Can retire, but what will it be like?

[Nemo2]

I like to thrift/yard sale shop-may not be your bag, but you can REALLY save $ on gently used clothing.

DW, especially, usually wearing an XS or S, (when the tendency appears to be that new clothing is purchased and then weight is gained), often finds some great deals on almost new attire.

 

[W2R]

We live in a low cost of living area. When you don't have a large house payment (low mortgage or paid off), reduce your transportation costs (own only one car), and control your health ins. costs (Obamacare subs, or Medicare), it is quite easy in a LCOL area to get by on $50k or less. Others have mentioned cheap entertainment options. I would add Senior discount days at department stores to that list. I like to thrift/yard sale shop-may not be your bag, but you can REALLY save $ on gently used clothing.

You are so right about the low cost of retired life in a low COL area. And you're also right that some of us don't even spend much on clothing. I just checked my records, and buying all the clothing I want (mostly from Amazon or LandsEnd), I have only spent an average of $27/month on clothing and shoes for the past five years of retirement. I feel like I don't really have to impress management with how professional I look any more. "Retiree casual" will do in most contexts. Most of what I spend is on good shoes.

 

[brucethebroker]

DW, especially, usually wearing an XS or S, (when the tendency appears to be that new clothing is purchased and then weight is gained), often finds some great deals on almost new attire.

Yeah, I had to laugh one day at Goodwill. While standing in the checkout line, I realized my entire attire that particular day (except underwear) was used clothing. It's really incredible what is out there.

 

[Nemo2]

Yeah, I had to laugh one day at Goodwill. While standing in the checkout line, I realized my entire attire that particular day (except underwear) was used clothing. It's really incredible what is out there.

There's a little consignment store we frequent that often has, (for example), such things as used Eddie Bauer/Lands' End (or similar) shirts with a catalogue price of ~ $70 US plus applicable taxes, (in 'as new' condition) for around $5-$7 Canadian ($3.75-$5.25 US), no tax added.

Consequently I have shirts that I've never worn...."Coz I loves me a bargoon".

 

[Moemg]

With my luck if I went shopping at goodwill I would probably buy back something I donated .

 

[NW-Bound]

Have not been to thrift stores in a while, but on a couple of occasions I happened to visit while they had a special sale on hardware, tools, and electronics. I was able to pick up a few things that I could fix up and use, and they cost me $1 per piece. A heck of a good deal for a handyman.

 

[Marita40]

I was looking for an old pot for a project and went to Goodwill for the first time in a long time. To my surprise, I found a big armful of good quality clothes in perfect condition (most looked never worn) and which fit me well: Calvin Klein dress, Banana Republic dress, Pendleton wool blazer, etc. It just happened to be a sale day of some type. Along with the pot my total bill came to about $14.00. I'm still amazed at that!

 

[Scuba]

The Discovery Shop (American Cancer Society) has very nice used clothing and household items.

 

[kimcdougc]

We have been retired (2) plus years now. I have had a budget since the day we got married. We currently live on between 60 and 70 per year. $24,000 of that per year is for health insurance and any bills we might get from the Dr./dentist.

We travel in the US in our paid for RV 3 to 4 months out of the year. Do "fly" vacations 2 to 3 times a year. Eat out 5 to 6 times a week (look for good deals doing that).

We go to free concerts and see quite famous people at the casino near by. Buy clothes twice a year. Rent my daughters 2 bedroom house after selling her our house.

Have 2 relatively new vehicles. 2013 Truck and a 2015 car. (All paid for)

Pretty much do what we want when we want. I volunteer at the local community center once a week with a great group of ladies. (When in town) DH volunteers with the humane society once a week.

We could cut back if needed, but why?

 

[FIREmenow]

I was looking for an old pot for a project and went to Goodwill for the first time in a long time. To my surprise, I found a big armful of good quality clothes in perfect condition (most looked never worn) and which fit me well: Calvin Klein dress, Banana Republic dress, Pendleton wool blazer, etc. It just happened to be a sale day of some type. Along with the pot my total bill came to about $14.00. I'm still amazed at that!

Our local Target store routinely dumps all their leftovers and out of season stuff at our local Goodwill. All brand new stuff, Target tags still on there - clothes, recreational equipment, small appliances, you name it. Great find!

 

[travelover]

Our local Target store routinely dumps all their leftovers and out of season stuff at our local Goodwill. All brand new stuff, Target tags still on there - clothes, recreational equipment, small appliances, you name it. Great find!

I'm jealous.

 

[erkevin]

We are in your $ range. Since retiring 9 months ago: 13 days in Puerto Vallarta, 8 days in Cabo, 8 days in Puerto Vallarta taking our college-aged son and his roomie. Next month, I return to Puerto Vallarta solo for 8 days. In June, 10 days in Playa Del Carmen. In October, back in Puerto Vallarta with friends. Why Mexico so often? Have you seen the value of the peso lately?
Go to the gym 4-6 days a week, hike weekly. Have purchased three new firearms since retiring and go to the range 2-4 times a month.
Try to play golf regularly. Read a lot. Enjoy puttering about the house. We continue to live below our means