Personal Finance

Financial Security for Everyone

Financial Security for Everyone

A few months back, I had a conversation with a woman from a well-known advocacy organization for retirees and the elderly. One part of the organization’s mission is to promote financial security among its membership base. However, the organization seemed to be targeting a younger audience, where I met the representative. So I asked her…

6 Powerful (and Low-Risk) Financial Maneuvers that Put Extreme Frugality to Shame

6 Powerful (and Low-Risk) Financial Maneuvers that Put Extreme Frugality to Shame

Powerful financial maneuvers are meaningful decisions you make with your money and lifestyle that have a significant long-term impact on building wealth.  Too often, we focus on the little ways to save money. We used to be a coupon clipping couple before having kids. We had more time back then. Coupons influenced our shopping choices…

How I Measure Progress Toward Financial Independence

How I Measure Progress Toward Financial Independence

This article is about how I measure progress toward financial independence (FI), which I consider a prerequisite to my early retirement goal. The terms financial independence and early retirement are often used interchangeably. I consider them different. Financial independence is a financial milestone. Retirement is when I’ll stop working completely. I plan to reach financial…

It’s Only Money

It’s Only Money

Every week I write about money. Sometimes in a roundabout way. But ultimately, this website is about growing wealth by making better financial decisions. Life is not about money, but money can help us live a better life. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, unexpected expenses can be extremely stressful. The news of a major home…

Don’t Eat the Doughnut

Don’t Eat the Doughnut

Achieving success in personal finance is simple but not easy. Make more money. Spend less than you make. Invest the surplus. That’s the formula to become wealthy over time. The Nintendo fanboy in me calls this the Triforce of Wealth. But doing those things requires habit, persistence, and a steady income. If personal finance were…