026. I think like too many Uber drivers, this board tends to hide behind hidden costs that they absorb. And thankfully the US economy continues to be strong, so those costs perhaps are easier to ignore. For example, if healthcare costs are the main driving factor of inflation, then we may be ignoring our increasing future costs while hiding behind our current health and youth. Or simply writing certain house repairs or large purchases as "one-offs" and not counting them in an annual budget. I think it biases too many people to think they're spending less than they actually are.

So rather than necessarily taking my actual spending in any given year as my expenses, every FIRE budget should include some level of annuitizing on going larger costs.

I think the 2021-2023 inflation adjusted total returns averaged something like 3-4%, which comes out to a 1-2 year delay from the standard 7-8% estimates a lot of us use.

Could there be an amazing turn around where our economy both continues to expand while our costs also deflate 1-2%? I guess anything is possible, but it doesn't feel probable.

I'll hold my opinion for another year or 2, but for personal planning, I don't think it'd be wise to consider myself FIRE'd until 2028. (I'll be 37 then)

I hope no one is expecting or planning for 7-8% real returns.  I plan on 6% nominal or 4% real returns.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: alcon835 on February 05, 2024, 06:37:00 AM
I am probably on the more pessimistic side of this.

I don't think I'll be attaining FI by 2026. I think like too many Uber drivers, this board tends to hide behind hidden costs that they absorb. And thankfully the US economy continues to be strong, so those costs perhaps are easier to ignore. For example, if healthcare costs are the main driving factor of inflation, then we may be ignoring our increasing future costs while hiding behind our current health and youth. Or simply writing certain house repairs or large purchases as "one-offs" and not counting them in an annual budget. I think it biases too many people to think they're spending less than they actually are.

So rather than necessarily taking my actual spending in any given year as my expenses, every FIRE budget should include some level of annuitizing on going larger costs.

I think the 2021-2023 inflation adjusted total returns averaged something like 3-4%, which comes out to a 1-2 year delay from the standard 7-8% estimates a lot of us use.

Could there be an amazing turn around where our economy both continues to expand while our costs also deflate 1-2%? I guess anything is possible, but it doesn't feel probable.

I'll hold my opinion for another year or 2, but for personal planning, I don't think it'd be wise to consider myself FIRE'd until 2028. (I'll be 37 then)

I hope no one is expecting or planning for 7-8% real returns.  I plan on 6% nominal or 4% real returns.

Why would you assume the current lull is infinite?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: OurTown on February 05, 2024, 10:26:45 AM
Hoping to make it in 2025, I will keep you posted if I OMY into 2026.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Sailor Sam on February 05, 2024, 10:31:36 AM
Thanks for tallying everyone up, @Turtle. After a few years on this thread I realized I'm bad at math, and will be the 2027 cohort. D'oh!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: wageslave23 on February 05, 2024, 11:06:33 AM
I am probably on the more pessimistic side of this.

I don't think I'll be attaining FI by 2026. I think like too many Uber drivers, this board tends to hide behind hidden costs that they absorb. And thankfully the US economy continues to be strong, so those costs perhaps are easier to ignore. For example, if healthcare costs are the main driving factor of inflation, then we may be ignoring our increasing future costs while hiding behind our current health and youth. Or simply writing certain house repairs or large purchases as "one-offs" and not counting them in an annual budget. I think it biases too many people to think they're spending less than they actually are.

So rather than necessarily taking my actual spending in any given year as my expenses, every FIRE budget should include some level of annuitizing on going larger costs.

I think the 2021-2023 inflation adjusted total returns averaged something like 3-4%, which comes out to a 1-2 year delay from the standard 7-8% estimates a lot of us use.

Could there be an amazing turn around where our economy both continues to expand while our costs also deflate 1-2%? I guess anything is possible, but it doesn't feel probable.

I'll hold my opinion for another year or 2, but for personal planning, I don't think it'd be wise to consider myself FIRE'd until 2028. (I'll be 37 then)

I hope no one is expecting or planning for 7-8% real returns.  I plan on 6% nominal or 4% real returns.

Why would you assume the current lull is infinite?

6% nominal seems to be what most of the investment firms predict for the near future.  I have no idea, so I'd rather plan conservatively.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: OttawaNeal on February 05, 2024, 11:21:41 AM
Even though I'm targeting March 13th, more realistically let's go with Dec 31, 2026. I will be 46.
I think it'll make good sense at that point to work until the end of the year, collect one more 10% bonus and have them pay it to me in January 2027 (taxes will be very minimal on it then).  My wife plans to continue working for a few more years after, which should cover off most of our expenses anyways.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Must_ache on February 05, 2024, 12:13:23 PM
You can drop me from here.  I'm retiring in less than two months, but open to something part-time at some point.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on February 05, 2024, 12:46:36 PM
You can drop me from here.  I'm retiring in less than two months, but open to something part-time at some point.

Congratulations!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Nutty on February 06, 2024, 07:35:26 AM
You can drop me from here.  I'm retiring in less than two months, but open to something part-time at some point.
Congratulations!  We'd love to hear an encouraging story, if you want to share.  Even the mundane is inspiring.

I'm awestruck by the ages being posted.  Good for y'all!  I'm aiming for June 2026 after our bonus posts.  I'll be 56 with 4 kids out of the house.

We have an incentive account that I'll be walking away from if I do go before 62.  Assuming the awards stays the same, that will be a bunch of money sitting on the table.  Being FI is good and the BS tolerance has already been dropped.  Yep, I'm the old guy not afraid to say something. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on February 06, 2024, 09:46:54 AM
So far it looks like I'm the oldster of this cohort.  I've posted around on cohorts before and after this one before figuring out my most optimal date, so I'm not surprised other folks have as well.

Here's the list so far, minus any earburn this time.

9patch      
afuera       October        35
alcon835      July        40
bluzi2027      
cannotWAIT   2 YL (Maybe)   
elysianfields      
Extramedium      
FIPurpose           2MY   
fireready      March        50
Focus_on_the_fire      
frugaldevil      
grantmeaname   March   34
Gronnie      
Huskerfan      
jinga nation   OMY+   Spouse  is FIREd
JJ-      
LeftA      
lilkidjesus      
LinneaH      
LoanShark      
magus      
Milkshake      
Mini-Mer      
Must_ache           2YL   
nurseart      
Nutty            June   56
OttawaNeal      
OurTown      1YL
PlanetDee           December   35
Purple_Crayon   December   40
Reader      
regenaeb      
rockeTree       OMY+   Spouse is FIREd
Sailor Sam   OMY   
Shuchong      
the_hobbitish      
tj           End Of Year   41
tomorrowsomewherenew      
TomTX      
Turtle            June   58
wageslave23   SWAMI -   Year TBD
Dexterous          2MY      
farmecologist     OYL to 2025      

If layoffs hit my department, I'll leaner FIRE at whatever point that is though, so my date isn't set in stone either. 
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: wageslave23 on February 06, 2024, 12:13:20 PM
Turtle, you can remove me from the list.  I'm not sure when I will FIRE.  Technically I'm FI now, but I'm going to keep padding the stache while I don't mind my job.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: fireready on February 06, 2024, 02:42:13 PM
@Turtle

Still on track for March 2026 will be 50 years old at that time. 

fireready
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: LinneaH on February 18, 2024, 09:26:46 AM
I'd like to still be in this group, for December 2026, when I will be 54.

But to be honest, I just don't know. I have two kids, 13 & 11, and I have a really hard time understanding how much money I will need for them. When I set that date many years ago, I was still married, in a two-income family. The divorce has changed a lot, and my ex has changed a lot (or maybe he just hid it better before :-) ). I now feel I need to be able to take care of certain big-ticket items in the next ten years for the kids myself, anything from ex will come as unexpected bonus. I do have specific money set aside, so I am not worried, but it will probably delay my date up to 5 years, and may not be early at all, but at least earlier than it could have been. Some things are more expensive when one lives as single parent.

But on the other hand, I don't want to seem sad. It is glorious to make all the decisions as I want to and prioritizing without needing to take another opinion into account, I am very happy with my life.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: rockeTree on February 18, 2024, 09:53:07 AM
No better goal than “very happy with my life”, sounds like you are coming out of upheaval on top :-)
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Redhotdog on March 13, 2024, 06:31:41 AM
I am in! July 2026. I will be 53. Long time FI now time to finally RE
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on March 13, 2024, 11:48:04 AM
I am in! July 2026. I will be 53. Long time FI now time to finally RE

Congratulations and welcome!

Here's the current list of folks with 2026 plans:

afuera          October        35

alcon835           July        40
   
fireready           March        50
   
grantmeaname   March   34
         
LinneaH      December   54
      
Nutty            June   56   

PlanetDee           December   35

Purple_Crayon   December   40

Redhotdog           July      53   
   
tj           End Of Year   41
   
Turtle            June   58
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: farmecologist on March 14, 2024, 08:40:56 AM
I'd like to still be in this group, for December 2026, when I will be 54.

But to be honest, I just don't know. I have two kids, 13 & 11, and I have a really hard time understanding how much money I will need for them. When I set that date many years ago, I was still married, in a two-income family. The divorce has changed a lot, and my ex has changed a lot (or maybe he just hid it better before :-) ). I now feel I need to be able to take care of certain big-ticket items in the next ten years for the kids myself, anything from ex will come as unexpected bonus. I do have specific money set aside, so I am not worried, but it will probably delay my date up to 5 years, and may not be early at all, but at least earlier than it could have been. Some things are more expensive when one lives as single parent.

But on the other hand, I don't want to seem sad. It is glorious to make all the decisions as I want to and prioritizing without needing to take another opinion into account, I am very happy with my life.

2025 will be the time for decision making for me.   I will turn 55 and at that point the "rule of 55" for my 401k is an option, as well as my company kicking in a health assistance account that only kicks in once you turn 55. 

If you have a 401k, look into the "rule of 55".  We likely won't have to tap into the 401k, but the "rule of 55" gives us penalty free withdrawal options, and it is always good to have options!

Note that the "rule of 55" starts from the year you turn 55...so for me, I'm eligible Jan 1st, 2025.   With that said, I am still waffling between 2025 and 2026.  We will see how it goes at work after 2025.  I suspect I won't make it until 2026.


Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 14, 2024, 10:26:07 PM
I'd like to still be in this group, for December 2026, when I will be 54.

But to be honest, I just don't know. I have two kids, 13 & 11, and I have a really hard time understanding how much money I will need for them. When I set that date many years ago, I was still married, in a two-income family. The divorce has changed a lot, and my ex has changed a lot (or maybe he just hid it better before :-) ). I now feel I need to be able to take care of certain big-ticket items in the next ten years for the kids myself, anything from ex will come as unexpected bonus. I do have specific money set aside, so I am not worried, but it will probably delay my date up to 5 years, and may not be early at all, but at least earlier than it could have been. Some things are more expensive when one lives as single parent.

But on the other hand, I don't want to seem sad. It is glorious to make all the decisions as I want to and prioritizing without needing to take another opinion into account, I am very happy with my life.

2025 will be the time for decision making for me.   I will turn 55 and at that point the "rule of 55" for my 401k is an option, as well as my company kicking in a health assistance account that only kicks in once you turn 55. 

If you have a 401k, look into the "rule of 55".  We likely won't have to tap into the 401k, but the "rule of 55" gives us penalty free withdrawal options, and it is always good to have options!

Note that the "rule of 55" starts from the year you turn 55...so for me, I'm eligible Jan 1st, 2025.   With that said, I am still waffling between 2025 and 2026.  We will see how it goes at work after 2025.  I suspect I won't make it until 2026.

Good reminder on the Rule of 55, @farmecologist, and glad to see you doing well, @LinneaH .

We're considering working OMY beyond 2026, or really some months into 2027, to deleverage our portfolio and ensure that my spouse qualifies for her pension.  The increase in my pension drops to a not-worthwhile level after November 2026.  I posted some detail over in the "How many Feds here hanging on for MRA" thread.  Stay tuned for further developments.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PlanetDee on March 16, 2024, 08:07:19 AM
Life update from me. Was able to negotiate down to an 80% schedule at my government job, so will be starting that in a couple weeks. Boss makes it sound like it will be a long term thing. I am beyond excited! I’m also a massage therapist, so hope to use some of the extra time in the week to pursue some massage hours for fun and extra money.

I’ve been really reflecting on what I really want as I get closer to my FIRE number and that’s better balance. So I don’t think I will actually fully retire in 2026, but keeping my options open and enjoying a bit more coast on my way there.

Happy almost Spring to you all!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on March 18, 2024, 07:57:09 AM
Life update from me. Was able to negotiate down to an 80% schedule at my government job, so will be starting that in a couple weeks. Boss makes it sound like it will be a long term thing. I am beyond excited! I’m also a massage therapist, so hope to use some of the extra time in the week to pursue some massage hours for fun and extra money.

I’ve been really reflecting on what I really want as I get closer to my FIRE number and that’s better balance. So I don’t think I will actually fully retire in 2026, but keeping my options open and enjoying a bit more coast on my way there.

Happy almost Spring to you all!

That sounds like the best of both worlds.  Happy coasting!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 20, 2024, 09:05:53 PM
Life update from me. Was able to negotiate down to an 80% schedule at my government job, so will be starting that in a couple weeks. Boss makes it sound like it will be a long term thing. I am beyond excited! I’m also a massage therapist, so hope to use some of the extra time in the week to pursue some massage hours for fun and extra money.

I’ve been really reflecting on what I really want as I get closer to my FIRE number and that’s better balance. So I don’t think I will actually fully retire in 2026, but keeping my options open and enjoying a bit more coast on my way there.

Happy almost Spring to you all!

Congratulations, @PlanetDee !  Sounds like you made a great move.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on March 22, 2024, 06:14:45 PM
Hit 1MM net worth this week!

The RE market continues to go bonkers. I’d prefer to divest my RE, but I’m not too mad at my interest rate either. Currently have renters in there, but honestly would rather not think about it.

Anyways, didn’t tell anyone in real life except the SO haha. Suddenly I feel much closer to FI than ever.
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: PlanetDee on March 23, 2024, 09:07:03 AM
Congrats @FIPurpose!!! Very exciting!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: Turtle on March 25, 2024, 07:56:58 AM
Awesome job @PlanetDee and @FIPurpose - the finish line is in sight!
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: elysianfields on March 27, 2024, 11:04:49 AM
Congrats @FIPurpose !

So what are you thinking about career length?  I don't suppose you'll stay in the FS until your MRA, will you?
Title: Re: 2026 FIRE Cohort
Post by: FIPurpose on March 27, 2024, 05:10:22 PM
Congrats @FIPurpose !

So what are you thinking about career length?  I don't suppose you'll stay in the FS until your MRA, will you?

Thanks everyone!

I’m not ruling it out, but I assume I’ll be extremely well situated before 20 years. My Peace Corps time counts for a little haha. But I think I’ll have more money than I could use in about 10 years if I continue working. At the moment I plan on going the full MRA, but I could see myself feeling differently in 10 years time too after becoming a bit more jaded lol.

My plan is to take it as it comes. Bid for posts that prioritize what my family wants. Don’t need to worry about losing out on higher paying posts etc. FI is already helping me a lot with how I’m thinking about the job and what I expect from it.

At the very least, I don’t think there’s another job out there that comes with this much vacation time haha. I’ll be using all my home leave, that’s for sure.