Intro to FIRE

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is written with my sons JC and Timmy as the intended readers. In the last post we discussed achieving Financial Independence and Retiring Early relying solely on savings invested in stocks. We compared how saving different percentages of income affects when you might expect to reach your FIRE date. The best outcome we modeled would allow you to retire in just under 14 years, but it would also require you to save 60% of your income. What we’re going to talk about today is what happens if we buy a Property (or several) instead of just renting … Read more

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is written with my sons JC and Timmy as the intended readers. Previously, I had mentioned that any money that you spend on personal expenses is money that you can’t use to buy back your free time by investing in your financial capital bucket. I’d like to continue discussing this with a series of related examples. I’d like you to imagine for a moment that you’ve decided to do what many financial advisers suggest and that you save 10% of your income and invest it in stocks. You decide to enjoy the remaining 90% of your income … Read more

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is written with my sons JC and Timmy as the intended readers. First, before we look at the core assumptions for achieving financial independence and retiring early, I need to tell you both: I love you… a lot. And, my love for you is unconditional. Some of what I am going to say can, when read in a certain mood, feel condescending and judgmental. That is not my intent, but I feel it will be negligent of me not to comment where I do have an opinion and, in some cases, very strong opinions about certain things. … Read more

In the summer of 2018, Tammy and I found ourselves with two sons, ages 20 and 22, entering the workforce. I sat down with each of them individually at different times to discuss their plans for work and ultimately their plans for retirement. Both expressed to me, independently, that they would like to retire early. As my own parents continue to age and with the passing of Tammy’s parents last year, Tammy and I have had several conversations recently about retiring early ourselves. I love helping people buy, sell and invest in real estate as a real estate broker. I … Read more