How to value a military pension into NW

[Anonymous]

Another retired military spouse here. We are in similar financial circumstances. After 30 years of frugal living and heavy investing in equities, I don’t see how we are ever going to spend what we have accumulated. No debt. Primary home, vacation condo.

Now just focused on maintaining healthy lifestyles to enjoy our retirement years as long as possible.

Congratulations and thank you for your service to our country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 51 yo who just retired from the Navy as an O-6 naval aviator after 29 years of service. Does anyone know how to value a military pension with COLA into a Net Worth calculation? Various websites out there with suggestions on how to do this (lump sum, TIPs model, annuity comparison) and obviously you have to make assumptions about your longevity but was wondering if any of the military retirees on DCUM had a formula that “worked” for them. TIA

On another note, you missed the hiring wave.

You be a senior wide body FO or mid-range narrow body CA if you separated at 20.

OP here - appreciate your concern for my “missed” employment opportunities. I stayed in because I wanted to serve my country and liked the naval aviation community and camaraderie despite the inherent risks. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen medical issues as well as being too senior for most flying tours I wasn’t able to fly the last few years of my Navy career. Those same medical issues prevent me from flying commercially as a civilian. I plan to “retire” and manage our finances and multiple rental properties (two in San Diego, one in Lake Tahoe, and a small condo in Pensacola, FL). My wife and I have done very well investing our income over the years (a few incredible stock picks should helped that) and can FatFIRE if we wanted to.

However, speaking of flying commercially, my lovely and beautiful wife who I met in flight school retired as an O-5 naval aviator over 9 years ago at 20 years of service and is currently a 777 FO for a major airline so I get to enjoy many of those airline perks. We have two 100% eligibility 36 month 9/11 GI Bills that we can gift to our children, two TSP accounts from our military service that have grown quite a lot (no matching funds since we have pensions) plus her airline 401K, Roth IRAs that continue to be funded using the Backdoor Roth process, and multiple taxable investment accounts. I think we’ll be fine.

Sounds like you are all set. So, why the value. You can always do consulting work since you don’t need the health care.

Since several PPs have asked — I’m working with a private equity firm and they want to know my NW before I can make investments with them when funding calls occur. I assume it’s part of their screening criteria. Wasn’t sure how to value the NW of my pension except what has been previously discussed. Wanted to see if the DCUM crowd had any other ideas. Thanks.

You might get better responses if you tell us the monthly amount of your pension. Not sure why you wouldn't include that information.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 51 yo who just retired from the Navy as an O-6 naval aviator after 29 years of service. Does anyone know how to value a military pension with COLA into a Net Worth calculation? Various websites out there with suggestions on how to do this (lump sum, TIPs model, annuity comparison) and obviously you have to make assumptions about your longevity but was wondering if any of the military retirees on DCUM had a formula that “worked” for them. TIA

On another note, you missed the hiring wave.

You be a senior wide body FO or mid-range narrow body CA if you separated at 20.

OP here - appreciate your concern for my “missed” employment opportunities. I stayed in because I wanted to serve my country and liked the naval aviation community and camaraderie despite the inherent risks. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen medical issues as well as being too senior for most flying tours I wasn’t able to fly the last few years of my Navy career. Those same medical issues prevent me from flying commercially as a civilian. I plan to “retire” and manage our finances and multiple rental properties (two in San Diego, one in Lake Tahoe, and a small condo in Pensacola, FL). My wife and I have done very well investing our income over the years (a few incredible stock picks should helped that) and can FatFIRE if we wanted to.

However, speaking of flying commercially, my lovely and beautiful wife who I met in flight school retired as an O-5 naval aviator over 9 years ago at 20 years of service and is currently a 777 FO for a major airline so I get to enjoy many of those airline perks. We have two 100% eligibility 36 month 9/11 GI Bills that we can gift to our children, two TSP accounts from our military service that have grown quite a lot (no matching funds since we have pensions) plus her airline 401K, Roth IRAs that continue to be funded using the Backdoor Roth process, and multiple taxable investment accounts. I think we’ll be fine.

You two sound insufferable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 51 yo who just retired from the Navy as an O-6 naval aviator after 29 years of service. Does anyone know how to value a military pension with COLA into a Net Worth calculation? Various websites out there with suggestions on how to do this (lump sum, TIPs model, annuity comparison) and obviously you have to make assumptions about your longevity but was wondering if any of the military retirees on DCUM had a formula that “worked” for them. TIA

On another note, you missed the hiring wave.

You be a senior wide body FO or mid-range narrow body CA if you separated at 20.

OP here - appreciate your concern for my “missed” employment opportunities. I stayed in because I wanted to serve my country and liked the naval aviation community and camaraderie despite the inherent risks. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen medical issues as well as being too senior for most flying tours I wasn’t able to fly the last few years of my Navy career. Those same medical issues prevent me from flying commercially as a civilian. I plan to “retire” and manage our finances and multiple rental properties (two in San Diego, one in Lake Tahoe, and a small condo in Pensacola, FL). My wife and I have done very well investing our income over the years (a few incredible stock picks should helped that) and can FatFIRE if we wanted to.

However, speaking of flying commercially, my lovely and beautiful wife who I met in flight school retired as an O-5 naval aviator over 9 years ago at 20 years of service and is currently a 777 FO for a major airline so I get to enjoy many of those airline perks. We have two 100% eligibility 36 month 9/11 GI Bills that we can gift to our children, two TSP accounts from our military service that have grown quite a lot (no matching funds since we have pensions) plus her airline 401K, Roth IRAs that continue to be funded using the Backdoor Roth process, and multiple taxable investment accounts. I think we’ll be fine.

You two sound insufferable.

They are pretty typical of some officers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 51 yo who just retired from the Navy as an O-6 naval aviator after 29 years of service. Does anyone know how to value a military pension with COLA into a Net Worth calculation? Various websites out there with suggestions on how to do this (lump sum, TIPs model, annuity comparison) and obviously you have to make assumptions about your longevity but was wondering if any of the military retirees on DCUM had a formula that “worked” for them. TIA

On another note, you missed the hiring wave.

You be a senior wide body FO or mid-range narrow body CA if you separated at 20.

OP here - appreciate your concern for my “missed” employment opportunities. I stayed in because I wanted to serve my country and liked the naval aviation community and camaraderie despite the inherent risks. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen medical issues as well as being too senior for most flying tours I wasn’t able to fly the last few years of my Navy career. Those same medical issues prevent me from flying commercially as a civilian. I plan to “retire” and manage our finances and multiple rental properties (two in San Diego, one in Lake Tahoe, and a small condo in Pensacola, FL). My wife and I have done very well investing our income over the years (a few incredible stock picks should helped that) and can FatFIRE if we wanted to.

However, speaking of flying commercially, my lovely and beautiful wife who I met in flight school retired as an O-5 naval aviator over 9 years ago at 20 years of service and is currently a 777 FO for a major airline so I get to enjoy many of those airline perks. We have two 100% eligibility 36 month 9/11 GI Bills that we can gift to our children, two TSP accounts from our military service that have grown quite a lot (no matching funds since we have pensions) plus her airline 401K, Roth IRAs that continue to be funded using the Backdoor Roth process, and multiple taxable investment accounts. I think we’ll be fine.

You two sound insufferable.

You sound jealous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 51 yo who just retired from the Navy as an O-6 naval aviator after 29 years of service. Does anyone know how to value a military pension with COLA into a Net Worth calculation? Various websites out there with suggestions on how to do this (lump sum, TIPs model, annuity comparison) and obviously you have to make assumptions about your longevity but was wondering if any of the military retirees on DCUM had a formula that “worked” for them. TIA

On another note, you missed the hiring wave.

You be a senior wide body FO or mid-range narrow body CA if you separated at 20.

OP here - appreciate your concern for my “missed” employment opportunities. I stayed in because I wanted to serve my country and liked the naval aviation community and camaraderie despite the inherent risks. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen medical issues as well as being too senior for most flying tours I wasn’t able to fly the last few years of my Navy career. Those same medical issues prevent me from flying commercially as a civilian. I plan to “retire” and manage our finances and multiple rental properties (two in San Diego, one in Lake Tahoe, and a small condo in Pensacola, FL). My wife and I have done very well investing our income over the years (a few incredible stock picks should helped that) and can FatFIRE if we wanted to.

However, speaking of flying commercially, my lovely and beautiful wife who I met in flight school retired as an O-5 naval aviator over 9 years ago at 20 years of service and is currently a 777 FO for a major airline so I get to enjoy many of those airline perks. We have two 100% eligibility 36 month 9/11 GI Bills that we can gift to our children, two TSP accounts from our military service that have grown quite a lot (no matching funds since we have pensions) plus her airline 401K, Roth IRAs that continue to be funded using the Backdoor Roth process, and multiple taxable investment accounts. I think we’ll be fine.

You two sound insufferable.

They are pretty typical of some officers.

Especially "naval aviators"...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 51 yo who just retired from the Navy as an O-6 naval aviator after 29 years of service. Does anyone know how to value a military pension with COLA into a Net Worth calculation? Various websites out there with suggestions on how to do this (lump sum, TIPs model, annuity comparison) and obviously you have to make assumptions about your longevity but was wondering if any of the military retirees on DCUM had a formula that “worked” for them. TIA

On another note, you missed the hiring wave.

You be a senior wide body FO or mid-range narrow body CA if you separated at 20.

OP here - appreciate your concern for my “missed” employment opportunities. I stayed in because I wanted to serve my country and liked the naval aviation community and camaraderie despite the inherent risks. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen medical issues as well as being too senior for most flying tours I wasn’t able to fly the last few years of my Navy career. Those same medical issues prevent me from flying commercially as a civilian. I plan to “retire” and manage our finances and multiple rental properties (two in San Diego, one in Lake Tahoe, and a small condo in Pensacola, FL). My wife and I have done very well investing our income over the years (a few incredible stock picks should helped that) and can FatFIRE if we wanted to.

However, speaking of flying commercially, my lovely and beautiful wife who I met in flight school retired as an O-5 naval aviator over 9 years ago at 20 years of service and is currently a 777 FO for a major airline so I get to enjoy many of those airline perks. We have two 100% eligibility 36 month 9/11 GI Bills that we can gift to our children, two TSP accounts from our military service that have grown quite a lot (no matching funds since we have pensions) plus her airline 401K, Roth IRAs that continue to be funded using the Backdoor Roth process, and multiple taxable investment accounts. I think we’ll be fine.

You two sound insufferable.

They are pretty typical of some officers.

I’m the PP who wrote about missing the hiring wave,

Sounds like he has it figured out and is going well for them.

Depending on the airline and base, I may have flown with your wife! Beers on me in London if I hear a familiar story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 51 yo who just retired from the Navy as an O-6 naval aviator after 29 years of service. Does anyone know how to value a military pension with COLA into a Net Worth calculation? Various websites out there with suggestions on how to do this (lump sum, TIPs model, annuity comparison) and obviously you have to make assumptions about your longevity but was wondering if any of the military retirees on DCUM had a formula that “worked” for them. TIA

On another note, you missed the hiring wave.

You be a senior wide body FO or mid-range narrow body CA if you separated at 20.

OP here - appreciate your concern for my “missed” employment opportunities. I stayed in because I wanted to serve my country and liked the naval aviation community and camaraderie despite the inherent risks. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen medical issues as well as being too senior for most flying tours I wasn’t able to fly the last few years of my Navy career. Those same medical issues prevent me from flying commercially as a civilian. I plan to “retire” and manage our finances and multiple rental properties (two in San Diego, one in Lake Tahoe, and a small condo in Pensacola, FL). My wife and I have done very well investing our income over the years (a few incredible stock picks should helped that) and can FatFIRE if we wanted to.

However, speaking of flying commercially, my lovely and beautiful wife who I met in flight school retired as an O-5 naval aviator over 9 years ago at 20 years of service and is currently a 777 FO for a major airline so I get to enjoy many of those airline perks. We have two 100% eligibility 36 month 9/11 GI Bills that we can gift to our children, two TSP accounts from our military service that have grown quite a lot (no matching funds since we have pensions) plus her airline 401K, Roth IRAs that continue to be funded using the Backdoor Roth process, and multiple taxable investment accounts. I think we’ll be fine.

You two sound insufferable.

They are pretty typical of some officers.

I’m the PP who wrote about missing the hiring wave,

Sounds like he has it figured out and is going well for them.

Depending on the airline and base, I may have flown with your wife! Beers on me in London if I hear a familiar story.

It probably was better for him to stay in till 30 and get a better pension. We are enlisted and our pension is pathetic - less than $1K a month for 20 years but for my spouse, it was better to get out and have a second career. OP could change to private at any time so it's not as big of a deal as someone who would do a full career change.

[Anonymous]

OP how much of a lump sum would you trade your pension for? Maybe 7 or 8X the annual cash flow?

[Anonymous]

Why go to a PE firm when you have a generous pension and separate IRA accounts, plus properties? Seems sophisticated but also unnecessary. You easily pass as a couple for the accredited investor with all your assets. That sounds like a sales gimmick, I bet they want your $$$. If you have excess funds, simply construct a portfolio of growth and dividend stocks in a taxable account. Or use ETFs if you like. Your heirs will get a stepped up basis upon your death.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 51 yo who just retired from the Navy as an O-6 naval aviator after 29 years of service. Does anyone know how to value a military pension with COLA into a Net Worth calculation? Various websites out there with suggestions on how to do this (lump sum, TIPs model, annuity comparison) and obviously you have to make assumptions about your longevity but was wondering if any of the military retirees on DCUM had a formula that “worked” for them. TIA

On another note, you missed the hiring wave.

You be a senior wide body FO or mid-range narrow body CA if you separated at 20.

OP here - appreciate your concern for my “missed” employment opportunities. I stayed in because I wanted to serve my country and liked the naval aviation community and camaraderie despite the inherent risks. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen medical issues as well as being too senior for most flying tours I wasn’t able to fly the last few years of my Navy career. Those same medical issues prevent me from flying commercially as a civilian. I plan to “retire” and manage our finances and multiple rental properties (two in San Diego, one in Lake Tahoe, and a small condo in Pensacola, FL). My wife and I have done very well investing our income over the years (a few incredible stock picks should helped that) and can FatFIRE if we wanted to.

However, speaking of flying commercially, my lovely and beautiful wife who I met in flight school retired as an O-5 naval aviator over 9 years ago at 20 years of service and is currently a 777 FO for a major airline so I get to enjoy many of those airline perks. We have two 100% eligibility 36 month 9/11 GI Bills that we can gift to our children, two TSP accounts from our military service that have grown quite a lot (no matching funds since we have pensions) plus her airline 401K, Roth IRAs that continue to be funded using the Backdoor Roth process, and multiple taxable investment accounts. I think we’ll be fine.

You two sound insufferable.

They are pretty typical of some officers.

Especially "naval aviators"...

Savage

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 51 yo who just retired from the Navy as an O-6 naval aviator after 29 years of service. Does anyone know how to value a military pension with COLA into a Net Worth calculation? Various websites out there with suggestions on how to do this (lump sum, TIPs model, annuity comparison) and obviously you have to make assumptions about your longevity but was wondering if any of the military retirees on DCUM had a formula that “worked” for them. TIA

On another note, you missed the hiring wave.

You be a senior wide body FO or mid-range narrow body CA if you separated at 20.

OP here - appreciate your concern for my “missed” employment opportunities. I stayed in because I wanted to serve my country and liked the naval aviation community and camaraderie despite the inherent risks. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen medical issues as well as being too senior for most flying tours I wasn’t able to fly the last few years of my Navy career. Those same medical issues prevent me from flying commercially as a civilian. I plan to “retire” and manage our finances and multiple rental properties (two in San Diego, one in Lake Tahoe, and a small condo in Pensacola, FL). My wife and I have done very well investing our income over the years (a few incredible stock picks should helped that) and can FatFIRE if we wanted to.

However, speaking of flying commercially, my lovely and beautiful wife who I met in flight school retired as an O-5 naval aviator over 9 years ago at 20 years of service and is currently a 777 FO for a major airline so I get to enjoy many of those airline perks. We have two 100% eligibility 36 month 9/11 GI Bills that we can gift to our children, two TSP accounts from our military service that have grown quite a lot (no matching funds since we have pensions) plus her airline 401K, Roth IRAs that continue to be funded using the Backdoor Roth process, and multiple taxable investment accounts. I think we’ll be fine.

Sounds like you are all set. So, why the value. You can always do consulting work since you don’t need the health care.

Since several PPs have asked — I’m working with a private equity firm and they want to know my NW before I can make investments with them when funding calls occur. I assume it’s part of their screening criteria. Wasn’t sure how to value the NW of my pension except what has been previously discussed. Wanted to see if the DCUM crowd had any other ideas. Thanks.

Not a smart move. People who have a lot of money or have been successful in their career fall for this stuff all the time. Having a lot of money doesn't give you any advantage when it comes to acess to investments in this day and age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why go to a PE firm when you have a generous pension and separate IRA accounts, plus properties? Seems sophisticated but also unnecessary. You easily pass as a couple for the accredited investor with all your assets. That sounds like a sales gimmick, I bet they want your $$$. If you have excess funds, simply construct a portfolio of growth and dividend stocks in a taxable account. Or use ETFs if you like. Your heirs will get a stepped up basis upon your death.

That’s what we did. Military pension, multiple retirement accounts, no debt and taxable accounts that yield $150,000 yearly in dividends.

No plan to liquidate shares, will pass to our sons w stepped up basis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why go to a PE firm when you have a generous pension and separate IRA accounts, plus properties? Seems sophisticated but also unnecessary. You easily pass as a couple for the accredited investor with all your assets. That sounds like a sales gimmick, I bet they want your $$$. If you have excess funds, simply construct a portfolio of growth and dividend stocks in a taxable account. Or use ETFs if you like. Your heirs will get a stepped up basis upon your death.

That’s what we did. Military pension, multiple retirement accounts, no debt and taxable accounts that yield $150,000 yearly in dividends.

No plan to liquidate shares, will pass to our sons w stepped up basis.

That is awesome!! You get the trophy. Congrats!! Only downside is that at the cocktail party you can't mention the PE investment. lol.......

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why go to a PE firm when you have a generous pension and separate IRA accounts, plus properties? Seems sophisticated but also unnecessary. You easily pass as a couple for the accredited investor with all your assets. That sounds like a sales gimmick, I bet they want your $$$. If you have excess funds, simply construct a portfolio of growth and dividend stocks in a taxable account. Or use ETFs if you like. Your heirs will get a stepped up basis upon your death.

That’s what we did. Military pension, multiple retirement accounts, no debt and taxable accounts that yield $150,000 yearly in dividends.

No plan to liquidate shares, will pass to our sons w stepped up basis.

That is awesome!! You get the trophy. Congrats!! Only downside is that at the cocktail party you can't mention the PE investment. lol.......

No worries. We are private people and zip our lips.

By the way, I’m the spouse. I’ve always been good w money management, but learned a tremendous amount from Bogleheads.org. Highly recommend for new investors.