I began to devour books that introduced me to the concept of FIRE - Financial Independence Retire Early, as a teenager, long before it even became known as FIRE.
You got me singing and humming along! What a great reminder, this read! It is hard to resist the sirens of capitalism, and shopping is one of my coping mechanisms, to fill a void…
I’m working on filing that void with what’s needed: community and connection. And your article is a great reminder to stay focused on my objective! Thank you!
I’ve always been a saver and used to be what I would call cheap but ironically getting cancer broke that tendency. I know that’s not what people usually say but I think it made me want to enjoy things. I still like to save, but I’d say I’m intentional with spending. I never spend just to buy something but I have weaknesses. I love clothes and nice hotels, but we don’t travel often so it’s usually like a once-a-year splurge. I would totally consider going all out and doing FIRE to retire early, but I don’t think my husband would be on board. He’s like me - frugal with most things but will spend on something meaningful to him. We do want to buy some investment property. I wish we invested more aggressively. We just do the basic 401k etc. great article! I think people should talk about money more.
I sometimes have trouble deciding between freedom now and freedom later. I could spend every hour working in order to save as much money as I can for later. Or I could work just enough now so that income=expenses and maximize the amount of freedom I have currently.
Thanks for your thoughts, Will. As long as you don’t mind your job then freedom now is a good strategy. But if you resent being at work then I would argue it’s not really freedom now. There are so many ways to look at this.
Nice article Amy! The point about no one coming to save you really resonates with me. I started saving for my house and pension when I was 12. I think I secretly knew that I could only rely on myself.
Wow, how wise your were in your teenage years! What made you invest part of your paycheck in your teens? That's AMAZING and I know I'll blink and have a teenager so, I'm all ears for advice to pass to my daughter. 👂And... so true... it's a couple key mindset shifts that make all the difference, said by someone, me, aware of the shifts but still not yet bridged the gap. 😅 I will though. 🙌
Everyone’s temperament is different. We can teach our kids, but it may not be the way they decide to go (as with all things parenting).
I think I just had more motivation to build a portfolio than a career I guess 😂 not recommending that strategy per se…
Attitude is everything Megan! I believe in you!
You got me singing and humming along! What a great reminder, this read! It is hard to resist the sirens of capitalism, and shopping is one of my coping mechanisms, to fill a void…
I’m working on filing that void with what’s needed: community and connection. And your article is a great reminder to stay focused on my objective! Thank you!
This is an important viewpoint that would assist anyone in gaining true freedom.
Thanks John, I hope it does.
I’ve always been a saver and used to be what I would call cheap but ironically getting cancer broke that tendency. I know that’s not what people usually say but I think it made me want to enjoy things. I still like to save, but I’d say I’m intentional with spending. I never spend just to buy something but I have weaknesses. I love clothes and nice hotels, but we don’t travel often so it’s usually like a once-a-year splurge. I would totally consider going all out and doing FIRE to retire early, but I don’t think my husband would be on board. He’s like me - frugal with most things but will spend on something meaningful to him. We do want to buy some investment property. I wish we invested more aggressively. We just do the basic 401k etc. great article! I think people should talk about money more.
Thanks Suzanne! I agree, we should talk about money more and normalize financial discussions.
We need a balance between saving and spending intentionally on the things we love, like you and your husband do.
We all have a few money regrets but moving forward from here is the key. I appreciate your thoughtful comments!
I love all of this. And also I will never ever apologize or feel guilt for buying books.
I’m guilty of buying too many books myself. 🫣
Great encouragement, thank you!
Wonderful! Thanks for reading 🙏
I sometimes have trouble deciding between freedom now and freedom later. I could spend every hour working in order to save as much money as I can for later. Or I could work just enough now so that income=expenses and maximize the amount of freedom I have currently.
Thanks for your thoughts, Will. As long as you don’t mind your job then freedom now is a good strategy. But if you resent being at work then I would argue it’s not really freedom now. There are so many ways to look at this.
Nice article Amy! The point about no one coming to save you really resonates with me. I started saving for my house and pension when I was 12. I think I secretly knew that I could only rely on myself.
That’s amazing that the concept sunk in for you so early in life! Taking responsibility for ourselves is the ultimate life hack.
Wow, how wise your were in your teenage years! What made you invest part of your paycheck in your teens? That's AMAZING and I know I'll blink and have a teenager so, I'm all ears for advice to pass to my daughter. 👂And... so true... it's a couple key mindset shifts that make all the difference, said by someone, me, aware of the shifts but still not yet bridged the gap. 😅 I will though. 🙌
This is such terrific, sound advice! Pay per use is definitely an aspect I never considered. Thank you for offering me a new way of looking at things.
Thank you for reading, I’m happy you found a takeaway. 😊
Thank you Issa!
Community and connection are key. I’m so glad you found value here - we all need a reminder so we can refocus on our goals from time to time.