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I used to work with a number of people that became giddy with excitement over newer, more powerful computers (or just about any other electronic toy). To me, computers are simply tools, like a hammer. Unfortunately, unlike hammers they tend to generate ever more work just to keep them running...

Dex: Don't feel bad, prior to leaving my job a few months ago I went to 100% cash in my 401k...Not my only equity exposure but still irritating >:( IMO this may not be the best time to correct the imbalance since it feels like chasing an aging bull but that's just me and my DMT record isn't...

I enjoy lapidary and would like to do more writing though lack o' talent may limit the latter.

I agree, this makes no sense...why would the Supreme being of the universe care what an insignificant human thinks...Ego? Low self esteem? ???

Heck, If it's so painless why not volunteer to pay the extra SS tax...why wait? ;D

I believe that Roth assets are potentially more valuable in that they do not cause your SS benefits to be taxed at higher levels the way that conventional IRA's do. See old threads on the Scott Burns "Tax Torpedo" effect...

Exactly. Still, it seems wise to allow for some form of means based benefit cuts for those under 55. I'd rather plan for a 25% cut in my personal SS benefits and a doubling of Medicare costs...then be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't happen.

Does that include the cost of Medicare it's self?

I think it's analogous to taking on more risk in order to obtain a higher investment return...sure, you can live cheap, until the locals decide to tar and feather all the Yankee imperialists ;D It's worth considering if you understand the risks.

Aha! So that explains it :D I struggle to understand when I see large suburban areas where every single home is in the $500k to $1MM range...Maybe a lot of these people are house poor but you would never guess it based on appearences. There seems to be a lot of prosperity out there. I used to...

Maybe so, though I think there are lots of reasons. At first more and better stuff is a fun way to keep score. Later, after we become disenchanted with the grind it can become a way to reward ourselves for sticking with it. I find that my need for cool stuff has diminised greatly since leaving...

You guys are making my brain hurt...there are too many variables here: ROR, Longevity, Inflation, Taxes, SWR, personal goals, etc. I think this problem is way too complex to "talk out" a reliable solution. Surely there is some powerful software available that can accurately model this problem? :)

Some interesting points being made here...I especially like 2B and Cut-Throat's discussion about how waiting to take SS at 70 is like buying a 9.5% annuity. Very compelling. Even better, you are not giving the 150k to an insurance company, more like loaning it to the SS system. I have to think...

A simple way to smooth out large fluctuations is also mentioned in the book (Work Less, Live More), you can cap year to year changes at 10%... for example in a down year you still get to take 90% of the previous years draw. This method ignores whatever inflation might be doing but it is easy to use.

I'm planning to start with about 4%, which should drop slightly after SS kicks in at 65 or so. The bigger question in my mind is whether to go with automatic inflation adjustments, or a straight percentage as ESR Bob seems to advocate in his book. As others have mentioned, I can't imagine...

This goes to the questions I have about consulting work...pays well but a PITA to line up jobs. You need to be "on retainer" to have a steady income but then you are always on call. Flipping burgers anyone?

I see no point in frugality except as a means to an end...If I won the lottery all this LBYM crap would dissapear in a heartbeat ;D

Along with anticipated withdrawal rate, another good question would be inflation adjusted vs straight percentage draw, etc.

I take low dose Lipitor and it takes me down from 200+ to 165 or so...even if there is only a 1 in 10 chance it will prevent a heart attack that seems like a good idea to me, even though there is no such history in the family. Also take BP meds but since leaving work I feel far less stressed...

Both my parents would be shocked if they were still alive. They were pretty much of the "work and save until you die" mentality...spending of any kind was to be avoided. I cannot go down that same road.

I stand corrected...was exaggerating to make a point :) I understand the LBYM thing, (I are one) but I'd like to see actual numbers on how many people with modest incomes actually get to $1MM of investable assets. It's not so easy. Obviously, some manage it but my sense is that savings...

IMO many (if not most) of the people who have managed to accumulate that much capital are also accustomed to living pretty well. While 40k/yr may be very doable in some areas, for many it would feel very tight, especially for a couple. No one likes the sensation of barely keeping your head above...

I was raised in New England but have lived in TX for many yrs and now TN...I have never quite gotten over the feeling of being a stranger in a strange land. I used to think TX was over the top with the "God, guns, and football" orientation but hey, it was just a warmup for TN. Plenty of...

On an old thread I proposed defining generic ER for a couple 50 yrs of age as $1MM liquid, plus cars and a house all paid for. FWIW there weren't too many takers at that time though it still seems doable.

In regard to downsizing, we used to have about 3000 sq ft but I think around 2000' would be just fine. After looking at a number of houses we're running into a different issue. It's proving hard to find a modern home in this size range that we actually like. Builders usually put bigger more...