"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 a happy hour on hold. The notion of being stuck in a cubicle (or, during a … [Read more...] about Early Retirement Tips to Reach the Finish Line
Optimize Your Airbnb With the Book “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 Optimize Your Airbnb With the Book “Get Paid for Your Pad”
Tips for Airbnb Hosts Setting Up Their First Rental
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 Tips for Airbnb Hosts Setting Up Their First Rental
Never Take Your Car to the Dealership for Repairs!
Sometimes even the most reliable wheels on the road need maintenance. Here's a story where I almost learned the hard way why you should never take your car to the dealership. Not for repairs. Not for free coffee and … [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 … [Read more...] about Rediscovering the Joy of Being a Homebody
VTI or VTSAX: Stoically Investing in a Volatile Market
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 VTI or VTSAX: Stoically Investing in a Volatile Market
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
Why Time Management Is Important
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 Why Time Management Is Important
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 for retirement? Having paid off cars, a … [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 … [Read more...] about Stuck at the Early Retirement Crossroads