The intent of this blog is to present an experience – my experience, my perspective – approaching and going into retirement.

While finances will be discussed a little – at least at the beginning to frame the picture, I intend to discuss the OTHER aspects of retiring. I have a list of over three dozen various topics.

This will not be a story of someone from the FIRE (Financially Independent Retire Early) crowd, or the FRA (Full Retirement Age) crowd – I fall in between: I intend to retire after I turn 55 and before I turn 56. I will be vague or generalize as needed because I am still in the workforce, and don’t want any coworkers to draw any potentially negative opinions of me.

Some may consider retiring at 55 as early. I consider it a little early, but it is the first “legal” age of eligibility for retirement. The FIRE crowd amassed savings and retired as early as possible. I am retiring as early as possible while initially accessing retirement funds, namely a 401k. This would be before 59 1/2 wherein someone can first access their IRAs penalty free. 62 is the first age to access Social Security (SS), though at a reduced rate. 66-67 is the “regular” retirement age, or full retirement age (FRA), for accessing social sec at the regular rate. 70 is the latest age to start collection SS, at an increased rate. Last, 72 is the revised-in-2020 age for Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).

I will be as honest as I can, and throw in a little humor and sarcasm in the process.

While I don’t expect the blog to change the world, if I can impart just one piece of knowledge on someone, or give them an idea, or perhaps change their perspective on something, then I think my job will be done.