A Very Merry Unbirthday… To Me.

Today, I turn 6.

Every July 24, I celebrate my Unbirthday.

My birthday is January 24, but July 24 marks another year closer to age 59½—the first age when I can access my retirement savings without paying the IRS’s early withdrawal penalty.

Last year, we marked my “7th” birthday with a family trip to the beach. This year, we’ll celebrate at home as all four kids are coming in from church outings and summer camps. The house will quickly fill with laundry, laughs, stories, and spaghetti.

I can’t imagine a better way to spend the evening.

When people ask what I look forward to in retirement, they probably expect me to say travel, golf, or finally checking off the bucket list.

I hope there will be plenty of that.

But if I’m being honest… I mostly picture evenings like this.

A full house. Dinner around the table. Time together. No rush. No alarm clock the next morning.

That’s what I’m saving for.

How old will you be this year?

A Very Merry Unbirthday… To You.