Alternative Retirement

daffodilsoup

A few years ago, I stumbled on an article about retirees who had chosen to retire on the high seas instead of a retirement home. You can read a little more about it here: http://www.snopes.com/travel/trap/retire.asp

I've been fascinated by the thought of this ever since I first read the article. I love that people are comparing costs and looking into alternative ideas as they get older. I went on my first cruise a few years ago and loved it - it's like its own continent, with pretty much every source of entertainment available - not to mention the food is incredible.

I don't ever plan on having children, so I love the idea of being able to retire early and live my golden years out on a cruise ship. Selling my house and possessions and living that sort of lifestyle really, really appeals to me. What a neat way to see the rest of the world, too!

What are your thoughts on this?

gentsevetzak

Odds are you won't be able to retire before 85 because our parents ruined everything.

gentsevetzak

Odds are you won't be able to retire before 85 because our parents ruined everything.

daffodilsoup

Odds are you won't be able to retire before 85 because our parents ruined everything.

Hopefully medical technology will improve so much that I can live to be 120 :bigsmile:

gentsevetzak

It will but most likely you won't be able to afford it.

dadoffo

A few years ago, I stumbled on an article about retirees who had chosen to retire on the high seas instead of a retirement home. You can read a little more about it here: http://www.snopes.com/travel/trap/retire.asp

I've been fascinated by the thought of this ever since I first read the article. I love that people are comparing costs and looking into alternative ideas as they get older. I went on my first cruise a few years ago and loved it - it's like its own continent, with pretty much every source of entertainment available - not to mention the food is incredible.

I don't ever plan on having children, so I love the idea of being able to retire early and live my golden years out on a cruise ship. Selling my house and possessions and living that sort of lifestyle really, really appeals to me. What a neat way to see the rest of the world, too!

What are your thoughts on this?

No kids? You should have one because you look beautiful and pretty sure your kids will too.

My wife won't like to retire on a ship since she gets sea sick.

daffodilsoup

No kids? You should have one because you look beautiful and pretty sure your kids will too.

My wife won't like to retire on a ship since she gets sea sick.

Aww thanks! While I do appreciate the compliment (shucks), I've just never been a "kid" person. Now, puppies on the other hand.....

i_love_vinegar

Odds are you won't be able to retire before 85 because our parents ruined everything.

I disagree. Work itself is optional. If anyone feels they have to work and suffer (usually) 8 hours per day, 5 days per week for 30+ years...well, they are doing something wrong.

It is such a vast world, there are plenty of wonderful lifestyles to choose from!

I think you should follow your heart OP

BobbyClerici

Odds are you won't be able to retire before 85 because our parents ruined everything.

Not true - I am already semi-retired at age 47 and shall get out of the game totally by age 55.
I lived beneath my means, saved and invested and now own income property and a few businesses.

I work 2 hours a day and do better than most full time working crumbs complaining about their salary, wondering if they'll get their x-mas bonus or annual raise...lol

You and only you are the author of your future - not your parents and not big brother.
Success is a choice.

rileamoyer

It is up to you to retire when you want and with the means you want. If you want to retire on cruise ship - plan for it. Hard work, smart investing, and managing life will be the key to retirement, not what the previous generation did. I am retiring soon and my kids are doing as well or better than I did at their age so don't think I ruined anything for them.

ALW65

I read an article similar to that about two years ago...they were talking about how it was actually cheaper to make a deal with a cruise line to do this than it was to pay for assisted living. That's a pretty sad statement on the cost of traditional options! I'm all for the cruise ship idea....if not that, maybe a nice all-inclusive place would work out a good deal, too! You could even pick a chain of resorts and jump from location to location....works for me!