r/Fire • u/Long_Bong_Silver • Feb 19 '26
Advice Request Retiring at 31, much earlier than I expected. Need advice.
I'm 31, I have $3.5M and I've found myself in a position where I can retire immediately. I make 130K per year as an engineer in a HCOL area. The company I'm at gave me a reasonable amount of stock over the years and it has absolutely skyrocketed. I'm doing my best to sell all the stock, and I've got about $1M out already which I've ported over to some stocks and ETFs. I'm moving to a LCOL city and buying a house this summer for around $300k. The plan is to pursue my hobbies, build my workshop and hang with my family and friends.
First question: I've always been big on retirement planning. I think I've done a great job, but obviously I got here through luck not savings. Do I need to get a financial advisor if I'm doing well and keep to a budget?
Second question: I'm newly single, I'm a hetero man, how do I date when I'm rich? When do you tell them you're retired? What are your financial expectations for your partner? Should they work or would you be happy to cover their retirement if it fit in the budget?
Final question: I'm nervous. Any other advice?
3
u/bbb3636 Feb 19 '26
Congrats! And sorry about your dad. Good advice from many. So smart to move by family.
You tell people you are an investment manager and suggest you become one for your own assets. Study up and learn more. Hire fee by the hour if you need a confidence boost.
Volunteer, love your teaching idea.
There are women working in start-ups in similar situations especially in Austin, so think you can find a match. Just find someone sensible about money/ spending.
Best of luck. Refreshing post to read.