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 online, … [Read more...] about What Is a Smart Locker (and Do You Need One?)
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Early 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 sh*t out. … [Read more...] about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Early Retirement Needs
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
Get Paid for Your Pad: How to Optimize Airbnb Listings
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 exhausting, … [Read more...] about Get Paid for Your Pad: How to Optimize Airbnb Listings
Airbnb Host Checklist for Condo Conversions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb hosts have been dealing with unprecedented cancelations and concerns over the long-term viability of their investment. Obviously everyone's focus needs to be kept on physical distancing … [Read more...] about Airbnb Host Checklist for Condo Conversions
Is Airbnb Profitable for Hosts?
The COVID-19 outbreak has presented a big challenge for Airbnb and its legion of hosts. We're now in year 3 as hosts and despite the pandemic, we remain cautiously optimistic. At this point in 2020, our Airbnb is profitable … [Read more...] about Is Airbnb Profitable for Hosts?
Why You Should Never Service Your Car at the Dealership
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 even commute with that trusty two-wheeler, from time to time. But my Fit … [Read more...] about Why You Should Never Service Your Car at the Dealership
Rediscovering the Joys 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 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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read more...] about Where Should I Put My Money for Retirement?
Stuck at the Early Retirement Crossroads
This time of year is typically when the winter blues start to hit me. I've got too much to be grateful for to complain, but the slog of winter doesn't bring me a ton of joy. Some incredibly real and awful events happened to a … [Read more...] about Stuck at the Early Retirement Crossroads
How to Protect Your Home From Burglary
Eventually, it'll happen. Your home or the home of someone you know will get broken into. There's never an ideal time for this. Just last week one of my tenants was burgled, on Christmas Eve no less. The nerve of these jerks! … [Read more...] about How to Protect Your Home From Burglary
Is Self Deprivation Keeping You From Enjoying the Journey?
The headlines are catchy. Some 20-something out there worked hard for 5 years to save $500,000 so he or she could retire early before 30. A noble, Instagram-worthy pursuit to be sure, but with it comes a brutal stretch of … [Read more...] about Is Self Deprivation Keeping You From Enjoying the Journey?
Golden Nameplate Awards – The Class of 2019!
Greetings happy readers! I'm excited to unveil my favorite crew for 2019. More names to etch on the trophy - yay! For 2019, I've opted to focus on bloggers who've been instrumental in bringing exposure to THIS blog. This … [Read more...] about Golden Nameplate Awards – The Class of 2019!
Middle Manager Seeks Help with Career Indecision
I've got a new boss and it's not working out the way I'd hoped. This post tackles a serious career future indecision as early retirement lurks just around the corner. After several years of working for incredible humans, you … [Read more...] about Middle Manager Seeks Help with Career Indecision
The Last Jedi Sucks? (Some Redemption After Rise of Skywalker)
How about this, readers? Just in time for the holidays, a post about why a Disney film from 2018 got me so fired up. Let's hash out the reasons why Star Wars The Last Jedi sucks. And then, we'll predict whether J.J. Abrams … [Read more...] about The Last Jedi Sucks? (Some Redemption After Rise of Skywalker)
What Are the Alternatives to Retirement?
It's been a bit of a slug-fest at work. These last few weeks have brought on a heavy dose of 11th-hour drama that's quite typical in the world of software delivery at large corporations. Sweating out another Sunday night has … [Read more...] about What Are the Alternatives to Retirement?