[redwitch]

Buc, I think you'd do fine here financially. Depending on the size house you purchase and if you end up with a mortgage will obviously make a huge difference in how much "play" money you'll have but if you don't go overboard you'll have more than enough to do the things you want.

The risk for your kids would be the same regardless of where you retired, which you will have to do sooner or later. I know it sounds heartless, but there comes a time that kids really do have to learn how to survive on their own. We won't always be there. Sometimes circumstances take over and we can't help them out regardless of our desires.

So, as they say, "Come on down!"

[samhass]

Buc, please don't misunderstand this thread. People are not saying they have this kind of money. The question was about what (in your mind) constitutes being rich. I've heard some pretty negative comments about "rich people" and I wondered at what point a person would be considered rich. I simply do not understand the mindset of disliking someone due to their wealth or lack of same.

[Russ_Boston]

BUC - I would think that you could do fine in TV assuming that you can buy the house you wish without a mortgage. As you know many things in TV are free or low priced. Once you've factored in the monthly fees for amenities, energy, taxes etc. you should have enough play money to enjoy yourself fully.

Note: There are many threads on this site that can detail the anticipated monthly fees. Just do a search.

[another Linda]

Originally Posted by samhass

I simply do not understand the mindset of disliking someone due to their wealth or lack of same.

Sam, don't you think it is just jealously?

[samhass]

I guess so, Linda. Our developer seems to incite an inordinate amount of dislike towards himself. I have nothing but admiration for the man. I think many people dislike/hate him because he is rich. Why? Of course I wish I had been as brilliant as he was and is, and in the right place at the right time. Resenting someone because they are rich
is just backward and disgusting. If they are evil, that's different, but the idea of disliking
someone based on wealth alone defies comprehension.

[Mintjulep]

BUC,
Since you have the health care covered, you are ahead of the game.
We expect that to be our biggest expense, as we are 7 and 9 years away from Medicare.

We've found that our utilities are very reasonable (except Comcast).
Also most of the restaurants we like are reasonable too.

My budget crazy husband has estimated our monthly stuff there, and it will be much less than it is currently in NC. Partly because of so many free things to do there that we pay for here.
And the house is smaller, so less taxes, ins., utilities, yard care, etc...
And now with gas prices, the golf cart will be a huge saver.

As stated before, your mortgage will determine how much 'fun $' you will have left...

[Barefoot]

BUC

You said you have no outstanding debts, so I assume that means no mortgage. You also said you have health coverage. You're laughing my friend! I think you will do extremely well on $48,000 a year in TV. No worries. And enough money for eating out and having fun.

Welcome to the good life. :bigthumbsup:

[Frangyomory]

I know that unless I win the lottery I'll never be financially rich but I am rich in the goodness of family and friends. I am rich in the spirit and love of the Lord and I have a good life. I have what I need and I am old enough for my wants not to hurt me!

I'd rather be content than be financially rich and I really will not believe that being financially rich will make anyone totally content. I've known some people who had a lot of money who were miserable in their spirit life and that was and is sad.

If you are financially rich you can become content by helping those who have needs, real needs and not just satisfying wants like having the newest and most expensive car on the block.

Tell me why a retired couple need a 2008 Hummer anyway????? I just don't get it!!!!

[Rokinronda]

I am rich, in the sense, that I own my home, unlike so many others. It isn't much, but it is mine and I don't have to worry about shelter. I have a roof over my head and food to eat. Sure, sometimes we eat hot dogs and beans, soup or eggs, but we do eat every day, unlike so many others. I am rich with health, unlike so many others, and I thank God every day. I am rich with peace of mind... knowing that hard work, struggling and financial difficulties are less now that the children have grown and I've been rewarded with my home in Florida and no worries of an oil bill or a slip on an icy driveway. I am rich with sunshine and beauty all around, unlike so many others. I am rich with the love from my family and friends, unlike so many others. What more does one need? Yes I am rich even though sometimes there is more month than money. No healthcare, no pension, no retirement, but don't feel bad because, I am rich in life, unlike so many others! I wouldn't trade my life for anything!

[marianne237]

All of this conversation reminded me of something my dad used to say, "I'm working on my second million (Just gave up on the first)."

[chelsea24]

:bigthumbsup: marianne. Very optomist! I like that. ;D

[nONIE]

Ronda,

Thanks for posting your dads picture. You can see the kindness of spirit in his face. I wish more people would do what you did in honor of their dads memory for Fathers day.

[tucson]

Originally Posted by BUC

I really want to retire, but after reading this thread I'm more than a little concerned if my wife and I will ever be able to retire. we really want to live in the TV but it may only be a dream. I, like everyone have worked and saved most of my life. I'm retired from the military,so health insurance is not an issue for us, if I was to retire in the next couple of years, sell out and move to the TV We'll have a monthly income of about 4,000 per month, will this be enough for a reasonable lifestyle in the TV. We're not fancy folks, but would like to eat out a couple of times a week, bowl one night, golf a couple times a week(par 3s Ok with me I'm not very good),and of course fish often.We have no outstanding debt. One of my concerns is that once a quit my job, and if something happens, the kids may need somthing or anything, I won't be earning at the level I am now, and if I was to go back to work who would hire an old fat guy. I'm not wineing just a little nervous.

[tucson]

I live on 2500.00 per mo. in TV and live very comfortably here. My husband and I are retired and have no mortgage or credit card bills. We golf almost everyday (executive courses) and go on vacations every year, we go to restuarants probably 1-2 wk, and feel very rich .

[njgranny]

Buc,

I agree with what the other people said. You'll do fine, especially if you don't have a mortage (or a large one).

My husband retired at 54 (the federal agency he worked at closed, and he had enough years in to retire counting his service time). He's been retired for 15 years, and I've been retired for 10. The point of what I'm rambling on to say is that we haven't changed our standard of living from when we worked. And, it's probably cheaper in Florida.

Retire and enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan