Personal Finance

Time, Not Trades

Time, Not Trades

A young reader reached out to me about how investing and finance are underserved topics in high school. He was eager to share that he earned 20%+ returns from day trading in just a few months because he’s spent a lot of time learning how to invest and perfecting his trading strategy.  Day trading returns…

Perfect Grass

Perfect Grass

Perfect grass seemed like the ultimate suburban pursuit.  I’ve always envied lush green lawns and sharply trimmed edges — the kind you fear stepping on at wealthy over-55 communities. But after ten years of living on a quarter-acre lot, my lawn is mediocre.  A diverse patchwork of weeds and crabgrass decorate our front yard. Each…

A Healthy Obsession with Money

A Healthy Obsession with Money

I’m obsessed with money. I think about earning, saving, and growing money most of the day. I’ve written about money for more than seven years.  Saying someone is obsessed with money might conjure to mind words like greed, fame, power, influence, and opulence. Picture a celebrity flashing fancy clothes and jewelry on Instagram and their…

How Much Money is Enough?

How Much Money is Enough?

A few years ago, somebody asked how much money is enough for me to retire. I used a back of the napkin estimation based on the financial independence number and answered. This was 2015-ish. At the time, I thought the number would be more than enough to live comfortably for the rest of our lives,…

Financial Independence Number: Definition and How to Customize

Financial Independence Number: Definition and How to Customize

The financial independence number is a benchmark to determine retirement preparedness. It’s also known as the FI number.  Financial independence is achieved by: building enough passive income to cover annual expenses, or amassing a lump sum of enough savings and investments to cover living expenses through withdrawals, or a combination of #1 and #2. The financial independence…