The Year of Reflection: 2019 Goals & Accomplishments

In my old age, time seems to be flying by. So when I started this blog, I began jotting down what I learned, read and experienced throughout a year to try and remember what that year involved outside the 90% of my mental energy that is usually spent thinking about work. Continue reading “The Year of Reflection: 2019 Goals & Accomplishments”

Should I Reveal My Identity Online?

When I decided to pursue financial independence at the beginning of 2015 I started looking for role models to follow – people that have written about their experience that could help me understand what I would be in for and what to expect during this journey. Luckily there are now an abundance of blogs on the internet that are available for free and detail people’s journey to and through early retirement. Continue reading “Should I Reveal My Identity Online?”

Annuity Scams, Investment Dinners And Preying On Fear

My Mom has been retired for 5 years and during those years, she discovered something fascinating: there is an entire industry of salespeople trying to sell ‘special investments’ (*cough* annuities *cough*) specifically to retirees. Instead of sending the usual junk mail, they invite people to an expensive meal, which they then hold hostage until you’ve heard their pitch. Continue reading “Annuity Scams, Investment Dinners And Preying On Fear”

It’s Official: I’m Quitting My Job In 10 Months. Here’s The Plan!

This is a continuation of my monthly series that records what’s happening in my final stretch to early retirement. If you’re interested in previous posts, they’re here.

I’m not one to bury the lede so: We’re doing this people! Thank you so much for all of your comments on my last post about this decision. I really appreciate all of your encouragement, concerns and advice. After careful consideration it’s been decided: I’m leaving my job in September 2020. Continue reading “It’s Official: I’m Quitting My Job In 10 Months. Here’s The Plan!”

Why I Own 100% US Stocks

Let’s start with all the caveats! Just like everything I do in my life, this is not a recommendation. I’m just trying stuff out and seeing what works. I am not an expert or a guru, I’m just a 30 year old going through life. This is how I’ve set up my investment portfolio, but I’m not saying this is right for everyone. It’s called personal finance for a reason. Continue reading “Why I Own 100% US Stocks”

How To Slay Interviews Like A Job Hopping Fiend

My career has been a wild ride. I quit my first job without knowing my next step after being stiffed for a promotion with Manhattan rent looming over me. My first day of freedom, the Monday after my two weeks notice ended, I was working out on the elliptical at Planet Fitness and received a call from a recruiter: I was being offered a promotion and a 37% raise to work for an ad agency downtown (it’s the agency Mad Men was based on 😉 ). Continue reading “How To Slay Interviews Like A Job Hopping Fiend”

Should I Lock Myself Into Quitting My Job In 11 Months?

This is a continuation of my monthly series that records what’s happening in my final stretch to early retirement. If you’re interested in previous posts, they’re here.

The time has come: IT’S DECISION TIME. I need to decide if next month I will book my month long trip to New Zealand and Australia for October 2020. My Mom and I are working on her goal of experiencing palaces in the sky by using travel hacking to book the Etihad First Class Apartments for our flight from Down Under. Check it out: Continue reading “Should I Lock Myself Into Quitting My Job In 11 Months?”

Reflections On Turning 30: From Job Seeker To Corporate Deserter In 10 Years

I’m currently in Mexico celebrating turning 30 years old. I’m sitting here watching the sun set against an orange and purple sky while listening to the lapping of the ocean waves. During this week of relaxation I’ve found myself thinking back to who I was 10 years ago, at age 20, and how so much has changed in the last decade. Continue reading “Reflections On Turning 30: From Job Seeker To Corporate Deserter In 10 Years”