Does this Gameplan make sense?

[znzn31]

First-time poster here - great forum

I am in my early 30's and have saved 435k after paying off my student loans from undergrad and graduate school (~50k), vehicle (~8k) and credit card (3k). Although I do not have a solid investment plan yet, I am happy with where I am financially.

After working very hard the last few years, I am ready for a break. Currently overseas, I'll be headed back to the US before reaching my 330 days for the Federal tax exemption on the first ~90k...I'll only be at 5-6 months. Instead of losing the tax benefits, I am thinking about extending my time overseas by taking a round-the-world vacation for 6 months.

I would recoup around 5k in state taxes and 20k in federal taxes from the exemption, giving me a very nice paid vacation, right?

Any feedback on what I may be missing here? Is this a good idea?

Thanks all

[frugaldrummer]

Sounds FANtastic to me!

And kudos to you for your excellent savings!

Only question I have, is whether the break in employment will in any way affect your future prospects?  (Although it seems to me, an around-the-world trip wouldn't exactly hurt you in most fields, and might help in some).

[Half-Borg]

Isn't 435K about the amount you need to retire and not worry about future employment at all?

[beltim]

This is actually kind of brilliant.  Well done, znzn31!  The only concern I have is making sure the exclusion works if you travel to other countries rather than maintaining a tax home in one country.  If it does, that's an awesome plan!

[znzn31]

Frugal - thank you. You bring up a point I didn't mention, but have thought of. I will have to take a break in employment, and there is a chance that I would not be able to return to my employer. I've weighed this and decided that I'm willing to risk it, given that I am somewhat burned out beyond what a 1-2 week vacation would help with :)

Half-Borg - I would like to think so, however I am no expert, and it depends on the person (or so I've learned reading the forums). I do know that I don't need a lot of money to survive. At the end of the day, I don't think I will ever truly settle down or retire until I have to; I'm too much of a busy-body. The money I've set aside will give me freedom, allowing me to take jobs that pay less but make me happier, or take breaks from work if I want.

Beltim - Thanks. My research is fairly solid. For US taxation, it doesn't matter as long as you remain outside of the country for 330 or more days (excluding flight time to/from). I am definitely shooting for awesome!

Thanks all!