Thirteen years!

There is now less than thirteen years until I am age 55 and can retire from the State Assembly to build my off-grid homestead. Saving more than 50% of my income split between retirement and investment accounts if all continues the way it has, I’ll be in good shape to retire sometime around that year.

Thirteen years ago isn’t that long ago. Heck I’ve had Big Red for 13 1/2 years now. Maybe I’ll have to slow my investing in favor of refreshing the cash in my savings account after I replace him but investments will continue to grow even if I start putting future income back in savings – and it’s unlikely I’ll slow my additioms to my retirement accounts – the max to the 457b and the Roth IRA.

But there is still much to learn in the next 13 years before I build or buy that simple cabin. I keep looking for new things to learn, skills to develop as I continue through this next decade, which is certain to come and go quickly. Having money is important, but also I need to keep developing my skills and sharpening my mind. Read a lot, consider classes and learning alternatives. Know as much as possible before I make that leap in 2038. It seems so far off but it’s not.