One year living in our timeshares: 2 1/2 year update

[nunzia]

I am really not trying to be preachy, but...

My wife an I both developed a highly employable skill set and an educational background that provided us with well paying careers. I started off enlisted in the Air Force and while my friends got a six pack and partied I went to college part-time after work to earn a degree and a commission. Early in our marriage we skipped on luxuries and we worked extra reconditioning boats to pay for my wife to attend college. We both ended up getting our master's degrees (2 actually for me) to improve ourselves for career advancement. We worked hard and saved for the future but also balanced quality family time.

The best thing we did looking back was to invest in skills that we could offer an employer. One of my in-laws says we just got lucky (the one that has been on welfare for 5 years, no education, no job skills), but we made our own luck through education and hard work. I'm not trying to sound like too much of a jerk but I get tired of people telling me (not on this thread but friends and family) how easy we have it now without realizing the work we put in to get here. I still remember 75+ hour work weeks - yes 75 hours per week. 12 hours every day, 13 days in a row with 1 day off.

We both walked away from six figure incomes to do this, without ANY regrets. We do not overvalue money but we do highly value success and achievement. Both of us had careers doing something that we LOVED and excelled at.

Both of our children (23 and 25) have already set up retirement accounts even though their employers provide pensions for them (teacher and military). They are planning to retire at 50 to beat their parents. They want all of our timeshares when we are done with them.

 

[JWG]

I am really not trying to be preachy, but...

My wife an I both developed a highly employable skill set and an educational background that provided us with well paying careers. I started off enlisted in the Air Force and while my friends got a six pack and partied I went to college part-time after work to earn a degree and a commission. Early in our marriage we skipped on luxuries and we worked extra reconditioning boats to pay for my wife to attend college. We both ended up getting our master's degrees (2 actually for me) to improve ourselves for career advancement. We worked hard and saved for the future but also balanced quality family time.

The best thing we did looking back was to invest in skills that we could offer an employer. One of my in-laws says we just got lucky (the one that has been on welfare for 5 years, no education, no job skills), but we made our own luck through education and hard work. I'm not trying to sound like too much of a jerk but I get tired of people telling me (not on this thread but friends and family) how easy we have it now without realizing the work we put in to get here. I still remember 75+ hour work weeks - yes 75 hours per week. 12 hours every day, 13 days in a row with 1 day off.

We both walked away from six figure incomes to do this, without ANY regrets. We do not overvalue money but we do highly value success and achievement. Both of us had careers doing something that we LOVED and excelled at.

Both of our children (23 and 25) have already set up retirement accounts even though their employers provide pensions for them (teacher and military). They are planning to retire at 50 to beat their parents. They want all of our timeshares when we are done with them.

Kudos. I've always said I'd like to be able to retire at 50, not necessarily do it, but be able to. That won't happen, not with a child still in school at that time and a wife who's income won't ever come close to matching yours (but she loves her job and does what she enjoys).

But, totall agree and respect the decision making. It's a model we are trying to emualte for sure.

 

[tomandrobin]

I get tired of people telling me (not on this thread but friends and family) how easy we have it now without realizing the work we put in to get here. I still remember 75+ hour work weeks - yes 75 hours per week. 12 hours every day, 13 days in a row with 1 day off.

This.....I understand whole heartily.

I grew up dirt poor.....details not required. When I started my career path at age 20, it was head down and plow ahead. When I looked up, I was 30 years old and far enough along to start working for myself. Five years later of even harder work, business really excelled. I still work hard 50-60 hours a week, but after so many years of 70-80 hour weeks, its a breeze.

We hear the comments and just shrug them off. We know what it took to get where we are now. Its not easy.

 

[bats]

I have just told my partner your story and he is in awe of you!!!

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us, we can only dream about a similar retirement, but we're happy, so that's about all you can ask for in life I guess!!

Good for you and your wife getting out there and living life to the full .. Long may it continue.

 

[bc133]

It's awesome to see that years of your hard work are paying off for you! That's awesome & glad you're enjoying it!! You were smart to plan but lucky to have someone you love to spend it with. Hope next year is just as exciting for you

 

[OhioDVC]

This is amazing OP! What an incredible journey.


What are you thoughts on Club Intrawest and Zihua, Mexico?

We really enjoy our Club Intrawest stays. The main reason we bought CI was to stay at Sandestin, FL and my son was into snow boarding so all the resorts in Canada worked out well. It is a great timeshare to own if you enjoy traveling to Canada. I think their retail sales price is TOTALLY crazy, I got it off the resale market. I believe their price from the developer is around $215 per point with a roughly equal point chart compared to DVC.

I like "Z" for its more "authentic" Mexican feel. I've been to Cabo, Cancun and Cozumel. In those 3 resort areas I mostly interact with locals who are in the tourist industry, at Z you interact with local families not there to just sell you something. On the beach you spend the day right next to Mexican families enjoying the same beach. Walking to town is easy and many of the restaurants on the beach next to the resort you'll see 25% Americans and Canadians with 75% local families.

If you are going to visit a different country, I prefer to interact with the local populace more then tourist industry workers who cater to English speaking guest.

The resort is built on the side of a steep hill so only go if you can handle stairs, but great views.

I loved the outdoor shower! It freaked my daughter out and she only used the inside shower. Food was the best I had in Mexico.

You can also buy a food plan that will save you 30-40% on meals.

Z is a must do if you like Mexico - more exotic then the other tourist overrun MX locations.

 

[OhioDVC]

Just returned from 5 1/2 weeks on Oahu. It was great but glad to be back. We are at Vero Beach for the next 10 days.

If you are in town, PM us and we'll meet in the Green Cabin room and talk timeshares.

We met a great couple in Oahu who travel 3-4 months out of the year in their timeshares. We are hoping to plan a joint timeshare stay in the near future.

You don't need to miss your friends when you are on the road, just invite them to join you. Friends of ours from Ohio are joining us for a week in Hilton Head in Aug and cruising with another couple in Oct.

 

[TosaTrio]

Maybe you already stated, but what size unit do you normally stay in or does it vary a lot?

 

[mmdisneylover]

You are truly an inspiration! When talking of retirement with my husband, I suggested something like this and he thinks I'm NUTS! I know he'd enjoy the pampering and the continuously changing scenery ... so now I have a 'real life' example to show him. It IS possible to live the dream!

Thank you so much for your stories, facts, and insight!

Deb

Sound like a fun way to live and would love to live like this when I retire I know my husband would do it , I know our income will never allow us to do it though. I can dream though.

 

[mmdisneylover]

I am really not trying to be preachy, but...

My wife an I both developed a highly employable skill set and an educational background that provided us with well paying careers. I started off enlisted in the Air Force and while my friends got a six pack and partied I went to college part-time after work to earn a degree and a commission. Early in our marriage we skipped on luxuries and we worked extra reconditioning boats to pay for my wife to attend college. We both ended up getting our master's degrees (2 actually for me) to improve ourselves for career advancement. We worked hard and saved for the future but also balanced quality family time.

The best thing we did looking back was to invest in skills that we could offer an employer. One of my in-laws says we just got lucky (the one that has been on welfare for 5 years, no education, no job skills), but we made our own luck through education and hard work. I'm not trying to sound like too much of a jerk but I get tired of people telling me (not on this thread but friends and family) how easy we have it now without realizing the work we put in to get here. I still remember 75+ hour work weeks - yes 75 hours per week. 12 hours every day, 13 days in a row with 1 day off.

We both walked away from six figure incomes to do this, without ANY regrets. We do not overvalue money but we do highly value success and achievement. Both of us had careers doing something that we LOVED and excelled at.

Both of our children (23 and 25) have already set up retirement accounts even though their employers provide pensions for them (teacher and military). They are planning to retire at 50 to beat their parents. They want all of our timeshares when we are done with them.

Love reading your posts it is amazing that you can enjoy your retirement the way you and your wife do.. I only wish that will happen in my future. I guess a girl can dream but you did It so I guess it could happen. Have fun vacationing and keep updating your progress.

 

[OhioDVC]

Maybe you already stated, but what size unit do you normally stay in or does it vary a lot?

Over the last year we stayed in a studio about 4-5 weeks total. The longest at one time was 10 days. It wasn't bad but we do enjoy more room. Most of the time we are in a one or two bedroom.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

I'm so glad your enjoying your retirement. You deserve it and thank you for your service to our country!!

Enjoy Vero Beach!! I love it there!

I'm on the other coast of Fl watching the beautiful sunset.

 

[dbs1228]

I love reading your post! Thank you for your service in the military! I will keep reading so keep posting.

I share your post with my family and hope I can do something similar - probably on a smaller scale. As it is now (not retired) everyone asks where we are going next since we travel 4 - 5 weeks a year I cannot even imagine being able to just go but ohhhhh looking forward to it!

 

[LOVEARS]

Thanks for such an inspiring thread and your service. This thread was the topic of discussion for a group of us on duty today (USAF) and such an inspiration for those of us retiring in the next couple of years.

Congrats and keep us posted on your experiences. Its different from most "vacation" timeshare points of view.

 

[OhioDVC]

Here are our reservations for the next year:

6.13.2013 6.23.2013 Vero Beach -Disney 1 bedroom
6.23.2013 8.3.2013 Club Intrawest - Sandestin FL 2 bedroom with family
8.3.2013 8.10.2013 Bay Club Sandestin FL 1 bedroom
8.10.2013 8.11.2013 Savannah, GA 1 bedroom suite
8.11.2013 8.18.2013 Bluewater Resort and Marina HHI SC 3 bedroom with friends
8.17.2013 9.7.2013 Waterside Hilton Head Island SC 3 bedroom 1 week with family
9.7.2013 9.14.2103 Marriott's Barony Beach HHI SC 2 bedroom
9.14.2013 9.15.2013 Disney's Hilton Head Resort Studio
9.15.2013 9.22.2013 Bluewater Resort and Marina 2 bedroom - Hilton Head Island FL
9.21.2013 10.5.2013 Seawatch on the Beach 2 bedroom - Ft Myers FL
10.3.2013 10.6.2013 Beach Club Villas 2 bedroom Tower of Terror race w/family
10.5.2013 10.12.2013 Surf Club of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
10.12.2013 10.19.2013 Regency of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
10.18.2013 10.19.2013 Saratoga Springs studio one night before cruise
10.19.2013 10.26.2013 Cruise with Friends eastern Caribbean
10.26.2013 11.02.2013 Beach Club Villas 1 bedroom
11.02.2013 11.09.2013 Hyatt - Coconut Plantation 2 bedroom w/family
11.08.2013 11.11.2013 Boardwalk 2 bedroom Wine & Dine 1/2 marathon w/family
11.09.2013 11.16.2013 Surf Club of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
11.16.2013 11.23.2013 Charter Club of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
11.22.2013 11.25.2013 Majestic Sun - Wyndham 1 bedroom Sandestin FL
11.25.2013 12.02.2013 Club Intrawest Sandestin FL 2 bedroom premier w/kids
12.02.2013 12.07.2013 Bonnet Creek - Wyndham 1 bedroom presidential
12.07.2013 12.14.2013 Sand Pebble FL 1 bedroom RCI exchange
12.14.2013 12.21.2013 Las Olas Beach Club FL 2 bedroom RCI exchange
12.21.2013 12.26.2013 Vero Beach 2 bedroom w/kids
12.26.2013 12.29.2013 Disney cruise 2 cabins w/kids
12.29.2014 1.05.2014 Saratoga Springs 2 bedroom w/kids
1.05.2014 1.14.2014 Old Key West 1 bedroom Disney s Marathon Dopey Challenge
1.14.2014 1.16.2014 Wyndham Harbour Lights San Diego studio
1.15.2014 2.2.2014 Wyndham Waikiki Walk - Honolulu 1 bedroom deluxe - upper level
2.02.2014 2.14.2014 Aulani 1 bedroom ocean view
2.14.2014 2.18.2014 Wyndham Harbour Lights San Diego 1 bedroom
2.18.2014 2.20.2014 Old Key West studio
2.20.2014 2.24.2014 Old Key West 2 bedroom Princess Glass Slipper Challenge w/family
2.24.2013 3.6.2013 St Thomas day trip St Johns studio plus
3.8.2014 3.15.2014 DCL
3.15.2014 3.22.2014 DCL
3.22.2014 4,12.2014 Sanibel Island FL 2 bedroom
4.12.2014 4.26.2014 travel to see family driving to MS, KY, OH and PA
4.26.2014 5.03.2014 Wyndham National Harbor MD 1 bedroom
5.03.2014 5.10.2014 Wyndham Edisto Island SC 1 bedroom
5.10.2014 5.17.2014 Marriott's Barony Beach 2 bedroom
5.17.2014 5.31.2014 Waterside Hilton Head Island SC 3 bedroom
5.31.2014 6.7.2014 Ireland hotel
6.07.2014 6.14.2014 Cruise 7-day Mediterranean verandah cabin w/daughter
6.14.2014 6.21.2014 Scotland hotel
Back to the beach for the summer 2014

 

[carissa1970]

Here are our reservations for the next year:

6.13.2013 6.23.2013 Vero Beach -Disney 1 bedroom
6.23.2013 8.3.2013 Club Intrawest - Sandestin FL 2 bedroom with family
8.3.2013 8.10.2013 Bay Club Sandestin FL 1 bedroom
8.10.2013 8.11.2013 Savannah, GA 1 bedroom suite
8.11.2013 8.18.2013 Bluewater Resort and Marina HHI SC 3 bedroom with friends
8.17.2013 9.7.2013 Waterside Hilton Head Island SC 3 bedroom 1 week with family
9.7.2013 9.14.2103 Marriott's Barony Beach HHI SC 2 bedroom
9.14.2013 9.15.2013 Disney's Hilton Head Resort Studio
9.15.2013 9.22.2013 Bluewater Resort and Marina 2 bedroom - Hilton Head Island FL
9.21.2013 10.5.2013 Seawatch on the Beach 2 bedroom - Ft Myers FL
10.3.2013 10.6.2013 Beach Club Villas 2 bedroom Tower of Terror race w/family
10.5.2013 10.12.2013 Surf Club of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
10.12.2013 10.19.2013 Regency of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
10.18.2013 10.19.2013 Saratoga Springs studio one night before cruise
10.19.2013 10.26.2013 Cruise with Friends eastern Caribbean
10.26.2013 11.02.2013 Beach Club Villas 1 bedroom
11.02.2013 11.09.2013 Hyatt - Coconut Plantation 2 bedroom w/family
11.08.2013 11.11.2013 Boardwalk 2 bedroom Wine & Dine 1/2 marathon w/family
11.09.2013 11.16.2013 Surf Club of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
11.16.2013 11.23.2013 Charter Club of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
11.22.2013 11.25.2013 Majestic Sun - Wyndham 1 bedroom Sandestin FL
11.25.2013 12.02.2013 Club Intrawest Sandestin FL 2 bedroom premier w/kids
12.02.2013 12.07.2013 Bonnet Creek - Wyndham 1 bedroom presidential
12.07.2013 12.14.2013 Sand Pebble FL 1 bedroom RCI exchange
12.14.2013 12.21.2013 Las Olas Beach Club FL 2 bedroom RCI exchange
12.21.2013 12.26.2013 Vero Beach 2 bedroom w/kids
12.26.2013 12.29.2013 Disney cruise 2 cabins w/kids
12.29.2014 1.05.2014 Saratoga Springs 2 bedroom w/kids
1.05.2014 1.14.2014 Old Key West 1 bedroom Disney s Marathon Dopey Challenge
1.14.2014 1.16.2014 Wyndham Harbour Lights San Diego studio
1.15.2014 2.2.2014 Wyndham Waikiki Walk - Honolulu 1 bedroom deluxe - upper level
2.02.2014 2.14.2014 Aulani 1 bedroom ocean view
2.14.2014 2.18.2014 Wyndham Harbour Lights San Diego 1 bedroom
2.18.2014 2.20.2014 Old Key West studio
2.20.2014 2.24.2014 Old Key West 2 bedroom Princess Glass Slipper Challenge w/family
2.24.2013 3.6.2013 St Thomas day trip St Johns studio plus
3.8.2014 3.15.2014 DCL
3.15.2014 3.22.2014 DCL
3.22.2014 4,12.2014 Sanibel Island FL 2 bedroom
4.12.2014 4.26.2014 travel to see family driving to MS, KY, OH and PA
4.26.2014 5.03.2014 Wyndham National Harbor MD 1 bedroom
5.03.2014 5.10.2014 Wyndham Edisto Island SC 1 bedroom
5.10.2014 5.17.2014 Marriott's Barony Beach 2 bedroom
5.17.2014 5.31.2014 Waterside Hilton Head Island SC 3 bedroom
5.31.2014 6.7.2014 Ireland hotel
6.07.2014 6.14.2014 Cruise 7-day Mediterranean verandah cabin w/daughter
6.14.2014 6.21.2014 Scotland hotel
Back to the beach for the summer 2014

Wow. That is amazing! Sounds like so much fun!

 

[tomandrobin]

Wow. That is amazing! Sounds like so much fun!

I agree!!

 

[OurDogCisco]

Wow... great schedule. I see you are at SanDestin for over a month at the same time share this summer. I just might have to look into Wyndham. Did you trade in or do you own there..

 

[OhioDVC]

Wow... great schedule. I see you are at SanDestin for over a month at the same time share this summer. I just might have to look into Wyndham. Did you trade in or do you own there..

If you want a timeshare at Sandestin, I would recommend Club Intrawest over Wyndham.

We are at CI for 5 weeks and Wyndham for one.

CI is much nicer. Wyndham is the only timeshare I am sorry I purchased. IMO it is the Motel 6 of timeshares.

BUT - Wyndham is dirt cheap on the resale market. You have to watch because they have quite a few properties that are junk. It seems like they purchase run down hotels and timeshares and then try to remodel them. The properties that Wyndham builds from the ground up are decent.

They always are very, very pushy about trying to get you to buy more.

 

[AnnaS]

Here are our reservations for the next year:

6.13.2013 6.23.2013 Vero Beach -Disney 1 bedroom
6.23.2013 8.3.2013 Club Intrawest - Sandestin FL 2 bedroom with family
8.3.2013 8.10.2013 Bay Club Sandestin FL 1 bedroom
8.10.2013 8.11.2013 Savannah, GA 1 bedroom suite
8.11.2013 8.18.2013 Bluewater Resort and Marina HHI SC 3 bedroom with friends
8.17.2013 9.7.2013 Waterside Hilton Head Island SC 3 bedroom 1 week with family
9.7.2013 9.14.2103 Marriott's Barony Beach HHI SC 2 bedroom
9.14.2013 9.15.2013 Disney's Hilton Head Resort Studio
9.15.2013 9.22.2013 Bluewater Resort and Marina 2 bedroom - Hilton Head Island FL
9.21.2013 10.5.2013 Seawatch on the Beach 2 bedroom - Ft Myers FL
10.3.2013 10.6.2013 Beach Club Villas 2 bedroom Tower of Terror race w/family
10.5.2013 10.12.2013 Surf Club of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
10.12.2013 10.19.2013 Regency of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
10.18.2013 10.19.2013 Saratoga Springs studio one night before cruise
10.19.2013 10.26.2013 Cruise with Friends eastern Caribbean
10.26.2013 11.02.2013 Beach Club Villas 1 bedroom
11.02.2013 11.09.2013 Hyatt - Coconut Plantation 2 bedroom w/family
11.08.2013 11.11.2013 Boardwalk 2 bedroom Wine & Dine 1/2 marathon w/family
11.09.2013 11.16.2013 Surf Club of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
11.16.2013 11.23.2013 Charter Club of Marco Island FL 2 bedroom
11.22.2013 11.25.2013 Majestic Sun - Wyndham 1 bedroom Sandestin FL
11.25.2013 12.02.2013 Club Intrawest Sandestin FL 2 bedroom premier w/kids
12.02.2013 12.07.2013 Bonnet Creek - Wyndham 1 bedroom presidential
12.07.2013 12.14.2013 Sand Pebble FL 1 bedroom RCI exchange
12.14.2013 12.21.2013 Las Olas Beach Club FL 2 bedroom RCI exchange
12.21.2013 12.26.2013 Vero Beach 2 bedroom w/kids
12.26.2013 12.29.2013 Disney cruise 2 cabins w/kids
12.29.2014 1.05.2014 Saratoga Springs 2 bedroom w/kids
1.05.2014 1.14.2014 Old Key West 1 bedroom Disney s Marathon Dopey Challenge
1.14.2014 1.16.2014 Wyndham Harbour Lights San Diego studio
1.15.2014 2.2.2014 Wyndham Waikiki Walk - Honolulu 1 bedroom deluxe - upper level
2.02.2014 2.14.2014 Aulani 1 bedroom ocean view
2.14.2014 2.18.2014 Wyndham Harbour Lights San Diego 1 bedroom
2.18.2014 2.20.2014 Old Key West studio
2.20.2014 2.24.2014 Old Key West 2 bedroom Princess Glass Slipper Challenge w/family
2.24.2013 3.6.2013 St Thomas day trip St Johns studio plus
3.8.2014 3.15.2014 DCL
3.15.2014 3.22.2014 DCL
3.22.2014 4,12.2014 Sanibel Island FL 2 bedroom
4.12.2014 4.26.2014 travel to see family driving to MS, KY, OH and PA
4.26.2014 5.03.2014 Wyndham National Harbor MD 1 bedroom
5.03.2014 5.10.2014 Wyndham Edisto Island SC 1 bedroom
5.10.2014 5.17.2014 Marriott's Barony Beach 2 bedroom
5.17.2014 5.31.2014 Waterside Hilton Head Island SC 3 bedroom
5.31.2014 6.7.2014 Ireland hotel
6.07.2014 6.14.2014 Cruise 7-day Mediterranean verandah cabin w/daughter
6.14.2014 6.21.2014 Scotland hotel
Back to the beach for the summer 2014

Impressive!!!!!! I love it!!
You must meet some interesting people for sure along the way