| Early retirement planning can be a great tonic for | | | | pleasantly surprised as to how much fun we had, and |
| those stuck in a job that they do not like. Most | | | | really pleased when we realized we were not |
| would like to quit work, go to the islands and chill. | | | | spending much money. $1,000 a month was what we |
| Unfortunately when we sit down with our financial | | | | were spending and living the good life. |
| planner it seems impossible. | | | | Now it is 2009 and we are convinced that anyone |
| Early retirement seems less likely if you had planned | | | | can do what we did if they really wanted to retire |
| to retire in 2009 or 2010. The stock market drop has | | | | early. |
| made a lot of us put off plans for retiring. Especially if | | | | These lifestyles may not be for everyone, we |
| we had planned on living like we were when working. | | | | understand that. |
| But there are alternatives...If the desire to retire is | | | | What we don't understand is not even exploring |
| stronger than ever, examine lower cost retirement | | | | these possibilities. They are worthy of your |
| options. Among those would be to retire to the | | | | consideration. |
| Caribbean on a sailboat (what we did 15 years ago); | | | | One thing is certain after retiring early (49), no one |
| full time RVing; park model living; or relocate | | | | can take the experiences we have had, and continue |
| overseas. | | | | to have, away from us. We also realize we couldn't |
| All of these options offer a good relaxed life for | | | | do some of the things we did due to now being 15 |
| very little money. | | | | years older. The longer you put off retirement the |
| So if you say I can't afford to retire now...you are | | | | less time you will have to enjoy retirement. |
| making a choice to continue your present lifestyle | | | | So the next time someone laughs when you say you |
| and working when compared to the options above. It | | | | want to retire right now...think sand between your |
| is your life and it is your decision. | | | | toes, or having your morning coffee in Merida, or fill in |
| The desire to retire was strong enough for us to | | | | your own retirement dream. It may not be that far |
| retire to the Caribbean sailboat life in 1994. We were | | | | off. |