Can I retire when I am fifty-three?

I would say that you need financial advice from a professional source. Personally I would consider part time work to keep you going until your first pension kicks in. That way you will have time to do the things you want to do while still young, but protect your savings. I would say that you are in a very stable financial position but the choices you make now will obviously have long term implications.

Ask yourself what you want to do if you retire now, do you want to travel the world, go on to theatre trips, Hotel stays, do up your property?
Unless you want to just ‘potter’ for the next 20 years you will need at least the same amount as you are earning now each year until your pensions all come through.
You need to speak to a FA to get the most efficient way to fund whatever lifestyle you want to have, at 53 you could do so much, but you need to have funds in place, if you use your savings they will dwindle very quickly the way costs are rising.
Having said that, it’s a good position to be in as you have no other calls on your money except to enjoy it!

I'd go for it. I retire in 10 weeks at 65 and if I could have retired at your age I'd have jumped at it. If you use your savings to get you through to when your pensions start coming in well it's not like you want to leave the money anywhe Ire. And I strongly doubt you'll manage to get through even half of it.

You'll be retired and able-bodied - what a wonderful combination. If you have a professional financial advisor then speak to them because they might recommend re-jigging your investments to produce more income and less capital growth which coud be useful. They'll also know what to cash in first.

If I were you, I'd totally jump at it.

We retired when I was 60y and Himself was 62y on an awful lot less than you SM. We used our modest lump sums and private pensions to ‘see us through’ until our state pensions kicked in. No regrets even though now we have no savings left and live solely off our pensions! It’s all about choices at the end of the day isn’t it? We chose time over money - not in a silly way, we do have enough for our needs - but many would not be at all happy with my bank account!

Do your sums, work out what’s important to you and decide accordingly. Good luck!

I’d say yes from a financial point of view if you’re prepared to lose/use a quarter of your capital (ISAs/premium bonds) to provide an additional income to the dividend over the seven years between 53-60.

I’d use the time and earnings between 50-53 making upgrades to your bungalow where necessary- kitchen, bathroom, dg, ch, etc so that it’s future proofed.

Good luck with your plans.

I think I would take advice from a reputable financial advisor (independent). Although you are mortgage free and no dependants, the cost of living has risen horrifically, along with fuel bills and I don't see it getting better any time soon. Do you have plans as in hobbies when you retire? Even though you seem to be very sensible with finances, 53 seems a bit early and retirement halves your income. Houses also need maintained and there is always something breaking down or needing replaced. Have a trial run of living on your retirement income for about six months. See if you can do it and put the rest of your wages aside. Good luck, whatever you decide to do.