Early retirees worry about spending $50,000 on a vacation
11 posts across 3 communities in the last 60 days; 64% from r/fatFIRE.
“I've looked for ways that money can make me happier, and mostly I can't. I just spent 22 days in Northern Spain, at a total cost of about $14,000 (A lot of money for many people, but not that much for those of us who would say we are fat fire.). Some of the best days were hiking…”
“I would cut back on the Sandals vacations. You will accumulate more toward your house sooner. I don’t think my wife and I took a major vacation for the first 10 years we were married. We put every dollar away. [re: Newly married - Thinking of ways to earn more. Maybe a side…”
“I do have $6k in an emergency fund already. I get what you're saying about the vacation not being required. But honestly, I am going to honor her wishes. We're very close, and I want to travel more. I don't think I'll end up spending $5k on it though. [re: Was recently gifted…”
Several early retirees with high net worth express discomfort or hesitation around significant travel expenses. Some feel guilty about spending beyond their accustomed budget, while others find the idea of lavish vacations extravagant despite their financial freedom. A few are considering trips to Thailand and Asia.
SOURCES (13)
“I would cut back on the Sandals vacations. You will accumulate more toward your house sooner. I don’t think my wife and I took a major vacation for the first 10 years we were married. We put every dollar away. [re: Newly married - Thinking…”
“I do have $6k in an emergency fund already. I get what you're saying about the vacation not being required. But honestly, I am going to honor her wishes. We're very close, and I want to travel more. I don't think I'll end up spending $5k on it though. [re: Was recently gifted $19k and not sure how best to utilize it]”
“Great to hear. Would you be willing to share where you moved to abroad and/or share some of the benefits (outside financials) and tradeoffs? [re: For the 60+ that retired in their 40s... tell me about it]”
“This - take your mom somewhere nice and spend on nice plane seats, good hotels, and good service. Your mom has done really good and deserves to enjoy it. If only my mom had that much sense haha [re: Inheritance bombshell and options]”
“Truly the dream! We’re around $15m now in our early 40s but live relatively frugally almost solely bc we want to have enough when our kids are adults to pay for them + their families to go on trips with us, visit and…. If they want/ask for it, buy second homes/condos in their cities. Of course a lot can change but that’s the goal!”
“And getting to go on vacation to your heart's content during the summer when they're off school!”
“Most expensive lodging per night ever, bar none, was tent glamping in Moab - a phenomenal 3 night experience at $750 a night. Not sure if this counts as a resort or camping. lol.”
“I've looked for ways that money can make me happier, and mostly I can't. I just spent 22 days in Northern Spain, at a total cost of about $14,000 (A lot of money for many people, but not that much for those of us who would say we are fat fire.). Some of the best days were hiking days where the cost was a couple of dollars for a bus ride. One of the more expensive days was a $50 tour. Perhaps I could have somehow paid more to have it be private, but it would have been harder to arrange an”
“I wasn't trying to be bitter at all, I meant it genuinely. If their future involves having kids, then enjoy the time you have now to the fullest. Before kids we only traveled a couple times a year and now it's maybe once, so 4-6 every year sounds great”
“Make a budget. Make expenses as low as possible. Make earnings as high as possible, add extra income by getting a side gig / second job. Save the difference into a a vacation fund.”
“Travel and more free time. My spouse still has a hard time paying for upgraded flights and more luxurious accommodations so most of the travel spend is on frequency, activities and food.”
“Thanks! I honestly can’t imagine blowing money such as $50k on a vacation. I think our last family of 4 to Asia was at best $10k a couple years ago. Maybe it will change when I get more comfortable with spending vs saving all these years.”
“Well you don't have to hop for the next 4 years. My wife agreed to hold down the fort for three months while I did a muey thai training camp in Thailand. Then she and my daughter flew to Thailand after that and we traveled around the country. By that time I could speak some very basic Thai and got tons of amazing suggestions at the school about places to visit, where to take cooking classes, etc. My kid was in junior high at the time, and honestly thought it was pretty cool that her dad was”