3 Numbers That Change How Public Employees Think About Retirement

Work with me: https://farerfinancial.com/get-startedYou spent 25, maybe 30 years doing one of the hardest jobs in this country. And now you're waiting. Waiting for the right number, the right moment, the right permission slip that says it's okay to go. This episode is about three statistics that reframe that decision entirely.For most public employees watching this, the question isn't whether you can afford to retire. It's whether you're going to have the health to enjoy it when you finally do. The average American has 63.1 years of genuinely healthy living — not life expectancy, healthy years. And for teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, and other public sector workers whose careers are documented to accelerate chronic conditions and cardiovascular disease, that number may be generous.In this episode, Cole walks through three statistics every public employee should see before waiting another year — the healthy years number that changes how you think about timing, the 20,800 hours you reclaim by retiring when the numbers say you can instead of when the anxiety says you're ready, and the research finding that nearly half of all retirees never spend what they built.Topics covered:The 63.1 healthy years statistic and what it means for people whose careers were physically and emotionally demandingThe documented health consequences of high-stress public sector careers — teachers, firefighters, law enforcement — and what the research actually showsWhat 20,800 hours looks like in real terms — days with family, travel, the things that require energy and health, not just moneyWhy the discipline that made public employees exceptional at their careers is the same thing keeping many of them working longer than they need toThe NBER finding that 46% of Americans die with the same or higher net worth than when they retired — and why the most responsible savers are most at riskWhy a pension gives you guaranteed income for life but doesn't automatically give you permission to spend itWhat a real retirement plan actually does — not just protecting against running out of money, but showing you what you can actually useThis episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, tax, legal, or insurance advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. The strategies and examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.Farer Financial LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser registered with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.