[sfRattan]

> Unless your needs are simple, you can relocate somewhere to live very cheaply, and you don't have any dependents.

As a human, your needs are simple[1]. With a $1M net worth, you can relocate somewhere to live very cheaply. And your dependents can live in that same place, also cheaply.

All you need to do is show the Joneses the door out of your mind and never let them back in, nor look toward their lives in envy.

[1]: Healthcare being a notable potential exception, depending on the individual.

[ip26]

If you have dependents that are children, I feel there is a moral consideration. If you have earned $1M and then take the family to live who-knows-where slowly drawing on that $1M.. will your children be able to replicate your success? Will they be able to earn their own $1M? Or will leading this new life significantly impair their prospects?

To me this is the most critical problem with the "move somewhere crazy cheap" plan. I feel a parent owes their children at least somewhat similar opportunities as they themselves had. If you got to work as "high flying white collar tech worker", but the only option your children have is "subsistence fisherman", you have wronged them.

[bumblehean]

I think there's a large middle ground between relocating somewhere undesirable (or to a developing country) just to stretch your money as far possible vs "keeping up with the Joneses".

Even if your goal is financial independence, it's reasonable to not drastically decrease your existing standard of living just so you can retire _now_.