The number one question I get BY FAR about retirement after "How did you do it so young?" is "What do you do about health insurance/medical expenses?"It's a big issue for many in America because our medical system is so messed up.Look at it this way: millionaires are worried about health care costs in retirement. If it's an issue for them with all their assets, how does … [Read more...]
How to Save on a Wedding
On my first blog I posted money saving tips frequently. That was back in my wealth-building days when I was trying to reach financial independence and saving was a big part of our plans. Naturally I wrote about it since that's what we were focused on.I covered almost everything possible when it came to saving money, but one topic that I loved to rail on back then was the … [Read more...]
The Case for Spending More
I've been considering the topic of spending lately.But not in the usual "you're spending too much" line of thinking I've written about for so many years in posts like It’s the Spending, Stupid.These days I'm actually pondering how I can spend MORE money. Yep, you read that correctly. I'm considering spending more, which falls within the spirit of my post titled If … [Read more...]
Did Being a Country Boy Help Make Me Wealthy?
When I work out, I always listen to music.I've tried listening to books or podcasts when exercising, but it just doesn't work.I have to count (reps) or strain (lifting or cardio) and my attention on anything anyone says is gone. When I've tried a podcast or book I end up constantly rewinding which makes for a very frustrating experience.So music it is.I listen … [Read more...]
Spending Less Versus Earning More
If you've been reading personal finance articles for more than ten seconds it's likely you've heard that you need to "spend less than you earn."But it goes way beyond that. That's just the soundbite.A bit deeper there is a lot of online discussion about which is more important to financial success: spending less or earning more?It's an age-old money debate, similar … [Read more...]
Five Great Money Saving Tips People Hate
A couple observations...First, people love to save money. They like a deal. If they can get something for $50, that's better than paying $75. Paying $30 is even better.Second, people don't like to be told how to save money. Especially when those suggestions deal with strongly held personal preferences.It's also well-established that people hate having to change … [Read more...]
Are Solar Panels Worth It?
I have always been interested in alternative forms of energy.It's not that I'm a "tree hugger" on a social crusade for the environment.But if I could find a natural, cheaper (or even neutral) way to provide energy for our home, why wouldn't I? It would be a win-win.I've especially been interested in solar energy since we moved to Colorado, a place where there's more … [Read more...]
Frugalwoods: Finding Fun and Fulfillment in Frugality
I have shared several times that I walk a lot every day (it's one of the perks of retirement!).Last year I averaged just under 17k steps a day.I want to do the same (or better) this year.To get this many steps I usually walk several times a day including:After my workout, I take the long way home. By the time I reach our house I have about 10k steps for the … [Read more...]
It’s the Spending, Stupid
I'm a bit older than most of you reading this.Even so, many of you have likely heard the phrase, "It's the economy, stupid." (I have not only heard it, but lived through it.)Here's what Wikipedia has to say about it: "It's the economy, stupid" is a slight variation of the phrase "The economy, stupid", which James Carville had coined as a campaign strategist of Bill … [Read more...]
Why Saving Money on Monthly Expenses Matters
Everyone loves to talk about earning more money!Everyone loves to talk about investing money for growth and income!But when it comes to saving, people are less excited.I get it. Saving is not the most exciting thing in the world. Worse yet, it's HARD! Most people want to become wealthy without any difficulties! Haha!That said, saving is vital to financial … [Read more...]
