Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2018!

[Miriam2]

2018 is definitely the year but much uncertainty as to the month . . .
3/31/18 If between now and then things go from lousy to intolerable at work or I'm offered cash to go.
8/31/18 If after 3/31 things go from lousy to intolerable at work.
11/30/18 If things remain tolerable at work.
12/31/18 if there's some good reason to stay an extra month (unlikely).

Nice plan of attack. Line up all your horses and men and, depending on what the enemy does, sound the bugle and make your charge. Let us know your victory date

[Miriam2]

I've been thinking about it a lot, and the more I think, the more I realize it's time.

Too much thinking - just pull the plug

I'm looking at almost exactly 1 year from today for my last day, probably an official date of 31December to get a small bonus. I'll be 59. I know already that I'll never be bored. Live is short, and I've got things to do!

That's the spirit!! And that's the truth: "Life is short. We have things to do!" You're on the list, please keep us in the loop as to what you plan to do with all your frEEEEEEEEEE time

[Miriam2]

Yea! Retirement tentatively starts on 3/3/2018. Early retirement package - if "accepted" I can retire with a nice package.
Less than three months away!

Congratulation! And three months is nothing, it will be here in the blink of an eye. Oohh make sure they give you a VERY NICE retirement package - after all you did for them, you deserve every penny and every benefit.

However, Dottie, you must promise you'll spend your retirement here on the Bogleheads forum continuing to give your sensible intelligent financial advice to the rest of us

[Dottie57]

Yea! Retirement tentatively starts on 3/3/2018. Early retirement package - if "accepted" I can retire with a nice package.
Less than three months away!

Congratulation! And three months is nothing, it will be here in the blink of an eye. Oohh make sure they give you a VERY NICE retirement package - after all you did for them, you deserve every penny and every benefit.

However, Dottie, you must promise you'll spend your retirement here on the Bogleheads forum continuing to give your sensible intelligent financial advice to the rest of us

Thank you so much. I will be on the forum because I learn so much here. I hope I am somewhat sensible. Not always clear. I just wish the very best for all Bogleheads.

63 days left. I now have a Retirement countdown app on my iPad.

[Miriam2]

I have been planning on 2018 myself, nothing official yet, however. . . .
I feel like OMY is still tugging on me, but at what price for my sanity. We'll see what happens in the next 10-15 months. Most likely I would do something else less stressful, elsewhere. Have to say however, thinking about a future without w*rk does put a smile on my face

Let us know what you decide to do!

I guess the key Q's are: Why is OMD still tugging? and "at what price for my sanity?"

[Miriam2]

It's going to be very close for 2018. . . . So don't sign me up yet, I will let you know if this becomes a December 31 retirement.

OK, keep us updated with your plans! We always enjoy seeing your cute yellow airplane and of course, reading your sensible investment thoughts and advice

[Billionaire]

January 2nd, as in this coming Tuesday. After taking a breather, I may look for part-time or full-time work. The only thing I was enjoying was the $$$ and maxing out my 401K and HSA accounts. The work got boring and stupid, plus the people were draining.

[David Jay]

It's going to be very close for 2018. . . . So don't sign me up yet, I will let you know if this becomes a December 31 retirement.

OK, keep us updated with your plans! We always enjoy seeing your cute yellow airplane and of course, reading your sensible investment thoughts and advice

Always glad to provide some "color" on the forum...

[Miriam2]

January 2nd, as in this coming Tuesday. After taking a breather, I may look for part-time or full-time work. The only thing I was enjoying was the $$$ and maxing out my 401K and HSA accounts. The work got boring and stupid, plus the people were draining.

Just in time, Billionaire! Appears you're our first retiree in this class! Enjoy your breather and find some exciting work with some high octane co-workers

[Golfview]

I'm declaring my independence this July as my retirement date , looking forward after 42 years in construction time for a rest!

[bhsince87]

I'm tentative. Original plan was Jan 2020, but the market has been kind. Financially ready, but not yet mentally ready.

I got a new boss 6 months ago, and he is a real sumbitch! That might accelerate things.....

Was hoping for an early out package this year, but business is just too good right now. So I will wait and see how things go after my annual review in late January.

[Miriam2]

I was clicking some stuff on the Megacorp web site and next thing you know I've submitted a retirement notice for January 31, 2018.

Getting set up for hand-off of duties and whatnot over the coming weeks. A new chapter.

Earl - we saw your post on the other thread We're adding you to this Very Prestigious Roll Call. You take the award as the first Boglehead who retired by accident

Enjoy your retirement, yes an exciting new chapter to a wonderful new life. PLEASE promise us you will not leave us we all appreciate your information and advice

[RetireBy55]

Thinking 2018 will be our last year W*rking. I'll be 55 this year. DW 61.

The one hitch is that we want and are planning to build our next / dream house on 12 acres, and having the income coming in to fund it will be a huge help. Plus. we both have RSUs that will vest this year (me, quarterly..her - June).

That - and the Healthcare. Wow, the Healthcare. I checked and it's $24K (!!) for HMO coverage with $3,500 PP deductibles (seriously?!!!!)

So, it MIGHT be OMY for me. But at least DW can RE at 60 1/2 or so.

I've run the #s a gazillion different ways. We "can" do this. It's just terrifying, especially when kicking out hundreds of K$s above and beyond what we will get for this house for our retirement house..

I do just absolutely DREAD going back to W*rk though, after being "off" between Christmas and NY. So much so that it's stressing the bajeebus out of me.

If I can "only" do 12 more months..

[Miriam2]

I'm declaring my independence this July as my retirement date, looking forward after 42 years in construction - time for a rest!

Declaring your independence in July - perfect timing! Ahh - freedom "42 years in construction - time for a rest" - that's the truth, 42 years lugging sacks of cement. Time for a well-deserved rest. Now you can play golf all day and lug sacks of golf clubs

Let us know your independence day and age, if you choose.

[Miriam2]

I'm tentative. Original plan was Jan 2020, but the market has been kind. Financially ready, but not yet mentally ready. . . . So I will wait and see how things go after my annual review in late January.

Keep us posted on what you decide to do!

[Miriam2]

Thinking 2018 will be our last year W*rking. . . .
So, it MIGHT be OMY for me. . . .

That's fine, the Roll Call will be here. If you keep piling up the OMY's - along with a kind stock market - you might be able to construct your dream house with wads of cash

I do just absolutely DREAD going back to W*rk though, after being "off" between Christmas and NY. So much so that it's stressing the bajeebus out of me.
If I can "only" do 12 more months..

Oh that dang DREAD, we've all experienced it following a glorious holiday. However, if you "can" do 1 more month, then another, then only 1 month more - it will be SPRING and only 9 months to go! Then 1 more month and another and another -then it's mid-summer. Next thing you know, you're hauling out your LL Bean fleece for fall and winter - and gadzooks!! - the entire OMY passed!

But so did another year of your life

[Miriam2]

The Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2018 is looking good!

Upcoming graduates - getting ready to PUNCH OUT
02 Jan - Billionaire
12 Jan - RubyTuesday (51)
31 Jan - Earl Lemongrab
__ Jan - Emilyjane (61)
03 Mar - Seqfish (62)
03 Mar - Dottie57
09 Mar - remomnyc
31 Mar - MichDad (62)
02 Apr - Larry2623
31 May - NCPE
__ Jun - Longdog (53)
__ Jul - Golfview
31 Aug - Groundhog (56)
__ Aug - federal dinosaur (62)
__ Sep - dennisswal (65)
01 Oct - retirementbound
31 Dec - andyhere (63)
31 Dec - Derby (59)

__ ___ WestUniversity
__ ___ MnD

On Retirement Permahold
TheTimeLord (class of 2014/2015/2016/2017/2018 . . to infinity and beyond! . . )

Congratulations upcoming graduates! Retirement is an exciting time

[bhsince87]

Thinking 2018 will be our last year W*rking. I'll be 55 this year. DW 61.

The one hitch is that we want and are planning to build our next / dream house on 12 acres, and having the income coming in to fund it will be a huge help. Plus. we both have RSUs that will vest this year (me, quarterly..her - June).

That - and the Healthcare. Wow, the Healthcare. I checked and it's $24K (!!) for HMO coverage with $3,500 PP deductibles (seriously?!!!!)

So, it MIGHT be OMY for me. But at least DW can RE at 60 1/2 or so.

I've run the #s a gazillion different ways. We "can" do this. It's just terrifying, especially when kicking out hundreds of K$s above and beyond what we will get for this house for our retirement house..

I do just absolutely DREAD going back to W*rk though, after being "off" between Christmas and NY. So much so that it's stressing the bajeebus out of me.

If I can "only" do 12 more months..

I can relate to the dread of going back to work tomorrow ! UGGHHHHHH!!!

Healthcare is also the biggest item that's keeping me from hitting the eject button. Another UGHHHHHHH!

But you also have a name to live up to!

[TinyTim]

I turn 70 this year, then plan to retire. Working until 70 and waiting to take SS until 70 has made a significant difference in my financial outlook.

[andyhere]

Joined the Venture Mentoring Team (thevmt.org). Current gig is working with the team at RoosterLocal.com.

[blgaarder]

Now that it is 2018, I will join the class.

Last day will be no later than 12/21/2018, the last paycheck of 2018.

Could be earlier, if I get fed up.

I turn 70 in February of 2019, so max Social Security will kick in for my wife and I.

[Emilyjane]

Happy to say my retirement last week went smoothly. I think I’m still in the stage of feeling like it is vacation, other than writing thank you notes for some gifts. Enjoying myself!

[Miriam2]

I turn 70 this year, then plan to retire. Working until 70 and waiting to take SS until 70 has made a significant difference in my financial outlook.

Congratulations TinyTim! At age 70, you worked enough. Time to collect that max SS and enjoy your retirement. Your financial outlook is sunny and bright

Now that it is 2018, I will join the class.
Last day will be no later than 12/21/2018, the last paycheck of 2018.
Could be earlier, if I get fed up.
I turn 70 in February of 2019, so max Social Security will kick in for my wife and I.

Welcome to the class blgaarder! Another SS at 70 Boglehead, how good that is
It's nice to have the "fed up" option, makes the last months go easier.
Please let us know your date for the official list

Happy to say my retirement last week went smoothly. I think I’m still in the stage of feeling like it is vacation, other than writing thank you notes for some gifts. Enjoying myself!

Nice! May your vacation feeling last for years!

[RubyTuesday]

It’s official, my last day was Friday, Jan 12.

Tomorrow I will sleep In I think.

[cfs]

It’s official, my last day was Friday, Jan 12.

Tomorrow I will sleep In I think.

Awesome, retired at 51, tomorrow is a day off for those in the workforce, for you every day is a day off, but you need to stay mentally and physically active. Make retirement great again. Good luck, and thanks for reading ~cfs~

[stumpy]

I have a question for the class of 2018 since I may be joining it mid year. I keep reading that you need 85% of your pay. Is that my gross pay or after my 401K contribution and SS tax?

[RubyTuesday]

Any rule of thumb for retirement needs based on your current pay is pretty useless. There are just too many variables and most are unrelated to previous pay. You need to understand what your expenses will be in retirement. Look at past expenses, think about changes related to retirement (potentially less taxes, likely higher healthcare/insurance expenses, less need to save, maybe more travel, less work clothing, etc.), and project into future.

[TravelforFun]

It’s official, my last day was Friday, Jan 12.

Tomorrow I will sleep In I think.

Congratulations, Ruby Tuesday. I heard sleeping in is hard for retirees to do.

TravelforFun

[WestUniversity]

It’s official, my last day was Friday, Jan 12.

Tomorrow I will sleep In I think.

Congratulations!

[WestUniversity]

I have been planning on 2018 myself, nothing official yet, however. . . .
I feel like OMY is still tugging on me, but at what price for my sanity. We'll see what happens in the next 10-15 months. Most likely I would do something else less stressful, elsewhere. Have to say however, thinking about a future without w*rk does put a smile on my face

Let us know what you decide to do!

I guess the key Q's are: Why is OMD still tugging? and "at what price for my sanity?"

Been away for a while. Travel over the holidays and w*rk have kept me occupied. For tax reasons I will most likely retire at the end of December, unless MegaCorp has a RIF before then...

[bayview]

Stick a fork in me, I'm done! Or within a year of done, anyway. Not quite where I wanted to be financially, but we'll be OK, and I just can't do it any more. I will be either near the end of the Class of 2018 (retiring in December) or at the top of the Class of 2019 (early January.)

Just making the decision was such a relief!!!

[The Wizard]

I have a question for the class of 2018 since I may be joining it mid year. I keep reading that you need 85% of your pay. Is that my gross pay or after my 401K contribution and SS tax?

We should start a separate thread on that, stumpy.
The answer depends on how much of your gross pay you have been saving for retirement (including FICA), along with your basic expenses, along with your Desired Income in retirement to do more with all that free time!
We'll look for your new thread separate from this celebration thread...

[Emilyjane]

Tomorrow I will sleep In I think.

Congratulations, Ruby Tuesday. I heard sleeping in is hard for retirees to do.

TravelforFun

As a retiree with 2 weeks of experience, sleeping in comes most naturally!

Congrats Ruby Tuesday!

[bayview]

* bump *

Where are all the other enlightened ones who are planning to escape retire in 2018?

[Miriam2]

I have a question for the class of 2018 since I may be joining it mid year. I keep reading that you need 85% of your pay. Is that my gross pay or after my 401K contribution and SS tax?

Here are some other threads on this Q -

How much to save? viewtopic.php?f=2&t=169144
Retirement Savings - Gross vs Net Savings viewtopic.php?f=10&t=138645
Question of Savings Percentage viewtopic.php?f=2&t=201670
The 8x retirement savings rule viewtopic.php?f=10&t=158770
What % of your income are you saving for retirement? viewtopic.php?f=10&t=110538
What percent of your annual household income do you save? viewtopic.php?f=10&t=6864

Keep us posted and we'll add you to this Graduating Class of 2018

[Miriam2]

* bump *
Where are all the other enlightened ones who are planning to escape retire in 2018?

The enlightened ones are still meditating the possibility of Sequence of Returns risk

[trirod]

I somehow missed this thread earlier. Will be more or less retired by 12/31/18, age 51. I say "more or less" because I am planning to continue to do some consulting for my current employer - maybe 200 hours a year (almost all from my current vacation home, which will become my only home). In fact my wife does not like the thought of telling people she is retiring (she is only 48), so we are calling it an "open-ended sabbatical"!

I am going to go to 75% of full time after May 31, then gradually dial it back over the fall depending on how much work I want to take on and how much traveling I want to do.

Looking forward to winter sports (as a tax CPA I don't currently get much time for that), traveling, remodeling our house, reading and not waking up to an alarm clock.

[marcopolo]

Mentioned it on another thread, but i guess i should post it here as well.

Retired as of 2/9/18 at the age of 51.

I negotiated an exit package back in December, but signed the final paperwork (making the decision irrevocable) on 1/26/18, which i am pretty sure triggered the current market correction. I think that day was the local peak in the market. But, hopefully not the start of a really poor sequence of returns!

[Miriam2]

Stick a fork in me, I'm done! Or within a year of done, anyway. Not quite where I wanted to be financially, but we'll be OK, and I just can't do it any more. I will be either near the end of the Class of 2018 (retiring in December) or at the top of the Class of 2019 (early January.)
Just making the decision was such a relief!!!

Oohh what a relief it is! You're half-way there just making THE decision! But you're not really "done" - you have your entire retired life ahead of you and what a nice time that will be We'll add you to our class and you can confirm the date when you punch-out

[Sparky1500]

2018 will be our year too. Just signed papers today to put our practice up for sale. All systems go.

[cfs]

. . . I keep reading that you need 85% of your pay . . .

Reality check time, for me the actual number is [average] 57.25% [years included 2014-2017], this includes ALL and I mean ALL our expenses. Good luck with your number, y gracias por leer ~cfs~

[Miriam2]

I somehow missed this thread earlier. Will be more or less retired by 12/31/18, age 51. I say "more or less" because I am planning to continue to do some consulting for my current employer - maybe 200 hours a year (almost all from my current vacation home, which will become my only home).

Welcome to this Awesome Retirement Class, trirod! "More or less retired" counts as retired if you feel you have punched out of the rat race - and we've never heard anyone refer to their vacation home as a rat race

You will probably take the class award as the most senior Boglehead, having joined our Bogleheads forum on July 18, 2007, only 5 months after the Bogleheads.org forum began. That's almost 11 years ago boy, time sure does fly

Looking forward to winter sports (as a tax CPA I don't currently get much time for that) . . .

Ah . . . well . . . Bogleheads certainly could use some tax help around this time of year, so we sure hope you don't get too caught up in those winter sports

[Miriam2]

Retired as of 2/9/18 at the age of 51.
I negotiated an exit package back in December, but signed the final paperwork (making the decision irrevocable) on 1/26/18, which i am pretty sure triggered the current market correction.

Ohhh, so it was you . . . that's ok, we thank you for the wake-up call

I think that day was the local peak in the market. But, hopefully not the start of a really poor sequence of returns!

Hopefully not, LOL, you'll have the whole Class of 2018 coming after you

We'll put you on the Roll Call, but let us know if you want a new identity

[Miriam2]

2018 will be our year too. Just signed papers today to put our practice up for sale. All systems go.

Nice! Keep us posted on how everything goes. Let us know your blast off date

[Miriam2]

Here is the latest roster for the Retirement Class of 2018!

We have 5 graduates so far, just the tip of the iceberg

Already Graduated - CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes for a good Sequence of Returns!!
02 Jan - Billionaire
12 Jan - RubyTuesday (51)
31 Jan - Earl Lemongrab
__ Jan - Emilyjane (61)
09 Feb - marcopolo (51)

Upcoming graduates - piling everything they can into those retirement accounts
03 Mar - Seqfish (62)
03 Mar - Dottie57
09 Mar - remomnyc
31 Mar - MichDad (62)
02 Apr - Larry2623
31 May - NCPE
__ Jun - Longdog (53)
__ Jul - Golfview
31 Aug - Groundhog (56)
__ Aug - federal dinosaur (62)
__ Sep - dennisswal (65)
01 Oct - retirementbound
21 Dec - blgaarder (69)
31 Dec - Derby (59)
31 Dec - trirod (51)
__ Dec - WestUniversity

__ ___ MnD
__ ___ TinyTim (70)
__ ___ bayview
__ ___ Sparky1500

On Retirement Permahold
TheTimeLord (class of 2014/2015/2016/2017/2018 . . to infinity and beyond! . . )

Let me know if I made any goofs

[Nestegg_User]

Tomorrow I will sleep In I think.

Congratulations, Ruby Tuesday. I heard sleeping in is hard for retirees to do.

TravelforFun

As a retiree with 2 weeks of experience, sleeping in comes most naturally!

Congrats Ruby Tuesday!

As a retiree from the class of 2015 , sleeping in isn’t that hard, if you want to. today, got up between 8:30-9 since the snowfall obscured the mountains in the retirement house (otherwise don’t mind morning coffee looking at the snow covered peaks). Sure beats the old life of getting out the door by 5:20!

[remomnyc]

I had planned to give notice on Monday, but my boss told me I have a sizable bonus coming. Now I feel compelled to stay until then, which changes my exit to 5/18/18. I'm in the midst of two very stressful projects, so I resent staying but it's hard to leave so much money on the table. Every day seems interminable now that I'm so close.

[Miriam2]

I had planned to give notice on Monday, but my boss told me I have a sizable bonus coming. Now I feel compelled to stay until then, which changes my exit to 5/18/18. I'm in the midst of two very stressful projects, so I resent staying but it's hard to leave so much money on the table. Every day seems interminable now that I'm so close.

OK remomnyc, we'll move you down from March to May.

Don't despair, May will be here before you know it. And with a sizable bonus coming in May, well, for me, I wouldn't leave a sizable bonus on the table, especially for 3 months - unless you're washing windows on the outside of skyscrapers or dragging around 150-lb bags of cement and if so, then get out now. Otherwise, charge forth, rake in every dollar you can, dream about where you'll put the extra and enjoy planning for your retirement

But there comes a point where enough is enough . . .

One day you turn around and it's summer
Next day you turn around and it's fall
And the springs and the winters of a lifetime
Whatever happened to them all?

As a man who has always had the wand'ring ways
Now I'm reaching back for yesterdays
'Til a long-forgotten love appears
And I find that I'm sighing softly as I near
September, the warm September of my years.

--Bob Dylan, "September of my Years"

[Barefoot]

Put me down for May 25.

[Miriam2]

Put me down for May 25.

Done

Welcome to the class! Any retirement plans?