Don't Wait
As an "older American", I am used to giving sage advise to the younger generations. I'm a flight instructor as well, and I get these kids with "shiny jet syndrome" wanting to learn to fly so they can ...
Forum Discussion
I'm speaking to the local senior class next week about the importance of starting to save when young and the rule of 72. Little things like skipping two cokes or fancy coffees a day will save you over $1200/year. Not smoking two packs/day is $3600 at today's prices and will probably be $10,000+ before retirement. The only way to get ahead is to live below your means and saving the difference...starting when you are 50 will not work. SS is nothing but a Ponzi scheme so you need to pay/plan your own.
Fortunately I was taught the above when young plus my father said to get "lots" while young...real estate. Unfortunately he died when I was 23 but it made it clear I would not wait until I retired to travel. 50 states and over 75 countries later plus having owned many different used RVs... all were paid for in cash.and done on the cheap side. Many **star hotels and usually off season or a cruise in a cabin with only a window and a $0 bar bill. I'd rather go cheap and go more often... 55+ cruises but here again we started early.
In the last ten years it's been more RVing and Snowbirding although I usually work 3-4 months to help fund the travel budget each year. Also there is some satisfaction in showing 30 year olds they cannot out produce a 70 year old.
Fortunately I was taught the above when young plus my father said to get "lots" while young...real estate. Unfortunately he died when I was 23 but it made it clear I would not wait until I retired to travel. 50 states and over 75 countries later plus having owned many different used RVs... all were paid for in cash.and done on the cheap side. Many **star hotels and usually off season or a cruise in a cabin with only a window and a $0 bar bill. I'd rather go cheap and go more often... 55+ cruises but here again we started early.
In the last ten years it's been more RVing and Snowbirding although I usually work 3-4 months to help fund the travel budget each year. Also there is some satisfaction in showing 30 year olds they cannot out produce a 70 year old.
