<![CDATA[Early Retirement & Financial Independence Community - Life after FIRE]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/ Where to live, where to visit, etc. Move to other countries? Retire to a cruising yacht, or to an RV, and travel far and wide while keeping costs low? en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:42:44 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/images/early_r/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Early Retirement & Financial Independence Community - Life after FIRE]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/ How do you accomplish your evening meal? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/how-do-you-accomplish-your-evening-meal-47375-new-post.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:16:10 GMT When you cook dinner on an average night do you: 1. Look through recipes and then go shopping for all the needed ingredients for the chosen dish.... When you cook dinner on an average night do you:

1. Look through recipes and then go shopping for all the needed ingredients for the chosen dish.
2. Go to the store and buy what looks good and hope you have whatever other ingredients needed on hand at home.
3. Buy everything precooked/packaged/canned.
4. Cook so simple I don't use any ingredients other than the raw meat/fish or vegetable so I don't use recipes.
5. Have at least one weeks meals selected in advance with everything needed and buy everthing in one shopping trip.
6. Usually eat out.
7. Just sit down at the table and wait for someone to serve it up.
8. Don't care about food, cooking or recipes, I just scrounge up what I can, when and where I can. ]]> Life after FIRE cashflo2u2 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/how-do-you-accomplish-your-evening-meal-47375.html When your 30 something child asks for money- what is response? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/when-your-30-something-child-asks-for-money-what-is-response-47368-new-post.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:20:04 GMT Our 30+ child (single) asked for $2,000 in order to help with refinancing an existing mortgage. The refinancing is an optional event. On one hand we... Our 30+ child (single) asked for $2,000 in order to help with refinancing an existing mortgage. The refinancing is an optional event. On one hand we think it is beyond the time when retirees like us should be asked to help out with money, but on the other hand we want to help our children. This is a first time request. Any comments welcome. ]]> Life after FIRE cashflo2u2 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/when-your-30-something-child-asks-for-money-what-is-response-47368.html Any input on NC? Other possible re-location suggestions? Have a few requirements http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/any-input-on-nc-other-possible-re-location-suggestions-have-a-few-requirements-47342-new-post.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:57:26 GMT If you read the other recent post in this section, we are seriously contemplating a relocation for a variety of reasons, foremost being weather...we... If you read the other recent post in this section, we are seriously contemplating a relocation for a variety of reasons, foremost being weather...we are in Northern Ohio and hate it.

NC has been at the top of our list, and we have visited 9and liked) the raleigh durham area. The MAIN concern for us is living within 50 miles or so of a LOT of perople, as we will be relocating 2 existing service based businesses. We are very successful in both right now, and are drawing from about 2.5 million people in a 50 mi radius.

Does somewhere between Raleigh and Greensboro seem to fit that description? Like....Burlington or thereabouts? Anyone live in that area?

We are looking for a modest home, preferably a 1500 sf ranch with basement, and over 1/2 acre of land. That is all. Schools are important too. Like to get in for under 120k. If this comes to fruition, I would not hesitate to buy a full on rehab and re-do the house before the family comes down to get a better deal.

Ideas? Input?

We'd like to be a bit closer to the coast than Raleigh, but can deal with a 3-4 hr drive...we'd prefer 2 hrs or so, but dont want to be ON the coast for fear of flooding and more severe hurricane issues.

We arent totally set on NC, but definately need to move south of where we are, and want to be within a 10-12 mile or so drive of AKRON OH.

EDIT: Oh yea, within 15 or 20 miles of a walmart would be super! i'm serious. ]]> Life after FIRE thefed http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/any-input-on-nc-other-possible-re-location-suggestions-have-a-few-requirements-47342.html Deciding WHEN to to make final move, location, timing w kids schooling etc. http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/deciding-when-to-to-make-final-move-location-timing-w-kids-schooling-etc-47330-new-post.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:56:54 GMT My wife and I are torn, but contemplate moving to a warmer climate...possibly somewhere within an hour or 2 from the ocean and within a day drive of... My wife and I are torn, but contemplate moving to a warmer climate...possibly somewhere within an hour or 2 from the ocean and within a day drive of the rest of family (OH). This puts me in VA, NC, or SC....and we've always talked about and loved NC. This is a longer term goal....but are unsure whether or not to do it before or after our kids graduate, ages 4 and 2

We're both self employed in service related industries and are confident we could re-establish ourselves and businesses quite easily. But we're not sure about not seeing kids and the possibility of grandkids. If we wait til after the kids are 18, whats the likelyhood theyd want to leave everything they know and start again near us? If they have grandkids, we want to be around. As such, our idea would be to go before they graduate, probably when still in gradeschool to make it more likely they'd plant roots near us :angel: Certainly a long-term relationship with kids is do-able, but we'd rather avoid that of course.

Not sure if this is a question or comment, but we are torn. ]]> Life after FIRE thefed http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/deciding-when-to-to-make-final-move-location-timing-w-kids-schooling-etc-47330.html ER checklist http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/er-checklist-47329-new-post.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:37:19 GMT Here's the deal, I'm 48 and in 4 years time the mortgage will be paid off and I'll be able to ER comfortably. I'm starting to think what life will be like without the warm fuzzy blanked of employment....ie none of those benefit things. I'm set as far as health insurance goes as I live in MA and the state has worked with insurers to provide some reasonable plans. But what other things should I be doing to get ready for the big day. What's your checklist to prepare. here are a few I have

1) Join AARP at 50
2) Buy health insurance
3) consolidate finances, set up CD ladder
............ ]]> Life after FIRE nun http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/er-checklist-47329.html <![CDATA[Former employer won't let me go!]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/former-employer-wont-let-me-go-47275-new-post.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:42:38 GMT I hadn't planned for this reaction:

I retired last Friday, and I had given my boss two months notice, though he ignored it until last Thursday when he assigned me a three month long project and told me I had to finish it before I could leave (he wasn't kidding, either... just one of those jerks). Obviously I said no thanks, I leave tomorrow.

So then Friday he said "well, we're going to need you to keep helping us, because you're the only one who knows X Y Z".

I replied "I just spent the last solid year training everybody and documenting everything I know, it's all on the server in folder ABC"

Then he said "but nobody knows [the product] as well as you," and I told him I'm sure they'll get up to speed.

Then he got me in a trap: he said "But you're not doing anything... why can't you just help us if we have a question?"

I said something like "because that's the nature of quitting" and he stared at me like I was a self-centered jerk ("You won't even answer questions if somebody gets stuck on something?")

So I had to say sure, if someone gets stuck on something, email me the question and I'll see if I can answer it. I didn't want to leave being a "self centered jerk."

So today they send me a full legal consulting agreement "they need me to sign and send back today." It has my old job description in the 'statement of work' and says I'm contractually obligated for the next 12 months to work on whatever they task me with, for an hourly rate that equals my old salary, up to 1500 hours!

I told the contracting person they misunderstood, I said I'd just answer a question here and there. They said I can't do that, I have to agree to the non-disclosure and non-compete and carry insurance and agree to be tasked with things and this and that.

So I told them no thanks, bye! But geez now I feel like a jerk for not wanting to "help" my coworkers.

Just venting! But God I'm glad I'm gone from that chaotic mess of a company!

:greetings10:

Oh and today I went to the book store and just browsed around for a few hours! I hadn't done that in years! It was great! ]]> Life after FIRE Kabekew http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/former-employer-wont-let-me-go-47275.html DRINKERs (Dual Retirement Income No-Kids Early Retirement) http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/drinkers-dual-retirement-income-no-kids-early-retirement-47259-new-post.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:18:04 GMT Looking for a discussion with DRINKERS (we are pre-DRINKER, but only slightly). Looking for words of encouragement or foreboding from 60-80+... Looking for a discussion with DRINKERS (we are pre-DRINKER, but only slightly).

Looking for words of encouragement or foreboding from 60-80+ year old DRINKERs.

Advice? ]]> Life after FIRE Kroeran http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/drinkers-dual-retirement-income-no-kids-early-retirement-47259.html Want2retire is retired! http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/want2retire-is-retired-47241-new-post.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:20:16 GMT I used to be known as Want2retire on this forum, but today is my retirement day so I had my username changed. Since so many people call me W2R for... I used to be known as Want2retire on this forum, but today is my retirement day so I had my username changed. Since so many people call me W2R for short, it seemed like a good choice. Besides, "Wonderful2Retire" is just too long to suit me! :laugh:

I have completed my "to do" list here at work and have erased it off my whiteboard. All I have left to do is to turn in my badge, parking permit, and exit clearance on the way out the door.

It is SO FANTASTIC to make a long term plan and to finally implement it! I really appreciate the support all of you have given me through the years.

And as for the inevitable "How does it feel?":

:dance::clap::dance::clap::dance::clap:!!! :dance::clap::dance::clap:!!!
]]> Life after FIRE W2R http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/want2retire-is-retired-47241.html Got an email from former co-w*rkers http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/got-an-email-from-former-co-w-rkers-47157-new-post.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:56:48 GMT When I FIRE'd a couple of years ago, I turned a chapter in my life and w*rk life was in the rear view mirror.

Today, is my birthday. Upon checking my email, I received an email from my former co-w*rkers. It sad nothing more than "Happy Birthday".

I'm undecided, do I just ignore the email and move on? Or do I courteusly reply and say 'thank you' for the birthday wish.

I'm I reading more into the email, thinking the email may be more than just a birthday wish?

Wondering if others have had a similar situation and what came about an email from former co-w*rkers. ]]> Life after FIRE easysurfer http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/got-an-email-from-former-co-w-rkers-47157.html AirBnB room / house rentals http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/airbnb-room-house-rentals-47141-new-post.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:56:15 GMT Anybody every try this ? Seems like a neat / cheap way to travel.

Official B&B's are often more expensive than hotel rooms.
Craigslist rentals scare me with fraud possibilities.
Couchsurfing seems too creepy.

This website seems to be a mix of all.

Staying With Newfound Friends, for a Fee - Frugal Traveler Blog - NYTimes.com

AirBnB: Vacation rentals, private rooms, sublets by the night

I found this great bargain through AirBnB.com, a Web site started in 2007 that connects budget travelers with locals who are offering anything from an air mattress in their living room to a private bedroom in a luxury loft — for a fee. It’s a cross between CouchSurfing.com and the vacation rentals section of Craigslist. ]]> Life after FIRE Delawaredave5 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/airbnb-room-house-rentals-47141.html Home Appliance Replacement Costs http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/home-appliance-replacement-costs-47127-new-post.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:57:23 GMT For those Er'd or near, what are your estimated replacement costs for:

Roof

Furnace

Water Heater

Plumbing

Electrical

Structural

Are there any other major replacement items you've encountered and their costs. ]]> Life after FIRE ferco http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/home-appliance-replacement-costs-47127.html Year One - Where did it go? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/year-one-where-did-it-go-47094-new-post.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:12:17 GMT Friday marked my 1 year retirement anniversary. Wow, time flies. Here is how I see my progress in terms of the three areas I wanted to work on this... Friday marked my 1 year retirement anniversary. Wow, time flies. Here is how I see my progress in terms of the three areas I wanted to work on this year.

HEALTH - Take care of myself/Get in Shape – Well I have lost more than 10 pounds, I’m determined to get off of my blood pressure and cholesterol meds. Diabetes runs in my family, and I want to do what I can to keep from developing it, as long as possible. Only 20 lbs to go! Fitness wise, I’m back at biking about 7.5 miles a day, as well as walking about 2 miles. I will start jogging again as well, DW and I are going to join either the fitness center at Patrick AFB or a local gym. Eating better as well, one thing we found is to eat our big meal at lunch time. Many times at Dinner we just have salad or ice cream (oops, we’re trying!

FINANCES Budget, Stop spending so much time watching stocks/worrying about finances – well not doing to well on this one. I created a budget and bought quicken with the intent to stay on top of actual expenses etc. Not doing so well, with the monitoring part, spending too much time watching the stock market instead. Still spending several hours a day, really just wasting time on-line. I realize how counter productive this is, but its almost like a compulsive disorder. I’m hoping that by staying busier doing other things I can cut this time out of my day. The worrying part, I compounded by buying the vacation rental earlier in the year. Because I did not have a lot of cash on hand, I sold some stock at a loss, which I spent the rest of the year so far watching them recover a great deal of their price….oh well. I also canceled one of my whole life polices to use for upgrade expenses on the property. Managing the rental is now my job, as my wife said she already is working (at home travel agent). Still concerned with LTC and whether our strategy is sound for dealing with it.



MINDSET – Stop worrying/whining/procrastinating – I keep telling myself that I can stop worrying, that life is good. I guess I’m still working on the changing my mindset. It seems that I can always find something to worry about. My problem is I just don’t like surprises and try to wargame everything. Which contributes to my knack for procrastinating. Stop procrastinating – I’ll have to get back on this one, very hard to do, maybe I’ll do better next year.



This year, besides continuing to work on these areas, I want to focus on doing more "dates" with DW rather than just the routine out to eat nights. Also, want to volunteer more than the 100 hrs or so I did last year. We also want to travel a bit more, taking advantage of some of the great travel deals available.


Jim



Jim ]]> Life after FIRE jimnjana http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/year-one-where-did-it-go-47094.html Florida Active Living http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/florida-active-living-47084-new-post.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:59:20 GMT Does anyone live in a golfing, 55+ active living community in Florida that is NOT THE VILLAGES? Would be interested in hearing how you like it,... Does anyone live in a golfing, 55+ active living community in Florida that is NOT THE VILLAGES?

Would be interested in hearing how you like it, where it is etc. Did you consider the Villages and decide against it? Happy where you are?

Thanks. We like the Villages but might want something a little less Disneyesque. ]]> Life after FIRE inkitnow http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/florida-active-living-47084.html Worked 3 days http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/worked-3-days-47042-new-post.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:32:16 GMT Done for awhile, I worked through this backlog, and trained someone. Actually this is not bad, since I do not have to worry about the following... Done for awhile, I worked through this backlog, and trained someone.
Actually this is not bad, since I do not have to worry about the following stuff. People,Iso,customers,salesmen/saleswomen,research reports, production,JDE,product safety,meetings,budgets,marketing people,field engineers,foreign affiliates,competition,and of course the global matrix.
Just have to worry about how cold my VO Manhattan is.
Old Mike
PS: It's cold and oh so smooth. ]]> Life after FIRE mf15 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/worked-3-days-47042.html First Day Back to Work http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/first-day-back-to-work-47012-new-post.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:10:23 GMT Not too bad, my legs hurt from standing all day doing testing. Sitting on my butt for the past year, the legs are in schock. It was deja vu all... Not too bad, my legs hurt from standing all day doing testing.
Sitting on my butt for the past year, the legs are in schock.
It was deja vu all over again.
Actually worked for free, had to go to the eye doc, that was $300 with new glasses,wife went to dentist don't know what that cost with
xrays,so I am negative for the day.
But who cares, having a large VO Manhattan right now.
Old Mike
PS: They got rid of all us old F**ts that knew what we were doing and hired 14 VP's, go figure. ]]> Life after FIRE mf15 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/first-day-back-to-work-47012.html