I think retirement is a pipe dream...

At 50 (11 years away), I will be able to retire from the State of Mississippi, which will provide a sizeable lifetime pension (technically, I can retire at 48, but 50 gets the partial lump sum, and 52 would get maximum benefits, but I don't think I will need that). My mortgage will also be paid off before that time, so the difference between my pension and work income will feel about the same.

From there, I will probably pursue some sort of consulting part time or a second career if I find something that excites me. I don't expect I will have to work unless I want to, however. I will also have a pretty sizeable IRA nest egg once I am able to withdraw from that at 69 1/2.

I'm pretty confident in our long-term retirement strategy.