Since I started this blog, I picked a high (for me) FIRE number. The goal was $1.2M by the age of 32.
Instead, I’m retiring 3 years earlier with half my original net worth goal.
It’s Happening! I’m Retiring At Age 29 With $650,000
Money Diaries: The Long-Awaited First Week of Retirement
For those following along, I retired this week. My last day of work fell on a Wednesday. The next morning, I woke up early, like it was Christmas. I’m always interested in how people fare in the transition from working full-time to not working at all, so I thought I’d write a Money Diaries post about it!
I don’t want to work anymore, so I quit.
Have you ever been working, and suddenly wished you could quit? The idea dawns on you as simple. All you would have to do is shut your computer. Say, “I quit.” Stand up. Walk out of the office. I felt like that. So the next day, I nearly surprised myself just as much as my […]
The Dutch Doctor Will See You Now: One Expat’s Healthcare Experience
It’s not often that you’re excited to go to the doctor, but I found myself pumping my fist in triumph after mine told me to come in. After several thwarted attempts to make appointments, I was going to experience healthcare in Europe for the first time.
How I Spend $120 A Month On Groceries in Amsterdam
When you think of Dutch food, what comes to mind? Maybe the “caramel cookie wafers” some airlines hand out– known to Nederlanders as stroopwafel? Or perhaps you’re obsessed with Trader Joe’s cookie butter, based off of the Dutch treat speculoos. Aside from knowing about a couple of desserts, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect […]
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.
All The Books I’ve Read So Far In 2022
I know I grew up with biases and assumptions. What better way to grow than to find out science has proven me wrong or to learn something new? Already, several of these books made me question opinions I took for granted and helped me see life from new perspectives. I hope there is something on this list that might appeal to you!
I’m Turning Down A Job That Will Pay $30k More
“We would like to offer you the job.” Oh what sweet, sweet words to hear. Every so often, I like to send out my resume to test the job market in my area. The unfortunate truth is that to see a significant raise in salary, the best thing to do for your career is to job hop.
I’m 50 And Ready To Quit – A Reader Case Study
In this reader case study, a woman wonders if she’s saved enough to exit the rat race.
Every Dollar I Spent in 2021 As An Expat In Amsterdam
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.