I retired at 52 and only have enough money to be financially secure for the next year. I'm still happy with my decision
Walter Green worked in IT for 30 years before retiring in 2024.
His job's retirement fund match and a six-figure inheritance allowed him to retire early.
Green said he doesn't mind working part-time or pulling from investments in the future.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Walter Green, 52, from Northwest Arkansas. It's been edited for length and clarity.
I officially retired from my 30-year career in technology at the end of 2024, at the age of 52.
When both my parents passed away, at 85 and 91 respectively, it recentered my priorities. I always thought I'd work until the typical retirement age, 65 or 70, but I realized I wanted to retire while I was still young and healthy enough to enjoy it.
I experienced euphoria after retiring, but it's not all easy.
I don't have enough money to go the rest of my life without working
My job gave me a generous retirement match, which I had contributed to for many decades. I also received a six-figure inheritance from my parents, which was the bump that made me really believe I could retire earlier than expected.
Still, it's not enough to stop working for the rest of my life. There's this widely accepted idea that retirement means you're done working for good, but I see it as a new phase for me to fill as I'd like.
It's a great season to take some time off and do jobs that perhaps pay less but can provide a lot of fulfillment.
Before retiring, I started tracking my costs very closely
Before retiring, I started using You Need A Budget or YNAB, an online service with a subscription fee. I wanted to truly understand how much money I needed to cover essential needs while feeling comfortable doing some extra fun things here and there.
There are some common retirement guideposts to follow, like the 4% rule or having 25x your income in savings, but for me, it felt most important to stick to my basics: food, healthcare, utilities, transportation, and veterinary care.
I've used websites such as Boldin, FI Calc, and Honest Math, which have free tools that allow me to view my savings aggregately, predict investment returns, and project future expenses.
Retiring was a scary decision, and it felt like a lot was at stake
I had some hesitation because what if I found myself in a tough financial position after I quit my job? I questioned whether I'd be able to go back to my old employer or even get a job as an older person with a career gap.
I also worried whether it was responsible to potentially impact my family — my wife, who does not work, and our three adult children, who depend on me — by making this decision.
The economy changes, personal things happen, and I have a general plan, but I am ready to tweak it as needed. An important aspect of my retirement plan is flexibility.
I'm loving my freedom, but it's been stressful spending money
I'm loving the slow mornings and freedom of retired life, but it's been stressful spending money without having a paycheck coming in. I have to keep reassuring myself that I have the financial resources to spend money and go do fun things.
I'm still fine-tuning my budget, but I find reassurance when I go back to my spreadsheet and see that I have at least enough money to be fully secure for the next year.
Despite not having a steady paycheck, I'm happy with my decision
I see retirement as a blank canvas of endless opportunity. I can choose to work again full-time, volunteer, or work part-time; it doesn't matter. It's a new chapter of life to find purpose, and I can't wait.
I probably think about budgeting and money more than I should, but I've redefined what retirement means to me.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Township Seeks Cannabis Funds for Legal Challenge
Green Charter Township has been locked in a legal battle with Gotion, a Chinese battery manufacturer, for more than a year now. At one time, Gotion was set to build a $2.6 billion electric vehicle battery factory near the central Michigan town. Most Read on IEN Ship Carrying 3,000 Vehicles Abandoned in Pacific Ocean Raccoon Break-In Snarls Airbus Jet Production PODCAST: Ford Sues Lawyers; Shoemaker Outsmarts Tariffs; RIP Penny Oreo Maker Mondelez Sues Aldi But last year, after new leadership in Green Township changed its mind about the project, Gotion filed suit, alleging it stands to lose millions if the deal does not go through as originally agreed upon. Green leaders have countered with arguments that the township's previous leaders were never authorized to execute a development deal with Gotion. Now Green is digging in for its standoff in court with Gotion and seeking funds from a somewhat unlikely source to help pay for the challenge to a judge's decision in favor of the battery maker. According to the Detroit News, the township has submitted a request for $200,000 of Mecosta County's cannabis excise tax revenue to help cover legal bills. It's equal to about 30% of cannabis tax funding awarded to the county by the state. The problem is that Green Township doesn't allow cannabis retailers to set up shop within its confines. As the report points out, most of the dispensaries in Mecosta County are in nearby Big Rapids. It's caused some controversy over Green wanting a piece of the revenue from an industry it banned. Green Township's issues with Gotion not only stem from the deal forged with its former leadership. There are also concerns regarding the environmental impact of the factory and Gotion's ties to China. If the plant is eventually built as originally planned, it could create as many as 2,350 jobs while gobbling up $175 million in state incentives. Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Green Solvents Market Research 2025-2035: Increasing Applications in Emerging Markets and Industries Driving the Market to Surpass $5.5 Billion by 2035
Growth is seen across diverse applications from paints to pharmaceuticals, though challenges like high costs and limited performance exist. Emerging sectors, regional demand in Asia-Pacific, and competitive innovations boost market potential. Explore trends and opportunities in this comprehensive report. Dublin, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Green Solvents Market Research Report 2025-2035" has been added to Green Solvents market accounted for USD 2.2 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.51 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 8.7% between 2025 and 2035. The green solvents market is shaped by a growing global emphasis on sustainable industrial processes and environmental conservation. Industries are increasingly moving away from traditional solvents due to their toxicity and harmful environmental impact. Green solvents offer an eco-friendly alternative, helping reduce pollution and health hazards associated with volatile organic the market faces challenges such as higher production costs and the need for extensive research to improve solvent efficiency and applicability. Innovations and regulatory support are pivotal in accelerating adoption. As industries strive for greener operations, the demand for green solvents continues to gain momentum, driving steady transformation in various Government RegulationsGovernments worldwide are enforcing stringent regulations on emissions and chemical usage to protect human health and the environment. These policies limit the use of hazardous solvents, making green solvents a necessary substitute to comply with legal frameworks. Regulatory bodies often incentivize the adoption of sustainable chemicals through subsidies or tax benefits, further motivating industries to switch. Such regulatory pressures not only mitigate environmental damage but also drive innovation in solvent technologies, fostering market growth and Performance in Certain ApplicationsWhile green solvents are eco-friendly, they sometimes lack the broad spectrum of chemical properties offered by traditional solvents. This limits their use in certain industrial applications where high performance or specific chemical characteristics are crucial. In some cases, green solvents may not match the efficacy, solvency power, or stability required, leading companies to hesitate in full adoption. Overcoming this limitation requires ongoing research and development to expand the functionality and performance profile of green into Emerging IndustriesEmerging sectors like bio-based chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced coatings offer promising avenues for green solvent applications. These industries are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, providing fertile ground for green solvent innovation and deployment. As these sectors grow, they present new opportunities for manufacturers to tailor green solvent products to meet specific industry needs, expanding market reach and AnalysisGreen solvents are derived from various renewable sources, including corn, sugarcane, cellulose, and vegetable oils. Bio-based alcohols and esters sourced from crops like corn and sugarcane are widely used due to their abundant availability and low toxicity. Cellulose-derived solvents are gaining traction for their compatibility with high-performance industrial processes. Vegetable oil-based solvents are increasingly preferred in cleaning and lubricant applications for their biodegradability and low environmental choice of source directly influences the solvent's cost, performance, and environmental footprint. As sustainability becomes central to procurement decisions, demand is rising for raw materials that are not only renewable but also sustainably cultivated. The market is gradually witnessing a shift towards sources that offer both environmental and economic solvents are used across a diverse range of applications including paints and coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial cleaners. In paints and coatings, they help reduce VOC emissions and enhance workplace safety. In the pharmaceutical industry, green solvents support safer synthesis and formulation processes with minimal toxic residue. The personal care sector leverages these solvents for their gentle, non-irritating properties in skincare and haircare cleaning applications benefit from their strong solvency and easy biodegradability, ensuring minimal environmental contamination. Adhesives and sealants manufacturers are also increasingly shifting toward green solvents to meet regulatory and consumer demand for non-toxic products. These varied applications demonstrate the versatility and growing integration of green solvents in both consumer and industrial AnalysisAsia-Pacific is experiencing rapid industrial growth alongside increasing regulatory focus on environmental sustainability. The region's expanding manufacturing base and rising environmental concerns create a strong demand for green solvents. Growing awareness and government initiatives to reduce pollution are fostering market development. Additionally, cost advantages and the availability of raw materials support regional production and consumption of green LandscapeThe green solvents market features a mix of global chemical manufacturers and specialized bio-based solvent producers. Leading companies emphasize innovation, sustainability, and expanding product portfolios to capture market share. Collaborations with research institutions and strategic partnerships help drive technological advancements. Companies focus on developing cost-efficient production methods and diversifying applications to meet varied customer needs. Branding efforts highlight environmental benefits and regulatory compliance to strengthen market positioning. Intense competition encourages continuous improvements, benefiting end-users with better solvent options. Key Topics Covered1. Methodology & Report Coverage1.1. Definition & Objective1.2. Market Evaluation & forecast parameter1.3. Research Methodology1.4. Data Validation Sources2. Market Overview3. Green Solvents Market: Market Dynamics3.1. Executive Summary3.2. Market Driving Factors3.2.1. Increasing environmental regulations promoting sustainable practices3.2.2. Rising demand for eco-friendly products across various industries3.2.3. Growing consumer awareness regarding harmful solvent effects3.3. Key industry pitfalls & challenges3.3.1. Higher cost compared to traditional petroleum-based solvents3.3.2. The Limited availability of some bio-based solvents in regions3.3.3. Performance issues in specific applications compared to conventional solvents3.4. Market Opportunities3.4.1. Expansion of bio-based solvent production technologies and innovations3.4.2. Rising interest in green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing3.4.3. Increasing applications in emerging markets and industries3.5. Porter's Five Forces Analysis3.6. PESTLE Analysis3.7. Regulatory landscape3.8. Investment landscape3.9. ESG Scenario3.10. Competitive landscape3.10.1. Company Market Share3.10.2. Market Positioning3.10.3. Strategy framework3.10.4. Recent Acquisitions & Mergers4. Green Solvents Market, Type Segment Analysis4.1. Overview Dynamics4.2. Bio-Alcohols4.3. Bio-Glycols4.4. Bio-Diols4.5. Lactate Esters4.6. D-Limonene4.7. Bio-Based Acetone4.8. Others 5. Green Solvents Market, Source Segment Analysis5.1. Overview5.2. Agricultural Crops5.3. Cellulose & Biomass5.4. Other Renewable Sources 6. Green Solvents Market, Application Segment Analysis6.1. Overview6.2. Paints & Coatings6.3. Adhesives & Sealants6.4. Pharmaceuticals6.5. Cosmetics & Personal Care6.6. Cleaning Products6.7. Printing Inks6.8. Food & Beverages6.9. Other Industrial Applications 7. Green Solvents Market, Region Segment Analysis7.1. Overview7.2. North America7.3. Europe7.4. Asia Pacific7.5. Latin America7.6. MEA 8. Company Profiles8.1. The Dow Chemical Company8.1.1. Business Overview8.1.2. Financial Performance8.1.3. Product/Service Offerings8.1.4. Strategies & recent developments8.1.5. SWOT Analysis8.2. Cargill, Incorporated8.3. Clariant International Ltd.8.4. Bio Brands LLC8.5. Archer Daniels Midland Company8.6. Corbion N.V.8.7. CREMER OLEO GmbH & Co. KG8.8. Vertec BioSolvents Inc.8.9. Florachem Corp.8.10. Solvay SA8.11. Stepan Company8.12. BASF SE8.13. Eastman Chemical Company8.14. GFBiochemicals8.15. Circa Group8.16. India Glycols Limited For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Shared kitchen business in Park Forest expands to larger facility in Lynwood
Five years ago, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneur Fershawnda Green worried her business might not survive. Since then, her Poppin Plates enterprise has not only survived but expanded and continued assisting other businesses along the way. Poppin Plates provides licensed commercial shared kitchen space, which helps food service entrepreneurs move to the next level. It began offering 950 square feet of kitchen rental space in Park Forest. Last month, the culinary incubator held the grand opening at a larger site in Lynwood, a 4,000-square-foot, shared commercial kitchen with private suites and an enclosed parking lot for food truck operators. Green purchased the former Warsaw Inn at 2180 Glenwood-Dyer Road in Lynwood and did a complete renovation. Poppin Plates offers monthly memberships to renters of its commercial kitchen space. The business also offers culinary classes, workforce development services, food and beverage consulting and catering services. Green has come a long way since the early months of the pandemic when her incubator members dwindled to as low as two in Park Forest. Today she has 15 members there and five in Lynwood. The new Lynwood location positions her to accommodate 60 members at that site and as many as a total of 85 at the two locations, she said. Green added the second commercial kitchen space site because the business had outgrown its initial Park Forest location and after listening to the needs and wants of her members. 'We needed a new space, a larger space where everybody has their own private space,' she said. She added food truck parking to provide her food truck businesses with the private secure parking space they lacked, she said. Her Lynwood site is the only one in the south suburbs with food truck parking and a commissary. She presently has five food trucks and is looking to expand. The site can accommodate 25 food trucks, she said. Green, who has more than 25 years of experience in the food service business, has worked as a chef's assistant at Norwegian Cruise Line, second chef at the former Argosy Empress Casino and restaurant manager and general manager at Chicago area restaurants. She launched her first incubator after observing a shortage of commercial cooking space in the south suburbs while providing consulting services to other food service entrepreneurs. Poppin Plates targets food service entrepreneurs just getting started as well as those looking to scale their businesses. It requires members to have a state of Illinois business license, sanitation manager certificate, appropriate local license, a retail sales tax identification number and proof of liability insurance. Green started Poppin Plates first incubator roughly a year before the pandemic hit. A decision she made to focus more on securing more corporate catering contracts helped her persevere through the pandemic, she said. 'I was scared back then,' she said with a chuckle. 'But the pandemic took my catering business to another level. It catapulted me to be able to think big to the Lynwood situation of actually owning my own.' She said her business is teaching others if they run their businesses the right way, they can also be successful. The catering portion of Poppin Plates works with 300 to 400 clients a year, and 90% of catering revenue now comes from corporate clients, Green said. Among her corporate clients are Advocate South Suburban Hospital, Advocate Trinity Hospital and Advocate Christ Medical Center, Green said. 'They have done catering services for several of our events,' said LaDonna Daniels, manager for medical staff services for Advocate South Suburban and Advocate Trinity. 'They assisted us significantly during COVID when many of our vendors were unable to accommodate. Her and her team were phenomenal. She has been a consistent vendor with our company.' Green finds it fulfilling helping other businesses grow and succeed. 'Oh my God, it makes me feel real good,' she said, adding roughly 10 businesses that were in her incubator have gone on to start their own brick and mortar enterprises at sites in the Chicago metropolitan area, Phoenix, Arizona and Atlanta. Sanethia Logan, owner of Logan Prime Executive Catering, is among Poppin Plates' incubator members in Lynwood. Logan Prime Executive Catering provides luxury upscale catering for corporate clients, caters weddings and other private celebrations, and also provides private chef services. She also has a food truck that sells upscale street food at the Lynwood incubator site. She initially operated out of the Park Forest site. Logan has learned important lessons from Green. 'She taught me food costs, how to price my services and how to scale my business,' she said. 'Menu building that was a big one for me.' She said Green taught her the importance of having a diversified catering business. Logan initially offered soul food but has expanded to also include other cuisines sought by clients from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, she said. Saif Hannoush, founder of Noosh Catering, also rented space at the Park Forest site before moving to the Lynwood location. His business caters for corporate and private events and sells ready-to-go boxes for team meetings, gifts and small events. It offers a variety of food but specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and offering 'food styling services' that entail using fruits, vegetables, flowers and risers to creatively design and set up food tables. He shared the story of how Green helped him when two of the people who'd agreed to assist him with catering a wedding for 200 people, canceled the day before. Green saw him looking stressed and asked what was wrong. She responded by helping him prepare for the event, working with him late that night up until 10 the next morning, he said. 'She's amazing,' he said. 'She's really a good person who likes for everyone to succeed.' He has observed how she manages people and learned from that, among other lessons. 'She taught me a lot, that you need to work hard and smart and focus on your clients, so they trust you and want to work with you more,' he said. Besides helping up-and-coming food service entrepreneurs, Green is also focused on sparking interest in the culinary arts among middle school students. She teaches the culinary arts program for sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Dolton Elementary District 149's middle school. 'We do it for the whole school year,' she said. 'Every 10 weeks, we rotate students. They learn basic food knowledge, measurement how to read recipes, how to work safely in the kitchen, proper temperatures' and they cook. 'Once they start cooking, the kids get really excited,' said Kenneth Scott, associate superintendent. 'They have cooked for our board of directors and fed us during a board meeting. It's just good to have kids have exposure to different career paths.' Green couldn't agree more and is certainly happy with the career path she chose and helping others do the same.