“Mythbusters” posts will address some common misconceptions about career breaks and global travel.
This post is to answer one of the questions we have received most often when telling our family and friends that we leaving our jobs to travel: How can you afford this?
No, we are not independently wealthy. No, a wealthy long-lost relative did not die and leave us a fortune. We haven’t won the lottery, struck oil in our front yard, or find a tree that sheds $100 bills.
The (slightly boring) reality is that this trip is made possible through a lot of hard work, savings, and sacrifice.
On the first day of my second job out of college, a manager sat down with me and gave me some advice that has really made this all possible.
He said, “I know that at your age you’re not thinking about retirement and the future. I also know what you made before you got this job and what you get paid now. You were able to survive on your previous salary, so put the difference away. Put money into your 403B (Retirement Plan) and save the rest. Every time you get a raise, put the extra money away.”
So I did what he told me to and because of that, commitment to our savings goals, and a little sacrifice we are in a position to take this journey.
We recognize that there are those that might see this decision as potentially “irresponsible” at this point in our lives. We respectfully disagree. We have thought this through long and hard, crunched all of the numbers, and are sticking to a very careful budget.
In addition, right from the start, we both made a commitment that we will not touch our retirement accounts, nor will we use any of our 18+ month emergency fund to pay for this journey.
We’re just two people with a dream. If we can do it, anyone can. Any questions? Want to start funding your dreams? Send us an e-mail and we will see what we can do to help!
I remember when we first met on a Carnival cruise and you gave us some great advice. We had booked a balcony room on that cruise and you mentioned how you and Natalie usually book a cheaper accommodation to afford more excursions and ‘extras’ on your trip. I’ve never forgotten that and not only have we taken your advice but we have passed it along to others. When we cruised to Alaska for 2 weeks (and met up w/ you and Natalie!) people thought we were crazy. Most people said, ‘The Alaska cruise is something you do when you are retired’. Our answer, ‘why wait?’. Good for you for taking this journey while you are young and in good health and can enjoy the trip. We are very excited for you and look forward to hearing about your adventures!
Hi Christine! Thanks so much for the comment! Wow! Can’t believe how much time has flown by since that trip… That and the fact that we were already spouting the “Save your dollars for more important things ” talk so early on… Funny story… We have been in an Inside cabin on nearly every trip we have ever been on, and it has totally worked for us. On our last cruise, Oceanviews were the same price as an Inside, and we got upgraded for free. The irony? The outside cabin was so bright from all the sun blasting in through the cabin window that we couldn’t sleep for most of the trip! Maybe it is meant to be… In regards to your Alaska cruise — you went at the best time to go… which was when you wanted to go. That is, in most cases, the very best criteria for an enjoyable adventure. Much more to come from us soon and thanks for being a part of the journey!