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early retirement

Retiring wasn’t easy — even after years of writing about it

January 22, 2024 By Liz Weston

A couple of years ago, I wrote a column about how to have a retirement worth saving for. It ended with a quote from personal finance educator Barbara O’Neill, who reflected on how the pandemic disrupted many retirees’ plans.

“It wasn’t just two years lost, it was two good years,” O’Neill said then. “You don’t know how many of those you have left.”

One of my younger colleagues objected to that sentiment, saying it was a jarring ending to an otherwise upbeat column. But my older co-workers got it. Those of us who currently have good health and energy don’t know how long those blessings will last. There’s no guarantee we’ll get to enjoy the retirements we have planned.

That lesson was driven home in July 2023, when a longtime colleague died at age 61. We’d had many talks over the years about the retirement he had envisioned. It’s heartbreaking that his dreams will never happen.

But his death was the push I needed to make my own decision. By the time you read this, I will have retired from my job at personal finance site NerdWallet.

You can read the rest of the column here.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: early retirement, Retirement, retirement plan

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

April 30, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What to buy (and skip) in May. Also in the news: Early retirees share hard lessons learned, a student loan partial financial hardship calculator, and why you should research mortgage lenders the way you research restaurants.

What to Buy (and Skip) in May
It’s a good time for furniture shopping.

Early Retirees Share Hard Lessons Learned
What they’d do differently.

Student Loan Partial Financial Hardship Calculator
Determining if you qualify.

Research Mortgage Lenders the Way You Research Restaurants
Don’t end up with an unsatisfying lender.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: early retirement, May shopping tips, mortgage lenders, student loan hardship calculator, Student Loans

Monday’s need-to-know money news

September 10, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to size up your property tax assessment. Also in the news: How to never miss a credit card payment again, what it takes to retire early, and how to save money by embracing the ‘pain of paying.’

How to Size Up Your Property Tax Assessment
Don’t be caught offguard.

How to Never Miss a Credit Card Payment Again
Automate your credit life.

Dreaming of an Early Retirement? Here’s What It Takes
Never too early to get started.

Save Money by Embracing the ‘Pain of Paying’
Cash can hurt.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 'pain of paying', credit card payments, early retirement, property tax, property tax assessment, saving, Taxes

Friday’s need-to-know money news

August 31, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 5 people who are crushing student debt. Also in the news: Skipping student loan forbearance, what it takes for early retirement, and 5 things to avoid buying during Labor Day sales.

Meet 5 People Who Are Crushing Student Debt
How you can follow their lead.

Skip Student Loan Forbearance — Do This Instead
Forbearance should be a last resort.

Dreaming of an Early Retirement? Here’s What It Takes
Better start saving.

5 things to avoid buying during Labor Day sales this year
Skip these “sales.”

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: early retirement, labor day sales, student debt, student loan forbearance, Student Loans

Monday’s need-to-know money news

February 26, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Keeping your money safe while you see the world. Also in the news: How one couple retired early, why Millennials should care about Medicare right now, and using liability insurance when driving abroad.

Keep Your Money Safe While You See the World
Enjoy your trip without money stresses.

If You Retire Early, Life Can Be a Beach
How one couple pulled it off.

Why Millennials Should Care About Medicare Right Now
Before it’s too late.

Do You Need Special Car Rental Insurance When Driving Abroad?
Looking at liability insurance.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: car rental, early retirement, international driving, liability insurance, Medicare, millennials, tips, travelers checks, traveling

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

January 24, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to max out your Roth IRA in 2018. Also in the news: Why smarter cars aren’t saving us money on car insurance, 4 tax breaks that could help those caring for elderly parents, and 5 money moves that will help you retire early.

How to Max Out Your Roth IRA in 2018
Tips to keep you on track.

Why Smarter Cars Aren’t Saving Us Money on Car Insurance
Need a little more time.

If You’re Caring for Elderly Parents, 4 Tax Breaks May Help
See what’s available to you.

5 Money Moves That Will Help You Retire Early
Strategic planning.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: car insurance, caregivers, early retirement, money moves, Retirement, retirement savings, Roth IRA, smart cars, tax breaks, tips

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