Let's say you had an option of retiring early at like 50 with enough investment income to last until you're 100 living a lower middle class lifestyle. Would you do it or keep on working until 62 to ensure you have enough income to live a "rich" retirement? Curious to see the answers
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My answer would have to depend on my health. Not worth working longer if you can't enjoy it.
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Can't I pick both? :-)



On second thought, nevermind, as it's too late for me to do either. :-)
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Retire early. Easy choice for me.

PS - I'm 24. What I'm looking at right now is continuing to work my job for another 5 years saving ~75% of each paycheck (like I'm doing right now) and then quitting to do whatever I want to. Probably whitewater rafting guide. I'll take a really decreased paycheck but by then given my investing habits and return I should be good to go on a minimal income.
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What if you could manage semi-retired (work maybe 500 hours a year) at 45 and upper middle class for the rest of your life? I'm thinking full medical coverage, big house without a mortgage and perhaps something in the six figures to live on after taxes.
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I like my job, so I'd pick retire rich
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My plan is retire at 52 I will have medical and enough to be lower middle class. And at that point get a part time job at a BM or something like that. Even though I do love my job and can work till 57 and make a whole lot more.
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Retire early, but only if a minimum income can be secured. But that depends heavily on family needs, health care and my hobbies at the time.
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62, easy decision.

Though I am not sure if everyone is looking at "lower middle class" in the same way.... I need a number on that to make an informed decision.
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I definitely plan on working way past 50. No way I would be able stand not working in some way that early. That being said, also no way I will be working at the job I'm at now past 50. Second career all the way...probably something involving a resort or a golf course, whatever I can get the best deal on.
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Retire and work part-time at a cigar shop. :-)
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This is my plan. 20-25 hrs a week effing off at home depot or something. I'd like to have my 'I am never moving again' house.
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Define lower middle class and rich?
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I ponder this all the time my self...I have a good job for a average idiot, I like it and it gives me most the tools I need to retire at a decent age. I'm shooting for 45-55 years old myself. The wife is going to take over bread winning duty's soon as she is working towards being a RN. When the wife tells me to stay home and clean the house I will know it's time.
I would love to retire or even semi retire while I'm healthy enough to have fun with my boys and nieces and I will more than likely be taking over a gun shop or some other part time work later on. ("welcome to Wal-Mart do you need a cart")
This all depends on return of investments too. I (we) could all be broke tomorrow.

So in a nut shell....I want out before 62.
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Retire early and go fishing everyday. I'm easy to please.:-)
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What? No "retire now" option?
:-)
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That was my question exactly, Mac.....

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505123_1...-middle-class/

It's not surprising that Washington has a hard time deciding the politically expedient definition of middle class, but it's not as if there's any better clarity among the masses either. In an April 2008 survey conducted by the Pew Research center, four in 10 Americans with income below $20,000 said they were middle class, while one-third of those making more than $150,000 defined themselves as middle class.


So 40% of Americans that are not making half the Median Household income think they are "middle class"....which 1/3 of those making three times the Median Household income think they are middle class.... If choosing between those two, I'd say the 150Kers are closer....:-)


THis post is in no way meant to come off as political....
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I've got a 1% friend, trust me, rich is always better.

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I currently have three jobs. I work as a consultant for a school district, have a residential rental property business, and have a cattle operation. The school job will go away at some point. The other two never will.

I choose work until the day I die. There is nothing else I want to do.
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62 and probably much longer. The answer is always more.
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