Ever wonder what retirement or early retirement looks like? Are you able to take a sabbatical or extended leave to try it out? I have an opportunity right now and let me tell you what I think about it. The government is shutdown and I am a furloughed federal employee. At the time of writing this, it’s been more than 3 weeks that I’ve been furloughed. I’m using this time to see how early retirement would feel like with how…
Because I love to travel I try to find the best travel deals without having to pay full price for it or pay anything at all. Travel hacking refers to methods to accumulate or build up points and miles in order for you to travel for free or at a very low cost. Travel hacking saves money and it has saved me tens of thousands of dollars. If you are wondering how this is done to help save you money…
In the age of the internet and thousands of social media influencers, there’s so much information from so many people with different perspectives. Where do you get your financial information? Who do you get your financial information from? How do you know who to follow? Choose a good role model who aligns with your goals and strategy. Who could be a role model for you? It could be a family member, a friend, someone on the internet, or someone you…
Everyone will experience tough times. There will be unexpected events that will create tough times for you. We are going through one now with the government shutdown, rising healthcare costs, unemployment, inflation, and international trade, and tariffs which can all have a financial impact on you. Tough times are expected and getting through tough times will depend on you. Right now, times are tough for many of us including myself. What can you do to help lower any financial impact…
When you’re young you feel invincible. Nothing can get in your way. You’re young, strong, agile, flexible, and time is on your side. In a blink you’re 20 years old. Another blink you’re 30, then 40, and then 50. Along the way you’ve assumed more responsibilities, maybe started a family, promoted to management at work, became a care taker, volunteered, and so on. Through these decades will you be just as responsible with your health? We put so much effort…
Like any sports team, you have your star athletes. Those who attract attention and outperform. Your portfolio will probably be similar. You’re going to have a few investments that shine, some that are mediocre, and others that just lag behind. I’m a buy and hold kind of investor so over time I’ve had some good picks. Here are my top stock performers. This is by no means financial advice. This is my own personal experience. Work with a financial expert…
If someone asked me for advice on how to pursue financial independence, I would have to say that it’s not a formula you follow and it’s not one thing that will propel you into financial independence. It is a combination of multiple habits that one would need to consider that is tailored specifically for you. There are common habits that many adopt and could be labeled as a standard. I specifically said “habits” with an “s” so it’s plural. It…
You’re on your financial independence journey. You started making some changes and taking steps towards saving and investing. How long does it take to start seeing the return on your sacrifice? How do you know what you are doing is working? There are indicators to keep an eye on that will remind you that it’s working. There are milestones I set up which reminded me when I knew it was working. I did not purposefully seek financial independence. At my…
What type of credit cards do you have? Do you lean towards cash back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, or merchant credit cards? Some cards offer no annual fees and there are others that have annual fees. Many credit cards offer promotions for new applicants and if they qualify. Some may offer a cash back bonus, hotel points, airlines miles, travel points, merchant credits, or other incentives. But did you know many credit card companies offer more than this?…
You may have heard that it’s not about how much you make rather it’s about how much you spend. If and when you ever consult with a financial planner, one of the questions you will be asked is how much are your expenses. No matter how much you make, if you spend more than you earn it is more difficult to reach financial independence. Make lowering your expenses a goal. If you have consistent income coming in then that is…