My retirement was unexpected too, there was a truly massive sudden layoff (800 jobs) at the company I spent 35 years at, it was July 2021 and I was 58. I chose to retire instead of find other work, live within my means, am happy enough with the choice. Am pulling $6K per month but the IRA has not dropped by much so far, fingers crossed. Will start SS later. Am enjoying listening to rock n roll, learning electric guitar, feeding wildlife, some gardening, will spend a month in Italy later this year on a trip with my aging mother.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Sounds awesome.

@HibiscusHigh

14 күн бұрын

🙌

@rejectionistmanifesto8836

13 күн бұрын

​@@retirearly500k59No one advises young people how much exponentially more life time earnings an average man has to create if they want to live decently and retire at some point if they decide to start a family/marriage.

@robertchandler3914

13 күн бұрын

Layoffs are sometimes a way the Lord nudges you in a better direction.

@rejectionistmanifesto8836

13 күн бұрын

@@robertchandler3914 yes look at it in this positive way as many die shortly after retiring since they waited so long to retire the wore out their body to its limit.

Im 62 this October, I will retire between 62 and 65

Ageism is definitely alive and well. I was forced out of my tech job a few months before turning 60. After 250+ job applications with zero offers, I finally gave up. Fortunately, I feel my wife and I are financially ok.

Governments keep pushing back retirement age but do nothing about ageism, or the fact that many in low paid or manual jobs simply can't work till state retirement age.

It's crazy to me to hear how all these people want to work into their late 60's and early 70's. I've planned for 60 and intend to stick to it. If I get laid off in my late 50's I'll likely just retire then.

Then there is the other extreme. My little brother liked his job and worked until he was 70 when he also started social security. He died a week after he turned 71. Don't wait too long.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Ouch. Sorry to hear that, Todd.

this right here! THIS is why my retirement plan is to retire at age 55. while I don't actually intend to stop working at that point, if my employer decides to cut me loose or I'm forced to stop working to take care of a family member, etc. I'll be okay. plan as if you have to stop working at 55 and hope that doesn't happen. failure to plan is planning to fail.

Each person’s path is different yet one things is common if you’re to financially succeed in retirement; living within your means. No matter the amount of money you earn each month if you spend less than that amount t you will be free of the financial stress that debt creates. The other hurdle to conquer is good health. Your #1 job in retirement is living a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition, physical activity, mental health are all components of a healthy lifestyle. Take action now! Be disciplined in your approach. If you retire at age 65 you could live another 30 years. Why allow yourself to slowly decay? Take action now to live a vibrant life!

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Well said.

I was laid off at 61 after 13 years with the company. I had planned to work until age 65. After talking to my financial advisor we decided to retire and apply for social security. Yes ageism is alive and well. I'm doing ok though working part time as a food delivery driver. Never been happier. I don't miss the corporate greed, grind, and politics.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Excellent!

@johnnyretires

14 күн бұрын

I was fortunate to retire about the time I wanted to. But I was always very aware that many people don’t work as long as they want. They leave the workforce because of health or layoffs, etc.

@rejectionistmanifesto8836

13 күн бұрын

Older generations should consider retiring early and significantly cutting down on expenses. The more older people refuse to retire the greater the hardship to younger people with families in the job market. After 65 years old please stop with the travel, buying cars or other items other than basic necessities.

@Jane5720

12 күн бұрын

@@rejectionistmanifesto8836 where do you come off saying all that anyway? who are you to Tell people what to do? Back off

@Jane5720

12 күн бұрын

The last lady does not have eighty thousand dollars a year from the pension she has a total of $80,000 a year. Nobody has a $80,000 a year pension, do they?

I was laid off at 54 after 25.5 years. Haven’t worked again and that was 4 years ago…

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

I was laid off after 20 years with my company. I feel you.

Good session, Duane. I made both good and bad decisions. I went into the postal service when I was 33. Figured there was security. I was forced to wait nine years with a part time on-call position before they allowed me to become career. Twenty four more years, two nervous breakdowns, one divorce, two hernia operations, probably twenty thousand nightmares, many while working, and the whole time being put into stressful situations, I finally retired with a 24 year pension and social security. I am finally basking in peace and quiet. No one yells at me. I even put off my last hernia operation for two years so I could hang it up at the same time. It was Hell, but I got here.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Good for you, Philip!

@user-ke2st4po4o

14 күн бұрын

You poor guy your life sounds miserable

Such a great topic...thank you. When i was 50, i planned to rwtire when i was 60, and worked hard to gather enough to retire. However, at 55 i could see the proverbial writing on the wall at my company and set my date to retire earlier. I was ready in July of 2023. I decided i would stay alittle longer and was going to give my notice in November. In September they brought me in and stated they were moving in a different direction, wanted me to stay until December of 2023, would give me a party after 33 years, and on year severance. I was ecstatic because i was prepared to retire anyway and did at 57. Planning and preparation is the KEY! Now loving retirement....there is a wonderful life waiting for each of us...prepare!

@retirearly500k59

13 күн бұрын

Great comment! Thx

I got rheumatoid arthritis in 2020 at 58 and thankfully my employer allows me to work at home.

42.8K subscribers and counting, due to excellent content and delivery 👍.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Thx you, Condor. Appreciate it!

I was conveniently caught in a permanent layoff at age 58 during the recetion of 2008. It took me 6 months and 50 job applications to get a job but I landed on my feet and found a job I really liked. I worked another 5 years and retired on my terms, non the worse for the ware. I have a very supportive wife and we just pulled our wings in a little and rode out the hard times. Our saving grace was we had no mortgage payments, car payments or credit card debit...we were lucky.

@ivanvarykino8202

14 күн бұрын

That wasn't luck. That was good planning, and great financial habits. Congrats!

@jh26pt2

14 күн бұрын

Agree with the reply above mine. You created your own luck and deserve credit for thinking ahead.

Ageism is truly an issue. I planned to retire at 67 and due to a turnover in the C Suite, was forced out at 63.

I got laid off twice in 2 years, when my last two companies closed down. I decided to retire at 58 and that was the best decision ever. Ageism is especially acute in the tech industry. Lots of my tech brothers and sisters are getting laid off right now and it's almost impossible for older tech workers to get jobs.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Yep.

I do think a good percentage of people are forced to retire earlier than they plan.

If someone is under 60ish and decent health they can easily get certified for a new field by taking a few classes at their local community college. Especially medical field.

I have seen so many people raid their 401(k) or IRA plans after being forced out mid-life. Therefore, once into your 40’s, realize the corporate grim reaper will come for you. It’s just a matter of time. It’s a good idea to start saving not only pre-tax savings, but also post-tax. The latter will be a help sparing your nest egg from an early tax hit.

I am kind of always looking over my shoulder for the being laid off for being too old/too high paid. I have about 5 years before I plan to retire. We shall see if I make it. I will probably be ok as long as I reach 55 (almost 53 now) before things happen. No matter what you still want to go out on your own terms, not someone else’s.

Retire at 75, I will have been dead for at least 5 years by then. My family doesn’t live that long.😢

@vectoreyes

12 күн бұрын

I don't understand why anyone would choose to work until that age.

@paja7647

3 күн бұрын

@@vectoreyesI certainly didn’t do it, but I worked with a few people that lost their spouses and they just had nothing else to do. Work was their social life and kept them busy. We were all federal employees, so no one was pushing them out the door.

I was forced to retire at the age of 36 when I became disabled. Luckily my Social Security Disability pays more than my living expenses. I have not had to touch my retirement savings and have more than doubled it. Every year I have been converting the maximum amount to Roth while staying in the 0% tax bracket. I think I will be able to convert the entire amount in the next year or two.

Amazing video but I will say retirement becomes truly fulfilling when you possess two essential elements: financial resources and a meaningful purpose in life. Make prudent investment choices to secure good returns and ensure a comfortable retirement. This is how it should be and I really want that have that comfortable life . Any advice on what to do ?

@retirearly500k59

13 күн бұрын

Absolutely, Donna. Start really investigating any and all interests you have. It could turn into something very fulfilling.

@user-qs9by1fq4o

12 күн бұрын

Yes you might say that but More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire without any investment. Retirement becomes truly fulfilling when you possess two essential elements: financial resources and a meaningful purpose in life. Make prudent investment choices to secure good returns and ensure a comfortable retirement.

@Michelle_Sanders561

11 күн бұрын

@@user-qs9by1fq4o I barely have time to continue trading and watch my investments since I had my second daughter. Do you think I should take a break for a while from the market and focus on other things or return whenever I have free time or is it a continuous process? Thanks.

I recommend eating better as you get older. This can improve your chances to work longer and live longer in retirement. I retired at 62 working maintenance in a factory. I could not see myself going up ladders at 67. I was lucky my health was good and made it to 62 working.

@johnd4348

12 күн бұрын

I;m 61 and planning to retire very soon. Tired of putting up with the BS and the 30 year old supervisors who know it all. Everyone of them is a family member or friend of the management.

@stevegorkowski3246

12 күн бұрын

@@johnd4348 It's time. One of the hardest things I have done is work a job when I had the money to retire. When I hit 62 years old I retired.

Sometimes it is reversed, I’m 65, have money saved for retirement but waiting to see if the company I work for would offer me a package as they already have done with several other employees however, doesn’t look like that will happen for me any time soon. It’s always those that are ready to leave that don’t get let go while those that need the jobs the most do. Ugh! 🤬

@dforrest4503

14 күн бұрын

They’re probably waiting you out.

@cdd4530

13 күн бұрын

@@dforrest4503 Could be, but I think it’s more like they still need me, unfortunately for me.

Those are some sad stories. I’m thankful I’m still working. I am preparing and Duane is helping.

I was taken out of work by my doctor over a year ago @ 51. I have a small pention I get every month and pretty low coat of living. I paid off house. I can probably find another job but my wife was ok with me retiring. My wike a few years younger than me and she still work. By time am 59.5 and draw i should have 500k in retirement accounts. Ill be living modestly.

Ageism helps alleviate my fear of ever having to apply for a job again. Ugh. Great video!

@retirearly500k59

13 күн бұрын

Thx you.

I saw that the older owners (65 & 78) of the company I worked for started to make many mistakes in running the company. My plan was to be done with debt by age 50 and load up on savings and investments to prepare for what I saw as a change in leadership for the future. Well 8 years later I was forced into retirement by the new leadership and thank god I had a sound plan in place with the 3 buckets plan (savings, investments, and retirement accounts). It has been 1.5 years since I was forced out and I have yet to touch two of the three buckets, so life is good.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

That is a great example of proper, early planning. Thx for sharing!

Your channel is so honest. In a world where honesty is hard to find, your channel is a breathe of fresh air. I hope your successes continue, not to mention your excellent property selection and intelligence to supplement income with You Tube. It makes my day to hear your comments as what your followers have to say. Golden!

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Thx you. We get the best comments on here!

Morgan Housel's books do a great job of detailing how humans are terrible at planning and evaluating risks. Saving and gaining financial independence is the only protection.

Hey Duane.. I have found out the lately my body has been telling me to slow down and not work so much so I'm going to cut back on my hours at work and let my feet and legs recover some and then just go to 32 hours a week instead of 40. This will not hurt me too much financially but if I don't slow down its going to take its toll on me and then I'll be having to go to the doctor. So maybe I'm doing some preventive maintenance on the O'L body. LOL Thanks for the great info !!

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

You're welcome, Mike.

Dwayne, your video oddly demonstrates why I don’t retire. I am a 71 y/o contractor in IT, and I know that once I retire, and “down tools”, there’s no coming back. I have a plan, hell, planning is what i do, but I know that no plan survives contact with reality. So I will work.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Do you have a set age for retirement? If you love what you do (???), no need to retire.

My friend in his mid 60's and lost his job less than a year ago. He's been told he's un-hireable after being out of work that long. Even after cutting down his work experience to make him appear younger on paper, it has been crickets. Having a plan A-Z is always a good idea. Contingency plans and worst-case-scenario planning are helpful. Great video on a tough topic.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Thx you, Stella.

It’s been an unpleasant surprise to have had to changes jobs so much in the last 7 years. Previously I was ten years plus at two firms. Not sure how many more rolls of the dice I can get so I’m definitely planning!

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

After 20 years with one company, my last 3 jobs averaged about 2 years each. I hear you.

53 just hit 400k this week only want to work for 3 more years

Excellent points that I wish I could tell my younger self. Thank you for this content so that others can plan for the unexpected.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

You're welcome :)

I got laid off from my tech career job (where I was the oldest by a good 15 years) about 1.5 years ago at the age of 52. My plan had been to retire at 55 and those extra three years of saving and investing would have really helped. I'm lucky in that I have investments and I own my own home. I'm single so I'm flexible, and I'm frugal. I live in an expensive city with high rents so, if needed, I could rent out my home and live somewhere less expensive. Duane, maybe you should make a series of videos where you dig deeper into each of our stories. It looks like there are a number of us who have been forced into retirement.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Good idea!

Great topic. My husband ended up retiring early due to job loss. We made it work but it will maker our retirement income tighter. Ageism is definitely a factor as we get older

Larry, the police officer, could have gone out on disability. He didn’t have to retire. Most companies have long term disability plans for things like cancer, other diseases, or disabilities.

I got forced out when the place shutdown after 33 years. I was 56 and got to use the rule of 55, 58 now and hoping to make it to social security if it's still there

Feel really sorry for Betty. Hope she can enjoy the rest of her life.

Great information that we all need to hear. The company I worked for sold when was I 40 that convinced me to put my self in the drivers seat of my financial stability. Love your videos!

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Thx you, Patty.

Good stuff Duane. Save as much as you can in your retirement accounts.You'll be thankful later.

Good job Duane……yikes ……interesting stories….its very difficult for older people to get employment. After I retired it took me about 4 months to get a part time gig. ❤️🌵

I told my manager I am done this December with 35 years in and I am 55 years old. Going to work my second job for another year because of inflation. Then travel after that. Love ❤️ watching your utube so inspiring. Dan

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Congrats!

Husband and I both planned to work until 62. We were let go after 33 and 36 years at the same job. I was 57 and Husband was 59. Thank goodness we were big savers or we would have had no choice but to take the covid vaccine. Was a blessing in disguise. Loving retirement!

@stevedice5963

12 күн бұрын

I don't understand what the covid vaccine had to do with it?

@Roxy-qn3my

12 күн бұрын

The company required the covid vaccine and we didn't want it so we were let go.

@apollovizsla

2 күн бұрын

My employers told us that in order to keep our job, we had to get the covid vaccine. I really did not want to get it. I ended up in the emergency room with severe vertigo 11 days after I had the vaccine! I never had that problem before. I was 58 years old. My nieces husband also went to the hospital with vertigo about a week after his vaccine and he was in his mid 30's. I work a physically demanding job, in a hot environment and we were also forced to wear KN95 masks and face shields, and I was getting dizzy from lack of oxygen! I wish I never drank the Kool-aid! Ageism is also a huge thing where I work, even though the older employees are the best workers! I will be 62 in August and I just signed up for social security four days ago and only work one day a week. Good luck to you and your husband. I don't even know you, but I am proud of you for standing your ground!

@stevedice5963

2 күн бұрын

@@apollovizsla i had a reaction to the shingles vaccine. it passed. doctor told me that some people react to the adjuvants ( the part of the serum that is not dead virus / dead germs, but stimulates immune response)

It happened to me! I had a cardiac event over Memorial Day weekend that resulted in me getting a pacemaker. Unfortunately, I worked in a plant with machines that operated at 30,000 volts. That was obviously incompatible with a pacemaker, so I lost my job.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Sorry to hear that.

Good video. I saw the layoffs happen to 2 older siblings, both in their mid-50’s. One was well paid in a young industry and couldn’t get hired after the Great Recession. Thankfully he eventually found work as a contractor and has been doing well for a decade.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Thx you.

As you note it is all about planning. Planning doesnt start when you are 50 or 55. You need to kickstart this in your twenties and accumulate assets while in your thirties and forties. Problem is most folks cant plan for dinner let alone a retirement horizon 30/40 years out.

@sct4040

6 күн бұрын

In my20s, had no money to save. In my 30s, saved about $200 a month, invested in IRA, Roth. Rent and food were so cheap then. In my 40s, matched my 401k and saved about $500 a month, invested. In my 50s, maxed out my 401k contributions to $29,000 a year. Saved like crazy, feared agism and layoffs. 63 retired. Wanted to retired earlier, but was not vested in 401k.

@kevin7151

6 күн бұрын

@@sct4040 Nice outcome for you and your family. I started my own journey early and wound up retiring at 57. Best thing I ever did. I wish you continued success in your life.

Duane preaching the truth as usual. 👍

Good job Duane; we love you

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

!!!!!

Take vacations between 45-55 before traveling becomes more difficult

Duane, the most entertaining and truthful video. You may need to repeat on it again, sooner than later. All examples interested me but especially the first one, where the guy applied 1700 times, to no success! Bad times for most of us, right now!

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Yes. Powerful stories.

Yes, this has happened to so many of my friends and myself. Luckily I was recruited by a friend for another position with much less responsibility. Its definitely not a heart job, it doesnt pay as much, but it is meeting my needs for at least the rest of the year. I plan to "retire" in January if all goes well.

@retirearly500k59

6 күн бұрын

You got this, David!

I need another 2-3 years minimum of working to get to where I'm ready to retire. My biggest expense is alimony and child support, and I have another 4.5 years of both, which will eat into my retirement savings more than I'd like, and my youngest will entering college... I am getting my toys, house, vehicles and retirement plans in order while I'm still working; if I'm forced to retire in under 2 years, I'll have to adjust a few things I plan to do in retirement.

Great advice!

Good video, Duane. The scary part about life is we never know when or if the hammer will fall on us. Try your best to be prepared.

Started planning at 45… little late but hey Retired at 48, got a little carried away with planning. Best thing I ever did

Love your honesty and authenticity-it’s so helpful to all of us, thanks

@sharidworkin-jw1rn

13 күн бұрын

Ps can you show me how to buy that cup of coffee for you?

@retirearly500k59

13 күн бұрын

Sure! Thank you. buymeacoffee.com/retirearly500k

Love your channel man!!! Good to see the growth on your channel and that others are hearing your message

@retirearly500k59

13 күн бұрын

Thx you.

I'd like to make it to the end of the year at least but in the last month about 15% of the company got let go to try to save money due to the down economy we are in. At this point I take it a day at a time since I just started in January. If I don't make it, I'm not sure what I will do for insurance. I can hustle up enough income to pay some bills and start drawing from my retirement portfolio.

@joycef8443

13 күн бұрын

Look into the ACA ie Obama care..it has saved my friend’s bacon.

this is a great video for learning

All ways have plan A, B and C. the World is a big place if willing to move your retirement will be the best of time.

I was planning for a layoff for the last 10 years at my job, I beat them to it and retired on my own 5 years earlier then they expected!

Sorry to hear some of these stories, guys "forced" to retire early. But there are plenty of jobs you can take that might be beneath your professional standing but that will pay the bills nonetheless. I willingly resigned from a job in August 2018. Started looking again in January 2019. Spent the next year interviewing and talking to recruiters. Most often I heard hiring managers comment "you've been in the workforce a long time Brian." Had one recruiter, at the end of a 30 minute conversation that went very well, tell me, "I probably shouldn't ask this, but how old are you Brian?" Eventually I decided to get my CDL and drive trucks. Get a CDL and you'll always have a job. Sucks, pay was half of what I was used to, but I don't have to burn through savings. I plan to retire this coming December at 59 1/2.

I have mentioned I would like to work until 67, and I plan to. Lost my dad at 58 to lymphoma. Life sure throws us curveball. Have to plan accordingly but keep in mind our plan might not go exactly as planned. Great video!

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Exactly.

I am hoping for a layoff. Re-orgs are happening and I told management to throw my name at the top of the list. I would get a years severance. I am ready. If this next round of cuts does not get me, I have a date I am going out on my own. Entering my late 50s. wife hanging it up too in her mid 50s.

@TomcatSTL

12 күн бұрын

Just went through the same. People who wanted a package were overlooked and people who wanted their job were canned. I think that may be typical, unfortunately.

If they are very low income they'd qualify for some forms of state assistance, medicaid, EBT /food stamps etc

I retired at 56 in 2015. Haven’t worked a day since and would rather die than get a job. 65 now but not drawing SS yet. Buddy retired at 56 also almost a year before I did, but he had no choice due to medical issues. He wanted to work until 65 or so. He went on SS disability until 62, then was moved on to SS but at the reduced pay. Doubt your buddy’s story about not being able to get a job. I’ve been offered jobs and turned down every one. If you need a gig to get a few bucks coming in, places like car dealerships need drivers, stores like TSC/HD/Lowe’s need help, insurance companies need agents, etc.

I tell all of my kids to privately purchase disability insurance, even if offered via their employer. A serious disability can arise at any time. Particularly if one becomes disabled prior to retirement age, it can be disastrous.

I watch ur videos becuase its retireing on moderate income and savings… i’ve saved ALOT and have a pretty big pension… Even at my level I’m conerned about running out of money.. its all relative to your life and income needs.. more wealthy people can feel insecure as well..

The key to retirement is to Retire, and live a lifestyle that is condolement with your funds but you will need good financial planning.

John Fogerty is my favorite musician.

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

Love his solo work as well as Creedence. Did some sales analysis work for that album you see on the wall.

@cyoishi

14 күн бұрын

That looks like The Long Way Home album. Yeah, Creedence is my all-time favorite band, bar none.

Retirement vodka, good one

RIGHT, once Trump closed business with lockdown , yeah lost my job like everyone around me. At 65y/o now it’s very hard to find good employment in IT.

late 2016 we saw the writing on the wall, my CDL job was long hours and hers was stressful so we started stacking it as fast as we could, including catchup contributions in both IRA and 401k. 7 years later we both turned in our keys, her age 55 and me age 56, just north of 7 figures. Living on a budget, no regrets, the IRS Rule of 55 is our ticket to ride!

@retirearly500k59

13 күн бұрын

Niiiiice.

1700 resumes and no job? Doesn’t want one very bad….Calling BS 😂

@joycef8443

13 күн бұрын

Aren’t there fast food jobs where he is or night auditor…I have found that after a certain age, you cannot get the job commensurate with your last good job. I’ve had to take what I could find.

If your older, they wont lay you off, but give you the jobs noone else wants to do or way more difficult for your older body and force you to quite. Be prepared to be gone before age 60.

Wouldn’t have to twist my arm!!!!

5 day weekend🎉🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉bosslessness🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

You can age completely healthy but need to retire to care for a family member. Important reminder!

🤘

Hey Duane if youtube isn’t floating your boat, you may try semi-retirement-teaching at your local junior college. That’s what I did after ageism knocked me out of my prior career. Luckily for me I had wanted to retire at 55 so I was relatively prepared at 50…

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

I was a teacher in my mid 20's and loved it!

Question - When a spouse with a pension dies, does the remaining spouse keep receiving benefits?

@retirearly500k59

14 күн бұрын

It depends on the pension and how it was set up.

@joycef8443

13 күн бұрын

Because my husband only gets 95% of his currently, I will get 50% of his pension if he pre- deceases me.

@noreenn6976

13 күн бұрын

Good to know.

Why does he always say "We got this" when clearly so many do not?

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO PREPARE FOR IT.

who want to work that old crazy