[USER]

I am 51 and burnt out from my high stress job. I am trying to retire early. I have 70% stocks and 30% bond funds. Bond funds have gone down in value.

What should I do?

Thanks for your suggestions

[Scott]

It really depends on many other factors, that said, I am fire +11 and I’m like 15% on bonds. I think what’s really important as you approach fire is to get serious about a cashflow plan.

I would suggest at least 18 mos cash in a money market fund, with a strategy on how to opportunistically sell that refreshes your cash.

I have found this allows me to stay invested fairly aggressively, which is contrary to traditional investing advice that you would get from a financial advisor that pushed you into a 60/40 split.

[Yelena]

You have to plan your retirement when you young knowing that someday you will burn out.

[Fisher]

Supplements the bonds for income ETFs or buffered ETFs to provide downsize protection. Bonds have been subpar for a few years now.

One would think bonds should make a comeback though once (if) rates come back down.

Time will tell.

[Scott]

Have you considered REITs or derivative ETFs? These are amazing now for balancing income with capital gains.

Also, the 70/30, 60/40 ratios are only as good as the stocks and bonds you pick. E

ven the funds have clear showings of who’s right and wrong.

[David]

If they are US Treasury bonds, there is a potential they’ll continue to slide a bit.

Borrowing cost for US debt will likely increase in the coming years, so bonds issued last year will be worth less if you need to sell them.

Some other things you might try: International ETFs like VYMI, gold via the GLDM ETF, or dividend paying index tracking ETFs like JEPI or JEPQ.

Diversity is critical and given everything going on recently, taking a global perspective is probably better than staying completely invested in the US.

[Rebecka]

Totally understand how burnout feels; props to you for planning ahead. A 70/30 stock-bond mix is solid, but with bond funds down from rising rates, it may be worth holding off on selling to avoid locking in losses.

You might also look into individual bonds or T-bills for more stability, or even dividend stocks for income.

A “bucket strategy” could also help balance growth and safety as you near retirement.

You’re on the right track; just a few small tweaks can make a big difference

[Brett]

Bond funds will bounce back when rates drop. Now that may be during a recession.

I like bonds especially treasuries right now but my goal is to collect interest and when rates drop significantly most likely in a downturn, sell and buy the s&p 500 with all the proceeds.

[Dugan]

burnout is real! early retirement should feel like a reward, not a risk. Traditional strategies like the 70/30 mix can be a rollercoaster, especially when bond funds aren’t delivering.

One alternative I found is the Tardus Income Snowball—it’s a way to create monthly passive income without relying on the stock or bond markets.

It’s been a game-changer for people looking to step away from stressful jobs sooner.

Happy to share more if you’re interested!

[Christa]

I was in a similar situation and One thing I will always advise is to get a good Financial advisor.

I got one and that gave me a clear direction.

Feel free to dm me if you need to.

[Author]

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