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$1,000,000 is more than enough to retire comfortably if you don't spend like most people do nowadays. The house should be paid off or close, there is NO reason to have new cars, that country club membership, and the lifestyle that goes along with it (expensive dinners, clothes, jewelry, trips) does not buy you happiness.
Millions of people live outside of Southern Calif, and do really well on far less living expenses. So many of us think that the morning starbucks, and the lunchtime Bistro are necessary, but I enjoy talking in the company lunchroom with friends who also pack their lunches, and drink the provided coffee. I'm not in sales or a management position, so I can wear regular street clothes rather than the latest fashions. My wife doesn't need to refurbish the house with new furniture and fixtures every 3 years because it's "out of style", and we drive 10 year old cars. Our idea of fun is to go camping with friends, take our bicycles, cook out over the open fire and swig a few beers......pretty cheap entertainment.
For those who live in the fast, expensive lifestyle of big cities, you may want, or need to look at cheaper alternatives in a different area to make your retirement money last.
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