Retirement Readiness: Because "I'll Just Work Forever," Isn't A Plan

You love the job, but let’s be honest—no one actually dreams of doing CPR at age 72. In this episode of Budgets for Badges, we’re tackling the myth that first responders are destined to work until their boots fall apart.We break down what real retirement readiness looks like for those in high-stress, high-stakes careers—because “I’ll just figure it out later” is not a retirement strategy (even if it is your current motto).From pensions and 457(b) plans to Roth IRAs and investing without needing a PhD in economics, we’re walking you through the tools, timelines, and totally avoidable mistakes when planning your exit strategy. We’ll also talk about how to mentally and financially prepare for life after shift work—when your new boss might just be your grandkid or a garden.Whether you’re 25 and think you’ve got time, or 50 and suddenly wondering where the last two decades went—this episode is your wake-up call (minus the sirens).Because retiring with dignity shouldn’t require winning the lottery or marrying rich. You’ve earned this.Calculate Your Pension:# of Years You've Worked x Annual % x Ending SalaryFor example, someone who's put in 25 years and can draw 2.5% at retirement with an ending salary of $100,000 looks as follows:25 x 2.5% = 0.6250.625 x $100,000 = $62,500This means, that a person with 25 years in and an ending salary of $100,000 with a 2.5% annual draw on retirement will get $62,500 per year at retirement. Don't forget...this is TAXABLE INCOME. Meaning your actual take-home pay will be less! If you're living off of $100,000 now, can you adjust your lifestyle enough to live off of $62,500? This is why having an alternate retirement account is so damn important! Start that deferred comp today!Follow us on IG:Budgets for Badges: https://www.instagram.com/budgetsforbadgesRebecca Jameson: https://www.instagram.com/bluelinemoneycoachChris Harksen-Lucero: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthenumbersbn