Episode Summary: "Hubby Hates Job, Can He Quit?"
Podcast: Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger
Host: Jill Schlesinger, CFP®
Episode Title: "Hubby Hates Job, Can He Quit?"
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger, host Jill Schlesinger teams up with co-host Mark T. McGowan, a certified financial planner, to address a listener's pressing financial dilemma. The episode delves into the complexities of balancing job satisfaction against financial goals, specifically focusing on the aspiration to retire early.
Listener Call-In: Minnie Mouse's Financial Conundrum
Timestamp: [03:21]
Minnie Mouse from Pennsylvania reaches out to the show with a heartfelt concern: her husband, Mickey, is unhappy in his current job. Minnie and Mickey have long-term financial goals, notably the ambition to retire at 55. Minnie seeks guidance on whether Mickey can leave his job, even if it means earning significantly less, without derailing their retirement plans.
Key Details from Minnie:
- Ages: Minnie is 47, and Mickey is 48.
- Children: Two rising seniors entering college, with tuition covered by 529 accounts.
- Current Employment:
- Minnie: Earns a base salary of $238,000, with an annual bonus of $50,000 and restricted stock units (RSUs) worth $45,000, of which $15,000 vest each year.
- Mickey: Currently earns $80,000 but is considering a job that pays approximately $40,000.
Financial Status:
- Minnie’s Retirement Savings: Approximately $1 million in a 401(k), contributing 25% of her salary annually.
- Mickey’s Retirement Savings: $100,000 in previous retirement accounts, as his current employer does not offer a retirement plan.
- Assets: Owns a $420,000 home mortgage-free, $100,000 in CDs, and additional cash reserves.
Minnie’s Concern: "One of the things that we have been targeting really since we were in our 20s was being able to retire at 55. But I just don't want him to have to, you know, keep struggling through this career." ([03:27])
Financial Analysis and Advice
Mark T. McGowan conducts a thorough financial assessment to determine the feasibility of Mickey reducing his income without compromising their retirement objectives.
Income Reduction Impact:
- Current Combined Income: Approximately $290,000 (Minnie’s $238k + $50k bonus + RSUs; excluding Mickey’s $80k).
- Proposed Combined Income: Approximately $330,000 (including reduced income from Mickey to ~$40k).
Budget Considerations:
- Current Monthly Expenses: $10,000, projected to decrease as children finish college.
Retirement Projections: Using a conservative growth rate (2.3% annually), Mark projects Minnie’s 401(k) could grow to about $2.3 million by age 55. This, combined with a pension offering $4,284 monthly starting at age 55, positions them favorably for early retirement.
Key Recommendations:
- Maximize Retirement Contributions: Continue Minnie’s aggressive 401(k) contributions to leverage compound growth.
- Diversify Investments: Sell vested RSUs and reinvest in a diversified brokerage account to mitigate risk and enhance growth potential.
- Adjust Investment Strategy: Shift Minnie’s 401(k) from a predominantly stock-based portfolio to a more balanced 70% stocks and 30% bonds to reduce volatility as retirement nears.
- Utilize the Pension: Opt for the pension stream to ensure a steady income post-retirement rather than taking a lump sum.
Notable Quote: "If you don't count the money that you're saving, the question is, can you make $10,000 a month out of $330,000? The answer is yes." ([09:22])
Addressing Additional Questions
Minnie posed two additional questions during the call:
-
Consolidating Retirement Accounts:
"Is consolidating Mickey's previous IRAs into one the best approach, or should we contribute to a brokerage account instead?" ([17:18])Advice: Mark advises placing funds into a brokerage account, emphasizing greater flexibility and growth potential over traditional IRA contributions, especially given Mickey’s high income that limits Roth IRA eligibility.
-
Choosing Pension Options:
"Can you explain why you don't prefer the lump sum option of the pension?" ([18:02])Advice: Mark recommends opting for the pension stream rather than a lump sum to ensure a reliable income source throughout retirement, especially crucial when retiring early.
Personal Anecdotes and Light-hearted Moments
Towards the end of the episode, Mark shares personal stories about his experiences with Disney World, adding a touch of humor and relatability to the discussion. This segment, while not directly related to the financial advice provided, serves to humanize the hosts and create a more engaging listener experience.
Notable Quote: "Mark, you're gonna go. I'll go, I'll go." ([21:13])
Conclusion and Takeaways
The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Minnie and Mickey’s financial situation, offering actionable strategies to achieve their goal of early retirement while addressing job dissatisfaction. Key takeaways include the importance of maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying investments, and leveraging pension income streams to secure financial independence.
Final Advice: "Don’t have to do anything with the savings, the CD and the cash. It probably makes you feel comfortable if you open that brokerage account and you have your 401k." ([15:47])
Key Quotes with Timestamps
- Minnie Mouse: "I just don't want him to have to, you know, keep struggling through this career." ([03:27])
- Mark T. McGowan: "The pension's the game changer." ([11:39])
- Minnie Mouse: "I feel good. Thank you so much for talking through this with me." ([18:37])
- Mark T. McGowan: "Don’t let what you don’t know stop you from starting your next chapter." ([21:28])
Conclusion
In "Hubby Hates Job, Can He Quit?", Jill on Money effectively navigates the delicate balance between personal fulfillment and financial stability. By providing personalized advice and actionable steps, Jill and Mark empower listeners to make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone grappling with similar financial and career challenges.