Couple in Their 40s Quits City Jobs to Retire to Their Paradise

Young Retirees Share Their Success Story of Living Their Dream

A: [Teresa] We fly each of our children's families to our home once a year, because they live so far away. Then 2 or 3 times during the year, we drive to their homes. We're retired, and we have the time to make long trips. Also, some of our monthly income goes into savings we keep for emergencies and property upkeep. We have hobbies, too, that we spend a little money on. It's really a comfortable life for us.

Q: You're retired with extra money to burn, living in a scenic paradise, and you'll never have to work another day for the rest of your lives. Many people have a difficult time even imagining such a perfect situation. What do you do with your time? Give me an example of what might be a typical day for you.

A: [Teresa] We live 4 miles from town, so it's easy for us volunteer one day a week in the school kitchen. I volunteer at the hospital one day each week. Also, we're very involved with our church, so that ties up one full day plus one or two evenings each week. We go to the library a lot, and enjoy reading. We both have hobbies that keep us busy. I do a little woodwork, but not as much as Russell does. I knit, do crafts, sewing, and bake. Russell is currently building a hammer dulcimer for the school's music department because they have a school group that plays folk music. He has a woodshop in our basement.

[Russell] In the summer we garden. It's something we've both always enjoyed. We're planning to build a greenhouse so that we can start our garden earlier in the year, and also grow plants into the Fall. We live a relaxed pace, and keep as busy as we like. It's a good life.

[Interviewer] Russell and Teresa, thank you very much for allowing me to interview you to find out just what it takes to make a dream come true for the average family. Probably, the main point that we have learned from your success is that we need to put money away each and every month, and not touch it. You have shown us that we don't have to be rich in order to follow our dreams.