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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

Spending Savings Debt

Retired at 40

The Nielsens planned to retire early from the day they got married. Now they've actually done it - and just might be able to make it stick. (more)

Investing for early retirement

Aggressive investing could help you retire early, but taking on too much risk could backfire, says Money Magazine's Walter Updegrave. (more)

An early start on retirement dreams

To make their long-term dreams come true, Jodi and David Lewis, ages 26 and 27, need to be as serious about savings as they are about their careers. (more)

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