{{ The thrifty food budget for two codgers is over $500/month, or $6,000/yr. Your internet and cell service would be $200/month on average. Utilities have to cost around $150-200 a month, and I know you’re not paying zero in taxes. That’s at least $1200 of your $1,666.67 a month, so you basically stare at each other and take occasional walks to the library for retirement?

Your annual budget seems a tad austere. >>

I'd be surprised if I pay more than $200/month for food since I rarely eat in restaurants. Internet is $50/month for me and a year's worth phone service on Tracfone is $130, call it $60/month. Between gas, electric and water I'm probably paying $200/month for utilities. Property taxes and HOA fees are $500/month. It costs me about $500/year to insure the Tesla ($1 MM liability only, I can afford to replace the vehicle if it's damaged or stolen so I don't carry collision or comp.) I'm able to do all my charging at home on a 110 volt plug at a cost of less than 9 cents per kwh. My Tesla app tells me that I've spent $61 in the 11 months I've owned the vehicle. In Washington State, electricity is almost free. {{ LOL }}

Of course, that $20,000/year doesn't include any vacations. I've managed my retirement portfolio over the past 30 years to minimize interest and dividend income. My preference is take my portfolio withdrawals in capital gains and tax paid returns of capital. I didn't start paying much in the way of taxes until I started taking Social Security at age 69, despite a 6-figure annual portfolio withdrawal.

I believe a married couple can take about a $150,000/yr portfolio withdrawal for 2026 in the 0% bracket as long as all their income is qualified dividends and capital gains.

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