How to Retire Early

This website has information about early retirement for those who have a CalPERS pension. It’s also relevant to those with other traditional pensions such as CalSTRS and UCRP. According to Social Security, most people are expected to retire between ages 65 and 67. However, retiring much earlier is realistic only with a plan such as CalPERS. With a traditional pension, you can retire as early as age 50.

Although this information can be used by people who have defined contribution retirement plans such as an IRA or 401k, their early retirement efforts often lag behind those in defined benefit plans such as CalPERS. For instance, 401k and IRA accounts do not include cost of living increases (COLA), which means funds need to stay invested to keep ahead of inflation.

If you are planning to retire early without a CalPERS like pension, my best piece of advice for you is to significantly lower your monthly living standards. Without a COLA, it’s far more likely you will outlive your savings. The same is true for CalPERS retirees who are entitled to less than 60% of their pre-retirement salary.

Global Financial Crisis:

Comparison Between Greece and the California Budget Crisis

California Taxes:

No Early California Tax Refund for 2010

CalPERS Pension:

How to Retire with a CalPERS Pension?

WSJ Are Public Employee Unions and Pensions Sinking California?

Value of a CalPERS Pension

About the CalPERS 2.5% at 55 Plan

About the CalPERS COLA

How Furloughs Affect a CalPERS and CalSTRS Pension

IRA, 401k, 403b and 457 Retirement Accounts for CalPERS members: