How does Dcider protect my privacy?

Your decisions are stored securely in our database with encryption. We never sell your data or share it with third parties. The AI analysis happens on secure servers and isn't used to train AI models. You can delete your account and all data at any time from the app settings.

How much does Dcider cost?

Dcider offers a 7-day free trial with full access to all features. After that, it's $4.99/month or $44.99/year (25% off). The free trial doesn't require a credit card to start.

How is this different from a pros and cons list?

Traditional pros/cons lists treat all factors equally and rely on your in-the-moment thinking. Dcider weighs options against your pre-defined personal values, providing an objective alignment score. The AI also surfaces considerations you might miss and tracks patterns across all your decisions over time.

Does the AI make decisions for me?

No. Dcider provides analysis and alignment scores, but you always make the final choice. Think of it as a thinking partner that helps you see how options align with what you've said matters to you. The goal is clarity, not automation.

Can I use Dcider offline?

You can view your decision history and values offline. However, AI-powered analysis requires an internet connection since it's processed on secure cloud servers.

What kind of decisions is Dcider best for?

Dcider works great for career choices, financial decisions, relationship questions, health and lifestyle changes, and any decision where you want to align your choice with your personal values. It's especially helpful when you're overthinking or facing analysis paralysis.

How do I set up my values?

When you first open the app, you'll go through a quick onboarding where you select values that matter to you (like health, family, growth, financial security) and rate their importance. You can always adjust these later in Settings.

Is Dcider available on Android?

Currently, Dcider is iOS-only. We're focused on making the iOS experience great first. Android support may come in the future based on demand.

CareerUpdated Jan 2026

Should I Retire Early? A Values-Based Decision Framework

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement promises escape from work decades before traditional retirement. But you wonder if you've truly saved enough, whether you'd be bored without work, and if retiring in your 40s or 50s is irresponsible or inspired.

Key Takeaway

This decision is fundamentally about Financial Security vs. Purpose and Meaning. Your choice will also impact your freedom and autonomy.

The Core Values at Stake

This decision touches on several fundamental values that may be in tension with each other:

Financial Security

Your need for lasting financial stability. Early retirement requires your money to last much longer—are your calculations truly conservative enough?

Purpose and Meaning

Your sources of identity and fulfillment beyond work. Consider what will give your life structure and meaning without employment.

Freedom and Autonomy

Your desire to control your time completely. Evaluate whether retirement freedom is what you actually want or a fantasy.

Health and Longevity

Your physical and mental health considerations. Some retire early to enjoy health while they have it; others find work keeps them vital.

Legacy and Impact

What you want to contribute to the world. Consider whether retirement would enhance or limit your ability to make a difference.

5 Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Before making this decision, work through these questions honestly:

1Have I modeled worst-case scenarios—market crashes, health emergencies, inflation—in my financial projections?
2What will I actually do with my time, and will it bring genuine fulfillment?
3Do I have strong relationships and interests outside of work?
4Am I running toward early retirement or away from a career I should change instead?
5Have I spent significant time off work (sabbatical) to test whether I'd enjoy retirement?

Key Considerations

As you weigh this decision, keep these important factors in mind:

Conservative financial calculations (25-30x annual expenses, not 25x)

Healthcare costs until Medicare eligibility

Sequence of returns risk in early retirement years

Inflation and its impact over decades

Your identity and purpose without work

Social connections that may depend on work

Flexibility to return to work if needed

Watch Out For: Projection Bias

We assume our future selves will want what our current selves want. You might dream of retirement now while burned out, only to find you miss work's structure, purpose, and social connections. Test retirement through extended breaks before committing permanently.

Make This Decision With Clarity

Don't just guess. Use Dcider to calculate your alignment score and make decisions that truly reflect your values.

Download on the App Store

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to retire early?

The common guideline is 25x annual expenses (4% withdrawal rate), but for early retirement, 30-33x is safer given the longer timeframe. Also factor in: healthcare until Medicare, potential lifestyle inflation, and unexpected expenses.

Is the 4% rule safe for early retirement?

The 4% rule was designed for 30-year retirements. For 40-50+ year retirements, it's riskier. Consider a 3-3.5% withdrawal rate, maintain flexibility to reduce spending in down markets, and keep some income-generating activities.

What will I do all day in early retirement?

This question is more important than financial calculations. Successful early retirees have clear purposes: passion projects, volunteering, relationships, hobbies, travel, or part-time meaningful work.

How do I handle healthcare before Medicare?

Options include: ACA marketplace plans, COBRA from former employer temporarily, health sharing ministries, spouse's employer plan, or part-time work that provides benefits. Budget conservatively for rising costs.

Related Decisions

Should I Take a Sabbatical?

You're burned out, curious about a different life, or yearning for time to pursue something meaningful. But taking extended time off feels like a luxury you can't afford—financially, career-wise, or psychologically. You wonder if you'll return refreshed or struggle to re-enter the workforce.

Should I Change Careers?

The desire for a career change often builds gradually—a growing sense that you're in the wrong place, doing work that doesn't resonate. But the prospect of starting over, potentially at a lower level or salary, creates paralyzing fear. You wonder if the grass really is greener or if you're just restless.

Should I Invest or Save?

You've accumulated some money and face the eternal question: keep it safe in savings or put it to work in the market? The fear of losing money battles the fear of missing out on growth. You want to make a smart choice but feel overwhelmed by options.

People Also Considered

Similar decisions in other areas of life:

Buy or Rent a Home Get Divorced Take Mental Health Leave

Sources

Bengen, W. P. (1994). Determining withdrawal rates using historical data. Journal of Financial Planning.
Finke, M., Pfau, W., & Blanchett, D. (2013). The 4 percent rule is not safe in a low-yield world. Journal of Financial Planning.

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