Quinn asks, is there anything wrong with keeping it simple?

Okay, my level of financial and retirement simplicity is not for everyone. I get it, people want details, they like to analyze, to plan and project the future. But tracking every penny spent? Hey, if that makes you happy and you feel better, go for it.

I try to cover all the bases too, I want to be prepared for the vicissitudes of life as FDR said about Social Security. For me that boils down to big picture stuff. Income streams, investments, survivor benefits and insurance of various types, including LTC, life and umbrella liability coverage. 

To me, my idea of retirement income replacement covers the big picture so I say what more do I need to deal with. Inflation perhaps? That’s what designated income focused investments are for. Do I know what inflation will be in the years ahead? Assuredly not, but nobody else does either. 

Reading HD over the years, I wonder if some level of analysis and planning can be too much. More stress, perhaps inaction - analysis paralysis if you will. 

Clearly we need to think about the future and try our best to plan, but there is just so much we can control regardless. Do we delay decisions until everything seems perfect and perhaps deny ourselves something we may enjoy? 

I see several major questions:

What kind of lifestyle do I want in retirement? 

Am I willing to compromise and how? 

Do I foresee any major changes like relocation? 

How much income can I reasonably expect to generate and from where, and how much provides a secure income stream?

Retirement can be a long time, with many unknowns and uncontrollable events. I say stick with the big picture and stop playing with the assumptions in your planning tool. It doesn’t know any more than you do. 

“It's not in the stars to hold our destiny but ourselves. “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late." W. Shakespeare

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