I retired when I was 35. I went about it a bit differently than most. I was fortunate enough to learn about debt at a very early age and have managed to totally avoid it. I was figuring my budget and expenses one day and it dawned on me that if I didn't have work expenses and could concentrate on being frugal.....I could quit work. Eureka!
Since then I have managed to live on less than I had coming in and have let things snowball. I've also received some windfalls that I've been able to well utilize because I have no debt. When I say I have no debt I mean none. My only expenses are utilities, car insurance, and groceries. For me, no debt has been the key. Another key component is that I am no longer married to a man that had every dollar pre-spent.
I travel a lot and often spend winters in Mexico or occasionally a whole year. I enjoy learning Spanish, eating fabulous food and spending time on the beach.
I was really excited to find this forum. It seems like I am the only person I know that retired early and I look forward to seeing what we all have in common. I have the feeling it is attitude as much as anything.
Since then I have managed to live on less than I had coming in and have let things snowball. I've also received some windfalls that I've been able to well utilize because I have no debt. When I say I have no debt I mean none. My only expenses are utilities, car insurance, and groceries. For me, no debt has been the key. Another key component is that I am no longer married to a man that had every dollar pre-spent.
I travel a lot and often spend winters in Mexico or occasionally a whole year. I enjoy learning Spanish, eating fabulous food and spending time on the beach.
I was really excited to find this forum. It seems like I am the only person I know that retired early and I look forward to seeing what we all have in common. I have the feeling it is attitude as much as anything.