I think there is some great posts on this thread. Definitely I will totally agree not to expect to spend less in retirement. If anything, we are spending MUCH more.

When you are so busy working (at least in my case) I was always in the office. Before I had kids, it wouldn’t be uncommon for me to go in the office by 8 AM and still be in the office at 10 PM or later. I definitely stopped that once I had kids.

But when you’re working so much, you stay very busy and don’t have time to be out and about. In “early retirement” I find myself out more and spending more time out with the kids and at the store.

San Diego is also a GREAT place for a kid to grow up. Within weeks of moving here we got annual passes to the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld and are about ready to Legoland. Not only does all this stuff add up but more so just being out at places and everything adds up.

We are doing more traveling which is expensive. You might find yourself doing more activities (golfing, sporting events, etc).

Many people think they will cut back in retirement but often times that is not the case. With more free time you will find yourself going out more and just being out and about you spend money on little things. Before I might have gone to places like Jamba Juice once a week…now I go almost every day..ha ha.

While one example was particularly bad with a string of healthcare problems. Definitely you have to plan and account for worst case scenarios.