THE 5-MINUTE EXIT PLAN

Turn “someday” into a number.

Build a first-pass retirement target, identify the bridge years, and see how moving could change the math.

Step 1 of 6

STEP 1

Your five-minute snapshot

Estimates are enough. You can refine them later.

Current age Target exit age Target location Cash reservemonths

Use honest estimates. A useful rough plan beats a perfect spreadsheet you never finish.

STEP 2

Price the life you actually want

Enter monthly estimates, including annual costs divided by 12.

Estimated monthly spending$0

STEP 3

Inventory what can fund the exit

Keep home equity separate unless your plan deliberately uses it.

Total investable assets$0

Assets to keep separate

Home equity$ Personal property$ Emergency cash$

STEP 4

Estimate your Exit Number

Compare three illustrative starting points. No percentage is guaranteed to be safe.

Annual taxes / buffer$ Reliable annual income$Pension, Social Security or other dependable income for this phase.

Illustrative withdrawal scenario 4.0%25× portfolio gap 3.5%28.6× portfolio gap 3.0%33.3× portfolio gap

ANNUAL SPENDING$0

−

RELIABLE INCOME$0

PORTFOLIO GAP$0

STEP 5

Build the bridge to later benefits

Early retirement usually has multiple financial phases.

Healthcare before MedicareCoverage, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket exposure. Account accessHow spending is funded before normal access rules apply. Social Security timingHow income changes when benefits begin. Housing transitionSale, repairs, moving, rent overlap or a new purchase. Market downturnReserves and spending adjustments if markets fall early.

My first bridge action

STEP 6

Run the relocation experiment

Compare total monthly costs in your current location and two alternatives.

CurrentOption AOption B

CURRENT EXIT NUMBER$0

OPTION A EXIT NUMBER$0

OPTION B EXIT NUMBER$0