When I picked our (my) retirement date ten years ago, it was a simple decision, June 30, 2008. Actually I picked June 31 but that date was going to be a bit of a problem. I was still 55 but turned 56 the next day on July 1st. Freedom 55!
But as we (I) get closer (five months) the decision has taken on complexities that were not realized ten years ago. Will we have enough to live on? Good question. What does it take per month?
Rent/Mortgage/Strata Fees $220
Taxes $125
Utilities $ 80
Insurance $ 50
Telephone $ 60
Cable $ 70
Vehicle $200
Medical Plan $120
Food/Incidentals $420
Entertainment $400
Miscellaneous $100
Total $1845
Travel $ 700
Golf $ 200
Hobbies $ 100
Contingency $ 155
Total with a Life $3000
Have I forgotten anything. If I have, then let me know. To often I hear, I won't have enough money to live. I always ignored those statements, but as the day draws near, it takes on a greater importance. Well the verdict is in and we (I) will have to continue to work a little bit after June 30, 2008.
Not a problem as the plan was alway to work a little bit. My dream job was to be a barista at the Hogs Breath Coffee Company. They sold out to Starbucks. Not sure I'm a corporate coffee guy so the the plan is now to be the go to guy at Canadian Tire but only if it is low stress.
What ever happens, we will be fine so bring it on! June 30, 2008 here we (I) come.
