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Keeper, we found ourselves in the same position. My husband has been working for a number of years as an agent of change for companies who have to improve their bottom line.
The only problem is that after 3 years or so once DH has done just that for them, his job is over. The last one was at 62 years old. Where do you go from there?
He decided he was done with the ratrace and wanted to take early retirement. We felt that we could easily manage that, sell the big house and move closer to family where the COL was lower.
BOOM! The housing market fell apart, so here we are 2 years later still trying to sell that big house, no closer to family, paying way too much for everything in our metro area and using our retirement savings to live on - about 3 yrs. before we wanted.
But, cutting back on the trips, dinners out, new cars, etc. we are making it work and have found that we are not missing much at all. We have cut our expenses, even with a mortgage, about 35 % over the last 2 yrs. and are kind of enjoying the challenge of seeing how far we can push it even lower.
Where there is the will - or necessity - it can be done and without too much pain if you work with what you've got.
I live in AL on less than 2K a month. Of course, it is a small town but you can still find a all brick older home in the 80K range and sometimes less. Not brand new or fancy but in a nice neighborhood. Rent here is also amazingly cheap. Apts start at $325.00 for a 1bd/1ba a month in a nice complex. I rarely drive over 3 miles for anything.
I also buy food from Angel food network, a box of food cost $30.00 worth $60.00 which last me a month or more. I then only buy staples and dog/cat food and then more dog food.
Last edited by Keeper; 06-13-2008 at 07:35 AM..
Reason: added
gemkeeper.. I know housing market has gotten a little better in FL. so there is hope.
Funny thing is at first after I sold my house, I thought, I should have asked for more especially since the house across the street from me sold for $20K more if you deduct the realtor fee. I am glad I didn't hold out now, with my luck I would still be sitting in FL waiting to sell paying a monthly mgt
Some can live on social security alone, but many who have to, live in poverty. According to the Boston College Center for Retirement Research, those most vulnerable are women who have no husband. 28.2% of them live in poverty in retirement, whether they are single, divorced, or widowed.
I think it's shameful that we don't have more services for retired women who have to choose between heat and food. I see them out of the streets, too, and it breaks my heart.
I am also trying to find the best place to retire on $2K per month SS. Anyone got any ideas where I need go move.
Same here. I don't know but here is what I take into consideration: state tax structure (do they tax SS income?); property taxes (important if you don't rent); will doctors in the area accept new Medicare patients?
These are all important factors on a fixed income.
It might be very tough in the US on $2000 a month. You may want to look into Panama where the COL and health care cost is lower.
Some can live on social security alone, but many who have to, live in poverty. According to the Boston College Center for Retirement Research, those most vulnerable are women who have no husband. 28.2% of them live in poverty in retirement, whether they are single, divorced, or widowed.
I think it's shameful that we don't have more services for retired women who have to choose between heat and food. I see them out of the streets, too, and it breaks my heart.
What a screwed-up society we are.
I agree with you Sal. I think it would be far better to forego the Obama "world poverty tax" that the house and senate are working on that would tax each American family $8 grand, and help our own for a change.
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