[blam]

"By 59 he should have saved enough so that he could retire. Then it wouldn't really matter if he were laid off. His savings should have been enough for your food, clothing, health insurance, and whatever fun he wants to have. Your home should be paid off by then."

Yup. Been there done that. I quit work at the end of 1994 at age 50. Haven't worked a day since. With a good plan, anyone can do it in 15-20 years. Always pay yourself first...it's about capital and preserving it..

[Torie]

With a good plan, anyone can do it in 15-20 years

That takes a very high income, along with thrift, or selling a successful business. I can bag it all now, but choose not to, but it took about 25 years of working to get there, with what I am comfortable with as critical mass. These days, I don't see how folks without very high incomes, will ever get there in some parts of California.