3 answers
Luigi
Student
Tampa, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How many years to get a retirement check
1.Honest and 2.Persistent
There’s not allot about me except when there’s something difficult that i must accomplish And i actually enjoy the activity, i would use all the options i have to accomplished.
Highly motivated in something i like
#Coastguard #Army
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3 answers
Andrew Jefferis
LEO
2
Answers
Laurel, Maryland
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
When it comes to government service it’s normally 20 years. But the military has instituted a new retirement system called blended retirement. Basically it’s an investment type retirement and it works out well for new people. And it’s possible to get money back from that even if you don’t serve 20 years. Go and speak to a recruiter and see what they can offer you. For now I’d focus on what you want to do as a career then figure out how you can save up for retirement.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Luigi,
I was a police officer for a municipality, and retired with 25 years of service. But, the amount of that check is based on "Actuarial tables" (life expectancy). So because I retired at the age of 46, and could reasonably be expected to live another 40 years or so, my check was a lot smaller than someone's who retired with 25 years of service at the age of 60. So, just because you can retire, don't expect that to necessarily be the end of your working life! Prices keep going up, and your retirement check may or may not get a yearly COLA - cost of living increase.
After leaving the police department I worked for the state for 10 years. The state has a retirement plan called "the rule of 80"- your age plus years of service need to add up to 80 for you to be able to retire. Fortunately, my city time counted towards my state time! (I don't think that was fair, and don't understand it, but, it worked to my advantage.) So, I was able to retire from that job at the age of 56! (56+25+10=91) However, this check is much smaller than the first one, and, if I start taking it before the age of 60, they will reduce the amount I get by 5% for each year that I am below 60. So, I am not getting it yet. I am able to get by, because I worked really hard to finish paying off my house before I retired.
It is good that you are thinking about retirement already! It is only through proper planning that you will be successful at it! Money management comes easy to some people, but not to others. So, you will want to learn about savings, investing, insurances, and things like that. If you go into the military, think about what you might want to do for a second career and start working towards it before you get out.
good question!
I was a police officer for a municipality, and retired with 25 years of service. But, the amount of that check is based on "Actuarial tables" (life expectancy). So because I retired at the age of 46, and could reasonably be expected to live another 40 years or so, my check was a lot smaller than someone's who retired with 25 years of service at the age of 60. So, just because you can retire, don't expect that to necessarily be the end of your working life! Prices keep going up, and your retirement check may or may not get a yearly COLA - cost of living increase.
After leaving the police department I worked for the state for 10 years. The state has a retirement plan called "the rule of 80"- your age plus years of service need to add up to 80 for you to be able to retire. Fortunately, my city time counted towards my state time! (I don't think that was fair, and don't understand it, but, it worked to my advantage.) So, I was able to retire from that job at the age of 56! (56+25+10=91) However, this check is much smaller than the first one, and, if I start taking it before the age of 60, they will reduce the amount I get by 5% for each year that I am below 60. So, I am not getting it yet. I am able to get by, because I worked really hard to finish paying off my house before I retired.
It is good that you are thinking about retirement already! It is only through proper planning that you will be successful at it! Money management comes easy to some people, but not to others. So, you will want to learn about savings, investing, insurances, and things like that. If you go into the military, think about what you might want to do for a second career and start working towards it before you get out.
good question!
stefan buschnyj
Technician
22
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
stefan’s Answer
Hi Luigi,
If you’re referring to military (Army, Coastguard) retirement, check with different recruiters. If it hasn’t changed, after 20 years of active duty service you can retire and start receiving a retirement check. If you do 20 years of Reserve/National Guard service, can retire but you won’t start receiving a check until you reach 60 years of age.
If you’re referring to civilian (non-military) retirement, it all depends on the company you work for and everything can change after you start. A company may merge or go out of business and it could affect your retirement plans. Today many companies are “offering” individual retirement accounts instead of providing a pension (retirement check). This leaves it up to you, the employee/worker, to plan for your own retirement. Be sure to check if the company offers any type of matching program. This means the company will match an amount that you contribute to your retirement account. It’s like getting free money (with some strings attached). Many people don’t take advantage of this opportunity.
Regardless if you go the military or non-military route, it’s a good idea to plan ahead, many people wait too late to start. Compound interest makes a bigger impact the earlier you start. Start saving on your own in addition to any military/work plan. The years go by quick, make the most of them wherever you go and whatever you do. You are ultimately in charge of your own future and retirement.
Good luck and keep learning.
If you’re referring to military (Army, Coastguard) retirement, check with different recruiters. If it hasn’t changed, after 20 years of active duty service you can retire and start receiving a retirement check. If you do 20 years of Reserve/National Guard service, can retire but you won’t start receiving a check until you reach 60 years of age.
If you’re referring to civilian (non-military) retirement, it all depends on the company you work for and everything can change after you start. A company may merge or go out of business and it could affect your retirement plans. Today many companies are “offering” individual retirement accounts instead of providing a pension (retirement check). This leaves it up to you, the employee/worker, to plan for your own retirement. Be sure to check if the company offers any type of matching program. This means the company will match an amount that you contribute to your retirement account. It’s like getting free money (with some strings attached). Many people don’t take advantage of this opportunity.
Regardless if you go the military or non-military route, it’s a good idea to plan ahead, many people wait too late to start. Compound interest makes a bigger impact the earlier you start. Start saving on your own in addition to any military/work plan. The years go by quick, make the most of them wherever you go and whatever you do. You are ultimately in charge of your own future and retirement.
Good luck and keep learning.