The 11 Best Ways to Blow Your Money– Here are some ways you can have it all, and end up with nothing when it comes to retirement. 1. Drive a super hot car. 2. Buy a gigantic home in an exclusive neighborhood. 3. Decorate on a grand scale. 4. Stay out of the kitchen (eat out A Lot!). 5. Try new stuff constantly. 6. Dress to impress, stay out of the discount stores. 7. Build a brand new you and maintain (great new clothes, personal trainer, plastic surgery, etc. 8. Be and early adopter – try the latest technology when it first becomes available. 9. Indulge your children – give them lots of expensive toys and gadgets. 10. Indulge yourself- don’t deny yourself anything.11. Get away from it all- take lots of expensive vacations.

Now that you know how to have a great time, it’s time to reconsider and be reasonable. It’s better to invest your money wisely, let your real estate agent help you select a home that is affordable, that will last you for many years and can give you a better life, rather than being house poor.  In the long run, you will have a comfortable retirement and still be able to have fun along the way.

Excerpts from an article by Donna Freedman, courtesy of Alan Lury, the Financial Handyman