Funding the Adventurous Life
Frugality is an endearing element of saving money and living the good life. But interestingly, the recent discourse in personal finance circles has seemingly shifted to embrace spending over saving. What is going on, how did this happen, and why should we care?
Continue reading “What Happened to Frugality?”
Alrighty, folks. This week I’m pleased to bring you a low-down-and-dirty financial deep dive with climber, writer, father of five, and lover of personal finance: The Frugal Professor. In this interview, we hold our breath and plunge into complex issues surrounding actually spending all this money we save for periods of no traditional income, meanwhile navigating the treacherous, shark-infested waters of the US healthcare system.
I’ve always said that saving and generating wealth is shockingly simple once some key concepts are understood, implemented, and doggedly followed, through thick and thin. And I’m sticking to my story.
What is not so straight-forward, however, is threading a very fine needle on living off the money we’ve saved. In a period of no traditional income⏤call it “retirement” if you want⏤we shouldn’t be just selling shares and calling it a day. We have to optimize healthcare spending, minimize taxes, and avoid early withdrawal fees and penalties meant for a much more traditional retirement.
But with a little planning, it ain’t no thang.
Let’s roll up our sleeves with the Frugal Professor and get a little dirty, shall we?
Continue reading “The Frugal Professor: Let’s Get Deep in the Weeds”
On Monday, December 14, 2020 my grandmother died. This week I’m dedicating my time and effort to reflecting on her life and how she influenced me and so many around her. We examine the power of love and the resilience required to maintain it, strength in the face of adversity, and the search for just good-ole’ fashioned, no-frills, deep-fried, gravy-covered, and Texas-Pete-smothered southern value. This week’s post is a letter to you, Nana.
Continue reading “A Letter to You, Nana”
You’ve read a bit about financial independence, and perhaps your interest is piqued. But the more you read, the more you see a potential life of deprivation. People are saving 50-70% of their income, but they won’t buy a coffee! You know damn well that Sally enjoys eating out, but now she just stays at home with her spreadsheets and swears she’s happy. That doesn’t seem like much of a life, huh? Well, I agree. Let’s investigate whether being frugal is overhyped.
Continue reading “But I Don’t Want to Be Frugal”