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The “I want to retire soon” thread (2 Viewers)

It's happening - AI is definitely kicking this self-employed copywriter to the curb.

My wife (63) retired last year, and she loves it. I still have a few steady clients that I hope to keep, but my workload and income have been cut by about 60% this year. I'm 59 and have zero interest in reinventing myself, getting any kind of job, or putting my nose to the grindstone to get more work. I had a nice 20+ year career doing this, and I'm ready to take it easier. So basically I'm semi-retired right now. I take every friday off, and my 4-day work week has about 10-15 hours of "do them whenever I want" tasks.

No pensions here - just SS. But we don't have kids, have saved/invested quite well, and live a fairly simple life with zero debt besides a cheap covid-mortgage I'm in no hurry to pay off. For health, even if the premiums go up, hopefully the ACA we've been using will still be there until Medicare.

Unless I magically get more clients (a slight possibility - I have a column on Inc. so I am always "out there"), we'll be making some changes next year. The first one will be me, with my new-found time, taking over the lawn work from the (somewhat expensive) services we use. I'm super excited - finally getting the tractor I envisioned when we moved here four years ago!
Similar thing for me. As a voice actor, AI has been really impacting my work. Most of my work is in corporate VO, which doesn't require as much emotion and is ripe for AI takeover. In our home in NY, I had a really good recording setup but here in Boise, we didn't really have much room for a proper setup. I wound up renting a space in 2021 in a small quiet building for my recording setup but last week I was told that the building was being sold and I have to vacate in the next 2 months. I don't think I can find another spot that works out so well so I'm in the process of cloning my voice and embracing AI. Honestly, with the advances being made, I don't think VO will be a viable occupation for many people within 2 or 3 years. I'll set something up in our walk-in closet for whatever jobs do come in from my existing clients but I'm done with the hustle and will see how AI works for me.
Honestly, it doesn't really bother me. It's time.
Fascinating career. How long have you been active in voice acting?
I thought the same thing. My old brain immediately went to George Constanza and his short hand modeling career. Ha ha
 
It's happening - AI is definitely kicking this self-employed copywriter to the curb.

My wife (63) retired last year, and she loves it. I still have a few steady clients that I hope to keep, but my workload and income have been cut by about 60% this year. I'm 59 and have zero interest in reinventing myself, getting any kind of job, or putting my nose to the grindstone to get more work. I had a nice 20+ year career doing this, and I'm ready to take it easier. So basically I'm semi-retired right now. I take every friday off, and my 4-day work week has about 10-15 hours of "do them whenever I want" tasks.

No pensions here - just SS. But we don't have kids, have saved/invested quite well, and live a fairly simple life with zero debt besides a cheap covid-mortgage I'm in no hurry to pay off. For health, even if the premiums go up, hopefully the ACA we've been using will still be there until Medicare.

Unless I magically get more clients (a slight possibility - I have a column on Inc. so I am always "out there"), we'll be making some changes next year. The first one will be me, with my new-found time, taking over the lawn work from the (somewhat expensive) services we use. I'm super excited - finally getting the tractor I envisioned when we moved here four years ago!
Similar thing for me. As a voice actor, AI has been really impacting my work. Most of my work is in corporate VO, which doesn't require as much emotion and is ripe for AI takeover. In our home in NY, I had a really good recording setup but here in Boise, we didn't really have much room for a proper setup. I wound up renting a space in 2021 in a small quiet building for my recording setup but last week I was told that the building was being sold and I have to vacate in the next 2 months. I don't think I can find another spot that works out so well so I'm in the process of cloning my voice and embracing AI. Honestly, with the advances being made, I don't think VO will be a viable occupation for many people within 2 or 3 years. I'll set something up in our walk-in closet for whatever jobs do come in from my existing clients but I'm done with the hustle and will see how AI works for me.
Honestly, it doesn't really bother me. It's time.
Fascinating career. How long have you been active in voice acting?
I thought the same thing. My old brain immediately went to George Constanza and his short hand modeling career. Ha ha
I've been doing it for like 15 years, full time since 2021. I used to do corporate audio visual for live events and occasionally a client would need and announcer or some simple VO for a video clip. It just went from there. Nowadays the most fun I have is with character work for animation or video games.
Here's one that came out yesterday. I play the fat bald dude, Leary. It's just an animatic but the creator is hoping to pitch it to studios in hopes of having it fully animated and made into a series.
 
It's happening - AI is definitely kicking this self-employed copywriter to the curb.

My wife (63) retired last year, and she loves it. I still have a few steady clients that I hope to keep, but my workload and income have been cut by about 60% this year. I'm 59 and have zero interest in reinventing myself, getting any kind of job, or putting my nose to the grindstone to get more work. I had a nice 20+ year career doing this, and I'm ready to take it easier. So basically I'm semi-retired right now. I take every friday off, and my 4-day work week has about 10-15 hours of "do them whenever I want" tasks.

No pensions here - just SS. But we don't have kids, have saved/invested quite well, and live a fairly simple life with zero debt besides a cheap covid-mortgage I'm in no hurry to pay off. For health, even if the premiums go up, hopefully the ACA we've been using will still be there until Medicare.

Unless I magically get more clients (a slight possibility - I have a column on Inc. so I am always "out there"), we'll be making some changes next year. The first one will be me, with my new-found time, taking over the lawn work from the (somewhat expensive) services we use. I'm super excited - finally getting the tractor I envisioned when we moved here four years ago!
Similar thing for me. As a voice actor, AI has been really impacting my work. Most of my work is in corporate VO, which doesn't require as much emotion and is ripe for AI takeover. In our home in NY, I had a really good recording setup but here in Boise, we didn't really have much room for a proper setup. I wound up renting a space in 2021 in a small quiet building for my recording setup but last week I was told that the building was being sold and I have to vacate in the next 2 months. I don't think I can find another spot that works out so well so I'm in the process of cloning my voice and embracing AI. Honestly, with the advances being made, I don't think VO will be a viable occupation for many people within 2 or 3 years. I'll set something up in our walk-in closet for whatever jobs do come in from my existing clients but I'm done with the hustle and will see how AI works for me.
Honestly, it doesn't really bother me. It's time.
Fascinating career. How long have you been active in voice acting?
I thought the same thing. My old brain immediately went to George Constanza and his short hand modeling career. Ha ha
I've been doing it for like 15 years, full time since 2021. I used to do corporate audio visual for live events and occasionally a client would need and announcer or some simple VO for a video clip. It just went from there. Nowadays the most fun I have is with character work for animation or video games.
Here's one that came out yesterday. I play the fat bald dude, Leary. It's just an animatic but the creator is hoping to pitch it to studios in hopes of having it fully animated and made into a series.
Pretty cool man
 
It's happening - AI is definitely kicking this self-employed copywriter to the curb.

My wife (63) retired last year, and she loves it. I still have a few steady clients that I hope to keep, but my workload and income have been cut by about 60% this year. I'm 59 and have zero interest in reinventing myself, getting any kind of job, or putting my nose to the grindstone to get more work. I had a nice 20+ year career doing this, and I'm ready to take it easier. So basically I'm semi-retired right now. I take every friday off, and my 4-day work week has about 10-15 hours of "do them whenever I want" tasks.

No pensions here - just SS. But we don't have kids, have saved/invested quite well, and live a fairly simple life with zero debt besides a cheap covid-mortgage I'm in no hurry to pay off. For health, even if the premiums go up, hopefully the ACA we've been using will still be there until Medicare.

Unless I magically get more clients (a slight possibility - I have a column on Inc. so I am always "out there"), we'll be making some changes next year. The first one will be me, with my new-found time, taking over the lawn work from the (somewhat expensive) services we use. I'm super excited - finally getting the tractor I envisioned when we moved here four years ago!
Similar thing for me. As a voice actor, AI has been really impacting my work. Most of my work is in corporate VO, which doesn't require as much emotion and is ripe for AI takeover. In our home in NY, I had a really good recording setup but here in Boise, we didn't really have much room for a proper setup. I wound up renting a space in 2021 in a small quiet building for my recording setup but last week I was told that the building was being sold and I have to vacate in the next 2 months. I don't think I can find another spot that works out so well so I'm in the process of cloning my voice and embracing AI. Honestly, with the advances being made, I don't think VO will be a viable occupation for many people within 2 or 3 years. I'll set something up in our walk-in closet for whatever jobs do come in from my existing clients but I'm done with the hustle and will see how AI works for me.
Honestly, it doesn't really bother me. It's time.
Fascinating career. How long have you been active in voice acting?
I thought the same thing. My old brain immediately went to George Constanza and his short hand modeling career. Ha ha
I've been doing it for like 15 years, full time since 2021. I used to do corporate audio visual for live events and occasionally a client would need and announcer or some simple VO for a video clip. It just went from there. Nowadays the most fun I have is with character work for animation or video games.
Here's one that came out yesterday. I play the fat bald dude, Leary. It's just an animatic but the creator is hoping to pitch it to studios in hopes of having it fully animated and made into a series.
Have a friend at work who travels in the medical field and does voice work as well. Some of his stories are absolutely hilarious. One in particular was a recording studio he went to in Arizona that was in the house of an older creepy couple. Said he legit thought he was going to be a head in their refrigerator.
 
It's happening - AI is definitely kicking this self-employed copywriter to the curb.

My wife (63) retired last year, and she loves it. I still have a few steady clients that I hope to keep, but my workload and income have been cut by about 60% this year. I'm 59 and have zero interest in reinventing myself, getting any kind of job, or putting my nose to the grindstone to get more work. I had a nice 20+ year career doing this, and I'm ready to take it easier. So basically I'm semi-retired right now. I take every friday off, and my 4-day work week has about 10-15 hours of "do them whenever I want" tasks.

No pensions here - just SS. But we don't have kids, have saved/invested quite well, and live a fairly simple life with zero debt besides a cheap covid-mortgage I'm in no hurry to pay off. For health, even if the premiums go up, hopefully the ACA we've been using will still be there until Medicare.

Unless I magically get more clients (a slight possibility - I have a column on Inc. so I am always "out there"), we'll be making some changes next year. The first one will be me, with my new-found time, taking over the lawn work from the (somewhat expensive) services we use. I'm super excited - finally getting the tractor I envisioned when we moved here four years ago!
Similar thing for me. As a voice actor, AI has been really impacting my work. Most of my work is in corporate VO, which doesn't require as much emotion and is ripe for AI takeover. In our home in NY, I had a really good recording setup but here in Boise, we didn't really have much room for a proper setup. I wound up renting a space in 2021 in a small quiet building for my recording setup but last week I was told that the building was being sold and I have to vacate in the next 2 months. I don't think I can find another spot that works out so well so I'm in the process of cloning my voice and embracing AI. Honestly, with the advances being made, I don't think VO will be a viable occupation for many people within 2 or 3 years. I'll set something up in our walk-in closet for whatever jobs do come in from my existing clients but I'm done with the hustle and will see how AI works for me.
Honestly, it doesn't really bother me. It's time.
Fascinating career. How long have you been active in voice acting?
I thought the same thing. My old brain immediately went to George Constanza and his short hand modeling career. Ha ha
I've been doing it for like 15 years, full time since 2021. I used to do corporate audio visual for live events and occasionally a client would need and announcer or some simple VO for a video clip. It just went from there. Nowadays the most fun I have is with character work for animation or video games.
Here's one that came out yesterday. I play the fat bald dude, Leary. It's just an animatic but the creator is hoping to pitch it to studios in hopes of having it fully animated and made into a series.
That's super cool! Thanks for sharing.
 
Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.
This is where we are, but I'm also younger than the median age of this forum. I'm not really thinking about retirement much before 65 (that's when we can start drawing on my pension), but I'm curious what the math will look like ~2040. I'll be in my mid-late 50's then and our youngest will (hopefully) be done with school, if he goes in the first place. I suspect I'll start applying more thought to it once we have the lake house locked in, but we're probably at least 5 years out from seriously considering that purchase.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
You’re eligible for Medicare at 65, not 67.
Oh yes, was thinking S.S. At 67.
Even better, only have to find consulting gigs for 3 years, not 5. :hifive:

In the last month I've been offered multiple 3 to 6 month gigs, all paying 85 to 100 per hour.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
You’re eligible for Medicare at 65, not 67.
Oh yes, was thinking S.S. At 67.
Even better, only have to find consulting gigs for 3 years, not 5. :hifive:

In the last month I've been offered multiple 3 to 6 month gigs, all paying 85 to 100 per hour.

You’ll need to check with each of a 3 to 6 month gig will make you eligible for benefits. In many places that would be considered “seasonal” or “temporary “ and thus not eligible - and even if you were, many plans allow you to enroll only after some waiting period, like “1st of the month following 30 days” or something.

Your alternative would be the individual market.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
Insurance isnt as big of deal as everyone makes it out to be. ACA is cheap as long as you manage your income.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
You’re eligible for Medicare at 65, not 67.
Oh yes, was thinking S.S. At 67.
Even better, only have to find consulting gigs for 3 years, not 5. :hifive:

In the last month I've been offered multiple 3 to 6 month gigs, all paying 85 to 100 per hour.

You’ll need to check with each of a 3 to 6 month gig will make you eligible for benefits. In many places that would be considered “seasonal” or “temporary “ and thus not eligible - and even if you were, many plans allow you to enroll only after some waiting period, like “1st of the month following 30 days” or something.

Your alternative would be the individual market.
Right, when I was considering consulting it never included insurance. In my line of work anyway it's a professional service agreement that doesn't come with benefits. The benefits are theoretically made up for in the higher hourly rate.

The problem then becomes the income limits before you hit the cliff in the ACA. Otherwise it's pretty affordable.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
You’re eligible for Medicare at 65, not 67.
Oh yes, was thinking S.S. At 67.
Even better, only have to find consulting gigs for 3 years, not 5. :hifive:

In the last month I've been offered multiple 3 to 6 month gigs, all paying 85 to 100 per hour.

You’ll need to check with each of a 3 to 6 month gig will make you eligible for benefits. In many places that would be considered “seasonal” or “temporary “ and thus not eligible - and even if you were, many plans allow you to enroll only after some waiting period, like “1st of the month following 30 days” or something.

Your alternative would be the individual market.
Yes, not planning on taking anything with benefits. Just make :moneybag: to cover buying off the invidua, market until 65.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
You’re eligible for Medicare at 65, not 67.
Oh yes, was thinking S.S. At 67.
Even better, only have to find consulting gigs for 3 years, not 5. :hifive:

In the last month I've been offered multiple 3 to 6 month gigs, all paying 85 to 100 per hour.

You’ll need to check with each of a 3 to 6 month gig will make you eligible for benefits. In many places that would be considered “seasonal” or “temporary “ and thus not eligible - and even if you were, many plans allow you to enroll only after some waiting period, like “1st of the month following 30 days” or something.

Your alternative would be the individual market.
Right, when I was considering consulting it never included insurance. In my line of work anyway it's a professional service agreement that doesn't come with benefits. The benefits are theoretically made up for in the higher hourly rate.

The problem then becomes the income limits before you hit the cliff in the ACA. Otherwise it's pretty affordable.
Plan is to make just enough to cover ACA. I want to enjoy my retirement.

Between having the house paid off ( currently worth $400k), my 401k, Roth IRA and my wife's school district money from back when she worked there, we should be fine until 5 years later when S.S. Kicks in. :thumbup:
 
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LinkedIn message today..
We have a job open that your skill set is perfect for, It is a 3 month contract paying $80/hr.

So tempted to say: "please contact me in 5 years" :lol:
 
A childhood friend of mine who was always the smartest kid I knew, retired last year at 61. He graduated from Cooper Union in NYC and went on to a science related profession.
He just began his first semester the other day as a high school chemistry/biology teacher. That's pretty cool, imo.
 
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Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
Insurance isnt as big of deal as everyone makes it out to be. ACA is cheap as long as you manage your income.
Yup. This is something worth thoroughly researching before retiring before 65.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
Insurance isnt as big of deal as everyone makes it out to be. ACA is cheap as long as you manage your income.
Yup. This is something worth thoroughly researching before retiring before 65.
Health insurance isn't cheap and is something you can't do without. Hell, even with Medicare and supplemental insurance you pay a pretty monthly penny, especially if it includes a spouse. I know a guy I worked with who retired a couple of months before me, he is 64, and his wife is younger, but will bite the bullet and will have to pay a lot for health insurance for both. He will be 65 next year, so that helps that he can go on Medicare at that point, but his wife is in her early 60s and has MS, so that will cost a lot until she turns 65.
 
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Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
Insurance isnt as big of deal as everyone makes it out to be. ACA is cheap as long as you manage your income.
Yup. This is something worth thoroughly researching before retiring before 65.
Health insurance isn't cheap and is something you can't do without. Hell, even with Medicare and supplemental insurance you pay a pretty monthly penny, especially if it includes a spouse. I know a guy I worked with who retired a couple of months before me, he is 64, and his wife is younger, but will bite the bullet and will have to pay a lot for health insurance for both. He will be 65 next year, so that helps that he can go on Medicare at that point, but his wife is in her early 60s and has MS, so that will cost a lot until she turns 65.

Depends on what you mean by “pretty penny”, but with traditional Medicare (not Medicare advantage) most folks get premium free part A, pay $185/m for part B, around $120-150/m for a supplement, and likely under $20/m for a part D plan. With all that, you really don’t have any out of pocket costs, other than for expensive Rx, and that will depend on the coverage of your part D plan. Moreover, the out of pocket costs, as well as the part B premiums can both be paid from any remaining HSA funds you might still have.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
Insurance isnt as big of deal as everyone makes it out to be. ACA is cheap as long as you manage your income.
Yup. This is something worth thoroughly researching before retiring before 65.
Health insurance isn't cheap and is something you can't do without. Hell, even with Medicare and supplemental insurance you pay a pretty monthly penny, especially if it includes a spouse. I know a guy I worked with who retired a couple of months before me, he is 64, and his wife is younger, but will bite the bullet and will have to pay a lot for health insurance for both. He will be 65 next year, so that helps that he can go on Medicare at that point, but his wife is in her early 60s and has MS, so that will cost a lot until she turns 65.

Depends on what you mean by “pretty penny”, but with traditional Medicare (not Medicare advantage) most folks get premium free part A, pay $185/m for part B, around $120-150/m for a supplement, and likely under $20/m for a part D plan. With all that, you really don’t have any out of pocket costs, other than for expensive Rx, and that will depend on the coverage of your part D plan. Moreover, the out of pocket costs, as well as the part B premiums can both be paid from any remaining HSA funds you might still have.
My point is that if you retire before 65, especially those way under 65, you have to take into account healthcare cost and that isn't a non-issue for a lot of people. You may not be getting social security for several years and you're paying out of pocket for expensive healthcare insurance because you can't go on Medicare yet. That's a big deal to a lot of people. Sure, this probably isn't an issue for those that have saved and invested well, and / or has a large pension, but being able to retire early, especially those in their 50s, it may not be so easy. Not for some that have a costly lifestyle. For example, my lifestyle is about 9K a month and the only debt I have is a mortgage, which I owe 100K on. Thankfully I'm well ahead of the game at 66. But I wasn't able to retire before I did. Not if I wanted to maintain my current lifestyle.
 
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Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
Insurance isnt as big of deal as everyone makes it out to be. ACA is cheap as long as you manage your income.
Yup. This is something worth thoroughly researching before retiring before 65.
Health insurance isn't cheap and is something you can't do without. Hell, even with Medicare and supplemental insurance you pay a pretty monthly penny, especially if it includes a spouse. I know a guy I worked with who retired a couple of months before me, he is 64, and his wife is younger, but will bite the bullet and will have to pay a lot for health insurance for both. He will be 65 next year, so that helps that he can go on Medicare at that point, but his wife is in her early 60s and has MS, so that will cost a lot until she turns 65.

Depends on what you mean by “pretty penny”, but with traditional Medicare (not Medicare advantage) most folks get premium free part A, pay $185/m for part B, around $120-150/m for a supplement, and likely under $20/m for a part D plan. With all that, you really don’t have any out of pocket costs, other than for expensive Rx, and that will depend on the coverage of your part D plan. Moreover, the out of pocket costs, as well as the part B premiums can both be paid from any remaining HSA funds you might still have.
My point is that if you retire before 65, especially those way under 65, you have to take into account healthcare cost and that isn't a non-issue for a lot of people. You may not be getting social security for several years and you're paying out of pocket for expensive healthcare insurance because you can't go on Medicare yet. That's a big deal to a lot of people. Sure, this probably isn't an issue for those that have saved and invested well, and / or has a large pension, but being able to retire early, especially those in their 50s, it may not be so easy. Not for some that have a costly lifestyle. For example, my lifestyle is about 9K a month and the only debt I have is a mortgage, which I owe 100K on. Thankfully I'm well ahead of the game at 66. But I wasn't able to retire before I did. Not if I wanted to maintain my current lifestyle.
Yep. Would love to retire in 2 years at 55 but will probably go 2-3 more years just to save on health care costs.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
Insurance isnt as big of deal as everyone makes it out to be. ACA is cheap as long as you manage your income.
Yup. This is something worth thoroughly researching before retiring before 65.
Health insurance isn't cheap and is something you can't do without. Hell, even with Medicare and supplemental insurance you pay a pretty monthly penny, especially if it includes a spouse. I know a guy I worked with who retired a couple of months before me, he is 64, and his wife is younger, but will bite the bullet and will have to pay a lot for health insurance for both. He will be 65 next year, so that helps that he can go on Medicare at that point, but his wife is in her early 60s and has MS, so that will cost a lot until she turns 65.

Depends on what you mean by “pretty penny”, but with traditional Medicare (not Medicare advantage) most folks get premium free part A, pay $185/m for part B, around $120-150/m for a supplement, and likely under $20/m for a part D plan. With all that, you really don’t have any out of pocket costs, other than for expensive Rx, and that will depend on the coverage of your part D plan. Moreover, the out of pocket costs, as well as the part B premiums can both be paid from any remaining HSA funds you might still have.
My point is that if you retire before 65, especially those way under 65, you have to take into account healthcare cost and that isn't a non-issue for a lot of people. You may not be getting social security for several years and you're paying out of pocket for expensive healthcare insurance because you can't go on Medicare yet. That's a big deal to a lot of people. Sure, this probably isn't an issue for those that have saved and invested well, and / or has a large pension, but being able to retire early, especially those in their 50s, it may not be so easy. Not for some that have a costly lifestyle. For example, my lifestyle is about 9K a month and the only debt I have is a mortgage, which I owe 100K on. Thankfully I'm well ahead of the game at 66. But I wasn't able to retire before I did. Not if I wanted to maintain my current lifestyle.
Yes and no. Definitely need to plan for it for sure.

I've got 10 years to go before Medicare. This year is $1,400/mo on Cobra because I don't qualify for ACA until next year. Next year though it will be $500/mo, but that's only because I'll be converting 401k that counts as income up to the max that I can and still qualify for ACA. BUT, if you don't have income ACA can be as little as $0/mo.

But the biggest thing that stopped me from worrying about the cost is that we relocated and the difference in property taxes alone just about pays for the expensive insurance. I just made that change in my thinking of my spend and the worry went away. Which leads me to your comment about costly lifestyle, that should already be figured in your spend. While it's true you need more money and possibly more working years (if not offset by salary already) before you reach financial independence, the cost for health insurance is a lesser concern for those with more money and more costly lifestyles, not more.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
Insurance isnt as big of deal as everyone makes it out to be. ACA is cheap as long as you manage your income.
Yup. This is something worth thoroughly researching before retiring before 65.
Health insurance isn't cheap and is something you can't do without. Hell, even with Medicare and supplemental insurance you pay a pretty monthly penny, especially if it includes a spouse. I know a guy I worked with who retired a couple of months before me, he is 64, and his wife is younger, but will bite the bullet and will have to pay a lot for health insurance for both. He will be 65 next year, so that helps that he can go on Medicare at that point, but his wife is in her early 60s and has MS, so that will cost a lot until she turns 65.

Depends on what you mean by “pretty penny”, but with traditional Medicare (not Medicare advantage) most folks get premium free part A, pay $185/m for part B, around $120-150/m for a supplement, and likely under $20/m for a part D plan. With all that, you really don’t have any out of pocket costs, other than for expensive Rx, and that will depend on the coverage of your part D plan. Moreover, the out of pocket costs, as well as the part B premiums can both be paid from any remaining HSA funds you might still have.
My point is that if you retire before 65, especially those way under 65, you have to take into account healthcare cost and that isn't a non-issue for a lot of people. You may not be getting social security for several years and you're paying out of pocket for expensive healthcare insurance because you can't go on Medicare yet. That's a big deal to a lot of people. Sure, this probably isn't an issue for those that have saved and invested well, and / or has a large pension, but being able to retire early, especially those in their 50s, it may not be so easy. Not for some that have a costly lifestyle. For example, my lifestyle is about 9K a month and the only debt I have is a mortgage, which I owe 100K on. Thankfully I'm well ahead of the game at 66. But I wasn't able to retire before I did. Not if I wanted to maintain my current lifestyle.
Yes and no. Definitely need to plan for it for sure.

I've got 10 years to go before Medicare. This year is $1,400/mo on Cobra because I don't qualify for ACA until next year. Next year though it will be $500/mo, but that's only because I'll be converting 401k that counts as income up to the max that I can and still qualify for ACA. BUT, if you don't have income ACA can be as little as $0/mo.

But the biggest thing that stopped me from worrying about the cost is that we relocated and the difference in property taxes alone just about pays for the expensive insurance. I just made that change in my thinking of my spend and the worry went away. Which leads me to your comment about costly lifestyle, that should already be figured in your spend. While it's true you need more money and possibly more working years (if not offset by salary already) before you reach financial independence, the cost for health insurance is a lesser concern for those with more money and more costly lifestyles, not more.
The other option is to rely on your wife's job for insurance. Not everyone can, but sure seems like our likely path.
 
Anyone run into this?

I'm 50. I could realistically retire now. I get military disability money. I have full health coverage through the VA. I have a federal pension in waiting to cash. They penalize you 5% for every year earlier then 57 so I'm kinda waiting a bit. We have lived financially responsible our entire lives really. Nearly own our home. I could get away with retiring right now. What's stopping me? My jealous wife. Shes a full time nurse that makes great money. I just don't think she could ever accept me retiring before her. So I picked up a job that has the least responsibility I've ever had. I'll show her until she caves. Ha ha
We’re kind of in the opposite position. She works part time at a job that pays horribly but she likes. But more importantly, she volunteers a lot.
I keep working. I’m somewhat jealous but not enough to change anything.
A lot of folks, me included, wake up one morning and decide 100% to retire . Having seen too many co-workers kick the bucket, either before retirement, or shortly after, I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm in a good spot financially and didn't want to fall over dead at my desk and never get to experience a full retirement. There are too many other things to enjoy in this world than working. I did that for over 42 years in my field, and 50+ years overall. Isn't that enough?
Understood and agreed. I just haven’t reached the point yet where life without the job would be better than with it. One “problem” is all but two years expenses is held in retirement accounts. I know there are ways like SEPP to get those funds, but I’m not work quite ready for that yet. Then there’s that we want a lake house, but also have kids in school. If we had both places our expenses would jump quite a bit. Doable soon if I’m working, not if not.

Then of course there’s the fear of the unknown. I do my best to plan around that while considering its effect.
Of course. I was speaking only if one is financially able / ready to retire. I never understood those that retire and go back to work because they are bored. There is no way on God's green earth would I ever go back to work. Hell, if I can't think of things to do other than work, then I'm not trying. Sorry, but 42 years of work is enough. I like to believe in turning the chapter on that and finish out the rest of my life with new and exciting adventures. I cannot tell you how much of a freedom feeling I have now.
:thumbup: Fully with you. My countdown is on now, less than 5 years.
I know I won't be bored.
There are so many things I want to do around here, with no time to do it all.

I do plan to work part-time consulting. Like 3 months a year, as I do enjoy the work I do in the Power Platform.
Plus need to cover medical until 5 years later when I hit 67 and can get S.S. And Medicare.
Insurance isnt as big of deal as everyone makes it out to be. ACA is cheap as long as you manage your income.
Yup. This is something worth thoroughly researching before retiring before 65.
Health insurance isn't cheap and is something you can't do without. Hell, even with Medicare and supplemental insurance you pay a pretty monthly penny, especially if it includes a spouse. I know a guy I worked with who retired a couple of months before me, he is 64, and his wife is younger, but will bite the bullet and will have to pay a lot for health insurance for both. He will be 65 next year, so that helps that he can go on Medicare at that point, but his wife is in her early 60s and has MS, so that will cost a lot until she turns 65.

Depends on what you mean by “pretty penny”, but with traditional Medicare (not Medicare advantage) most folks get premium free part A, pay $185/m for part B, around $120-150/m for a supplement, and likely under $20/m for a part D plan. With all that, you really don’t have any out of pocket costs, other than for expensive Rx, and that will depend on the coverage of your part D plan. Moreover, the out of pocket costs, as well as the part B premiums can both be paid from any remaining HSA funds you might still have.
My point is that if you retire before 65, especially those way under 65, you have to take into account healthcare cost and that isn't a non-issue for a lot of people. You may not be getting social security for several years and you're paying out of pocket for expensive healthcare insurance because you can't go on Medicare yet. That's a big deal to a lot of people. Sure, this probably isn't an issue for those that have saved and invested well, and / or has a large pension, but being able to retire early, especially those in their 50s, it may not be so easy. Not for some that have a costly lifestyle. For example, my lifestyle is about 9K a month and the only debt I have is a mortgage, which I owe 100K on. Thankfully I'm well ahead of the game at 66. But I wasn't able to retire before I did. Not if I wanted to maintain my current lifestyle.
Yes and no. Definitely need to plan for it for sure.

I've got 10 years to go before Medicare. This year is $1,400/mo on Cobra because I don't qualify for ACA until next year. Next year though it will be $500/mo, but that's only because I'll be converting 401k that counts as income up to the max that I can and still qualify for ACA. BUT, if you don't have income ACA can be as little as $0/mo.

But the biggest thing that stopped me from worrying about the cost is that we relocated and the difference in property taxes alone just about pays for the expensive insurance. I just made that change in my thinking of my spend and the worry went away. Which leads me to your comment about costly lifestyle, that should already be figured in your spend. While it's true you need more money and possibly more working years (if not offset by salary already) before you reach financial independence, the cost for health insurance is a lesser concern for those with more money and more costly lifestyles, not more.
The other option is to rely on your wife's job for insurance. Not everyone can, but sure seems like our likely path.
What if your wife is already relying on your job for insurance?
 

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