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I'll skip the autobio and boring/self-serving details, lol!
Both you, NextGen & AutoXer, and a few other smart guys
and gals here, have it figured out: unless one is making
WallStPartner type dough, and one has a big contract,
spend a little to a lot less than one makes, save, and it works!
Some things that have worked for us, though not a rec'd:
-We both had co. cars for most of the last 20 yrs of our
working careers; huge benefit.
-We lived in a modest house for 14 of those last 20 yrs
of our careers. Sold it to build our first retirement joint.
-We both had jobs that req'd some, to in my case, huge
travel; thus, living on the road on exp acct. vs "living"
at home.
-Stock options I got way back when we went public in
'83, paid for two kids' college, some cars, some stuff and
the rest of that option dough got banked/invested; nice
"egg" 15 years later.
-We have been Mort Free since late '95. Same situ on our
two current homes.
-We don't deny ourselves our hobbies; we just don't go
crazy. "Crazy" is easily discernable & definable by most, imo.
-Yes, our life style is "different" in 6 3/4 yrs of retired
BumDom than it was when wearing 800 buck suits and
carrying the bag...we've adjusted, but not denied ourselves.
-We are totally debt free and have been since about late '95.
Normal bills and some doozies, but they, and all CCs are paid
on time. We have no debt...
-We peel about 5+% outta the "port" every year. The "burn" was a
tad higher the first couple years, (contrary to the bean counters'
advice), but we were building a new house, cash, and we
have recouped, port-wise, quickly. Our port is way bigger than it was
back in 2000 when we bailed out, parachuteless.
-Am aprox 58% equities and 42% cash, cash equiv., etc.
I am sliding that "cash" % up, every month.
-I keep stops on every equity I own...and sell points on
every stock. I like stocks & indices; mut funds are not my
fave. And, I like cash & cash equivs. a lot!
-Barring calamity, End of the World, total econ meltdown, etc.,
I will not run outta dough during my fun run on the planet.
And, there's always the paid for real estate, when I need to
downsize and head for the drool and stare center.
My 50Cent is up. Good luck to all and,
live well 'til the dough runs out.
BR,md
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