Skip to content
×
PRO Members Get
Full Access
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime.
Level up your investing with Pro
Explore exclusive tools and resources to start, grow, or optimize your portfolio.
10+ investment analysis calculators
$1,000+/yr savings on landlord software
Lawyer-reviewed lease forms (annual only)
Unlimited access to the Forums

Let's keep in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter for timely insights and actionable tips on your real estate journey.

By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions
Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
Personal Finance
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 11 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

267
Posts
136
Votes
Eddie Werner
  • Property Manager
  • Pittsburgh, PA
136
Votes |
267
Posts

A different way to look at "retirement" and how to get there

Eddie Werner
  • Property Manager
  • Pittsburgh, PA
Posted

I wanted to look at this topic a little differently then previous posters.  It seems that everyone pushes the 401k save for your "old" self when you hit 62 mindset. This is assuming you want to "work" until you are 62. In my discussions with my financial adviser we worked out the number of needing 2.5 million when I retire to have a monthly income of $5,000. They are ballpark figures but I feel they are critical in this discussion.

If I am working until 62 to retire with 5k a month..........when each property I currently own generates a couple hundred a month in cash flow........isn't the goal then to hit 5k a month in income?  Forget the 401k, employer match, etc. The goal is consistent income each month to "retire". Why not get there early by breaking free of the over marketed and over pushed 401k? I think the key is STRICT money management.

I recently cut my 401k contribution in half so I could save the other 50% of my contribution to buy rentals. The price to rent ratio really favors investors in my market so $250/door cash flow is fairly easy to achieve if you know where/how to invest. I have enough in my 401k if I cashed it out that I could buy 2 properties in cash. Each one would yield $500/month cash flow with no debt service....I would be 20% of the way to my "retirement" monthly income goal. I work and save for 10-15 more years continually saving and investing in properties that by the time I am 40ish (27 now) I have exceed the 5k a month income and can "retire." I feel that active cash flow investing would get individuals to their monthly income goals much quicker then 401k type investing. Has anyone committed fully and done this?  Thoughts?

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

788
Posts
640
Votes
Rocky V.
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Arlington, TX
640
Votes |
788
Posts
Rocky V.
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Arlington, TX
Replied

I'm all in on Real Estate and had the ability to be semi-retired at age 32 where my passive income exceeded my fixed expenses.  I don't understand why so many people continue the rat race and work 40 hour weeks for 40 years to hopefully be able to retire and barely make ends meet.  There is a better way, People.

Loading replies...