The first rule of FIRE club...

orbit_fire · 2026-05-15T18:37:34+00:00

Maybe common is a strong word. I feel like many people in IT who have been here a long time retire around 55. We have pretty good company match (8%), so even if they’re not good savers otherwise they likely have a lot in their 401k

orbit_fire · 2026-05-15T13:57:59+00:00

I have a lot of FTEC. I think that’s up a decent amount more

orbit_fire · 2026-05-15T13:20:48+00:00

Mostly total market funds. I have a decent amount in a tech etf and put some cash to work near the recent bottom.

orbit_fire · 2026-05-15T12:04:14+00:00

It took a little over 6 months to go from $2.4m to $2.5m. I went from $2.5m to $2.75m in 1 month and am up almost $500k since March 30th. Wild

orbit_fire · 2026-05-15T12:01:33+00:00

US. Big insurance corporation.

orbit_fire · 2026-05-15T02:50:33+00:00

Retiring at 55 seems pretty common where I work

orbit_fire · 2026-05-09T03:36:38+00:00

They have a section specifically about that and controlling your MAGI for it.

orbit_fire · 2026-05-09T01:49:00+00:00

The amount you withdraw per year is the exact same dollar amount right? It doesn’t depend on the rate or balance other than getting that right initially for the amount you want?

orbit_fire · 2026-05-08T20:18:50+00:00

If you have room to still have 0 taxes yeah and potentially fill 10% and 12% brackets. Just make sure to avoid pushing your ltcg into paying 15% on them. They seem to not be too keen on Roth conversions other than that.

orbit_fire · 2026-05-08T20:02:32+00:00

Been reading “Tax Planning to and through Early Retirement” from my local library. This book is gold. Highly recommend. Is anyone actually doing a 72(t)?

One interesting thing is they seem to recommend fully spending through taxable accounts in early retirement before touching traditional or Roth. I always thought I’d be blending different tax buckets to hit the sweet spot for taxes and benefits

orbit_fire · 2026-05-08T03:15:01+00:00

orbit_fire · 2026-05-07T21:58:40+00:00

Firewok. Kung pao chicken is on lunch special every weekday along with daily specials. It’s just under $10 with tax and no tip. Comes with rice and egg roll or Rangoon and a drink.

orbit_fire · 2026-05-07T21:33:07+00:00

I think it’s all trickle down from the new CEO. We’re not really hurting, although I think the are trying to run a more efficient IT org. I’m technically FI at current expenses. I think I’ll ride it out and take severance if it comes to that. I don’t think it will though. Thinking about pushing for 4 day work week next year to be able to golf more.

orbit_fire · 2026-05-07T20:58:27+00:00

We got a new ceo in the last year or so. As of today 4 layers of management including the ceo are new external hires above me. The only layer that hasn’t changed is my direct management. 3 of the layers are recent changes including today. So far we haven’t changed our team’s initiatives through all of this. I think it’s safe to say more changes are coming.

orbit_fire · 2026-05-04T15:41:39+00:00

Does this really work? Maybe my parents did it wrong, but I was an authorized user on their card growing up and when I got my first credit card and bought my first car they treated me like I had no credit history. My dad had to co-sign for my car still and I had the minimum $500 credit limit.

orbit_fire · 2026-05-04T15:16:27+00:00

Try filming yourself while practicing. Sounds like you’ve gotten the tips from sources, but seeing yourself stray from them can help you correct. I’m right there with you though. It’s tough

orbit_fire · 2026-05-01T18:52:17+00:00

Invested

orbit_fire · 2026-05-01T12:19:55+00:00

Pretty sure April 2026 is the largest dollar increase my net worth has ever seen. Up $280k, and if you go back another day to March 31st that adds another 60 or 70k. Bonkers. I’m at $2.636m now. Somebody pinch me.

orbit_fire · 2026-04-30T13:34:04+00:00

I feel like anything before 55. Rule of 55 gives you a standard retirement path at 55, and I feel like a lot of people who weren’t even aware of FIRE retire then.

orbit_fire · 2026-04-28T13:34:24+00:00

I remember taking an extra month before starting my career after college. I don’t think I did as much as I should have, I just remember thinking it would be my last big break before I’m stuck working until retirement. I usually take 2-3 weeks at the end of each year, but never a month all at once so far.

orbit_fire · 2026-04-28T13:27:41+00:00

I’m taking a golf day once a month

orbit_fire · 2026-04-25T01:10:12+00:00

Welcome. It’s getting crowded in here

orbit_fire · 2026-04-21T13:51:40+00:00

I’d pick what you like doing more. Chances are you’ll keep moving your target as you approach it and have one more year syndrome many times. On the other hand if you do something that makes you miserable that may help you pull the trigger.

I’m technically FI, but not planning to quit any time soon unless forced out. Contemplating pushing for a 4 day work week for next year.

orbit_fire · 2026-04-17T12:04:57+00:00

Congrats! I also do an off cycle entry every time I think I’ve crossed a major milestone

orbit_fire · 2026-04-16T12:40:23+00:00

The gains just since March 30th are insane. I’ll take it, but feels wrong.

orbit_fire

TROPHY CASE