We’ve just returned from an epic trip to the Eastern Sierra. I love hiking, but I’m definitely not John Muir. I’m also not Mr. Money Mustache or Paula Pant either. But I was able to quit my job at age 51 and I’ve hiked some of the most incredible trails in the Sierra Nevada. How did I do it? By finding my own pace and my own path.
We’ve ended up with a much safer retirement nest egg that we had worried about before quitting our jobs. Why? Partly, because just after I left my real job and entered the world of financial freedom, I “bought” myself a side gig. It was 2011 and real estate was on sale everywhere. Even crazy, leaky, old falling apart places with great possibilities to someone just crazy enough to try it. Like me!
Uh-oh. I have a problem. I’ve gone over 5 months now without a glass of wine. And it’s great! Yet, I ask myself why it is that we in the FI community are cutting every last penny, just to gather and celebrate over some beers. Maybe it’s time to stop our whining. Or wine-ing!
Running out of money — it’s one of our biggest fears. But my in-laws never gave it any worry. With their high incomes and a home in the heart of San Jose, we never dreamed there was any financial problem. And neither did they. It was just the beginning of a year that we spent solving their late life crisis. Against the odds, it has turned out great. Because they were saved by the bubble!
I just returned from my 2nd backpacking trip ever! I am still filled with a sense of enthusiasm and energy. What an experience it is to put everything you need to live for a few days on your back and head out into the wilderness. As I went out the door, I could not help but think of so many similarities between backpacking and the pursuit of financial independence.
Have you experienced the new team sensation – The Escape Room? People pay to be locked into a room with a group of people, working together to use clues to solve puzzles, open locks, and escape out of the room in one hour.
I went with a group of friends recently to try this out and we had a blast. It occurred to me that the actual locked room that we need to escape is … THE CUBICLE!
Recent Comments