Quote Originally Posted by kycreekboy View Post
I'm about to be faced with some of the same decisions. Been working for a great company that has a defined benefits plan and a 401K that I loaded up on when I was younger. I really couldn't ask for a better place to work. Good pay & benefits. I started with them when I was 20 years old and will turn 53 this August. I've always said I would retire at 55 as they will pay for half of my wife's and I health insurance at that point. Closer I get to 55, more I realize decisions are going to have to be made. And BIG ones too. Everything I own will be paid off before that. House & farm will be mine. My wife & I have no kids and will leave whatever is left to the nieces & nephews.
I keep thinking about the good men/friends that I have worked with over the years that passed away & didn't get to enjoy their retirement.
I don't want to be one of those guys....
That is why one should enjoy their work and life all the time. You could retire at 55 and die at 55. No guarantee! I am 68 and still work when I feel like it. I have enjoyed every day of it whether retired or not.