MFalkinham:
You mentioned being naive about financial matters. I used to be also, until I read several good books about basic investing and finances. But all of the books have the same basic theme; start saving for retirement when you are young, even if only in small amounts, because time and the power of compounding interest is on your side!
Very good advice from MFalkinham
I hope all you youngsters are paying attention. Sound investing has allowed me to treat work as an "option". Buying new is easier and nice but don't do it unless you have the disposable income. I talking after you have paid yourself, you are in your own house (not renting) and the retirement fund is set up on autopilot funding. Of course the "nice life" is all relative and very subjective.
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