Decided during my first year in the Army that I would try for maximum rank in minimum time giving me maximum pension to retire after 25 years - ended up with maximum rank after 19 years 2 months and left in 1977 at age 42. Flew to UK and bought boat (27 footer) and have been Med ever since although I now have a much modified Dufour 29.

Had pension of Ł300 per month for 17 years before cost of living increase kicked in. Used to divide monthly income by five and spend 20 % weekly leaving fund accumulate for larger expenses. Divided weekly sum in two - half for domestic and half for boat. Worked well.

Eating on board is much better then "dining out" and far, far cheaper. Used to eat out on Sunday if there were any funds remaining but not a big deal

I read many threads which seem to plan on retiring on their home grounds where expenses are high - head for some place less expensive which probably means out of the EU area - maybe Adriatic or Turkey.

Work is usually available but it takes time to find or for locals to learn of your skills and develope trust in you. I have done everything from working on construction site to managing a flotilla company including delivery and charter skippering using skills I did not have when I retired. Secret is settling for a while and getting to know locals letting them know you are interested in working. Of course, if you are a loud mouthed prat you won't be offered anything.

Have now settled in a fantastic marina with all mod cons at hand in Turkey working on web sites which is as much fun as sailing used to be but after 29 years even that became boring.

PM if any specific questions.

Cheers

Squeaky