[Cowgirl]

He has lost about twenty pounds, has a grin on his face all the time and has probably added years to his life. Fortunately, I have a good part-time job which definitely helped with the decision. While this option isn't for everyone, I wanted to throw it out for the benefit of those willing to consider a change. We own our home and have no debt. He and I will maybe have social security in a few years.

I just thought some of you might need a little encouragement to take a chance and do what you've always wanted. Go for it.

[higgmeister]

While this option isn't for everyone, I wanted to throw it out for the benefit of those willing to consider a change.

So you're really "Midas" Mulligan inviting us all to come to Galt's Gulch?

[highlander_UW]

Great for you two (I mean it, not sarcasm).

[TruthConquers]

Good going!!

I would love to do something similar, but with a daughter in high school and all, it is not in the cards as of yet. Our only debt is our home. Old cars, no vacations, and I have been learning to can, dehydrate and garden.

Lowering ones lifestyle and living simply really does reduce that stress.

[MattinNJ]

You know, I think your post might be one of the best I have ever read. Yours is the nearly forgotten American dream. That is what we fight for. To know, really know, that somewhere in this great land of ours, one of us was able to put up the “gone fishing” sign makes the fight worthwhile.

[Tea Party Reveler]

I'm basically retired now too at 55 but my wife works part time over at the hospital. We live on about 5K a month. We put one son through school and he's doing very well as an auditor and is pursuing CPA certification. My other son just entered high school and has decided upon a military career and commissioning. He's entered AF Jr. ROTC and loves it. He's very good at math (they both were) and is interested in a degree in Mathematics. I won't tell you what school he wants to go to because you will snicker and laugh but it does have ROTC there.

[Busta Rhymes]

That’s impressive and I’m jealous.

I would love my husband to start slowing down some but just turning 50 he pretends he’s still got it. HA !

I too want to enjoy our time together and have some fun. We’ve raised our kids and worked hard. We should enjoy life.

Thanks for posting your little story. It was nice.

[Errant]

I did the same last September... :)

I don't know what makes me happier, being in control of my own life or NOT contributing (tax dollars) to our own demise!

[Revelation 911]

congrats - were 48/50 - have done similar - living austerely, enjoying chickens, friends, camp property and our parents as they grow older...i even started a small BBQ catering business...doing maybe 10-15 jobs a year & I have my own bbq sauce brand here in town - loving life

[pbmaltzman]

Good for you and best of luck...

[Thombo2]

I’ll bet he’s happy!Congrads-your hubby’s living my dream.I’d love to be able to retire when i’m 55.Would like to know how the prospecting turns out.There’s a lot of gold still out there-just harder to find.A co-worker vacations out west every year-uses a metal detector.Amateur prospector/rock hound.Hasn’t hit the “mother lode” yet-but always finds something.

[GreenLanternCorps]

"doing our mining claims "

This is your husband?

[Monterrosa-24]

Very Interesting! I too am 55 and own my home outright....but... we still have young children and I’m not in a situation where I can tell the boss to shove it.

I could take a big pay cut to work for Sarah if I could weasel my way into that campaign when it launches.

[LTCJ]

Would you two consider adopting a 53-year old?