Hello, ESI Money readers!
I’d like to take some time and update you on what’s to come on ESIMoney.com in the next few months.
This will take the place of my regular (and usually more extensive) retirement update that I normally do once a quarter.
It will be eight years at the beginning of August that I have been retired. That’s cause for celebration in and of itself and I don’t want the moment to pass without acknowledging it.
But I really want to use this post to give an update as to what’s next for the website.
As I said in my last retirement update, I have been having some back issues. These have progressively gotten worse over the past few months.
I’ve been consulting with doctors as well as physical therapists, doing therapy, and all sorts of other things to try and get better. But as of this point, we’re currently at that stage where not much is working.
In addition, I have been working on some pretty big life changes (all good) that have consumed a lot of my time. I’ll share those specifics when the time is right.
As a result, I’ve had to reprioritize what I’m doing in all aspects of my life, which includes this website.
Thankfully, my daughter is a virtual assistant and has taken up a lot of the load. So I will be continuing ESI Money with her help. That said, we will soon be moving to posting once a week instead of twice a week.
That will continue for a while until I decide (or am able) to do more than that. Over the next few months we’ll primarily focus on millionaire interviews and millionaire interview updates. I’ll also be adding a new series that I’ll talk about in a moment.
Millionaire Interviews
Right now, we have several millionaire interviews scheduled through August. So those will continue for sure for some time.
But after that point, we’ll continue to need regular volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering, or if you have already volunteered and have not yet completed your interview, please consider taking the next step to completing your interview.
That’d be great as it would allow us to keep running them. Of course, as has been our policy for a while now, once your interview runs, you’re eligible to be a mentor in the MMM forums (as long as you agree to be active in those forums).
Millionaire Wisdom
After we get done with the millionaire interviews and the millionaire interview updates, I’ll be running a new series called Millionaire Wisdom. It will feature compilations of answers that millionaires have given over 400+ millionaire interviews. But this time instead of seeing the answers all separate in the individual millionaire interviews, we will see them in one place.
For example, we will see a question about what millionaires have done to grow their careers. And then we will see a laundry list of answers from millionaires across the years.
This new style is very insightful because readers will receive responses to one topic all in one place, versus now seeing them in many different interviews. As such, it’s much easier to see patterns. The format makes it easier to spot main topics and suggestions that are repeated over and over again.
It’s also easier to see contrasts as well.
And from there, readers will get to really see a depth of insight into what millionaires on average do to address certain financial topics.
Of course, there are different paths to becoming wealthy as well and you’ll see those too. So both the comparison and the contrast are very insightful.
This format is something I’ve thought about putting in ebooks previously, but now I want to just put them on the site so that the information is freely available to everyone.
20 Years
So that’s what’s coming up in the future. First millionaire interviews and millionaire interview updates. Then we’ll move to millionaire wisdom. All these will be posted once per week for the foreseeable future. And then after that, we will see what happens with my health, my interests, my plans, and everything else.
By the way, I would like to mention that this coming April will be 20 years of me blogging about personal finances on the internet. So it’s a milestone of sorts. I’ve actually written about money for almost 30 years because I started writing for magazines and publications even before blogging because blogging wasn’t around at that point in time.
Yes, I started the old fashioned way — in magazines — you know, those things that people used to actually read in hard copy. Hahaha. And I published articles in them for years — that was the way I helped pay off our house the first time. I did that for many years — I was the writer and my wife was my editor. Most of the work was after midnight while managing a challenging career. But those stories are for another post.
Once blogging became a thing I was already established as a writer, or at least had some skill as a writer, and then just transferred all everything to the internet. But anyway, that’ll be a celebration and memory for the future. For now, the plan above is the plan we’ll have going forward.
I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this time. I’m committed to following my doctor’s advice and getting better. And getting back on the pickleball court, getting back to an active lifestyle, and getting back to enjoying the great retirement that I had for seven plus years.
Peace to you all.
Sounds like you’re in a pretty dark spot right now. You’ll come through stronger on the other end. I went through serious back pain a few years ago. Had to do physical therapy and a lot of uncomfortable things to heal. It wasn’t fun and it took a long time, but it worked. Best wishes to you.
Great post and prayers on the back issues.
Wishing you all the best as you return to good health. I stumbled across this site years ago, and finally worked up the nerve to send in a question that turned into a “Help a Reader” post. From there, I submitted a Millionaire Interview, Millionaire Update, and have gotten a ton of value out of the Millionaire Mentors Forum.
Thanks for creating this community that’s provided so much to so many.
Many prayers being sent up for healing, a return to your active lifestyle, and God’s Peace for you 馃檹馃檹馃檹
Thanks as always for sharing so much of your life experiences, both the positive and the challenging. Often the challenging or negative times are the most insightful.
We look forward to your continued progress in healing and wish you all the best! Sending heartfelt love your way!
I hope you and your medical team success in progressing your recovery. Thank you for continuing the post on ESI money, which is my number #1 recommendation to others looking to achieve FIRE status.
Congratulations on your milestones — both as being a blogger and as a retiree. Seeing that you have hit 20 years, I wish that I could somehow recall when I started following you at your prior site. I certainly know you were in MI. I’ve enjoyed and grown in these many years, so wish to give you thanks.
I also want to send you my best for resolution to your back issue. Do not lose faith — there is something out there that will help you get back to what you want to do.
All the best —
M
I am sorry to hear about your suffering. Please do not underestimate the body鈥檚 ability to heal itself, especially when given proper nutrition. Your intuition will guide you. Sending love, prayers and healing vibes your way.
Good luck with your back issues. Not knowing anything, I’ll throw out an acupuncture suggestion. You never know.
I am so sorry for the pain you are suffering from. I hope that you find the magic solution that works for you. Sending prayers your way!
Congratulations on your many milestones I truly enjoy reading your blog. Prayers for getting healthy soon I am familiar with the frustration of having health issues. Keep working with the medical professionals and be sure to do your own research as well.
I am sorry you are continuing to have back issues. I hope the situation improves soon. I don’t know if it will help but at least look at Joe Dispenza’s saga/wisdom. He recovered from major spinal injury.
I appreciate all your blog entries over the years. I too read your previous blog and I even won a box of books.
We are about the same age and I’ve been dealing with back pain for a long time also. I have 4 bulging discs in lower back and I got pretty bad about 4 years ago (couldn’t reach down and tie my shoes). I know you’ve been doing the McGill big 3 religiously and PT. What I did was lots of PT, walking, epidural shots and albasions. Have you considered these? I still have lingering pain and can’t do certain things, but I have much more mobility and the pain is very tolerable.
I am so sorry to hear about your health challenges. I pray they can solve the issue causing your pain through physical therapy and treatment. I so value the work you do and love being part of this community. Congratulations on all of your milestone and success. I am sure you will be back stronger and healthier. Look forward to reading the new format as that sounds like a great idea for us. Take time to heal and know we are all here supporting and praying for you.
As someone who has fought backpain all his life, I really feel this post and wish you relief in the future. My back has gotten a lot better in the past couple of years, primarily because of my different/refocused workout routine. Things that used to lay me up for days, like missing a step or the taking a step on the sidewalk where the ground was much lower than I thought (usually because of texting LOL), no longer have long lasting issues. My “floor routine” stretches and core focus has really paid dividends. I started researching the topic of working out or walking too much and found that more is not necessarily better if you’re simply trying to stay healthy. There have been articles recently about over exertion and I’ve been dialing in the types of workouts, stretching, steps, etc. for maximized benefit without creating too much wear and tear on the body. So far, the results have been paid dividends. Wish I had focused on that years ago. Good luck and congrats on 8 years. I’m coming up on 5 in Sept.
If you haven鈥檛 gotten relief from your back pain from physical treatments I鈥檇 encourage you to consider that it is neuroplastic pain. Dr. John Sarno (book: Healing Back Pain) was the original but more and more is coming to light on the way the brain creates pain. Current doctors and others working in this space are Dr. Howard Schubiner, Alan Gordon, Dr. David Hanscom (who was a back surgeon) and others. Current movies are This Might Hurt and Brain Pain. Some might think this is woo woo but it鈥檚 actually brain science. Pain is real but it鈥檚 your brain creating it not a structural problem. The fact that you are going through a lot of changes (even good changes) can impact. Good luck!
Thanks for the blog and posts and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Prayers for your back issue. And I’m so glad you are continuing posts for the foreseeable future. I really enjoy the blog.
John, I can’t tell you how valuable ESI money has been to me and so many others. THANK YOU for all the guidance, resources, and time you put into connecting millionaire lessons to curious readers.
I hope you are back to your normal self soon and that the interviews continue as they are so appreciated.
Also, Millionnaire Wisdom seems like an amazing idea, reading about it made me excited to see various perspectives in once place!
Wishing you all the best! Sending prayers your way!
Best wishes on your continued efforts to alleviate your back pain. I know firsthand how debilitating it is. Fortunately for me, I was able to get through mine only with PT, but I can tell I’ll slip back (no pun intended) unless I keep up all of the program they laid out. It sounds like you have some more serious issues. Prayers are being sent your way.
And, congratulations on all of your milestones. I’ve only been engaged with your material for the last few years, but find it inspiring and educational. I’m hoping you can get back to health so that not only can we continue to be educated and enlightened but, more importantly, that you can enjoy an active life with your family and friends.
John, thoughts and prayers for a good outcome with your back! As long as you still have articles coming, I鈥檒l keep reading.
Oh, and I STILL read paper magazines and books!
Wishing you positive thoughts and prayers with your back issue. 11 years ago I had a microdiscectomy done (I couldn’t even walk fully upright it got so bad) and other than occasional flare ups that were mostly my fault, I’ve been pain free ever since.
i wish the same for you!!!
Very sorry to hear about your physical issues, health is absolutely key. I’ve enjoyed following your journey now for 2 decades, really want to thank you again for this and earlier website/forums. Very impressive to see the community you have built and we are all very appreciative of you.
hope they figure it out and you recover soon, since you were on quite the health journey there for a few years, so bummed to see this post.
Big hug! THANK YOU!
ESI, wishing you a speedy recovery!
I have no advice, but rest assured: prayers work. A lot of us are pulling for you. Keep the faith, best wishes for a solid recovery, and thank you for all of the wisdom you share.
I will pray for you. I have learned from you
Prayers and best wishes to you, John.
Sorry to hear of your back pain. Check out Dr. Joe Dispenza. I have used his guided meditations for the past couple of years with lots of success physically, mentally and seeing many wins showing up in my day-to-day life. One of these days I鈥檇 like to go to one of his retreats, many amazing testimonials about healing at these events. Find the right balance of rest and activity鈥ore isn鈥檛 always better. Sending you healing energy and prayers 馃槉
John, I’m so sorry to hear of your back issues, and the potential impact on your lifestyle. If it’s helpful to you, I’m a rower. Years ago a friend who was an avid hiker was having back issues. On my suggestion he started using a rowing machine (gentle moderate distance). His back issues completely went away, and he’s become a huge advocate for rowing as a way to strengthen backs and build strength and fitness. He’s also taken his hiking to a whole new level. If you’re interested in discussing, let me know.
Sending happy and healthy thoughts your way. Thanks for all you do on this great blog!
Thanks for the update! I cannot believe it has been 20 years since you started blogging; it seems like yesterday. I have enjoyed every post! We hope all is well.
Thank you for all of your work to help people like me learn and grow. May the dear Lord bring you relief and healing.
Congratulations on 20 yrs of blogging! I have enjoyed all your material for over a decade now. I was sorry to read you continue to experience back pain, I understand how frustrating it can be. I hope and pray you find relief very soon!
Just want to say THANK YOU to everyone for the well-wishes!!!!
Exercises to strengthen the core are good, but if you do not change the way you interact with your environment you will have a stronger core along with a back back.
My 2 cents is to investigate the Gokhale method starting with Ester’s book: 8 Steps to a Pain Free Back. Learn the correct way to bend (hip-hinging), walk (glide walking), stretch sitting, stretch sleeping and the alternate shoulder roll.
I have followed her techniques for several years and the system has allowed my to avoid surgery and improve my bad back and its two herniated discs. All is not perfect. I do experience the occasional flare up, but it is usually my fault for not adhering to the Gokhale Method techniques .
Sorry to hear about your back issues and pain. Hopefully a combination of activities, Dr, therapies, food, etc will work for you. Thank you for writing this site and the interviews, both millionaire and retiree. Perhaps the FL weather will be beneficial, hopefully not part of your pain. The future Millionaire Wisdom sounds valuable.
My husband had a traumatic health situation this year and for many days, I was told that I would need to make life decisions soon. The ICU team did not know my husband was a fighter and that God was watching over us and prayers were helping. Life has changed a bit, but my husband is still here, all mental and physical capabilities have returned. Travel has resumed and life is good. But certainly has made us both aware how quickly life and plans can change.
All the best to you for a good outcome with your back. I will be praying for the healing you need.
Congratulations on your milestones! I have been reading since your last site, and have learned so much from the posts, comments, and responses. I talk about your site any time financial issues come up in conversation.
John
I wish you a full recovery from your back pain. I slipped a disc in my first year of retirement by playing too much golf with a poor take away PT did it for me but I鈥檒l never forget the pain so I feel for you.
Now that you have eclipsed 400 interviews it seems like eons ago when I did mine. As one of the lucky few to be on this site from nearly the start I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed this corner of the internet! ESI & ISE (for those of you unfamiliar thats Invest Spend Enjoy)!
My retirement life is now at equilibrium and if you would permit me I would like to give an up date on my interview which was published over 6 years ago.
Take care glad to hear your daughter will help and congratulations as always on creating and leading this awesome community
MI-18
Phil
Have you tried Physiotherapy? I go weekly and it has totally helped. They use a TENS unit, heat, massage and stretching exercises. I recommend giving it a try. When I lived in the US I had not heard of this therapy. I live near Boquete, Panama and my orthopedic doctor here, in Panama, recommended Physiotherapy for my back pain. On a side note, your Blog was the inspiration for my move to Panama. You wrote an article of the best places to retire in the US and a reader mentioned considering retiring abroad. I was looking for the perfect climate and found it here in the Mountains of Panama.
Have not tried that yet…though I have tried all the individual things you mentioned.
Great to hear about Panama!
Thanks for the reply. I’m a Yogi too and will send your healing energy. Keep you mind and body open to healing. Kat