Our journey to Financial Independence
As we enter the last few weeks of 2022. It’s time for a year-end assessment. I’ve seen many headlines this year like, “what a terrible year, nothing is performing, there’s nowhere to hide.” And from the chart below, you can see it’s valid: Data through 9/30/2022 Let’s review some key factors in this year’s performance: … Read more
In this article I analyze the latest stimulus. Examining federal student loan forgiveness from different perspectives. There are strong opinions on either side of this topic, so let’s jump straight to the facts. The Facts Up to 10k per borrower of federal student loan balance is eligible for forgiveness. For those earning under 125k (single … Read more
Let’s run through a scenario of two people. Both followed good investing paths. But one path has some compelling advantages over the other. In 2022 the average college graduate income is: $55,260. We will start there. Two young professionals begin their careers in similar positions at the same company after college. Big Saver Benjamin Benjamin … Read more
There are plenty of market pundits calling the start of the next great recession. Some have been calling it for years, decades even. And there are many reasons to be negative on the stock market today, ahem inflation. The purpose of this post is to take the other side and share a few reasons the … Read more
So far 2022 has been tough for investors: S&P 500 index is down about 13% YTD US Aggregate Bond index (corporate investment grade bonds) down about 9% YTD Bitcoin down about 35% YTD EAFE index (developed international stocks) down about 12% EEM index (emerging markets stocks) down about 12% Now is the time when many … Read more
Automated investing is critical. In this post I share the why and how of it. Money flows through our lives and bank accounts. We work, receive income and then spend it. And the years pass. I’ve talked to many people at the end of their career lamenting, “I wish I’d started saving for retirement earlier.” … Read more
What are we buying with all those retirement contributions? Today I share my motivation to increase our family’s savings rate. And an important calculation to help you stay motivated on your journey. Coast FI. My Whys I don’t know how long I have Work is hard. And stressful. There are responsibilities and requirements to my … Read more
The goal of this post is to provide an introduction to the keys of FI. It is my hope that you use this as a launching point to dig deeper into the study of financial independence. In my experience the more you learn, your motivation will increase. And you will find the strategies that work … Read more
History Formed in 1957 the S&P 500 index is a considered a bellwether for the US economy and stock market. It includes the largest publicly traded companies headquartered in the United States. It’s roots as an investment vehicle started when the Vanguard group created the first S&P 500 index fund in 1976. The Vanguard 500 … Read more
How do the items we buy trap us? Things can trap us psychologically, physically and financially. In this article I take a deeper dive into each of those perspectives. And share a couple mental hacks to change the buying decision process. Physically You may be a hoarder, know a hoarder or have seen one on … Read more