I have always been driven, driven to work hard and long hours into the night, driven to move on to the next challenge and the next chapter of my life. A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, fatty liver disease and pre-diabetes. It really shocked my life and gave me a new purpose. I lost 115 pounds, changed my diet and my daily routine and began to take health and fitness to an extreme. I have also given myself permission to relax and to vacation, something I have never done since I began going to college and transitioned into the employment world.
My father is turning 60 this September, and he is thinking of retiring soon. Jokingly I thought how awesome it would be to retire early, explore the world, compete in marathons and cross fit competitions and not worry about tomorrow. The more I joked, the more I wanted it and the more this became a desire for me!
I have a cushy 9-5 job and make $56k a year. I am blessed to work in the field I love where we have a union, annual raises, a pension and the freedom to make the most out of our day. I am a college advisor and am pursuing my doctoral as a “bucket list” item I have told myself I would do.
I do have a lot of college loans debt (north of $120) but no mortgage, and a car that I am almost done paying for. My pension is automated, and thanks to the great negotiating power of our unions we do not pay social security however our money goes to an independent account protected by the constitution of the state of Illinois. I did the smart thing and opened up a 403(b) and put away $200 a month.
Now, my fiancé does want a home after we wed, and I am eyeing 15 year mortgage.
So, reddit. Please give me your best advise to I could achieve my ambitious goal of retiring at 50.
Thank you.
Submitted July 02, 2017 at 12:15PM by jtorrez_85 http://ift.tt/2t60jz7
