This past Sunday I let my guard down. I told the family to saddle up. We were going shopping. Time for a little retail therapy. Why does shopping feel so good? Let's explore how a frugal minimalist rationalizes THIS … [Read more...] about Why Does Shopping Feel So Good?
How Much Should You Contribute to Your 401k?
This year marks another increase in the contribution limit to the sometimes controversial, but "everyone's got to have one" 401k. In 2017, the pre-tax contribution ceiling was raised from $18,000 to $18,500. That figure … [Read more...] about How Much Should You Contribute to Your 401k?
How Matt Sakaguchi Built a Winning Team at Google
Never one to leave a stone unturned, this article explores the notion of work as a viable place to make good friends and lasting relationships. Sure, early retirement is a worthy goal and a perfectly sane course for many … [Read more...] about How Matt Sakaguchi Built a Winning Team at Google
My Review of the Ubiquitous Amazon Echo
"Alexa, can you please take all my calls and alert me if anything important comes up? I've got some early retirement to do, and I don't want to be bothered..." Isn't the Echo just one more clutter-making device, designed … [Read more...] about My Review of the Ubiquitous Amazon Echo
Will Millennials Regret Not Having Kids?
I'm spotting a bit of a trend. I might be way off my rocker with this, but it seems the idea of millennials not having kids is a mark of shame somehow to this generation. Sure, get your financial act together first, before … [Read more...] about Will Millennials Regret Not Having Kids?
How to Watch TV Without Cable or Satellite
I've got to heavily caveat the title of this post. We enjoy TV in our house, but only in very small doses. Cord-cutting continues to grow. People are ditching cable, but typically only to switch to dish or Sling or … [Read more...] about How to Watch TV Without Cable or Satellite
The Several Empirical Reasons to Go Vegetarian
Put that burger down! Wait... Is that a veggie burger? If you're curious about all the very good reasons to go vegetarian, read on. Is it possible to survive (and prosper) in a world of amazing barbecue? Some fun facts … [Read more...] about The Several Empirical Reasons to Go Vegetarian
How Much Money Do You Need to Be Happy?
Pop quiz: How much money does the top 1% make? $500,000 per year? $5,000,000? I believe most of us don't have a clue. How far off are my guesstimates? If being in the top 1% is a goal, should households aim for such … [Read more...] about How Much Money Do You Need to Be Happy?
How to Take a Great Photo Every Time
Now that we're back from vacation and the kids are off to school, it's predictable … inevitable … that summer is abandoning us. At any rate, we'll soon be greeted with weekends of iffy weather. The kind of weather that … [Read more...] about How to Take a Great Photo Every Time
The Price to Rent Ratio Says “Never Buy a House!”
It may not be Wednesday, but I find waffles a worthy breakfast treat ANY day of the week. Today's post is brought to us by blogging friends from way out west: Waffles on Wednesday! Fetch yourself some of Canada's finest … [Read more...] about The Price to Rent Ratio Says “Never Buy a House!”