Welcome to the command center for Project 2028.
This series is a real-time, month-by-month “dossier” documenting my final 24 months in the corporate world before executing the Rule of 55 on January 1, 2028.
Disclaimer: This is my personal journey, not financial, tax, or investment advice. Rules like the Rule of 55 are subject to IRS changes—always verify with current guidelines at irs.gov or a qualified professional.
The Mission
For 32 years, I worked as a Retail Manager—navigating 15-hour days, 3-hour commutes, and the management of 300+ employees. I hit my “FI” (Financial Independence) number, but I wasn’t ready to walk away entirely. I needed a bridge.
Project 2028 is that bridge. I negotiated a 25-hour-a-week semi-retirement role to reclaim my health and my family time while I wait for the clock to strike 55.
The Rule of 55 in Plain English
The Official Rule: If you separate from service (quit, retire, get fired, lay off—it doesn’t matter) in or after the calendar year you turn 55, the IRS waives the 10% early-withdrawal penalty on that specific employer’s 401(k).
- It works at 55, 56, 57… even 59.
- It does NOT require you to stop working forever. I might still be working a low-stress, low-hour job in 2028. The IRS only cares that you left the specific employer holding the 401(k).
- The Catch: It only applies to the 401(k) from the employer you leave at 55+. Old 401(k)s from previous jobs are still locked until 59½ unless you roll them into your current plan before you quit.
Sources for your own research:
- IRS Publication 575 (Pension and Annuity Income) – Search for the section “Tax on Early Distributions”
- Charles Schwab: The Rule of 55 Explained
What You’ll Find Here
Each month, I “declassify” a new update including:
- The Freedom Ledger: Real-time tracking of my Sanity Score, Options Trading income, and “Time Reclaimed” metrics.
- Whistleblower Wisdom: Lessons learned from 32 years in the trenches—the corporate lies I believed and the truths I now live.
- Technical Deep Dives: How the Rule of 55 works, health insurance strategies, and the “Wheel” strategy for income.
The Dossier Archives
(Links will be added as posts go live)
- Entry Zero: The Ghost of Corporate Past – The audit of my life before and after the “Bourbon Resignation.”
- Entry #1: The Mental Detox (Feb 2026) – Relearning how to sleep and blocking the 2 AM alarm calls.
- Entry #2: Hidden in Plain Sight (March 2026) -The Rule of 55 & NUA 401k Secrets They Don’t Tell You
- Entry #3: Reclaiming My Family Vacation (April 2026) – Years of Corporate “Staffing Crises” and “Emergencies” Finally Ends Here
- Entry #4: Watching the Ship Sway Without Reaching for the Wheel (May 2026) – The Part-Time Identity Crisis and Dealing with the Anxiety of Watching Others Struggle to Fill Your Void
Don’t Miss an Update
The road to 2028 is long, but I’m documenting every step so you can build your own bridge. Enter your email below to receive the monthly SITREP (Situation Report) directly in your inbox.
Key Resources
If you're new to the concepts I discuss in this series, start here:
- [All About Earl] – My full story from homeless at 19 to a $2M net worth.
- [The Financial Freedom Compass] – A Free 48- Lesson Financial Literacy Course
- [The Wheel Strategy] – How I generate $1,500/week in supplemental income.
He didn't just save his way to freedom; he built a compounding engine. By combining "Bogleheads" index investing with a conservative options strategy, Earl turned a late start into a total victory. He’s not just talking theory—he’s living the math. Last year alone, Earl generated $78k in options premiums via the "Wheel" strategy and ~$400/month in passive dividends, proving that liquidity is the true key to quitting early.
Launched in 2019, EarlyRetirementEarl.com is a no-BS zone for dads and late-starters who want actionable, battle-tested steps to freedom. Featured on ThinkSaveRetire and Camp Fire Finance, Earl’s mission is to share the financial literacy he was never taught in school. No fluff, no gurus—just the math.
Not financial advice. I’m not a CFP or licensed advisor. All numbers are historical; markets fluctuate. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Do your own research and consult a professional.