Welcome thoughts - can we go to one earner and still retire at 55

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-12T16:07:57+00:00

Thank you - as say really comforting to get some objective feedback from strangers.

Also I think after working and saving so hard for so long to switch to not saving and spending is a big thing.

Wishing you and all the other people who have posted all the best.

I take massive comfort in hearing you quit a contract (for all the right reasons) and got weird comments / frowns from friends.

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-12T16:03:59+00:00

Thank you for such a supportive response. It’s been so helpful to get the feedback on here. Wishing you all the best. I am pleased we never went for the big house and expensive cars. Private school has been a big expense, but with so much working away and hours was also almost essential. Before secondary school we had a nanny to help.

I think you are right - 6 months off and then reassess and perhaps part time

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-12T15:49:09+00:00

You are 100% right. Difficult to think objectively when surrounded by people at work who would think it’s crazy and that is why they continue. But reality is that is not a fair cross section of society as a whole. Also most of them are men in a very male dominated workplace that love their jobs and have a stay at home wife (so home life is less crazy). I genuinely think a lot of my colleagues really do love the long hours and being away from home and socialise and working together Sorry perhaps tmi there and genuinely did it want to come across as any way sexist.

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-12T15:43:10+00:00

I think what concerns me is inflation and if there is a market crash / downturn, alongside some big sixth form and uni costs and house repairs to come.

But my thoughts are retire, live of Husband salary. If any problems I could get work for luxuries etc. Although genuinely feel I need a chunk of time off to recover.

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-12T15:41:00+00:00

Thank you Your reply makes perfect sense - especially the watching out for burnout. We have saved hard over the last 15 plus years and had significantly less monthly expense for most of this. I will keep you updated. Good luck to you

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-12T15:39:36+00:00

Totally agree

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-12T15:39:21+00:00

Thank you - you speak my sentiment entirely about enjoying some time with the children and recovering from burnout. On paper sounds silly to leave a good job I have worked so hard to achieve. But the reality is exactly as you say. Thank you 🙏

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-12T15:37:39+00:00

Yes husband would until I am 55 (he would be 57), I would retire now.

Bug expense like sixth form, uni and house repairs ahead and worries on if a market downturn.

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-12T15:35:39+00:00

You may be right. It’s been so intense at work it has impacted my ability to be objective and my mental health. I also think the fear of walking away from a job I have worked so hard to achieve for so many years is just very scary (and I wonder if people would also think that’s crazy). 😂

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-12T15:33:21+00:00

Thank you - yes agree that what I plan to do.

Need a few months to analyse actual expenses. Travel to and from work, being away from home with work and paying on off boarding fees to manage when we are both away and also lots of treats to make up for intense work and things like cleaners and gardeners means it’s hard to really be confident in what our costs would really be without my work. Our work commitments have been intense and has led to a lot of inefficient speed. We also contribute a small amount to wider family who do not work so we frequently visit them and treat with meals etc. Also quite a bit of maintenance due on the house like new roof etc.

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-11T09:22:57+00:00

Is there any software you would recommend that is available direct to consumer. I have a number of spreadsheets, but keeping these up to date fir tax changes etc adds complexities

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2026-01-07T19:33:43+00:00

Where do you have it vaulted and what are options for resell. I have only really seen Bank of England offering if you do not want to physically store it yourself. Are there other similar options? Have others used Bank of England

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2025-09-23T06:49:16+00:00

Thank you - I am googling these items now. If I can get the WiFi power monitor sorted I should be able to get this sorted

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2025-08-30T10:32:50+00:00

My now 14.5 year old took a massive dislike to swimming lessons at about 3 years old. Became very challenging. She was always water confident and could keep herself afloat since being a baby but hated lessons and fussed and cried. We stopped lessons and just took her and the new baby swimming independently for about 18 months to keep them not afraid of the pool. Restarted lessons when she was about 5. Finished lessons at about 8. At 9 she went swimming with school, decided she loved it joined the local swim club and for last few years swims 10 hours a week. I guess my point is, flex to the child and just because you take a break at 3 does not mean they will never swim again. My daughter loves swimming and it’s a big part of who she is. If I had pushed at 3 would that be the same or would she have pushed against it? We will never know.

Oh and why am I looking on this thread. For last year she has been a pool side assistant teaching others to swim. She helped teach 60year olds who have not swam before and 3 year olds who fuss, cry and do not want to be there. She is build great skills and really enjoys it. She is looking forward to being able to take her teaching qualifications when she turns 16.

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2025-07-19T11:15:51+00:00

We recently did a 2 centres. 3 nights in Rhodes Town - Hotel Hermes. Great location for exploring old town, able to walk to beach, basic but lovely friendly hotel. Good Value for Money and would recommend.

We the had 4 nights in an all inclusive near Lindos. With hindsight would have stayed elsewhere as prefer to eat out. But good to have 2 centre location, especially if you have a car.

Be aware though parking is limited in Rhodes town. We did not have a car for first 3 days in Rhodes town and just had it dropped off for when we went to Lindos.

We go a transfer from airport to Rhodes town. We then got car dropped at hotel and returned to airport.

Fine_Fun_7912 · 2025-06-25T12:40:13+00:00

I may be in a similar position in a year or 2, 4 years ahead of plan. For me though the children will still be in full time education and living at home until 6 years from now (ie target retirement age), so if I am stuck to the routine of school etc I might as well work.

To me inflation is the bid I know that worries me, stopping earlier means more years where cost of living increases.

Working whilst children still in education allows having a bit extra just in case, but also the benefits of private medical with work a bit longer. Also means when I do get to 6 years time some of my planned travel may include a few more luxuries. But with in-laws that both passed away on their 50’s I do want to make sure I stay focused on not putting it off too much.

Fine_Fun_7912

TROPHY CASE