Can you retire early too?

Like the Nielsens, you may dream of having enough money to quit your job well ahead of traditional retirement age. Here's what you need to do:

By Donna Rosato, Money Magazine senior writer

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Be allergic to debt

People who retire early aren't deeply in debt. Track your spending, pay off high-rate loans and pay in cash as much as possible. You'll also need health insurance, and it helps if you have a partner or spouse with the same financial goals and values, says Gail Buckner, a retirement specialist at Franklin Templeton Investments.

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Last updated January 25 2008: 11:05 AM ET

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