My wife and I have learned so much from the knowledge and experiences of others on this site. As we embark on retirement (in part because of the endorsement that we can from this site), not knowing what we don’t know, please share as much as you can on the following so that we all can learn how best to navigate the transition:
1. How many years have you been retired and at what age did it begin?
==> Retired 4 years ago at 57, but just 2 weeks shy of 58
2. What was your biggest reason for retiring early?
==> My wife is older and was already retired (had to bribe her with a puppy to stop seeking employment) and for me, work was always just a vehicle to get to retirement. When they offered a package (9 months pay) I jumped.
3. What was your best method or matrix of determining you were financially ready?
==> Various calculators like Firecalc, and Vanguard PAS saying we would be fine.
4. What was your biggest emotional surprise in the process?
==> That my marriage would change. Not necessarily a good change or a bad change, but different.
5. What was your biggest regret or what would you do differently?
==> I didn't have any sort of spend plan at first, which resulted in our spending less than we could. 2022 didn't help. After spending time on BH and figuring things out, I'm a bit freer with funds after coming up with a more solid plan and a TIPS bridge.
6. What is your best nugget of advice for someone’s first year of retirement?
==> Put together a good plan for how you get to Medicare, and SS at 70.
As always, thank you BHs for sharing!
), not knowing what we don’t know, please share as much as you can on the following so that we all can learn how best to navigate the transition:Statistics: Posted by Kosh976 — Thu May 16, 2024 10:35 pm — Replies 26 — Views 3899