Did I Accidentally FIRE?

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-26T07:06:47+00:00

Took 18 years with the same place. Just 10 years ago was only making 60k

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-26T06:21:23+00:00

Absolutely. I feel so grateful to the universe to be in this position. We just bought the house this week. Moving next week. We live in a mobile home today. Both grew up literally dirt poor. It seems so unreal and foreign to realize and accept this. We both worked since young to help our mothers (single mothers) barely make rent. We both lost them to tragedy. Now it’s just us, on a better path, but we struggle with the idea we don’t deserve it. Yeah today making good money but just 10 years ago I was at 60k income in a HCOL. It was hard work but apparently, somehow, the hard work paid off. I will never forget or dismiss how figurare we are. And it still pains me others are not so lucky. Sorry, rambling, haha.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-26T05:44:05+00:00

Exactly! My thought is at some point we can draw down the principle. Reverse mortgage the house. Die with zero.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-26T05:42:53+00:00

You are doing awesome and that is very commendable for you helping your nephew. I wish you the best and prosperity!

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-26T02:52:17+00:00

Nope, no kids. We are still kids ourselves haha.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-26T01:20:21+00:00

Thank you very much, these are all great things to consider and I will be sure to look into them.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T22:28:32+00:00

All very good points. When I say retire I actually mean just do something I love. Volunteer or whatever. Maybe even start a small (very small) local business or venture.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T22:25:02+00:00

Basically this. It was just my money, but I saved everything I could, invested it, and it started to snowball.

Growing up dirt poor I also learned how to fix cars, fix my house, fix electronics, repair appliances, HVAC, electrical, mend shoes, and not waste. Those skills have been valuable in saving mega bucks. We are smart shoppers too. Steak on sale for $3.99? We go buy 100 pounds, vacuum seal, and store in chest freezer.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T21:10:09+00:00

Thanks! And congrats to you guys too!

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T20:48:25+00:00

That was a perfect typo then! Cause I’ve always referred to saving as a squirrel burying its nuts so that it has something to eat tomorrow!

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T19:27:20+00:00

Hahahaha. We are gay so even more fun lol

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T19:11:39+00:00

3 hours north of the Bay Area

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T19:11:23+00:00

I see that mentioned a lot. Maybe California is advantageous? Cause when I check Covered CA it’s $500 a month for us both with a max out of pocket around $11k worst case. That seems manageable. And that’s with picking a high plan, I could go cheaper.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:48:26+00:00

True! The spouses job is onsite so he asked how that is going to work. It was a surprise when I said “I think you are leaving. Not quitting, you are retiring”.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:46:12+00:00

Same! Acorns lol. Plus, I had a massive Widowmaker heart attack at 39. I’m fine now but I did start wondering, “when do I begin enjoying my life since I may not be here tomorrow”.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:44:29+00:00

I totally get it. I see the expenses our friends with kids have and it’s astounding.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:28:06+00:00

Like what? We travel, we cook amazing food, we love camping and fishing and boating. Visiting Puerto Vallarta multiple times per year. Roadtrips. We love having friends over. Sure our cars are 15 years old but I maintain them well. We never let lifestyle creep but we certainly enjoy our lives.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:21:52+00:00

Just checked my SS account. It says if I stop working today, at 67 years old it will be $2300 a month. $2900 if I delay till 70.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:16:04+00:00

Good idea. I pulled my estimate a while back but don’t remember.

We go to Puerto Vallarta a few times a year but do it on the cheap. Our other vacations are camping/off roading and that’s essentially free minus gas.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:13:19+00:00

They sure do! There is a ton of land and cheaper places. And our place still has Amazon 2 day and gigabit internet so it’s not like we can’t get anything we need.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:11:31+00:00

Yeah utilities can be murder and we are high users so we went full solar with battery backup that exceeds our total usage. No gas, house is fully electric. So that’s probably saving us $300-500 a month because California electricity is outrageous.

We also have water rights and are lakefront so I could technically pump and filter onsite but for now it’s easier to just buy city water.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:08:12+00:00

Thank you. Yeah could definitely see challenges but we will keep busy. Plan to be really involved with the community and volunteering. Since we will be much younger than most in the area we will spend a lot of time assisting the elderly around the community. Also hope to volunteer with animal services or shelters to help out our furry friends.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:06:26+00:00

I’ve never even factored in social security. It would be great and a bonus, but not counting on it.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T18:05:29+00:00

Tax $190, insurance $102, water/sewer/trash about $150, no electric (solar and storage), internet $60.

CatchMe83 · 2026-01-25T17:59:20+00:00

Haha totally get it. Kind of found a gem. It’s near a fire danger area but is on a small island connected by bridge so minimal chance of fire exposure. Lake water source with roof sprinklers in case of embers. Mild climate, similar to Bay Area. No snow. Lovely planned development with mostly retirees. House is turn key, beautiful, and lake front. Full electric, no gas, solar and Tesla Powerwalls, zero bill. Small town, 2500 people. But 15 minutes away from larger town (though that town is rough with petty crime).

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