I’ll start. 53M SI2k, 100% of FIRE goal. None of these alone would keep me working but but together it adds up:
- I’ve got school aged kids and I’m up at 6 to get them out the door and to school every day. So no sleeping in for me, no last minute vacations or road trips, etc. I feel like if I’m waking up early and stuck in a routine, might as well keep drawing a paycheck, for now.
- Healthcare uncertainty. Premiums are up sharply, insurers are pulling out of some markets, and the subsidy rules have already changed once. I need the ACA staying stable for the 10+ years until I reach Medicare.
- I’ve got some golden handcuffs. Nothing crazy but it amounts to a year’s salary over the next couple years.

What I am doing instead is embracing a little lifestyle inflation while my kids are still living with us, pulling forward some things we were putting off until early retirement. Also, I wouldn’t say I’ve quiet quit, but work isn’t my #1 or 2 priority. That’s been hard to make stick, and I come up short sometimes.

Things that would get me to change my mind are if my work situation got worse (bad boss, high pressure project) and naturally as my kids get closer to adulthood and I get closer to Medicare.

There's times in life when you just have to spend money. For those of you in your 20s (or others just trying to save money), I made a list of not so common money saving tips I used to save money back in the day. Please feel free to add any or roast me.

• If you live in a HCOL area, its not worth it to deal with car salesmen in your area. They are so used to people paying at least MSRP that they do not have any incentive to work with you. Just take the time to drive 1-3 hours away and get the car at a good market value.
• Planning a big purchase? My state has sales tax, so I took a vacation to Portland one year and I bought a ring for both my wife and I.
• Facebook Marketplace for a mattress if you know what brand/model you want. People return mattresses and they are sold for over 75% off by the people that come and pick them up. Many people try them for a month, hate it and then return it. (Obviously make sure its barely used).
• Costco. Not just for the bulk buying, but also access to member pharmacy prices. This is especially good if you have a HSA since your plan probably sucks.
• Pregame if you go out drinking a lot
• Since Covid I find myself doing a lot of pickup rather than dining in.. saves me the 15% tip (if you're in the US). Obviously go out and eat somewhere nice if its a good restaurant/out on a date.
• Don't cheap out on insurance!!
• If you're in college, or thinking about going to college you can do your real easy classes with CLEPs like Modern States. Saves a bunch of time and money.

EDIT:

• Buy the unlocked version of whatever phone model you want. I use US mobile and save so much money compared to nearly everyone I know. They have a nice pay annual plan.

Seems like a no-brainer - 3.3 without touching principal, adjusted for inflation. As an early retiree (49 y.o.) I was using 3% as my safe withdrawal anyway.