How much you really need to retire in Thailand

[GuestHouse]

Many rightly identify 'inflation' as a major concern for being 'retired' on a fixed income/income from investments.

What needs to be understood is there are different rates of inflation. I found an two year old grocery slip in a bag at home, it was for our weekly shop.

I compared this with a more recent slip and found prices had risen 18% in just over two years. This was of course a 'Farang' shopping list, a 'Thai' shopping list follows a completely different spending pattern and will be closer to the officially announced Thailand inflation figures.

Worst of all I feel is the pricing of medical treatment, over which we non of us have any control, hence the necessity for good insurance (which in turn inflates with time).

[Naam]

Many rightly identify 'inflation' as a major concern for being 'retired' on a fixed income/income from investments.

for some retirees price inflation is a lesser concern than a depreciating "investment currency". some those who planned their budget without any buffer entering retirement when their $, £ or € fetched 20-30% more Baht are royally sakrued.

[Naam]

One thing is clear, this "problem" becomes less of an issue the older your are, I'm 66 and would hate to be in my late forties in this financial economic climate and already in retirement - others mileage will vary however.

pardon me kind Sir... i wouldn't mind at all being 49 again

[Bobotie]

An old school chum of mine, who is a CA and all round finanical whiz kid did some calculations for me and as a cash amount suggested i needed around 2.0 million dollars in my piggy bank

the "whiz kid" knows all about living expenses in Thailand?

The cost of living in Thailand is somewhat irrelevant in the calculation simply because at this juncture there is no intention to retire in Thailand, it was a number which would make for a "comfortable" retirement in a number of countries not specifically Thailand

the cost of living is very much relevant no matter which country. major parts of that cost are taxes and the roof over your head. no offence meant but any "whiz kid" who thinks he can do a realistic capital requirement estimate without considering country specific cost variables has my sympathy and that also applies to the individual who accepts advice from "whiz kids".

No offence but i would have more of a tendancy to believe him than someone proclaiming things on a internet forum...so where has he erred then and lets look specifically at Thailand, under estimated ? Over estimated ? If he has under estimated, then reading some of the other numbers people have put they are going to be deep in the poo

[55Jay]

But to the OP's point, yes, retiring on 2.5 million Baht alone (for very long) is a farce, and no surprise those types of internet advert buttons share space with blinking banners offering "guaranteed" UK/US visas, and virgins advertising on I Love You Long Time dot com.

Somebody must be clicking on them. Wonder how many actually follow through.

[xylophone]

Quote Naam: “the cost of living is very much relevant no matter which country. major parts of that cost are taxes and the roof over your head. no offence meant but any "whiz kid" who thinks he can do a realistic capital requirement estimate without considering country specific cost variables has my sympathy and that also applies to the individual who accepts advice from "whiz kids".

Quote Bobotie: “No offence but i would have more of a tendancy to believe him than someone proclaiming things on a internet forum...so where has he erred then and lets look specifically at Thailand, under estimated ? Over estimated ? If he has under estimated, then reading some of the other numbers people have put they are going to be deep in the poo”.

Some good debatable points from both perspectives, and I would hope that the CA friend of "Bobotie" took into consideration some elements covered in "Naams" post.

Even if he didn't make it Thailand specific, then anyone with $2 million in the bank, hopefully invested for a reasonable return (as such as it is these days) and utilising any tax breaks available, should be able to live quite comfortably in countries similar to Thailand (Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and perhaps even Panama?), even if they are well below retirement age.

[JAS21]

Quote Naam: “the cost of living is very much relevant no matter which country. major parts of that cost are taxes and the roof over your head. no offence meant but any "whiz kid" who thinks he can do a realistic capital requirement estimate without considering country specific cost variables has my sympathy and that also applies to the individual who accepts advice from "whiz kids".

Quote Bobotie: “No offence but i would have more of a tendancy to believe him than someone proclaiming things on a internet forum...so where has he erred then and lets look specifically at Thailand, under estimated ? Over estimated ? If he has under estimated, then reading some of the other numbers people have put they are going to be deep in the poo”.

Some good debatable points from both perspectives, and I would hope that the CA friend of "Bobotie" took into consideration some elements covered in "Naams" post.

Even if he didn't make it Thailand specific, then anyone with $2 million in the bank, hopefully invested for a reasonable return (as such as it is these days) and utilising any tax breaks available, should be able to live quite comfortably in countries similar to Thailand (Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and perhaps even Panama?), even if they are well below retirement age.

I agree with you, someone who has $2 Million in savings should be able to live okay here in Thailand and for a good number of years.

I must have misunderstood ...I thought it was about that figure, but in THB.

[Naam]

Quote Naam: “the cost of living is very much relevant no matter which country. major parts of that cost are taxes and the roof over your head. no offence meant but any "whiz kid" who thinks he can do a realistic capital requirement estimate without considering country specific cost variables has my sympathy and that also applies to the individual who accepts advice from "whiz kids".

Quote Bobotie: “No offence but i would have more of a tendancy to believe him than someone proclaiming things on a internet forum...so where has he erred then and lets look specifically at Thailand, under estimated ? Over estimated ? If he has under estimated, then reading some of the other numbers people have put they are going to be deep in the poo”.

Some good debatable points from both perspectives, and I would hope that the CA friend of "Bobotie" took into consideration some elements covered in "Naams" post.

Even if he didn't make it Thailand specific, then anyone with $2 million in the bank, hopefully invested for a reasonable return (as such as it is these days) and utilising any tax breaks available, should be able to live quite comfortably in countries similar to Thailand (Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and perhaps even Panama?), even if they are well below retirement age.

a problem is the definition of "reasonable return" and "living quite comfortably" because opinions as well as facts are hugely different based on individual perspective and demand.

there are TV-members who claim they live comfortably on amounts which are less than other members utility bills whereas others think that 3mm Baht won't suffice.

and the same applies to returns.

[xylophone]

Quote Naam: “the cost of living is very much relevant no matter which country. major parts of that cost are taxes and the roof over your head. no offence meant but any "whiz kid" who thinks he can do a realistic capital requirement estimate without considering country specific cost variables has my sympathy and that also applies to the individual who accepts advice from "whiz kids".

Quote Bobotie: “No offence but i would have more of a tendancy to believe him than someone proclaiming things on a internet forum...so where has he erred then and lets look specifically at Thailand, under estimated ? Over estimated ? If he has under estimated, then reading some of the other numbers people have put they are going to be deep in the poo”.

Some good debatable points from both perspectives, and I would hope that the CA friend of "Bobotie" took into consideration some elements covered in "Naams" post.

Even if he didn't make it Thailand specific, then anyone with $2 million in the bank, hopefully invested for a reasonable return (as such as it is these days) and utilising any tax breaks available, should be able to live quite comfortably in countries similar to Thailand (Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and perhaps even Panama?), even if they are well below retirement age.

a problem is the definition of "reasonable return" and "living quite comfortably" because opinions as well as facts are hugely different based on individual perspective and demand.

there are TV-members who claim they live comfortably on amounts which are less than other members utility bills whereas others think that 3mm Baht won't suffice.

and the same applies to returns.

True enough, however I was trying to put the proverbial "stake in the ground", otherwise the whole thing becomes an effort in futility because it's all about "how long is a piece of string"?

And as for the member who cannot live on 3 million baht a year, well I would suggest that he was possibly "extracting the urine" or perhaps being a little cantankerous to prove a point?

[55Jay]

Whiz Kid ^

[Naam]

True enough, however I was trying to put the proverbial "stake in the ground", otherwise the whole thing becomes an effort in futility because it's all about "how long is a piece of string"?

And as for the member who cannot live on 3 million baht a year, well I would suggest that he was possibly "extracting the urine" or perhaps being a little cantankerous to prove a point?

not necessarily. some friends of ours, German couple like us, rent a condo for 145k/month, visit three times a year their children in Europe €5,000 each time and THB 2mm are gone, i.e. strings do have different lengths.

[Gutenberg]

True enough, however I was trying to put the proverbial "stake in the ground", otherwise the whole thing becomes an effort in futility because it's all about "how long is a piece of string"?

And as for the member who cannot live on 3 million baht a year, well I would suggest that he was possibly "extracting the urine" or perhaps being a little cantankerous to prove a point?

not necessarily. some friends of ours, German couple like us, rent a condo for 145k/month, visit three times a year their children in Europe €5,000 each time and THB 2mm are gone, i.e. strings do have different lengths.

The 90% do not care what the 10% are doing.

[55Jay]

True enough, however I was trying to put the proverbial "stake in the ground", otherwise the whole thing becomes an effort in futility because it's all about "how long is a piece of string"?

And as for the member who cannot live on 3 million baht a year, well I would suggest that he was possibly "extracting the urine" or perhaps being a little cantankerous to prove a point?

not necessarily. some friends of ours, German couple like us, rent a condo for 145k/month, visit three times a year their children in Europe €5,000 each time and THB 2mm are gone, i.e. strings do have different lengths.

The 90% do not care what the 10% are doing.

Don't get him started, he'll start gloating about how his electric bill is more than your rent.

[Naam]

True enough, however I was trying to put the proverbial "stake in the ground", otherwise the whole thing becomes an effort in futility because it's all about "how long is a piece of string"?

And as for the member who cannot live on 3 million baht a year, well I would suggest that he was possibly "extracting the urine" or perhaps being a little cantankerous to prove a point?

not necessarily. some friends of ours, German couple like us, rent a condo for 145k/month, visit three times a year their children in Europe €5,000 each time and THB 2mm are gone, i.e. strings do have different lengths.

The 90% do not care what the 10% are doing.

Don't get him started, he'll start gloating about how his electric bill is more than your rent.

it's always the same on Thaivisa. facts which do not match certain bread-and-butter perceptions of disgruntled little men result very often in either disbelief, irrelevant comments, outright accusations and/or insinuations drawn out thin air.

after an initial adaptation period one gets used to it and then it's most of the time quite amusing

[55Jay]

not necessarily. some friends of ours, German couple like us, rent a condo for 145k/month, visit three times a year their children in Europe €5,000 each time and THB 2mm are gone, i.e. strings do have different lengths.

The 90% do not care what the 10% are doing.

Don't get him started, he'll start gloating about how his electric bill is more than your rent.

it's always the same on Thaivisa. facts which do not match certain bread-and-butter perceptions of disgruntled little men result very often in either disbelief, irrelevant comments, outright accusations and/or insinuations drawn out thin air.

after an initial adaptation period one gets used to it and then it's most of the time quite amusing

Yeah yeah, whatever, Dr. Naam.

[Naam]

Yeah yeah, whatever, Dr. Naam.

finally a rebuttal loaded with devastating facts that i have no other choice than to hang my head in shame

[55Jay]

Yeah yeah, whatever, Dr. Naam.

finally a rebuttal loaded with devastating facts that i have no other choice than to hang my head in shame

Thought you might enjoy that Americanism. Yeah, like, whatever! LOL.

Just yanking your diamond encrusted chain, Dr. Naam. You'll carry on as normal, I'm sure.

I would be hugely disappointed if you didn't.

[xylophone]

not necessarily. some friends of ours, German couple like us, rent a condo for 145k/month, visit three times a year their children in Europe €5,000 each time and THB 2mm are gone, i.e. strings do have different lengths.

The 90% do not care what the 10% are doing.

Don't get him started, he'll start gloating about how his electric bill is more than your rent.

it's always the same on Thaivisa. facts which do not match certain bread-and-butter perceptions of disgruntled little men result very often in either disbelief, irrelevant comments, outright accusations and/or insinuations drawn out thin air.

after an initial adaptation period one gets used to it and then it's most of the time quite amusing

Tut, tut..........“toys out of pram, throwing” comes to mind. Surely with your post you are guilty of that of which you are accusing others (and I mean no offence).

One could argue that to a certain extent you have left yourself open to this sort of reply, this especially with comments like, "are you aware that 100 grams (a healthy breakfast portion) of top quality Beluga caviar sells for 25,000 Baht (cost of import not included)? is it not possible that TV-member Don Mega is a caviar aficionado”?

Surely so far removed from the title of the thread, “How much do you really need to retire in Thailand” as to be…….

Some folk might construe that as being arrogant, and yet others might see aloofness in your broad-based and demeaning assumption ("disgruntled little men”) but as for me, well, I couldn't possibly comment!

[Naam]

Tut, tut..........“toys out of pram, throwing” comes to mind. Surely with your post you are guilty of that of which you are accusing others (and I mean no offence).

One could argue that to a certain extent you have left yourself open to this sort of reply, this especially with comments like, "are you aware that 100 grams (a healthy breakfast portion) of top quality Beluga caviar sells for 25,000 Baht (cost of import not included)? is it not possible that TV-member Don Mega is a caviar aficionado”?

Surely so far removed from the title of the thread, “How much do you really need to retire in Thailand” as to be…….

Some folk might construe that as being arrogant, and yet others might see aloofness in your broad-based and demeaning assumption ("disgruntled little men”) but as for me, well, I couldn't possibly comment!

surely... i refrain from commenting on the IQ of anybody who does not detect the joking irony in my "caviar" statement because it would violate forum rules

[Bobotie]

not necessarily. some friends of ours, German couple like us, rent a condo for 145k/month, visit three times a year their children in Europe 5,000 each time and THB 2mm are gone, i.e. strings do have different lengths.

The 90% do not care what the 10% are doing.

Don't get him started, he'll start gloating about how his electric bill is more than your rent.

it's always the same on Thaivisa. facts which do not match certain bread-and-butter perceptions of disgruntled little men result very often in either disbelief, irrelevant comments, outright accusations and/or insinuations drawn out thin air.

after an initial adaptation period one gets used to it and then it's most of the time quite amusing

Tut, tut..........toys out of pram, throwing comes to mind. Surely with your post you are guilty of that of which you are accusing others (and I mean no offence).

One could argue that to a certain extent you have left yourself open to this sort of reply, this especially with comments like, "are you aware that 100 grams (a healthy breakfast portion) of top quality Beluga caviar sells for 25,000 Baht (cost of import not included)? is it not possible that TV-member Don Mega is a caviar aficionado?

Surely so far removed from the title of the thread, How much do you really need to retire in Thailand as to be.

Some folk might construe that as being arrogant, and yet others might see aloofness in your broad-based and demeaning assumption ("disgruntled little men) but as for me, well, I couldn't possibly comment!

The folks who see arrogance in naam posts are obviously devoid of a sense of humour and take themselves and their opinions far too seriously..

[Naam]

The folks who see arrogance in naam posts are obviously devoid of a sense of humour and take themselves and their opinions far too seriously..

i am used since years to open as well as subtle accusations and silly insinuations based on the simple facts i state. it started many rainy seasons ago with a thread "how much do you pay for electricity?" in which i participated by stating that my average monthly bill is around 11,000 Baht. this caused an unprecedented "kilowatt uproar" ranging from calling me a liar to condemnations >>> "criminal behaviour / global warming / CO² footprint" = amusing and entertaining

since then my electricity bill has nearly doubled and i can't help it mentioning that once in a while but only when it pertains to the discussed topic. needless to mention that i also posted several times a scan as proof to silence those who call me a liar.

[xylophone]

Tut, tut..........“toys out of pram, throwing” comes to mind. Surely with your post you are guilty of that of which you are accusing others (and I mean no offence).

One could argue that to a certain extent you have left yourself open to this sort of reply, this especially with comments like, "are you aware that 100 grams (a healthy breakfast portion) of top quality Beluga caviar sells for 25,000 Baht (cost of import not included)? is it not possible that TV-member Don Mega is a caviar aficionado”?

Surely so far removed from the title of the thread, “How much do you really need to retire in Thailand” as to be…….

Some folk might construe that as being arrogant, and yet others might see aloofness in your broad-based and demeaning assumption ("disgruntled little men”) but as for me, well, I couldn't possibly comment!

surely... i refrain from commenting on the IQ of anybody who does not detect the joking irony in my "caviar" statement because it would violate forum rules

Whew I am exonerated then because as I said, "I couldn't possibly comment"

[Bobotie]

The folks who see arrogance in naam posts are obviously devoid of a sense of humour and take themselves and their opinions far too seriously..

i am used since years to open as well as subtle accusations and silly insinuations based on the simple facts i state. it started many rainy seasons ago with a thread "how much do you pay for electricity?" in which i participated by stating that my average monthly bill is around 11,000 Baht. this caused an unprecedented "kilowatt uproar" ranging from calling me a liar to condemnations >>> "criminal behaviour / global warming / CO² footprint" = amusing and entertaining

since then my electricity bill has nearly doubled and i can't help it mentioning that once in a while but only when it pertains to the discussed topic. needless to mention that i also posted several times a scan as proof to silence those who call me a liar.

I think naam there are enough people on Thaivisa spouting so much hot air they could spin up a few turbines and power a small country

[Naam]

The folks who see arrogance in naam posts are obviously devoid of a sense of humour and take themselves and their opinions far too seriously..

i am used since years to open as well as subtle accusations and silly insinuations based on the simple facts i state. it started many rainy seasons ago with a thread "how much do you pay for electricity?" in which i participated by stating that my average monthly bill is around 11,000 Baht. this caused an unprecedented "kilowatt uproar" ranging from calling me a liar to condemnations >>> "criminal behaviour / global warming / CO² footprint" = amusing and entertaining

since then my electricity bill has nearly doubled and i can't help it mentioning that once in a while but only when it pertains to the discussed topic. needless to mention that i also posted several times a scan as proof to silence those who call me a liar.

I think naam there are enough people on Thaivisa spouting so much hot air they could spin up a few turbines and power a small country

interesting is that besides some ironic comments nobody is blaming those who claim (i'm citing a specific case) who live a comfortable life spending a total of 8,000 Baht a month or the wizard (a specific case too) who has an income of 25,000 Baht, wife and two children and still saves a certain amount.

but if it's the other way round like in this thread TV-member "Don Mega" stating he spends 3million then the little men brigade is not only firing away but comes up with utmost ridiculous comparisons how the father-in-law manages with 300k and "even drives a new car".

[55Jay]

i am used since years to open as well as subtle accusations and silly insinuations based on the simple facts i state. it started many rainy seasons ago with a thread "how much do you pay for electricity?" in which i participated by stating that my average monthly bill is around 11,000 Baht. this caused an unprecedented "kilowatt uproar" ranging from calling me a liar to condemnations >>> "criminal behaviour / global warming / CO² footprint" = amusing and entertaining

since then my electricity bill has nearly doubled and i can't help it mentioning that once in a while but only when it pertains to the discussed topic. needless to mention that i also posted several times a scan as proof to silence those who call me a liar.

I think naam there are enough people on Thaivisa spouting so much hot air they could spin up a few turbines and power a small country

interesting is that besides some ironic comments nobody is blaming those who claim (i'm citing a specific case) who live a comfortable life spending a total of 8,000 Baht a month or the wizard (a specific case too) who has an income of 25,000 Baht, wife and two children and still saves a certain amount.

but if it's the other way round like in this thread TV-member "Don Mega" stating he spends 3million then the little men brigade is not only firing away but comes up with utmost ridiculous comparisons how the father-in-law manages with 300k and "even drives a new car".

The Emperor has no clothes.

[xylophone]

The folks who see arrogance in naam posts are obviously devoid of a sense of humour and take themselves and their opinions far too seriously..

i am used since years to open as well as subtle accusations and silly insinuations based on the simple facts i state. it started many rainy seasons ago with a thread "how much do you pay for electricity?" in which i participated by stating that my average monthly bill is around 11,000 Baht. this caused an unprecedented "kilowatt uproar" ranging from calling me a liar to condemnations >>> "criminal behaviour / global warming / CO² footprint" = amusing and entertaining

since then my electricity bill has nearly doubled and i can't help it mentioning that once in a while but only when it pertains to the discussed topic. needless to mention that i also posted several times a scan as proof to silence those who call me a liar.

Quote Naam: “surely... i refrain from commenting on the IQ of anybody who does not detect the joking irony in my "caviar" statement because it would violate forum rules”

Perhaps nothing wrong with their IQ, but in your interpretation of humour as noted by this from The Telegraph, “Now an international poll appears to reinforce the humourless national stereotype after concluding that Germany is the least funny country in the world”. So maybe your sense of humour is not as well-honed as you think?

Quote Naam: “i am used since years to open as well as subtle accusations and silly insinuations based on the simple facts i state. it started many rainy seasons ago with a thread "how much do you pay for electricity?" in which i participated by stating that my average monthly bill is around 11,000 Baht. this caused an unprecedented "kilowatt uproar" ranging from calling me a liar to condemnations >>> "criminal behaviour / global warming / CO² footprint" = amusing and entertaining”.

Ever wondered why for years you have had this type of feedback? Time to look at yourself to understand why, but then again you could always blame the “disgruntled little men” or those with a “low IQ” or the other posters insulted, rather than your own shortcomings, EQ in particular (arrogance also comes to mind).

[xylophone]

i am used since years to open as well as subtle accusations and silly insinuations based on the simple facts i state. it started many rainy seasons ago with a thread "how much do you pay for electricity?" in which i participated by stating that my average monthly bill is around 11,000 Baht. this caused an unprecedented "kilowatt uproar" ranging from calling me a liar to condemnations >>> "criminal behaviour / global warming / CO² footprint" = amusing and entertaining

since then my electricity bill has nearly doubled and i can't help it mentioning that once in a while but only when it pertains to the discussed topic. needless to mention that i also posted several times a scan as proof to silence those who call me a liar.

I think naam there are enough people on Thaivisa spouting so much hot air they could spin up a few turbines and power a small country

interesting is that besides some ironic comments nobody is blaming those who claim (i'm citing a specific case) who live a comfortable life spending a total of 8,000 Baht a month or the wizard (a specific case too) who has an income of 25,000 Baht, wife and two children and still saves a certain amount.

but if it's the other way round like in this thread TV-member "Don Mega" stating he spends 3million then the little men brigade is not only firing away but comes up with utmost ridiculous comparisons how the father-in-law manages with 300k and "even drives a new car".

The Emperor has no clothes.

Yes, I'm done with the arrogance shown by a particular poster......so will put him on my ignore list.

[55Jay]

I think naam there are enough people on Thaivisa spouting so much hot air they could spin up a few turbines and power a small country

interesting is that besides some ironic comments nobody is blaming those who claim (i'm citing a specific case) who live a comfortable life spending a total of 8,000 Baht a month or the wizard (a specific case too) who has an income of 25,000 Baht, wife and two children and still saves a certain amount.

but if it's the other way round like in this thread TV-member "Don Mega" stating he spends 3million then the little men brigade is not only firing away but comes up with utmost ridiculous comparisons how the father-in-law manages with 300k and "even drives a new car".

The Emperor has no clothes.

Yes, I'm done with the arrogance shown by a particular poster......so will put him on my ignore list.

Naw, it's more fun with him around! He's alright..... when he's sleeping. His dogs told me so.

[Sheryl]

I thought of this thread last week when I awoke to a severe toothache which turned out to be a badly cracked tooth ---> emergency dental consult and now root canal and crown. Then on the way to the dentist, car broke down, had to be towed and turned out to need a new air compressor among other things.

In one fell swoop, without warning, 50+k baht in unexpected expenses. Easily twice what my "routine" monthly living costs.

I realized that when I did a prior budgeting exercise trying to figure out if I could afford to retire, I did not make allowances for either major dental work or major car repairs. Routine check-ups/cleanings and fuel/oil change yes, but not that. Yet, it happens, and these aren't luxuries. (In fact dental expenses likely to rise with age). I don't think I budgeted the need to replace the car in a few years, either.

Point being that calculating actual or planned routine monthly expenses will result in way too low an estimation. Even in the (I realize now incomplete) calculations I did, the total doubled when I started to add in non-monthly expenses i.e. things that are just once a year or so (insurance premiums, annual trips to farangland etc) ....and that was forgetting the things that don't happen every year, but cost a lot when they do.

[55Jay]

I thought of this thread last week when I awoke to a severe toothache which turned out to be a badly cracked tooth ---> emergency dental consult and now root canal and crown. Then on the way to the dentist, car broke down, had to be towed and turned out to need a new air compressor among other things.

In one fell swoop, without warning, 50+k baht in unexpected expenses. Easily twice what my "routine" monthly living costs.

I realized that when I did a prior budgeting exercise trying to figure out if I could afford to retire, I did not make allowances for either major dental work or major car repairs. Routine check-ups/cleanings and fuel/oil change yes, but not that. Yet, it happens, and these aren't luxuries. (In fact dental expenses likely to rise with age). I don't think I budgeted the need to replace the car in a few years, either.

Point being that calculating actual or planned routine monthly expenses will result in way too low an estimation. Even in the (I realize now incomplete) calculations I did, the total doubled when I started to add in non-monthly expenses i.e. things that are just once a year or so (insurance premiums, annual trips to farangland etc) ....and that was forgetting the things that don't happen every year, but cost a lot when they do.

Great comment..... back on track!

Indeed, important to maintain a realistic, thorough budget and, better yet, a substantial, un-obligated pot of funds off or onshore for contingencies. #Safetynet.