Lot of good advice posted. In my case have always maxed out my 401 K, used debt to acquire homes and investment real estate(duplex and several farms), but have always focused on debt reduction as fast as possible. I remember that looked like a really great policy after the dot com bust in the late 90's.
The stock market has been good for me. Have rode it up and down, but long term it has been a very good game to be in. My wife and I have set aside money in Iowa 529 plans for our kids schooling since they were born. By the time they go to ISU, those balances will approach 6 digit totals with nearly half of it being stock market gains. Have the age based system in place so the money has shifted into bonds automatically so the value is protected in a stock market down term.
While I probably could retire early, I don't see myself ever doing so. My wife is 5 years younger than me and want her to be able to collect social security when I do. I like working and have a job I enjoy. Will work full time to 70 health permitting and will find something to do after I retire too!
The stock market has been good for me. Have rode it up and down, but long term it has been a very good game to be in. My wife and I have set aside money in Iowa 529 plans for our kids schooling since they were born. By the time they go to ISU, those balances will approach 6 digit totals with nearly half of it being stock market gains. Have the age based system in place so the money has shifted into bonds automatically so the value is protected in a stock market down term.
While I probably could retire early, I don't see myself ever doing so. My wife is 5 years younger than me and want her to be able to collect social security when I do. I like working and have a job I enjoy. Will work full time to 70 health permitting and will find something to do after I retire too!
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