Happiness Through Luxurious Frugality and Financial Independence
When I started my new job in 2019, I "restarted" my 401k. Six years later, I've hit a quarter million in my account---a number that finally feels substantial to me. But unlike my Roth IRA, sheer brute force was the driver. With the pedal to the metal, the dollars accumulated twice as fast.
Hip-hip hooray! My Roth IRA hit a quarter million! It feels like such a substantial number. Sharing a deep dive of the values over the 14 years it took to get here, with a hefty dose of commentary.
Do I want to be a wizard? Heck yes, I want to be a wizard! And money (and poor choices?) allowed me the opportunity to throw spells at enemies, explore the wizarding world, and become the magical creature I was always meant to be. #winning
Building a frugal box makes so many aspects of money management effortless. This weekend, I jet-setted across the country for a spa day with my stepsister. Sounds luxurious and quite expensive, doesn't it?
Which one to choose? An extremely personal decision that boils down to tax advantages you want to gain. Always confer with your CPA before making your decisions, but go into the meeting with full knowledge of the differences, benefits, and potential scenarios in which one (or possibly neither!) may be more advantageous. TLDR: it is a spectrum that will change throughout your life.
I'm quite fortunate in that my company is on an annual raise and bonus cycle, which kicks in on January 1st. Every year before the winter holidays, I start preparing for next year's financial plans and goals. That means evaluating my savings goals, one of which is maxing out my 401(k).
In searching for the new limits, the first thing that pulled up was "Should You Even Try to Max Out Your 401(k) in 2023?" The bait worked. I clicked.
The experiment has been a success. It's time for an update after four and a half years of marriage.
Count your pennies, and your dollars will count themselves.
I am paid to budget for my company, but when it comes to my own money, I've always found budgets restrictive and unhelpful. Instead, I am all about the Anti-Budget. It's easy to follow, and the focus is on the big picture of working toward your goals and spending within your means.
There are times in life where I have been padding along, existing on autopilot. I need something to shake things up and keep things interesting. Sometimes that's cycling in and out of hobbies, looking at my career, reaching out to friends, or trying something new. This week, it was the Frugal Friends Symposium.
Wonderful as always, Jen and Jill!
The title of this post sounds depressing. That's because it is. It's also really important.
I have two great finds to share, written specifically for kids to help teach basic money principles.
Are you even a blogger if you aren't busy telling someone how to start a blog?
Our local Buy Nothing Group has sprouted, and I was surprised by the overwhelming scarcity mindset.
A scarcity mindset is when you are so obsessed with a lack of something — usually time or money — that you can’t seem to focus on anything else, no matter how hard you try.
Today, I joined the two-comma net worth club. I realize I feel absolutely no different today than I did yesterday, and I don't think I will feel any different tomorrow, either.
I'm about to turn another year wiser, so clearly I am feeling philosophical in my old age.
After a year of marriage, my partner and I have finally figured out what works for us.
I'm leaving my old company behind and starting somewhere new. What about my old retirement accounts?
Just got back from #FinCon18. I met a ton of amazing people doing a ton of amazing things, and felt inspired to take on some new projects, but the highlight of it all… OH MY GOSH I MET BIG ERN! So an economist and a mathematician walk into a bar… In a world where feelings trump logic and numbers are ignored in favor of made-up statistics, his blog is a refreshingly straightforward. If you haven't ventured over, check it out.
My favorite posts from Early Retirement Now:
The Penny Hoarder shared my AirBNB tips today. Enjoy!
How This Woman Bought Her Dream Home While Making Less Than $60K
4 Tips for Keeping Your Sanity When You’re Hosting Airbnb Guests