Funding the Adventurous Life
With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the obvious talk of the nation has been the sweeping and historic changes to US energy and the environment. And rightfully so. But today let’s discuss the good news for Americans exploring healthcare insurance coverage options outside of workplace-sponsored plans.
Continue reading “The Inflation Reduction Act: Exciting News for American Health Insurance”
Today on episode 42 I’m very pleased to host this enjoyable conversation with entrepreneur and climber Ashley Green of Climb On Equipment, a climbing specialty retailer in Squamish, BC.
Today we discuss how Ashley, at age 27 and with hardly a loonie to her name, came to own this business and turn it in to the thriving pillar of the community that it is today. We dive deep into the mechanics of funding this endeavor, maintaining a work/life balance of a serious climber and prospective mother, expanding and building a team, and the value of capitalizing on the serendipity that befalls us all. Finally, we touch on some of the specific town dynamics of Squamish in particular, a place like no other I’ve ever been.
This is the story of a young person getting two struggling businesses, taking risk, and building something amazing on the path toward financial independence.
Continue reading “Ashley Green: How to Create Enjoyable Business Success at Age 27”
I’ve been slack on writing, which is generally a reliable indicator of an overly stressed life. That busyness came to a screeching halt early last week. Five minutes before my partner—let’s call him Bob—arrived to pick me up for the new-school classic Spirit of Squamish (5.8, 8 pitches), everything changed. At the strike of 6am, just as the sun began to crest over the lush coastal mountains, I bent over to pick up a 1-pound water bottle and felt a lightning bolt of pain in my lower spine. I knew in that moment that I was hosed, but it felt too late to bail. Plus, I often find relief from (mild) back pain when climbing…or so I thought.
Continue reading “Back (Pain) in the Saddle Again”
We’re back to the digital mailbag to answer your questions!
For this week:
Today on episode 39 I’m pleased to welcome long-time climber and Front Range local Peter Beal. Peter, at age 58, has been climbing for over 45 years, with notable achievements including multiple 5.14 first ascents and bagging V12 in his late forties! But Peter is also known for his critical takes on the culture of outdoor life. Today we discuss some of the realities of meaningful work, family life, and the potential opportunity costs of a life of adventure.
Continue reading “Peter Beal: Can You Afford to Be Sponsored?”
We often use spending in an attempt to gain admiration and respect from our peers. Here’s why it doesn’t work and what we can do instead.
Continue reading “A Quick Note for Those Struggling with Spending”
Hello! We’re back in the digital mailbag to answer your questions.
In this Q&A episode we take a hard look at inflation, the reality of a bear market, tactics for balancing a career and climbing, saving for a home down payment, my dream interviews, the pros and cons of maxing out retirement plans, cryptocurrency, financial advisors, and traveling the world for cheap. And of course, so much more.
Continue reading “Your Questions Answered: Volume 6”
Today on episode 36 I’m pleased to welcome climber, author, editor, father, and prolific first ascensionist Matt Samet. Recently, Matt was unexpectedly laid off from his position as editor of Climbing Magazine, a position he has held on and off for nearly two decades.
The state of media, particularly print media, is something that has held my attention in recent years. Although I’ve considered reaching out to Matt for some time to discuss his career in writing and climbing journalism, this finally felt like the right moment.
Join us as we take a deeper dive on media, journalism, balancing climbing and other life obligations, as well as some good-ole-fashioned musings on the modern climbing life.
Continue reading “Matt Samet: The Uncertain Future of Climbing Media”
Find me a person who can talk and you’ll find someone with an opinion on the housing market or real estate investment. And most of those opinions—even from happily settled homeowners—bear the tones of suspicion at best and downright defeat at worst.
Housing prices have skyrocketed a staggering 34% nationwide over the past two years. This rate is essentially an order of magnitude higher than historical home price appreciation. Certain markets are arguably out of hand (to use a technical term). Take Boise, Idaho, where prices are considered 73% overvalued.
Is the booming real estate investment trend at least partially to blame?
Continue reading “Is the Real Estate Investment Boom Killing US Housing Affordability?”
I’ve recently finished reading the latest book from Steve Bechtel, Mettle: Lessons from the Gym and Crag in the Pursuit of Better Climbing. Drawing on over 20 years of blog and newsletter content from specific training protocols to invaluable life lessons, Bechtel’s latest book is an introspective examination of key foundational principles to athletic and personal improvement. Mettle walks a fine line between memoir and training guide, providing actionable content while reminding the reader why this action is essential for our physical and emotional longevity as athletes and humans.
Continue reading “Mettle, By Steve Bechtel: A Book Review”