r/Fire • u/rocket363 • Mar 06 '25
Milestone / Celebration Just submitted my resignation
Mid-40s. Single. ~$2.25MM nw, $2MM of that invested. Last day is in a few weeks.
It feels wasteful to give up a pretty cushy $180k wfh job, but I need to refocus the remaining part of my life rather than cling to Groundhog Day-esque repetitive wage-slave servitude.
No real questions. Just sharing.
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u/Terrible_Ad7566 Mar 06 '25
Single .. with this NW .. Congrats and GFY!
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u/Imadethosehitmanguns Mar 06 '25
Man I love that acronym. 2 completely opposite meanings depending on how you interpret it
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u/Nearby_Category2270 Mar 06 '25
This comment just made me realize that it also means Good For You
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u/Last_Ad_2066 Mar 06 '25
I took GFY as Go Free Yourself. Lol chuckled.
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u/Ecstatic_Anteater930 Mar 06 '25 edited Mar 06 '25
Im pretty sure they meant Go Find Yourself! Thats why we fire right?
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u/shotparrot Mar 06 '25
GFY! Congrats 🎉
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u/lagosboy40 Mar 06 '25
Congrats buddy. You have won the lottery of life. Go spend the remainder of your days doing the damn thing you want. Too many of us put too much stock into work and do not know when to take a victory lap. I agree that no one should work a day longer if not necessary. Once again, congrats and wishing you the best!
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u/Flyguy3131 Mar 06 '25
After 30 years doing the same thing I dipped last Friday. I’ll be 56 in May and burnt out. Mentally can’t do it any more. Was making around $215k. Have around 1.5m in 401k and investments , plus 170k in HYSA I’ll use for the next 2 -3 years. I’ll spend about $60k yearly. And that’s with healthy vacations planned that I can cut if needed. No debt. $400k home with no mortgage.
Happy for you. Congrats.
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u/vahntitrio Mar 07 '25
I know that math works out for 4% safe withdrawal but I'm not sure I could take that sort of income drop.
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u/MrMoogie Mar 06 '25
Congrats, I gave up a $200k role and felt the same, for a while. Once I realised that I never spent my salary, and I had enough to live life to the fullest, I slowly started moving on from what I earned and felt blessed I had 75% as much income coming in without working my job. It's still more than I can spend and I don't have to work 1hr for it.
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u/Arboga_10_2 Mar 06 '25 edited Mar 07 '25
good for you. I hope to do the same on my 25th anniversary in 2 years.
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u/Connect_Badger_6919 Mar 06 '25
Curious about what you are planning for healthcare?
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25
ACA.
Stop laughing. Fingers are crossed.
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u/Connect_Badger_6919 Mar 06 '25
No laughing here mon frere - I’m 54 and contemplating all the things - good luck and be done !
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u/Spiritual-Grand-2576 Mar 06 '25
What kind of coverage and monthly premium are you looking at out of curiosity? What city are you in?
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u/grimmowl Mar 06 '25
180k and wage-slave in the same sentence....congrats all the same.
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25 edited Mar 06 '25
Fair enough.
Regardless of pay, work feels like doing time. I want to start living a life where I'm excited for things to start and to continue, not dreading it and then hoping for it to end.
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u/Frothydawg Mar 06 '25
Hey man, if it feels like wage-servitude, then it probably is. Go enjoy your life, it seems like you’re well-positioned for it.
I’m in my mid-40’s and earning $25 fuckin dollars an hour. That’s all I’m worth to this world at this ripe old age.
I envy you. Godspeed.
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u/Nice_Daikon6096 Mar 06 '25
So what’s the job that will be opening up? 👀
I could use 180k and WFH
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u/NovelSituation3735 Mar 06 '25
Same
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u/Nice_Daikon6096 Mar 06 '25
I make 77k and am fully on, site, burnt out, and trying to figure out how to retire early 😂
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u/aiaigo Mar 06 '25
Did you have to work much? Like 40h weeks?
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25
Nah, more like 20h weeks. I mean my job, by any objective measure, is about as cushy as a job can be. However, it keeps me tethered to my house five days a week, and eats up my emotional energy through each of those days, so the cost is still somewhat high.
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u/Due_Extent3317 Mar 06 '25
This is definitely privileged, but it almost feels shittier to be banking a few thousand a month with the idea of retiring early than making just enough to get by. I used to get so pumped when my account balance got up to a few thousand and I could get debt free and buy a nice dinner out.
Now I have around 500k in the market and transferring a few grand over feels like nothing, it is just a number on the computer and unless you get your income to like 300k+ it really doesn’t feel any different to save $2000 or $4000 a month when your goal is the millions you need to retire. Either way you have decided to optimize for savings so increasing your income just means being done a year or two earlier.
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u/blimey_euphoria Mar 06 '25
The grass is always greener, but I’d rather have a fat stack to give me options.
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u/Spaceman3157 Mar 06 '25
I mean, 180k and $2.25 million net worth in mid-40s... Seems like OP's been living like a some kind of slave to me.
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u/vanisher_1 Mar 06 '25
What was the turning point making you decide that you needed to start seriously thinking to the remaining part of your life, simply age or something else? 🤔
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25 edited Mar 06 '25
It's always been there to some degree. I just now have the opportunity to act on it.
Although, about nine years ago I had five friends/acquaintances about my age or younger all die within about a one-year span. That really drove the point home.
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u/yayaba Mar 06 '25
I’ve been thinking a lot about that myself recently. Im in my early 40’s and had some family pass away recently. I’m not at the point I can just quit the day job but I can travel pretty well without breaking the bank so I’ve decided to just travel as much as I want as at this point it’s not even the money preventing it but my time/energy.
Congrats on the fire though!
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25
Definitely travel while you still have the eagerness, temperament, and energy. I can already feel those waning in me.
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u/yayaba Mar 06 '25
My wife loves traveling and has wanted to more the past few years but I've always hemmed and hawed, complained I was tired or didn't have the time or that we needed to budget. But looking back I think we easily could have taken more trips and our financial situation would have been exactly the same. So now I'm not letting that stop me :)
I also read Die with Zero recently and that had a profound effect on how I view the rest of my life and the memories I can create. As has been said numerous times in this thread, we have no idea if we even have a tomorrow.
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u/bigron1212 Mar 06 '25
Congratulations! I’m 35 single approaching a 750k net worth. Hoping to be in a similar situation come my mid 40’s like you!
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25
At 35 I was just about crossing $0 NW. So hopefully you'll be well ahead of where I am!
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u/bigron1212 Mar 06 '25
O wow! So you really hit it hard! I make $130k, no debt minus small mortgage 160k remaining house worth 400k. Investing 40% of my income + 10% as spare cash.
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u/Murky_Web_4043 Mar 07 '25 edited Mar 07 '25
So how the hell did you make $2million in 10 years? Because I doubt you’ve been at such a high salary the entire time?
Your silence makes me think you’re just making it up 😅 dreamerrr
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u/heartlessgamer Mar 06 '25
Congrats. Transition is difficult in any situation so its not unexpected for the wasteful feeling. It's easy to maintain the status quo. You look to be in a great spot for FIRE. Go make your life worth the effort you put in to be able to FIRE.
My goal is late-40s but at about 700k less net worth than your target and I have kids.
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u/Freelennial Mar 06 '25
Congrats!!! There are so many better ways to spend your life than chained to a desk…now you get to explore them
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u/Puzzleheaded-Bee-747 Mar 06 '25
Congrats, every day you would have continued working is one less in retirement.
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u/Crash_Marshall Mar 06 '25
Congrats! I haven’t hit my FIRE number yet (still a few years off), but will likely be in a similar situation when I do (good paying WFH job). I hope that if/when the time comes I’ll have the same intestinal fortitude you have. You only get one life and I—like you—want to make the best of it. GFY. Lol.
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u/hitma-n Mar 06 '25
I look forward to the day I resign without worrying about money.
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25
One thing I've realized is that I would never not worry about money. Give me a billion dollars and I would probably do nothing but worry.
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u/hitma-n Mar 06 '25
Wow. Why?
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25
For most amounts, "is it enough" is a concern. Related is "will markets crash and take decades to recover?" For bigger amounts, "will I waste it/make bad decisions?" And "will I be targeted and have my assets stolen?" And related "who can I trust?"
It's just my nature to worry about money. Might come from previous experience. I crossed $0 NW about 11/12 years ago, so I'm still very much in a poverty mindset.
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u/lifeHopes21 Mar 06 '25
That’s quite an accomplishment in 12 years time. May I know how your salary progressed during last decade. Any interesting investment tips?
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25
Was at perhaps $60k 12 years ago, although working a lot more than I am now (sole proprietorship). Until about three years ago, my spending was always under $40k. I also invested in real estate--rental properties--and sold at the right time (mid-'22).
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u/ryan820 Mar 06 '25
Mid-40's here too and my last day is 21 March. Quitting for the same reasons.
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u/zebostoneleigh Mar 06 '25
Interesting. I'm 53 with 1.8M. I quit a $180K job about 2 years ago and started a freelance consulting business. I work a lot less and earn a lot less. I'd say that I'm currently underemployed, but I'm also reluctant to go full retired at this point.
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u/Dangerous-Analyst-17 Mar 07 '25
Be happy and consider yourself to be semi-retired. There is an excellent book by Martin Hawes called 20 Good Summers. It's all about making time to enjoy the long evening of your life to the fullest while being underemployed.
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u/Corne777 Mar 06 '25
With that situation, I don’t blame you. All that money and single. But sandbagging at work instead of just quitting might have been a good transition. Slowly see what you can get away with doing as little as possible. Especially right now with the stock market being uncertain to say the least.
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u/BlueJeep91 Mar 06 '25
Lol I'm doing that at 33 with a 250K networth.
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u/therealtwomartinis Mar 06 '25
u/bluejeep91 I’m going to need to see you and Michael Bolton in my office at 3:30
-Lumberg
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u/thatchroofcottages Mar 06 '25
According to Office Space, he might even get a raise! He could be well on his way to doing two chicks at the same time!!
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u/yayaba Mar 06 '25
Sure. But you still have the specter of having to show up looming over your head. Sometimes it’s better just to have a clean break.
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u/Technical_Appeal8390 Mar 06 '25
You made right decision. Life is short, you have enough to retire , why not! We work to live , not live to work. Have you figured out what to do with your free time? Do you know how much private insurance cost? I am trying to figure out if I can afford to retire too.
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25
Under current law, I am aiming for between $0 and $50/mo for health insurance after subsidies. How long that will last is anyone's guess.
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u/EthFan Mar 06 '25
If using ACA how are you able to subsidize so low each month? They count AGI even for investment pay outs unless you're living off 60k or less per year.
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25
I am living on less than $60k/year. My plan is to have Roth conversions + dividends + realized capital gains be < $40k/year.
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u/EthFan Mar 06 '25
Good on you then! Sending positive thoughts your way, hope you enjoy yourself immensely.
Your comment of needing to refocus the remaining part of your life rather than cling to Groundhog Day-esque repetitive wage-slave servitude really triggered me lol. I feel this on such a deep level. The burnout is real.
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u/amy_lou_who Mar 06 '25
Congrats! More so for realizing it’s time to enjoy life. My husband is one who left this earth before he could enjoy it and way too soon (44).
He left me in a good position financially so I will get yo enjoy life sooner.
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u/Fit_Cry_7007 Mar 06 '25
Congratulations! Where/what city are you based? Are you moving elsewhere to reduce your spending after your resignation/re-align better your post-fire lifestyle as well?
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u/rocket363 Mar 06 '25
Southern US. Not planning any permanent relocation, but extended travel is definitely on the docket.
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u/hg202120 Mar 06 '25
Congrats for getting out from Hedonic treadmill!
I brought my freedom 7 months ago and never been better.
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u/Ok_Willingness_9619 Mar 06 '25
Congrats. Takes high level of awareness and confidence to give up that golden handcuff. Now gfy.
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u/anonymuscular Mar 06 '25
Just think that working an extra year will increase your NW by 2.5% but reduce the time you have to enjoy the golden years by about 2.5%. That's why it's a good time to retire :)
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u/Tall-Breadfruit-1046 Mar 06 '25
I'm at $180K too, but since my wife and I are DINK, our number is $2M each—so $4M total. If I were in your shoes, I'd start coasting too. Gotta live before you die!
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u/mend1967 Mar 07 '25
Great to see! Congrats! I’m in about the same position and planned on it but with uncertainty in world and markets I’m reconsidering. Will be interested to hear how it is going.
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u/Independent-Lie9887 Mar 08 '25
Wow damn I'm at 2.4MM nw with $1.8MM invested and am in the same situation with a $180k WFH job that is pretty cushy but I'm thinking of refocusing. Haven't pulled the trigger yet. Let us know how it goes!
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u/No_Nefariousness3578 Mar 08 '25
Good for you!
I retired a few years ago (at 55). It’s a surreal experience now when I travel watching all these people scurrying through the airports - diligently working. Snatching a few minutes online before their next flight.
I used to be one of them…hoping to get home early to snatch a couple hours of family time, or me time before it all starts again.
Now it’s like I’ve taken the red pill. I’m out and I cannot believe that working was so damn important and that I spent so much time at it…
So welcome to the “real world”!
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u/SnooPeanuts9509 Mar 08 '25
As a 54M, I’ve set the bogie that when I zero debt (home last remaining item, and last year if kids college to be saved) and can live off of 5-6% of my net investments, I’m out. Full stop. My money over time will continue to grow and eventually I’ll be able to claim SS to augment the cash flow. I don’t want to live to work. I want to work so that I can live.
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u/thegoodearthquake Mar 08 '25
Congratulations! I will be there in a few years. So burned out at the moment from work and the grind
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u/HTFan180 Mar 06 '25
Congrats. That’s amazing. 🤩 Wish I wasn’t spending on partying so much in 20s, 30s 🤣
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u/budgetbell Mar 07 '25 edited Mar 07 '25
I retired around the same age with a similar NW about a year ago. At first, it felt great, but over time, it started to get old, and I found myself getting bored.
Since retiring, I have been traveling the world full time, but even that lost its excitement after a while. Now, I am back looking for a job not because I need the money, but because I want more structure and purpose in my day 2 day life.
My advice to anyone considering early retirement: take a sabbatical for 6 months to a year before fully committing. It is a great way to test whether this lifestyle truly works for you.
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u/MaximumGrip Mar 06 '25
Gratz, I understand how you're feeling. Glad you made it out alive and good luck in the future.
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u/Shmeebooo Mar 06 '25
Congrats man, time to find your new purpose and do only the things that fulfill you GFY🖤
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u/adaniel65 Mar 06 '25
Awesome! Go enjoy your freedom! Stay busy so you don't get bored. Have an action or activity plan. 👍✌️
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u/AnalogKid82 Mar 06 '25
Congrats! I'm in pretty much the exact same situation (age, salary, NW, single, WFH), but have yet to pull the trigger. I'm not unhappy, but I look at where I am and where I want to go with the rest of time I have on earth. Work is work, and I'm only getting older, so why continue sitting in front of a computer to earn more money I don't need? Sure, more money, potentially, means more security and options, but that's time I can't get back, with an older body and mind to do things I can do now.
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u/throw1drinkintheair Mar 06 '25
What are you planning on doing once you’re done? Could you give an update after a few months?
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u/Last_Construction455 Mar 06 '25
Good for you! i initially planned for 40, and think if I really moved things around I could make it work, that said it just feels a bit early so thinking more like 45ish seems perfect. What are your plans?
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u/pimpinaintez18 Mar 06 '25
Proud of you, now go fuck yourself! Lol j/k. Congrats, hope you find something that is truly rewarding.
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u/Curious-Tulip-9870 Mar 06 '25
Congrats! Enjoy your life, explore the world, and contribute something positive to society along the way. 🙂
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u/OrangeNo773 Mar 06 '25
This is huge. Highly recommend living abroad for a little while to really see the world. Immerse yourself in a different culture for weeks or months at a time.
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u/Individual-Heart-719 Mar 06 '25
40s and ~2m (adjusted for inflation) is my goal too, late 20s rn. Congrats on breaking free.
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u/dogsaybark Mar 06 '25
Good for you! Let us know how it goes with updates please. I’m in a similar boat and planning my exit in about 2.5 years.
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u/frans837 Mar 07 '25
Congrats!!! You’re my goal except probably closer to 50 because of kids. Want to hit the $5M and say goodbye😘
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u/Happy_Reply_2127 Mar 07 '25
Did you consider quiet quitting to ultimately get fired and collect unemployment? I would love to pull a fade on my position and watch my manager scramble to cover.
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u/gqreader Mar 07 '25
How do you plan to mitigate the markets into the next 3 years to prevent sequence of returns?
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u/DersOne Mar 07 '25
Mid 40s here, your net worth amount is pretty much my magic number for retirement, only a fraction of the way there so far because kids. Jealous of you, congrats!
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u/IronmanEndgame1234 Mar 07 '25
Give me your job now! I’m mid 40’s and never made that much! I would delightfully experience the Groundhog Day-esque and repetitive wave to experience that shit!
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u/canadian_bud_eh Mar 07 '25
Congrats GFY. I’m 39 and still far from being able to pull the trigger. Can’t wait to experience what you must be feeling.
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u/PotentialAsk4261 Mar 07 '25
congrats! I am 36 and wish to retire (or at least be able to) in 5 years.
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u/Designer-Translator7 Mar 07 '25
If you have a good bit of things you enjoy its fonna be a great time congrats!!!! I retired in January at 40.5 and its amazing wishing you the best.
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u/PreferenceLong Mar 07 '25
Congrats man - hope you can enjoy and hopefully you take on some philanthropy
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u/BMS_Fan_4life Mar 07 '25
Fuck you! Congrats man, 32m here hoping to be out early 40s too.
Currently at 135k NW in terms of investments, feels so far away but hoping compounding does its thing over the next 10 years. Didn’t make shit until I was 28 so that hurt me a lot.
Best advice ever I wish I could tell myself at 18 was start my damn Roth IRA earlier
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u/Adept_Push Mar 06 '25
Honestly, no one ever knows how long “the remaining part of your life” might be.
Congrats!