Originally Posted by Barrettscv

My wife and I are considering early retirement. To do it, we would need to live as simple as possible. Most of the usual luxuries would be eliminated. We would have basics (that not everyone has), including excellent healthcare, internet, quality made-at-home meals, a nice bottle of wine. We should also be able to travel to see our children once a year. We would have a nice home and furnishings.

But shopping and regular car use would be minimalized to absolute necessities. Entertaining would be reduced to having friends over for dinner. Consumerism would come to an end (no more N+1). Recreation would consist of cycling, hiking & swimming when weather permits.

Can Americans adapt to the simple life by choice?