While we don’t have that amount saved, we have a decent nest egg in annuities, and put them in Trust funds. We down sized the big house, carry the note, and the new smaller house will be paid off in 3 months. Van is paid off. Add in combining BD, Christmas, and Anniversary gifts for house fixing as you have most every thing you want or need and you’ve aced it. Last year we decided on the no clean gutters, and made arrangements to pay for them with gift cards at Lowe’s from Kroger’s saved on gas, Military discount, had it written in the contract. This year a new Recliner love seat, old one to go to Alpha Omega House so some Veteran can get some use out of it, still in good shape.
Next year replacing the Van if we can find what we want and go down to a 1 car family. And sell the still very good shape low mileage Corolla sedan to one of our 2 boys who can’t afford a new car. Car dealer won’t give us what it’s worth any way as it is a plain Jane car.
If you’ve ever read “the millionaire next door” book , it says that married couples who stay married and both agree on saving , investing, and living below one’s means are the ones much more likely to end up being millionaires. Divorce in general is very costly. Also one spouse being a spender while the other is a saver is problematic, the spender will blow up all dreams of growing rich.