In 2021 I moved from Santa Barbara to Amsterdam and made it my goal to spend more. This report will go into detail about every dollar I spent in 2021.
Every Dollar I Spent in 2021 As An Expat In Amsterdam
5 Money Conversations To Have Before Getting Married
We were walking down the path by the river to go meet our friends. As it was the last day before our cross-country move and we still hadn’t finished packing or cleaning, this was a bit of an interesting choice. I didn’t think it was a good idea to pause our cleaning frenzy to go […]
A Cross-Country Move During a Global Pandemic
Yes, we are moving cross-country during a global pandemic. It turns out that hospitals are considered “essential,” in times like these, so Mr. Mechanic’s residency will start in Santa Barbara on July 1st as originally scheduled. Last year we packed the car to the brim with our favorite things and drove it from Portland, OR […]
Black Lives Matter and other May expenses
Black Lives Matter I’m a couple of days late on this post because frankly there have been more pressing concerns in the world right now. Cities all over the country are rising up, a century of fury whipped up and foaming into the streets. It was a long time coming. We live in a country […]
I Just Sold My Bike on Craigslist
I counted the bills as the man loaded my bike into his car. “Twenty…eighty…one-twenty, one-forty…” I made it to $350 and nodded, mentally saying goodbye to my metal steed. In two months we will be moving across the country. When we moved here, we shoved everything into the car and drove it three thousand miles […]
The Cash Machine – A Book Review
The first thing that struck me about The Cash Machine was its cover. Of course it appealed to me—a machine under construction, tools strewn about the floor, and money flying in every direction? Sounds like just the book for ol’ Financial Mechanic over here. The subtitle sealed the deal: A Tale of Passion, Persistence, and Financial Independence. I was sold!
The Sunday Sharies: Volume 18
Sunday Scaries (n): The Sunday evening dread that creeps in when anticipating work in the morning. Shut down Sunday Scaries with this series: Sunday Sharies! These are the articles, links, and content I’ve read this week that I think are worth sharing. FIRE Articles I love me more than I love my job, so I […]
The Psychology of Money, Part 2: Nudges
Recent developments in economics have increased retirement balances by an estimated $30 billion, increased organ donor enrollment by 40% and helped establishments reduce ‘spillage’ by improving men’s aim when using urinals.
We Were Airbnb Hosts For 3 Years– Here’s What We Learned (and Earned!)
As a renter, I haven’t had the opportunity to sign up to be a host on Airbnb, so I thought I would ask someone close to me who has– my parents! After three years of hosting, they have a lot to say about their experience.
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 […]