I think retirement is a pipe dream...

I doubt that I'll retire by choice. Two divorces chopped my 401k in half, twice. I had a stent put in at 51 and two veins in my legs glued shut last month. My maternal grandmother died at 52 with a bad heart. I have my problems. My 33 year old half brother is the picture of fitness except for the bad heart that caused his doctor to say that he'd be lucky to live into his 50's.

Despite that, I'm putting the equivalent of a full-time, minimum wage job in my 401k because I might goof around and live, or become disabled and need it. Both of my parents became disabled (Dad Fibromyalgia/Mom mini strokes) before they could retire. If I don't live, my 35 year old half-sister will get the 401k, life insurance, and house. With that, and what she has, retirement will be possible for her, and her fiancee.


As I learned recently when my father died, many 401k's do NOT have any death benefits. Meaning when you die they just keep it. Check into that if you havent already. My father had made me the beneficiary....etc. but they don't pay out on death so what was the point?


I am 42 and plan to retire ASAP. I am not planning to stay in the rat race past 50 if I can help it. 55 at the absolute latest. We are saving every dollar we earn and we have a big plan. At this rate we are 2-3 years savings away and then we probably need another 2-3 to fully get up and running. After that....anything is possible.