Happy "Day After Christmas" everybody.
As we all contemplate the end of 2008 and look forward to the beginning of 2009, it's good to take a moment to think about what we really want - and what we might do to move more toward "what we really want" - instead of just "doing what we've been doing". Often, you really can get many of the things that you REALLY want - if you just consciously ask yourself what your priorities are and act to make them priorities.
For me, we've always enjoyed Travel - seeing new places and doing new things - and we just assumed that we had to have a demanding job to be able to afford to do that kind of travel. But at least one couple has been retired for over 18 years now BECAUSE they continually enjoy exotic Travel. We've been reading their exploits for years and my own retirement is largely due to the tips and suggested lifestyle they have been living.
So how do you retire AND enjoy exotic travel?
Well, that gets us into another good theme for New Years: "Get rid of STUFF". "Do with LESS". Ignore the amazing deals being offered in "After Christmas" Sales today - because a "great deal" on something you don't need at all - is really no deal at all.
And it leads us to Akaisha and Billy Kaderli. 
They have spent the last few months living in Mexico - as shown in the photo they just took and sent to me - enjoying sunsets like the one shown - as well as Mayan ruins, good food, volunteer work and a general spirit for living. They were in the corporate rat-race like the rest of us, but took the time to really ask themselves if they were spending their time on things they cared about. Their conclusion, 18 years ago - was that they were, instead, spending 50 weeks a year doing things they really didn't care to do - just so that they could have the money to take a great vacation for *2* weeks per year - then run back to the grind. They took a hard look at what they wanted and needed - and concluded that if they got rid of all of those things that we all work so hard for - that they could get what they *really* wanted: Time. Time to adopt "a lifestyle, not a vacation": to be "on vacation" ALL the time and be relaxed and enjoy it.
And part of their ability to afford to retire - is that they downsized their home and belongings so that they were freed up to live in exotic locales where it is *cheap* to live. So, yes, they are able to afford to be retired *because* they enjoy travelling to Mexico, Thailand, Nevis, and other interesting places.
Read their whole inspiring history - and lots of tips and advice on Early Retirement - on their website. I've been corresponding with them for awhile and hope to eventually meet them.
And while you're at it, think about what YOU really want out of life, then make a New Years Resolution to pursue what you REALLY want - not just keep doing what you've been doing - because you never stopped to ask if there was a better way. It turns out that "the most important things in life - are not really THINGS at all".
Comments
Thank you for this wonderful article. As the author suggests, you can retire on less than you think, by living a conservative or green lifestyle in retirement.
By reducing your consumption before and during retirement, you can retire early, and with much less savings.
And, now for the first time, you can calculate the positive retirement benefit of living a conservative or green lifestyle. Check out Green Retirement Planning.
You can live the life the couple in the article enjoys.
I have been reading Akaisha and Billy Kaderli's website for a couple of years and agree with most of their advice. My partner and I agree that the important things are'nt things and we love to travel. We have downsized alot and now we have more time and $$ to do what we enjoy. We don't miss all of those "things" we use to think we needed!! We are in our late 30's and plan to "retire" with in the next 10 years.
Julie and Green Retirement: Thanks so much for contributing to the discussion via your comments - and thanks for the "not obvious until you said it" connection of "GREEN" living and "doing with less".
A big welcome and I hope you continue to visit and improve my comments - with yours.
Here Here!! it can be done, it has been done we are doing it. Retired to Thailand 2007 sold or gave away everything family think we are bonkers but we know we did the right thing. As a yoga teacher and sannyasin I do know about "Seva" live simply, serve God and the community and practice loving kindness when you can. Everyone of us needs POWER,PURPOSE, DIRECTION in life we found ours and ran with it. I teach english and yoga for free, we live well but not extravagantly and we are relaxed and stress free therefor healthier and happier. We had to be brave enough to leap over the edge and fly away from our other life.
Kind regards Dianne - Mokshadharma Saraswati (aussie)59 Chris (english)61
Blessed Be folks and thankyou.
I have reading about Bill and Akaisha for 3 years now. They are inspirational to my husband and I. I just turned 50, my husband is 56. We are planning on calling it quits in 12-31-2011. We don't have a whole lot of savings. We are learning to live below our means. Ecuador is our choice of retirement. Life is uncomplicated and inexpensive. We love the beach. We will sell everything and go. Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Flore and Dianne,
Welcome and thanks for your additions to the discussion.
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