If you have a wife and kids, that just pushes the time out a bit. The premise about fees and taking advantage of ESPP (etc, etc) remains the same.

We retired two years ago. I just turned 61. Probably worked a bit longer than I had to, but it was a pair of health scares that made me realize that our health was going to be fine until it wasn't. Fortunately, we recovered sufficiently that we have taken several large trips in the past two years (two just this year). Someday we won't be able to, but right now we can.

I did take advantage of the ESPP (ours was really good...guaranteed 15% discount from the lower price between the start of the offering period and the purchase date). Sweet deal.

Today we have more money than when we retired two years ago. A little of that came from 1poormom's inheritance (she died last year). But that was only a small percent of the total assets we have. As I've probably mentioned, 1poormom was a cautionary tale for me. She worked into her 70s, planned to travel with her BFF whom promptly died, and so mom spent the last 20 years of her life doing nothing. Her savings supported her in memory care when it came time, but the rest ended up with me. What a waste.