Comments please

[Brat]

Link to the pdf file is at the "Consumer Expenditure Reports", 2003 on the web BLS Consumer Expenditure Reports page, the first link.

Over time links to individual reports could change so a discussion of the existance of these reports on the BLS website may prove to be a wise approach long term.*

I wonder about the methodology used in collecting the data... but then I love statistics and have occassion to defend clients where DOL has used statisticians.* ** Am regarded as a bit twisted, except when my skills are needed.*

[FlowGirl]

I think the second version is more useful for those who are within a year or two from pulling the trigger.

However, as a young dreamer who is 10+ years away from ER I prefer the first version. I have no idea what my footwear or utility expenses will be in a decade, but I can look at the fact that we are already "living on" 50% of our gross pay (subracting SS, retirement savings, working expenses, etc.) and feel pretty encouraged.

[ESRBob]

Reading how the 70k/year couple/family is only spending 29k for living expenses sure makes one wonder where all the rest goes -- I am guessing mortgage and income taxes, but sheesh, it sure seems like the average American family should be saving more than 0.x% with these numbers...

[deserat]

Dory,

I think it is phenomenal what you did for free! That is great and more detailed than most calculators in some of the financial rags I read. I also have an extensive Retire Early Library - and I like your calculator best. For me it shows how I rate compared to the average Joe - I can then decide to compare beyond that. Also, taking into account that which I won't need to worry about versus that which I do when I'm retired is a reminder - the expenses will shift as well as possibly go down (depends on the slush factor one has). Heck, I'm just glad someone else built the spreadsheet for me!

Thanks again - great work as usual.

Bridget aka Deserat

[BUM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dory36 Ha ... I can't win. The earlier version (http://fireseeker.com/spending) was simpler and omitted all the comparables, and some thought it was less useful because of the simplicity and missing national average data. dory36

dory,

An earlier post mentioned "visitors", those perhaps new to ER concepts. I say simpler is better. Nice job!


BUM