[flyer]

Interesting stories, CAR and ER, and agree with both of you.

Even though many of us took some risk to build our wealth, I think, most likely, it was very calculated. Today, it seems, some people seem to be willing to throw all caution to the wind, leverage to the point that they could lose everything, and “hope” for the best.

I wish everyone who is “playing” in this economy the best, but as both of you, I’ve seen this scenario play out in a negative way several times with friends.

The stats on the net worth in this country tell the whole story. They aren’t pretty. I always wonder what all of the “players”–such as the ones mentioned in the OP–plan to do if some unexpected life event should come their way? Scary stuff.

[flyer]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=flyer] . . . Depending on where you will be working, housing choices in the Valley, like Ahwatukee, Chandler (Ocotillo) Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, Desert Ridge and the Anthem developments (some here are “pricey,”) are great for families.

The bottom line is AZ is what it is. . . .[/quote]

Even flyer (fmr AZ resident) acknowledges that those “sprawling ranch” enclaves described by “david” are “pricey.”

[quote=davidaaronhart…]1) Housing cost- For $350k I can purchase a newer home with 4-5 bdrms, and 3 plus baths, with a pool and a 3 car garage for my boat ;)…[/quote]

david, where is the 4-5/3/3 located in or near PHX for $350K? And if it is NOT in PHX, how many miles away is it??

[quote=flyer]. . . In fact, you’ll probably save enough to be able to return to San Diego someday if you so choose.

IMO, this is a far better plan for a young family than burning up everything they make during their peak earning years–living paycheck to paycheck in CA–then ending up with nothing saved in their retirement years.[/quote]

I disagree with flyer on this issue. This assumption presumes a few things that likely will not take place, IMHO:

a) that RE values in CA coastal counties will stay stagnant or fall in the coming years;

b) that a CA worker moving to AZ is going to make more money there than if they stayed in their jobs in a CA coastal county; and

c) that one can make a profit in the future on a house they buy, maintain and possibly improve in the (grossly overbuilt) PHX area in the coming years; and

d) that the family who moves to AZ, by hook or crook, who DOES end up having more discretionary income every month isn’t going to spend it (on water/desert toys and trips to SD to the “beach” to get out of the heat) and end up living from “paycheck to paycheck” anyway :=][/quote]

BG, it’s true that no one really knows how things will develop in CA real estate, or in any other way in years to come, but those were simply my opinions.

My responses to the OP, were based upon the fact that it seems the primary motivation for the move to AZ involves a better job, and, again, my personal opinion is that he is making a good choice.

It’s also true that many people in many states live “paycheck to paycheck,” but I’ve seen more of it in CA than any place else we’ve ever lived, except, perhaps, when we were in Hawaii for 5 years.

Whatever they decide to do, I wish them the best!

[flyer]

As a San Diego native who has lived in AZ (even though we kept the house and other properties in San Diego), and still have rentals there, here are a few of my thoughts.

If this is a purely financial decision, and you are moving for a really great job for which you can’t find the equivalent in San Diego or any other place you might prefer, it sounds like a good plan.

Depending on where you will be working, housing choices in the Valley, like Ahwatukee, Chandler (Ocotillo) Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, Desert Ridge and the Anthem developments (some here are “pricey,”) are great for families.

The bottom line is AZ is what it is. If you are aware of all of the pros and cons and can adapt, and make the best of it, knowing you have made your choice for sound financial reasons, it should probably work out fine for you and your family. In fact, you’ll probably save enough to be able to return to San Diego someday if you so choose.

IMO, this is a far better plan for a young family than burning up everything they make during their peak earning years–living paycheck to paycheck in CA–then ending up with nothing saved in their retirement years.

[flyer]

[quote=ucodegen][quote=flu]Trivial fact:

CDMA ( spread spectrum) came originally from the defense industry…..[/quote]Or more accurately.. Hedy Lamarr…[/quote]

Here is a dated, yet interesting link to support the reference to Hedy Lamarr and the evolution of spread spectrum technology. . .
http://www.rickmathieson.com/articles/1102-lamarr.html

As my wife, who is also a screenwriter says, “You never know what we creative “Hollywood types” are going to come up with next!”

[flyer]

Really enjoyed reading all of your responses. Even though I don’t really consider myself to be an introvert in general, I am definitely not a “groupthinker.” It seems most pilots are not.

I know some of my best creative work (developing consulting projects, inventions, etc.) have been done in solitude, and it sounds like many of you can relate.

Perhaps, per the article, the “lone genius” is not in vogue, because, sadly, there aren’t too many of them.

[flyer]

After being involved in projects with a couple of friends who hold a few patents and trademarks, it’s interesting to see how very different the thought process is among those who actually “create.”

[flyer]

Not that it would really effect me, but glad to hear from the professionals that sequestration will, most likely, not become an issue that will negatively effect the housing market in San Diego.

BG, you make some very good points, and it’s always interesting how almost every thread becomes a “Battle of the Neighborhoods.” We all have neighborhoods we “wouldn’t be caught dead in,” but that’s not good or bad, it’s just preferences.

For example, one of our preferences is not being more than 10 minutes or so from the ocean–and that factors into where we chose to live in RSF.

If people are overextending themselves to keep up with their peers, or for any other reason–that’s another story. I just hope they can take care of themselves and their families if it all hits the fan–that would be my only REAL concern.

[flyer]

When I refer to NCC, I probably (incorrectly) consider that to be anything within a few miles of the ocean such as where we are in RSF, as well as our rentals in CV, etc.

We actually chose these locations out of preference, and when I/we fly out of Lindbergh, or any other airport in San Diego, it’s still a fairly easy commute.

Many pilot and other friends do live closer to the airport in SC and PL, and the commute is definitely more convenient for them. We all enjoy boating, and some even prefer to live on their boats, but we’re happy where we are, and don’t mind driving down to the airport, bay or ocean once a week or so + lots of family live in those neighborhoods.

As far as BB’s vs. any other generation having higher expectations with regard to housing or anything else, or being more discriminating in their life choices–I guess there are always generalities floating around–but we know many BB’s like ourselves who are highly educated and extraordinarily discriminating when in comes to housing, and other aspects of life, as well as individuals in other age groups with these same standards.

The main difference, perhaps, if there is one, is that many discriminating BB’s can actually AFFORD to live the lives they have chosen to live.

I truly hope that whatever choices younger generations make with regard to housing, or life in general, they end up living the lives they want to live as we have, and that they have the funds to do so–through retirement–THAT will be their REAL challenge in life.

[flyer]

BG, although I, personally, did not have the same home buying experiences you mentioned with regard to many Boomers, I do agree with your analysis of the changing dynamics at play.

When I mentioned that it seems the home-buying experience is becoming more challening today, I was actually referring to the costs involved, etc., (especially if you actually want to own the property),compared to when I was purchasing the bulk of our properties.

I know everyone has their preferences, but much as UCGal mentioned, most of my family, and my wife’s family has always been drawn to NCC (others just coastal) for climate, schools, easy commutes, etc., long before that lifestyle became so in vogue with the current crop of buyers. NCC living is not really a new way of life as many seem to believe.

At any rate, regardless of preferences, everyone should try to enjoy life, because, as you also said, it is short, and there is much to do!

[flyer]

And, as usual, I agree with all of you.

Since I’ve experienced most of these phases of life in San Diego first-hand, I really hope I’m contributing some valuable information.

BG, I have to agree, that we are not enamoured with what San Diego has become either–but that’s progress–I guess, and, for us, the good still outweighs the other.

We’ve seriously looked at living many other places as well, but we can’t find anything we like any better overall, and most of the family are in the city, if not the state.

I completely empathize with your thinking, and, from what from you’ve shared, agree your plan will probably be the most fulfilling way for you to live in your retirement years.

[flyer]

I agree, TS. As a native, I’ve seen that all of my life also, but it seems that it’s becoming more and more challenging as time goes on.

[flyer]

Another interesting turn to this thread.

Agree that many Boomers, and younger people just starting out, will most likely have to leave CA for retirement, employment, housing, and tax purposes, but many, like myself, and just about everyone I know, plans to stay–because (after checking out most of the world), there’s no other place we want to live.

Yes, other less expensive, and more tax-friendly areas such as AZ (where we also have some rentals) and TX, etc., are booming again, and I think they will continue to attract many who are looking for financial relief.

As the current population ages, I think you will see places like those mentioned above continue to flourish. CA, and San Diego in particular, is a tough place to sustain a high standard of living from the working years all the way through the retirement years.

Even those who are making the “big bucks” here today, may not be able to sustain their lifestyles here for the balance of their lives–should they choose to do so. Overall, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out over the years.

[flyer]

Interesting thread.

I agree that some will survive financially, and others won’t, and I think the path we’re heading down is irreversible. Sad for future generations.

I also agree that it seems some who have chosen certain fields seem, in general, to be doing better than others in today’s competitive climate, but we all know people, even in those “golden” fields who have had job failures, health issues, etc., etc. that have ruined their lives, so nothing is ever a certainty.

Living an all encompassing, satisfyingly long life with millions (or whatever your “number” is) stashed is a bigger challenge than many realize. Just look at the stats, if you don’t believe me.
As I always say, make your bets, and take your chances.

[flyer]

[quote=squat300]no, we will only find out if there is an afterlife.

if there is no afterlife, there won’t be any “we” around to find out after our physical being dissolves.[/quote]

I realize we got into this conversation because of the Lance topic, and, even though we’ve gone even further OT, I guess I should have expressed myself more clearly.

To keep it simple, and without going into a dissertation, I think we can all agree that some of us believe “something” continues to exist after the physical being dissolves, while others believe “nothing” exists after the physical being dissolves, with regard to an afterlife.

Arguments can be made on both sides, but I won’t go there, because this is not the place to do so. I’m completely at peace with my beliefs regarding this issue, and wish others the same–whatever they may believe.

[flyer]

[quote=earlyretirement][quote=flu]…And more importantly… don’t be so goddamn uptight about being a miser today and penny pinching today..Enjoy life a bit for christ sake today, because you really might not be able to 10/20/30 years from now…Work/save, get hit by a bus or random act of god, surprise you’re dead (or better off dead), and your nest egg you worked so hard to goes to your kid at best (and at worst goes back to the government and redistributed)…Personally, I think I’ll be happy making to 65 without an unduly financial expense. So that’s my target. Beyond which, I don’t give a crap.[/quote]

You make excellent points flu about unexpected medical/healthcare problems. I think it goes without saying that any major medical problem can totally throw your retirement plans into chaos.

I also strongly agree with your “enjoy life” comment. I do think it’s GREAT to save up and live within your means. But as I mentioned, I will have no guilt if my adult kids (by the time I die) get some big inheritance.

I’ve known several people that don’t do really anything at all. Some have never gone outside of their state their whole adult lives. They penny pinch their entire lives and then they die and you find out they had millions and millions of dollars. And sometimes they don’t even have kids.

My philosophy is to enjoy life. We travel quite a bit around the world, we take tons of vacations, we dine out quite often. Absolutely I think you need to live within your means but I also think you have to “live” and enjoy life as you mentioned.[/quote]

Agree, ER. As I mentioned in the response to flu, we’ve pretty much lived a “retirement lifestyle, ” most of our lives, and tried to enjoy life to the max, even as we planned for the future.

[Author]

Posts