M_to_the_G wrote:Not to challenge here, but I don't understand your post. You know that Bogleheads are inclined to make some sacrifices early on, save prodigiously, and track their progress. It's very important to most of us that we are on track to retire in comfort, and "wealthy" is relative. There are multimillionaires here, but there are also those of more modest means who are trying to build a nest egg of $1 million or less over the coming decades. Are you saying that you don't care? Why?
Also, don't be so sure that there is a relationship between your low confidence in your retirement prospects and your enjoyment of life; it does not mean that you are having any more fun than anyone else. For all you know, there is a doctor on this thread with over $2 million saved who is having more fun than you. For most of us, it would be hard to enjoy life knowing that our prospects for a comfortable retirement were "too low."
Oh, we save like heck, and live well below our means, while still enjoying ourselves as much as possible.
Too many posts on here, despite coming from a savings standpoint, end up being like "keeping up with the Joneses", except in NW progression or something to that affect. I, and I know others, find it a bit unnerving seeing the numbers some people throw out there. Many BHs in my position would see that and say "I'm done, I can retire now", whereas those BHs keep on chugging away increasing their NW, for whatever reason.
I always see the inverse relationship of those who want to retire extremely early vs those who have the assets to do so. If you are the type of person who does not like working and would prefer to spend your time traveling, exploring, etc, you seem much less likely to have the wealth to do so. If you have the funds available to quit and do the above, you are much more likely to be someone who is content to work their life away. A catch-22 of sorts.
My NW progression is not tracked. I know that we're aiming for mid 50's retirement, although I'd prefer ASAP. That's ~20 years off, so I see no need to plot our path at such as early stage. Its just too much "keeping up with the Bogleheads" -like.
Fine for those who are "inspired" by this thread. In reality, I don't see it as actionable, though.