I ditto
@Gary O's response.
"
For us, the word is comfortable
Not working, or going to work for somebody else
Yet an income that pays everything, and we can do pretty much what we want, when we want while putting X amount away
No year long cruises, or annual trips to Cabo"
It's coming up on 4 years since my husband passed but that has not negatively impacted my finances. I learned how to pay myself 1st and handle money pretty well every since I was in my twenties. Other factors contributing to being comfortable:
~ For the. most part, I am debt free.
~ As a co-op unit owner my housing expenses are much lower than average. Our HOA fees are only about 29% of average rents for 2 BR apartments in our county. Our mortgage is paid off.
~ As a State of New Jersey retiree I get excellent benefits, including a pension which more than covers my expenses, a Medicare PPO & an RX plan.
In addition the state reimburses me $46 a month toward Medicare.
~ For 12 years I was able to invest my social security (this year I'm using it to help my loved ones).
~ Except for my RMDs, I don't need to touch my investments.
Until COVID I was taking several weeks vacation annually. I think things have worked out (financially) better than I expected. I like that
@HarryHawk used the word "blessed" to describe his situation. I feel very blessed also.