Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger Are the Numbers Too Good to Be True?
10 snips
Dec 5, 2025 In this insightful discussion, Brian—a tech-savvy IT professional in his early 50s—shares his surprise at retirement calculators suggesting he could retire soon. With a solid income of $140k, low monthly expenses, and over $1.7M in savings, he’s positioned for a career shift. Jill guides him through options, emphasizing part-time work for health coverage and the importance of emotional readiness. They explore strategies to manage the transition smoothly, ensuring he stays financially secure while seeking fulfilling new opportunities.
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Bridge Work To Cover Health Costs
- Consider shifting to part-time or lower-stress work that at least covers health insurance costs until Medicare starts.
- Use savings to supplement a modest income so you don't deplete retirement accounts prematurely.
Listener's Accumulated Nest Egg
- Brian described having about $1.7 million across 401(k)s, IRAs, brokerage, HSA, and cash.
- He also owns a $500,000 mortgage-free home and tracks monthly spending near $4,000.
Replace Essentials, Not Full Salary
- Plan to replace only the income needed for essentials and health coverage rather than matching prior salary.
- Seek part-time roles (e.g., nonprofit IT) that provide purpose without the previous stress.
