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    Mr. Money Mustache

  • Should We Employ Our Own Kids? (and How Much to Pay Them)
    Way back in 2015, I had a nine year old boy. Even back then, I could see him showing some early flashes of adulthood and maturity, and it got me wondering about his future as it relates to money and freedom. So I wrote a post called What I’m Teaching My... Read more »
    Published: July 20, 2019 - 4:49 pm
  • VideoOur Shared Ongoing Battle To Not Buy A Tesla
    Like you, I am pretty much resigned to the fact that I’m going to have to buy a Tesla at some point. I can tell because I have read every last scrap of Tesla news and inadvertently memorized every last technical detail about the company and their cars and energy... Read more »
    Published: May 8, 2019 - 9:14 pm
  • VideoThe Real Benefit of Being Rich
    There have been a lot of big bills coming across my kitchen table recently. Property taxes, car registrations, income taxes, things for the school orchestra in which little MM plays the standup bass. Plus the usual credit card bills for all my spending on groceries and not-all-that-rare luxury indulgences. There’s... Read more »
    Published: April 11, 2019 - 5:40 pm
  • How I Sold This Website for $9 Million
    Dearest Readers, I’ve been waiting to tell you this with considerable excitement for a whole year, but the sales contract prevented me from doing so until this moment. And as of April 1st, 2019, I’m officially free to reveal that: Mr. Money Mustache has been sold! Yep. I’m not sure... Read more »
    Published: April 1, 2019 - 4:38 pm
  • VideoHow to Create Reality
    So a funny thing happened on Twitter this week, which almost changed the world a little bit. Someone sent me a beautiful 3-D mockup of a fictional, car-free city of 50,000 people, set in the scenic nook of land* between Boulder, Colorado and Longmont, where I live. It came complete... Read more »
    Published: February 27, 2019 - 8:48 pm
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    financial independence / early retirement

  • ● Diverse portfolio or all in.
    I'm still kinda new to investing and I don't really think there is a clear answer to this question. I'm 18 so don't have thousands of euro's to invest atm. So what's better or smarter save up to buy a stock from a big company like apple (I mean stocks... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 5:56 pm
  • ● Does anyone else worry they're not...smart enough to FIRE?
    currently in community college, I've had terrible grades my whole life due to a learning disability I only recently got diagnosed with. Making lousy money with no real career prospects or even ideas of what I might do in life other than a desire to not work my life away.... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 5:47 pm
  • ● FIRE but want a career change
    I’m 25, and I’ve been pushing through the same job that I got out of high school. Never had debt, I’ve made about 60k each of the last 3 years since becoming a supervisor. I’ve maxed out my Roth IRA and 401k since then. But I am absolutely burnt out.... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 4:18 pm
  • ● TSP Conversion to Roth?
    Hey everyone - if you plan to retire early, how would you go about converting traditional TSP funds, to a Roth IRA or Roth TSP? Are there additional fees that would not normally be incurred if you were converting Traditional IRA to Roth IRA? Thanks in advance for all the... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 3:40 pm
  • ● Tales from the land of the FIREd self insured
    One of the most controversial things in all my previous posts have been when I mentioned I am self insured as someone who FIREd in my 40s (now in my mid 50s). While I often get the predictable name calling and general questioning of my sanity, I also get a... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 2:56 pm
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    Early Retirement Extreme

  • ● Are we blogging the wrong way?
    Some strategies for discovering things that go unnoticed would involve ignoring the “junk mail” and go to the (usually smaller) shops in the side streets. These often offer better deals because they do not sell low margin junk and compensate for it by volume and advertising like the mass stores.... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 4:05 pm
  • ● Advanced cash flow diagrams
    One of the things I get used to get paid for on a daily basis is was to sit and stare at large amounts of numbers and try to make sense of them. The thing that has repeatedly helped me understand those numbers is to develop some way of visualizing... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 4:03 am
  • Dollar cost averaging at the pump for cheaper gas
    This may be taking it to extremes, but try dollar cost averaging at the pump for cheaper gas. Obviously this does not work if you have to detour to get gas, but if the gas station is on your route and you merely have to pull over, do this. Instead... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 4:02 pm
  • Endurance events
    One possible way of spending retirement is to enroll in marathons, ironmen (or is that ironmans?), ultracycling, etc. all over the country or planet depending on ambition. Last SundayA couple of years ago I completed my first century (actually it turned into 123 miles (197km) since I took a wrong... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 4:01 am
  • Passion
    “Do not seek illumination unless you seek it as a man whose hair is on fire seeks a pond.” — Sri Ramakrishna I really like this quote. It provides a visual image of a very important point. The point is that you must be passionate to succeed. Being passionate centers... Read more »
    Published: July 21, 2019 - 4:00 pm
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    Go Curry Cracker!

  • Summer Plans
    Advertiser Disclosure: This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CardRatings.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Last Thursday was... Read more »
    Published: June 19, 2019 - 2:03 pm
  • Accidental Market Timing
    In rough terms, market timing is the practice of trying to make money by predicting future market performance. It is almost universally agreed to be a poor investment practice… “time in market is more important than timing the market.” Predicting future market performance is… difficult. Even when your hypothesis is... Read more »
    Published: June 10, 2019 - 11:52 am
  • Rent vs Imputed Rent
    A lot of people dream about the day they finally finish paying off the mortgage. Free and clear, baby! What might you be willing to pay to live in this house you already own? Economists refer to this concept of a mortgage-free living space having market value as “imputed rent.”... Read more »
    Published: June 3, 2019 - 11:14 am
  • Multi-Generational Tax Minimization
    We will never have the experience of receiving an inheritance, but GCC Jr will. In my role as fiscal steward, I would like to ensure that he, along with our other beneficiaries, receive the largest amount possible. (After we are done spending as much as we want, naturally.) But Jr... Read more »
    Published: May 20, 2019 - 9:18 am
  • A Day In The Life
    Some time ago I answered the question, “So what do you do all day?” by highlighting the annual schedule for my ideal Travel/Recharge/Create lifestyle. Now that we are more Chillin In Place™, this is how I enjoy early retirement on a daily basis. A Day In The Life The past several years... Read more »
    Published: May 13, 2019 - 11:12 am
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    1500 Days to Freedom

  • Midwest Roadtripping/ Questionable Swimming
    We’re currently on a road trip that will span almost a month. When this goes live, I’ll be on a bike, riding the farm roads of Iowa. However, the trip started in Colorado... First, we made a stop at Camp FI Rocky Mountain: Then we went to Minnesota. I’m a... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 10:04 am
  • Video10 Questions With Brad From The Finn Mindset
    The best part of blogging and FIRE is the community that I get to meet. Sometimes, it’s at a Camp FI or FinCon. Other times, it’s at the coworking space that I hang out at. Occasionally, I’ll get an email from someone who heard me on a podcast or reads... Read more »
    Published: July 18, 2019 - 10:04 am
  • Guest Post: 213 Days To Freedom
    Today, I have a guest post to from the excellent Cody Berman who writes at Fly To FI. Before I turn it over to Cody, I have to tell you something about myself. I started at my first job when I turned 14. It was at McDonald’s for the princely... Read more »
    Published: July 15, 2019 - 1:32 pm
  • 10 Questions With Abandoned Cubicle
    At this moment, I happen to be in Abandoned Cubicleland. AKA, the Twin Cities. Head writer at Abandoned Cubicle, Cubert, resides in the frozen mosquito-infested north. I even got to see him last night at a local watering hole: Although I love Minnesota, I’m not sure I want to live... Read more »
    Published: July 11, 2019 - 10:04 am
  • Rocky Mountain High At Camp FI
    I just got back from Camp FI Rocky Mountain and it was a hell of a weekend. I am: Exhausted: Sleep, what’s that? Energized: I know that I just said I was exhausted. At the same time, I feel like a fire has been lit under my ass. Inspired: It’s... Read more »
    Published: July 9, 2019 - 1:40 pm
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    Millennial Revolution

  • Should I Quit My Job To Follow My Passion Before I Hit Financial Independence?
    Phew, what a crazy couple of weeks it’s been. I kinda knew that launching a book would be a lot of work, but I was NOT expecting this! That being said, it’s the most wonderful kind of craziness I’ve ever been through, and we’ll write about what that experience has... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 1:30 pm
  • QUIT LIKE A MILLIONAIRE is Now Published!
        As a child, my dream was to become a writer. That dream, I was told, would never happen. That’s because when you’re poor, dreams aren’t expected to come true. When your Dad escapes famine, a 10-year labour camp, poverty, and busts his ass to give you this one... Read more »
    Published: July 9, 2019 - 1:30 pm
  • Reader Case: Start Early, Retire Early
    Phew, so after the crazy few last few weeks, we finally got some time to sit down and read our e-mails. And now that it’s Friday, you know what that means! Reader case time! Today’s reader isn’t your stereotypical FIRE candidate. He’s only 27 years old, doesn’t have an engineering... Read more »
    Published: July 5, 2019 - 2:00 pm
  • Chautauqua UK 2019: A Week Together With Our Tribe
    What a couple of weeks this has been in the UK! First, our audiobook recording, then the London movie premiere of Playing with Fire. And to cap it all off, we then went right into Chautauqua in the UK! This is now the 5th Chautauqua we’ve spoken at, and a... Read more »
    Published: July 1, 2019 - 1:30 pm
  • Playing with FIRE: London Movie Premiere
      The past 2 weeks have been the craziest weeks in our lives thus far. If it seems like our posting schedule has been a bit sparse, sorry about that. We’ll go back to our regular posting schedule shortly. Here’s how the craziness played out: Day 1-3: Penguin Audiobook recording... Read more »
    Published: June 24, 2019 - 9:50 pm
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    Can I Retire Yet?

  • Going Back to Work
    Can I Retire Yet? It’s a profound question that many of us struggle with. After saving and planning for years or even decades, there is no easy answer. Many people stay in jobs and careers they are not passionate about and save more money than necessary, trapped by feelings of safety... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 11:50 am
  • Using Rental Properties to Create Retirement Income
    A few months ago, I crossed paths with real estate investor G. Brian Davis who asked if he could write a guest post for Can I Retire Yet? Using rental real estate to create retirement income is a topic of interest for many readers, and a topic Darrow and I... Read more »
    Published: July 8, 2019 - 3:43 pm
  • Building Your Retirement Getaway Home on the Cheap
    Who doesn’t dream of having their own little getaway home? Maybe it’s a condo in a favorite city. Or a timeshare at a beach or ski resort. Or a cabin in the mountains. Owning a second home has long been a perk of the affluent. With rising standards of living,... Read more »
    Published: July 1, 2019 - 3:14 pm
  • June 2019 Best of the Web
    Each month we share the best resources we’ve found to help you save more, invest better, and retire sooner. Popular topics are building wealth, DIY investing, creating retirement income, managing risk, and limiting your tax burden to enable you to use your money to build the life you want. Early... Read more »
    Published: June 24, 2019 - 12:45 pm
  • Helping Aging Parents With Their Money
    Many of us will have to care for aging parents at some point in time. For some, that will mean managing your parent’s finances as they deal with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. For others, it may mean helping support your parents financially or physically. Some reading this are parents who... Read more »
    Published: June 17, 2019 - 12:07 pm
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    Root of Good

  • June 2019 Financial Update – Exploring Vietnam Edition
    June was an incredibly busy month for the Root of Good family. We spent the first half of the month at home in Raleigh wrapping up the school year for the kids. Then we relaxed for a few days before packing our bags for our big eight week summer vacation... Read more »
    Published: July 11, 2019 - 9:30 am
  • Quit Like a Millionaire
    Today we have a guest post from Kristy from the blog Millennial Revolution. “Anyone can become FI with a 6-figure salary!” “Financially independent?! If you’re not American and privileged, forget it!” “Try to become FI if you are living on $30K a year while raising a family! HA!” These are... Read more »
    Published: July 9, 2019 - 9:30 am
  • May 2019 Financial Update – Lazy May Daze Edition
    May was another successful month of early retirement. We took it easy and enjoyed a relatively slow month of leisure with family and friends. I spent a few days being a "real" blogger and influencer by attending Camp FI in Virginia where I gave a presentation titled "FIRE for Fun!". ... Read more »
    Published: June 10, 2019 - 9:30 am
  • April 2019 Financial Update – Cuba Cruise Edition
    Time flies when you're having fun! We're almost half way through May and I'm just now updating our April financial snapshot. We have been vacationing, volunteering, and enjoying the wonderful springtime weather. What can I say? I'm retired and don't always have time to focus on this blog!  We had... Read more »
    Published: May 10, 2019 - 1:46 pm
  • March 2019 Financial Update – Springtime Pollen Edition
    Spring is definitely here in Raleigh. Warm afternoon temperatures bring us outside while green clouds of pollen filling the air push us back inside. And everything is in bloom!  We had a busy March as you'll see in this article. April will be no different. We are just a few... Read more »
    Published: April 9, 2019 - 9:30 am
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    Frugalwoods

  • Reader Case Study: Artfully Building a Solid Financial Future in Southern Maine
    Lynn is an art teacher in southern Maine, where she lives with her husband Lucas, a carpenter, and their ten-year-old son. Lynn loves teaching art but loves creating art even more and would like to have more flexibility and balance in her life. Case Studies are financial (and life) dilemmas that... Read more »
    Published: July 19, 2019 - 10:00 am
  • A Vacation And Other June 2019 Expenditures
    June 2019 A time of idyl and pleasures, summers in Vermont are hedonistic romps through finally-thawed ground. For two months, maybe three, we denizens of the Northeast are made ecstatic by green grass and ripening gardens. Then we get hot, retreat to the porch, and complain that it’s only 10am... Read more »
    Published: July 12, 2019 - 10:00 am
  • My Frugal Cell Phone Service Trick: How I Pay $10.65 A Month
    I used to pay $81 a month for my cell phone service. Now, I pay $10.65 a month. It’s rare that there’s one weird trick to saving money. Usually, saving entails hard work and sacrifice. Today, I bring you an exception. Today, I bring you a way to save money... Read more »
    Published: July 8, 2019 - 10:00 am
  • The July Uber Frugal Month Group Challenge Starts TODAY! Last Chance To Sign-Up!
    It’s the first day of the Uber Frugal Month Group Challenge! If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time to join us. Put your email address into the box below by 11:59pm EST tonight (July 1, 2019) and you’ll be on track with the group: Note: you can take... Read more »
    Published: July 1, 2019 - 10:00 am
  • Reader Suggestions For Frugal Vacation Ideas, Hacks, and Savings!
    It’s summer vacation time!!! Or at least, it’s summertime. I’ve traveled frugally and not-so frugally. I’ve vacationed with my kids and without them. Although with them, it’s more of a trip and less of a vacation… I polled the Frugalwoods braintrust to see how you all travel and what you... Read more »
    Published: June 28, 2019 - 10:00 am
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    jlcollinsnh

  • 7 Days in Heaven: or Why Slowing Down Will Get You There Sooner
    Ettington Park, Stratford upon Avon, UK: Our venue for Chautauqua XII, 2019 Photo by  JT Olmstead Last week we wrapped up Chautauqua XII, returning once again the the United Kingdom and one of our very favorite venues. The chapel on this property was under construction in the 12th century, fitting... Read more »
    Published: June 26, 2019 - 2:47 pm
  • Quit Like a Millionaire
    My pals, Kristy and Bryce, just released their new book, Quit Like a Millionaire. Want to know what I think? Well, they asked me to write the Foreword and here it is: *************************************************************** Foreword                              by JL... Read more »
    Published: June 4, 2019 - 3:56 am
  • Stocks — Part XXXV: Investing for Seven Generations
    As I have mentioned many times, we don’t discuss secret stuff at Chautauqua. There is no “special sauce” revealed for investing or life not available here on the blog or in my book. But we do kick around ideas and I sometimes explore concepts rattling around in my brain with... Read more »
    Published: March 3, 2019 - 7:32 pm
  • Chautauqua 2019 – UK & Portugal – Tickets Now Available
    First… OK, I’m just going to come out and say it. If you want to join us for Chautauqua 2019 stop reading and go directly here to sign up: Chautauqua UK & Portugal, 2019 Do it now. The advance interest we’ve had this year has been like no other. Chautauquas... Read more »
    Published: February 3, 2019 - 12:05 pm
  • Mr. Bogle passes
    Jack Bogle died last week on January 16th. It was a shock to me. It shouldn’t have been, I suppose. He was 89 after all. Not to mention he had his first heart attack at age 31 and a heart transplant in 1996. But still, somehow we don’t expect greatness... Read more »
    Published: January 21, 2019 - 4:33 am
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    Mr. Free At 33

  • ● The One Luxury I Enjoy
    I wrote an article not too long ago that discussed how I’m actually richer than I appear to be due to my lack of desire for most things in life. If you were to make a list of the things most people covet, chances are pretty good that I don’t... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 7:51 am
  • Undervalued Dividend Growth Stock Of The Week
    Every Sunday, I uncover a high-quality dividend growth stock that appears to be undervalued. These pieces are published at Daily Trade Alert, which is a site that focuses on dividend growth investing, stocks, and unique investment opportunities. I’ve been writing for them for years now, and they’re just great over... Read more »
    Published: July 21, 2019 - 10:55 am
  • Why Becoming A Digital Nomad Is A Terrible Idea
    Before I get started with this post, I just want to quickly note that 99% of my content is overwhelmingly optimistic and positive. Any longtime readers already know that, but I’m just referencing this for anyone who might stumble upon this article and encounter my writing for the first time.... Read more »
    Published: July 18, 2019 - 8:36 am
  • Expenses For June 2019
    Time to open up the books on how much money I spent last month. Managing expenses is absolutely critical to becoming financial independent at a young age. In fact, I’d argue it’s much more important to be an excellent saver than an excellent investor in this regard. And in order to save, you must... Read more »
    Published: July 16, 2019 - 7:26 am
  • Undervalued Dividend Growth Stock Of The Week
    Every Sunday, I uncover a high-quality dividend growth stock that appears to be undervalued. These pieces are published at Daily Trade Alert, which is a site that focuses on dividend growth investing, stocks, and unique investment opportunities. I’ve been writing for them for years now, and they’re just great over... Read more »
    Published: July 14, 2019 - 10:41 am



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    The Wealthy Accountant

  • Motivational Goals
    The word goal has taken on dreaded status. Over the decades I've attended several informational and motivational seminars. Whenever the topic of goals comes up, heads duck. It shouldn't be that way. I think people dread goals because they feel obligated once they are on paper. There is also some... Read more »
    Published: July 17, 2019 - 12:24 am
  • The Wealthy Accountant World Headquarters and Camp Accountant
    As the weight started taking its toll I adjusted as best I could. First the other blogs were cancelled. Then my farm was sacrificed. The weight of my choices extracted a serious penalty. I have always been healthy. I did have a heart operation in junior high, but outside that... Read more »
    Published: July 11, 2019 - 3:08 am
  • Mr Money Mustache Fired His Accountant for not Retiring Early
    In a breaking news story sure to rock the FIRE (financial independence/retire early) community, Mr. Money Mustache (MMM) has fired his accountant for refusing to take early retirement. You may recall Mr. Mustache is the leader of this massive movement sweeping the planet. Suze Orman has never been the same... Read more »
    Published: July 3, 2019 - 5:19 pm
  • Finding a Good Accountant for Your Income Properties
    Finding a qualified tax professional takes time and work. It is all worth it in the end. The best tax professionals are selective in who they take on as clients so you will be vetted at the same time you are vetting. This is a good thing as you want... Read more »
    Published: July 1, 2019 - 1:09 pm
  • Recovering from Burnout
    Burnout is only one step on a road to hell. Left unchecked it can cause serious damage to your health.  If you experience burnout and take no remedial actions you can start to exhibit symptoms of something much worse.  The first step toward a nervous breakdown is burnout. Fatigue lowers... Read more »
    Published: June 24, 2019 - 4:15 pm
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    Our Next Life

  • Decide For Yourself What Spending You Value, and Then Spend Without Guilt
    If you're on the journey to a work optional life, or you're already retired, you have probably spent some time pondering what you truly value most, and what doesn't add value to your life. But do you spend accordingly, and -- importantly -- without guilt? If not, this post is... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 11:00 am
  • Separating Work and Money, and the Gift of Your True Motivations
    Since I've been early retired, I've worked much more than I ever expected, but I also earned little to nothing from that work, by design. And separating work from the money -- and hustling for reasons other than financial gain -- have taught me several huge lessons. Let's dig into... Read more »
    Published: June 24, 2019 - 7:56 am
  • The Transition to Retirement: Knowing Yourself and Getting to Know Yourself (by Mark!)
    Today's post is by Mark, his second ever here on the blog, and it's such a good one. He's sharing some insight into his transition into early retirement, which has been different from mine in several ways, and the big lessons he's taken from that, namely the importance of knowing... Read more »
    Published: June 17, 2019 - 8:50 am
  • The 4% Rule Is Not Your Friend
    Today I'm tackling a popular and contentious principle in the FIRE community: the 4% rule. I've written about a major flaw of the "rule" before, namely that it relies on a false myth of level spending year over year in retirement, but today I'm taking on whether we can actually... Read more »
    Published: June 10, 2019 - 12:15 pm
  • Don’t Let Life Pass You By While Saving for the Future
    Achieving a big financial goal like early retirement is made possible by committing to saving aggressively. But when I look back at our years when we were so focused on saving, the things I regret aren't the times when we didn't save enough, they're times when we didn't spend on... Read more »
    Published: May 20, 2019 - 8:30 am
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    Physician on FIRE

  • ● Life Goal: To Lose a Million Dollars
    In the Great Recession, I lost tens of thousands of dollars. I was just a few years into my anesthesia career and hadn’t had a lot of time to build up my investment accounts. I had been maxing out a SEP-IRA and setting aside a bit of cash, but that... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 7:55 am
  • The Sunday Best (7/21/2019)
    The Sunday Best is a collection of articles I’ve curated from the furthest reaches of the internet for your reading pleasure. Every week, I scan hundreds of headlines, read dozens of posts, and bring you the best of the best to save you time and mental energy. Financial Independence (FI)... Read more »
    Published: July 21, 2019 - 7:55 am
  • Which Assets Should You Spend First in Retirement?
    Which assets should you spend first in retirement?  When I was just a few years into my medical career, I didn’t once consider how or when I might access the money I was saving. I was just saving for a later date and figured I’d sort out the details later.... Read more »
    Published: July 20, 2019 - 7:55 am
  • The Financial Burden of a Rare Cancer
    “Everyone’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” – modern day philosopher Mike Tyson. A cancer diagnosis is one of the most devastating mouth-punches there is. It can drastically alter or rapidly end your life or the life of loved ones. The effects on the body and... Read more »
    Published: July 18, 2019 - 7:55 am
  • VideoHow a Taxable Brokerage Account Can Be as Good or Better Than a Roth IRA
    Would you believe that a non-qualified brokerage account, a.k.a. taxable account could mimic the benefits of a Roth IRA? Or be as good or better than a Roth 401(k)? If you answered “no,” then I’ve got news for you, and if you answered “yes,” then I probably don’t have much... Read more »
    Published: July 16, 2019 - 7:55 am
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    Get Rich Slowly

  • A self-made man
    My father died twenty-four years ago today. As I drove to the airport this morning — I'm on a short trip to San Diego — my mind drifted back to him and what he was like. I don't think of Dad often anymore, and when I do it's mostly superficial... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 6:21 am
  • Don’t buy a new car without this cheat sheet!
    The post Don’t buy a new car without this cheat sheet! appeared first on Get Rich Slowly.... Read more »
    Published: July 19, 2019 - 7:30 am
  • My plan for purchasing a new car
    It's funny. Fifteen years ago, daily personal finance was a chore for me. I didn't understand how to go day to day making smart choices that were aligned with my values. I wasn't even sure what my values were! Today, things are much easier. Sure, there are challenges. Sometimes I... Read more »
    Published: July 17, 2019 - 7:30 pm
  • State of the blog (and: Introducing Apex Money!)
    Okay, enough with the navel gazing! I've been very introspective around here lately. While that was necessary (and cathartic), it's time to get back to work, to turn our attention to money once more. Before we begin, though, let's talk about some changes to my workflow. Mainly, these will affect... Read more »
    Published: July 14, 2019 - 6:50 pm
  • Identity economics: Who are you? And how does it affect your spending?
    “Who are you?” my cousin Duane asked me on Saturday afternoon. We'd spent the day playing nerd games together and were taking a break for pizza. “What?” I said. I wasn't expecting a philosophical question over supper. “I don't think you know who you are,” Duane said. “What do you... Read more »
    Published: July 11, 2019 - 3:20 pm
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    Fiery Millennials

  • Monthly Status Report: May & June 2019
    Disclaimer: some links may be affiliate links. They help offset the cost of keeping this blog running! Why do I do a monthly status report? I find it best to do a monthly status report for a few reasons. It helps me evaluate how I did the previous month. Did I hit a target reduction in spending or did... Read more »
    Published: July 3, 2019 - 4:33 pm
  • The Definitive Guide to Making Money Online: Gold City Ventures Review
    Flashback to 2015. I had just turned 25 and spent the week in Ecuador soaking up knowledge from Financial Independence experts. I was riding high on all the things I wanted to start doing and implementing. I wrote a post about my experience and published it to my tiny little... Read more »
    Published: June 27, 2019 - 11:19 am
  • The Four Stages of my FIRE Journey (so far)
    2019 marks my 8th year of involvement in the Financial Independence community. I started out on this journey as a green, young professional looking for a place to belong in this big crazy world. I was driving to work recently and listening to the ChooseFI podcast episode with Mr. Money... Read more »
    Published: June 12, 2019 - 11:30 am
  • VideoLife Changes
    I’ve been a fan of country music as far back as I can remember. When I was 4, the big song on the radio was Tim McGraw’s I Like It, I Love It song. I allegedly would sing that song to my daycare teachers to tell them I wanted seconds... Read more »
    Published: May 22, 2019 - 12:00 pm
  • Leaving it to the Pros
    I recently had the pleasure of attending 3 consecutive professional baseball games. My beloved St Louis Cardinals were in town playing the Nationals. Considering I don’t get the opportunity to see my favorite team often, I splurged. I got good seats close to the visitor’s dugout, ate what I wanted... Read more »
    Published: May 17, 2019 - 10:59 am
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    Early Retirement Extreme Forums (est. 2010)

  • ● ERE Journals • Re: Rube's journal
    Congratulations! I must admit that seeing all the wealth concentrated in one single type of asset, and growing, makes me nervous. But I guess fortunes have been made out of real estate, and by this point you clearly know what you are doing!Statistics: Posted by bigato — Tue Jul 23,... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 6:45 pm
  • ● Money Questions • Re: Investing in Hedge Funds
    Less than 20% have a decent ML team in place. If you choose one that does, it could offer an advantage not available at retail level.Statistics: Posted by 7Wannabe5 — Tue Jul 23, 2019 1:25 pm... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 6:25 pm
  • ● ERE Journals • Re: An American Millennial
    Thanks Scott! I think you're right about the self-direction potentially paying off as time goes on. Since I have 3 new frameworks/languages to learn before next week especially! Yep, going pretty well @cheepnis. I had zero expectation that I would land a job in under a month of getting back.... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 6:24 pm
  • ● ERE Journals • Re: Rube's journal
    49 weeks - 343 days - targetI was off from work today in order to do a last inspection, go to the notary etc. And the result is that as of this afternoon we own 2 more apartments. Apt.5: some minor work to do (cleaning, install some lights) and hopefully... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 6:13 pm
  • ● ERE Journals • Re: Farm life and Semi-ER
    It's not bad to have them around, they hunt spiders, scorpions and even small snakes. Did you know that they are more inteligent than dogs? They have a very elaborate social life when compared to other animals. Also, they love having the back of their heads scratched. If they learn... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 6:00 pm
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    montanamoneyadventures.com

  • By this time next year
    There are lots of things that matter to you. If I asked you to list off the things in your life you care about, it might be a long list. When I coach people, part of my job is to figure out where we need to focus. To sift through... Read more »
    Published: April 17, 2019 - 3:50 pm
  • Should you invest in yourself?
    If you were given 100 pieces of wood to build a boat to take you where you want to go, 1 piece should be directional, right? At least 1 out of a 100 seems reasonable. An oar, rudder, or sail maybe. I can’t tell you how many people will say... Read more »
    Published: April 5, 2019 - 5:26 pm
  • Zig When Markets Zag
    This has been the year of fulfilling the “wouldn’t it be nice if one day…..” list. We have compiled a long list of those over the years. “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could go skiing on great powder days?” Or “Wouldn’t it be nice if we took a little... Read more »
    Published: March 13, 2019 - 5:15 pm
  • The FIRE-y Life with Mr. 1500
    Jillian asked me to do this interview almost two years ago. Then life got busy. Then, it got busier. I kept on telling her I’d complete it in two weeks. And then I wouldn’t. Instead of producing the post, I’d produce more excuses. I suck. However, I do keep my... Read more »
    Published: February 21, 2019 - 6:01 pm
  • Never Forever Home
    It’s always been a dream of mine to build a home. Ever since I was in middle school, I loved architecture and design. When we bought our first house, I decided to dive in and learn as much as I could about construction. But there is one term I’ve never... Read more »
    Published: February 14, 2019 - 5:59 pm
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    Done by Forty

  • Wait, Did Paying Off Our Mortgage Kind of Make Us Financially Independent?
    So, we did it. We sold a bunch of stock, pulled together our dividends and ESPP payments from June, scrounged up all the cash we could find, and paid off the mortgage last Friday. Pending some paperwork that has to go from the bank to the county, we are mortgage... Read more »
    Published: July 15, 2019 - 12:00 pm
  • So We're Going to Pay Off the Mortgage
    Talking things over with a few friends last week helped us make a decision: we're going to pay off the mortgage. All at once, by using the remaining cash we have from selling our two rental properties, but mostly by selling investments we have in our taxable accounts. I already... Read more »
    Published: July 1, 2019 - 12:00 pm
  • I'm a Goddamn House Cat
    Thanks to some changes at work, I've been slacking on all things internet: writing for this blog, reading and commenting on others', and keeping up with the latest nonsense on Twitter.We just went through a re-org, the first I've had to go through in seven years at this company. That... Read more »
    Published: June 17, 2019 - 12:00 pm
  • Middle Class? How about Middle Quintile? (2019 update)
    It’s been four years since I wrote a post on household incomequintiles, in a vain attempt to reframe the way we think about the middle class. I’ve never liked the way that the term ‘middle class’ was simultaneously poorly defined and yet somehow still critical to the way we talked... Read more »
    Published: June 3, 2019 - 6:24 pm
  • VideoBattling Internet Addiction with a Time Lock Safe
    I’ve never thought this blog was meant to help people. For one, I’ve never been particularly good at helping. I have no insights into helping with someone’s nutrition, or the kind of exercise that will finally stick, or how you can get to sleep at a reasonable hour. Even the... Read more »
    Published: May 28, 2019 - 11:00 am
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    grumpusmaximus.com

  • The Pension Series (Part 19): Pension Annuity vs. Lump Sum Analysis (Again)
    This Never Gets Old I’m not feeling particularly creative or productive this weekend. The last two weeks flew by in a blur due to work, which means no work on retirement paperwork. Strangely, though, I found both the time and mental clarity to help a reader analyze his pension lump... Read more »
    Published: June 24, 2019 - 7:08 am
  • Guest Post: Worth vs. “Worth It” Meets Value Purchasing
    Frequent guest writer, Chris Pascale, explains value purchasing, and some of the purchases he's made over the years that he considers "worth it". The post Guest Post: Worth vs. “Worth It” Meets Value Purchasing appeared first on grumpusmaximus.com.... Read more »
    Published: June 14, 2019 - 9:49 am
  • Pre-Retirement and Mental Health
    Everyone Take Note May is Mental Health Awareness month in the United States. I make no secret on this blog that I struggle with depression and anxiety linked to Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Just the opposite, I shine a light on those issues and their interplay with my pensionable career... Read more »
    Published: May 7, 2019 - 8:02 am
  • The Military Retirement Process: Lessons Learned (Part 1)
    For the Military Members in the Audience When I first announced that I was officially retiring in 2019 via the blog and my Facebook group, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Amidst all those positive responses, Timika Downes, a fellow Financial Independence (FI) blogger, reservist, and FB group member asked me to... Read more »
    Published: April 28, 2019 - 10:36 am
  • Cut the Cord, Drop the Albatross 
    Our children need the tools to be self-sufficient in this world. To get them started, this means clothing, feeding, and teaching them. It also means letting them go.  The post Cut the Cord, Drop the Albatross  appeared first on grumpusmaximus.com.... Read more »
    Published: March 25, 2019 - 9:05 am
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    Budgets Are Sexy

  • Taking a Sabbatical for the rest of the month! Don’t miss me too much ;)
    Taking a Sabbatical for the rest of the month! Don’t miss me too much 😉 Hey guys! So in an effort to be more “present” for our upcoming move and really soak everything in, I’ll be taking a break from blogging for the month of July (and the first week... Read more »
    Published: July 3, 2019 - 9:02 am
  • 7 more ideas for your arsenal!
    7 more ideas for your arsenal! Morning! Got a bunch more ideas for your wallet – and life – today, courtesy of some really good looking and smart people – you all 🙂 Hope you find something worth trying out! ***** #1. Double checking all scratched off lottery tickets you... Read more »
    Published: July 2, 2019 - 9:02 am
  • Net Worth Update: $919,538.34 [+$35,627.71 or 4.03%]
    Net Worth Update: $919,538.34 [+$35,627.71 or 4.03%] Happy July!!! Ready for a new month and new goals??! Got your net worth all tracked up and ready to motivate the pants off you?? If you’re still invested in the market it should help after last month’s blood bath 🙂 Down $40,000... Read more »
    Published: July 1, 2019 - 9:02 am
  • VideoFavorite articles from around the web this month 📚
    Favorite articles from around the web this month 📚 Morning!! I’m knee-deep in packing over here for our upcoming move (a few more days now – eek!!), but couldn’t leave you hanging on this fine day, so here’s a list of my favorite reads from across the web this month... Read more »
    Published: June 28, 2019 - 9:06 am
  • “Help! I’ve fallen for a hyper-dedicated FIRE enthusiast.”
    “Help! I’ve fallen for a hyper-dedicated FIRE enthusiast.” Morning! Got an interesting note from a reader of the blog, and thought I’d pass it along here in case it helps anyone else in a similar position 🙂 FIRE is awesome, but it is not *everything*!! At least my personal opinion... Read more »
    Published: June 27, 2019 - 9:02 am



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    Military Guide

  • USAA Eliminates PCS And Deployment Discretionary Benefits
    I almost missed the announcement. It’s bland corporate text inside a box on my USAA Visa credit-card bill of 2 July. It’s the boilerplate you always ignore while you’re scrolling to find your new balance and checking your payment date: “Effective October 1, 2019, USAA Federal Savings Bank will be... Read more »
    Published: July 18, 2019 - 10:00 am
  • 2019 Military Pay Charts – Officer and Enlisted Members Receive a 2.6% Raise
    Military members will receive a nice pay raise in 2019, a 2.6% increase above 2018 pay rates. The 2.6% pay raise was the largest since 2010. The pay tables on this page went into effect on January 1, 2019, and were reflected in the first mid-month paycheck, which was sent... Read more »
    Published: July 9, 2019 - 6:41 pm
  • Military Discounts on Cell Phone Plans – Wireless Plans And Deals For Military Members & Veterans
    Which company offers the best military discounts on cell phone plans? Serving in the military often means spending time away from your friends and families. Thankfully, today’s technology makes staying in touch is easier than ever. And with available military discounts, you can save money staying in touch with your... Read more »
    Published: July 8, 2019 - 7:00 pm
  • The 1980s-2000s: How I Wish I’d Invested Back Then
    My spouse and I were not brilliant investors. We made the typical dumb mistakes of our 20s and 30s and we paid ridiculously large fees along the way to financial independence, but a high savings rate overcame all of those errors. Your FI journey will be better (and cheaper!) than ours,... Read more »
    Published: June 2, 2019 - 3:00 pm
  • The Best Books I’ve Read This Year (So Far)
    I’ve read several outstanding educational books this year about financial independence, and if I saved this post for December then it’d be four times as long. I’ll write this one now and follow up with another post later this year. As many of you know, I read a lot. No,... Read more »
    Published: May 16, 2019 - 3:00 pm
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    The Frugal Vagabond

  • Surgery in Thailand: Bumrungrad International Hospital
    I seek treatment at Bumrungrad International Hospital for a growth in my chest. How did it go? Was it cost effective to travel to Thailand for medical care? The post Surgery in Thailand: Bumrungrad International Hospital appeared first on The Frugal Vagabond.... Read more »
    Published: February 7, 2019 - 2:00 pm
  • Semi-FIRE Abroad: Ordinary Days, Extraordinary Life
    We've been living here in Spain for about four months now, so how is it going? Is it everything we'd hoped for? What do we miss most (and what do we not miss at all)? Just what are we doing with all that spare time? The post Semi-FIRE Abroad: Ordinary... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2018 - 9:00 pm
  • Obtaining Your Spanish Residency Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
    How to get your Spanish Residency Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) once you've arrived in Spain. You got your residence visa, now it's time to seal the deal! The post Obtaining Your Spanish Residency Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) appeared first on The Frugal Vagabond.... Read more »
    Published: May 14, 2018 - 4:00 pm
  • How to Get a Spanish Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
    How we were able to live abroad, and how you can too! How to get a Spanish Non-Lucrative Residence Visa and live legally in Spain for a year or more! The post How to Get a Spanish Non-Lucrative Residence Visa appeared first on The Frugal Vagabond.... Read more »
    Published: March 5, 2018 - 5:00 pm
  • Our New Adventure Begins
    A few days ago, we revealed that we’d be taking a sabbatical year to live abroad. It’s the culmination of years of dreaming and many months of planning, but in the very near future, we’ll be living abroad and exploring… The post Our New Adventure Begins appeared first on The... Read more »
    Published: February 28, 2018 - 5:00 pm
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    The Millionaire Educator

  • 2019 Summer Update
    Long overdue summer greetings to my dozens of faithful readers!  School has been out for a few weeks now, but I’ve been busy with my new basketball duties.  After a tough (and winless) basketball season and a sudden coaching change, guess who became a head coach again?  Yep, yours truly! ... Read more »
    Published: June 24, 2019 - 7:50 pm
  • VideoHappy National 403b Day?
    Last September at FinCon 2018 in Orlando I was talking with the coolest cat in the cave, my FIRE brother J. Money of Budgets Are $exy, about how to shine some light on the abuses in the K-12 403b marketplace.  After about five seconds of reflection, he said, “Oh, that’s... Read more »
    Published: April 3, 2019 - 9:03 am
  • Why Your 403b Sucks Beyond Belief
    Welcome back millionaires.  Let me apologize for that insane April Fool’s post extolling the benefits of 403b plans.  Here are my real thoughts on those “benefits.”   Incredible Oversight?  Ha! If you have a 403b plan, brace yourself:  your retirement savings are adrift in the Wild West of the financial services... Read more »
    Published: April 2, 2019 - 7:22 am
  • 25 Reasons Why the 403b Is the Greatest Retirement Plan Ever!
    Beautiful South Georgia spring greetings to all my millionaire readers!  Even though we had a mild winter, the change of season is more than welcome.  It’s so pretty here this time of year. So far, our move to Statenville, Georgia has been a resounding success.  We love our new home,... Read more »
    Published: April 1, 2019 - 6:11 am
  • Tax Planning: 2019 Free Money!
    Greetings to all my Free Money! tax-planning brothers and sisters.  With 2018 almost over, it’s now time to take a look at our 2019 Free Money! amounts.  (This is by far my most anticipated post every year; it amazes me how many inquiries I get about the status of this... Read more »
    Published: December 13, 2018 - 1:45 am
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    Financial Samurai

  • A Bear Market Checklist To Thriving In A Downturn
    A Bull Market Checklist To Living Your Best Life is a good resource for living it up when times are good. But how hard is it really to live the good life when you’re making money hand over fist? As hard as getting a massage on the beach. The real... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 9:18 am
  • It’s Hard To Frugal Your Way To Early Retirement
    Surprisingly, I didn’t receive much pushback from my post, The Amount Of Money Needed To Retire Early And Live In Abject Poverty. Almost everyone got the gist, which was to help you question whether the pursuit of early retirement is counterproductive if you have to live like a pauper. Instead,... Read more »
    Published: July 19, 2019 - 9:25 am
  • The Only Time You Should Consider Buying A Vacation Property
    I’m on record saying that buying a vacation property is a terrible investment. But that’s also because I bought one in 2007, right before the market really took a dive. Perhaps if I had bought my property after it declined by 40%, today I would be one of the biggest... Read more »
    Published: July 17, 2019 - 4:48 am
  • How To Dress Well On The Cheap For A Black Tie Wedding
    The following is a post by Sydney, aka Mrs. Samurai. She’s one of the most frugal people I know, which is one of the reasons why we get along so great. She’d rather go to Target than Prada. That’s the secret to financial independence right there. Whoo hoo! Did you... Read more »
    Published: July 15, 2019 - 9:18 am
  • The Amount Of Money Needed To Retire Early And Live In Abject Poverty
    As more people look to retire early (<60), more people are looking for shortcuts in order to get to early retirement quicker. It’s understandable that in this day and age of instant gratification, young folks nowadays aren’t willing to grind it out for decades like previous generations. Instead of building... Read more »
    Published: July 11, 2019 - 5:48 am
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    Afford Anything

  • mp3#205: Ask Paula – Am I On-Track for Retirement?
    [smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/paulaandjaymoney/AA205.mp3" title="Ask Paula - Am I On-Track for Retirement?" artist="Paula Pant" social="true" social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_gplus="true" social_linkedin="true" social_stumble="true" social_pinterest="true" social_email="true" ] Is it ever a good idea to use your 401(k) as an emergency fund? What's the best way to break up with your financial advisor so that you can... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 9:56 am
  • Unusual Ideas about Self-Care … FIRE Edition
    There are people who claim that 'self-care' requires wasting money. They'll encourage you to "treat yourself!," because "you deserve it!" Buy those shoes! Enjoy that upscale sushi restaurant! Upgrade to the nicer, newer car! You work hard. You deserve it! Uh-huh.You know what else you deserve? You deserve the relief... Read more »
    Published: July 18, 2019 - 2:17 am
  • mp3#204: Upgrade Your Thinking, with Super Thinking authors Gabriel Weinberg and Lauren McCann
    [smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/paulaandjaymoney/AA204.mp3" title="Upgrade Your Thinking, with Super Thinking authors Gabriel Weinberg and Lauren McCann" artist="Paula Pant" social="true" social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_gplus="true" social_linkedin="true" social_stumble="true" social_pinterest="true" social_email="true" ] You make decisions on a daily basis about your career, family, friendships, health and investments; these choices shape your life.But how much have you thought... Read more »
    Published: July 15, 2019 - 9:00 am
  • mp3#203: Ask Paula – Early Retirement and The Four Percent Rule
    [smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/paulaandjaymoney/AA203.mp3" title="Ask Paula - Which House Should I Pay Off First?" artist="Paula Pant" social="true" social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_gplus="true" social_linkedin="true" social_stumble="true" social_pinterest="true" social_email="true" ] Many people in their 50’s or 60’s warn us about catastrophic or ‘black swan’ events. But what’s the likelihood that this will actually happen? How can you... Read more »
    Published: July 8, 2019 - 9:00 am
  • mp3#202: Slow Travel is Cheap Travel – with Nomadic Matt
    [smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/paulaandjaymoney/AA202.mp3" title="Slow Travel is Cheap Travel - with Nomadic Matt" artist="Paula Pant" social="true" social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_gplus="true" social_linkedin="true" social_stumble="true" social_pinterest="true" social_email="true" ] In 2006, Matt Kepnes worked at a hospital in Boston, and he felt miserable. He dreaded fighting traffic, spending his days under his offices’ fluorescent lighting, drinking stale... Read more »
    Published: July 5, 2019 - 9:00 am
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    Side Hustle Nation

  • 344: Virtual Consulting: How to Start a Location-Independent Consulting Business
    Note: Click here to download Paul’s top tips for setting up a location-independent consulting business and landing your first clients from this episode. A location-independent consulting business that replaces your day job income in a matter of months? That’s what Paul Minors achieved with his virtual software consulting side hustle.... Read more »
    Published: July 18, 2019 - 9:00 am
  • Movie Extra Jobs: Earn Up to $200 a Day Working on Nearby Movies
    Have you ever thought it would be cool to be an extra in a movie but have no idea how to land movie extra jobs? I was clueless, too, but once I found out how the process worked, I landed several roles in a few major Hollywood films.... Read more »
    Published: July 15, 2019 - 6:55 pm
  • Hiring Your First Virtual Assistant: When, Where, and How to Do it Right
    The hard truth is that we all have a limit to our capacity and how much we can do in and on our businesses -- and that’s a tough pill to swallow for some entrepreneurs and small business owners. But when you’re up against that ceiling you have to decide... Read more »
    Published: July 11, 2019 - 9:00 am
  • Options Trading 101: 8 Rules for Success for Total Newbies
    In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that’s been frequently requested by listeners, but is somewhat foreign to me, and that is options trading. To help school me on this, I’m excited to welcome my friend Kirk DuPlessis to the show. Kirk runs the super popular site OptionAlpha.com, where you... Read more »
    Published: July 4, 2019 - 9:00 am
  • Quarterly Progress Report – Q2 2019
    The biggest spike on the chart coincided with publishing this monster 7000-word post on passive income. It was a ton of fun to write and hopefully can be a pillar piece of content for years. Even though there’s no “hockey stick” growth to report here, one bright spot is an... Read more »
    Published: July 2, 2019 - 5:52 pm
    +

    Side Hustle Nation

  • 344: Virtual Consulting: How to Start a Location-Independent Consulting Business
    Note: Click here to download Paul’s top tips for setting up a location-independent consulting business and landing your first clients from this episode. A location-independent consulting business that replaces your day job income in a matter of months? That’s what Paul Minors achieved with his virtual software consulting side hustle.... Read more »
    Published: July 18, 2019 - 9:00 am
  • Movie Extra Jobs: Earn Up to $200 a Day Working on Nearby Movies
    Have you ever thought it would be cool to be an extra in a movie but have no idea how to land movie extra jobs? I was clueless, too, but once I found out how the process worked, I landed several roles in a few major Hollywood films.... Read more »
    Published: July 15, 2019 - 6:55 pm
  • Hiring Your First Virtual Assistant: When, Where, and How to Do it Right
    The hard truth is that we all have a limit to our capacity and how much we can do in and on our businesses -- and that’s a tough pill to swallow for some entrepreneurs and small business owners. But when you’re up against that ceiling you have to decide... Read more »
    Published: July 11, 2019 - 9:00 am
  • Options Trading 101: 8 Rules for Success for Total Newbies
    In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that’s been frequently requested by listeners, but is somewhat foreign to me, and that is options trading. To help school me on this, I’m excited to welcome my friend Kirk DuPlessis to the show. Kirk runs the super popular site OptionAlpha.com, where you... Read more »
    Published: July 4, 2019 - 9:00 am
  • Quarterly Progress Report – Q2 2019
    The biggest spike on the chart coincided with publishing this monster 7000-word post on passive income. It was a ton of fun to write and hopefully can be a pillar piece of content for years. Even though there’s no “hockey stick” growth to report here, one bright spot is an... Read more »
    Published: July 2, 2019 - 5:52 pm
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    Accidental Fire

  • ● Just Wing Your Way To Financial Independence
    We were lost.  Well, not entirely lost.  We were trying to get to the rental car return and departure gates at Luxembourg airport, and failing.  I say we weren’t entirely lost because we could see the airport. “Dude”, I said... The post Just Wing Your Way To Financial Independence appeared... Read more »
    Published: July 23, 2019 - 8:45 am
  • What My Parents Never Told Me About Chores
    If you work a white collar job in front of a computer like I have most of my career, you likely sit for most of the day.  Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ve heard how sitting too much is bad... The post What My Parents Never Told Me About Chores... Read more »
    Published: July 19, 2019 - 8:45 am
  • The Slowly Changing Routine Of My Semi-Retired Schedule
    I went part time at my job in October 2017 after exceeding my target financial independence net worth.  It’s been my intention to keep posting updates on both my new work life as well as my non-work life. I’ve done... The post The Slowly Changing Routine Of My Semi-Retired Schedule... Read more »
    Published: July 16, 2019 - 8:45 am
  • Snake Oil Salesman Decides To Start Selling Actual Snake Oil
    The popular financial blogger Brock Powers who is often accused of being a snake oil salesman has decided to go all in and actually start selling real snake oil, according to sources.  Powers, best known for successful courses like How... The post Snake Oil Salesman Decides To Start Selling Actual... Read more »
    Published: July 12, 2019 - 9:00 am
  • How Walkable Is Your Neighborhood?
    If part of your financial independence strategy is pursuing geoarbitrage or if you anticipate moving after achieving FI, where you move matters.  Walkable neighborhoods have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.  More and more people are realizing the... The post How Walkable Is Your Neighborhood? appeared first on... Read more »
    Published: July 9, 2019 - 8:45 am
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    Independently Financed

  • Why I just changed my 529 asset allocation
    Become a Patron!I’ve written before about what I consider the two best 529 college savings plans: the Nevada-sponsored Vanguard 529 plan and the Utah-sponsored my529 (formerly UESP). In general, most people making contributions in excess of their in-state tax deduction for 529 plan contributions (if any) should consider using one... Read more »
    Published: July 17, 2019 - 9:11 pm
  • Book review: “Maid” and the problem of the undeserving poor
    Become a Patron!I just finished a fascinating and important book called “Maid,” by Stephanie Land, which seems to have been shepherded to publication by Barbara Ehrenreich, the author of the best-selling sensation “Nickel and Dimed,” and founder of the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.I say the book is important because it... Read more »
    Published: June 29, 2019 - 11:09 pm
  • The SECURE Act and the defects of the centrist mind
    Become a Patron!I’ve written previously about the SECURE Act, the House version of a measure designed to encourage employers to allow employees to gamble their retirement savings on the long-term financial stability of private insurance companies. The measure has since cleared the House but is currently being held up in... Read more »
    Published: June 23, 2019 - 11:07 pm
  • Roth 401(k)’s are different, but they’re not special
    Become a Patron!The other day I got into a very frustrating argument with a popular anonymous Finance Twitter account about the epistemology of 401(k) savings vehicles. The frustration arose from a very specific phrase he used to describe one of the benefits of a Roth 401(k) over a traditional 401(k):... Read more »
    Published: June 11, 2019 - 7:20 pm
  • Over There: franking credits in Australia
    Become a Patron!Welcome to the second entry in my occasional series, “Over There,” about personal finance topics in countries besides the United States. These posts aren’t meant as advice to people living in those countries, but rather as some kind of practical insight for American readers into how other countries... Read more »
    Published: May 28, 2019 - 10:16 pm
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    Mr Crazy Kicks

  • Guest Post at Physician on FIRE
    If you haven’t already seen it, Physician on FIRE is a blog about achieving financial independence while working in the medical field. Even though the blog is focused on challenges facing physicians, the financial aspects are still the same. Work toward … Continue reading → The post Guest Post at Physician... Read more »
    Published: January 3, 2019 - 10:09 pm
  • How Much Can a Greenhouse Extend the Growing Season?
    Last year I designed and built a hoop house for around $650 in materials. I didn’t want to waste money heating the thing, so the plan was to keep it passive. Since I never worked with an unheated greenhouse before, … Continue reading → The post How Much Can a... Read more »
    Published: October 23, 2018 - 1:04 pm
  • Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?
    Having a paid off house has always been a goal. Living mortgage-free sounds awesome, but it can also put the brakes on financial growth. Any money put toward home equity is robbing investment accounts of hard working capital. After years … Continue reading → The post Should I Pay Off... Read more »
    Published: September 18, 2018 - 2:27 pm
  • How to Get Started Hunting Mushrooms
    I love hiking in the shade of the woods, racing to the top of a mountain to take in a satisfying view. Lately however, I’m less interested in flying up rocks and roots to see the world from afar. I’ve … Continue reading → The post How to Get Started... Read more »
    Published: August 14, 2018 - 12:22 pm
  • Reflecting on Two Years of Early Retirement
    For years, I spent my days waking up early and rushing to wash, dress, and sit in traffic only to sit in a cube waiting to rush home. All that time, I was propped up by dreams of a freer … Continue reading → The post Reflecting on Two Years... Read more »
    Published: June 26, 2018 - 1:07 pm
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    The Happy Philosopher

  • Running, Purpose, and Bears (Oh, my!)
    As my feet rhythmically hit the belt of the treadmill, it briefly occurred to me this was perhaps the weirdest time to start my journey back to some sort or reasonable physical fitness. The treadmill was gently rocking side to side and I was looking out at an endless expanse... Read more »
    Published: July 15, 2019 - 12:38 am
  • Why A Physician Should Work Full-Time
    As an evangelist of part-time work for physicians, I occasionally get an e-mail from a physician reader asking if cutting back on work is the right move for them. Often times they are early in their training, and I’m not sure how to respond. I feel conflicted. I know what... Read more »
    Published: May 1, 2019 - 3:06 am
  • The Government Doesn’t Want you to Work (Too Much)
    A feeling of dread suddenly came over me. The numbers just didn’t add up, yet I could not figure out where I went wrong. Maybe I typed something in wrong or missed a section, but everything looked more or less complete. Maybe I’m just getting too old for this and... Read more »
    Published: April 16, 2019 - 1:51 am
  • Water and Fish
    There are these two young fish swimming along, and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, “Morning, boys, how’s the water?” And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at... Read more »
    Published: March 23, 2019 - 3:26 pm
  • Buy Nothing 2018 Experiment – November Update
    The purpose of doing an experiment is to learn something about yourself, and to see if there is an opportunity for growth or positive change. I started the Buy Nothing 2018 experiment with this in mind. It started with a no clothes challenge, but since I had plenty of clothes... Read more »
    Published: November 1, 2018 - 3:34 pm





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    Slowly Sipping Coffee

  • We Bought A Money Pit!
    One year ago we bought a money pit, I mean a house in Oklahoma. We were so excited because we were starting our Fully Funded Lifestyle Change, I was quitting my job, and we were moving to the country! Well, we got the country alright. I sit outside and watch... Read more »
    Published: July 11, 2019 - 1:58 pm
  • Chainsaw Replacement: Should I Upgrade?
    Man, with school out, there has been so much going on around here. The kids are home full time, so that hinders me doing a lot out in the yard, but we’ve been having a lot of fun hanging out, playing, and hitting up the pool, museums, and zoo so... Read more »
    Published: June 26, 2019 - 2:25 pm
  • Retirement is Killing My Blog
    Before I quit my job and headed into the great of unknown of being a Stay At Home Dad (SAHD) I had all kinds of thoughts about how this blog could follow along. First of all, I could be different from other bloggers that hit retirement and then faded into... Read more »
    Published: April 3, 2019 - 3:13 pm
  • Time Can Rack up Debts, Just Like Money
    As I wrote in my last post transitioning to a non-work life is hard. I think a lot of what makes it difficult is having all of that unstructured free time and figuring out what to do with it. We all have visions of early retirement and what we would... Read more »
    Published: February 13, 2019 - 3:17 pm
  • VideoTransitions Can Be Rough – Stay Flexible
    “I told Althea I was feeling lost – lacking in some direction.” This lyric by the Grateful Dead has been bouncing around my brain the last 6 months. Why the last 6 months? That’s been the amount of time since I moved from Houston to Oklahoma. The plan was that... Read more »
    Published: February 5, 2019 - 4:49 pm
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    zen habits

  • The Most Neglected & Powerful Act of Self-Care
    By Leo Babauta Many of us are (rightfully) focused on taking care of our health, eating nourishing whole foods and trying to be active … while meditating and flossing and taking some time of disconnection, away from devices. These are wonderful acts of self-care, and they are necessary and important.... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 3:53 pm
  • Fearless 2.0: The Re-Launch of My New Fearless Training Program
    By Leo Babauta I’m excited to announce that I’m launching a completely new version of my Fearless Training Program (which I think of as “Fearless 2.0”). A little over a year ago, I launched the Fearless Training Program on Patreon, as an experiment: how do I train people in the... Read more »
    Published: July 19, 2019 - 4:28 pm
  • The Ridiculously Awesome Practice of Surrendering
    By Leo Babauta Every day in this world is a shaky, uncertain, constantly changing landscape — and that causes us to try to get control. We create lists, systems, routines, schedules, comfort foods, comfortable environments … we build our whole lives and identities around these comforts and control. We try... Read more »
    Published: July 16, 2019 - 4:46 pm
  • Practicing with the Fear & Pain of Missing Out on Opportunities
    By Leo Babauta I have a friend who is working on a meaningful project that he wants to focus on … and so he said no to some exciting opportunities. These were projects where people he highly respects want him to work with them. How can you say no to... Read more »
    Published: July 12, 2019 - 1:00 pm
  • You Don’t Need to Clear the Decks to Focus on Important Work
    By Leo Babauta We’ve all done it: we have an important task to do, and yet we have to do a thousand other things before we can start: Process email and reply to messages Make sure we’re up-to-date with the latest news Pay bills and check on our bank accounts... Read more »
    Published: July 8, 2019 - 3:33 pm
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    Financial 180

  • The Cheat Codes of FI
    For those of you following along, you know I've been a bit busy lately. In addition to my own music, podcast, and software projects, I've also been popping up on other people's podcasts. A few weeks back I sang a few bars of Michael Bublé on The FI Show with... Read more »
    Published: May 1, 2019 - 3:38 pm
  • FI Without RE
    Back in November of 2017, a tired, burned out version of myself was pushed past his breaking point. After months of mandatory unpaid overtime, morning self pep-talks, stress-eating, and yelling at coworkers, the old Joel finally had enough. He walked up to his boss, and with a surprising, zen-like calm,... Read more »
    Published: April 12, 2019 - 10:11 pm
  • VideoSo Much Time & So Little To Do!
    Wait a minute. Strike that – reverse it! I know, I know, I haven't updated this blog in months. What gives?! If things get any more sporadic around here I'll be on the Miss Mazuma publishing schedule! 😉 Maybe I should adopt the slogan of Wait, Buy Why and claim that I'll have... Read more »
    Published: January 17, 2019 - 10:09 pm
  • Reaching for the Moon(shot)!
    This week, I'm thrilled to be featured on Coryn Quester's “Discover What's Possible” Podcast! In the interview, we talk about everything from the ‘Why' of FI,  to the most challenging aspects of financial independence for those just starting out. But one of the more interesting questions she posed really got... Read more »
    Published: October 5, 2018 - 9:28 pm
  • Misconceptions of FI
    This past weekend The Wife and I went to see Crazy Rich Asians, and really enjoyed it! (Featured image credit: Entertainment Weekly) Having been on the FIRE journey for a few years now, it was fun taking in all the over-the-top luxury on the screen. Of course, this wasn't the... Read more »
    Published: August 24, 2018 - 12:51 am
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    DiverseFI

  • What’s Up Next Podcast: Episode 44
    What’s Up Next? Paul Thompson and I are proud to release episode 44 of The What’s Up Next Podcast.  This podcast is an exploration of financial independence and taking the conversation to the next... The post What’s Up Next Podcast: Episode 44 appeared first on DiverseFI.... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 10:00 am
  • Money and Death
    Money and Death Money and death. Sounds kind of morbid, right? But, that’s exactly what we are concerned with in the financial independence community. We like to talk about the former and avoid the... The post Money and Death appeared first on DiverseFI.... Read more »
    Published: July 19, 2019 - 10:00 am
  • Whats Up Next Podcast: Pop Up Podcast.
    What’s Up Next? Paul Thompson and I are proud to release Pop Up episode of The What’s Up Next Podcast.  This podcast is an exploration of financial independence and taking the conversation to the... The post Whats Up Next Podcast: Pop Up Podcast. appeared first on DiverseFI.... Read more »
    Published: July 18, 2019 - 10:00 am
  • What’s Up Next Podcast: Episode 42
    What’s Up Next? Paul Thompson and I are proud to release episode 42 of The What’s Up Next Podcast.  This podcast is an exploration of financial independence and taking the conversation to the next... The post What’s Up Next Podcast: Episode 42 appeared first on DiverseFI.... Read more »
    Published: July 15, 2019 - 10:00 am
  • One Fundamental Question
    One Fundamental Question Can everyone become financially independent? I believe it comes down to one fundamental question. Simple and yet complicated. I feel like the whole financial independence story can be boiled down to... The post One Fundamental Question appeared first on DiverseFI.... Read more »
    Published: July 14, 2019 - 10:00 am
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    Vital Dollar

  • 11 Profitable Side Hustles That Don’t Require A Lot of Time
    Many people turn to side hustles as a way to make extra money outside of a traditional job. Whether you’re looking to make a little extra spending money, cover a shortage in your budget, or earn enough money that you can stay home with your kids, a good side hustle... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 12:03 pm
  • Average Retirement Incomes: Have You Saved Enough for Retirement?
    Do you have enough retirement income to last through your golden years? Understanding how your nest egg compares to the average retirement income can help you plan and save better, to ensure you’re comfortable, secure and happy after retirement. Average Retirement Income: Mean vs. Median, Other Factors Before comparing the... Read more »
    Published: July 18, 2019 - 11:31 am
  • How to Make Money Online Without Paying Anything
    There are a lot of great ways to make money online, regardless of whether you are looking for a side hustle or a full-time income. Some of the best options require you to invest money in order to get started. In many cases, these are the opportunities that involve building... Read more »
    Published: July 16, 2019 - 6:33 pm
  • How to Write, Create, and Sell an Ebook
    While there are a lot of different ways to make money online, writing and selling ebooks is one method that has been around for a long time. Regardless of what niche you’re in, writing an ebook is an option if you’re looking to monetize a website or blog. There are... Read more »
    Published: July 15, 2019 - 12:02 pm
  • Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: Which is Better?
    Deciding to pay off debt is a huge step, but it can quickly get overwhelming trying to figure out the right debt pay off plan. Depending on which financial expert you listen to, they recommend different things for different reasons. It can get confusing on what advice to follow and... Read more »
    Published: July 11, 2019 - 12:11 pm
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    Your Money Geek

  • Model Eugenia Kuzmina on How to Be a Success in Any Industry
    When I began interviewing actors and filmmakers, my hope was readers would pick up a few tips or tricks to ace the job interview or calm their nerves before the big boardroom presentation. What I learned was successful actors and filmmakers have several traits in common with successful professionals and... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 9:56 pm
  • How to Make Money from Home (Full-Time or Part-Time)
    The commute. The hours. The work. Everything about your full-time, in-office job is leaving you lifeless and miserable. You’re ready for a change, but unsure of what your next move will be. Have you considered working from home? The stigma surrounding work from home positions is often drawn from the... Read more »
    Published: July 22, 2019 - 4:02 pm
  • 7 Ways to Make Money Fast, Quick, and in a Hurry!
    How to Make Money Fast Today! One of the most common questions I hear is, how to make money fast? Maybe you’re faced with an unexpected home repair, or your car decided to call it quits, and now you’re in need for some extra cash quick, fast and in a... Read more »
    Published: July 21, 2019 - 7:06 pm
  • Creative Ways to Earn Free Gift Cards (GameStop, Target, Apple, & More)
    More often than not, people are looking for ways to make money. It becomes challenging to figure out where you can fit in a profitable side gig when you’re already working 40 hours weekly, or you’re at home raising a family. Sometimes, the extra time needed to invest in developing... Read more »
    Published: July 20, 2019 - 3:21 pm
  • How I Used My Hobby to Create a Dream Job
    Most of us associate work and jobs with tasks and activities that we do out of a need for a  paycheck. Of course, some people enjoy their work more than others. I can tell you from firsthand experience that life is a lot more pleasant when you’re able to make... Read more »
    Published: July 19, 2019 - 6:31 pm