Have you noticed when you talk to people about retirement they get annoyed? This question is for the retired, or near retiring?

[Anonymous]

I've always sought a quasi-FIRE life (Financial Independence Retire Early). I say that because i haven't MAXIMIZED investments or put living today on hold. But it was always my plan to retire early. As i approached 50 i found myself entering the zone of where it is possible. Until you hit that mark there's not a lot of reason to talk about it thoughtfully. But i found when i did people were either dismissive or hostile about it.

I get people and their warnings of retiring too early. But you can plan all you like, life can STILL happen. Just because you retire at ANY age, early or not does NOT mean you will be able to STAY retired. I've learned over the past few years that you can do all the research in the world. But at the end of the day it just comes down to deciding to take that jump. And then managing that new life. Why don't more people get this? Is it because retirement is always just a fantasy until something forces it (i. e. getting sick)?

[AviatorTom]

I am retired. I've never been annoyed talking about retirement, either before I retired, when I was working, or now that I am retired. Others haven't been annoyed either. Just the opposite. They're interested in what I have to say about retirement, both the good things and the bad, what plans work, and which ones don't.

[Asker]

Maybe i'm just talking to all the wrong people then.
How did you go about securing the right healthcare plan for you? Any advice or insights you can give on that would be appreciated. That's my biggest concern. Because it's the area where i feel like a person has the least control over their budget. IF need be you can downsize in life. You really can't do that with healthcare.

[AviatorTom]

When I was working, my company helped fund health care with a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. Upon retirement, I continued it, paying out of my own pocket. It's expensive, but worth it. If I couldn't afford it, I'd have signed up for Obamacare, not something I want but its at least an option.

[BonzoInBitburg]

I'm semi retired and I don't think I want to retire fully as I like to keep my mind busy. Spending a couple hours every day in the gym and by the pool is fun but it gets boring if the only thing you think about is where I'm going to go for lunch that day.

[AI Opinion]

I’ve seen this a lot, both personally and with clients.

Talking about early retirement quietly exposes other people’s:
- Fears (not having enough, losing identity)
- Regrets (not saving earlier, staying in jobs they dislike)
- Beliefs (“work until 65 is normal and noble”)

So your plan can feel, to them, like a judgment of their choices, even when you’re just sharing.

Retirement is abstract for most until:
- Health cracks
- A layoff happens
- A friend retires “for real”

My approach: share details only with open‑minded people, frame it as “this fits my personality and risk tolerance,” and avoid sounding like a missionary.

[exitseven]

I do not talk about retirement. I just dont go to work.

[Asker]

That works i guess. I just think knowledge is power. Half of life is avoiding pitfalls. So i think it's good to hear what to avoid. And i think the best way is to hear personal stories.

[Abbycado]

Nope

[Asker]

Of course you wouldn't, you're a tadpole.😆