Free at 40
by Donna Rosato

February 22, 2008

[Continued, page 4]

CONSIDER PART-TIME WORK The Nielsens don't really want to hear this one. But as a dental hygienist and a fire fighter they both have skills that are transferable to the private sector, and the extra income could help them pay down their mortgage faster and cover any unexpected expenses, says White. Plus they'd be able to put savings in a tax-advantaged account like an IRA, since these retirement plans can only be funded with earned income.

Todd is eager to work on rejiggering the mix of investments in the couple's portfolio, and he and Julie are weighing the various college strategies proposed. But while they say they'll consider taking a part-time job down the road if they must to help with college costs, they are for now, as suspected, completely resistant to the idea of working for pay again.

Their new life is simply too sweet. Todd is coaching Colin's soccer team and has plans to fix up a '65 Barracuda. Julie hopes to volunteer at a pediatric ICU and is eager to put together scrapbooks of family photos from their stints around the world. "We love the freedom we have with our time," says Julie. And they're particularly looking forward to the day 10 or so years from now, when the kids are in college and they can finally start tapping their savings and spending a little more freely—traveling, perhaps, and decorating their home. Says Todd: "That'll be when our real retirement begins."

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The opinions and views expressed in this publication are for general information only and are not necessarily those of Mutual of America Life Insurance Company.

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