What an interesting post.

Really a minefield.......Retirement age well - early! 51 & 46 yrs. Swapped home for 3 small 'starter' houses which pay for our lifestyle. Plus a bit from stocks and shares.

Whatever you think you'll need TREBLE it and you'll not go too far wrong. The trouble with all these ideals is what do you really want out of life? Scrimping & saving is for the young! If you are used to a 'certain' type of lifestyle then plan for that or you're not going to be happy for long. Our income has dropped by about 30 percent. We could quit the EU and save loads but we're happy where we are and fortunately, at the moment, survive.
At the end of the day budgeting is down to what goes into the bank and what you spend. Simple 2 columns on the balance sheet. Don't be fooled by the 'experts' living on 2/6p per day! 'cos this doesn't include 'free' berthing 'cos you're writing the 'book', trips back to the uk to promote it, etc. Are you prepared to anchor for 12 months of the year and not haul out?

Of course it's feasable to live on virtually nothing but, come on, most of us want a comfortable life this includes marina fees for at least a couple of months, with a lift out and antifoul. Entertaining friends, even if it's only with a couple of beers and a few crisps. Having a meal out once a week/month, drinking a bottle of wine, or more, a day. Phoning relatives/family... it all adds up.
Not trying to be negative but as I said in the beginning - do the sums then x 3.. If we're wrong then you'll save a pretty penny!!
Don't let it stop you from doing it _ the most important thing is to go ahead - today is for living for tomorrow may never come! XXX