5 Reasons To Retire As Soon As You Can | Wes Moss | Money Matters

Some people live to work; others work to live.

I’ve never believed that cliché line. While it may apply to a relatively small number of folks at either end of the spectrum, I think most of us fall somewhere in between when it comes to our attitudes towards work. True, we head to the office or job site every day to support ourselves financially. But our jobs ideally give us much more than a paycheck. The work we do gives us a sense of satisfaction and happiness, and, in some ways, defines us.

If work is feeling like a grind, ask yourself the following questions. The answers might help you decide whether it’s time to seriously consider turning in your key and pass card.




Please note, this information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. There will be periods of performance fluctuations, including periods of negative returns. Past performance is not indicative of future results when considering any investment vehicle. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions.

[DonaldMark-nese]

I believe the retirement crisis will get even worse. Many struggle to save due to low wages, rising prices, and exorbitant rents. With homeownership becoming unattainable for middle-class Americans, they may not have a home to rely on for retirement either.

[Greggsberdard]

More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire.

[kaitlyncranwick]

40 now, and everything is paid for. Fortunately, I had a college economics teacher who taught me a lesson when I was 18 years old. That lesson was: you can't buy something else for every purchase you make. Having multiple sources of income is prudent, as is living within your means. I have a 13-year-old vehicle because it is all I need, I like it, and I can do whatever I want with it. My net worth is $4 million, and I can pay my bills without stress, but I don't live like I have that. I have no complaints.

[Reitz]

Retired at 55, lost 70 lbs, got off my meds, and got my life back

[LucasBenjamin-hvsk]

Retirees who struggle to meet their basic needs are the ones who could not accumulate enough money during their active years to meet their needs. Retirement choices determine a lot of things. My parents both spent same number of years in the civil service, but my mom was investing through a wealth manager, and my dad through the 401k.

[Calvertmarian]

Building wealth from nothing involves consistent saving, disciplined spending, and strategic investments. Begin by creating a budget to track expenses and identify areas for savings. Prioritize paying off high-interest debt and establishing an emergency fund. As you build a foundation, start investing in low-cost options like index funds, and focus on continuous learning and improving your skills for better income opportunities.

[anthonybabowicz]

I was happier when I was 15 yrs and had 5 dollars in my pocket than when I was an adult and had many thousands in my account. I retired last year at 51, I'm not rich, but I spend most of my time renovating an old house and walking the beach with my fishing rod. I have a 1 day/week side hustle just to keep from spending my nest egg, which is still growing. I'm not the most wealthy guy on my block, but it's a safe bet that I'm the happiest.

[tidefan]

I spent the last 10 years in a toxic work environment. 6 figure income at a job I hated and a boss who showed no dedication to anyone. I moved the company from 40 mil to 100 mil a year and was rewarded with someone being hired from outside and put in a position over me.
After 6 months being retired I’m a new man. No stress and healthy again. Can’t believe I stayed that long and put myself through all that.
Don’t let money control you and be yourself and be happy.
God is great just let him lead you.

[seventhchild]

SO MANY OF MY COWORKERS DIED BEFORE GETTING THE CHANCE TO ENJOY THEIR HARD EARNED RETIREMENT AND SOME DIED A LITTLE AFTER IS SO SHORT!

[schukerD]

I retired at 63 with very little saved up. Good stewardship and good luck has grown it to about 750K. I told my money guy, “I don’t know if I’m retiring for good, but I’m retiring for now.” Haven’t looked back.

[KCFlyer]

I retired at 61. I have a pension, I'm taking Social Security at 62, I don't have any debt. My work was bad for my health. My boss was harping on me constantly/ We had a major project that I was to be a key player, but my boss took a pretty minor issue and cut my pay by $20k per year. I turned in retirement papers that afternoon. They needed me and HR called to offer me my old pay rate back and transfer me to a different division, but I felt like every day at work was taking a week off my life. I told them I was sorry, but my decision has been made. The project fell to my boss. It failed miserably. And I have been enjoying every day since.

[artspark]

Most of the people that come to visit work after retirement look 10 years younger and 100Xs happier. It's amazing.

[rebeccasmith]

Retired at 56. Eating healthy, sleeping great. No regrets.

[Jessrobbie]

Ms GALIA BENARTZI has opened my eyes so much and I'm 39. Started investing few months ago. I've put in total of $35k and I've up to $70K now. Pretty happy about THAT.

[TripReviews]

I’m retiring now at 64, 5 months before my 65th birthday. My brother died one month after turning 65, my best friend died at 58 one year after retiring form his 30 years as a metallurgical inspector at a steel mill. Most of my friends from high school have passed on. Why the f -x-x should I work any longer in a place where i would work any day of the week and have 4 different shifts within the same week, even be scheduled for up to 11 days straight without a day off, be abused by customers daily, am legally blind but do have enough usable vision to get by with. No mortgage, no debt. I’ve had enough, retirement time for me! Cheers 🍻🥂👍🇨🇦

[noodengrthree]

I got out of full time engineering at age 55 four years ago. I chose to call it career pivot now I work part time in a job that is fun. Every time I drive by my old place I say. " Yep still don't miss you"

[Ame_rodri]

>When you read articles about financial freedom, you may hear people drone on and on about how they are spending practically nothing so they can retire at a younger age, like 30. Conversely, they may have already achieved financial freedom and are bragging about how frugal they were so they could retire well before the typical retirement age.<>

[milby]

#1 reason people can’t retire early is cost of health insurance!

[nala]

I watched too many friends die early or have sudden physical issues arise that prevented them from experiencing things they had talked about doing for many years before. We are all on a degradation path and you will only be slightly worse tomorrow than today. So don’t ignore that slow process thinking that you will have the same level of health and physical capabilities you do today in another 5-10 years.

Once you can afford it, don’t jog but sprint out that work exit door and do all the things your heart desired to do before it’s too late!

[ticnatz]

No to every question....YET, I retired early anyway. Best choice I was ever given.