[RKDinOKC]

When I was a kid had an Uncle that "retired" early due to cancer that successful treatment left him with nothing. He sold everything he had left except for his car and a suitcase of clothes. The car was an older diesel Mercedes sedan, I seem to remember 220. He traveled around and did odd jobs all over seeing the country close up. Talked about going to new little towns and hanging out in the breakfast coffee shop cafes getting to know the people there and finding work.

Every once in a while he got the opportunity to be a part of some venture he liked and invested what little he had, but kept moving. Later in life he got Alzheimer's. His brother spent years finding places and things he had invested a small amount in. More often than no he found the small amount was now worth a fortune. Basically his brother found enough money to easily pay for his care.

I remember going to visit him at the home he was in. Outside his window his brother had a pad poured and they parked his Mercedes there and kept it washed and cleaned up. His brother said looking out and seeing the car made him happy.


My oldest brother retired with not much and found someone that let him live on a hunting lease. He basically lived out of a tent, camping for 3 years. He did have a gym membership where it could go shower and clean up. He loved it. The only reason he moved to a cheap apartment is someone came in while he was gone to town and tore up everything in his camp. Now he lives in a cheap apartment with barely enough SS, doesn't work, but does go to the library often and reads a LOT of books.


A friend that has a small plane pilot's license moved to Hawaii and flew Island tours for 4 years before moving back state side and doing something else. Now he works for Apple and is the top tier in phone support for iPhones.


I'm 56 and not married, no kids, but do have a mortgage. My cars are paid for. Thought about what I would do if I lost my job that I've worked for the same company for the past 36 years. Have a 401K, but it's not really enough to last long after taxes even though I would not have to pay a penalty. Also have an on-going health problem caused by something as simple as stepping on a nail 4 years ago. Don't know what I would do.