We've been riding the waves of a strong stock market and scorching hot housing market for several years now. Our investments are split roughly 50-50 between stocks and houses, and throwing more money at either isn't all … [Read more...] about My Dividend Stock Investing Experiment: 8 Picks to Riches?
Airbnb Profitability Makes for a Retirement Cash Cow
Our condo in Northern Michigan continues to provide a strong and reliable stream of income. Thank you, pent-up pandemic demand! Since we opened our Airbnb Experiment for business back in 2018, the area has become even … [Read more...] about Airbnb Profitability Makes for a Retirement Cash Cow
Dealing With Uncertainty When Retirement Is Near
The last couple of years have been nuts. I've got nothing to complain about and a lot more to contribute. Blogging just had to take a back seat for a while. Uncertainty gives life some spice, but it sure can take you out of a … [Read more...] about Dealing With Uncertainty When Retirement Is Near
Inflation Spike Impact on Retirement Plans
We've heard the numbers – a lot. Inflation is running at about 7% – the highest rate in 40 years. "Transitory" was the word first used to describe it, but this past November, Fed. Chairman Jerome Powell stated, "I think … [Read more...] about Inflation Spike Impact on Retirement Plans
Is a Hair Transplant Worth It? Consider Alternatives First!
Roughly 250,000 hair transplants occur in the U.S. alone each year, approaching 900,000 worldwide. This is not a rare procedure, by a long shot. Is a hair transplant worth it? Consider that well over 33% of men (and women) … [Read more...] about Is a Hair Transplant Worth It? Consider Alternatives First!
Top Tips for Creating a Strict Financial Budget
Creating and sticking to a strict financial budget will really help optimize and improve your financial situation, not to mention reducing your stress levels. Whether you are keen to get out of debt, make financial … [Read more...] about Top Tips for Creating a Strict Financial Budget
Experiments in Work Life Balance During a Pandemic
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 … [Read more...] about Experiments in Work Life Balance During a Pandemic
What Are Smart Lockers? Modern Tech Meets Security
Since the pandemic is not going away any time soon, more people are shopping online, and relying on e-commerce to get what they need. Whether it be textbooks, prescriptions, retail, or pretty much millions of products … [Read more...] about What Are Smart Lockers? Modern Tech Meets Security
Getting a Grip on Your Retirement Needs
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 … [Read more...] about Getting a Grip on Your Retirement Needs
How to Slow Down (When Early Retirement Isn’t in the Cards)
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 … [Read more...] about How to Slow Down (When Early Retirement Isn’t in the Cards)