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Why We Retired Before We Had "Enough" and Don’t Regret It

Finding Gina Marie – Travel the World

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Ep.67 Is saving enough really the most important part of retirement? We don’t think so. In this episode, we share why we chose to retire early—before hitting the so-called “magic number”—and how health, not money, became the biggest factor in our decision. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth waiting until you earn more, this conversation is for you.

It's the age-old decision of Health vs Wealth (or Time vs Money).

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Chapters:
00:00 - Start
01:41 - Our Love of Travel - How it all started
02:50 - Driving Forces to Retire Early
04:22 - Cost of Living in San Francisco
07:17 - Health & Morality
13:09 - Questioning Limiting Beliefs
18:46 - Our Final Thoughts on Health vs Wealth
20:52 - Gelato Member Credits

Finding Gina Marie is where we share our lives as full-time travelers and the connections we make along the way.

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📹 VIDEO EQUIPMENT
Primary Camera: Sony FX30
B-Roll Camera: iPhone 14 Pro
Editing: Final Cut Pro X on a 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro
Key Light: ZHIYUN MOLUS X100 Bi-Color 100W COB Video Light
Diffuser: ZHIYUN Quick Release Mini Softbox
Vocal Microphone: Sony ECM-B10

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20 Comments

@FindingGinaMarie Creator 3 years ago (edited) Pinned

Here's the article on how we came up with the need for $1.7 million before retiring. Correction: It is Canadians who thought this, not Americans. https://www.morningstar.ca/ca/news/232272/do-you-really-need-%2417-million-to-retire.aspx#:~:text=Going%20back%20to%20the%20example,%2480k%20retirement%20income%20ask.

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@lindab5789 3 years ago

Wholeheartedly with all the points you made. My husband had a mild heart attack at age 48. We had always been saving for retirement, but decided then that we would retire by age 55 regardless of how much money we had accumulated. I retired at 54 and my husband at 55. We could have worked another 10 years and had a lot more money, but we would have lost all that time. We have been retired for 9 years and try to travel as much as we can. We live on a budget, with our priority being travel. We have been to nearly 30 countries so far and have absolutely no regrets about trading dollars for time. Not everyone's passion is travel, but the lesson is the same. Do the things you are financially and physically able do now. You never know what will happen to your health or even what impact world events might have on the things you want to do.

@mahtin 3 years ago

As a retired person who loves travel (and travels often!), I’d 100% buck the mythical $1.7m number if you find places to travel that are affordable.

Forget Tokyo, Paris, and London (as nice as they all are), start thinking Costa Rica, SE Asia, Baltic states, Uzbekistan, etc. it’s all about how you prioritize adventure and your life!

Just don’t stay home. Get out there!

@stevemichael8458 2 years ago

I'd argue that health IS wealth :)

@MsMariaSierra 3 years ago

Your videos resonate on almost every level of our lives!! When I meet a young person (and it doesn’t matter if they’re in their 20s, 30s or beyond) I always ask are you planning a vacation, do you like to travel which lead into the usual comments of “planning to do so later in life”!! That’s when my “Ohhhhhh don’t wait until you’re too old to enjoy traveling!” Then I tell them about the health event that opened my eyes! I “retired” relatively early and within 2 years was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer! Not what you’re expecting when all you are thinking about is enjoying what you’ve worked so hard for!! But with the Grace of God I am a survivor and we’re enjoying every moment we can get away! Keep your videos coming — it doesn’t matter the topic, they’re always on point!

@2010katak 3 years ago

So so true. I watched my mom talk and save for her retirement and die a year into it. So sad. I agree with your philosophy wholeheartedly.

@reluctantlawyer517 3 years ago

What a great video. This topic is something Erin and I talk about often. We were both attorneys and we were making more than we had ever thought we would make in income so the decision to voluntarily step away and retire was not without some trepidation. However, what you said really hit home. Our jobs were stressful and the hours were long. We decided that we could live decently on the amount we had saved and we could travel, as we had always wanted to do, during a time that we have few physical limitations. We are currently in Guanajuato, Mx, and we are loving it. We are only two weeks in on our journey but we are confident that we made the right decision. I can’t imagine going back to the grind.

@dianarider7712 3 years ago

I am so happy that this lifestyle is working out for you both, and meeting and likely exceeding your expectations. Good for you! Keep on traveling!

@GlobetrotterGranny 3 years ago

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this video! Authentic and such important topic for people to consider for their retirement! Thank you so much for sharing this!

@omah-gosh 3 years ago

I’m years away from retirement age, but have been thinking about solo slow travel for quite a few years. I’m planning on travelling from next year, although, I don’t know what that will quite look like yet. The great thing is that I can use Croatia as a home base while in Europe, which will help. The only thing that holds me back are the children. My four children are between 25-17 and my 21 yr old has blood cancer, which at this stage she’s managing well (they’re all planning their Croatia/Europe trip for next year too). As a mother, and only parent, I feel I should be here for them, but I am blessed to have children who support me and want me to travel (actually I think they’re pushing me to go 😆). They don’t want me to sit around waiting for something to go wrong and before you know it 10 yrs has passed and they didn’t even need me! What a waste of time! Watching your video has confirmed my thoughts and given me courage to do what I feel I should do. Life is short and unpredictable, but I can always catch the next plane home! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom.
“Live life full die empty”
❤Zeljka

@seandavie3672 4 months ago

Such a relevant video for many. I had a heath scare at 54. Working in a demanding role and in a consumption driven, high cost of living country. Now I full-time travel, have nothing more than my carry-on and backpack, my partner, passport and travel dreams being realised. We are travelling for little more than rent back in Australia. You do need $$$, but not as much as people think. Do not leave it too long guys!

@tonym8002 4 months ago

Hey Judy - I am adopted too! I instantly felt how it was for you. We each have our own path in this. Good luck!

@annetterobinson3213 3 years ago

Love the topics discussed here. Our thoughts exactly! We both lost our parents when they were in their 60’s and 70’s and with my husband surviving cancer that changed our though process completely. We decided that we may never make retirement age so put plans in place to retire as soon as we could. It’s been quite the sacrifice but our turn is right around the corner. I retired 2 years ago and Pete next March and we launch our full time traveling in April…..it’s coming up so fast now.
I’m actually in rehabilitation after a full knee replacement so have 6 months to get in the best shape I can before we head off. Thanks for a great video guys ❤

@EnriqueSanchez2001 1 year ago

:hand-pink-waving:JUDY & KEVIN! You always bring a smile to my face, oh wait... also to my soul, my hopes and my dreams.

Thank you for being you, for being there. For me, this resonated in ways didn't expect, and they were in very positive ways. Health is paramount for me, as I might have explained before. I cannot thank you both enough for everything you do, say and explain to us. It feels so easy and comfortable to listen to you.

:face-red-heart-shape:Sending a big virtual hug across land and sea to both of you! :face-red-heart-shape:

@mitchmclain4809 1 year ago

Excellent video! My wife and I are 53 and 52 this year. We both have good paying jobs, but are so burned out. We’d love to retire when we are both 55. Since we have pets we may start off retiring abroad at first. Either way, we know it’s a huge step, but one I think we will just need to rip the bandaid off and do it. Keep the good content coming. 👍🏼

@meb6667 3 years ago

Sensitive, candid, and sensible conversation (as usual). Looking toward retirement in 1.5 years, we are beginning to think about what that will look like. I’m increasingly drawn to a creative life with a lighter load. I enjoy - and profit from - watching the ways you two manage and navigate.