Imagine you are waiting at the starting line of a race. Picture yourself stretching, tightening your shoelaces and quietly taking deep relaxing breaths. There is no doubt you are ready. You spent months training for this particular event. You step into position and brace for the sound of the starting gun. Then suddenly bang! You’re […]
Financial Independence
The Definition of Success
How do you define success? Is it a large house surrounded by a white picket fence and a lush green lawn? How about a high-paying career that includes yearly bonuses and a fancy title? In my eyes these were the epitome of the American Dream and I desperately wanted both. To achieve these goals my […]
Am I Too Modest About My Financial Success
Do you discuss the highlights on your journey to Financial Independence or FIRE? I’ve been blogging about money for over fourteen years, but I am still hesitant to write and talk about the big, bold moments of my financial quest. Looking back I think I’ve been too modest about my financial success. Leaving Out the […]
The Value of the Latte Factor – It’s Not What You Think
If I had to sum up the #1 rule for personal finance it would be this: “Think about the stuff you buy.” I mean seriously stop, pause, take a deep breath, count to ten, slow your heart rate down and then think carefully about whatever it is you want to spend your hard earned money […]
Is the Pursuit of Financial Independence Inherently Selfish?
I wish I could say I was one of those philanthropic folks who always used her powers for the betterment of mankind. But nope, in my twenties and thirties that would not have been an accurate assessment. In high school I volunteered for all sorts of community efforts. I cleaned up streams, rallied for causes, […]