The Boston Globe Kenneth Hooker Column.

Byline: Kenneth Hooker

Jul. 9-- PROBLEM: Retiring in 10 years

Age: 46

Earnings: $110,000 annually, potential $22,000 bonus

Pension eligibility: $17,000 annually at age 66 or $8,500 at 56

Social Security: estimated $17,000 at age 66

Retirement savings: $290,000 in IRAs and 401(k) from previous employers. Current

401(k) savings: $10,500 annually with 50 percent employer match.

Other investments:

$188,000 government-backed bonds, with $200,000 base cost

$116,000 Perkinelmer common stock, with low base cost

$1,400 Nicor common stock

$2,500 Coca-Cola common stock

$300 TJX common stock

$75,000 money market fund; 5 percent

QUESTION: In addition to my 401(k) contributions, I add $6,000 a year to my taxable investment accounts. I have assets totaling $727,000 but plan to purchase a home next year for $300,000. What securities do you recommend liquidating to purchase the home? Or should I take out a 10-year mortgage? If I retire at 56, I will need to live off savings until I can withdraw from my 401(k) at 591/2. Should I change my fund allocations?

--R.B., Stoughton

ANSWER: The plan seems pretty dubious to me. Let's assume you decide to make a $200,000 down payment on your home, leaving you with $527,000. After a decade of growth with the contributions you outline, you would have…