Julie! Today was my last day in the office! 🎉🎉🎉 I'm 59 1/2 and I like working, but I'm ready to have a new relationship with Monday. And every other day that ends in the letter 'y'. 😁 I am so glad I found your channel! My husband sub'd too! ❤
One thing I like about you Julie is you take the time to respond to those who comment on your videos. Many RUclipsr's are solely into posting to generate money. It's nice to see you interact with your audience. Keep it up!
Definitely refreshing that host Juile always seems to respond to comments. She even responds positively to my sometimes-counter point comments that disagree with some of her retirements dollars and age starting points
I retired 1 year ago at 62. My job was stressful and physically demanding. After 1 year, I still can't get the smile off my face! I am so thankful for a stress free life.
Just Saturday, told a friend that I will be retiring in 6 weeks, he mentioned that I was losing a lot of money! So I asked how much a person should sell the best 5 years of the rest of your life for
@ericlee2931 62, i have plenty.. A pension and social security of none of your business. 2100 square foot house completely paid for. It's amazing how you can accommodate stuff when you work everyday for 48 years
@ericlee2931 turned 62 in November, have a pension that just started ,applied for social security and will start receiving in late February, everything is paid for, wife working for another 3 years, plenty in savings and a 401 and a second ira. I'm not foolish with money and I don't think I need to touch my retirement accounts to be comfortable where I live in central Missouri
I work in HR and recall a lady who came to me in October 2020 asking about working part-time in a semi-retirement scenario. I said we could accommodate that. 2 weeks later she said "no, I'm going to fully retire now." That was in late October 2020. After Thanksgiving she got Covid and died in early January 2021. She had one month of retirement.
Not too young. No such thing as too young. My Mother-in-law passed at 54.5 years of age. She was due to retire. It was very sad losing her. My husband is now the age of his Mom, when she passed.
Retire early. Co worker pushed off her retirement... got cancer.. died quickly. Spent 25+ years dealing with the stupidity that work gave her and never got to enjoy it.
I work in healthcare and I feel like I am meaningfully contributing to my community. My job requires walking bending and lifting which is as good as a gym. I also am paying extra toward my mortgage. I am happy and contented. I take vacation and weekend trips, and spend off time with friends. For me the best of both worlds.
My prior co-worker just passed away. He had tons of money and never retired. He was 61 and to work and next day he went to the hospital and never left. It is so sad.
Julie, Your final video of the year knocks it out of the park! What a great topic to present as we wrap up 2024! We have to remember that money is only a tool used to exchange for goods and services. Money, in and of itself, holds no value.
I took a mini 2 month retirement over the summer and confirmed that i am ready. 2025 is the last year working full time before switching to full time on my hobbies. Thanks for the inspiration. Videos like this remind me why i have the plan i have and to stay on track.
I love how much of a teacher you are!!! I’m a teacher too, but high school. I’m on my journey of retire at 55 and 30 years of service. So, I’ll end up with 46% of my highest pay salary. 🤞😅 12 more years to go!!! 😂😂😂 My channel is about my journey to retire happy, not rich. Just like you! Cheers!
Ideally, I'd like both - retire early and rich. 😂 But I'm settling with retire early with moderate nest egg. My health is important, and I need to recover from the madness of the corporate world, especially this past year. Like with you, most of the things I like to do are free! Long walks while listening to podcasts, reading and exercise. As of today, I have 18 business days left and then I'm retired. I can't wait.😁 Thanks for another thought-provoking video, Julie!🌻
Loved the book "Die w/ Zero" as well. 2025, my goal is to only work my scheduled shifts. I like my work as a Medic. It's stressful in the moment, but rewarding as well. It's a small shift in action, but a big shift in mindset to being content. Thanks for sharing your retirement life.
There’s no guarantee on how much time we have left in life! I’m retiring in February at 62, I plan on doing side hustles for extra income, and continue to contribute to my retirement savings, but I’m ready to put the corporate world behind me, especially my current job which is a much lower pay than I’ve earned in the past, and is currently outsourcing. Funny what you said about 70 year olds….my sister turned 70 in October, she hikes, and goes to the gym regularly, and everyone says she looks years younger, they mistake her grown granddaughters for her daughters. I on the other hand am chained to my desk dealing with too much weight and job stress! I don’t need to be rich, just enough to survive. Time to focus on my health! Enjoying your videos Julie, please keep it up! 😊
Keep in mind that a real retirement means never having to work to pay bills... If you choose to retire with a plan to work part time, then might you ask yourself: And I really retired?
Great video and channel, Julie. I agree with your philosophy. I'm eagerly looking forward to my retirement in two and a half years. The feeling of freedom will be wonderful. I imagine it will be similar to the feeling a prisoner has when released from prison.
Another great video. I agree that time is more valuable than money. I retired at 57. Retirement suits you. I have watched your videos since the beginning. You are looking so much more relaxed and self possessed. Keep up these encouraging videos.
Another excellent video! A couple of points I would like to share: 1- I first read “Die with zero” in the summer of 2023, and it really resonated with me. In fact, I immediately made some travel goals and lifestyle goals at that time. 2- This is not the first time I see a video, read about it or hear people say that months or even a few years after retirement that their health was better compared to before they retired.
Your thoughts are spot on! I’m 57 and have to wait until 60 to get full teacher retirement. Otherwise I won’t have nearly enough money. I’m extremely lucky to have have excellent health benefits as a teacher. I take full advantage of getting check ups, colonoscopies etc. so I can be as healthy as possible in retirement.
Housing cost is what keeps me from retiring but I'm working up the courage to switch from full-time to part-time work. I'm 58, so I want to enjoy what time I have left.
Keep in mind that a real retirement means never having to work to pay bills... If you choose to retire with a plan to work part time, then might ask yourself: And I really retired?
Great video! I have been referring to this decision as the choice between the luxury of more time vs. the luxury of more money. I am like you and choosing the luxury of more time. I am looking forward to my retirement that starts in one month and have been enjoying your content while impatiently waiting for the next stage of my life.
Great stuff.... Love how you share the side hustle option. Instead of full time, another choice is part time. Keeps a few bucks coming in. Thanks for sharing your wisdom on so many options.
I retired recently and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I still have a nagging feeling some deadline needs to be met but that is slowly going away. Life is joyful!
My spouse and I both work part-time in non stressful jobs. At 63, we still enjoy life, dance, go to musicals & movies and travel. Having a trickle of money coming in helps pay groceries and a few other essentials. We like our jobs, which both jobs give us interaction with other people trying to stay healthy.
Retiring early is the best choice for me. I don’t see a lot of sense in staying in the work force unless you really enjoy it. I live a simple life and don’t want for much. I don’t want to work until I die or can’t enjoy my retirement because I’m too old to move around. Lots of ppl stay at a job just for the insurance when in actuality it is the job that is making them sick to begin with!
Julie , great video! I am 42 years old and I love to world travel. Fifteen more years I won't have to work if I choose not to. But because I love to do world travel , I will continue to work. But all of the earnings from that point will go straight to my traveling enjoyment.
10000% awesome video. I absolutely want more time than money! My husband and I were just discussing this morning some of our short-term and long-term goals to hopefully retire earlier than later. Thanks, Julie, for sharing.
I have a wife that's 8 years younger than me and comes from a family that has quite a bit of longevity. I have to think about her, and make sure she doesn't run out. So I'll be working until I'm 67 at least. I definitely get what you're saying though.
Love the quote at the end; so so true! I'm just waiting until my college kid leaves the nest to retire. That will be in mid-2027. I'm so thankful to have created financial freedom for myself but since I'm "grounded" with my kiddo, I'll continue to enjoy the fruits of my remote job, and my incredibly enjoyable side hustles. Thanks for more golden content and Happy New Year to you! 🙂
Talking about time moving quickly: I'm on the usual American Middle-Age Cocktail of meds (BP, cholesterol, adjuncts). I have a pill-minder, and it's becoming increasingly clear how quickly time moves by how much more often it seems like I need to refill it! My grandfather told us "time moves faster than I do." He was right!
I retired from full- time at 58 - actually ended up with a part time job at 60 that I don't entirely hate. I am 62 now and do notice that I am slowing down a bit physically. I plan to do my second "retirement" in another year at age 63. I don't think that early retirement is something that I will ever regret. You only live once, and dying with a huge bank account is less important than enjoying the life that you have left.
im in the retire early club. that is still a long way for me though. if everything goes as planned, i will retire in 16 years at 50. id love for it to be sooner but i dont think that will be possible unless my investments just skyrocket lol
Another good video. The decision maker for me was knowing my budget and determining how much I needed invested to afford that budget. I only liked my job. The job was a means to my desired goal of retirement.
I'm retiring in a few months at 64 (nearly 65). I find it amusing when people at work ask, "Retiring to what?" I am retiring TO LIFE! I just think that people who ask that question have no imagination. There's so much to do away from the office, even if it's as simple as being outside in nature.
I'm retiring at 60 in two months time - I certainly won't be rich but the negative effect work was having on me was no longer worth it and I could feel my mental health suffering. Had I stayed longer for a bigger pension, what would've been the point only to suffer in doing so?
I'm 52 and a teacher. I can retire without penalties at 55. However, my health is not 100. I want to retire now for my health, but I can't do anything until age 55. I need my health insurance more than ever.
That's tough. If you had enough saved in a bridge account you could stop working and delay taking your retirement. But that would require enough money to get you to 55. Good luck! ☺
I retired at 56 which reduced my pension. Age 60 was the full penision. I knew I could live off the reduced pension, but I didnt know if iId live to 60. In a few months Ill be 60 and no regrets over that decision. Havent bought that Rolex I ve always dreamed of but I have traveled a lot and just enjoyed my free time.
I’m with you Julie! You are so grounded and honest. Time over money every time for me know although, like you it took me a while to work it out. I’ve got two terms of part time teaching to do and then I’m done 🎉🎉. All the best for 2025 x
I am 60 and retiring later this year (haven’t nailed down the date yet, working on some pre-retirement home renovations). Medical issues made the decision for me. We have enough saved for a comfortable retirement and want to travel before we can’t.
👍Excellent! I choose not to work til I drop dead The stress alone was killing me I love routine and simplicity I choose freedom! Peace is priceless! I treasure my God and family time Since I do not need the bells and whistles I'm fine being comfortable not rich Enjoying the fruits of my labor now instead of later No regrets I exhale Julie thank you for your beautiful content Wonderful end 2024
I wish the numbers were the same today as they would be in 3 years so call me greedy working a little longer. Coming off a month of vacation makes going back to work a real downer and that vacation ended at midnight 🤬. One thing I look at from time to time is Median income brackets and that helps keep me on the right course. If you could do a 2025 video on that soon that would be a good watch. You are appreciated Julie and have a Happy New Year tonight. 🌹👍🏻
It's not greedy! You have to save the amount that feels right to you! Median income brackets is a great video idea - thanks! Happy New Year to you too! 🥳
Hi, Julie! Great video! Retire rich or retire early?? Yeah, there's a balance there for everyone. I was careful along the way not to get too many crazy money obligations, and the balance for me was early over rich. I ended up retiring ten years ago at 53 with (very) low seven figures and two good, definied-benefit retirements. I really have not eaten into my nest egg much at all so far--what I have spent has been made back and then some in the market. Some of it I'm holding for possible health care expenses, but pretty soon, I'm going to start spending into it. If I had had that kind of money when I was young, I would have spent it on girlfriends and wives and cars and boats, probably, but the weird thing is that now that I HAVE money, there's really not that much that I WANT. I have traveled a lot over these last 10 years, and I do fly first class and I do stay in the better hotels, and that is expensive, but it makes such a huge difference that I don't mind. Well, not too much, heh! Love your channel.
Thank you! Wow you did good being able to reire at 53! And it sounds like you're doing great now if you haven't used much of your nest egg in 10 years! Awesome! 😁
I’m trying to convince my husband to retire early. Both of our fathers died within 2-3 years after retirement. I wish they had worked less and spent more time with family.
I would rather retire early and enjoy what I already have. I have to figure out the health insurance stuff, though, so I don’t deplete the savings I have.
Neither of my parents stayed in shape..sitting happened way too much. My mom days cleaning the house is exercise enough...no, it's not and she is paying for it now with weak muscles!
Yes, exercise is so important! My mom did the same thing. It got to the point where she couldn't get up and walk around by herself. It was motivation for me to keep moving! 🙂
Well, we sort of can't do either, in terms of retiring early or retiring rich. I'm 57 and my husband is 70. I was a stay at home mom most of the time and am currently not working, so I guess you could say I've retired early but I wasn't an income producer to begin with. My husband is too old to retire early. His last day was supposed to be this Friday, 1/3/25, but they've talked him into staying on through January. We have about $530K at the moment but some of that is slated to build a house...hoping to stay under $200K...which we will do from the ground up ourselves...well, mostly my husband...with some help from family. We already own/live on the land and it's developed so we won't have the expenses of a well, septic, electric etc. It will be As far as health vs. wealth and doing things while you're young enough to do them, my husband is healthier and more fit than me and more than most people significantly younger than him. We do share your philosophy of being happy if we can cover our expenses and have some leftover for a little inexpensive fun. We've been on the lower income side most of our lives but have never really been in debt. Our needs and wants are pretty simple. We just want a quiet and simple life, free from the constraints of regular employment.
To add: He has a small pension, about $750 per month, from a private sector job he had for 15 years. He also delayed social security until age 70. He wasn't going to be quitting working before now anyway and with me being significantly younger too and not having the credits to collect SS on my own, it just made sense to delay. I am reasonably sure we can live on SS and the pension with the our savings being used for things that come up.
That's awesome that your husband is so fit at 70! That's my goal but I'm really going to have to keep up the workouts. Building a home together will be great! My needs and wants are pretty simple too. Good luck with the house - it sounds like an adventure! 😀
I'd rather retire early, but I want to make sure we have enough to take care of us in old age and also leave a small legacy for the causes we care about. I guess that just means prepping hard in advance, which we're doing.
I'm 68ish and retired at 65, the timing driven largely by Medicare eligibility. Still, it was a difficult decision; it wasn't about retiring rich but knowing I could cover expenses and medical insurance through retirement. Our compromise was that my wife and I traveled more and did those "retirement" things as much as possible while I still worked. For us I think it worked out because I don't feel we sacrificed too much lifestyle or experiences. Now that I'm fully retired, I do have the peace of mind that the expenses are covered and hope to maintain the "adventure mode" for as long as I can. I hope it was the right decision but there's no way of knowing in advance. That said, there is no right answer, and this is just what I did.
If I hadn't been laid off at 55, I would have worked until 58.5 (retiring when my husband turned 59.5). There was no way I was going to go back to Corporate America, and I chose freedom.
Just ended my second month of retirement at 64 (which everyone around me sees as retiring early lol). Did your expenses go up in retirement? I lowered the heat to 60 degrees when I was at work and only used the microwave instead of cooking dinners in the oven like I am doing now so spending more on heat and electricity now. Who's expenses have gone up and are you going over budget?
I work for a Major USA airline, my colleagues had been working for over 50 years, it is the norm , to me is a Mind blowing working for so long and there is no plan to retire anytime soon. Some work until over the age of 80’s . NOT me , I am retiring after 24 years of service. I work to live, I do not live to work.
lol rich 😬 only because I’m wanting to gift money each year to my adult kids when we hit 62 and up. I’d like to help them fund their Ira or pay off their homes early. If we don’t make it to 62, due to job loss or death, that’s fine too. And I should say I work part time and my husband works half the month.
Julie! Today was my last day in the office! 🎉🎉🎉
I'm 59 1/2 and I like working, but I'm ready to have a new relationship with Monday. And every other day that ends in the letter 'y'. 😁
I am so glad I found your channel! My husband sub'd too! ❤
Congratulations and welcome to the club!! 🎉 Thank you! ☺
New relationship with Monday….I like that!! Enjoy your new relationship 😊😊
One thing I like about you Julie is you take the time to respond to those who comment on your videos. Many RUclipsr's are solely into posting to generate money. It's nice to see you interact with your audience. Keep it up!
Thank you! I love this community. I learn from all of you too! ☺
Definitely refreshing that host Juile always seems to respond to comments. She even responds positively to my sometimes-counter point comments that disagree with some of her retirements dollars and age starting points
I retired 1 year ago at 62. My job was stressful and physically demanding. After 1 year, I still can't get the smile off my face! I am so thankful for a stress free life.
I love to hear that! I feel the same way!! 😄
Just Saturday, told a friend that I will be retiring in 6 weeks, he mentioned that I was losing a lot of money! So I asked how much a person should sell the best 5 years of the rest of your life for
Well congrats! 🎉🎉 I love that and so agree! 😀
Care to share the number that you have in the in-savings nest egg that you are moving forward with? And your age?
@ericlee2931 62, i have plenty..
A pension and social security of none of your business. 2100 square foot house completely paid for. It's amazing how you can accommodate stuff when you work everyday for 48 years
@ericlee2931 turned 62 in November, have a pension that just started ,applied for social security and will start receiving in late February, everything is paid for, wife working for another 3 years, plenty in savings and a 401 and a second ira. I'm not foolish with money and I don't think I need to touch my retirement accounts to be comfortable where I live in central Missouri
I work in HR and recall a lady who came to me in October 2020 asking about working part-time in a semi-retirement scenario. I said we could accommodate that. 2 weeks later she said "no, I'm going to fully retire now." That was in late October 2020. After Thanksgiving she got Covid and died in early January 2021. She had one month of retirement.
Oh that's so sad! I hear SO MANY stories like that! 😟
I am 51 and planning to retire in a year. Some say it’s too young to retire, but I am sticking to my plan.
Good for you and congrats! ☺
Not too young. No such thing as too young. My Mother-in-law passed at 54.5 years of age. She was due to retire. It was very sad losing her. My husband is now the age of his Mom, when she passed.
Retire early. Co worker pushed off her retirement... got cancer.. died quickly. Spent 25+ years dealing with the stupidity that work gave her and never got to enjoy it.
I agree. I hear similar stories over and over! 😳
I work in healthcare and I feel like I am meaningfully contributing to my community. My job requires walking bending and lifting which is as good as a gym. I also am paying extra toward my mortgage. I am happy and contented. I take vacation and weekend trips, and spend off time with friends. For me the best of both worlds.
That's great! If you love your job and get fulfillment from it there may be no reason to retire! 😁
My prior co-worker just passed away. He had tons of money and never retired. He was 61 and to work and next day he went to the hospital and never left. It is so sad.
That is both heart breaking and eye opening. 😟
Just left my job after 22 years at 591/2. I'm ready for retirement. 😊
Congratulations and welcome to the less than 60 retirement club! Now you can really live YOUR life!
Congrats!! 🎉
Julie, Your final video of the year knocks it out of the park! What a great topic to present as we wrap up 2024! We have to remember that money is only a tool used to exchange for goods and services. Money, in and of itself, holds no value.
Thank you! I agree! 😃
I took a mini 2 month retirement over the summer and confirmed that i am ready. 2025 is the last year working full time before switching to full time on my hobbies. Thanks for the inspiration. Videos like this remind me why i have the plan i have and to stay on track.
That's a great way to figure it out! Congrats! You're welcome! ☺
I love how much of a teacher you are!!! I’m a teacher too, but high school. I’m on my journey of retire at 55 and 30 years of service. So, I’ll end up with 46% of my highest pay salary. 🤞😅
12 more years to go!!! 😂😂😂
My channel is about my journey to retire happy, not rich. Just like you! Cheers!
Thank you! That's awesome - I'll check it out! ☺
Ideally, I'd like both - retire early and rich. 😂 But I'm settling with retire early with moderate nest egg. My health is important, and I need to recover from the madness of the corporate world, especially this past year. Like with you, most of the things I like to do are free! Long walks while listening to podcasts, reading and exercise. As of today, I have 18 business days left and then I'm retired. I can't wait.😁 Thanks for another thought-provoking video, Julie!🌻
Wow 18 business days! 😃Yay! I settled for early too. No regrets yet! 😁 You are welcome!
At this point I am a workaholic. I always watch your videos as a rehab. Thank you for the content.
I think I was a workoholic for a long time too! You are welcome! ☺
Retire early so that you can enjoy your nest egg. Nobody knows how long they will live. The older you get the less money you will spend.
@michelle.goodridge I agree 👍 😀
Loved the book "Die w/ Zero" as well. 2025, my goal is to only work my scheduled shifts. I like my work as a Medic. It's stressful in the moment, but rewarding as well. It's a small shift in action, but a big shift in mindset to being content. Thanks for sharing your retirement life.
That's great! You are very welcome! ☺
There’s no guarantee on how much time we have left in life! I’m retiring in February at 62, I plan on doing side hustles for extra income, and continue to contribute to my retirement savings, but I’m ready to put the corporate world behind me, especially my current job which is a much lower pay than I’ve earned in the past, and is currently outsourcing.
Funny what you said about 70 year olds….my sister turned 70 in October, she hikes, and goes to the gym regularly, and everyone says she looks years younger, they mistake her grown granddaughters for her daughters. I on the other hand am chained to my desk dealing with too much weight and job stress! I don’t need to be rich, just enough to survive. Time to focus on my health! Enjoying your videos Julie, please keep it up! 😊
There’s absolutely no guarantee on how much time we have left! Good for your sister! I sure hope to keep being active in my 70s. 🤞Thank you! ☺
Keep in mind that a real retirement means never having to work to pay bills... If you choose to retire with a plan to work part time, then might you ask yourself: And I really retired?
Great video and channel, Julie. I agree with your philosophy. I'm eagerly looking forward to my retirement in two and a half years. The feeling of freedom will be wonderful. I imagine it will be similar to the feeling a prisoner has when released from prison.
Thank you! 2 1/2 years isn't long to go! For me the feeling of freedom is amazing. ☺
Another great video. I agree that time is more valuable than money. I retired at 57. Retirement suits you. I have watched your videos since the beginning. You are looking so much more relaxed and self possessed. Keep up these encouraging videos.
Thank you so much! I do feel so much more relaxed! 😁
Another excellent video!
A couple of points I would like to share:
1- I first read “Die with zero” in the summer of 2023, and it really resonated with me. In fact, I immediately made some travel goals and lifestyle goals at that time.
2- This is not the first time I see a video, read about it or hear people say that months or even a few years after retirement that their health was better compared to before they retired.
Thank you! It's a great book. I also hear people say their health is better after retiring! 😁
Your thoughts are spot on! I’m 57 and have to wait until 60 to get full teacher retirement. Otherwise I won’t have nearly enough money. I’m extremely lucky to have have excellent health benefits as a teacher. I take full advantage of getting check ups, colonoscopies etc. so I can be as healthy as possible in retirement.
Thanks! Well 60 isn't too far away for you! Yes, keep up with your checkups for sure! 👍
Housing cost is what keeps me from retiring but I'm working up the courage to switch from full-time to part-time work. I'm 58, so I want to enjoy what time I have left.
Keep in mind that a real retirement means never having to work to pay bills... If you choose to retire with a plan to work part time, then might ask yourself: And I really retired?
I get that. Part time could really work out well for you! Good luck! ☺
Early as possible! "Executing a good plan now is much better than a perfect plan later." -Gen George Patton
Awesome! Love the quote!! 😀
Great video! I have been referring to this decision as the choice between the luxury of more time vs. the luxury of more money. I am like you and choosing the luxury of more time. I am looking forward to my retirement that starts in one month and have been enjoying your content while impatiently waiting for the next stage of my life.
Thank you! That's awesome - congrats!! 🎉
Great stuff.... Love how you share the side hustle option.
Instead of full time, another choice is part time. Keeps a few bucks coming in. Thanks for sharing your wisdom on so many options.
Thank you! Yes part time is a great option! 😁
I will encourage early retirement for everyone
Me too! 😁
I retired recently and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I still have a nagging feeling some deadline needs to be met but that is slowly going away. Life is joyful!
That's wonderful - congrats!! I had that feeling for a bit too! 😁
Great channel, great video, great closing quote! Very thought-provoking!
Thank you! ☺
My spouse and I both work part-time in non stressful jobs. At 63, we still enjoy life, dance, go to musicals & movies and travel. Having a trickle of money coming in helps pay groceries and a few other essentials. We like our jobs, which both jobs give us interaction with other people trying to stay healthy.
That's awesome! Part-time is the way to go for sure, especially since you like your jobs! ☺
Wise words Julie, way to take control of your life.
Thank you! ☺
I did both. I started with early and then built wealth. I am still building, but I want to do it passively 🙂 Happy New Year.
Win - win for you!! Happy New Year! 😃
My health is such a priority today.
Good for you! Me too!! ☺
I do so many of the same things you do. :-) We're retiring officially April 1 at 59 1/2 and 60 1/2. Looking forward to it!
Yay and congrats!! 😁
Retiring early is the best choice for me. I don’t see a lot of sense in staying in the work force unless you really enjoy it. I live a simple life and don’t want for much. I don’t want to work until I die or can’t enjoy my retirement because I’m too old to move around. Lots of ppl stay at a job just for the insurance when in actuality it is the job that is making them sick to begin with!
I love this! Thank you for sharing! ☺
Julie , great video! I am 42 years old and I love to world travel. Fifteen more years I won't have to work if I choose not to. But because I love to do world travel , I will continue to work. But all of the earnings from that point will go straight to my traveling enjoyment.
That's awesome! Traveling is amazing! 😁
10000% awesome video. I absolutely want more time than money! My husband and I were just discussing this morning some of our short-term and long-term goals to hopefully retire earlier than later. Thanks, Julie, for sharing.
Thank you!! I wanted more time too. You are welcome! ☺
Enjoyed this video! I’m waiting till 65 for health care costs and am staying focused to avoid the one more year trap.
Thank you! Sounds like a good plan! 😁
I'm retiring when I turn 56 at the end of January. Your videos have relieved some apprehensions, thank you!
Congrats!! I'm so glad - you're welcome! ☺
I have a wife that's 8 years younger than me and comes from a family that has quite a bit of longevity. I have to think about her, and make sure she doesn't run out. So I'll be working until I'm 67 at least. I definitely get what you're saying though.
Yes, each person needs to do what feels right for them. It's very honorable that you will work longer so your wife is taken care of! ☺
Love the quote at the end; so so true! I'm just waiting until my college kid leaves the nest to retire. That will be in mid-2027. I'm so thankful to have created financial freedom for myself but since I'm "grounded" with my kiddo, I'll continue to enjoy the fruits of my remote job, and my incredibly enjoyable side hustles. Thanks for more golden content and Happy New Year to you! 🙂
Mid 2027 is not too far away! And a remote job is great! You are welcome. Happy New Year! 😁
Talking about time moving quickly: I'm on the usual American Middle-Age Cocktail of meds (BP, cholesterol, adjuncts). I have a pill-minder, and it's becoming increasingly clear how quickly time moves by how much more often it seems like I need to refill it! My grandfather told us "time moves faster than I do." He was right!
Time sure does move quickly!! 😯
I retired from full- time at 58 - actually ended up with a part time job at 60 that I don't entirely hate. I am 62 now and do notice that I am slowing down a bit physically. I plan to do my second "retirement" in another year at age 63. I don't think that early retirement is something that I will ever regret. You only live once, and dying with a huge bank account is less important than enjoying the life that you have left.
Good for you! I agree. You only live once! Congrats on your upcoming 2nd retirement! 🙂
I gasped at your quote. It sure hit home for me. Thanks Julie. :) ang
Yes, I really like that quote! You're welcome! ☺
Great stuff Julie. Happy New Year’s Eve. 🎉
Thank you! Happy New Year’s Eve to you too! 🎉
im in the retire early club. that is still a long way for me though. if everything goes as planned, i will retire in 16 years at 50. id love for it to be sooner but i dont think that will be possible unless my investments just skyrocket lol
Well good for you for planning ahead! 50 is a great goal! 😃
Another good video. The decision maker for me was knowing my budget and determining how much I needed invested to afford that budget. I only liked my job. The job was a means to my desired goal of retirement.
Thank you! I agree. I worked to pay the bills and save for retirement. ☺
Such a great video, Julie. Lots to consider! May you have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2025!!♥
Thank you! And I wish you the same! ☺
I'm retiring in a few months at 64 (nearly 65). I find it amusing when people at work ask, "Retiring to what?" I am retiring TO LIFE! I just think that people who ask that question have no imagination. There's so much to do away from the office, even if it's as simple as being outside in nature.
I completely agree with you!! 😀
I'm retiring at 60 in two months time - I certainly won't be rich but the negative effect work was having on me was no longer worth it and I could feel my mental health suffering. Had I stayed longer for a bigger pension, what would've been the point only to suffer in doing so?
Congrats to you!! 🎉 I also felt the negative effects of work on my health. That was one of the things that pushed me to retire! 🙂
Great video Julie! I have a simple, active, low stress life. Happy New Year!
Thank you! Happy New Year to you too! 🥳
Some of us dream of retiring early but its just not possible.
Well hopefully you can retire sooner than you think!
I'm 52 and a teacher. I can retire without penalties at 55. However, my health is not 100. I want to retire now for my health, but I can't do anything until age 55. I need my health insurance more than ever.
This is a great topic to discuss.
That's tough. If you had enough saved in a bridge account you could stop working and delay taking your retirement. But that would require enough money to get you to 55. Good luck! ☺
If health ins is the only thing holding you back look into ACA (Obama Care) for low cost or free monthly premiums per your annual income AGI
My plan is to retire early so I can do .ore things and enjoy my life🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Yay! Love that!! 😁
I retired at 56 which reduced my pension. Age 60 was the full penision. I knew I could live off the reduced pension, but I didnt know if iId live to 60. In a few months Ill be 60 and no regrets over that decision. Havent bought that Rolex I ve always dreamed of but I have traveled a lot and just enjoyed my free time.
That's awesome! I also took a big reduction in my pension and have no regrets! 😁
I’m with you Julie! You are so grounded and honest. Time over money every time for me know although, like you it took me a while to work it out. I’ve got two terms of part time teaching to do and then I’m done 🎉🎉. All the best for 2025 x
Thank you! That's great you're almost there! Congrats! 🎉
I am 60 and retiring later this year (haven’t nailed down the date yet, working on some pre-retirement home renovations). Medical issues made the decision for me. We have enough saved for a comfortable retirement and want to travel before we can’t.
That's awesome - congrats! 🎉
👍Excellent! I choose not to work til I drop dead The stress alone was killing me I love routine and simplicity I choose freedom! Peace is priceless! I treasure my God and family time Since I do not need the bells and whistles
I'm fine being comfortable not rich Enjoying the fruits of my labor now instead of later No regrets I exhale Julie thank you for your beautiful content Wonderful end 2024
Yes, me too!! Thank you and you're very welcome! ☺
I wish the numbers were the same today as they would be in 3 years so call me greedy working a little longer. Coming off a month of vacation makes going back to work a real downer and that vacation ended at midnight 🤬. One thing I look at from time to time is Median income brackets and that helps keep me on the right course. If you could do a 2025 video on that soon that would be a good watch. You are appreciated Julie and have a Happy New Year tonight. 🌹👍🏻
It's not greedy! You have to save the amount that feels right to you! Median income brackets is a great video idea - thanks! Happy New Year to you too! 🥳
I chose to retire early at 58 1/2 as well. Time is the only thing you can never have again. I had a decent enough pension which I built up.
That's great! I so agree. Time is the only thing you can never have again! ☺
Another great video!!
Thank you! ☺
Hi, Julie! Great video! Retire rich or retire early?? Yeah, there's a balance there for everyone. I was careful along the way not to get too many crazy money obligations, and the balance for me was early over rich. I ended up retiring ten years ago at 53 with (very) low seven figures and two good, definied-benefit retirements. I really have not eaten into my nest egg much at all so far--what I have spent has been made back and then some in the market. Some of it I'm holding for possible health care expenses, but pretty soon, I'm going to start spending into it. If I had had that kind of money when I was young, I would have spent it on girlfriends and wives and cars and boats, probably, but the weird thing is that now that I HAVE money, there's really not that much that I WANT. I have traveled a lot over these last 10 years, and I do fly first class and I do stay in the better hotels, and that is expensive, but it makes such a huge difference that I don't mind. Well, not too much, heh! Love your channel.
Thank you! Wow you did good being able to reire at 53! And it sounds like you're doing great now if you haven't used much of your nest egg in 10 years! Awesome! 😁
Such a great video! So many great points made!
Thank you! ☺
I’m trying to convince my husband to retire early. Both of our fathers died within 2-3 years after retirement. I wish they had worked less and spent more time with family.
I'm sorry. That's so sad and not uncommon at all! That's what I wanted, to spend more time with my family! 🙂
Happy New Year Julie! 🎉
Thank you! Happy New Year to you too! 🎉
@ I retired today. Starting the 2025 New Year as a retiree!
@@rosendocavazos4566 Oh congrats!! 🎉 😃
I would rather retire early and enjoy what I already have. I have to figure out the health insurance stuff, though, so I don’t deplete the savings I have.
That's what I wanted too! Yes, health insurance is tricky. 🙂
If health ins is the only thing holding you back look into ACA (Obama Care) for low cost or free monthly premiums per your annual income AGI
Neither of my parents stayed in shape..sitting happened way too much. My mom days cleaning the house is exercise enough...no, it's not and she is paying for it now with weak muscles!
Says cleaning...correct myself!
Yes, exercise is so important! My mom did the same thing. It got to the point where she couldn't get up and walk around by herself. It was motivation for me to keep moving! 🙂
Well, we sort of can't do either, in terms of retiring early or retiring rich. I'm 57 and my husband is 70. I was a stay at home mom most of the time and am currently not working, so I guess you could say I've retired early but I wasn't an income producer to begin with. My husband is too old to retire early. His last day was supposed to be this Friday, 1/3/25, but they've talked him into staying on through January. We have about $530K at the moment but some of that is slated to build a house...hoping to stay under $200K...which we will do from the ground up ourselves...well, mostly my husband...with some help from family. We already own/live on the land and it's developed so we won't have the expenses of a well, septic, electric etc. It will be
As far as health vs. wealth and doing things while you're young enough to do them, my husband is healthier and more fit than me and more than most people significantly younger than him. We do share your philosophy of being happy if we can cover our expenses and have some leftover for a little inexpensive fun. We've been on the lower income side most of our lives but have never really been in debt. Our needs and wants are pretty simple. We just want a quiet and simple life, free from the constraints of regular employment.
To add: He has a small pension, about $750 per month, from a private sector job he had for 15 years. He also delayed social security until age 70. He wasn't going to be quitting working before now anyway and with me being significantly younger too and not having the credits to collect SS on my own, it just made sense to delay. I am reasonably sure we can live on SS and the pension with the our savings being used for things that come up.
That's awesome that your husband is so fit at 70! That's my goal but I'm really going to have to keep up the workouts. Building a home together will be great! My needs and wants are pretty simple too. Good luck with the house - it sounds like an adventure! 😀
Yes I would like to retire early and rich.
😆 We all would!
I'd rather retire early, but I want to make sure we have enough to take care of us in old age and also leave a small legacy for the causes we care about. I guess that just means prepping hard in advance, which we're doing.
That's great! It is really important to have enough money! 👍
Retire early. Planning to retire 2027 at age 59.
Yay!! That's coming up pretty soon! 😃
I’m wrestling with this very decision right now. Much harder than I thought it would be!
It is a really hard decision and there are so many things to consider! Good luck! ☺
@ Thanks! I’m 55 and have a couple of years to think about it.
I'm 68ish and retired at 65, the timing driven largely by Medicare eligibility. Still, it was a difficult decision; it wasn't about retiring rich but knowing I could cover expenses and medical insurance through retirement. Our compromise was that my wife and I traveled more and did those "retirement" things as much as possible while I still worked. For us I think it worked out because I don't feel we sacrificed too much lifestyle or experiences. Now that I'm fully retired, I do have the peace of mind that the expenses are covered and hope to maintain the "adventure mode" for as long as I can. I hope it was the right decision but there's no way of knowing in advance. That said, there is no right answer, and this is just what I did.
If I hadn't been laid off at 55, I would have worked until 58.5 (retiring when my husband turned 59.5). There was no way I was going to go back to Corporate America, and I chose freedom.
That's awesome - good for you!! 😀
I'm 47 and retiring at 55 ❤❤🎉😊
Yay! You're getting closer! 🙂
Just ended my second month of retirement at 64 (which everyone around me sees as retiring early lol). Did your expenses go up in retirement? I lowered the heat to 60 degrees when I was at work and only used the microwave instead of cooking dinners in the oven like I am doing now so spending more on heat and electricity now. Who's expenses have gone up and are you going over budget?
Congrats!! 🎉My expenses have gone down. No more work clothes, commuting, and work supplies! 😁
I work for a Major USA airline, my colleagues had been working for over 50 years, it is the norm , to me is a Mind blowing working for so long and there is no plan to retire anytime soon. Some work until over the age of 80’s . NOT me , I am retiring after 24 years of service. I work to live, I do not live to work.
I completely agree with you there! I also hear many people talk about never wanting to retire. It's crazy to me! 🙂
Retire early. 🎉
Yes!! 😀
Both 🎉
My longevity is screwed.
That's not good. I'm sorry! 🙁
@ Sorry, I’m being pessimistic. I feel I have my reasons, but I shouldn’t have said it like that. I shouldn’t put that onto someone else.
@@Pkeats817 That's ok. Sometimes it helps to just get things off your chest. 🙂
@ 💕
You can just as easily ask: Would you rather retire later or retire broke?
I think that depends on your definition of broke!
lol rich 😬 only because I’m wanting to gift money each year to my adult kids when we hit 62 and up. I’d like to help them fund their Ira or pay off their homes early. If we don’t make it to 62, due to job loss or death, that’s fine too. And I should say I work part time and my husband works half the month.
That's great! You know what's right for you and that's all that matters! Part time work is really doable in our later years. ☺
Retire early!
Me too!! 😁
❤😊
The create such garbage word of "career", basically your life is bought for work 9 to 5 till disability thus they don't need to.
Got to workout! Keep in shape and increase muscle mass.
For sure!! 😁
Retire early!!!
Yay! 😁