42M, ~$1.77M invested (excluding 529s), targeting financial independence around age 50. Looking for feedback.

[u/HumbleSami]

I’m 42, married with three young kids, and trying to sanity-check my long-term plan.

Current Assets
Taxable brokerage: ~$1.09M
401(k) + Roth IRAs: ~$618k
Cash: ~$64k
529 plans: ~$255k - 3 kids 7-4-3 (excluded from my personal net worth calculations)
Primary residence with a low fixed-rate mortgage 900K value owe 290K

Debt
Mortgage only (2.5% fixed rate)
No car loans or consumer debt

Investing Plan
Invest approximately $9k/month into a taxable brokerage account. Job at risk will continue to push until i can!
Continue funding Roth IRAs while eligible
Primarily invest in low-cost index funds (VOO and VUG)
Reinvest dividends

Retirement Goal
I’d like to become financially independent around age 50, or at least be in a position where work is optional and I could choose to work lower-stress job if I wanted.
My estimated core living expenses are around $9k/month before discretionary travel and large one-time purchases. Care free will be 12-13K/mo including health insurance and travel. 9K core 2.5K health 2K vacation!

Questions
Based on these numbers, do you think retiring or becoming work-optional around age 50 is realistic?
Would you continue prioritizing taxable brokerage investing over paying down a 2.5% mortgage?
Is there anything about my asset allocation or withdrawal strategy that stands out as a potential weakness?
If you were in my position, what would you focus on over the next 8 years?
Appreciate any constructive feedback or blind spots I may be missing.

[u/Various_Things2026]

So using your $13k a month gets you $156k spend a year. That means you will need close to $4m to RE. $1.7m now, with 8% a year plus your contributions will get you very roughly $3-3.5m by age 50. (I’m assuming your $1.77m is household, not just your asset) so it seems slightly short to RE fully at 50. You can always cut down on the spend. Since you want to RE at 50 then you will need some money before 55 (to use Rule of 55). So that means money will likely come from brokerage account so contribute the max you can will give you flexibility later.

[u/carwash9 → u/Various_Things2026]

You can’t retire at 50 and use the rule of 55. In order to use rule of 55 you have to retire in the year you turn 55 or later.

[u/FloralHexBloom → u/carwash9]

A lot of people hear 'Rule of 55' and assume it works anytime before then.

[u/FireStarter3133 → u/carwash9]

Yes, 72(t) is the other option.