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      So what investment return should Lindell and Yan bank on? Nobody knows. Historically, stock and bond market combinations have exceeded 8 percent annually: not every year, but during most 30-year durations. Prudence suggests it's better to expect lower than average returns.

      But what if real estate were part of your investment plan? And what if (unlike Lindell) you'll receive some kind of government retirement payment or a defined benefit pension? How do such calculations apply then? Meet Keith Ferrell and Annika Dahlgren-Ferrell.

      The Couple with Swedish-American Dreams

      Keith and Annika met in 1994 while attending San Diego State University. They married in 1999, after teaching a handful of years in the United States. Seeking adventure and more disposable income, they moved to Venezuela, where they taught for two years. “When we first arrived,” says Annika, “the school administrator handed us an envelope with a large lump of cash as a ‘settling in’ allowance. It reminded us of a Mafia payment.”

      “We've always been careful with money,” says Keith. By the time they were in their early 30s, they had a completely paid off home in California. Moving to Singapore juiced their savings. Today Keith, aged 42, and Annika, 39, own three California homes. Two are completely paid off, and the third has $78,000 owed on the mortgage. “We'll definitely have the third house paid off before we retire,” says Annika. They each enjoy their Singapore teaching jobs, but would like the option of retiring in 10 years. “We'll probably keep working,” says Keith, “but if we decide to quit in a decade, we want the resources to do that.”

      Besides his teaching salary, Keith plans to tutor. He'll file the additional money as self-employed income reportable to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Doing so allows him to earn Social Security credits, ensuring he's eligible for a smidge of government retirement income. He's not counting on it, however, preferring that he and Annika be fully self-sustaining.

      From 2006 to 2013, they lived in Singapore on a single salary. Annika gave birth to their two children, Kaidan and Kiana (ages 6 and 8), after which Annika stayed home to raise them. Even on a single salary, the couple still saved for their retirement. They also started a healthy college fund for their kids.