We never felt "rich" in our last few super high earning years because we saved a lot of it. So living on $70K a year in retirement? That's just business as usual.
Love the math behind this and I never thought the gap could be as great as you lay out. And, for many, there's more that potentially could be added to the work-related expenses (and taxes on them) saved: (1) no new work clothes (I never bought much, but there was some expense each year); (2) work-stress-related healthcare; (3) outsourced things that you insource (maybe house cleaning, lawn mowing, etc.).
That commute! Horrid! That one change alone is such a smart, amazing life change. Love the "feels like" analogy.
Love the math behind this and I never thought the gap could be as great as you lay out. And, for many, there's more that potentially could be added to the work-related expenses (and taxes on them) saved: (1) no new work clothes (I never bought much, but there was some expense each year); (2) work-stress-related healthcare; (3) outsourced things that you insource (maybe house cleaning, lawn mowing, etc.).
Too funny - I had a whole "Work Clothes" section.. and then I deleted it because upon reflection I dressed like a hobo most days :D