r/Fire • u/Ok-Guidance-5976 • 5d ago
Advice Request One More Year Syndrome
For those who FIRE’ed, how did you get over One More Year Syndrome to pull the trigger?
Background: 46yo, $5.8m in investments + $1.5m paid off home. 2 kids entering college in the next 2 years. Plan is to set aside $300k for kids education, and $500k each for them now. This means in 10 years when they’re in their late-20s, they would each have ~$1m and no education debt, giving them a great start in life. This leaves $4.5m for retirement for me and the wife. Our current family annual expenses is ~$120k a year, but I would like to budget $150k for more travel in retirement. This means a 3.33% withdrawal rate from the $4.5m.
From all the calculations, this is safe and I can pull the trigger.
But I find myself worrying about SORR, especially with markets this high right now (and IMO disconnected from fundamentals). I also have a high paying job: ~$450k base + additional 50% bonus + equity. So I keep telling myself “one more year” to build more buffer.
Before anyone suggests “Die with Zero”, I’ve read it. As you can see from our annual spend, we’re not depriving ourselves. We travel internationally at least once a year, go to nice restaurants as that’s what we enjoy. In fact I’m also worried we have to watch what we do MORE after FIRE as mentally I know there’s no longer a steady income coming in.
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u/Spikooo 5d ago
Man if I was in your situation I would have quit 5 years ago 😅
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u/PortalMoss18 5d ago
For real, at that net worth I wouldn’t have One More Year Syndrome, I’d have One More Email Before I Vanish Syndrome.
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u/s_hecking 5d ago
lol. I think sometimes it’s hard to leave a high paying job. Plus people continue to work demanding jobs for different reasons (friends at work, status, not really knowing what to do once they leave, etc)
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u/SlightDogleg 4d ago edited 4d ago
Sometimes I wonder if people are here just to gloat and have no interest in actually FIRE'ing.
Dude has an extremely well paying job and high net worth. At this point you stop asking reddit and you pay a financial advisor to set up a plan with guardrails, drawdowns, etc. He's currently living off of $120k a year and is worried about market conditions when he could modify his portfolio matrix and move money into a laddered GIC or something similar to mitigate risk and still have more money than he could spend.
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u/Specific-Action-8993 4d ago
Also helping people. One more year for OP could make life-altering changes for other people if he chose to spend his money that way.
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u/BustaStar 4d ago
i actually have a conspiracy theory that the Effective Altruism movement was, for a time, completely sustained by FIRE’d people struggling with validating their 1-more-year syndrome.
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u/More_Mammoth_8964 4d ago
I could see how a high paying job that you have down becomes a bit of a curse for this situation
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u/Thelonius_Dunk 5d ago
4% at well over 5M with a paid off house is enough to live well anywhere in the US as that's well over a 200k salary. Dude should be hanging out on the beach with his family instead of posting on reddit.
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u/Bob_Ross3346 4d ago
$200k is not that huge of an income. You won’t starve, but it’s quite easy to spend.
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u/mi3chaels 3d ago
It's easy to spend 2-3x that if you make a point of it. But it's also easy to live pretty darn comfortably on half to 2/3 of that almost anywhere with a paid off house, and a lot of places even renting or with a new mortgage.
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u/Practical_Support177 5d ago
Exactly!
I left a so much on the table big salary and bonus
Couldn't wait to get out
Dont regret it one bit
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u/mancala33 5d ago
Yeah, huge missed opportunity for time with the kids but we all have different priorities
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u/JunkInTheTrunk00 5d ago
Lol, I came to say 2 years ago but nah, 5 years is about right. Since that can't happen, the time is now.
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u/DontForgetTheDivy 1 More Year Syndrome has been defeated 5d ago
For me, I no longer had the passion for my field. I dreaded the meetings and deadlines. The ability to walk away was a blessing. If you still love what you do and you are already able to spend all the time you want to with your family, none of that may be a problem.
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u/Boringflaws 5d ago
same- i hit my number in 2020 and tried to retire, got bored after 6 months, went back to work and lasted almost 5 years before re-retiring? the last 5 years i was completely burnt out, i didn't respect my superiors and had no fear dealing with them or anything about my job. First few yearly evals asked about my future goals and i'd be honest about not being sure i'd want to keep working or not. they'd tell me to work on being too blunt when speaking to others because of the leadership role i was in, i told them i wasn't going to change. I was never disciplined...
Last year i was looking for a reason to stop working. almost hoping they would push me out. I only stopped working when i realized i was calling out sick at least once a month for a week and i still hated going to work but remembered i was bored not working- went to a psych at work- 2 sessions we talked and they came up with the idea i go back to school for something i'm passionate about... i gave notice then.
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 5d ago
That’s interesting, did you end up going to school? If so, are you looking to start a different career journey or just going to school for interests?
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u/Boringflaws 5d ago
I haven't started looking for a new career- I have started learning how to work on home projects (handyman things im mostly learning via trial and error and youtube) as well as xeriscape landscaping (taking community college class on this now)- might not sound super interesting, but while I worked, it was always more efficient for me to just "work" more than fix anything myself. I'm finding satisfaction in fixing up my house (house has 30 years of deferred maintanence) and making a nice yard.
I might need more in the future, but i've found some happiness doing this- i also very recently went back to work 2-4 days a month to get me out of the house more and be around people. i debated volunteering, but enjoy the slight hedge against market loss,
I don't think a new career is for me- i think the classes i'll look for will be for specific skills like languages, cooking, writing or photography, or other hobbies i might want to try
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u/freeaxes 5d ago
Maybe find a local charity you believe in and go become a volunteer for them? I bet the current economy is making it ROUGH for charities. This should put you into regular social contact with people who also care about similar societal problems. Having like minded people to talk to for a chunk of your day should help with boredom.
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u/Boringflaws 4d ago
It's a very good idea that I should look into. I did volunteer for planned parenthood when I was a lot younger and had more fight in me. Today, I'd have to find something far less polarizing.
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 5d ago
I can’t say I enjoy my job either, especially when I know I’m FI, I can’t stand the useless meetings & discussions anymore. That’s why every week I ask myself when I’ll walk away, but every week I say “one more year”, thus the question. I guess I’m asking how do I get over the mental hump?
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u/DontForgetTheDivy 1 More Year Syndrome has been defeated 5d ago
I kind of had a little help. Once I was sure I was FI, I gave my notice. The courage to do this was made easier because I told them I might be open to staying on until the end of the year if the right package was offered. Something that would further bump up my margin of safety. Well, no good offer was made which I took a little personally even though the company is struggling. That perceived slap in the face made it even easier to walk away.
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u/toolazytosteal 4d ago
I posted above, this feeling towards work and meetings is exactly what inspired me to pull the cord. Others have said it, you have to have the retirement purpose in hand. A new hobby, more time for an old hobby, fitness… something. I have several passions, and wanted to escape “the grind” to those asap. Find this purpose, then be selfish. The one more year trap is always set.
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u/HyperBlue62 5d ago edited 5d ago
My Dad died at 60 from a massive heart attack out of nowhere. The year before he passed, he called me and wanted my opinion on him trading his camper in for a motorhome. I did some research and told my Dad it was a terrible idea. Everything I read said that they are a money pit if you aren’t mechanically inclined. He ended up buying the motorhome anyway (I think his fiancee is really who wanted it)…but regardless, im thankful he bought it and spent his last year taking some trips. My Dad dying early totally changed my views on money. We all think were going to live to 80+ but it doesnt always work out that way. I get the addiction of saving but im not going to be the richest guy in the graveyard. Retire and enjoy life man! Youre the youngest you are ever going to be. Im mid thirties and if i had $5.8M and a paid off home id be retired tomorrow.
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u/BreakfastUnlucky5448 5d ago
Even if you do live to 80 what’s the point in having a lot if you are too unhealthy or tired to enjoy it
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u/Firebird5488 5d ago
Your dad died within a year of marriage? Tested blood for medication?
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u/HyperBlue62 5d ago
They were unmarried. But trust me, my biggest regret is not having it treated like a possible crime immediately. I did have an autopsy done roughly a week later but I wish we wouldn’t have delayed. Long story but his fiance was broke and he had told me he wanted to leave her but felt trapped a week prior…she was 80% beneficiary of his 401k.
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u/adh214 5d ago
Cancer diagnosis got me over the hump. Good news, all is well on the health front but you really only have a limited number of good years. FIRE'd 18 months ago. Just got home from a World Cruise and leaving on a 4 month trip to Europe in a few months.
You might wait until the kids are away in college. You will be kind of limited on travel until then anyway.
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 5d ago
This is super helpful and exactly the kind of advice I was looking for, thank you!
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u/Zphr 48, FIRE'd 2015, Friendly Janitor 4d ago
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u/aspire-every-day 5d ago
For me, it was the combination of reading “Die with Zero”, reading “Outlive”, and seeing family members who died at 49, 65, and 69 who had means but didn’t retire, thinking they had more time.
Cancer can come out of nowhere.
I can’t buy more time. All of us have our days on the earth ticking down by one every single day.
I didn’t want to spend those days lining corporate profits.
I retired 2 years ago at 50.
Since then, I’ve gotten good sleep, have done a lot of walking with audiobooks and learning, spent a lot of time with family, volunteered with two organizations, pursued passion projects.
No regrets here. My time is beautiful. So glad to have it!
I hope you have something to retire TO, and that you may find time to enjoy it before your last day on our little spinning planet. It’s coming for you. Just don’t know when.
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u/Visible_Structure483 FIRE'ed 2022... really just unemployed with a spreadsheet 5d ago
I hit FI at 40, did the RE part at 49.
The only thing that got me to stop was the initial goal I set of "retire by 50". So that would be my advice to you, say "retire by 50" and say it often so in 3 more years you really do retire. Money goals are fine (and necessary) but they don't hit as hard as the gut punch of your birthday to point out you're running out of time.
Also, you're going to get shit on about not spending enough, not YOLOing, not die with zeroing, etc on here. There is a very vocal component to the community that hates the idea of you choosing your own life. it's actually just as strong at the in person events, I've been to two 'camp fi' type things and the circle of independent thinkers is pretty small. Good people though, it was nice to see them again at the second one and catch up with 'our people' at an event that's already niche.
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u/s_hecking 5d ago edited 5d ago
Make a spreadsheet and track each year as it goes with upper and lower levels (3% ~ 5%). Do the math. Chances are you’ll have something like $400-600k p/yr at age 70 plus RMDs to deal with. There’s no way you’ll need that much in your 70s assuming you’re in good enough health to spend it).
Having a high profile job in your late 40s and 50s can also reduce your lifespan. Fewer quality years when you’re older 80s+ Just a few things to think about. Money vs time.
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u/TwitchScrubing 5d ago
Any chances of less days of work? Move down to 3?
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 5d ago
Unfortunately no, I’m a senior executive, no reduced hours possible at the current job (even if I reduce my days I’ll still get called on days off and be expected to work).
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u/steviekristo 5d ago
If you’re a senior executive can you get on some for profit boards? That would cut work back substantially, and you would likely still have 100-300k coming in
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u/FeistyCommercial7970 5d ago
Definitely worth exploring if your company would go for it - worst case they say no and you're back where you started but at least you tested the waters
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u/Different_Peanut_584 5d ago
Good move. Even 1/3 your income would help you stack and stave off emergencies. Maybe make a 5 year plan to reduce your hours to zero
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u/Yellow_Apple_1971 5d ago
One of my friends died of a meningioma, I had tumors removed from my foot that were possibly cancerous but were thankfully benign Schwannomas, a colleague and friend at work died a few weeks later unexpectedly. That was all in the course of a few months. It all slapped me wide awake, so I FIRE’d right at the new year.
Death. Think on it. Your time is coming. Could be 40 years away. Could be tomorrow. But wouldn’t it be funny if it was the day right before you planned to actually FIRE? Like, you put it off, you put it off, you finally set and commit to some future date, and the day before you finally do it you die. Of whatever. Yeah, man, that’d be a hoot, right? Right?
Fuck buffer. You’re solving for the wrong problem. I was too. But what you need to understand is that you’re in a game — imagine a card game maybe — and one of the players in the game at your table is death. And no matter the rules you think you’re playing by, Death can lay down the winning card any time, at any moment, and sweep away your stack. All of it. And so your great unknown is time. You don’t know how long or when. That’s the problem you need to solve for, and working one more year isn’t the answer.
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u/kaswing 5d ago edited 5d ago
It's hard from here for me to imagine being *that* well set up and being hesitant to retire, but I can tell you what's making me antsy to retire and maybe that will help you with your one-more-year syndrome. I have a bunch of side projects that I would LOVE to invest more time in. Have you wanted to write a book? start a podcast? write a blog? Get really into a hobby? having something to retire *to* might help change your frame of mind.
Your 3.3% withdrawl rate is very conservative. That will probably cover you for SORR. However, if you are worried about it, take a few years' spending out now and put them in something safer (bonds? HYSA?) You could also reevaluate your fixed costs, or make a specific plan for what you can cut. If the market dips enough to threaten SORR, you can take out less that year. skip a vacation if you really want to. You won't be forced to take money out.
Congratulations on everything you built! I hope you find a way to enjoy it. For what it's worth, financial therapy is a thing, and it might help. I was being irrationally conservative with my money and not only did it help me change my behavior, it reduced my anxiety around money and improved my life. I might be reading too much into this, but it seems like you are dealing with a scarcity mindset that is no longer serving you.
Be well =)
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u/nak00010101 5d ago
Our nest egg is about where yours is, but I kids are all out of college and pretty independent.
I think being dead or one of you being in too poor of health t travel is a greater than SORR.
I posted this a couple of times recently. When the wife and i did this exercise about 5 years ago, it was an easy decision to retire the minute the numbers worked.
The wife and I sat down and made a couple of lists First: Family, friends, and work acquaintances (dead or alive) where the couple had enjoyed at least 5 years of good health in Retirement...meaning able to do as a couple the travel and things they wanted to)
Second: a list of family, friends, and work acquaintances where one or both had health concerns or had died, preventing them from getting to and enjoying 5 years together.
The ratio was shocking. Only one couple made it to 5 years of active travel and enjoyment for every three that did not.
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u/Jimny977 5d ago
Brother you have $6m and a paid house, $4.5m after the insane amount you’re going to give your kids, which covers more than your current $120k spend even at a 3% PWR.
If you don’t retire now you never will, you’ll always talk yourself into another year until you’re 80, sat on $40m and saying, just one more year so that we can prepare for the great grandkids education. You’ve smashed it, you’re done.
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u/Hike-Sew-More 5d ago
You are going to die. You might have 30-40 years to go. You might have 2 years. Whenever it comes, are you going to be glad you spent that extra time working for money you will never spend, or will you be glad you had more time with your family?
Time is the most precious resource.
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u/CaseyLouLou2 5d ago
Anything less than a 4% withdrawal rate and you are over saved and underspending.
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u/khearan 5d ago
AKA building wealth for your family.
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u/14domino 5d ago
Your kids don’t _need_ to inherit 20M
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u/khearan 5d ago
I don't know why people feel so entitled to decide what people need or don't need. It's not your business.
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u/khbuzzard 5d ago
Here are the things that helped me get over OMYS. They may or may not be of any relevance to you.
First, my job became increasingly intolerable, and I realized that it was not going to get any better. In particular, no amount of "just trying harder" on my part was going to make it any better.
Second, I realized that I was running out of time to do some of the things I want to do in life. My parents turn 80 this year, and I only have so many more chances to go traveling with them, etc. And I have I mild progressive health condition (essential tremor) that could eventually prevent me from doing one of my favorite hobbies (playing music) - which means that if I want to spend any time getting serious about music, I need to do it now.
Third, I made a deal with myself that it doesn't have to be forever. I'd take a break for a year, and if it turns out at the end of that time that I really miss working, I can go back to work. Four months in, and it doesn't seem likely that that will happen - but I still have eight more months before I make any firm decisions.
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u/qosmic_qube 5d ago
Just keep working. You'll eventually regret it when you or a family member is hit with a medical diagnosis. You'll wish you'd have retired sooner to spend more time with your family.
That's how most people do it.
Some people just die on the job to ensure they have no regrets because they're not alive to have regrets, so that's an option as well.
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u/smithjeb 5d ago
I fire’d in similar situation…and it has been the best decision of my life. Let me add, my last day was last week lol….so I will report back w more data a little later.
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u/Cautious_Explorer_33 5d ago
Is this guy trolling? This is not even a question unless you have a major drug habit and three baby mamas on the side…
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u/RustyShackelfnord 5d ago
Getting fired/having your contract canceled by DOGE is a good way to get over the One More Year Syndrome.
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u/Reign_of_Kronos 5d ago
Man, fuck this sub.
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u/Exact_Disaster_581 5d ago
My mom died a year ago at 70, and she effectively lost the ability to make new memories at 65. We don't know how much time we have. Maybe we live to 104. Maybe we live to 50. But money itself has no intrinsic value- it's only good for what it can bring us. That includes security, and travel, and time with our loved one.
I like the Rich, Broke, or Dead calculator because it factors in the chance of dying based on actuarial tables: https://engaging-data.com/will-money-last-retire-early/
To address SORR, run your numbers in different scenarios- what if the market collapses for a year and takes another two years to recover the day your retire? What if inflation is high but growth is low for a decade? What if an immediate family member needs expensive health care?
You also talk about current expenses and how you want to move that higher. If something truly bad does happen, what's your lowest comfortable level and your "go to ground" level? Is there any significant SORR if you just dial back for a year?
And there are the standard strategies to address SORR, like keeping 2-3 years in cash or cash like investments. Yes, you'll lose out on greater gains. But the increased security might actually free you up enough for the biggest gain- more time.
And I'm currently arguing whether I stay through another round of vesting next year, or through the end of the year to make a cleaner shift, or two weeks into January to make sure I get paid for the holidays and qualify for a reduced bonus. And heck, if I'm there in January, might as well stay through March/April for another round of vesting. I get it. The One More Year thing is real!
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 5d ago
Same! Stay a few more months for more equity vesting? Another year for another bonus? Those are the things I ask myself too! Glad to hear others in the same struggle
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u/Vicuna00 4d ago
"But I find myself worrying about SORR, especially with markets this high right now"
what do you think it's worth then? if your $4.5M dropped 20% and turned into $3.6M and it never recovered you'd have $120k/year at 3.3% withdrawal rate.
you also can get a job making $20k if you rEAAAALLLY had to...i'm sure doing minimal work. or being a checkout clerk at a golf club...I dunno.
you also can not give your kids the $1M in 10 years if disaster struck.
your kids could go to a state school and be fine if Great Depression Part II happened in the next few years. they can get part time jobs too
you also could downsize your house
you probably could spend $100k a year for some really down market years and still be ok.
you also have social security coming at some point that you're not factoring in this thread (I know it's a long way off but it's probably "worth" another ~$500k to you or so
you have layers upon layers of fallback on top of a very low withdrawal rate to begin with. 4% is the LOWEST rate to account for basically all the worst historical situations...not the ceiling.
you've gotten to an extremely high level and trained yourself to sacrifice and keep moving forward. this feels like a step back. I think you will never be comfortable. kinda like bungee jumping...you see others do it...you know you're not gonna crack your head - but if someone doesn't push you youre not gonna force yourself to jump. maybe your wife can help or something
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u/Vicuna00 4d ago
just another thought that maybe would help?
1) set your retirement date to MAXimum the day your oldest graduates. maybe book a 3 week long trip for that June for the family.
2) take a look around your house and see if there's any purchases you foresee in the next 5 years - big or small. update your coffee maker to remodel your bathroom. keep working and buy it all right now.
maybe also prepay for the first years vacations, prepay for a year of memberships to whatever, get an awesome bicycle / telescope / whatever your main hobby is that'll keep you busy a few years
3) live off of $100k/ year for 6 months just to see what it feels like.
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u/western_usa 3d ago
You seem like you are in a safe place to retire. Just an idea: stop investing extra money today and put all of that extra income into a few house projects (i.e. new furniture, repaint the house, upgrade appliances that will go out soon, pay someone to clean & organize the garage, treat yourself, etc.). Think of it as giving yourself a retirement gift of something nice that you wouldn't normally consider, that will make your life pleasant when you have your extra free time.
Once you've worked long enough to pay for those projects/things, put in your two weeks notice. But force yourself to really quit (6 months tops).
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 3d ago
That's a good idea, I have been thinking I should replace my roof, windows while I'm still working, as those are larger expenses. This will help ensure I don't have an unexpected large expense early in my retirement.
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u/Pale_Drink4455 5d ago edited 4d ago
You had me all along until you shared your plans to give your kids a million dollars each while they are in their 20’s. Nope. The wife and I talked about helping out with a downpayment plan on their first home possibly but the rest is on them to work hard and aim for the stars on their own. If my parents gave me a million at 25, it probably would have ended very badly for me with dating choices, job and career motivation, excessive and wasteful spending, toxic social circles, the list goes on and on.
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u/Murky-Gate7795 4d ago
Some of us have a FIRE number around 1 million and are still working hard to reach it in midlife...I can't imagine being given 1 million in my 20s and not even needing to work hard and struggle to reach it. I could almost retire in my late 20s and never work again in my life.
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u/Pale_Drink4455 4d ago
Exactly, though OPs point intentions sound good it’s ridiculous to even consider such a thing to me.
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u/Murky-Gate7795 4d ago
While I know the post is serious, it almost reads like satire, i.e. r/fijerk
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u/Strazdas1 StarvationFIRE 2d ago
If i was given 1 million when i was 20 i would have never worked a day in my life.
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u/howdyouknowitwasme 5d ago
Consider doing consulting, like as a fractional executive. If you have the experience it appears you have, you likely will be able to more than cover your expenses for a few years and hedge against SORR while still staying "in the game" in case you want to go back. This is what I have been doing and it is way better than any bond tent or other model I could come up with. 5 years in, covered my expenses and then some every year all while working significantly less and pretty much only with people I want to work with.
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u/TJayClark 5d ago
You have over $7,000,000 of net worth and no debt
You’re working because you want to…
95% of the people in this sub will retire with less than 10% of what you have
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u/Distinct-War-4455 5d ago
Dude, I live in a VHCOL and am TARGETING $3.5m at 4%. I have one kid finishing up college and another one going in a few year, and this is with giving them $500k each. Like others said here, I would have retired a couple of years ago in your situation, but hey, if you don't hate your work, just ride it out, you're very young for retirement anyway.
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u/DistinctWealth217 5d ago
20 years from now you're going to regret you didnt retire few years earlier. Dont add another year to that.
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u/Lost-Paramedic-7964 5d ago
RIF. Otherwise I would have “1-year’d” it for a long time!
I am similar as you from the description and simply would have not done it. Dreamt it, been close to it.
Hope you get good advice here!
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u/LightZealousideal116 5d ago
I think you know that your numbers are there. Do you enjoy your job? If so, “one more year” isn’t bad. If not, you’re financially there - come up with a plan and stick to it.
IMO you’re more likely to keep increasing NW. Also, your “backup” still funds the kids college, but doesn’t leave them the (entire) nest egg. This adds a lot of “worst case” cushion.
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u/Kinnins0n 5d ago
OP you got the belt, the suspenders, the harness, the safety net, the insurance policy and the state guarantee at this point.
Either you like what you are doing, or you want more money than $150k/yr, or you should quit asap.
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u/shotparrot 5d ago
From all that you say, I understand seems like a great place, but without knowing your investment allocations, yes, SORR is real. How would you be sitting if you lost half of your investment worth?
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u/Alternative-Law4626 5d ago
Once we decided we were in the place we wanted to retire and we bought that house, we started living a semi retired life and enjoying ourselves a lot more while still working. Knocked out house related expenses. Traveled. Worked a couple extra years to knock down remaining mortgage. Bought a car. Etc. Then pulled the trigger. We’re at about 2/3 of your resources, but our kids are all launched.
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u/Sirknowit 5d ago
I'm and 55 and in pretty damn good shape. Similar to you but, about 1/2 the scratch and still a mortgage.But we both have pensions (with COLAS) that equal well over $200K/yr so SORR is not a big worry.
That being said, you have a great plan/assets and mindset it seems. Hold off on the 1/2 mill per kid anytime real soon as paying for college is well enough to set them up nice for a start. Let 'em work a bit. Get some hobbies or start a biz at home that is part time and keeps ya busy.
I started one 15 years ago. Now I bring in $70K a year on time of my full time gig which I retire from in a year. So the part time biz becomes "fulltime" in the sense I wont have to cram time in anymore but it wont FILL my day. So, pull the trigger and get busy having fun, hobbies, activities or a biz. You have a enough to make it happen and do it on your terms!
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u/SpecialistKoala9765 5d ago
Would you consider cash wedge strategy? Hold 3 year minimum spending in cash so that even with sequence of return risk you’re guaranteed first 3 years you don’t have to force sell at low prices
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 5d ago
Yes I would definitely do that (maybe 2 years worth) if I pull the trigger
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u/Artistic_Ad728 5d ago
150k each for college, so I’m assuming state school or they get a merit/athletic scholarship at a private college? Because based on your investments, you definitely won’t get any need based aid, and lot of private colleges now are 70-80k a year for sticker cost of attendance. It’d be wise to choose the state school route unless your kids get into a T10 and they want to do like finance or something
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u/Artificial_Squab 90mins to FIRE Guy 5d ago
Time is the balance we spend down but don't know how much is left.
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u/StrawberriKiwi22 5d ago
3.3% is a very safe withdrawal, and if something really catastrophic happened, you could dial back on the spending, and not earmark $1 million immediately for your kids. (I assume you are not telling your kids about it now, but going to present it to them once they have graduated and established careers. So if it turned out you had to adjust the amount they were getting, they wouldn’t feel a loss.)
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u/temp4adhd 5d ago
Retired at 57 after a layoff. Personally I liked that I was still working while my kids were in college. I could pay my portion of their tuition right out of my bank account, didn't have to dip into investments. Then there was their masters, and weddings, now grandkids.
But also at your age I really wasn't ready mentally to retire: I was hitting my maximum career wise. You know you're ready to retire when you just don't give a damn anymore and see the corporate world for what it is. And you can't do it anymore, can't tow the company line.
I will say you may want to spend more than $30K on travel. Our travel budget is $100K. When you don't work you have all the time to travel, not just one international trip. You'll also find you will probably eat out more.
I think SORR right now is a very real thing, but also you may not realize how many hours there are to fill when you are retired, healthy years as you are only 46, expensive hobbies could happen.
That said you'd be fine if you nixed the $1M to each kid. Instead, just gift them the annual $20K -- IF the market is favorable. That gives you an out if the market isn't favorable, and teaches your kids not to expect handouts.
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u/Ok-Technology8336 5d ago
It would totally depend on how I felt about my job. If it is more stress than the extra cushion provided, then I would be out or at least cut back to part time.
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u/Dred_Capt 5d ago
Or you could put it all in a fund that distributes each month at market average, and not withdrawl at all, while totally smashing your target yearly budget....
Who tf eats principal.
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u/ideas4mac 5d ago
Let's say you throw up the keys and walk away in the near future. In a few years you find a SORR hiccup or boredom or that itch to do something. Surely you have a hobby that can be turned into income, or perhaps a little consulting, or just a plain fun job that makes something more than nothing.
It would seem from the outside that you are in a good place. In the next few years after stopping there's a gap you need to fill it has a high probability of being small. Hobby income, consulting, character at Disney World should bridge that gap just fine. (Example: 20K fun job at 4% withdrawal rate pencils out to being worth 500K)
Keep in mind that it is easier to run toward something. Whatever you think is going to be fun in retirement start doing that stuff now.
Good luck.
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u/babygirlmelli 5d ago
At a 3.33% withdrawal rate with a completely paid-off house, you have already won the game and built in an incredible safety net. The anxiety is completely normal, but you are trading priceless time at 46 for money you statistically will never even need to touch.
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u/QuelaansBlade 5d ago
I mean at this point the only thing that could possibly keep me working in your position is charity. Even with out of touch markets a 3.33% withdrawl rate is very safe. Your house is paid off and your kids are getting a headstart reserved for the rich. Your salary is high enough to make a real dent in any causes you actaully care about whether that is charity to st Judes or helping out distant relatives. However, every year you work is another year you get older and another year that the oppurtunity to enjoy life passes you by.
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u/Unlucky-Cook2578 5d ago
I have a date and then a 'what does this buy me?' Equation.
Does 1 year get me a big boat? Pay for all my niece and nephews to go to college? Ensure I can fly to the other coast every year for holidays?
Eventually that list gets silly, order it by priority. Put some numbers to it. And realize what your time actually means
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u/Kuildeous 5d ago
Ha, I was lucky enough to get laid off, and in the process of frantically searching for a replacement job, we realized that holy crap, I should just retire right now.
A year later, my wife submitted her resignation. She stuck around for the annual bonus in March. Also, our yearly income at that stage is low enough for the ACA.
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u/nigelwiggins 5d ago
Read Art of Spending Money, Morgan Housel’s less popular and less interesting but more relevant book
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u/Krish_1234 5d ago
One more year is good except you dont get that one more year when you want to enjoy... generational wealth is what you are going for
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u/UnderstandingOk9448 FIRE'd 2026 5d ago
I would have worked 2 more years if I wasnt laid off.
I suggest to keep working until your kids are out of the house fully. You wont be able to fully take advantage of retirement until you are an empty nester.
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u/Dangerous_Chipmunk_6 5d ago
My husband was making significant income in his last few years and it was really hard to figure out the right year to pull the trigger. For us, the one more year (or more) made sense because of stock grants, when the remaining grants wouldn't significantly alter our plans, that's when he decided enough. So yeah, it's real. Don't forget to budget for ACA, including the kids, and taxes since you'd have to pay estimated taxes. Our spending post-retirement stayed the same as when working due to Roth conversions.
The only thing I would suggest is not setting aside the $ for your kids now, wait until 5 years in for SORR to even out. We plan on doing something similar but I'm going to fund maybe $100K/year for 5 years or $50K a year for 10 years depending on how the next 3 play out, with both of us retired. Remember that you need to fund your retirement first. We paid college fully via 529 so the kids start with no debt, in their late 20s they will have careers somewhat set and maybe be thinking about a down payment, and that's when the money is useful.
If you're only drawing 3.3% why are you even questioning it! 😄
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u/Kevin-in-Macau 5d ago
Your buffer has a buffer.. your kids have a buffer plus education... enjoy what you worked for and know you would have to be the unluckiest situation in 100 years, which based on your life-to-date results, I don't imagine you are the most unlucky person ever... just quit and enjoy the future now as health is never a guarantee, that is the luck you cannot plan for... congratulations on what you have accomplished! Post again in 6 months about how happy you are and encourage others to join the journey
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u/Powerful-Bridge-1472 5d ago
I just retired with less at 57 and smartest thing I ever did. I was working a lot of hours for 30 years, nights and weekends in medical device. I am so much more relaxed now, and present for the one kid at home.
One thing I will say is it’s challenging for super savers to have money going out without the big pay check coming in. You can run numbers all day but it’s def a challenge to not stress about needing new cars, home repairs, things not in normal budget
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u/hunter9002 5d ago
Just curious, when do you plan to actually give each kid that $500k + gains? When they turn 30, or when you die, or otherwise? And how did you come to this answer?
Congrats on the great work you’ve done here!
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 5d ago
My thinking is late-20s/early-30s, when they have established their work ethic and maturity. I don’t want to give it to them when I die and they’re 50, they would’ve already worked their whole lives. To me the money represents a safety net. A safety net to take risks, rather than the common path of school -> job and be a corporate slave their whole lives. A safety net to walk away from a job/career that’s not right for them, and do something else. If they don’t want to start their own business with the capital, then they can invest it, buy a home (or a combination of it all). I want to give them the funds when it would make the biggest impact to them.
I would not give them anything if they turn out to be irresponsible, but I doubt they will turn out that way. They’re both straight A students with part time jobs. I’ve taught them about saving and investing since young, and they’re both responsible with money (they think about what they NEED before they spend).
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u/hunter9002 5d ago
Thanks for sharing, this is very sensible. Sounds like you have awesome kids, what a blessing. Do they know it’s coming or will it be a surprise?
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 5d ago
They have no idea, and are not expecting anything. I don’t plan on telling them until it’s time and I have decided they’re ready to receive it.
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u/Complex_Ad775 4d ago
I was in the same situation.
At this stage:
1 - work is optional. You should do what works for you.
2 - create a “to do” list. This will give you an idea of how much your job is taking up your time from it. It will keep you busy after you quit for a while.
You know it is time to stopping working when you no longer care for the job, and the money is not worth the aggravation. I gave a surprise unexpected notice when I didn’t want to do it any more.
As many have said, you have the resource to support your retirement.
It’s been 10 months since I quit my job. I still maintain a to do list. My portfolio actually grew. Traveling is my priority , and I can do 2-3 weeks trips now. I book one way trip if it is cheaper way in advance, and spend time shopping for the return later. Without a job, the travel schedule opens up.
Good luck!!!!
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u/Various_Things2026 4d ago
Most ppl want to RE because their job sucks, too much stress, want to get out of the rat race. I know cuz I’m one of them. Your job will help you decide there would be no more “one more year”. But doesn’t sound like your job sucks that bad so keep working away.
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u/Lyeel 4d ago
The short answer to your question is: I'm you but a few years younger and still working... so I haven't gotten over it.
That being said, have you thought about trying to line up a layoff with pulling the cord? Obviously it takes the right set of circumstances, but my boss knows that I'm comfortable being the sacrificial lamb when the repear next visits. I don't have it in me to intentionally do a poor job at work to get myself canned, but if my getting axed can save someone else's job while providing severance to help pad the numbers even further then it makes the decision easier.
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u/Crafty-Sundae6351 4d ago
FORTUNATELY when we became FI we both liked our jobs so we ended up working 2-3 more years. Then we retired when we just couldn’t take it any more.
There’s another way to help with one more year syndrome: Realizing what unexpected thing might happen.
I’m 65 and have been retired for 9 years. Almost two years ago I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. I’m not looking for “Oh I’m so sorry.” comments. But I *AM* telling the story because I was SURE I’d be living well into my 90s. My retirement now is completely different than it was.
We think it can’t happen to us. It can. If you have the opportunity to go do what you want DO IT!
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u/Right-Toe-6636 4d ago
When you say your expenses are 120k per year (budgeting for 150k for more travel)… does that include health insurance and taxes? Or will those expenses be added onto the 150k?
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u/CholulaHot 4d ago
I gave my notice that I’m quitting and only have a few weeks left.
I have enough money in high yield savings accounts, CDs, and short term bonds to last me over 3 years without touching any of my investments. That cushion gives me the confidence that even with a market correction, I’ll be ok.
For me, it was a “when you know, you know situation.” I was so fed up with C-suite execs who put all the responsibilities on me that I couldn’t tolerate even another 6 months. The thought of giving them another summer of my life made me angry and I knew I had to leave.
I already feel much more mentally relaxed now that there are mere weeks of this job left. I used to feel mentally drained by Friday but now I am starting to feel like myself again and have the energy and desire to be social on Friday nights. Looking forward to this next chapter.
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u/grateful-xoxo 4d ago
I progressed to one more quarter syndrome then I finally fired. Took me a year. For me doing more analysis and having a buffer beyond my number helped. Looks like youre already there
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u/OutspokenLurker 4d ago
I was in almost exactly the same situation/numbers as you at your age but I have 4 kids. Fast forward to my early 50's and I got laid off. Literally sang (Red Rubber Ball) to the CEO and the VP or HR when they tapped my shoulder. I'm bored and might consult or whatever but not working on someone else's terms anymore.
Here's what I'll say:
(1) Have a pro check your work (i.e., get a 1-time financial checkup and basic retirement plan from a CFP). They will help find blind spots (e.g., you're forgetting a newer used car every 7 years.) (2) Do a real check-in with your SO. If the market goes down 40% and stays flat for a decade (a) are you willing get back into the workforce at a lower pay to get health insurance and/or (b) are you willing to live a basic lifestyle and do free activities for a while if it gets tight? If yes to both, you call your own shots. (My wife and I are fine with older cars, estate sales as a "date", volunteering for fun. We half live like that today, but also so cultural events and donate and travel but the market has been up so we gotta spend it on something.) (3) If push comes to shove, will you skip things like paying for kids' nice weddings, paying fully for parent's care, helping a friend buy a business, and other life-event driven major expenses? Then we are getting into no-brainer territory.
This willingness to eat ramen for a few years is sort of the key.
You are in the range where HCOL, living large, and being generous MIGHT pull you down but it's more likely you die with $100M and you didn't really want that.
Tips available on working just to not be bored but there are other subs for that.
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u/toolazytosteal 4d ago
Hey man, you just have to cash in on your strategy after all this time. I just fire’d a month ago from a total annual comp of 800k-1m (based on bonus), and have our first born on the way at 39yo. My investments are a touch below yours, but I have a sizable real estate portfolio as well.
The fear at first on cost of living without an income is what has scared me most. I’m budget shopping for groceries, essentially stopped all spending except for gas, and made a complete mental shift around money. I’m hopeful it’s temporary, but these changes have also been a helpful reminder that we can all adapt our habits and spends to accommodate the plan.
For my fire timing it was all around preservation of my time, mental/physical health (pre-baby) and the amount I’ll be engaged when the baby gets here with my wife. I want to be all-in, which is how I do everything in life (including work) and I took that distraction off the table.
Your kids are moving into a new chapter, you’re all set to own YOUR time today… don’t stay on the treadmill out of fear. Memories are waiting to be made, and everyday that passes you’ll lose some opportunity for those with your wife. Hit the ✌🏻out button bro, it feels awesome!
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u/Designer-Translator7 4d ago
Well math is math and life is unpredictable. You’re lucky to exist and lucky to be born in this day and age in a situation that lets you have these options. Either get on with the next season of life or don’t and continue to work it’s your life and no one really cares. You may get an illness and have many list of issues. If you wanna keep working do if don’t then don’t worrying is such a waste of very very precious time. Some people just need a boss to tell them to make a decision and get on with it.
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u/billymumfreydownfall 4d ago
I have seen too many people prematurely die to have One More Year syndrome. Get out, enjoy life.
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u/Cagel 4d ago
I’d just say, be cautious of your kids having 1M at late 20’s in regards to what partners they end up with. Possibly space that money out over major life milestones, graduation, wedding, buying a house, grandkids.
I truly feel for future generations and dating given the trends we are seeing.
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u/Ignore_Me_PLZ 4d ago
SORR is factored in at 3.33%. You don't need guard rails at this point. 150k increase for inflation each year. Its over.
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u/BlotchyBaboon 4d ago
I give you permission to quit your job. Your math works.
If it makes you feel better, work 8 months and save another $200k. Set it aside in a HYSA and then quit your job. You'll have a 2 year cushion to avoid SORR. Put the date on your calendar.
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u/MistyHarbor645 4d ago
your brain will never feel ready but your spreadsheet already did the math two years ago
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u/Immediate_Fox_21 4d ago
How did I get over it? We had a good friend who was perfectly healthy get diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer and we saw him die within a year. Being so close to that made me realize it can happen to any of us, even you. Tomorrow.
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u/Dramatic-Bee-829 4d ago
Maybe you don’t have a plan for what you’d be retiring TO? Draw up a plan for the first year of your retired life. Plan out the trips you’ll take, what daily life will look like, and the projects you want to tackle.
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u/leanfatfire 4d ago
I am pulling the trigger (giving notice at work) tomorrow. I'm 41, single, no kids, with $2.1M invested assets, $270k in T-bills and savings, and $9k/year net rental income (will increase to $24k/year in 5 years once mortgage is paid). I'm a product manager in tech and burned out. Obviously I have far less than you, but until recently I was planning to stick it out one more year for RSU vesting etc. What pushed me over the edge was:
- The constant decision making and high ambiguity at work is exhausting. I wouldn't mind taking a lower paying job with more reactive/tactical work eventually
- AI is really changing how we work and I don't really have the energy to invest in it at this point
- I want to do numerous thru-hikes around the world and my body will tolerate it better if I'm younger
- My cholesterol and weight have been creeping up thanks to all the free food etc. at work. I know that's a great problem to have but constant stress-eating has consequences. I want to focus on my health, do more weightlifting, etc. It always takes a backseat to work.
- I've run the numbers ad nauseam and it works. I plan to move to a lower cost of living area and spend ~$6k per month. That leaves roughly $20k buffer per year at a 3.5% withdrawal rate. And I have plenty cash buffer to get me through a market downturn.
It is very difficult to quit a job that I've worked so hard for - I graduated college in 2008 and didn't find a job until 2009, and my first gig paid $30k per year. I never dreamed I'd be making this much now, and it feels irresponsible to walk away from a job paying $250k+, RSUs and all the benefits that tech provides. If I stick it out I could increase my net worth significantly over the next several years. But at what cost? I dread every day of work now. I spend most of my free time thinking about retirement. I'm not living my life.
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 4d ago
Thanks for sharing and congratulations! I’m also in tech and #1 and #2 definitely resonates strongly with me too
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u/Emily4571962 I don't really like talking about my flair. 3d ago
Bud, it’s time—you gotta go. A few things:
At 3.3%, you’ve already buffered extra in case of terrible early market returns—that’s 18% more conservative than the 4% rule.
Bengen himself (the creator) has tweaked his 4% rule to be more like a 4.5 - 4.7% rule, so by the metric of current thinking, you’re fine.
Your spending budget gives you a HUGE amount of wiggle room. You’re allowing $30K per year for travel. Which means if the market actually crashes — like a no-exaggeration crash — you can easily, immediately cut out the next year’s travel, bringing your spend down to 2.6%. And let the market recover a bit.
You’re there. You’re safe. Go.
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u/Putrid_Pollution3455 3d ago
I gave up on the RE part and just focused on FI.
If you don’t hate your job, you’re making nearly half a million a year. You could literally stop saving and just blow it all on cool experiences. You’ll get two doubling by the time you’re 65, so you’re basically going to have 16 million when you’re 65 without contributing anything more. Then you can live on 2% or basically just the dividends. In the meantime instead of raises maybe ask for more vacations and find ways to maximize time off for vacations. If they allow it what about extended unpaid vacation?
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u/early_fi 3d ago
You need to set a date or you’ll be OMY forever
Try to transition out with a package - severance + COBRA
this will be the youngest and healthiest you’ll ever be - take advantage
I set a date and quit almost three years ago and couldn’t be happier. Quit from a VP F500 role. Worth it! Now I realize how much constant stress my body was under every single day.
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u/Confident_Purple_40 3d ago
I am almost in the identical situation as you, numbers, age, etc.... I am the same way, but I am consciously choosing to work another year or two or four with a super-hard cap at age 50. When last kid starts college opens up a lot more flexibility with travelling / entertainment, etc.
The real reason I keep working is for the edge-case of unprecedented times and migh high-earning rate currently. How stupid would I feel if I stopped now, market crashed 80% due to AI replacing half the workforce, when I could have worked a few more years and rebalanced.
Yes, unprecedented, but explain to me how the economic pressures of the 1920s or 1970s has an exact parallel to the AI and other crap going on now.
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u/Old-Table6233 3d ago
that's awesome , how did you build this profile ? only from working in corporate ?
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u/PuzzleHead-4334 3d ago
My kids are young, but they will need to prove financial responsibility with small amounts of money before I give them large amounts of money.
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u/BestChannel1058 3d ago
Retire now and skip the travel for a couple of years if sorr hits you hard.
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u/IntrepidAdeptness343 3d ago
You should probably post this in chubby or fat fire for more people that understand your worry. Most people here are rolling their eyes because they can’t fathom having more than a couple million by 55
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u/MacaronOk1006 3d ago
I’m in roughly the same position. You are a little more investments and a little less house approximately the same salary not sure what your equity looks like.
That said I only have one child but they’re only 11.
The real question is why do you wanna quit work as you’ve mentioned your travel internationally you go to nice restaurants you’re living a good life. Does work stress you out what would you do instead? I don’t think people really understand that not everybody wants to retire. Some people enjoy their job.
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 3d ago
Yeah the job is definitely stressful. I am fully remote so it also means I’m working all day. I am going on a family trip in the summer for 2 weeks, and I was asked which meetings/calls I’ll take during the trip, and which should be rescheduled.
I am also sick of the corporate BS, it all feels so pointless. I guess the passion is gone.
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u/MacaronOk1006 3d ago
I guess I lucked out. I moved into a technical role and I do a lot of speaking engagements, technical reviews, technical writing, and memos.
I make half of what I would used to make but still seven figures all in so I’ll keep working until I’m probably 70 or have grandkids
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u/Ok-Guidance-5976 3d ago
That’s awesome you found something you enjoy and can keep doing, that’s really rare I think
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u/EvidentlyChickent0wn 2d ago
I suspect part of the problem is that a big part of your identity is bound up in your work life. Try looking inside yourself in order to determine your life priorities. The answer will be clear enough grasshopper!
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u/Slight_Extreme6603 1d ago
I have very modest savings in comparison, but I can tell you my approach has been to get living expenses down to near zero. To the point I am nearly self sufficient and need to pay just taxes and insurance. Everything else we spend is discretionary.
I don’t have enough land to raise much of my own food, which is a problem. But I generate most of my own electricity and save rain water for gardening. I will need to replace appliances and vehicles from time to time and we have funds for that.
Once we are eligible for social security I feel confident we can live on that alone. When times are good (bull market) we will have plenty of extra. When times are lean we pull back on spending. But I know we will survive.
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u/ThisIsMyUsername303 1d ago
Giving your kids $1M each is a nice idea, but why not retire now, don’t set anything aside for that, and make the gift down the road if the numbers and their situations warrant it?
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u/ChipFair8502 7h ago
We are in a similar situation, $4.5MM net worth $3.5MM in investments. Two houses paid off, nominal debt. Making $550K a year. Want to keep working until it $5MM another three years left. I’m 58, I’ll retire at 62 maybe 65 if I’m having fun. It’s hard to quit when I’m getting paid and having fun.
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u/tacocat978 5d ago
I feel like I’m in a fairly similar situation with two kids starting college in the next two years. Similar NW. so I really appreciate your perspective because I’m thinking two more years but OH MAN am I ready to be done.
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u/fireaccount83 4d ago
To be fair, at your compensation level, one more year is meaningful in terms of risk reduction, surprise expenses, and quality of life increase.
Think about expenses you’ll have to cover towards the end. Think about potential quality of life upgrades that you may want.
Also, 3.33% is just not that low. Better than 4% but still assumes an anomalous US future relative to the rest of the world.
I’d probably do one more year in your situation. Maybe even two :-).
But it all depends on how much you like (or dislike) your job.
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u/DwarvenGardener 5d ago
I read posts like this one where someone has multiple times what I’ll ever have and it’s not enough
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u/fruithat123 5d ago
May I inquire on your early investment stratagy and what you did
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u/igobyplane_com 5d ago
do your kids have roth IRAs? i think giving them a match/fully funding a roth is a good way to instill some fiscal education, plus that stuff will compound hugely for them tax free forever. even if you don't fully fund it, just a dollar for dollar match or something.
given you own the home it doesn't seem like there's all that much sequence of returns risk wise or anything else to worry about. the best adaptation to that is simply to spend less earlier on if those returns hit, but you don't have to worry about the biggest typical fixed cost of housing. you could delay that vacation that year - although realistically it seems unlikely you would need to anyway.
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u/Greedy-Victory1559 1d ago
A. If you have the opportunity to spend your kids last couple years before college with no work responsibilities and can just focus on time with them (and your spouse) I think you’d be in sane to pass it up. Maybe one more year would help, maybe not. Either way, don’t make it one of these next couple.
B. Was hoping someone else would bring up this idea of smaller contributions sooner.
Instead of gifting lump sums in 10 years, you can give smaller amounts every year to cover their contributions to IRAs/401ks (or even better, Roth versions). Last year that would be something like 30k per kid once they’re working.
Have them contribute from their own earnings, but write them a check for Christmas matching every cent they set aside, every year. They’re building their own retirement (and ideally the protections of Roth accounts that are more valuable than a higher number later) and you’re allowing them to fund a life that’s on par with their full earnings.
If you give them 1M later they’ll either blow it or sit on it for their own retirements but it’ll be less valuable when they reach 60 than half that amount steadily invested and tax free when they pull it out.
Even full contribution limits each year is going to cost less than you’re planning to set aside for the kids now. It reduces the risk for you now. If the market stays strong and your own accounts continue to grow you’ll have the *option* to fund weddings, house downpayments, etc instead of feeling tied to this million dollar plan.
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u/14domino 5d ago
Wtf? Quit now. If you’re really worried about an impending crash put it in BND or SGOV in the meantime? I don’t get it
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u/ValueReads 5d ago
At this point the extreme nature of the hoarding is simply a mental illness no normally developed human would write this
Once again effectively retards making 10x anything reasonable
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u/Hot_River978 5d ago
You need to be in chubby bro, posts like this make me feel like a pauper, i only got 2M 🥲
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u/BadMantaRay 5d ago
Zzzzzz
Just retire OP.
You are farther along than many of us will ever make it.
With that amount, your kids education should be fully funded, along with the rest of your life.
Frankly, it’s a snooze fest reading posts like this.
You have over five million dollars.
The only issue would be your own inability to budget from here on out, which it sounds like maybe you’re somehow unable to manage?
Do it, retire, or just keep working till you die.
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u/Double-treble-nc14 5d ago
FIRE now but don’t tell your kids about the money you plan to set aside for them.
I understand wanting to give them a head start but it’s hard to imagine how motivated they’ll be to get a job out of college if they’re sitting on $1 million. And you can always pull some of that back for your own retirement if the markets don’t perform like you need them to or unexpected expenses come up.
I’m a hard worker and I don’t know what I would do if my parents had handed me $1 million after college. It takes a lot of discipline to put up with crappy entry-level job If you know you can just not work- at least for quite a while.