| When doing your early retirement planning identify | | | | the neighborhood children go to private schools? Is |
| the cost of maintaining your possessions...it is | | | | there a country club that your neighbors belong too? |
| probably significant. | | | | Get the picture...there are many ways to be bogged |
| By that, I mean what does it really cost for you to | | | | down in costly practices to maintain appearances. |
| live in a certain neighborhood and maintain | | | | Identify these non-essential, you have been |
| appearances. | | | | brainwashed into thinking they are essential, items |
| If you live in an area with big yards how much time | | | | and add up what they are costing you. You may be |
| do you put into maintaining the yard...what does it | | | | a lot closer to retirement if you do so. |
| cost you? If you have a lawn service, what does it | | | | This not meant to criticize but you can easily be |
| cost? Remember these costs would be eliminated if | | | | seduced into thinking these items are necessary. |
| you retired to a condominium. | | | | They are not...you do not "need" them at all. A |
| Do your neighbors have new cars every 2 years or | | | | condominium is just fine, it gives you more time to |
| so. If you do the same, that has a cost associated | | | | play; your 10-year-old car runs great and is very |
| with doing so. Do you say to yourself, there is | | | | functional; you can go to the YMCA and work out |
| nothing wrong with the car I have now why am I | | | | just as easily as going to a country club. |
| buying a new car?That is an unnecessary purchase | | | | Identify and quantify the cost of your stuff. Your |
| folks. | | | | early retirement planning may have gotten a little |
| Does everyone have exterior lights at Christmas? Do | | | | easier. Enjoy. |