"Fat chance of that. You're talking to a man who regards half the human race as being unethical merely because they belong to the other gender.

- Gus"

I had quit reading his posts years ago because it became clear to me that he sees the entire planet through his liberal/conservative paradigm and the deeply ingrained stereotypes he has about liberals.

With regard to more interesting topics, I haven't been responding meaningfully to your hypotheticals because I actually work during the day and haven't a lot to offer at this point.

I think your questions about those who are cocky enough about their 'systems' to take out 10% or more from their stockpile (or whatever the better term is) is more of a personal question about personal confidence and risk aversion than formulas. I personally am not that cocky. I will probably work longer than your formulas suggest and withdraw less than your formulas suggest.

Plus, I am not sure I want to retire. I left a larger law firm with bigger clients 7 years ago to establish a small law practice. Some of my clients really need my help and even invite me to weddings, graduations, etc., but I don't earn as much as I did.

I am frugal because I want to be able to do what I like without regard to money, so that I can continue to work by choice rather than necessity.

The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. My Dad is 85 and officially retired last year. The last two times I called home during the work week, he was at the office anyway, helping old friends with legal problems.