If you run a minority-owned small business or work in a position where you help run one, then you probably find yourself looking for new ways to grow your small business. Some of the biggest corporations in the world were … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Growing a Minority-Owned Small Business
Work Life Balance in a Time of COVID
A lot has changed in 2020 thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for the fortunate who can work from home. This post explores a first-world problem that's a matter of "counting one's blessings" rather than whining about … [Read more...] about Work Life Balance in a Time of COVID
Personal Fulfillment Needs in Early Retirement
The original Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a useful lens for deciding if early retirement is a means to an end or simply an escape hatch from stress. At this point, I'll take all the help I can get to figure this riddle out. … [Read more...] about Personal Fulfillment Needs in Early Retirement
Do We Need to Retire, or Just Slow Down?
Over the years my job has fluctuated between periods of slowness and boredom and periods of mass hysteria and weekend-marathon testing calls. Part of what makes the field of software delivery so appealing is the decent pay. … [Read more...] about Do We Need to Retire, or Just Slow Down?
A Few No-Nonsense Tips for Retiring Early
"I can't retire. Not yet anyhow." A colleague fast approaching 65 shared that sentiment over beers about a year ago, long before COVID-19 put happy-hour on hold. The notion of being stuck in a cubicle (or, during a pandemic, … [Read more...] about A Few No-Nonsense Tips for Retiring Early
How to Get Paid for Your Pad
If you've recently taken the plunge into Airbnb hosting, you'll quickly find yourself swimming in a proverbial sea of variables. Everything from pricing strategy to marketing and finding a reliable cleaner. It's … [Read more...] about How to Get Paid for Your Pad
Airbnb Furnishing Checklist for New Hosts
Finding the market supply of long-term rentals incredibly tight, we decided in late 2017 to invest in a condo in Northern Michigan. This wouldn't be a long-term rental. Nope. In this summertime tourist hot-spot, we'd … [Read more...] about Airbnb Furnishing Checklist for New Hosts
Is Airbnb Profitable for Hosts?
Real estate investing can be a lucrative way to help you reach your very own financial independence, and/or early retirement goals. This post lays out our plan to make money hosting with Airbnb (and VRBO). Is Airbnb … [Read more...] about Is Airbnb Profitable for Hosts?
Never Take Your Car to the Dealership for Repairs
Sometimes even the most reliable wheels on the road need maintenance. My wee Honda Fit is no different. Sure, I enjoy pedaling my bike around town (and I even commute with that trusty two-wheeler from time to time). But my … [Read more...] about Never Take Your Car to the Dealership for Repairs
Rediscovering the Joy of Being a Homebody
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 … [Read more...] about Rediscovering the Joy of Being a Homebody
Investing in a Volatile Market (With a Stoic Mindset)
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 … [Read more...] about Investing in a Volatile Market (With a Stoic Mindset)
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 … [Read more...] about To Anyone Seeking Financial Independence