As others have mentioned, healthcare premiums are a significant cost and should be a part of your planning process. I retired about ten years ago at 49 and did as much due diligence as possible for healthcare. Of course, at the time ACA was rolling out and I couldn't get a real straight answer from anyone on what future premiums would look like. This year we are paying over $20k in premiums for a family of four, with my wife on her own policy through the ACA. Keep in mind, ACA subsidies are only available for those whose incomes are below a certain threshold. Our income has always been above that threshold amount so we have never seen a nickel from it. I haven't had a mortgage payment in a number of years, but my healthcare premiums have taken its place.

I haven't read all of the retirement information out there today, but I haven't seen this point covered too well in things I read in the past. Most of these tables and plans don't account very well for negative events. Not talking about black swan events here, but things that do happen more to older adults than younger ones. Did you guys know that 1 in 4 adults 65+ falls every year? Car accidents, that same accident that a young adult may walk away from with a couple bruises can break bones in an older person. Normal chores around the house can become more demanding. For us guys, setting up or breaking down a pinball machine should become a two person job.

Why bring this up? In my last ten years of retirement, my wife has fallen 4 times with broken bones on three occasions. Try as I might, I just can't always be there to catch her. I have read and implemented fall safety items, yet some people just aren't as steady on their feet. In each of these events we had to spend much more money on healthcare related items in that year than was typical. Insurance policies covered a lot of stuff but deductibles have to be satisfied and some care is just not covered.

So when I see a post trying to nail income right down to the gnat's ass, I gotta say that things are going to come up. Can't plan for everything, but you have to place flexibility in the plan. Most everyone understands the benefits of trying to stay healthy and the actions needed. OTOH, not as many people seem to understand the risks and events that impact health as we age, some of which may be out of our hands. Outside of healthcare, things are going to break or need to be replaced and they won't always last as long as they should. In short, sh*t happens, be prepared for it.

Insurance is one of those things that you hope you never need to use, but are glad you have it when things happen to you and yours. Health insurance has been mentioned in this thread a few times and in my mind it is a necessary item. I agree with the high deductible health care plan idea with catastrophic coverage included. Sure, I don't like paying the premiums either. MMM has different views on the topic of health insurance and I think this reflects his age and life experience to date. Regardless of our current health and health habits, more stuff happens to us as we age.

Regarding cars, I just replaced a 19 year old car with a 3 year old car and have no regrets. It isn't just peace of mind, it is about safety, too. Newer cars have more safety features. Also, it just wasn't worth the risk of having a car breakdown on the highway, or in an unsafe area.

Responding to the no kids part, we have two children. This area is a real wild card for those with families. Hard to know where Billy or Susie might want to go to school when they are still in their primary years. Sure, you can look at in-state schools as a good indicator of cost, but more than likely that estimate will be on the lower side. Also, who says that your children will even want to attend your in-state school? Mine were not as receptive to that option and they both raised good arguments against it.

Been retired now for nearly ten years and I can tell you that higher education costs for your children should be an important part of your planning process. I don't know any parents that would want to limit the future of their children just so they can shave some time off of their working life. Depending on the ability of your children to capture any grants or scholarships, you may well be looking at a big tuition bill. Just something to keep in mind. I am in the middle of paying for school costs for my youngest right now and this year those costs will easily exceed $30k, and she has a scholarship so we are paying about half of the true costs.

I have read through some of the blogs out there of the early retired and found them short on actual experience and long on guesstimate in this area. Certainly understand that because they just haven't lived through it yet.