u/BluebirdExpress6279

I have been lurking here for a while but figured I would throw my situation in for perspective.

I am 42, nobody really ever gave me anything. I work in Information Technology and make about $165k base, which usually lands closer to $175k with some extras. Stable job, decent benefits, solid middle-class income for my area.

I am single with no children though I still hang around with my ex-girlfriend all the time and my sort of Step-daughter, I have no financial obligation to them despite paying some bills.

Here is where it gets different. I own a Cessna 172. Before anyone assumes I am rich, I am NOT! It is an older one I picked up years ago for what was honestly about the cost of a nice, new truck. Fixed costs are not terrible, but yeah ... it's still a plane. Ironically, I fly less now than ever maybe around 5 to 7 hours a month. Now it sits outside tied down with a cover most of the time.

Financial snapshot:

• $760k in 401k
• $540k in Brokerage
• $35k cash (hi-yield savings/checking accounts)
• House ~65% paid off ($180k left at 2.9%)
• 2004 Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck (paid off)
• Infiniti 2013 G37 (paid off)
• 2024 Mazda CX-5 (paid off)
• No other debt (student loans paid... credit cards satisfied in full every month)
• A Safe Deposit box with 20 pounds of silver (purchased years ago) and 9 gold coins that are 1 ounce each (also from years ago). A couple of paper stock bonds and other Knick knacks like all 50 state quarters (valued at probably $12.50), titles, things of a mostly unremarkable nature.

My expenses are normal middle-class stuff. I am not super frugal but not reckless either only buying stuff I remember wanting before. Like I just bought a bunch of All Clad D3 cookware because it is genuine USA made stainless and 3-ply is enough. I consider that about the biggest spending I do because I spent maybe $1900 getting rid of most everything non-stick. I also love grilling with real charcoal.

Here is my problem:

I feel like I should be closer to financial independence by now given my income and relatively low debt. My goa is to retire around 55, but when I run the numbers I do not feel like I am there.

The plane is the obvious target:

• Costs me several grand on a good year even when barely using it.
• Could sell it and get almost ~$100k, but it is also something I worked toward for years and do not really want to give up either.

Q: do I sell it, invest the money, accelerate retirement? At least it is not a quick depreciating asset like a car.

I think I have done many things right. Paid off most debt, okay career, saved consistently, avoided most dumb debt, yet I am NOT where I need to be.

What would you do?