5 Reasons to retire as SOON as you can

[@nicobass1966]

Brilliant video and thank you - a real eye opener to be honest. I'm 58 and was thinking 60 for my retirement but looking at the numbers I will have more if I retire tomorrow than I have now and live a decent life now. I'm going to get the winter out the way and pull the plug from work next Spring, again thank you

[@Macedonia270]

This video really "woke me up" to reality.... I retired at 54, but went back to work at 56...because I was scared of poverty.... I am now 57....and I shall be resigning on Monday....

[@samd8652]

I wish I had the guts to do that .

[@samd8652]

Same age.

[@eugeneteo9664]

great move dude.

[@edhcb9359]

And it sounds like you’ll be back to work in January! 😂

[@Macedonia270]

@@edhcb9359 Maybe...who knows....How far does $10 million go?

[@RitzaM_1965]

WOW Neil!! This was SPOT on!! Brilliant video! Thanks for summing up the phases of life!!

[@JamesSmith-wy7zk]

Very well thought out. I'm 60 now and retiring at the end of this year. Free time is more valuable to me now than more money. All the best. Jim from Georgia

[@toffeeboilingdwarf]

Brilliant video, Neil. Sobering, but excellent. Fortunately, I semi-retired at 54 to travel indefinitely, quite happily working a few hours a week as a digital nomad. By this calculation, I’ve entered the savouring stage - and that’s exactly how it feels. My wife and I have now been on the road for exactly one year. It’s been the best year of our adult lives.

[@rodbrown7284]

I’ve been sleep walking through life but now I’m starting to wake up. Thank you

[@MacroHiker]

I thought you were going to talk a load of nonsense initially, but fair play I actually really enjoyed the video and found it thoughtful and insightful. I’m in the ‘leverage’ phase and what you said rang true.

[@chrish8103]

This is spot on & it has made me think about things. Thanks

[@paulfaulkner6299]

Profound. I'm early 60's. Not divorced but may as well be (wife has lived abroad 7 years)... But I am semi retired and happy. I now have no debt. I also own my own house having paid off the mortgage. I come and go and do as I please whenever I please (including "midnight cycling" for 2½ hours 5 nights a week). I am happy but I am reflecting on my life, how long I have left, what I want to do with that time... I cannot change yesterday - but from where I am today, by making small changes I can change tomorrow a little, this time next year a great deal and the next decade.

[@45graham45]

Be careful though as the wife might suddenly decide she wants a cut of what you've got.

[@Simon-kh2dd]

I think you nailed it. The 18 year thing really resonated with me. I didn't feel grown up until in my 40's!

[@robleach2155]

My Dad said the same to me and I feel the same way. Why is this? Is it a guy thing?

[@arkffre8500]

I hardly ever spend time on comments, but I have to compliment you on the content and delivery of this message. Very sobering reality. Keep bringing in such interesting (and at the same time entertaining) content. I am watching almost all your videos. All the best!

[@Backtoreality1873]

Just when I think you’ve posted the best video you can you go and do this. Nice work sir. I couldn’t agree more. You inspire me truly. I know I’ll not succeed perfect but here goes on seizing life by the short and curlies. Not so many dots left for me before HLE/D-day.

[@7SideWays]

Thank you for this. Great analogy and mindset!

[@Riverman007]

Thanks Neil - I’m fairly new to watching your posts but they really land well. At 58 and now seriously thinking about retirement, the message in this (and the last) one is going to expedite my decision. Going to draft the budget and drawdown plan this month. Cheers buddy

[@briandauphinais7894]

Yes this video is helping me look at life differently - thanks so much!

[@marktcoleman]

Great video, I shared this with my wife and kids. Thanks for sharing your discovery !

[@dee4435]

Here I sit in Florida. Birthday number 63 this week. Just targeted January 2025 as my semi-retirement (leaving career to go part-time, less stress). Your video today is spot on. Happy to say that I have lived my life very intentionally, very introspectively, and very grateful throughout. Therefore, I am excited (and a bit daunted) by leaving full-time paychecks. That said, I am a new subscriber who looks forward to hearing your wise stories. Thank you!

[@tigerblue42]

What an intelligent video ! Thanks ! I think your concept of looking at a lifetime in 18 year segments is quite profound and puts things in perspective nicely. Coincidentally I'm 54 myself and have been looking at the size of my pension pot/funds extensively lately (as well as watching videos like this one) as I'm hoping to start drawing on them next year when I'm 55. I don't think I'll be able to fully "relax" and start looking forward to the "savour" segment until I know all my sums are correct/confirmed and that first payment from my pension funds after my 55th birthday appears in my bank account but I'm getting there ! 🙂

[@chrissug]

Everyone needs to watch this video because it makes you think and take an inventory of your own past. Thank for creating it for us!

[@toddfraser374]

Love your work!!! Your videos have been a great help to me. Thanks and take care!!!

[@UpTheVillaMark]

At 18 I was a nob 😂 If I met my 18 year old self now I’d think “what a nob”

[@BitcoinandGold]

I was a shit, esp to a lovely girl friend. I hope she had a great life and didnt hate me too much. I am sorry Clare. xx

[@45graham45]

Lol. Same for most I think. You have to laugh eh?

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

I'm 68 next and have been working 3 days a week for the last few months but since watching your video I think I'm going to pack in altogether while I can still ride my motorcycle. I'm not much of one for foreign travel but I'd like to see a bit more of Blighty before I pop off.

[@nobullshoot]

The video on HLE really hit home. This one is a good follow up. It just takes one event, one diagnosis to take all the plans of tomorrow away.

[@45graham45]

Health is wealth. I reckon less than 0.5% ever learn this and act on it. Pity really.

[@normhanson981]

Superb information. It’s a wake up call. I must learn to live for today , I’ve still got another 7 years of work though . Damn .

[@lesdunham3513]

Intetesting video Neil, I completely agree with the sentiment. I read somewhere that the average lifespan you mention, like all statistics, can be a little misleading, as in this case it includes all of the people that die early in life for lots of varied reasons. If those tragedies are stripped out the picture changes. It said that if you get to 60 without circuming you are much more likely to live into your late 80s. Food for thought maybe, especially for us older viewers. Keep up the good work, Im enjoying your content. 👍

[@thad.champagne]

Retired engineer?

[@obietravels652]

I’d be interested to check those longevity stats… In the previous video, Neil laid out some cohort data: 20-25% die between ages 65-74 30-35% die between ages 74-84 And 25-30% die age 85+ That’s a big percentage in the oldest age cohort. …I wonder what the percentage is at 90+ …🤔

[@randomdavid]

I'm currently in my leverage years and I feel like so far the stages you've stated reflects accurately so far. I also plan on starting my next stage around 55, maybe 56.

[@thad.champagne]

I watched! I took notes & saved in my Inspiration folder. Thank You for this, it’s great!

[@traceywoodall6937]

I think your number 18 is spot on and I thank you for your insights. I also like that you encourage everyone to get the best out of life. However for some this isn’t as possible as you make out on your graph. Life’s challenges with health, wealth(lack of)and family worries can cut all that down like a saw going through a tree trunk. So all those lovely dots will lessen even more. Having said all that your observations are spot on and for all the people that can… go and do it, live the best life ever ❤️

[@Darryl_Smith]

You nailed it. Pity I turn 60 in 3 weeks! Just as well I retired 'early' in April...so now can 'savour' early before I pop my proverbial clogs

[@aztecforlife7360]

Great video Neil! Although I began seeing my life like that a long time ago, I’d not heard it expressed exactly in the way that you just did. I relate to it though -entirely!

[@2GoRoam]

Thank you! Appreciate it.

[@dominic8218]

😂 love it, retired at 54 and having a slight wobble currently at 56! Been offered a return and thinking about it. Must be a 2 year out of work thing and listening to all the doom and gloom. Also the fear of do I have enough! The numbers all stack up in my modelling, but do tend to continually worry. Enjoyed this video. 👍🏻

[@Sim-c8n]

Thank you Neil Great video and talk wow it’s open my eyes completely. There a saying we are here only once and your right go out and grab it unfortunately for most people they will keep there eyes shut and sleep walk there life’s away.

[@donnab5982]

Really enjoying your videos. Definitely food for thought. Very helpful for me as I plan my future.

[@amy-budgetsbydesign]

I loved this! Thanks for the video.

[@alanmurray7832]

Brilliant video, thanks, much appreciated.

[@hilaryporter7841]

Brilliant video, thank you.

[@heatherwatts8791]

So glad I have found these videos thanks

[@roryhall1592]

Interesting concept. I realised this some time ago mostly when entering discussions of when one expects to die and have they done enough with their lives. I have always commented that I feel lucky as I have already lived four complete and different lives so far. My number started at 17 and deprecated by 1 year each iteration (now in my mid 60s). Looking forward to a couple more.

[@dorothymoller566]

Powerful message. Possibly wasted in those of us who are older. At more than 10 years older than you I’m only partially retired due to unforeseen events. You don’t realize when you’re young how fragile all of this is - particularly if you live in a country like the US where there is no safety net. If you don’t find time to savor and reflect (and take care of your health) earlier you may not get the chance. As I said to a doctor friend of mine recently: “in the end you f#%^ing die”. So, don’t wait.

[@nikkininedoor1480]

Thank you, this is an important message, and it's hit me hard. Not that I have any known issues, but my parents and friends are so much older, I think it's an important time for me now to experience life when I'm still in my 50's. Everyone is still alive and well, and now is my opportunity to travel in my go-go years.

[@barbs9644]

Thank you! Great advice, now to put it to practice...wish me luck 😊

[@lynnestait8011]

I dont know about my 'storming' years, married at 22, Mum to 2 boys by the time I was 28, spent my 30's running around after said 2 boys, had a meltdown on my 40th birthday wondering where my 'storming' years had gone, headed into my 50's with kids flown the nest and enjoying some freedom, both retiring next year me at 60, my husband at 63 - our focus has been over the last few years our health, cleaning up the diet, getting outdoors as much as possible as we want to remain as fit as possible going into our savouring stage - my Parents are 93 and 90 so I'm hoping to still have a good 30 years ahead of me - great video

[@robleach2155]

I think genetics are on your side. If you keep to your game plan I think you can look forward to a long and happy retirement.

[@stephanem5125]

Great video. Looking at the pulse now with great interest

[@veronicaburgess7250]

love this ❤

[@michellethomas6319]

Love this visual representation. Had my "unleashed" age disrupted by "examination /self reflection" phase at age 18. My first love was killed in a car crash which lead to 2 years of aski gmyself the big life questions "what happens when we die? What is the point of me actually being on this planet? Etc" long story short...i found my faith. I felt that Jesus was and still is my answer. Therfore my journey in life is not consumed with trying to squeeze as much in as possible before i die because I believe that death is only the end of the physical body. Our soul will continue after death. Respectfully, everyone reading this will have different view points, so please no negative energy. Neil has asked for feedback so this is mine. Loving the videos Neil and Sarah. Think Sarah may have been some divine intervention maybe?! All the best xx

[@LaurenCoxhead]

Inspiring. Thankyou. Today you made a positive change 🤗

[@DavidFletcher566]

Great video!

[@hellsfro]

Great video! As humans, our default setting is to go through life in automatic mode. Late last year, the light bulb 💡 flicked on for us. We are in our mid 50's, so these are our golden years of health. I've now retired to get the house ready to sell. Hubby is semi retired, and we are planning our big adventures. Exploring the world, hiking to new places, enjoying train rides from country to country, learning new cultures, and eating some amazing food. Livin and savouring our prime years. 😀

[@calicokitten6121]

Amazing insights Neil.

[@GG5150]

As I came to the end of Leverage phase I started feeling tired. Not 'old' or slowing down, just fed up with working. No interest in the 9 to 5 grind anymore. In Savour phase, you got to get to retirement as quickly as possible.

[@jenkosgoldadventures]

Can you please do an up dated video on how you afford to travel. Where you invest, how you draw money out and how your budget is going. I realise you have probably done this many times before. Maybe you can just a dedicated playlist for it?

[@travellinman382]

I’m 56 and still in the leverage stage with some savouring.

[@deafmettle]

I think you might have something here. I have followed this pretty accurately through life so far. Although, I know people who haven't and it's difficult to say whether that is going to be a good or bad thing for them. At 53, I'm coming to the end of my Leverage phase. I'm already thinking about how to ease myself into the Savour phase and make the most of it - hence watching your videos, among others, with interest. And I'm starting to formulate a plan of what I might fill those years with) Now, I'm not sure about the final phase. Should it be an examination. I'm not so sure I want to spend my final 18 years (if I even get them) reflecting on life. You've done what you have done. If you still have some vitality left then do some more, otherwise kick back and enjoy what you have.

[@gavandavies332]

Great video really puts life into perspective...😉

[@elliottharley1386]

Great video, really makes you think

[@BoninBrighton]

My pulse is 12 years not 18, there’s a famous author who’s written a lot about The Art of Retirement in a Book called The Artist’s Way (it’s NOT about Art btw). They suggest a writing exercise where you split your age now into 10. Then write a paragraph about each of the 10 stages. So first you’d divide 56/10 and write about 0-5.6 then 5.6-11 then 11-16.5 etc it certainly builds awareness..

[@chrish9155]

I’m glad that I bumped into your channel ❤

[@jeffday4790]

Plus the number 9 is a magical number. Your chart contains the number 9. God bless 👍

[@adcatman]

I'm just an engineer so rely totally on a logical approach. Your videos are such an inspiration. Almost 60 and still trying to work it out. after a 'few' poor life choices.. But getting there even if retirement is just a while off yet... 🙂

[@mjbalmmac1588]

Very interesting and very accurate.

[@mhoepfin]

Great video and so true!

[@Hurdy_guy]

If you look at your life as 1 week, with each day equivalent to 12years, you soon realise just how much time you have left to live and enjoy life. Sunday (72-84) is like they say…..a day of rest as most have ailments or physical restraints to fully enjoy life. So where are you on this single week life cycle? I turn 60 next month, so will just be tipping into Saturday…….1 day left to FULLY enjoy life before age catches up to me on Sunday…..although I would like to enjoy some of Sunday!!!

[@aelaan12]

I am so glad my retirement decision was made for me. I have no longer the stress of applying for jobs and try to squeeze another 3 or 4 years out of my well deserved time to retire. I do not have a long life expectation, but I look at my father-in-law, and he had open-heart surgery around the same time I did, and he is now 80 and still going strong. It is still a wake-up moment to go out and grab life by the scruff, I am more a sleep walker, but I think I understand what you are saying.

[@relaxingwoody05]

I'm 54 and watching this after another day at work, my recent realisation was waking up to my age and thinking how 60 would be my working limit, but seeking and watch videos like this I'm beginning to think 55 would be enough. life is short, I don't want to miss out, thank you for these thoughts, they certainly do help!

[@GiovanniMazzeo-r1n]

I agree what you say,i am 58 ,now having a serious think about whether i can afford to give up working anymore.I had my best friend die a year ago at 72!Only lasted 5 weeks in hospital/Hospice!He did have health issues but it was a shock to me how quick it can happen.I think i need now to make more effort to meet new people with my hobbies,been to motorbike meets which is good because alot of bikers are 50+ or retired.Once i have finished renovating a property i bought 12 years ago abroad i can consider my options for retirement .Had enough of temp contract work these days trying to find good pay!I see people rushing around all the time,i have had enough of that life style!

[@paulhathaway630]

This is brilliant!

[@nicolacornish7935]

Super interesting and so true! You should write a book :)

[@melike1984]

thanks.... for this video, 🎯

[@jasonburke2596]

Videos such as this are very thought provoking. I survived a rare form of cancer in my early 40’s. My prognosis then was not good, my life was really bad for 3-4 years after it. I’m now 57, still here and still working. I have a modest pension pot, but if I really stuck my neck out and took the plunge, I dare say that I could survive on it until my final salary pension kicks in at 65, and then hopefully the state pension at 67.

[@markkitchen4916]

Thanks Neil! After looking at you five lines of dots I’m feeling very mortal now…I’m about to turn 56 and have just realised that (if I’m lucky(because I’m a man!)) I have already used 60% of my life and I’m well on the descent down to deathdom! It is shocking to think that I am 3/5ths of the way through life and I’m now sitting here wondering if I have done much to make a change or whether or not my life has been one long rum and coke 😉. Seriously though, I like your pulse idea, but wish I was still in an earlier phase. Another great video, even if it has depressed me on a rainy Saturday! Well, I suppose there’s nothing left to do but have another rum and coke and plan my next phase of travels 😊

[@johnyoung1606]

SORRY 75% or more ,,, we decline quickly :( ....... :( :(

[@LarsKunMig]

Thanks Neil, In particular, I can relate to your thoughts about the 54-72 group. I had a stroke at age 54, recovered and got back to the job, but was fired at 55 , as my specific field of work “accidently” happened to be deemed the least important in a round of cut-backs. Since then it was in and out of jobs, and now at 62 I think I’m out for good. I quit my last job 5 months ago after 8 months of being pushed around by an incompetent boss like I was an intern. Luckily, I planned for possible early retirement since I was 40 and was able to speed up savings after my divorce at 49. When I work I suffer from insomnia, low back and shoulder pain, headaches and irregular heart rythms. When I don’t it’s gone.

[@johnpeters7003]

Excellent video. Spot on. And, yes, you seem to be the only one saying it. You could probably write a book really only saying what you just said (but with a lot of filler around it). Definitely food for thought….and you made me feel old. But thanks for the ideas and putting them across so well. (61 and retiring at the end of September 🎉)

[@FlatToRentUK]

A lot of this should come as motivation to look after our health, to be in the best shape to enjoy retirement and to have as many good, healthy years as possible. We have enormous agency in this area through lifestyle changes but most people don't realise it. I'm fully aware of it, I aim to be running marathons at 80+, playing golf 4 times a week and being fully active and independent. With all my faculties in place!

[@TheGaffer69]

Strauss and Howe's theory of Turnings somewhat aligns with this Pulse theory I think, look them up!

[@Work-Life-Exzellenz]

❤❤❤ Visualized and explained in an eye-opening way. Very good acronym "Pulse" and that in combination with the health in the first third of the retirement. Just send it to my children, who have their own household and live.

[@richardbarry2140]

Here's some optimistic news. The life expectancies that are given here are for a person born today who has the same probability of dying in each year as people of that year have. However, each year you live, your expected age at death increases. If I plug my numbers into an actuarial calculator at age 62, non-smoking, good to excellent health, I get a 50% probability of living to 88 and an 8% chance of living to or past 100. So, I have a good chance of living into the phase after E, say the 'Wizened Old Fool' stage. Also, if I write my memoires, the young won't read it because they are too busy making their own mistakes. They may read it when they get older and say to themselves 'I wish I had this when I was ... '.

[@nobullshoot]

@@richardbarry2140 ya but living long with lots of issues is no fun. My father made it to 88 but last 8 years were pretty bad. HLE is what will motivate me to get moving. Health life expectancy.

[@acerolaice8768]

too busy making their own mistakes... i wish i had this when... > so true...

[@kirstenveneziano1205]

Absolutely the best, most important video you have done! I've had a couple of health issues that have suddenly become much more serious after the age of 62. I have been working my whole life since the age of 15 and have put most of my fun off until retirement. I've started traveling a little bit, but I am definitely dealing with my health, and I see a limited mobility not too far in my future. And that is genuinely frightening! So much stress in my life running on the capitalism hamster wheel. I occasionally think about retiring now, but I have one and a half years left to receive a second pension. I wasn't a saver and the cost of living in the United States is so high that I worry about my financial security in the future without a second pension. Everyone younger needs to heed what Neil just shared; it will be one of the most important things you learn today!

[@markneale9970]

A Saros cycle is 18 years 11 days 8 hours (+/- 1 day depending on how many leap years are included). This is used to predict lunar and solar eclipses. Perhaps this astronomical cycle influenced your selection of an 18 year pulse. 😃

[@peterknowles2344]

Thanks.You have just confirmed why I am retiring next summer, aged 61 ,rather than continue part time.

[@bvrod]

All good stuff - up to examination. I might call it “wring out the cloth”. Don’t look back, look forward. Wring out the excess wet weight and move on with a dry diaper. In other words, shed the baggage, you know what you like - at least you should know quite a bit, do what you like and coast into the sunset. Trying to figure out what went wrong hinders you from thinking about and doing something right. Like turning all the electronic toys at the department store or smelling a rose.

[@Vlad-bu3mr]

I got in soooo much debt in the unleased stage now in the end of my leverage stage that's a distant memory finally haha

[@richmartin7738]

the answer to the "Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything" is the number 42.

[@2GoRoam]

Haha yes!

[@relaxingsounds3952]

Ive just turned 40 and am already thinking about how best to wind down and retire early. I've got a lot of years ahead of me but want to make sure I make the most of them and not be stuck staring at a computer screen working for my boss till I'm old. Great videos btw! Really make me think hard about my choices going forwards 👍

[@nickd1973]

I’m 51 and a father of two but I didn’t truly feel I was an adult until in my forties when I bought a gravy boat! 😂

[@frankieRandle8779]

Wtf is a gravy boat?

[@job181]

😂 I know what you mean ! And how often did you use that Gravy boat? 😂

[@michaelmclean5088]

​@@frankieRandle8779handy 4 roast dinners

[@frankieRandle8779]

@@michaelmclean5088 I must be missing something here

[@stephengiles8526]

Great video 🤩🤩

[@RonnieP23]

I'm 59 and just had a health scare. This video couldn't have come at a better time. I'm literally in that "one more year" phase. Time for some big decisions!

[@rwmorrison0223]

A brilliant concept - Neil's Rule of 18

[@IOSALive]

2GoRoam, Very funny video!

[@joshubrook324]

Doing things now with the notion my future self will thank me is something I’ve lived with could be getting ahead on mortgage payments or even just making sure things are set for next day to ease the morning

[@samd8652]

Can ask if You and your Mrs sold everything to retire and travel, how do we plan to survive if you have no house to return to when we are to old to travel anymore ? I want to know for myself 😊

[@darrincambridge2377]

The seasons of life. Only EXPERIENCE is real 😊

[@Kattyol1]

I retired early, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Time is precious, and the longer you wait, the more you risk not being able to enjoy the retirement you worked so hard for

[@fredflintstone7924]

brilliant!

[@paulwilson7234]

Life's a journey not a destination.

[@davesemmens9496]

One key takeaway for me on this is that people should lay awake at night thinking how do they avoid being average and start adding those red circles back. If you are not using some of your new found freedom to work on diet and health then you are missing a trick. We all should be looking to add quality back into those later years and now is the time to do it!

[@Ian-tt8cs]

Hi Neil. You make a very good you tuber and your videos are great. I had a thought tho watching this and that is, what was your favourite video that you made that you are proud of? Which video would of won you that Oscar for Best Director?

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

at 61 realize my life expectancy is between 77 and 82 if I look at family history. Doesn't really matter as long as it's QUALITY of life. So I have about 20 years left. Not a lot of time if you really think about. I have a coworker that just fell and broke her back. Her work life is over, and any 'retirement' will be nothing like she was looking forward to. One bad accident or illness will ruin it all. I fell in 2019 and broke both ankles. It changed my whole life. Changed what I thought about retirement and what plans I had. My original plans were to do a lot of hiking all over the US. Not happening now. Just looking to have a small place close to family and be able to take long walks on straight flat land. Any trips will have to have wheels or wings.

[@quokkapirquish6825]

55-72 segment - it’s when you actually forget your exact age. If someone asks how old you are, you have to look up and work out the maths, even then I’m often wrong

[@leenewell1447]

If you could choose between semi-retied at 40 or fully retired at 55, which is the better option? I'm getting towards 40 and having saved hard have enough to semi-retire and considering this.

[@2GoRoam]

Interesting question. Depends how much you enjoy your job maybe?

[@godsont]

I have always used 20 x 4 - Childhood 0-19 - Young 20-39 - Middle Age 40-59 - Old Age 60..... Doesn't spell out pulse though 🙂