[twobone]

Now that I'm a few years north of 40, I've made the commitment that I'm no longer going to live beyond my means.

I'm religiously saving 10-15% of gross income and investing in the hopes that one day I can retire (early?) with a solid financial position. Like a squirrel, I'm storing nuts while I can.

Meanwhile the world around me is trying to kill my plans.
My friends and neighbors are taking lavish trips and spending like crazy.
My next door neighbor just bought a $3500 frickin light fixture...WTF?

Its true, I'm kind of cheap, but the cost of a modern yuppie lifestyle means that we are just breaking even, after I set aside long term savings for retirement and education funds for the two kids. I'm convinced I'm doing the right thing.


My wife complains that I'm too focused on retirement and that we need to enjoy life more now....we could be dead at anytime...

Sorry to rant, but here are my thoughts:

-If I do die soon, you will be damn happy I've put aside money for you and the kids to help support your current lifestyle!

-We live in a big house, have 2 cars, the kids have everything they could ask for

I know its dark and cold and I too would like to sit under a palm tree in January with the kids...but $4,000 for a week down south in peak season?? We have taken lots of trips, but we need to plan and budget for stuff and not rejoin the ranks of the line of credit-pay it back later generation

-I want to retire healthy and young enough to really explore my passions. Working at my current company until I'm 62 will probably lead to my loss of sanity and certainly a loss of hope and happiness