I am curious how much would you have to have to retire?

Enough to pay your monthly expenses?

Enough to raise your standard living by 25%?

Enough to support a small charity?

Or would you work even if money was no object?

My retirement plans just went awry when
someone ELSE won the Megabucks lottery :-(

I think that is true of most of us. :'(

I keep hoping to get better at conserving.

I chose to opt out of the rat race job world at 62 1/2 instead of at 65; took a partial cash payout with reduced monthly checks; paid off all my bills; cut my standard of living which I found I didn't need anyway; and reduced my stress level by 98%, eliminating many stress induced illnesses, thereby increasing my standard of living with enough to enjoy my life. Started reading and researching on topics which were always fascinating to me, doing a lot of crafts, sewing, furniture refinishing, upholstery, traveling to places I had never been to, restoring a house I purchased and the list grows each day. I have thoroughly enjoyed my retirement and if given the chance to get back into the rat race again or retire, I would make the same decision. Of course, non of this would have worked in the first place had I not been extremely wise and cautious in dealing with money matters--it does take a self-imposed discipline to pull it off. All in all, I get by just fine and even thrive, and I love my life. Amazing how many things one can do without that we thought were so necessary to our lives before. So color me a happy camper and totally blessed!

I'm retired and living on social security only and I'm making more than when I was working.

I re-tired my pick-up for less than $400.

I woke up in Cardiac ICU and laid there four days before anyone realized I was missing and it really re-prioritized my thinking.

Planning and downsizing your "wants" debts from your "needs" does
make retiring a lot more possible.

Retire?

I won't even live long enough to enjoy it so why bother, besides that I doubt a retirement plan exists to cover me anyway. I'll just keep going until I stop going, and hopefully...With a little luck, I'll change things for the better.

I was just wondering if people had the chance to retire if they would ; guess what prompted it was the Mega lottery some said even if they had won they would work on smaller lotterys

I wouldn't, not that I play the lottery often but if I were to win I'd still work...The world won't change itself, and it isn't going to stop on account of me being rich.

I'm sure a lot would though...But that is their choice, and they would have the ability to do so if they won an a*load of money.

Mine tooooooooooooooo!

I could live comfortable on 50 grand per year

if money were no object, Id still work , doing volunteer at charities that interest me,,,

Retire hmmm think I will always have to work. Even if just part time. Charity is a plus to help out too. Might can't afford to give money but can give services.

As I was a stay at home mom most of the time(I did work part time for awhile and then full time when I was divorced) I didn't have much of a pension. My second husband made arrangements for me to go on his retirement if he passed away(he did). However when he passed, I put myself on a budget and in 4 years was completely out of debt. When my mom passed and left me some money, I was able to get a newer car and bought a motorcycle, paid cash for both. I moved to an apartment and
got rid of a lot of stuff I thought I needed(I didn't).. I can now live comfortably, helped all 3 gkids with college,(2 graduated w/honors and the last one has one more semester) able to travel a couple of times a year if I want. I have many hobbies to keep me busy or not..lol
I retired at age 62 only because I had back surgery and was not able to do the job I was doing anymore. I consider myself very lucky as I am able to pay my bills, save some money and still have a little left over..

I'm hoping to retire at 62 Like Miss Missy!

I am a little nervous about reducing my standard of living... I mean , I'm no Oprah, but I do like my niceties.

I worry about retirement, a lot actually!...and not being ABLE to retire until I'm 70 :(

Not sure when I will retire... Have thought if I stay here I may just go down to part time instead....when the time comes so I will have a little extra to travel on...

I retired from "the best job in the world" at age forty -- thirty four years ago. My income is so low that most pay more in interest and/or taxes per year than it takes for me to live comfortably.

Part of my "secret" is to pay attention to outflow rather than income -- avoid paying retail prices -- NEVER pay interest -- do not support expensive tastes or habits (yours or anyone else's) -- don't try to impress anyone (self included) with wealth or possessions -- do not allow advertisers to influence decisions.

My retirement plans went down the crapper when people stopped leaving nickels in payphones.