A 39-year-old U.S. military officer with $722,000 in retirement savings and a $700,000 mortgage at 6.25% asked when he could stop saving for retirement. Brandon Renfro, CFP®, analyzed the officer's situation, which includes a planned military pension of $4,700 per month starting in 2030 and a rental property sale expected to net $250,000 in spring 2026.

The officer aims to retire fully from the workforce around age 59 ½, with his child's college education already covered through transferred military benefits. Renfro's analysis suggests the officer is in a strong position, with his pension providing a stable income floor that most retirees lack. The officer's current retirement accounts, combined with the expected rental property proceeds, could grow to approximately $3.8 million by retirement age if investments earn 7% annually.

Based on the officer's goal of replacing $160,000 in annual income, Renfro estimates he could generate about $85,000 from portfolio withdrawals using the 4% rule, plus $56,000 from his pension, putting him close to his target even before Social Security benefits begin. While the officer may be close to stopping contributions, Renfro recommends continuing at least enough to get the full 5% employer match, as this represents a guaranteed return that's hard to beat mathematically.