4 Months To Retirement: Trying To Find Silver Linings In A Pandemic

We’re on Week 10 of quarantine in Seattle. Our first stay-at-home order extension was set to end yesterday, but unsurprisingly has been extended to May 31st (at least). So as I mentally prepare to see only my partner for a total of at least 3.5 months (even serious introverts have their limits…), I’ve been reflecting on the possible improvements to our world that could stem from this pandemic. Continue reading “4 Months To Retirement: Trying To Find Silver Linings In A Pandemic”

A Quarantine Update From A Seattle Introvert

We’re on Week 8 of self-quarantine in Seattle and I feel guilty to admit that despite all the wild things happening in the world, for me personally, the first few weeks of quarantine were a dream. Continue reading “A Quarantine Update From A Seattle Introvert”

How To Enjoy Working From Home During A Pandemic (A Parody)

I was speaking to a friend of mine the other day, and she told me that she read an article about “How To Do Your Best Work From Home” and her first reaction to the advice was, “FUCK! YOU!” I found this funny, especially coming from this sweet and kindhearted friend who rarely curses. Continue reading “How To Enjoy Working From Home During A Pandemic (A Parody)”

I’m A Cord Cutting Millennial Monster

Since my partner and I are quarantining ourselves to help slow the spread of the coronavirus we have been watching TV shows and films more than usual. This has led me to reflect on my relationship with TV in general and my role (or lack thereof) in the cable industry. Let’s get into it!

Continue reading “I’m A Cord Cutting Millennial Monster”

Microaggressions And Giving Up On My Favorite Company

About a year ago, a potential new hire reached out to me. I’m a black woman, the only African American at our company at the time, and the new hire is also a black woman who wanted to know how my experience has been at this (very white) company in this (very white) marketing industry. She asked about specific things like diversity, inclusion and microaggressions.
Continue reading “Microaggressions And Giving Up On My Favorite Company”

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”

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?”