Simple Living

When Retirement Savings Finally Got Real I didn’t get serious about retirement savings until just a few years ago. For most of my working life, I was contributing about 8% of my income into my 401(k). Not bad, but not nearly as powerful as what I’m doing now. As of last year, I finally committed to maxing out my contributions. That change has put my retirement trajectory on a whole new path. Using a 7% annual market growth assumption, here’s how things look: 11 years from now: around $1 million total balance. 15 years from now: about $1.4 million. 20 years from now: it leaps to $2.6 million. 25 years from now: crossing $4 million. Full retirement age (late 60s): close to $5.8 million. It’s wild to see how compounding works — slow and steady in the beginning, then suddenly exponential. Here’s the catch: I can’t withdraw from my 401(k) without penalties until 59½. That means even if I wanted to step away earlier, I’d have to keep working until at least that age. Reali...

Tasting Notes: 2022 Austin Hope Paso Robles Cabernet Recently, I opened a bottle of the 2022 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, and it was a real treat. At $52, it isn’t exactly an everyday sipper, but after tasting it, I’d say it’s worth the splurge. First Impressions This Cabernet is fruit-forward in a way that California reds are known for. The first sip bursts with ripe cherries, offering that lush, almost jammy flavor profile that immediately pulls you in. Balance & Structure What stood out was how smooth and approachable it felt: No sour edges No harsh dryness No sharp acidity or overwhelming tannins Instead, it leans toward a softer, more polished structure. That might not be every Cab drinker’s preference, but for those who like their reds silky and easy-drinking, this one delivers. Texture & Comparison One interesting aspect for me was its slightly syrupy texture. Not overpowering, but enough to give the wine a rich mouthfeel. It actually reminded me a...