How Did You Get There and When Did You Start

[arky]

Yes, it's possible.

Yes, it's possible cscott711. I was 40 with a net worth of close to zero. A good job (engineer at a Megacorp) and determination were the keys. Paid off the house at 43 and started serious saving and maxed out the 401K. By the time I was 55 I could have retired but I worked part time (27 hrs/wk) for two more years, just to get the feel of retired life ! Pulled the plug in Aug of 2007 and have not looked back. So I can speak to one case of going from essentially zero to retirement in 15 years. In your case, that would put you in your mid-forties.

Good luck !

 

[cscott711]

Thanks everyone! I didn't expect that many responses, but it has provided some great insight and helped to clearly portray the level of commitment it will take. I love a good challenge and I'll get to tackle this one for years to come.