Early Retirement Extreme Forums

== REMOVED ==

Do you plan to stay with your parents forever?

Yes, most people do that here, some of my neighbour's multi-family houses even support three families. Its the norm.

@ jacob
You don't understand the European version of the suburbs, very packed with no gardens, check it out:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yY3H6CAg4lE/R ... G_0070.JPG
That is the norm around here.

@Don - Who pays the rent/taxes then? WRT to living with family, I think it may be a northern/southern dichotomy. In N-Europe, kids have mostly moved out before they're 25. (Being over 25 and living with parents is somewhat of a social stigma.)

Tax is based on the owner's income, and the value of the property. If you don't pass a certain threshold you can request an exampt from it.

Welcome Don Emanuel!
I share your interests in learning, reading, programming and doing nothing.
Hopefully you also eat vegetables or fruit with those oats and white meat, otherwise you're not getting your vitamins and will get medical problems later on.
I wish my cost of living was as low as yours!

Thanks for the view of ERE in Portugal!

Regardless of the goal, you are definitely on the way! How great to be so focused at such a young age! It's a great feeling when you have enough money you realize you don't HAVE to care if you keep your job.
P.S. Always keep in mind what is fair for your parents if you were in their shoes. Most parents are happy to get walked on. Make sure you never become one of those who tread for your interest over theirs.

@ Marius
That is the bulk of the diet, but I eat more things like broccoli, salmon, tuna, rice.. simple and healthy. I eat loads of oats because they are easy to prepare and very cheap here, you can't beat a 0.20€ meal on that regard. Used to take some vitamin supplements on the past, brands: Optimum Nutrition / Now Adam. But got lazy to buy them.
@ The Dude
University and school were close to where I live, so I never bothered to be "independent". My GF is on the same situation and we are happy that way.

== Month 9 of 60 ==
The saving rate was just ridiculous, partly because one of my online projects has gain some real momentum. I'm living like a complete office warrior at this moment, no real respect for sleeping/rest time.
At 7.93% of the target ERE amount, motivated to reach 12% by the end of 2010.

Don Emanuel, nice progress you got going... and your numbers are simply appaling, in what part of Portugal do you currently live in? City mainly? I might be making my move over to Portugal xD
Congratulations on your plan, I will follow your advice and start seeing how much I can start saving for my ERE.

Another multi-family-homer!! good to know I'm not the only one.
It is common in the country-side of southern europe but not so much in metropolis areas as most people live in appartments, or at least in southern italy thats the case.
My DH's parents own a 3 level palazzo and gave each son a level to use or split up and rent (about 2/3 of our level is unfinished).
Its great for saving money, we have no rent and share 2 communal cars and often eat together. We pay for just utilities and food averaging under 300 euro for 2.

@ EREFan
At the moment I'm living near Lisbon. The costs of living are cheap if you are frugal, its a great country for ERE. Lots of places to visit, castles, monuments, beaches, clean air..
A quick intro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS6DUGtt ... re=related

More: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tipp7yzc ... re=related

== Month 10 of 60 ==
Progress is being made at a slow pace, bought two new web properties this month, with a break even of one year or less. There goes my 9-5 salary lol but I couldn't resist the opportunity.
Next step is doing by first home made buzz cut.
At 8.54% of the target ERE amount. (should had 16,6% by now, ooppss)

== Month 11 of 60 ==
November was a good month, despite the fact that I made some stupid mistakes, still got a 81.26% saving rate out of it. This month an amortized attorney fee is going to end, so in 2011 the saving rate will be unreal. If the side business continues to grow I might see a rate close to 95% or something, gotta thanks my parents for letting me drop out of college and Jacob for creating this life changing community.
Its Friday and I'm going to crash, good weekend to everybody.

Forgot: At 9,5% of the target ERE amount, don't know if I'm going to reach 12% by the end of the year..

Early today I made my first buzz cut with the finishing touch of my father. The clipper is very simple and seems durable, one less expense in my life, for now..

Not much to add, other than the photo you posted brought back memories. I lived / worked outside of Porto for 3 years and all the houses looked like the one in that photo. Not sure how much you are getting paid, I know when I was there the pay was terrible (I worked at a university). I would think it would be harder to retire early there if you plan on living without your parents support, but it looks like you're ok going that route, at least for now. One thing I would be concerned about is the general economy & retirement plans in Portugal. Your country could possibly default on its loans in the coming year or have to severely cut the money / benefits retirees get, which would have a bad impact on your ability to retire. For now just be happy you have a decent job.
I'm happy I lived there for a time, but I'm much happier back in the states now, and paid better too.