Great question. It is a little awkward isn’t it! I don’t think we’ll be in that situation. Well definitely not with my parents, by we may be pretty close with my wife’s parents. They aren’t quite ready to retire, they’ve been saving and investing but they’re not there yet. So that may be a tough conversation to broach, mentioning our planned retirement, etc.

I think they’ll have lots of questions, but ultimately at the end I’d expect them to be happy and excited for us too, like J$ said. One of the things I’m excited about in early retirement is spending more time with them. We only visit them a couple times a year because of how far away we live, and I’m sure they’ll love us being around more.

So while it may be a little awkward, it is hopefully a win / win for everyone and hopefully they see it that way.

Thanks for the great comment and question, Tracy!

Hi Becky, thanks for the great comment!

I’m from the upper midwest myself (have lived in Charlotte now for 5 years though) and know plenty of farmers like your Dad and Uncle (some of my extended family actually!). Good for them!

Retiring in your fifties is quite impressive, a great goal to shoot for! Side hustles can be a great boost. Keep up the good work!

Sounds like a good plan, Jacq! That worked out well for your parents and great you’ll be in a good position to do something similar as well.

Thanks for sharing!

That’s awesome! Mine followed in stages too, kind of mentioning the idea in passing and slowly making him aware of my intentions. Sounds like your “main” conversation will be happening eventually. He’ll have time to formulate his thoughts and you’ll both be well prepared for a constructive conversation. That’s awfully exciting. I’d love for you to share the details eventually! :)

Thanks for sharing, FYG!

Right on, Fiscally Free. Too many people are like that and I completely understand the risk of finally hanging it up and then falling into depression not knowing what to do with one-self. What a shame!

With an inside look into my Dad’s life, I’m pretty certain he will be just fine. He’s got plenty to live for.

Thanks for the comment!

You’re probably right… Where I live now, I only get to see them once a year or so. If I could spend more time with them, I’m sure they’d be happy about that! I still feel guilty though! At least they’ll turn 70 only a few years after we plan to retire. Then maybe we can have some fun together!

Man, great great question… Maybe someone will stop by here and drop some insight because I have no idea! Other than making sure to spend more quality time with them and helping out wherever you can, whether financial-teaching or otherwise. Parents love hanging out with their kids (usually, haha…) so I feel like they’d get a huge win just having you around more :) And you know they’d be so proud of you too!!

My husband and I are socking away money as much as we can and investing mostly in Vanguard index funds. We’re hoping to retire in about 5 years, when my husband will be in his mid-50’s and me in my late 40’s. And that would be before either of my parents would be able to retire! I’m having a tough time with that… In a way I want to help them, if I can, and if they’ll let me. But on the other hand, I don’t like my job or where I live, so I’d love to get out as soon as possible! We’ve got great jobs right now, and being so close to FI, don’t really want to change anything. How do you handle retiring before your parents?

Woahhhhhh your dad and uncle are legit hustlers!! You don’t hear about that field as often these days (or at least I don’t, but then again i’m in the land of politics and tech here in DC)