[LetsRok]

I think this is a little extreme. Why kill yourself saving for retirement. I can't see myself traveling the world in a wheelchair. I would rather enjoy my youth and retire comfortably. It should not be a matter of dying with a pile of money in the bank. I plan on breaking even when I die.

[Phantom Lord]

One can enjoy their youth and still put money away for a comfortable retirement.

How old are you?

The problem with planning a break even death is that you don't have a drop dead date to plan for.

[SF Republican]

I plan on breaking even when I die Breaking even would be easy, exactly what date to do that do you have in mind? that is the tricky part.

[Kozak]

I think this is a little extreme. Why kill yourself saving for retirement. I can't see myself traveling the world in a wheelchair. I would rather enjoy my youth and retire comfortably. It should not be a matter of dying with a pile of money in the bank. I plan on breaking even when I die.

Neat planning if you can do it. You might survive 6 months after you retire, or you might live 30 years. The amount you are going need to break even is gonna vary somewhat based on which scenario you end up with. Have a crystal ball or a psychic you trust?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

It should not be a matter of dying with a pile of money in the bank.

I hope you like the smell of boiled cabbage.

[RightWhale]

I plan on breaking even when I die.

There is only one way to do that. Try to not leave a huge mess someone has to clean up.

[July 4th]

Saving for retirement is a balancing act, between what you want now and what you want in the future. I agree with you that some money is better spent now than in old age, but you also have to consider the future value of what you're giving up.

Let's say I can get an average of 7% return on my investments over the next 50 years. I'm 25, and if I spend $2,000 on a nice vacation now, I've just given up $58,914 at the age of 75.

[Max Combined]

I agree with you.

[cricket]

"It should not be a matter of dying with a pile of money in the bank."

Of course, we do not know how long we will live; but Ben is basically saying you may want a pile of money in the bank; not when you die; but when you retire. . .so you won't wish you were dead. . .instead.

And of course; he is giving a high side and low side of possibillities - you surely can choose somewhere inbetween to float your boat. . .or tow it.

. . .and don't forget to 'diversify'. . .