Thinking about retirement

I've got quite some time left, but been doing lots of thinking lately. Recently due to ending my marriage I'm having to figure out all this stuff that I never bothered with before. My ex did all the insurance, savings, financial stuff etc. I don't really know how retirement works. But I know my company has a decent one, I'll have to figure out the details. I've got 10 years in with my company. But my whole reason for being here in Ohio was because of getting married. I never liked it here and never intended to stay. Now that is not an issue and I still can't move yet... since I have my son 50% of the time got to stay close. He's got a ways to go... only 9. So thinking I may do the big move in another 10 years, depending on what he does after high school. Who knows what may happen in 10 years, but assuming I can move then I'll have 20 years in with the company and be 47. I know 401k can be rolled over or whatever it is, but I suppose if I got a different job I'd be loosing whatever retirement I had saved up at my existing job and starting over with a new one right? And then no way I could retire with a new job in my 50's right? Changing jobs late in the game seems like a big issue.

 

I'm in Northern Indiana, and a pension around here is as scarce as hens teeth. Everyone went to a 401 instead, and the older companies like Uniroyal screwed the poor guys that had a company sponsored pension plan. Of course our fine laws pertaining to corporate bankruptcies that are skewed didn't hurt either. All I can say is plan earlier and don't trust anyone with your money! Always watch and question why they want to do what they want to do with YOUR money! Once they steal or lose it in a bad investment it is gone. Knowledge is power when it comes to your financial future. If you don't pay attention, someone else will. I would hate to retire and then find out which cat food tasted better on crackers!

 

I'm at that "awkward age" now. Some people I know are already retired and some are about to. And I'm still working full time!