It's Time to Step-Up Your Game for Retirement!

It’s Time to Step-Up Your Game!

16 Comments / Saving, Debt, Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE), Investments, Motivation / /

Hey everyone, it’s time to talk about something that most of us out there know, but not enough of us are talking about.  And with that, I’m referring to retirement savings.  Although this is a site focused on financial freedom and early retirement, the fact is that most of us out there have a slim shot at either one of these. I almost threw up when I learned on The Motley Fool that the average American’s 401(k) balance is $72,383.  And even worse, […]

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Escaping the Hustle-Bustle of the Rat Race with a Walk

Escaping the Hustle-Bustle of the Rat Race with a Walk

18 Comments / General Thoughts / /

Most days while I’m at work, I try to make it a point to get outside for about 10-15 minutes and go for a short walk.  This doesn’t always happen – maybe it’s too busy in the office and, of course, most of the winter is ruled out because I hate the cold. But in the summer, it’s been a great escape.  I just put everything on hold for that very short time and just walk… maybe that’s how smokers feel during a

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Using a HELOC for Smart Reasons

Using a HELOC for Smart Reasons

12 Comments / Real Estate, Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE), Investments, Saving / /

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is an interesting entity.  In essence, it’s a line of credit that a lender gives you using the equity in your home as collateral.  A HELOC is similar to a home equity loan and this sometimes causes confusion with borrowers.  There are a few differences between the two though… Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Does not necessarily advance you all the money at once – you are given a line of credit you can draw from as needed

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I'm a Cheap @#$... and Proud of It!!!

I’m a Cheap @#$… and Proud of It!!!

20 Comments / Spending, Debt, Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE), Saving / /

When I was a kid, I was a good saver.  Every penny I got was definitely a penny I saved.  I wasn’t necessarily cheap and still bought candy and toys, but I was just good at saving.  As I got to high school, the trend continued and I continued to be careful with my money, especially once I got my first job and learned the importance of hard work. Then things changed. That’s not to say that I didn’t have a

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Think About Working for Yourself

Think About Working for Yourself

17 Comments / Self-Employment, Education, Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE), Motivation / /

When I was coming back from vacation last week, our seating got a little screwed up.  Long story short, I ended up sitting next to a lady in her mid-fifties from Alberta, Canada instead of sitting by my wife and daughter.  We got to talking and had some really good conversation throughout the flight.  At one point, I mentioned something about my 9 to 5 job and she chuckled.  It turns out she’s a consultant and speaker on business efficiency.  And she talked about

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The Cost of Vacation

The Cost of Vacation

8 Comments / Travel and Vacation, Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE), Spending / /

Just got back from a great vacation in Texas. My brother and his wife moved to Austin about a year ago so we went to visit them. They just built a really nice house with a pool, hot tub, cabana, outdoor kitchen, etc. – how can you pass up a visit with all this good stuff?!!  So we stayed at their “oasis” for a little over a week and had a great time. Unfortunately, I was so relaxed that I realized I had

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The Importance of Estate Planning

The Importance of Estate Planning

12 Comments / Estate Planning, Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE), Health and Fitness / /

Raise your hand if you’re planning on living forever?  I know I am, but I have a bad feeling that my odds aren’t real good on this one.  If you have any loved ones such as a spouse or especially any children, this post is very important. First of all, let’s start this article by stating that I am by no means an attorney of any sort.  I’ll be discussing what my wife and I have personally put into place and what I know

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Lawn Mower - Time Versus Money – Which is More Valuable?

I Hate Mowing!! So Why Do I Do It?

22 Comments / General Thoughts / /

If you live in an area where you don’t get to enjoy mowing your lawn, you don’t know what you’re missing out on… sweltering heat and sweat, 90 decibels of mundane loud noise, and an hour or more of your day wasted every week.  Mmm, mm, mmm – doesn’t that sound exciting?! It’s not.  I hate mowing. I decided this past weekend to mow the lawn early in the morning before it got too hot out.  Didn’t matter.  It was a hot and muggy

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The Steps to Wealth

The Steps to Wealth

27 Comments / Debt, Education, Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE), Investments, Motivation, Real Estate, Saving, Spending / /

I just finished reading The Richest Man in Babylon.  I had a lot of recommendations to read this and I’ll tell you that, for as old as this book is (originally published in 1926!!), the content still holds strong.  Great book if you’re trying to find your way to wealth.  There is some very sound advice that stands the test of time, such as saving at least 10% of what you make and that you can live off your income, but you

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Cash - Get Paid to Get Laid Off - How to Engineer Your Layoff

Excited About Money

14 Comments / Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE), General Thoughts / /

I recently noticed that I love talking about money or investments… much more than I have in the past.  When a conversation turns to money, I realized I perk up and get excited about the conversation.  I get animated with a passion in my voice.  Whether it’s with friends, co-workers, or family, this subject seems to bring out a different person in me. Money, money, money. It’s not that I’m some Scrooge McDuck and all I want is money.  It’s actually

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