24th Aug 2017, 07:45

My one son lives in Berkeley Ca. A 6 figure income barely covers keeping a roof over his head. I hear that comment all the time. Just like living in Ct or NJ or D.C. I can't ever see him saving enough and living out his retirement there. He doesn't want lengthy commutes or the stress sitting in traffic. On the same income I have a .95 cost of living index area, all within an hour of beaches and mountains. Far more disposable income for a big home and nice cars. It's not what you make, it's what you spend. I do not lease or have payments on my cars. You work hard and pay your houses off in 15 years. Try that in California with taxes etc on top.

The topic was on early retirement. Is saving by buying a cheap car going to accomplish this alone? Even going there to visit is an eye opener on living costs. I'd rather have more to show for my money. Even if you were born in the 80s or 90s, there are still 60s cars well worth the investment by the way. I'd start out with a car like a nice Mustang and work my way up. If you get tired of the classics you flipped, buy a nice new one with the profits. Drive it for fun just on weekends. And keep it 10 years. Maybe have 25000 miles after all that time on a fun convertible. My personal cars owe me nothing. It's quality of life and enjoyable too. If I feel the need to scrimp, it's changeable. Downsize or move seems easier. There's plenty of great locations in America with better cost of living indexes. It's up to you if high mortgage and taxes are where you want your money going.