<![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 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:52:29 GMT vBulletin 60 http://cdn.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/ One Spouse ER, the Other Not? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/one-spouse-er-the-other-not-51928.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:21:01 GMT I have seen several members talk about being retired while there spouse continues to w*rk. I am in a similar situation. My SW w*rks part time from... I have seen several members talk about being retired while there spouse continues to w*rk. I am in a similar situation. My SW w*rks part time from home. We now joke that since I am retired, she automatically became semi-retired rather than part-time. I have taken on several household duties. I actually make the bed most days. I do the grocery shopping and cook dinner fro the family. All things she did when I was w*rking. I have managed to start some projects around the house and actually finish some of them.

Still, most weekdays she is in her office, w*rking away for for half the day while I cruise forums and blog, watch Fox News, go fishing, smoke cigars, play guitar, sit on my front porch and chase kids off my lawn and complain about the government, etc. (just kidding, I don't have a lawn;D). she seems to be fine with it and has said as much. She knows she had it good for a lot of years while I commuted and hour to a j*b I had grown to loathe. Not that her part-time w*rk is all wine and roses, but it was part-time and at home.

Now people ask her if I am driving her crazy. She tells them she loves having me around. The kids bug me instead of interrupting her in the office. She says I am much happier and less grumpy. The household stuff I have taken on makes her life much easier. So many people predicted she would hate having me around. So far anyway, nothing could be further from the truth. However, sometimes it makes me feel a little guilty that I get to have all the fun and she has to w*rk.

Not really looking for advice. Just wondering how this all worked out for others whose spouse kept working. How about just suddenly spending all day together? Any problems? Slice of heaven or little bit of hell? ]]> Life after FIRE flyfishnevada http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/one-spouse-er-the-other-not-51928.html One more step for man... http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/one-more-step-for-man-51919.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:42:20 GMT My replacement at work started yesterday. I am being deliciously ignored (well, OK, it does bring me a twinge of nostalgia), and by the end of the... My replacement at work started yesterday. I am being deliciously ignored (well, OK, it does bring me a twinge of nostalgia), and by the end of the month I will terminate all scheduled duties. I'll stay on the roster for HR purposes til end of October to collect an incentive payout from the 2010 academic year.

So help me out on some details: I anticipate a big drop in income in 2011 but will still stay in a highish (probably 28%) tax bracket that year due to final payouts after Jan. In other words, I think it would be best tax-wise to defer any income to 2012.

1. I have a 403b and 401A which will be rolled over to my IRA after complete termination.

2. My 457 (nongovernment) can be taken as a lump sum any time between about Jan 2011 to 8 years out (age 70.5). I think I will leave it where it is, though I heard that private 457 money is subject to the financial stability of the employer.

3. I have an unused time-off payout which will need to be taken in 2011. Straight income in a high tax year, alas.

4. The institute that I consult for in Las Vegas 5 days a month has made me a part-time employee rather than a 1099 consultant (it's an inducement to stay around, higher benefits, etc). Effective Jan 2 I can participate in their 403b. I am thinking about maxing that out by front-loading my entire paycheck for a couple of months, including a small match. That should help keep earned income lower in 2011.

5. I plan to convert all my qualified money to an equity indexed variable fixed living and death benefit inflation adjusted annuity. ... Just kidding.


Any flaws? Am I missing any angles (financial or otherwise)? ]]> Life after FIRE Rich_in_Tampa http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/one-more-step-for-man-51919.html For your quick reading pleasure http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/for-your-quick-reading-pleasure-51914.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:32:32 GMT Live Longer And Prosper | Big Questions...]]> Live Longer And Prosper | Big Questions Online

Interesting premise - I seem to remember Nords mentioned Marc Freedman and his book Encore in another thread. This particular author considers the ideas in Encore valid, but the assumptions regarding the resources and means of resources incorrect - i.e. one must continue working into their 80s or so - notice the comment about the economics of the situation.

The Longevity Dividend - Forbes.com

is another article on living/working longer - Glenn Reynolds is one prolific blogger. I live in Europe and notice that's he's posting on his blog at 0230 his time....(0830 my time).

I don't know if I truly agree with the above articles. I haven't read Mr Freedman's book (not available at my library yet), so I don't know what his contention is regarding economic remuneration for one's work after 'retirement.' I do realize that one needs something to 'drive' them forward to live a fulfilling life - it's just being able to determine what you think is fulfilling versus someone else - i.e. you spend your time on what's important to you and not on amassing a barter mechansim for your time (don't know if that's the right terminology - I mean exchanging your time for money which is used later on to acquire things or experiences).

However, on a macro perspective, they are probably correct - just for the sheer survivability of most people in the US (and in some other countries) in that they haven't learned to 'save' their barter mechanism for the future over a long period of time. ]]> Life after FIRE deserat http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/for-your-quick-reading-pleasure-51914.html <![CDATA[You know, I really don't care for Pot Luck Dinners!]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/you-know-i-really-dont-care-for-pot-luck-dinners-51831.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:26:59 GMT Especially if it's a large group, and especially if it's a weekly thing.

I don't mind if it's a small group of close friends for a special occasion - that can be really enjoyable if you somewhat coordinate the menu.

This weekly pot-luck thing is part of our retirement community. There were very few people over the summer (the very few folks left is actually why it got started), and we went to a couple. The one after Hurricane Alex was kind of fun, because we took pictures of "the survivors". We went again several weeks later, and it was OK. It was fun to visit with the few other folks because we were the only ones in our quarter of the development, and we really hadn't seen anyone else for a while. Well, until after dinner people just wanted to sit around and gab non-stop, and then we just had to excuse ourselves because we had other things to do that evening.

Then we didn't go to any more. The fact was, we were usually running errands on Friday afternoons, trying to get that last missing part so we could finish our house projects over the weekend. Or we were doing some last minute furniture shopping. Friday evening was just not convenient for us.

Now a lot more people are back, and since we are interested in talking to some of the new returnees more, I was seriously considering attending tomorrow. It has a Chinese theme, and so I thought I would make a run to the Chinese restaurant for a few servings of shrimp lo-mien, as I don't currently have Chinese in my cooking repertoire, and my kitchen is still a work in progress although pretty functional.

But about an hour ago I decided that I really don't care for pot-lucks, and that for that reason we should simply plan not to participate in the future. And if asked whether we are coming on Friday, instead of our usual "oh, we're so busy running errands" or whatever. I think we'll just have to come out of the closet and more or less say that we just really aren't into pot-luck dinners and that's why we don't participate.

I'm sure people will figure out that we are only occasional participants in the community's social activities, so no reason to act any different now just because a lot of people are back.

You know, I really enjoy socializing over good food. It's a great family tradition. But I've decided community pot-lucks don't fit that category for me.

Anyone identify? (heh, heh with all the introverts here, I expect I am not alone).

Audrey ]]> Life after FIRE audreyh1 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/you-know-i-really-dont-care-for-pot-luck-dinners-51831.html RV/truck camper http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/rv-truck-camper-51802.html Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:47:55 GMT Hi Group, Have any of you used or owned a slid in truck camper? If so do you like them? Does the truck handle all right loaded up? I own a 5th... Hi Group,
Have any of you used or owned a slid in truck camper?
If so do you like them?
Does the truck handle all right loaded up?
I own a 5th wheel & a pop up now.
I have owned a travel trailer regular bumper hitch before but never the slid in type.
Just been thinking about the advantages & disadvantages of the slid in types lately.
I already own a dually pickup truck (diesel) that should handle anything made, I think.
Any experience or thoughts appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Steve ]]> Life after FIRE Stevewc http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/rv-truck-camper-51802.html <![CDATA[Finding the perfect "Second Act" after ER]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/finding-the-perfect-second-act-after-er-51781.html Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:03:44 GMT Midpack started a thread that got me thinking about finding the perfect second job after ER, and I was wondering if anyone has had any success with... Midpack started a thread that got me thinking about finding the perfect second job after ER, and I was wondering if anyone has had any success with this?




As I explained on his thread, I'm having trouble finding the perfect "Second Act" after 20 years in a fairly specialized position (running a car dealership), and after 1.5yrs in ER. The only things I've been able to come up with so far, unfortunately, are car business related:
  1. First, I did some active wholesaling with one of my old car business contacts for a short time. It was interesting getting out of the house, but it was not really worth the hours I had to put in for the amount of money made. Plus, it seemed too much like work since it was car business related, like I was just hanging on to my old career and had no imagination, if you know what I mean.
  2. I'm currently doing some inactive wholesaling right now, where I simply back some existing wholesalers with my money, and they go out and do all the work. This is better, because there is no demand on my time, but so far the money is pretty small and it's not actually that rewarding, because it's still in the car business for crying out loud!
It seems I've lost much of my childlike imagination over the years, and that's making it difficult to come up with interesting things to do. Or, when I do come up with something that sounds interesting to me........
Starting a Baja Fish Taco stand only on W-TH-FRI and only in the evenings and not during the summer so our kids can learn the value of work and earn some extra change but so we can still travel all summer!! (as I explain breathlessly and excitedly to anyone who will listen)

just sounds goofy as hell when I try to describe it to people (especially DW).

Anyhoo, just wondering if any other folks have had any success starting up something new in ER, and if so what kind of stuff did you have to go through to get it going?
]]> Life after FIRE cardude http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/finding-the-perfect-second-act-after-er-51781.html Exterminator / Termites http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/exterminator-termites-51780.html Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:55:15 GMT Our local exterminator does "termite bait control inspection" at the house every 3 months. The house is 3 years old. I'm not sure if this is some kind of perpetual rip-off or what. The house is on a slab. Does anyone have termite or exterminator experience. In addition, he does general external (house perimeter) exterminating every other month also.

My gut is this is a minor rip-off in the industry but I'm not sure....any opinions. ]]> Life after FIRE ferco http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/exterminator-termites-51780.html People of the Swamp http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/people-of-the-swamp-51758.html Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:03:05 GMT There is a special TV show on tonight (history channel- time 9 central) about the people of the swamp. Not sure I have the name of the show perfect... There is a special TV show on tonight (history channel- time 9 central) about the people of the swamp. Not sure I have the name of the show perfect but sounded interesting, considering everything that has happened to the Louisiana area in the last several years. I've been contemplating a trip to the area but I have never been there. Not sure right now is a good time with all the environmental things going on though.

Earth to W2R, you are the first person that comes to mind in the area.
Has there ever been a discussion on where to go, eat and stay in Na Leans on the forum? Do you know the thrifty but reasonably safe motels/hotels and all that?
What about camping areas, anything interesting going on with that?
I've just got to get out that way and try the gumbo, shrimp and oysters. I love good sea food.
Come on, fire up the taste buds & interest in this thread, with info for us all?
Steve ]]> Life after FIRE Stevewc http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/people-of-the-swamp-51758.html The Hemingway Solution - almost http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/the-hemingway-solution-almost-51711.html Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:38:22 GMT I've followed the journal of MSNBC.com sports columnist Mike Celizic over the past year - well, as best I could since he only published two entries prior to today. The subject matter wasn't very pretty (his battle with cancer) but I think his writing is great and he's often hilarious.

His first two entries can be found here:

Adventures in Cancerland, Part 1: The diagnosis
Adventures in Cancerland, Part 2: Lust for life

After months of silence, his third and probably final entry:

Cancer journal: A happy birthday despite grim news

I'd like to think given the same circumstances I'd make the same choice. I hope if I face something similar I will still be mentally coherent enough to make the decision rather than having my family make it. ]]> Life after FIRE REWahoo http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/the-hemingway-solution-almost-51711.html Relapse of the Dreads http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/relapse-of-the-dreads-51693.html Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:24:35 GMT I don't know what cause it, but over the last week I had a serious relapse of the dreads. It could have been that my son started two-a-day football practices. It made it so i had to take him and pick him up at a specific time. I also watched the PGA Championship on Sunday and that just brought back those Sunday afternoon feelings. Maybe it was just the death throws of old habits.

All I know was it sucked! It was good to remind myself it wasn't real, but sometimes stuff just gets a grip and won't let go. Pretty much over now, thankfully. :) ]]> Life after FIRE flyfishnevada http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/relapse-of-the-dreads-51693.html <![CDATA[Beautiful Day? Oh don't I know it.]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/beautiful-day-oh-dont-i-know-it-51669.html Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:04:34 GMT It's been darn hot and humid here for the past few weeks, but has finally cooled down a bit, so yesterday was great weather. Went over to visit my Mom last evening and as I was walking into her place, her neighbor happened to walk by. He's an older gentleman, probably in his late 70's. I don't really know him, but as he walked by I said hello and commented that it was a beautiful day. He threw up both of his arms, got a big huge smile on his face and let loose with "HA maybe nice for me, but not so nice for you. You gotta work!" Then he walked away. Since I haven't w*rked in several years, I just chuckled to myself and went on my way. Another small reminder of the joys of early retirement. ]]> Life after FIRE lowflyer http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/beautiful-day-oh-dont-i-know-it-51669.html Do I stay or do I go? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/do-i-stay-or-do-i-go-51628.html Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:48:32 GMT Always wanted to retire at 59. Now have the opportunity to do so at 57.5 with full bridging for full retirement. Moneynot the issue but concerned... Always wanted to retire at 59. Now have the opportunity to do so at 57.5 with full bridging for full retirement. Moneynot the issue but concerned about filling the time. Don't have a great plan-but lots of ideas. How concerned shou;d I be and how did yall do it?// JACK ]]> Life after FIRE Sullidc http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/do-i-stay-or-do-i-go-51628.html Where to go? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/where-to-go-51583.html Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:31:03 GMT My DH and I have been debating on where we will go when we retire. I say the a house by some sort of water and he wants to go to the country. I am... My DH and I have been debating on where we will go when we retire. I say the a house by some sort of water and he wants to go to the country. I am not one for bugs and nature and need people around me lol. How did you decide if you moved after you retired? ]]> Life after FIRE Livingwellin2010 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/where-to-go-51583.html Supporting grown-up kids after FIRE http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/supporting-grown-up-kids-after-fire-51569.html Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:51:34 GMT I've hinted at this in a couple of other posts, but I hope it's worth its own topic.

DW and I can probably afford our FIRE plans (currently: me to ESR mid-2013 at 52½ and do part-time/voluntary stuff, she to continue to 60 in 2017 with me cooking dinner for when she gets home!) and maintain our current spending levels, which will enable us to have a pretty good standard of living (expenses 95K/year, including 20K for house rental).

However, I would feel uneasy about being nicely off if our kids were having to struggle.

DS is 21 and starting his final undergraduate year; he may do two or three more years of higher education, most of which should be finance by grants. DD is 19 and has 3 more years of undergraduate studies to do, but we don't think she will continue in academia.

So by my ESR time, they will both be looking to really start out in real life. We're fairly confident that they will be living away from home, although we have no firm idea even of which country that will be in: we live in France, both are studying in the UK, DS likes the idea of Canada or Germany, DD (who is studying Italian and Russian) will have had a year in Italy and is a globetrotter generally. And of course, between now and 2013, either or both could have acquired a serious S/O and be planning kids faster than we thought.

So, in addition to helping them with the occasional meal out from our regular expenses :), it would seem to be "the right thing" to help them with a decent-sized financial contribution. DS is more of a homebody and perhaps we will want to help him with a down payment on an apartment (keeping ownership of that part of the property on our side of the line, especially if it's a joint purchase with a girlfriend). DD talks about starting a business.

It would be great - or at least, it feels from here that it would be great - to have 100-120K each, say, to put into a project for each of them. If I stayed on an extra 2½-3 years, that would be achievable. (I already have to come to terms with the fact that the day I leave, I will be walking away from 80-100K a year in terms of the difference to my end-year net wealth that each extra year at my well-paid, tenured work will make.)

My question, especially for those of you who have stopped working, is: how far do/did you plan to support your kids after they finished college/left home? At what point is "enough" enough? (If I stayed at work until 65, and put the excess above expenditure into a trust fund, I could probably have both children's future retirements provided for!) ]]> Life after FIRE BigNick http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/supporting-grown-up-kids-after-fire-51569.html