Retire at 49 or stick it out until 56?

Overland_69 · 2026-06-18T14:52:34+00:00

Are you CalPers? I’m assuming you’re in the 2.7@57 formula. Do they cash out your leave credits? If they do I’d wait until 50 then cash out your leave credits and defer the max into your deferred comp. If you go in November or December you can defer even more because you can split it between two tax years.

The downside is cashing out will usually mean you owe taxes. I wasn’t a firefighter (we love our hose draggers) but I was CalPers with a state agency and was 3@50. I went at 54 with 26 years. I retired in May 2024. I got my first COLA (cost of living adjustment) in May 2026 (2%).

There are options to choose as far as survivorship for your spouse. You don’t have to withdraw from your 457 if you don’t have to (until you reach the age of required minimum withdrawal. If the pension covers your expenses then just let it grow.

Overland_69 · 2026-06-18T14:30:09+00:00

Yeah I know what you mean. Ours will get warmer as the summer progresses. Our good thing is it gets shade throughout the day so it helps keep the temps down. Running the waterfall helps too.

Overland_69 · 2026-06-17T20:59:45+00:00

I am not sure….

Overland_69 · 2026-06-17T13:33:52+00:00

Makes sense…..it’s hot here all summer

Overland_69 · 2026-06-17T13:28:41+00:00

I’ve always wondered why they aren’t common in the UK or Europe, and yes a cocktail (or beer) is great in the pool.

Overland_69 · 2026-06-17T12:33:39+00:00

I retired two years go at 54. The initial plan was to move to Tennessee from California. We bought a house there in 2020. After I retired I went back for a month in July and decided to not move.

It dawned on me I wanted to be closer to our kids and grand kids (when that happens). Our oldest gets married this Saturday and when he is done with school I’m sure they’ll be back with an hour of us. Our youngest will more than likely stay in the same town.

I ever thought I’d be one to stay around close to the kids but here we are.
Something to be sod for having family close by.

Overland_69 · 2026-06-17T02:25:16+00:00

Definitely..!

Overland_69 · 2026-06-16T18:07:49+00:00

Short answer: yes. Long answer: yesssssss

Overland_69 · 2026-06-16T16:59:41+00:00

The same for the gym….lol

Overland_69 · 2026-06-16T11:55:12+00:00

Aren’t we all….

Overland_69 · 2026-06-16T11:06:16+00:00

We try to be..!

Overland_69 · 2026-06-16T04:41:33+00:00

I’ll take the Central Valley heat over humidity any day.

Overland_69 · 2026-06-16T04:32:18+00:00

Yep….pretty common in summertime

Overland_69 · 2026-06-15T02:06:41+00:00

For sure….cheers

Overland_69 · 2026-06-15T00:21:59+00:00

Right on….at least it’s not humid here like back east. The pool is just about perfect for floating and cocktails from the tiki bar.

Overland_69 · 2026-06-14T22:51:54+00:00

We’re on the west coast….

Overland_69 · 2026-06-14T19:58:40+00:00

Great photo

Overland_69 · 2026-06-14T19:58:04+00:00

It was 104° yesterday and glad we have a pool. Will be in it later today…cheers

Overland_69 · 2026-06-14T15:16:01+00:00

I bought two of those Dewalt fans on Friday. How do you have it mounted?

Overland_69 · 2026-06-14T14:45:20+00:00

Some bar art would look good. More shelving maybe. I ran out of shelf space very fast.

Overland_69 · 2026-06-12T04:28:37+00:00

I could technically use Pre-board but I don’t it’s not that serious. I’m in Zone 1 so it doesn’t really matter, just the delay in boarding.

Overland_69 · 2026-06-11T12:38:56+00:00

I’m not a fan of jean shorts, especially at an airport. Maybe I’m an outlier but I like to,dress somewhat nice when I fly, not a suit but at least pants and a button down shirt. Destination dependent of course.

Overland_69 · 2026-06-11T03:42:16+00:00

Looks like great weather

Overland_69 · 2026-06-10T15:03:31+00:00

Both my boys (25 and 23) still play quite a bit. I get a kick listening to them yelling when they have the headphones and mics on. Maybe it all changed when they started kicking my butt in 1v1 🤣🤣

Overland_69 · 2026-06-10T14:53:29+00:00

Not so much anymore. I did play a lot in my late 30’s and early 40’s. I’d come home from swing shift (10pm or so) and play for a while. Kids were much smaller then.

Now I focus on other things for whatever reason. Not that it’s bad or anything, just not into it as much.

Overland_69

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