Can I make it 13 more years? Do I want to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I don't have that much in savings. I have about $400K for 2 DCs college and about $2.5m savings/retirement. Plus equity in my house. Kids go to public, never had super expensive cars, etc. so I feel like I didn't live too high but it isn't that easy to save. So would that be enough, I don't know. I feel like taking a break and figuring out what to do in 2 years. Obviously I could afford that but I don't think I could flat out retire. Thanks for the suggestions. Even reading the posts made my day go by quicker!

Is the $2.5M for both you & your husband - or just you? If you quit work will your husband still be working?
$2.5M seems plenty (esp if it's just for one person?).
Perhaps get a relaxed part-time job (if possible) if you feel like you still want some income.

[Anonymous]

Retire today. You've won the game!

[Anonymous]

Op, retire now. And which field do you work in? If we are in the same field, can you refer me for your replacement?

[Anonymous]

If I had 2.5M - I'd be outta here.

[Anonymous]

How about if you set your goal to work to age 55?

[Anonymous]

Can you take a few months off?

[Anonymous]

OP, you have plenty to retire if you're ready to live simply. You have a lot more than many of us will have when we retire. It really depends on your lifestyle and cost of living. My brother just retired at 50, but he has saved his money, and he's willing to live really frugally. (while still enjoying lots of hiking and skiing and sailing)
On the other hand, my mom has a friend who retired at 40 (!) and is a mess now at 75. He has no money and is living on social security and the kindness of friends. This country is not kind to seniors with no money. It does sound to me like you need to talk to a financial advisor (with your husband.)

[Anonymous]

We are in a similar situation and have considered retiring, but healthcare costs scare us.
You are in a situation where you can retire and let DH continue to work and get benefits. I recommend working with your employer to give you part time- 3 days/week and then you can use the other days to do what you like (recreation, volunteering, gardening, whatever floats your boat). I've worked part time for a long time and it's the best of both worlds. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Great Advice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are in a similar situation and have considered retiring, but healthcare costs scare us.
You are in a situation where you can retire and let DH continue to work and get benefits. I recommend working with your employer to give you part time- 3 days/week and then you can use the other days to do what you like (recreation, volunteering, gardening, whatever floats your boat). I've worked part time for a long time and it's the best of both worlds. Good luck.

+1

[Anonymous]

I agree that 49 is too young to retire. $400K is not enough money to send both your kids to private colleges. Most cost more than $60K, so you'll need $500K at least. $2.5M is not enough to retire on if you want to maintain your current lifestyle. If you are willing to live frugally, then it will work, but if it's in a 401(k), then you can't take it out for a number of years anyway.
You need to get some perspective, OP. You are in an enviable position, and very, very lucky. You've hit a funk right now, but if you quit your job, things could get much, much worse.
Count your blessings, and figure out how you can make your work life more endurable. Change jobs? Find something outside your work life to engage you? Save more money, sell your house, plan a path forward that you think will make you happier.

[Anonymous]

Fuck it girl- quit! Life is so short- enjoy your time here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree that 49 is too young to retire. $400K is not enough money to send both your kids to private colleges. Most cost more than $60K, so you'll need $500K at least. $2.5M is not enough to retire on if you want to maintain your current lifestyle. If you are willing to live frugally, then it will work, but if it's in a 401(k), then you can't take it out for a number of years anyway.
You need to get some perspective, OP. You are in an enviable position, and very, very lucky. You've hit a funk right now, but if you quit your job, things could get much, much worse.
Count your blessings, and figure out how you can make your work life more endurable. Change jobs? Find something outside your work life to engage you? Save more money, sell your house, plan a path forward that you think will make you happier.

You are right, I am very, very lucky and should be more grateful. Money is mostly in 401K. I am trying some weird meditations and new activities. I fear mostly getting sick or my husband getting sick and then regretting that I don't have the future income coming in. I can probably squeak out another 5 years here. Low stress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I don't have that much in savings. I have about $400K for 2 DCs college and about $2.5m savings/retirement. Plus equity in my house. Kids go to public, never had super expensive cars, etc. so I feel like I didn't live too high but it isn't that easy to save. So would that be enough, I don't know. I feel like taking a break and figuring out what to do in 2 years. Obviously I could afford that but I don't think I could flat out retire. Thanks for the suggestions. Even reading the posts made my day go by quicker!

OP are you a woman? Many woman really want to retire by age 53. It is not as much of an identity for women and they adjust better. If you can afford it, go ahead!