Category: Background
A look into Financial Mechanic’s past and the roots of where she came from.
Quick Update! A Move And A New Kitty
Last time I wrote, I was traveling solo through Sri Lanka and the Philippines. When I returned, day-to-day life sucked me back into its tricky vortex. One thing that strikes me in retirement is how easily the time goes. I thought without work I’d have so much more of it, and I do, but it […]
What My Grandma Paid to Build Her Home Will Shock You! (Really, it will!)
After learning more about the history behind my Grandparents’ idyllic home, I have taken away some valuable lessons about adapting financial strategies to fit the times we live in.
A Rating of Every Book I Read In 2023
Thanks to Goodreads, I have a record of everything I read in 2023. I love going back over what books I finished and the notes and highlights that stick out to me.
Exiting A Toxic Career Of Software Engineering
When saving and strategizing to leave the workforce, it’s crucial to make a plan for what you are retiring to. That’s what I write about— my journey to financial independence and what I am doing now after turning in my notice. But I realized I haven’t shared much about what I’m retiring from. Most of […]
Every Book I Read Since June (2022)
I hoped that maybe in early retirement I’d have time to read, a wistful goal. So without work, have I been able to read as much as I used to dream?
5 Years of Financial Mechanic – An Anniversary Post
I recently received a notification that it was time to renew the domain for this blog.
“Oh yeah,” I thought to myself, “I forgot to write a recap last year about the blog.” I remembered writing 7 Reflections On My First Year Blogging // A Peek Behind the Curtain
, and I knew I had missed a couple of anniversaries since then.
Why I Decided To Share My Identity and Go Non-Anonymous
In all of my early posts, you will only see shadows or my back in photographs. I started blogging anonymously because it seemed like a safe place to start. It definitely felt easier to share financial information if my name wasn’t attached. I have since shared my name and net worth numbers with the world, […]
I’m Glad My Parents Crushed My College Dreams
I thought I understood the equation. Work Hard = Go To Dream School I thought I had done everything right, but when it came down to it, my parents told me I couldn’t go to my dream university. We Couldn’t Afford It I grew up in a middle class, one-income family. My parents had stashed […]
When Disaster Strikes — The 100-Year Boulder Flood
I was sitting at the table, pencilling out fluid dynamics equations as rain pattered down outside. It was the third day of rain. In the other room, my roommate Jamie* was washing dishes when the sirens started. She stepped into the living room and opened our door to figure out what was going on. The […]
7 Reflections On My First Year Blogging // A Peek Behind The Curtain
Exactly one year ago today, I hit “Publish” on my first post. My purpose for this blog was simple: I just wanted to write. I set my expectations low. It would have been okay if no one read the words I wrote. In fact, at first I didn’t share my content in any way. I […]