Are you over 50? Need advice.

[sentientcj]

I turn 32 today. Mixed feelings about it.

If you could, what would you tell your 32 year old self today that you might not have known then.

[zeehag]

happy birthday. hope is a good one.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by sentientcj

I turn 32 today. Mixed feelings about it.

If you could, what would you tell your 32 year old self today that you might not have known then.

Happy Birthday. Just remember 60 comes awful fast!!!

[Bash]

Originally Posted by sentientcj

If you could, what would you tell your 32 year old self today that you might not have known then.

"Self, stop messing around in boats so much and finish your PhD."

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Bash

"Self, stop messing around in boats so much and finish your PhD."

Better still, drop out and go sailing!

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by sentientcj

I turn 32 today. Mixed feelings about it.

Just think of the alternative….. RIP
Happy Birthday!!

[Dakota450]

Save as much as you can, keep your debt as low as possible. One day you will want to do as you wish. You will need money to live and unless you have a pension, it takes a LOT of money to be able to live without working. Consider this: $1,000,000 in our interest rate environment will generate 3-5% in some fixed income investments. That's 30-50k/yr. Try saving 1Mil. You are 32 if you saved 50k per year, that's 20 years to get the mil. Less actually because you do expect to have growth of the investment along the way. What i am trying to say is it takes a long time and a lot of discipline to save enough to live on and most people grossly underestimate how much they will really need. This is why you are hearing the age group you mention and older saying they will work until they die. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Good luck.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Better still, drop out and go sailing!

Saving that for my 60s.

[zeehag]

friend of mine, 63 years of age, just suffered a non repairable, dissecting aneurysm of aorta. grew, dissected , and ruptured within 3 hours' time.
do what your gutz tell you to do . mebbe tomorow may not come.
but do make sure you finish your phd--never know when ye may need that....

[Bluewaters2812]

Originally Posted by sentientcj

I turn 32 today. Mixed feelings about it.

If you could, what would you tell your 32 year old self today that you might not have known then.

I am in fact, about to turn a young 53 in a few days time. I would say (and force myself) to put my dreams into action sooner rather than later. At 32 I am more capable physically, more agile and quicker thinking (I hate to concede these things lol).

At 32 I have a lot more time to correct my mistakes along the path of life so that by the time I am 50, I will hopefully be able to look back with true experience and enjoyment of having achieved my dreams. I would have many more years to relish the dream/s I am living and know that I have lived life to a fuller extent than had I waited for the "right timing or finances". There is no better time than NOW!

I hope you have started living your dream and if you haven't, that you will start your dream sooner rather than later. Go for it NOW, I say. For us, we are taking serious action NOW to put our dream into reality (my wife is 5 years younger than me). We can't wait and neither should we have waited at 32.

[angelfish2]

First of all, Happy Birthday!

Knowing what I know today, I would have gone ahead and purchased that brand new Westsail 42. Life would have been simpler but oh so much more fun!

[Charlie]

Not quite over 50 -- it is a matter of months though. I think that if I had advice to give to myself at 32 it would be -- learn to love to live with less. Spend the extra time doing what you enjoy with someone(s) you enjoy. If that is sailing great if that is living a shore based existence that is great.

[janice142]

Hello sentientcg. Well, I wish I'd joined the Coast Guard... the thought of a monthly pension is very enticing. And the other advice (as above) re saving money/no debt is spot on. It is my belief that debt will be the end of our country/lifestyle.

What saddens me is how many kids (your age) [folks ten years younger than me are "kids" whilst 10 older than me are "respected elders"] think nothing of spending great sums of money on dust... determining the difference between want and need is a skill that comes most often with age and experience. A boat with limited capacity helps too.

Happy cruising and good luck with your future.
Aside: 33 was the worst birthday for me as it was pivotal BECAUSE
at 33, if I lived a very long time (to 99!) one third of my life was over AND
at 33 I was 1/2 way to retirement (and financially, I was a mess!!)

SO, I congratulate you on your seeming recognition (sentient!!!) of life and your future. Good luck and fine fortune to you sir.

[Bluewaters2812]

Oh and I apologise, I meant to also say many happy returns.

[nes]

Ok, so I just turned 54 and I retire Friday. I have plans that include part time work, but I plan to do a lot more sailing.

What I see wrong with your question, is that you are asking a Forum made up of sailors, a notoriously independent loner type of people what you would have done differently at 32. I hope you are asking that question elsewhere for a reality check.

No body here has said anything about family, or relationships, I would suggest that you make sure that those are in order first. Spend more time with your SO, and any kids you might have. IT IS NOT all about you.

If you consider what is best for them every time you make a decision, you will find that your life is better overall.

Ah, but what do I know, 54 years old, retired (my choice) and happily married to the love of my life 31 years in February. Two fantastic boys, and a boat at the dock.

My advice is simple and I will repeat it: "FAMILY FIRST" the rest will follow.