[getoutearly]

Thanks Whoda. *Staying around for the healthcare is my base case. *Having worked for the same major international company for 24 yrs, I have gotten spoiled with the very good benefits. *Getting used to not having them will be a big adjustment in itself. *My biggest fear would be to do something rash, and leave too early. *

The way I am looking at it, there should be absolutely nothing holding me there after 50 (except maybe my wife not being completely sure she wants me around the house more often; as it is, I put in some pretty long days away from the house with an hour + commute each way. *Another top reason for getting out early.).

All in all, I'm definitely not whining about my situation. *Based on everything I read, I'm better off than 90% of the country - on an FI basis. *Just want to make sure I learn the best way to manage my investments and expenses once I get to the RE stage. *

Need to also make sure my wife is on board with the concepts. *She doesn't want to even have to worry about it. *Luckily, she doesn't have extravagent needs either. *No new cars every year, no lavish house (very comfortable in a great neighborhood, but not a showpiece). *

What kills us (me actually, doesn't seem to bother her!) is the nickel and dime expenditures each month. *With no car payments, no credit card debt, and only a $1000/mo oultay for a mortgage, including taxes and insurance, it really shouldn't cost us ~$55k/yr in living expenses (IMHO). *All this on a $100k+ salary (mine; she stays at home). *Still allows me to max out on 401k investments, put $1k/mo into college funds, and should be able to pay the house off with future income surplus over the next 4.5 yrs.

We don't actually have a "budget". *Which used to bother me (actually, still kind of does if I am honest about it). *Recently, I ready a book (can't remembr which one) which basically said, "budgets" don't work anyway; they're like diets, eventually you fall off of them into binge spending. *The trick was to make conscious decisions about what you buy. *The real trick is to be able to actually talk with your partner about it!!

Looking back, I realize I should probably take this to another part of the message board (maybe an online financial psychologist?!). *

Thanks for listenning, and the help. *