Thanks to being an urban planning major in college, I have a pretty good pulse on how cities develop, change, decline, and gentrify over time. Fair to say that some cities are better than others when it comes to emergency response times, access to clean, potable water, and parks. If I had a choice over where to retire, I would probably look for a mountain retreat, far away from the city AND the … [Read more...] about City vs. Suburbs: Why the City Always Wins
Happiness? Better to Pursue Purpose and Struggle Instead
Happiness? What is this elusive feeling we chase like a cat after a laser pointer. We're nuts about the topic. In a society that has all the material wealth it could possibly need, we come up short. We're bombarded with countless books on the subject. The Dali Lama has seemingly cornered the market. If you haven't read a book on how to be happier in the last few years, something's wrong with … [Read more...] about Happiness? Better to Pursue Purpose and Struggle Instead
Solo: A Star Wars Story (Thumbs Up!)
Perhaps the best and most succinct one-line review of Solo: A Star Wars Story comes from a pro movie critic. Peter Rainer of the Christian Science Monitor writes, Of all the Star Wars-themed movies, this one is the closest to a Saturday afternoon serial/western. Don't expect more than that. You know what? That's EXACTLY what I needed after the last Star Wars movie completely underwhelmed me. … [Read more...] about Solo: A Star Wars Story (Thumbs Up!)
Blogroll 2.0 – Calling All Blogger Friends!
No good idea goes without eventual theft, right? Thanks to the Happy Philosopher's excellent little idea for a blogroll, I'm re-launching the blogroll for AbandonedCubicle.com in similar fashion. The rules are straightforward (and thankfully not copyrighted): List your blog below in the comments. Include your website URL so readers can get to your blog. Tell us why a reader of … [Read more...] about Blogroll 2.0 – Calling All Blogger Friends!
Are You Afraid to Get Rich?
Thank goodness for Yahoo! Finance. I had almost thought every topic on personal finance had been thoroughly exhausted, until I came across the headline, "Why we’re too afraid to get rich", by reporter Alyssa Pry. Hallelujah. We are saved. This notion of this "fear of becoming rich" comes from Jen Sincero, author of the very popular "You Are a Badass" and its follow-up title "You Are a Badass at … [Read more...] about Are You Afraid to Get Rich?
Cycling vs. Golf
Cycling vs. Golf. Which activity is better for the body, soul, and wallet? Having just completed a 62 mile cycling event yesterday, I'm ready to write. And otherwise not move. Let's explore the merits of a couple of popular outdoor activities, now that it's finally summertime. I'd argue that cycling wins, hands-down. I'll explain why in more depth, but just so you know, I've spent many hours on … [Read more...] about Cycling vs. Golf
Airbnb Return on Investment: Still Holding My Breath
The expenses just keep rolling in. Was I naive to think this experiment would be all roses? At the mid-year point of the year-long experiment, let's take stock in Cubert's Airbnb return on investment. So far... Spending money. It's an easy thing to do. Credit cards are such a joy. You don't even have to worry about the mag-stripe working anymore. Those fancy embedded chips will make sure your … [Read more...] about Airbnb Return on Investment: Still Holding My Breath
Make Today Count!
Welcome back from the long holiday weekend, everyone! I hope you had a fabulous time with family and friends. I'm really excited to share a guest post from a very talented blogger who actually took the time to notice this little abandoned blog, way back in 2016. Amanda Kruse is our emcee, and she's got a wonderful, and very meaningful story to share. Let's make today … [Read more...] about Make Today Count!
The Finer Things in Life: Frugalicious Style
Frugality. It's the centerpiece of the journey to financial independence. You simply spend less money so you can invest it, and let those dollars grow via compounding interest. Or, if you're like me, you diversify some of those savings and buy a few rental properties. Along the way, you make a number of sacrifices in order to grow your savings. The trick is two-fold. One: Avoid keeping up with … [Read more...] about The Finer Things in Life: Frugalicious Style
VRBO: My Dirty Little Secret (An Airbnb Experiment Story)
I have a confession to make. I use VRBO. Within a few weeks of getting the Airbnb Experiment ready for prime-time in January, I fired up a VRBO.com account. Talk about swallowing a big fat pill, sideways. Vacation Rentals by Owner has been around for a while. They had established themselves as the go-to place for week-long (and longer) summertime rentals. The interface has always been pretty … [Read more...] about VRBO: My Dirty Little Secret (An Airbnb Experiment Story)