RETIREMENT - At what age did you or will you throw in the towel?

[sflam123]

I retired when I was 52 yrs old, after working at the company for 30 years. I started right out of college. Although I had no intention of retiring when I did, a series of events transpired that led to my decision. Shortly after the first of the year I retired, my Dr. sat me down and told me that something had to change. My blood pressure was dangerously high, despite taking the maximum recommended dose of BP medicine, I was working insane hrs., I wasn’t sleeping, etc. Then my company announced it was going to be sold. I was given a choice….retire with my promised retirement package at 30 years, or stay and receive credit for my service under the new company’s unknown retirement plan. I chose to leave. I have NO regrets. Smartest decision I’ve ever made.

[cwilt]

The AirForce is going to kick me out in 3 years and 9 months. I will be 57 and a half. I will be done!

[rednecktech]

59 1/2. I knew that was my earliest date that I could but was on the fence...should I stay or should I go? Things just aligned with interest rates and 401k values at that time (summer of 21), making it the perfect time to go. It helped that I was able to keep company BCBS insurance at the same rate as well.

[twitch]

I retired at 66 and just about when my youngest granddaughter was born ,spent a lot of those years with her ,she started school 2 yrs ago and I picked up a part time job . I'll be 73 in a week or so being retired has been a blast but the pt job helps with things financially and keeps me busy without my granddaughter doing it...lmao

[Kevin R.]

I want to retire at 58 when I meet my time with the school district but I'll probably have to stay on for a few more years.

[CaymasRodney]

65 was my magic number, I sure do wish I had retired at 30 now, those five years took a lot out of me!!

[Junk Fisherman]

60

With my full pension, retirement accounts, and my side gigs, I will play around the rest of my life.

[Treker47]

I retired three times and the last time I was 72 and 77 now. Company kept calling me back and I kept going back until I realized I needed to fish more.

[basscatlildave]

I'll be 60 this year and always dream of it. I have a successful business but it requires very long hours by me. My days are usually 6 to 6 6 days a week so I can't seem to make time to fish as much as I want. We are in a growing area and 10 businesses sold here in the last year so maybe someone will come see me too. My Dad passed in 2020 at 74 worked a 12 hour day on Friday didn't feel good on Saturday and passed on Monday. I don't want to do that.

[BULLET7SST]

I plan on retiring next year at 60 and 8 months. Everything is paid for so no major bills. Will live on savings and pension until 64 and start drawing social security.

[ChampioNman]

02/28/2025 still trying to adjust from doing something to doing nothing ain't easy.

[smalljawguy]

I will 62 in 2027 and that's when I plan to call it quits. I cannot wait to be mommas slave to honey do's, full time papa to my grandson and maybe slip in some time to fly my rc airplanes and travel.

[BassCatSC]

Retired in 3/23 at the age of 61. Don't regret it for a minute. My only advice would be to take time now to make a plan for when you retire, otherwise, you will be right back at work.

[billnorman1]

I worked for the Feds. I had 32 & 1/2 years in when they decided to thin my career field out. I was 53. They offered a $25,000.00 bonus if I would take an early retirement. I would lose 4% of my retirement pay.
Took me about 15 minutes to say good-bye.

[Esox Z518C]

same with me. Love it

Retired at 62 and not looking back.

[1stindoor]

I retired at 65 and consulted till age 70 to wind down my Workaholic nature. My Wife and I are long term planners and had everything in place.
There was only one surprise and based on this I offer this little piece of advice.
Background: At age 70 1/2 you have to start minimum spend down on your pre tax accounts, 401K, IRA etc. As expected, you have to pay income tax on these withdrawals but the part I did not expect was the affect on Social Security income tax. If you have over 32K in earned income, W2, pensions, savings withdrawal etc, you have to pay income tax on 50% of your social security income and 85% if earnings over 44K.
My advice is to move as much as possible into ROTH accounts as you approach retirement so you are paying the income tax when it has a lesser affect on your monthly cash flow.

Good advice. Thank you.

[ManxFishing]

63 for me
Had always thought 67 would be full SS and I'd do it then.
But in my 50's with a little planning and getting all the 401's together.
65 became the Target, Thought I couldn't afford the Heath insur.
I did enjoy the people I worked with. And made good money
The past 2 years, People retired and it's became a hell hole. It's sad to be over paid and under worked
The hardest part of my day was looking busy. Started going in at 5 to avoid the Circus
So I retired this year
Every thing is paid off, Have a good chunk of investments and plan to draw SS at 67
I see it evolving into volunteering a couple days a week and fishing more. Plant flowers in the yard, etc.

I see it has
It's not about how much to make on retirement. It's how much you spend
taxes and insur. are my 2 biggest bills

[Swerve-n-Protect]

I retired from law enforcement after 23 years, got a job with the fed. govt. 17.5 years ago.... I "plan" on retiring in 2.5 years at 64 years old, unless Elon fires me before then......

[TNfish3]

Retired from the fire department at 50 and couldn't be happier! My advice is retire as early as you can afford. You never know what's coming tomorrow so enjoy your life now!

[rangerjignpig]

For those that retired at 62 what are you paying monthly for Health Insurance. I will be 62 in May and retire in Dec.