4x4ord

I have observed people who retire on about $80,000 per year and others who have much wealth stored up and are receiving a large annual income yet live at about the same lifestyle as the first group. It seems those who posses the desire and self discipline to store up much wealth when they are young have a hard time changing when they get older.

Thanks for the welcome. Much of what you wrote is part of what makes retiring not so automatic in my case. I've been self employed for the last 30 years so I already have much of the freedom that many employees long for. I also have to consider the value in seeing my business carry on with the next generation. To do so would be interesting and enjoyable but also time consuming and challenging. As has been said everyone comes from a different set of circumstances .... no one size fits all.

I think my sense of worth is likely tied to my work. I'm not real sure what keeps me working. I lack interests outside work. I'm 55 and I can't figure out if I should retire tomorrow or work another 15 years. In my case finances are not part of the equation.