[scho63]

Originally Posted by ChiTown

I just turned 50, so I'll give you my advice, or shall we say, impart some common sense.

1. Live within your means. I had friends when I was younger, and still have friends at my age, that will spend right up to the very dollar they make......and more. I used to think that they must be super wealthy, but come to find out, they were actually just super stupid. Also, living within your means means that you actually have to save money each and every month. Don't listen to any specific percentage other than the one that works for you at the time that you are making the decision. Adjust it every 6 months to a year, depending upon how your life is changing (income increase/decrease and expense increase/decrease).

2. There is the tortoise and there is the hare. Both will cross the finish line eventually, but one gets there sooner than the other. One spends an enormous amount of energy trying to be first, while the other knows it's a lost cause to do nothing more than to keep a steady, slow pace. Figure out which one of these two you are, or which one you resemble the most. Why? Because it will help you in planning for the future. I knew a guy that wanted to retire when he was 55 (hare), but he wasn't on a career path that was going to allow that (tortoise). It's a bit of a conundrum and can create issues for you down the road, especially if you have convinced your wife you can provide something that won't come to fruition for several years down the road.

Good luck, and enjoy the ride - it goes a lot faster than you think! NO SHIT!

NOW YOU GOD DAMN TELL ME! WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU WHEN I WAS PISSING AWAY $10,000 A MONTH ON NICE RESTAURANTS, FANCY CARS, COKE AND ESCORTS?

Real easy now isn't it Mr. Smarty Pants!

BTW can you loan me $20 until Monday?