Financial Independence Archives - Page 5 of 18

August 29, 2022August 29, 2022

Student Loan Forgiveness: Here’s What You Need to Know

This week the Biden administration announced the Student Debt Relief Plan. This controversial piece of legislation is a historic student loan forgiveness program for college students, providing relief of up to $20,000. Importantly, many will be able to erase all student loans!!

Regardless of opinions on the matter, here’s what you need to know, and most importantly, what you need to do.

Even if you don’t have student loans, help spread the word on this time-sensitive opportunity.

August 22, 2022August 21, 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act: Exciting News for American Health Insurance

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.

August 15, 2022September 1, 2022

Ashley Green: How to Create Enjoyable Business Success at Age 27

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.

August 1, 2022August 2, 2022

QA7: Financial Freedom Fast-Tracks and Climbing Plateau Busters

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

For this week:

Does the 401(k) max include employer contributions?
Should I invest in my 401(k) or pay down my mortgage early?
What about Fidelity’s zero expense ratio fund, VZROX?
Investing tips for a Health Savings Account
Do you write off business expenses for Clipping Chains?
How and when do you pay yourself from investments?
Winter climbing in St. George, Utah
Big life expenses and expectations when pursuing financial independence: children, weddings, etc.
Mandatory pension contributions vs DIY investing
Front-loading savings without going for full financial independence (Coast FI)
Climbing plateau busters

June 27, 2022June 26, 2022

A Quick Note for Those Struggling with Spending

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.

June 6, 2022June 5, 2022

Is the Real Estate Investment Boom Killing US Housing Affordability?

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?

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.

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.