A Richer Retirement: Supercharging the 4% Rule to Spend More and Enjoy More

I highly suggest you read this book. Everything will become more clear. https://www.amazon.com/Richer-Retirement-Supercharging-Spend-Enjoy/dp/1394343175

$5k/mo is not that significant compared to your spending power on $12m investable assets which is something like $400k+ per year conservatively. Everyone is saying you need to give spending, normally that is a valid comment but as an air traffic controller and SAHM I highly doubt you are spending $400k+/yr. Assuming you are currently living somewhere in the ballpark of within your means, you now have more money than you will ever need. Your daughter is 9. In 3 years she'll be 12. 3 years is 1/3 of the time she's going to remain under 18. I would quit now/soon (you don't need to rush to any decisions, but I wouldn't work 3 years for benefits you don't need). Spend the next few weeks reading the following books: A Richer Retirement Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement The Psychology of Money and The Art of Spending Money Ern's SWR Series (note I think this leans more conservative than necessary, but is still worth reading).

Ern's SWR Series, with the caveat that it leans pretty heavily to the conservative side and has a very limited view of diversification. A Richer Retirement, I think this is more realistic/balanced. Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement I normally like kindle and audible, but for both books above I would recommend getting the physical book, as there are lots of figures/tables. I consider all three of the above to be required reading for early retirees or aspiring early retirees, most regular retirees too.

Read Bengen’s 2025 book: “ A richer retirement” https://a.co/d/03I4qrgo He came up with the 4.3% and updated it to 4.7% rule.Yes it varies based on how long you want it to last. No it is not 3%. That’s for people who want to work an extra decade.