[A Quiet Boom]

Tabs,

You're half right IMHO. Yes we should save as much as possible, educate ourselves about the financial market etc. But we should also take time to live while we are still young because we cannot say for certain that there will be a tommorrow.

I work extra hard at work and often put in long hours. There are two reasons for this. First I a family member and will be a partial owner once the company grows to an already agreed upon size. Second the extra hours provide extra pay which provides extra savings as well as extra fun.

I live in a modest house so that I can put more money into investments and fun things, I pay the max into a 401K that I actively manage myself. I invest in stock, bonds and mutual funds. I started my daughter's college fund before she reached 1 year. The list goes on. However, I'll never retire. Why? Retirement leads to death! I know a 76yr old millionaire, he works 5 days a week, exercises 3 nights a week and lives a very happy life. He works for zero pay since he is the founder of the company I work for and has passed ownership on to family. He works not for money but to keep his brain active and for the enjoyment he gets from teaching young guys like me. I want to be him someday.

The work ethic of the US is one of the biggest reasons we are a world leader and we shouldn't forget that. We must balance work with saving and pleasure for a full life IMHO.