Mr. Clipping Chains, Author at CLIPPING CHAINS

May 30, 2022May 29, 2022

Mettle, By Steve Bechtel: A Book Review

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.

May 23, 2022May 22, 2022

Eric Horst: A Climber and Creator for Life

Today on episode 34 I’m excited to have climber, author, coach, and business owner Eric Horst. Many of you are aware of Eric’s multifaceted influence on climbing, notably performance rock climbing. He is a pioneering figure in the world of climbing training and the author of the international bestselling (and well-named) book, Training for Climbing.

But this guy gets a lot done. In 2020, Eric retired at age 56 as director of Millersville University’s Weather Information Center near his hometown of Lancaster, PA. But he didn’t really retire.

Eric is now properly embracing his love of climbing, leaning into his new business, PhysiVantage, a supplement company for performance climbers.

In this wide-ranging interview we tackle Eric’s recent climbing ambitions since retirement, how he has built a company from scratch, and perhaps most importantly, some key systems Eric uses to maintain his high workload while still enjoying the sport and the family he loves.

May 16, 2022May 20, 2022

This is the Wild Ride We Signed Up For

To date, 2022 has been a bad year for the stock market. As long-term investors, this is the wild ride we signed up for.

May 9, 2022May 17, 2022

Steven Dimmitt: The Simple Ways to Become Remarkable

Steven Dimmitt is the host of the popular Nugget Climbing Podcast, a show about performance climbing and the life-long journey of self-improvement. At the surface, it seems that Steven left his engineering job and moved into a van to pursue what might seem like a whimsical and youthful passion. Digging deeper, however, we see that the journey to critical and financial success is one of dedicated craftsmanship.

How can we all leverage the power and contentment of craftsmanship to build a satisfying and meaningful life?

I really enjoyed this one, and I hope you will too.

May 2, 2022May 2, 2022

EP 31: Your Questions Answered: Volume 5

Ok! We’re back to the digital mailbag to answer your questions.

In this Q&A episode we take a deeper dive on I Bonds, forming a solid plan for our financial lives, how to catch up on saving later in life, ideas on how to free up time from the many distractions in our lives, my daily structure and routines, and the best way to invest for compound growth.

April 25, 2022April 26, 2022

EP 30: Charitable Giving and Macroeconomics with Brice Karickhoff

Brice Karickhoff is a climber and development economist with a passion for charitable giving. In this episode we discuss the importance of balanced saving and giving, the utility of the donor-advised fund, and broader macroeconomic trends that affect us all.

April 19, 2022April 18, 2022

I Bonds: A Novel Way to Save Cash

Few investments provide a guaranteed rate of return over 7%. U.S. Treasury Series I Bonds are currently paying out at 7.12%, with that trend expected to continue.

Today’s post is short and sweet, and perhaps worthy of your time.

April 11, 2022April 10, 2022

EP 29: Back in the Weeds with the Frugal Professor

Today on episode 29 I want to welcome back to Clipping Chains writer, climber, father of five, and fellow personal finance geek, The Frugal Professor.

We cover it all on this one, from how the Frugal Professor was able to save nearly $2 million dollars with a family of seven, to how my wife and I are continuing to navigate a post-Financial Independence life.

April 4, 2022April 3, 2022

EP 28: Compound Growth: Can I Catch Up Later?

Many of us understand that investing in an appreciating asset results in compound growth of our initial investment. But how does this really work? How can a small sum of money grow to something that can provide financial freedom with little to no effort beyond securing the initial investment? And most importantly, what are the different outcomes when debating whether to invest now or later in life?

March 28, 2022March 27, 2022

EP 27: Homes and Vans with Tien and Brandon Rooney

Today on episode 27 we are taking a deeper dive on real estate investing with climbers Tien and Brandon Rooney of Five Twelve Real Estate. This couple shares a very intriguing history, spanning from college athletics to corporate world wake-up calls, the latter of which inspired them to uproot their lives and teach and travel throughout Asia.

Eventually, looking to rekindle the youthful days of travel and freedom, Tien and Brandon turned to real estate investment as a way to fast-track their path to financial independence. They even moved into a van full-time to further optimize their financial journey.

We carefully examine the many methods of real estate investment, including some key tips for first-time home buyers. Find out if this path is for you!