I'm 61 and scared to retire. I have $650,000 saved but wish I had more — I should've gotten into real estate sooner.

Core Insights - The individual built a retirement fund of approximately $650,000 primarily through teaching and real estate investments [6][8] - The retirement strategy included participation in employer-matched retirement plans and consistent contributions [5][8] - Despite achieving financial growth, there is a sense of insecurity regarding retirement and a desire for earlier investments [8] Employment History - The individual worked in various roles, including teaching at community colleges and part-time jobs, with a significant tenure at a college in Washington for 20 years [2][4][7] - The transition between jobs was influenced by personal circumstances, such as the loss of a child and the search for better job prospects [2][4] Real Estate Investments - The first property was purchased in Washington in 2012, leading to a profit of around $70,000 upon sale in 2019, which helped eliminate debts [3] - Additional properties were acquired in Washington and Maine, with the latter being rented out to cover mortgage costs [4][3] Retirement Contributions - Contributions to retirement accounts began with a small amount and increased to 7% of income, supplemented by an additional $200 monthly investment [5] - The retirement accounts reached $500,000 by age 59, bolstered by an inheritance of $70,000 and real estate equity [6]