Investing and Real Estate

Thinking about inflation? Me, too. With recent increases in government tariffs on foreign goods, the specter of higher inflation has increased, and the potential impact on your expenses may be a worry. But the impacts of inflation are not always bad—or as bad as we may think. Inflation is demonized because we tend to notice … Continue reading Understanding Your Personal Inflation Rate

(Originally published Feb 1, 2023. Revised—substantial edits in italics) The FIRE community talks a lot about the rent vs. buy discussion. Which is the optimal financial decision for your personal housing and how to calculate that? While there is great information out there to help you decide, I see two important considerations often left out … Continue reading Rent vs. Buy: the Power of Inflation (and a fairer calculation)

What? $2,800 per hour? This must be a crazy MLM scheme or some sort of bait and switch scam, right?  Not at all. On average I work one hour a month managing my two real estate properties. Each month I clear an average of $2,816 (including my principal and net of expenses and taxes). So … Continue reading Real Estate is Passive or I Make $2,800 Per Hour

I was recently interviewed on the EverydayFI podcast where I shared my FI story, how I fully embraced minimalism, became a full-time nomad, and some philosophy on the FI movement and choosing contentment over happiness. Cheers! Link to episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everydayfi/id1747124575 To learn more about my story check out my About page and my Taking the … Continue reading My FI Story and Why FI Needs the RE

The convergence of the widespread use of 401k and similar retirement accounts coupled with the rise in index fund investing has created a Ponzi scheme-like dynamic with the stock market over the past 30+ years.. What is a Ponzi scheme?  From Wikipedia, a Ponzi scheme “is a form of fraud that lures investors and pays … Continue reading Is The Stock Market Becoming a Ponzi Scheme?

I thought my wife and I were doing everything right to achieve a rich, free life. Avoid debt – check! Spend less than we earn – check! Invest the surplus – check! So, after almost two decades of investing, why weren’t we rich or at least well on our way? When I calculated our net … Continue reading After Almost Two Decades of Investing, Why Weren’t We Rich or at Least Well on Our Way?