Retirement Expenses - Critique & Abuse Me!

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midpack Several people have said this, but I don't understand why? The gas cost includes all our driving, miles/yr isn't exorbitant for two people still working. What do others pay?

I think probably some of us just do not have the need to drive as many miles as the two of you drive. That's a lifestyle choice and I would imagine that your commuting probably requires that you drive a lot.

In answer to your question, as a single person, working until Nov 9th and then retired, my 2009 gas cost averaged $15/month. But, I didn't do much that required driving and I live just a mile or two from my former workplace. For 2008, it averaged $40/month and included the expenses of driving to Missouri for a hurricane evacuation.

[Alan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by simple girl How often do you get your haircut? DH goes only every 6 weeks, and it runs him about $20 (including tip).

Over 10 years ago we bought electric hair clippers from Walmart for $22 and DW still does my hair for nothing using those same clippers.

These days the clippers are set with the lowest setting attachment and she "mows" my head every week

[calmloki]

My gal uses scissors so we don't even have the electric cost.

A savings possibility - we just got Ooma VOIP phone system working - I think. Wanted a dedicated fax number and capability, so bought the premium plan for $10/month vs, no cost/month. Figure it will save us about $650 the first year after paying for the equipment, $830/year thereafter until Ooma goes out of business, changes it's fee schedule, or our box breaks. Quality at this point seems superior to Qwest landline.

[Rustic23]

I use a flowbee. Two advantages, I don't have to pay for hair cuts, and it embarrasses the heck out of my kids when I tell people.

[youbet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Over 10 years ago we bought electric hair clippers from Walmart for $22 and DW still does my hair for nothing using those same clippers.

If DW cuts the hair of the fella in your avatar, you might want to reconsider your strategy about haircuts.........

[kumquat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midpack We're at 38X the expenses shown, but I believe in plenty of safety factor

I think 38X has about a 50% inflation safety factor built in. On the other hand, if you live as cheaply as possible, your kids heirs will have a great ER.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midpack .....(the next 30-40 years could see drastic changes, health care & taxes, etc.) and we are perfectly happy living LBYM, always have been

If the next 30 - 40 years see these changes, why do you think it will affect you more than the rest of the country? You have a big cushion already. At some point the peasants will rebel, but you will only be up to a 4% SWR. If the rebellion is tin-foil hat serious, everyone is equally screwed.

[SecondCor521]

I think you're doing very well. I spend right at $60K per year; roughly 75-80% of that I expect to go away in retirement (taxes, child support, kid expenses), which puts me in the $12-$13K range for expenses.

Key differences between me and you:

1. I'm single and don't have to impress anyone with my house, my stuff, or my clothes.
2. I live in flyover country.
3. I scrimp. On everything.
4. I have one, older car (95 Toyota).
5. None of the $ numbers above include any accruals.

2Cor521