Tpoppa

Congratulations! I plan to inform my company next Friday. Tomorrow I'm going to look at a potential retirement gift for myself.

If I was going to do a lot of 2 up touring, the GW would be at the top of the list. For 1 up I prefer something under 550 lbs.

This is the most comprehensive Federal tax calculator I've found. You can plug in earned income, capital gains, interest, dividends, standard deductions, etc. https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/1040-tax-calculator/

The more important question is...what motorcycle should I buy myself for a retirement gift? 99% I'm retiring in March.

I say take it as soon as possible, adjusting for tax brackets the first year, assuming you retire after age 62. Copied/pasted... Social Security only counts earned income, such as wages or net business income, when calculating benefits. Investment income, such as dividends, interest, and capital gains, is not considered earned income for Social Security purposes. However, you may need to pay income taxes on your investment income. If your total income, including your investment income, is above certain thresholds, you may owe taxes on some of your Social Security benefits.

Yes. And if you didn't spend that 45k and instead put it into an index fund for 11 years it would likely grow around 250%. Which extends the break even point even further. My advice is take it right away. My Fidelity guy agrees.

Agree with these statements. If you can live on the standard 4% your balance should grow forever. I also plan to shift some funds a few specific dividend ETFs for income and stability.

Depending on your field, job searching can be brutal right now. I looked at a few Program/Project Manager jobs on LinkedIn that were in line with my current role. There were hundreds (if not thousands) of applicants within a few weeks.

Nothing says hookers and blow like a Goldwing

I was always more into sluts and weed, than hookers and blow 🤣 Lol. I've been bustin' my ass for 30 years just be able to ask the question "how should I spend my free time." After having a few seasons cut short by surgeries, etc. I hope to ride over 20k this year which used to be my norm.

I hope your procedures go well. What did you figure out to do with your time in the winter months? I'm still trying to figure out a plan for that. Amazon store maybe?

Lightweight ADV bikes are actually pretty good on trips. I put about 15k on a CB500x including a trip to Deals Gap. It did surprisingly well, including some fast passes on the Dragon. I've heard the Versys is also quite good at racking up miles.

I'm still years away from Social Security, but I'm of the opinion to take it the moment you're eligible at 62. Consider your tax situation, but you are generally better off taking it and investing in an index fund and letting it sit for a few years, then waiting years for a higher monthly payment. My kids are still kids and I want to spend more time with them. Part time motorcycle sales is actually a pretty good idea. I've also looked into being a part time medical courier (surgical supplies & pharmaceuticals). I need/want something with schedule flexibility. I could get a gig as a contract Program/Project Manager but that's what I'm retiring from 🙃

As the title says, I am considering retiring in the next few months. I'd say I'm 90% sure. It's a big decision from the standpoint being final. Changing my mind and un-retiring may not be so easy. Still not sure how I'd spend all my time. I'd join a gym, ride more, fix/flip motorcycles. etc. I'm trying to come up with a part time side gig for a couple days a week, and not something like Uber or Door Dash. Any ideas?

Hate to say it, but if HD ever sorts the issues with the Pan Am and it proves reliable...I'd seriously consider the new Pan Am ST. The ST has sportbike sized 17" tires, nice tech package, and no valve adjustment. It would make a fine sporty tourer if it's reliable. 2025 Harley-Davidson Pan America ST – First Look | Motorcycle.com