Sorry, whenever I hear or read "Allow me to introduce myself" I think of Eminem.  I use to think of the Rolling Stones too...

Welcome to the group, I'm sure you'll enjoy it here, I know I have

It's always great to hear about people who plan on volunteering during retirement. I can't think of a better use of time, skills and experience. I hope to follow in your footsteps in the future. 

@Melissa - 

I've been so focused on my plan for early retirement, I guess I haven't written it down yet.  That'll be my next blog post.

 

Here's a short summary:

First I'm going to rest and unravel.  I've busted my ass for the last 15 years.  From the day I began college until now, I have pursued this goal with passion.  I don't know how long it will take to unwind, but I'm guessing between 3 and 6 months.  This time will mostly be filled with exercise and reading.

Next, I want to have a more active role in my kids life.  They are 1 and 3.  I don't think I'll homeschool, but I at least want to supplement their public education with my own teachings.  I also want to play with them more and instill good values.

I will get more physically fit.  Before kids, I was an ultramarathoner.  I don't think I'll return to that sport, but I may.  I may set a goal like a 15 minute 5K race, something I can train for without taking up hours a day.

I want to become an expert investor.  

I will volunteer in the pediatric ward of my local hospital.  A few months ago my daughter was in the PICU there and they saved her life.  I paid a lot of money for that, but I still feel like I owe them so much more.  I think this will be very fulfilling - more than my current job.  I could even see getting a part time job there if I really get into it.

I want to write more.  On my blog and in other places.  

I want to continue my pursuit of self-sustenance.  Maybe grow some of my own food, build and install solar panels, learn more motorcycle maintenance for my bike, etc.

 

There's a lot more I want to do, but that will keep me busy for awhile.  Thanks for asking!

Thanks for considering to volunteer in the picu. My 4 year old has probably spent over 3 months in the hospital since his birth. With two other kids it is impossible for me to be there 24/7 and I am so grateful for volunteers who are able to keep him company.

45K for relocation? Two years back I relocated from Austin to Ft Lauderdale with just $750, am I reading your post correct?

 

May be his company paid for his relocation and it included everything. My husband's company paid for his relocation a few years back, cross country – packing, moving, storage of his things, moving his car, 1 month corporate fully furnished apartment, a realtor to help with buying a house (they were going to pay the closing cost), delivering the things, rental car, flight tickets for visiting the place once to look around and final moving flight tickets, as he didn't have his possessions they also offered to pay for his food bill for a month. All of that cost upward of 20k. And he was moving from a dorm type room (they just had a package deal with a moving consultant and the minimum was a 1bedroom package). If it was a two or more bedrooms I can easily imagine the moving contractor quoting 45k. He also had a clause in his employment agreement that if he quit the job within 1 year of joining, we had to pay that money back. Just a possibility...

Welcome Brave New Life!! Great job accumulating almost a million dollars! I have added you to my reader. Looking forward to learning from you and your journey.

My goals aren't too lofty since I'm mostly there.  Honestly, I think I could retire now (at 33) but I still enjoy the work a little and I'd have to pay $45K pack to a relocation company if I were to leave now.  

Just added you guys to my reader and looking forward to following.

Here's a post about taking a machete to your finances instead of a scalpel:

http://www.frugalconfessions.c.....achete.php

My goal is to retire at 40.

http://retireby40.org/2010/11/.....at-u-love/

http://retireby40.org/2011/07/.....pay-check/

As you can tell, I'm interested in early retirement as well and will go see your site now.