After living in poverty for three months without access to my financial assets. New York state has apologized and lifted the tax levy against my bank account. I now have funds to complete the renovation project for the old house to be completed by end of September. A pregnant teen will be moving in so she and her boyfriend can raise the baby and save some money to start their lives together.

I am a bit embarrassed to have given retirement advice a few weeks ago on this blog. Today, I found myself re-visiting the taste of poverty. On June 3, New York State, through a court order, put a freeze on my asset for non payment of New York state income tax of $105,000 in 2004. Since I was not and am not a New York State resident and the tax levy is unjustified, my tax accountant has filed a protest with an inch thick supporting documents. But she informed me that it will be a long process to un-freeze my bank account. We are hunkering down at home trying to conserve cash.

Are you ready to retire to do the things that you enjoy doing, for example, volunteering for charity, be a big brother/sister for kids in your neighborhood, reading your favorite book or simply traveling around the country. Retirement may  be closer than you think notwithstanding the recent stock market crash. You may ask how much money do I need to retire. It may be less than you think.