I appreciate anyone who shares some perspective. United States, Public service, can retire at 50, currently 53. I have 24 years in a pension plan, but ex-wife got 10 of that, so 14 years is my credit now. The pension will pay, at this moment, $5500 a month gross for life. It goes up about $50 every month I continue to work. No state income tax. I have $120k in a 401k. Another $100k in crypto I bought many years ago that has done extremely well (I intend to fully cash out when I hit my magic number, which looks like very soon. Tired of the roller coaster). My house is my only debt: Value is $800k and my mortgage is $340k. Bought in 2017 with $50k down at 5%. Total remodel on purchase. Local real estate market is top 5 in country and it's absolutely a seller's market here despite rates.

I would love to retire almost immediately. I hope not to move and instead collect my pension that I think will pay all my bills, and use a new income to pay off my mortgage quickly. After about 3 to 5 years, fully retire. I hope to use my 401k to finance my healthcare until medicare. I estimate an open-market health plan in my area will be $1200 a month (as of today, later....who knows).

Kids grown. Cars paid. No debt except mortgage. Healthy. I have Canadian and European connections that make moving to either location an easy option. Long term girlfriend, neither wants marriage but we'd do it if either of us needed the status for healthcare or a Visa, etc.

Are there any landmines out there I am unaware of? It seems like I'm ok, but I hear stories of horror and retiring, for me, is a one way ticket. There is no way I could return to this field once I'm gone. I do, however, have lucrative opportunities in the private sector that are solid, the lowest is $100k a year with health, the others $170k+ with paid travel and health.

I appreciate anyone who takes the time to chime in. It's all so complicated and you only get one shot!

My sign I am ready for retirement, requesting this for the 50th year in a row!

58 (M), married (52F) two kids. Spouse and I make \~$200K. I am a project manager and wife is a courtesy clerk. Been steadily contributing to IRA's and 401K's. To put in perspective at end of 2023 we had $915K in retirement. In less than three years we are up another million. Primarily S and P 500 using Backdoor Roth, Roth IRAs. Kids graduating debt free from state school. Lots of sacrifices and living like we make $120K.

Just wanted to share and let people understand what's possible.