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Can you retire early too?

Like the Nielsens, you may dream of having enough money to quit your job well ahead of traditional retirement age. Here's what you need to do:

By Donna Rosato, Money Magazine senior writer

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Live below your means

It's not the lattes that will kill your dream but the big-ticket items. Driving a $20,000 car for 10 years vs. buying a $30,000 car every five will save $250,000 over 30 years, says planner Beau Brock. Live in a low-cost area, send your kids to public schools and drop the vacation to the Caribbean for day trips to a nearby beach.

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Last updated January 25 2008: 11:05 AM ET

Spending Savings Debt

Retired at 40

The Nielsens planned to retire early from the day they got married. Now they've actually done it - and just might be able to make it stick. (more)

Investing for early retirement

Aggressive investing could help you retire early, but taking on too much risk could backfire, says Money Magazine's Walter Updegrave. (more)

An early start on retirement dreams

To make their long-term dreams come true, Jodi and David Lewis, ages 26 and 27, need to be as serious about savings as they are about their careers. (more)

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