I had the goal of retiring by age 50. I worked hard, earned a good six-figure income, invested wisely (Microsoft, others), bought land and an income-producing condo (in Hawaii). I had a post-retirement plan, to start a small publishing company. Did all the research. Had a business plan. I retired early, at age 48, took my pensions (three of them), moved to Las Vegas, started a little business, and virtually dropped off the face of the earth for a while. Now, six years later at age 54, I’m back at work, pretty much broke, and thinking once more of retirement. Fact is, when I was in my 20s, I really didn’t think I would live this long. I took on life as a sprint and it has turned out to be a marathon. If you do plan to retire early, my advice is to put away twice as much as you think you’ll need. It might take a little longer, but you can avoid the need to go job-hunting when you are in your 60s.
