Restrictions, curfews, and isolation are fast becoming a normal part of life since the Covid-19 outbreak took root here in the U.S. A little over one week has passed since social-distancing was introduced and several public gathering venues closed. Even for those of us who don't mind a little down-time being a homebody, the lack of choice can be a cause for anxiety. I had a … [Read more...] about Rediscovering the Joys of Being a Homebody
How to Invest in a Volatile Market (And Not Freak Out)
Volatile markets are the new normal, thanks to the Covid-19 outbreak. This creates some opportunity for investors in a time of real concern. I don't mean to diminish the incredibly awful specter of this virus, but I'm certainly hoping we all emerge from this unhurt. And maybe with better leverage in the stock market too? For most of my working life spanning a few decades … [Read more...] about How to Invest in a Volatile Market (And Not Freak Out)
An Open Letter to Anyone Seeking Financial Independence
I'm not a financial expert. I've never worked in the banking, finance, or investment industry. I'm an arm-chair advice dispenser trying to keep money from being a source of worry in my life. This is an open letter to folks seeking financial independence. May you realize happiness now and not wait until a magic personal finance remedy comes along... Life, liberty, and the … [Read more...] about An Open Letter to Anyone Seeking Financial Independence
Retirement Time Management Ain’t Easy
One of the obvious trade-offs with financial independence ("FI") is you work your tail off for some time to achieve leisure time later. A lot of folks fall into the trap of chasing more and more $$ and material things, and well, they're just wired that way. So instead of reaching some novel retirement at 45 or even 55, they continue to work because I guess it's part of who they … [Read more...] about Retirement Time Management Ain’t Easy
Where Should I Put My Money for Retirement?
While ambling along the path to near-retirement and dealing with all of the indecisions of late, another facet of personal finance emerges to dog me. Where should I put my money? Having paid off cars, a paid-off house, and no credit card debt, we've been in a healthy surplus for a while now. Originally, I thought I'd simply open up a Vanguard ETF (exchange-traded fund) and … [Read more...] about Where Should I Put My Money for Retirement?