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Modhatter is 100% spot on target. I'm here because I want to learn and grow and take information. These boards shouldn't only be for people that are on $100 a month food budgets. I've found in most forums that I'm in, the best results is when you have a broad and diverse group of people.
Just like many on this board I'm considering early retirement. That's why I'm here. It doesn't matter if you are 38 or 78. Retirement is retirement. And before you try to judge... I've worked insane amounts of hours in my lifetime and proud of what I've accomplished. As Modhatter mentioned, my situation could change in the future. These message boards is about information. I think everyone can learn to work to get their monthly expenses down if they can.
While I know I will NEVER go down to a $100 a month budget, I'm still learning from many comments on this board.
I wasn't saying you shouldn't be on this thread, was just amazed and impressed that you are. I think I was thinking that this thread is the "Retiring on a Shoestring" thread.
WELCOME EarlyRetirement. We enjoy hearing from people in all different walks of life and financial security. You must have done a bang up job to develop a successful business.
Yes, I agree. It is amazing how much you do learn by being on these boards. Interesting to talk to people all over the US and sometimes from other countries as well.
THANK YOU INTERNET. This certainly is the information age.
NewEnglandgirl. Yes, you are right. In my effort to curb my spending, I have this darn little invisible angel called "LiveContent" that keeps following me all over the place and wispering in my ear. "You don't need that". Can't get rid of the guy !!
Thanks NewEnglandgirl and Modhatter. I appreciate the warm welcome.
Yeah, I also like hearing from people in all walks of life. I feel that it's important to learn and grow if you associate yourself with people from different backgrounds. You can get too sheltered or jaded if you are only listening or reading from people in your same socio-economic group.
Mod - yes I did well over the years but it wasn't without a lot of hard work and LONG hours. Often working 16-17 hour days for years on end, building up a few businesses. I just figured that when you are young it's the time to do that, and then you can enjoy the fruits of your labor when you have kids. It was the best decision that I made now that I have kids and get to spend so much time with them. I wouldn't have done anything differently.
I agree the power of the internet is amazing! It's good to read so many people's situations. I think it's a good way to continue to grow and learn for the future. Some of you are a great inspiration for retirement so thanks for your great posts.
Marriage is a problem if two people do not share the same ideas about money. I am satisfied to be, as it was said--"a confirmed bachelor". I have also liked my own peace, quiet; and being alone, so a wife is not a necessary need, or want, or desire.
Owning a home is not all a pleasure. It does tie one down to one location--renting gives you more freedom; and maintenance, as you say is an issue. With the deminishing return in home values--many times it makes more sense to rent.
I am single and I rent an apartment. I am still working but hope to retire in about 3 years. Sometimes I start thinking negative thoughts and feel sorry for myself because I am alone with no one to help me financially. But the reality is that I am really good with money, and I'm so glad I don't have to fight with a big-spending husband over it.
And sometimes I worry that people will think I'm a derelict because I don't own a home. But in reality, I probably did much better financially by renting. I am able to save all that money that would have gone into mortgage interest, insurance, repairs and property tax. My rent is high, but lower than all that.
The money I saved earns interest (or used to, before the rates fell). And I could move easily, if I want.
I keep my life very simple, and I am much happier that way. I worry about not seeming normal, but the normal American lifestyle is very stressful.
I don't need to buy all the expensive gadgets, or to go on expensive vacations. I just need to spend a lot of time on my hobbies, which are fun and a great way to meet people.
Do people think I'm poor because I rent and don't wear expensive clothes or drive a luxury car? Well too bad, I am more interested in being happy than status-seeking. And I was glad to see several comments in this threat by people who live simply and are happy.
Where you save is the lower rent but for a lifetime. You do pay for the proeprty;taxes;building insurnace;maintenance in the end. Normally large apartment complexes are bilt by a investment gruop who most often invest for ten years then sell depending on the market. It is a definite money maker. So unless you are section 8 never let anyone say you don't pay your way in the end.
I am single and I rent an apartment. I am still working but hope to retire in about 3 years. Sometimes I start thinking negative thoughts and feel sorry for myself because I am alone with no one to help me financially. But the reality is that I am really good with money, and I'm so glad I don't have to fight with a big-spending husband over it.
And sometimes I worry that people will think I'm a derelict because I don't own a home. But in reality, I probably did much better financially by renting. I am able to save all that money that would have gone into mortgage interest, insurance, repairs and property tax. My rent is high, but lower than all that.
The money I saved earns interest (or used to, before the rates fell). And I could move easily, if I want.
I keep my life very simple, and I am much happier that way. I worry about not seeming normal, but the normal American lifestyle is very stressful.
I don't need to buy all the expensive gadgets, or to go on expensive vacations. I just need to spend a lot of time on my hobbies, which are fun and a great way to meet people.
Do people think I'm poor because I rent and don't wear expensive clothes or drive a luxury car? Well too bad, I am more interested in being happy than status-seeking. And I was glad to see several comments in this threat by people who live simply and are happy.
You should not feel negative thoughts about not having someone to help you financially. You could be one of the many who have been sucked dry of money by their husbands, wifes and children. I have no one to back me up financially--never had; I do not care, but at the same time I do not have to furnish any support to anyone. I am well trained and in shape to live simply and that conditiioning takes time and effort. I know that I can survive on less--even close to nothing.
Pushing all people into owning your own home was not all a good altruistic idea by those who tried to define the American Dream. In many ways, it was a fraudalent effort to enrich the capitalistic bankers to have big returns on financial interest, without the risk--because much was backed by federal government lending insurance progam.
Owning a home is not a good idea for everyone and is certainly should not be defined as a measure of success or failure. I own my own mortgage free home but I will never own another home. When one buys a home, one is tempted to buy much more costly space than one needs; when you rent, you tend to "buy" with rent, much less space to survive, which is less costly to own with maintenance and furnishings.
Now that I am single senior, I would prefer to have the freedom to move when I want to leave; I want to be able to say good bye to some miserables neighbors instead of living by them for decades. I want to change my environment--just for the idea of a refreshing change. When the roof leaks and the toilet backs up, all I want to do is call the owner or move! I want to stop accumulating possessions because I have to fill a house. I want a very small, simple abode that does not own me, with no goods that possess me. I want to own no real estate and have it own me; but I want to own a real state of peace, tranquility and
livecontent.
Last edited by livecontent; 03-14-2011 at 07:10 PM..
I am single and I rent an apartment. I am still working but hope to retire in about 3 years. Sometimes I start thinking negative thoughts and feel sorry for myself because I am alone with no one to help me financially. But the reality is that I am really good with money, and I'm so glad I don't have to fight with a big-spending husband over it.
And sometimes I worry that people will think I'm a derelict because I don't own a home. But in reality, I probably did much better financially by renting. I am able to save all that money that would have gone into mortgage interest, insurance, repairs and property tax. My rent is high, but lower than all that.
The money I saved earns interest (or used to, before the rates fell). And I could move easily, if I want.
I keep my life very simple, and I am much happier that way. I worry about not seeming normal, but the normal American lifestyle is very stressful.
I don't need to buy all the expensive gadgets, or to go on expensive vacations. I just need to spend a lot of time on my hobbies, which are fun and a great way to meet people.
Do people think I'm poor because I rent and don't wear expensive clothes or drive a luxury car? Well too bad, I am more interested in being happy than status-seeking. And I was glad to see several comments in this threat by people who live simply and are happy.
The American lifestyle is as diversified as the American people. The ideal American lifestyle is whatever makes you happy.
As you read through the posts on the retirement forum you will meet people from all walks of life. Some are liberal & others conservative in their politics. Some are single, others are in long or new marriages, and still others have partners. As far as retirement, some people are financially set for life, others are comfortable, some struggle while others feel that they will never be able to retire.
I think most people dream of the perfect retirement. Some people dream of luxurious travel, others want to RV across the country, some want to live near water, others want the mountains or desert. Utopia to some is to live in a villa in the French countryside, others want a 55+ community, others want a small cottage on several acres, while others want to live in a small condo or apartment. Which dream is right? All of them, of course.
I am single and live a very simple life in a small condo with my two precious kittys in beautiful NE Tennessee. This is my utopia.
I traveled to most of the states when I was young. In the 60's I went to New Orleans when it was all about the music (blues & dixieland), no upscale restaurant except for Pat O'Briens. Enjoyed the white sand beaches of the Gulf when there were no casinos & luxury condos. Saw the Smoky Mountians when there was was only a trading post to greet you. Travelled the old highways through the south. Each city was unique, no big box stores, only mom & pop restaurants & motels to greet you. Went to Las Vegas when the town was just a blimp in the desert. It was all about gambling, cheap food, hotels & shows. Went to San Diego, when it was nothing but a huge Navy town. Went to Disneyland when it was only 6 years old. Travelled Route 66 and stayed and ate in the old landmarks. Went to NYC saw some great shows and took the last 5 cent ferry ride to Staten Island. Took a couple or road trips through New England, enjoying the unpopulated towns & villages. Especially enjoyed picking up antiques at cheap prices. I was fortunate enough to see the best of America. Not interested in visiting these same overprised, over croweded touristy places again. These days, I seek out places to explore that are off the beaten track.
So, live where ever and do what ever makes you happy. There is nothing more.
I retired one year ago at age 62 and I am living solely on $14,200 per year from monthly social security which is $1284.00 per month.
My apartment rent is $825 per month, but going up to $870. I've dipped only very, very slightly into some savings.
I spend too much on food from the grocery store. Cable & internet is $154 per month, phone is $38 per month, electricity is $34 per month.
I get by pretty well. Interesting to read the luxurious lives being lived by many of the retirees on these threads......with extensive travel to Europe, new homes, etc.
The only thing I would like is a lover/sweetheart/man-friend!
The American lifestyle is as diversified as the American people. The ideal American lifestyle is whatever makes you happy.
So, live where ever and do what ever makes you happy. There is nothing more.
Well that is the kind of thing we often heard in the 1960s. But in reality, there are noticeable patterns and trends. If 99% of the people I meet have an expensive TV, for example, then I call that typical of the American lifestyle.
You can always find outliers in any population. And you can always find large minorities, such as single people living with their kitties.
As for living wherever and doing whatever -- we really get all our ideas from other people, either directly or indirectly. We can't imagine what might make us happy until we see or hear of someone else doing it.
But, of course, we should follow our individual preferences when possible, rather than go unhappily along with the crowd. But figuring out those individual preferences does not happen automatically.
Also, going against the current takes effort. I had to think hard about the pros and cons of buying a house, when almost everyone takes for granted it's better to own than rent. Not according to my math, it isn't.
Single vs. married is another question and I am not sure which is better financially. It depends.
You should not feel negative thoughts about not having someone to help you financially. You could be one of the many who have been sucked dry of money by their husbands, wifes and children. I have no one to back me up financially--never had; I do not care, but at the same time I do not have to furnish any support to anyone. I am well trained and in shape to live simply and that conditiioning takes time and effort. I know that I can survive on less--even close to nothing.
Pushing all people into owning your own home was not all a good altruistic idea by those who tried to define the American Dream. In many ways, it was a fraudalent effort to enrich the capitalistic bankers to have big returns on financial interest, without the risk--because much was backed by federal government lending insurance progam.
Owning a home is not a good idea for everyone and is certainly should not be defined as a measure of success or failure. I own my own mortgage free home but I will never own another home. When one buys a home, one is tempted to buy much more costly space than one needs; when you rent, you tend to "buy" with rent, much less space to survive, which is less costly to own with maintenance and furnishings.
Now that I am single senior, I would prefer to have the freedom to move when I want to leave; I want to be able to say good bye to some miserables neighbors instead of living by them for decades. I want to change my environment--just for the idea of a refreshing change. When the roof leaks and the toilet backs up, all I want to do is call the owner or move! I want to stop accumulating possessions because I have to fill a house. I want a very small, simple abode that does not own me, with no goods that possess me. I want to own no real estate and have it own me; but I want to own a real state of peace, tranquility and
livecontent.
Such a great post, with true wisdom. In a few years I want the same thing (your final paragraph). I just wish there were some really good, affordable rental options for seniors. We have to rent either at full market value or try to qualify for subsidized housing--nothing in between! Seems like some developer could make something up for us, SOON.
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I think I was thinking that this thread is the "Retiring on a Shoestring" thread.
