With an IRA you will be exposed to higher gains when the market is doing well and have an alternative source of retirement income with a whole life policy to hedge against a bear market.

I'm a retired Marine and saw you were in the Army.

Pride - at the end of our lives I feel that I want to look back and know we made this transition on our own. 2.) my in laws are comfortable but not wealthy, this gift probably won't impact their retirement, but they should really be taking care of themselves at this point in their life.

My immediate goal is to do this business full time and retire my job, and in the longer term to build up some capital and invest in some rentals for passive income.  

For said same $385,000 I invested in  over 12 one bedroom supportive housing units in a retirement community I co-own, I pay no tax, and a matter of fact, I get numerous tax deductions for helping my government with a national crisis.  

Hi BP,I just wanted to thank everyone here especially @Joshua Dorkin and @Brandon Turner for helping me get out of my W-2 job and into semi-retirement.

I was unaware of the SDIRA option until after I retired, you could end up way ahead of the game with some  planning.

Mortgage is 1200.. will be renting out other side for 1150 after purchase of new home.. total 2300.Other debt. 685 a month for personal loan.30k in retirement 8k in bank.. am I in a position to buy again?

In May of 2013 I was enjoying a beverage at happy hour with a very successful VP from my company who was on the verge of retirement. 

Hello BP,I am retiring in 18 mths at age 62.