<prompt> Human: Better late than never is the only platitude I can cling to as I appeal for some input on saving for retirement at this late stage in the game. Were struggling now but in 16-18 months, well have zero debt, zero real estate, 50K in available credit on credit cards, and about 150k in after tax cash by the time we sell everything house 98 of possessions. Beginning tax year 2016, we want to set aside as much as allowed every year in tax friendly retirement accounts if theyll be a benefit to us and in an HRA we have access to as part of our health insurance.NOW: We currently have average credit upper 6s due to relatively recent and very high ccard utilization 35k of 50k and a 27,000 tractortrucktrailer loan 560month but we are selling that trio and Im getting a no payment used truck and used tractor with the extra cash the sales will generate. We have never been late on any payment in 20 years and the ccard debt will be gone by next year. We are self-employed, in good health, and gross about 90-100kyear all in and may make a little more in the future. We currently spend 90 of our income on debt maintenance 30kyear house payment, ccards, home equity loan, health insurance 7kyear for a grandfathered 100 coverage plan with a 10k annual deductible, and minimalist type utilityfoodliving expenses and do not have a car payment on our second car. Weve transferred ccards to lowno interest where we can, are transitioning to Project Fi phones, spend very little on utilities in general, never eat out, do not vacation, grow a garden, drive very good condition, low maintenance, efficient 15-20 year old cars, and have set a one year goal to ditch all possible debt to achieve a simple, low cost life with some financial security. We are absolutely thrilled to have survived the real estate crash of 07-14 with home equity but are tired of living hand to mouth for the most part because of a big ass house.GOAL: Once were in an all cash position, wed like to buy about 60k worth of land 30-45 minutes out in the country gets about 20-25 acres of regrowth land timbered 8-12 years ago, build a simple, low budget, low maintenance, ultra-efficient 1200 sq home for 60k with a shopbarn for another 25k Im a contractor. We plan on financing 70-75 of the home and spending cash on the rest to avoid mortgage interest and to preserve as much of our liquid capital as possible for building a retirement nut and for future investing home flipping to augment our other small home based business. Does putting 45k cash into a home with an 600ishmonth all in payment mortgage, taxes and insurance that will be appraise around 170k seems reasonable? Our income will remain the same as long as Im healthy.Updates: MUCH AND BIG LOVE for all the viewpoints, opinions and suggestions! I really had no idea! - Also, the more thought I give this subject, and the more great input I get from everyone, I realize that retired does not have a single definition. Mine will be more of a working retirement but Im of the If you love what you do youll never work a day in your life! mindset and what I have the skill set for yields what seems like easy money for me- and, I hope that I was understood that I will have this money at age 60 and would like to retirecut way back and enjoy more after that.- and, I have 400k in low cost term insurance, and a paid up 50k UL policy, to help my honey if I get hit by the cancer bus, a real bus or whatever. All policies have an accelerated death benefit that will advance 50 of the policys face value in cash for some extra grease for the medical cost wheels if Im diagnosed with a terminal illness.More Updates: You are a sobering bunch of SOBs and I really appreciate it. This is what i needed to hear. 5.29 update: Had to take a breather to let it all soak in. Its something of a bitter pill to swallow when you find out that you didnt know what you thought you knew and what you thought was retirement was really just getting sensible about expenses and working less and that real retirement is much further off than hoped. Many thanks for everyone that answered the question I asked, not the one I thought I asked. Ive had to begin completely adjusting my outlook and goals and stop thinking line someone blessed with eternal youth and eldless tomorrows. Thats really just crazy thinking and I find that Im calling myself out for doing so everytime I think crazy because I now know that I cant afford pun intended to do so.Ill be back soon to answer and ask more questions if you havent lost interest and, again, offer my sincere thanks for the reality check. You all have helped more than you know.  <response>: how long can you reasonably run a shopbarn at your age? probably not very long.Id take the cash, buy a small homecondotownhouse, put the rest in the bank and starting to find a job. 