Should I Retire?

[Dune]

Definitely retire. The rest of us need the work.

 

[PapaDave]

We downsized a lot when I quit working. Slowed down too, after a while. Still need to do some more of that.
I'm finally getting back into the garden, and spending a lot of time on home improvements to help with the comfort level of the home.
I say retire, if you have the means, even if it requires a change in lifestyle to accommodate a smaller income from whatever source.
I saw way too many who worked too long, then when they did retire, died within a few short years.
I'd like to spend more time doing what I like rather than work.
My vote...retire.
One thing you can't make more of, is time.

 

[Flatbedford]

.One thing you can't make more of, is time.

So true. The most precious thing is time.

 

[begreen]

Run the numbers Velvetfoot and make sure they pro out with conservative estimates. If they do, or if you expect to make supplemental income when retired that helps make the balance then go for it.
(broken link removed to http://money.msn.com/retirement/retirement-calculator.aspx)

Matter fact, here's an offer... I'll make you a deal. You retire and I'll match you and will too.

 

[Retired Guy]

Do it! I retired at 63, never regretted it. As my wife says - every day is Saturday.

 

[bag of hammers]

Do it! I retired at 63, never regretted it. As my wife says - every day is Saturday.

Starting to feel like every day is Monday here. Can't wait to join you Retired Guy....

 

[WeldrDave]

Go! Don't do like my father did, retired at 70 then dropped dead at 74…. Go enjoy yourself. But as somebody mentioned, get a hobby, DO SOMETHING!

 

[Seasoned Oak]

I did enough work for 5 guys in my career,so i have no problem letting the young take up the sweat. 2014 will be the year "geezers just want to have fun" .

 

[1750]

We've got family we rarely hear from unless they want something.....at this point we have no Will, but I do have 100G that is earmarked (Insurance Policy) for my buddy's two daughters (they don't know about it).....love 'em as if they were my own....we keep talking about a Will, but never go any further than that

A simple will can take care of that and you'll sleep better knowing it's taken care of. Depending on your situation, it could be as little as a few hundred dollars to have an attorney bless your wishes. If you don't do it, intestacy (dying without a will) sends a portion of your estate to your state, and non-blood relatives will likely receive none of it. Your "when they need something" family will appreciate your procrastination, however!

Seriously, putting my estate in order was a big relief to me.

 

[firebroad]

If you have to ask if you should or not, then no.
If I could retire tomorrow I would.

 

[northwinds]

There is no black and white line anymore for retirement. I've been working off and on since college. If you don't like what you're doing, find something
else to do. Go back to school if you need to boost your skills to do something more rewarding. I like making money, and I've had about six different
occupations--some have been very financially rewarding and sucked out my lifeblood; others have been a blast but barely minimum wage. Life
is a merry-go-round, and you only get one ride.

 

[Retired Guy]

Go! Don't do like my father did, retired at 70 then dropped dead at 74…. Go enjoy yourself. But as somebody mentioned, get a hobby, DO SOMETHING!

A couple years before retirement my wife and I bought a hobby house in the 1000 island region - built in 1860 and has a plethora of projects for us to work on. Keeps life interesting for us.

 

[velvetfoot]

I put in my papers. May 20th is last day.

 

[begreen]

Yea, congratulations. And true to my word, I am retiring Mar 31st.

 

[velvetfoot]

Congrats right back at 'ya.

 

[Flatbedford]

Congrats to both of you!

 

[firebroad]

Lucky dogs. I will be 6 years behind you...If I make it that far
Enjoy yourselves!!

 

[Flatbedford]

Minimum 16 for me.

 

[begreen]

Get debt free as soon as possible. It makes the decision a lot easier.

 

[DAKSY]

3 - 4 years if I can live that long.

 

[GENECOP]

Yes, life is to precious to be spending your days uninspired...time to turn the page...

 

[Retired Guy]

My wife says that every day is Saturday after you retire.

Great news for you!

 

[webbie]

3 - 4 years if I can live that long.

You looked like you have 20-30 left when I saw you in DC......

 

[REFire]

I put in my papers. May 20th is last day.

Karl, wise move on your part. Have been retired for 17 years, never depressed,never bored, always have something to do that I like.
Just remember, "Short time alive, long time dead" enjoy it while you can.

 

[firefighterjake]

Congrats guys.