How close to ReTirement, Are U?

[mwtdvm]

Why??
I like what I do, I have a position that pays well and as my sister tells me, she has a job while I have an avocation. I am not getting any younger but I will continue to collect a monthly check until the administration tells me to pack it in. I appreciate that other folks have jobs that they have to drag themselves out of bed and go to "Hell on Earth" from 8 to 5... I will keep truckin on as long as I can.

 

[ia1727]

May of 2011 and I'm gone----probably still breed my English Setters and guide Pheasant hunts for extra income though----plus any odd jobs I might pick up along the way.

Seemed like I'd never get there.

Steve

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

If you do not vest soon, you are not going to. As medical care becomes solely provided by the government, pensions will follow quickly. Retirement beyond 2015 = Social Security (at an increasing age) + 401K. Hello Wal Mart!

 

[Marksman]

I got walked out the door at age 59 1/2, now 61 and have been looking for work to no avail. I figure I have been retired, will continue to look for work till age 62 then start to draw SS. At least that's the plan at the moment. Everything's paid for, house is nearly paid off. Only bummer is that I have two in college, pricey private schools at that. The upside is that they both have pretty nice scholarships and we are getting some financial aid. We live simply and we will make it.

 

[wheelieguy]

Retired at 45. Got runflats!

 

[dickttx]

In 2002 I retired as a self employed CPA, since 1967, after finishing school and going to work in 1961. I kept my existing tax clients. Had a real busy tax year in 2005, lots on varied work. This got me revved up again and when I saw an ad for a CFO at a small country hospital, I went to work there. Probably the most enjoyable 5 years of my work life. I was older than anyone there, other than one doctor. However, by last spring my mind was starting to slow down. Things I had done for 45 years, I sometimes had to stop and figure out what to do next.
Retired again about 4 months ago (except I guess I will keep doing my tax returns). This time I pulled out my guns and reloading stuff and I have really enjoyed that. Otherwise I don't know what I would do with my time. I guess it would be internet to reading to tv and back around again. Physically at 73 I can't do near what I could even a few years ago, and I really don't have any health problems and take no medications of any kind. Probably still have a long time to go as my dad is 97 and my mother 93 and still live by themselves.

 

[pharmer]

I'm 57. Considering a life of extreme excess till 40, I should be able to stop working at about 92. Probably find me slumped over a line of carts at the Wallyworld but at least it will be fast and painless. Joe

 

[Grayfox]

Just under 4 years to go.

Put a set of Michelin LTXs on my truck just last week.

 

[bgrafsr]

Retired from the PD after 25 years in Sept. 1997. Went to work for the Municipal Clerk of Court three months later and retired from there on Dec. 31st, 2008, just after turning 65. If their budget allowed it in these hard times, they want me to work part time, but the wife says no, as I earned my retirement and should enjoy it while I can, which I do.

 

[jeepjeepwhat]

about 15,000 miles and 30 years

 

[pinduck]

I retired in 1989 at 55 years old. Have never missed a day of it, always said my job interfered with my hobbies so hasn't since 1989.
Glen

 

[BarbC]

Since I went from one profession to another, I suppose I got retreaded.

 

[boneman]

Was forced to retire from my job of 34 yrs and it turns out that nobody wants a 58 year old with a bad back. So after being retired for a year and a half I have to agree with the saying I always heard from retired people There isn't enough hours in the day and I Love Them All. Thanks Larry

 

[nun]

17 years. My dad has been retired for 6 years and claims he is more busy now. Congratulations to all you guys that are retired.

 

[XAVMECH]

New tires, good-bye work!

New BFG Rugged Trails for the 4x4 in May, and retired at the end of May on my wife's birthday. Both of us retired from the military sometime back. Having a ball, and hope to last at least as long as the new tires

 

[Walker45]

I retired after 20 years in the Army in 2008, due a career ending injury. I was hoping my disability and retirement would be enough to fund my dream of owning a small range and pro shop. However, I quickly realized I could barely afford a pizza after paying the bills. So, I readjusted my plans and now believe until my home is paid for and I owe nothing to anyone I can comfortably retire. Possibly 60-65 pending on if we have a social security program then and our country is still in tack.

 

[H Richard]

5 years now, and loving every minute of it.

 

[Fasteddy]

Been retired since 2004. Love it. So far I havent had to crack open any IRA's. Have to start reductions in about 1 1/2 yrs.

 

[cass]

In 2005, Doctor gave me a choice - either retire, or plan on a heart attack soon. I took his advice, and wish I'd been able to do it a lot sooner. Still had the heart attack, but not due to job stress.

 

[feralmerril]

I retired january 2,000. Several things I have found out. First, you cant plan for every eventuality. Secound, if you belive and trust in God, he will get you through those things.
When I retired I thought I was only retireing temporarly for the summer and planned on truck driveing and seeing the country on someone elses dime. Heres what I mean by you cant plan on all things:
1. I got in a accident and it caused a pulmanry embelism that knocked me out of the truck driveing idea.
2. I had thought I was almost "ritch" when I retired in january when I retired. The meltdown was in march. I instantly lost over half of my 401K and ira`s, as I was in all the risky fast growing stocks.
3. I no sooner retired and my then 87 year old dad that was a widower in wisconsin came down with alzheimers, was stubborn and I had to move in with him 6 months untill I finaly could get him in assisted liveing and then into a convelestant hospital.
Now here is what I meant by God takes care of us:
1. I met my wife who is 17 years younger and now takes care of me!
2. I had 10 acres of raw land that I had bought in the 70s for 10K. I sold it for 175K, and bought a rental with it on a 1031 rollover.
3. While my wifes insurance is now $600+, the rental income about covers it.
4. While I since lost my nose due to cancer, I have my wife that took good care of me.
5. I doubt I would have got the opperation had I not met my wife.
Bottom line here. Gods plan was meant for man to work. (Man shall live by the sweat of his brow). Many on this site are retired military or FD, or LEO. We know many Big city depts pay good retirement and some poor ones doesnt. I do not belive a person is made to work only 20 years of his life. I know I worked for 40, not counting another 10 as a kid in the fields doing harder work by far than I did in my career. I still retired young at 59+.
Had I foreseen the first 2 events before I retired, I doubt I would have. Frankly, I would have found it nessasary to quit anyway when dad came down with alzheimers as I already qualified. My dad was a huge tough guy, (6ft 5"s), and all the girls at the rest home were afraid of him. No, he wasnt beligerant or ever mistreated any of them that I knew of, but he would walk out locked doors anytime he wanted out, and that was every day!
The point of all this is to encourage some of you who can retire but afraid to, to retire. Things work out.