From Financial Independence to Retire Early at 35

Month: October 2020

The Circle of Control Is a Myth (Choose to Wield Influence!)

Post author By Chris
Post date October 31, 2020
Post last updated date Last Updated: November 15, 2020
10 Comments on The Circle of Control Is a Myth (Choose to Wield Influence!)

The Circle of Control is a myth brought on by the circles of influence and concern.

The problems you care about fall within a circle of concern, some of which you can influence. But is there also a circle of control in your life?

Tags Financial Independence, motivation, Tactics

Psychology

Living Below Your Means: Should You, And How?

Post author By Chris
Post date October 24, 2020
Post last updated date Last Updated: March 30, 2021
14 Comments on Living Below Your Means: Should You, And How?

Too often the wisdom that you should live below your means is interpreted as some sort of deprivation. I argue that it's making conscious decisions about spending instead.

Living below your means to create financial freedom in your life takes conscious effort. It’s not deprivation, it’s a concerted choice—and you can make it.

Tags Financial Independence, Tactics

Psychology

3 Finance Video Games That Built My Wealth (and Might Yours!)

Post author By Chris
Post date October 18, 2020
Post last updated date Last Updated: March 30, 2021
19 Comments on 3 Finance Video Games That Built My Wealth (and Might Yours!)

3 video games that are good for you and how they helped me on my journey to financial independence.

Are there finance video games that can teach you how to invest and manage your money today? These 3 taught me the basics and helped make me wealthy!

Tags Financial Independence, motivation, Story

Psychology

How Comparison Is the Thief of Joy and Your Superpower

Post author By Chris
Post date October 13, 2020
Post last updated date Last Updated: November 2, 2020
9 Comments on How Comparison Is the Thief of Joy and Your Superpower

Don't let comparison be the thief of joy in your life. Comparisons are shrouded in haze not unlike the summit of financial independence. Photo: Concepción volcano in Nicaragua before our hike.

Is comparison the thief of joy? Comparing yourself to others has mixed results and you can wield it to your advantage. It can be your weakness or superpower!

Tags Financial Independence, motivation, Tactics

Animal Shelters in Virginia and Our September 2020 Budget

Post author By Chris
Post date October 9, 2020
Post last updated date Last Updated: October 22, 2020
7 Comments on Animal Shelters in Virginia and Our September 2020 Budget

Our September 2020 Monthly FIRE Budget reveals all our spending details and sets out a donation goal for animal shelters in VA.

We review animal shelters in VA for our monthly donation, detail last month’s budget, and award a charitable grant to a children’s education non-profit!

Tags Budget Updates, Giving Back

Finance

Buy vs Rent and Invest: Planning for Financial Independence

Post author By Chris
Post date October 4, 2020
Post last updated date Last Updated: July 23, 2022
30 Comments on Buy vs Rent and Invest: Planning for Financial Independence

When debating the buy vs rent and invest question we mustn't forget that homeownership often involves debt leverage which means our asset can easily be a liability. Just look to the Great Recession of 2008-2009.

Here’s how to analyze your own buy vs rent and invest scenario, deciding to invest in either needs to be part of your financial independence plan!

Tags Financial Independence, Investing, Story, Tactics