The Cost of Working

As you contribute every month to your 401(k), you've probably asked yourself, "Do I have enough to retire?" But perhaps you should be asking, "How much am I paying to work?" After all, maintaining a career -- and the lifestyle that often accompanies it -- isn't free.

How much is work costing you?
Housing, transportation, and taxes make up most of the expense of working. But there are other areas as well, like clothing, eating out, and a sizeable bite into your personal and family time.

Houses and rent in high-employment areas are more expensive than those in "depressed-employment" markets. So you need to live near job opportunities or be willing to make a long commute, the latter of which increases your gas bill and adds wear and tear to your vehicle, not to mention your psyche. Your spouse needs a car, too, to efficiently run the home and to haul the kids and pets around. If both of you are pursuing careers, then you have to add day-care expenses to your monthly bill.

Your second car costs you about $7,200 per year, and assuming state and federal taxes take 30% of your income, you'll need to earn $10,300 just to cover the costs of car ownership. A daunting thought indeed.

Some professions require that you keep up an image, including any or all of the following: a house with the right address, a car that is suitable for a partner of a firm, impressive watches or jewelry, and professional clothing with the necessary dry-cleaning expenses. You are encouraged to represent the company itself with proper shoes, handbags, or briefcases, essential computer traveling cases, and cell phones. There are also pricey haircuts, manicures and nail buffings, hair coloring to look young and vigorous, or perhaps a membership to a country club or golf lessons so you can schmooze with potential clients.

Keeping fit can be expensive, too, with a gym membership or personal exercise equipment quickly racking up bills.

When we were working, we treasured our moments at home. We didn't want to spend our precious time cleaning it, so we employed a service. It was the same for mowing the lawn, pruning the trees, or planting flowers each year.

There are social pressures, too. Working couples are often so busy that getting together with family and friends causes the social calendar to be scheduled far in advance. Small yet significant moments with children can disappear before our eyes, and having unstructured time to simply unwind seems a distant luxury.

Houses themselves aren't free, either. They must be adequately insured, repainted, renovated, recarpeted, and otherwise maintained, with roof repairs or plumbing problems adding sizeable sums to the minus column. Don't forget the cost of utilities. The larger the home, the more space you must heat or cool. If people looked at owning their home in the same way as running a business -- tracking every dime they've invested, plus the hours of their labor to maintain it -- they would be shocked.

A recent Wall Street Journal study found that "the cost of keeping a typical home up to current standards for 30 years is almost four times the purchase price." The sobering conclusion, according to the Journal: "Almost every house, no matter how recently or expertly built, is a money pit." It's enough to make the "Home Sweet Home" sign in the kitchen shudder right off the walls.

You might be enjoying the recent run-up in property values. It's a terrific feeling until the home is reassessed and your property taxes increase to reflect that new value. Are you now paying $3,000, $4,000, or even more in annual taxes for that privilege of ownership?

These days, both partners want the chance to express themselves in a career or to pursue a mental or creative challenge. Since each spouse is working, taking the time to cook at home is not always a convenient option. Constantly eating out, rushing to pick up something on the way home, or using packaged microwave products definitely ratchets up your food expenses.

And then there are the yearly vacations. Spending thousands of dollars to justify the enjoyment of a few weeks off so you can tell your co-workers what a fabulous time you had feels great, until your tan is gone and the credit card statement arrives.

This whole scenario is starting to add up.

What to do?
1. If you are preparing for retirement, you may want to consider different housing options. Are you planning on staying put or moving to a more economical location? Will you need the same amount of square footage?

And why not try someplace new? There are many ways to downsize your housing expenses. You could rent or purchase a condo with amenities that management takes care of for your enjoyment. You could move to a sailing vessel or houseboat, or maybe an RV. We know many RV and boat "full-timers" who have long ago given up the conventional house. It's not because they cannot afford one -- it's that they prefer the unhampered lifestyle.

Or consider a move to a less expensive country. There are expats in just about every corner of the world, and this is the time of your life to live your dream. When we first retired 16 years ago, we shared a spectacular house with some others on the tiny island nation of Nevis, in the West Indies. Since our friends worked all day, we had a mansion with a spectacular view overlooking three islands all to ourselves. Upon returning to the U.S., we slowly traveled through the West full-time in a fifth-wheel trailer. We know others who have done house exchanges in return for living in a faraway land. There are so many options, you only have to use your imagination and look for opportunities. Besides, you can always buy a house whenever you want . they're everywhere!

2. Take a look at your transportation outlay. Will you continue to need two cars? Will you be able to get by with other choices, like public transport, a moped, a golf cart, or a bicycle?

Since we began traveling the world, we've driven our vehicle an average of only 1,500 miles a year. We live in a location that is within walking distance to grocery stores and restaurants and has shuttle service to the airport. Our entertainment options are also close by.

3. Exercise during retirement can be a daily part of life. Walking is free. Tennis, hiking, biking, rollerblading, tai chi, or yoga cost almost nothing.

4. Dining is an area of expense in which you have great control during retirement. Perhaps going out to lunch is a better value than meeting friends for dinner. Or better yet, learn to cook! Eat fresh! It's healthier and more economical. You won't be nearly as rushed as you were when you were working, and being smart in this one area can give you substantial savings.

5. Don't forget the impact of lower taxes once you're retired. Having no earned income means you'll pay no more payroll taxes. Now is the time to simplify your tax structure, before you leave your job.

Upon retirement, you'll find that many of your expenses can be dramatically reduced. Once you understand your cost of working and deduct this amount from your budget, you might find that you're much closer to your goal of financial independence than you realized.

It's never too early or too late to begin planning for your own retirement. To begin your journey, try a risk-free trial toRule Your Retirement.

In 1991, Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired from the brokerage and restaurant businesses to a life of international travel. Visit their website at, and check out their new CD book, The Adventurer's Guide to Early Retirement.


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