I retired at 56, my Wife at 54. That was in 1991.
I received a Special Early Retirement from Ford Motor Company and signed up for Social Security at age 62.
We are doing great and we are greatful for our good health and financial security.
God bless
God is very kind and I believe my real and actual retirement Revelation 3:10 style is quite close, perhaps days. In the mean time this will do.
Very similar story here. The key is do your OWN realistic research and planning, don't rely on the "experts". If the retirement experts are so good, why are many still working well past the age you might want to retire?
Full SS for 3 years, until you statistically are supposed to die, doesn't even come close to the amount you will earn for 13 years at a reduced early retirement rate.
Another thing that works is, control your debt and expenses early on, well before retirement. Don't buy more house or car than you need and don't plan on going on a lot of cruises. How many big a$$ed RV rigs and boats do you see parked in your neighborhood 11 1/2 months out of the year? Rent one if you need one.
One final word, use every benefit available to you. For example, the funeral industry tries to sell seniors what they call end of life planning. They want to sell you a pre-planned funeral and burial plot. The VA will inter you and your spouse in a national cemetery if you are honorably discharged. All you have to do is provide the box or ashes.
Enjoy the ride. don't be afraid to take the plunge into retirement.