Our journey to Financial Independence
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
Inflation is all over the news right now, with the latest data showing a 7% year over year increase. In this article I examine the current inflation situation. How the stock market has performed during past inflation periods. And strategies to reduce your personal inflation rate. Current Situation: This chart shows the 1-year inflation rate … Read more
Market analysts will always find reasons to report a bear market is coming soon. I found various articles over the 2010s pointing to an imminent downturn. Eventually, the market bears will be correct. They just weren’t in the last decade. In the 2010s, the S&P 500 generated average annual returns of over 13%. And 2020 … Read more
As we close out each year we do a year-end review session. Here’s how I prepare for it. Read through our Family Financial Policy Statement To remember what financial goals and decision-making processes we have agreed on. Calculate Savings Rate Some items on the statement have specific targets. It’s a great idea to incorporate targets … Read more
I’m not sure I plan to be a real estate investor, but if I ever decide to, this is the method I will follow. In this book David Greene explains the BRRRR approach to real estate investing. Through the Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance and Repeat (BRRRR) phases he shares lessons learned. In this review I … Read more
These resources have been helpful at various stages in our financial independence journey over the last 5 years. With different personalities and media formats, there should be something here for everyone. The group below are clear voices in the FI culture. They build community, share philosophy, encourage others and challenge the status quo with sincerity … Read more
A new migration pattern is accelerating in this country right now. One that our grandchildren will read about one day. People adapt to solve problems. The catalyst of this migration pattern was solving a major problem. How to continue working when offices closed for Covid-19? In March of 2020 the corporate office structure changed forever. … Read more
I found inspiration to write this post after seeing a student driver bumper sticker on a Tesla Model 3. As I pulled up beside the Tesla, I thought surely there’s not a 16-year-old driving. I was wrong. Where do you go from here? If she learns to drive on a Tesla, is she going to … Read more
Financial capital is not the only important capital. This article examines another area of your life that needs attention and investment to thrive – your health. I review the current cost of healthcare and global life expectancies. And I analyze potential root causes for the United States’ declining life expectancy. I then outline a few … Read more
Freedom. People plan for it, take chances for it and some die for it. We all start life with financial freedom. Americans receive a social security number and use it to gain employment, pay taxes (yay!), earn social security credits and borrow money. As a kid you feel financial stress if your parents have overwhelming … Read more