#147 Grateful for FIRE My 2024 Gratitude List

#147: Grateful for FIRE: My 2024 Gratitude List –

While we’re getting ready to kick off the holiday season with Thanksgiving, I thought it fitting to reflect on the many things I’m grateful for.

It’s been a while since I put together a gratitude list, though I’m working to get better at it. After all, there are so many blessings in life, and my mindset is better off when I remember that.

By cultivating a sense of gratitude, you can foster happiness, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the things that truly matter.

I’ve talked about how your mindset can empower or hinder you on your journey to financial freedom (or when you’re working toward just about any goal).

When you incorporate mindfulness practices like a gratitude list, you can help cultivate a “growth mindset.” A growth mindset can help you achieve your most ambitious goals, FIRE / financial freedom, or anything else.

In this article, I’ll share my gratitude list for 2024. Perhaps it will inspire you as you reflect on your journey to achieve your most ambitious goals – with FIRE, in your career, for your lifestyle, or otherwise.

Read More

#146 10 Ways Financial Independence Leads to a Happier Life

#146: 10 Ways Financial Independence Leads to a Happier Life –

Financial independence is more than just a financial goal; it’s a catalyst for a happier and more fulfilling life. 

By achieving financial independence (or financial freedom), you gain the freedom and flexibility to pursue your passions, reduce stress, and create a life that truly aligns with your values. 

You can spend more time with loved ones, retire early, travel the world, take a sabbatical, start a passion project, or simply spend more time relaxing.

The FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early) provides tools and strategies to help you achieve financial freedom, but more about that later.

Studies show that happiness skyrockets after retirement. Why not seek a happier lifestyle – on your terms – sooner?

In this article, I’ll introduce the FIRE movement and outline ten ways financial independence can lead to a happier lifestyle.

Read More

#145 Is It Worth It to Refinance Car Loans Or is it Better to Focus on Other Goals

#145: Is It Worth It to Refinance Car Loans? Or is it Better to Focus on Other Goals? –

If you’re looking for simple ways to save money each month, it might make sense to consider opportunities to review and refinance car loans.

After housing expenses, your car loans are often the 2nd largest expense you may pay every month. You might even be surprised how much money you can save simply by refinancing.

I’ve refinanced my car loans to get a better APR, and refinancing my student loans was one strategy I used to pay off $85k of student debt in 18 months.

Refinancing car loans can be a strategic move to save money on interest payments and potentially lower your monthly payments. However, it’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the time and effort involved.

In this article, we’ll weigh whether or not it’s worthwhile to refinance car loans, and we’ll dive into the pros and cons.

Read More

#144 Unlocking Wealth the Best S&P 500 Index Funds

#144: Unlocking Wealth: the Best S&P 500 Index Funds –

Investing can feel intimidating, at least until you learn about S&P 500 index funds. Let me explain…

But first, let’s talk about why investing matters.

Investing is essential if you want to grow your wealth over time. It’s a great way to get your hard-earned money to work for you, and help you achieve financial freedom.

There are many forms of valuable investments, but one of the most popular strategies is investing in index funds. These funds track the performance of the S&P 500, a leading stock market index that includes 500 of the largest companies in the United States.

The stock market can be a daunting place, especially for those new to investing. With countless options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. 

By investing in an S&P 500 Index Fund, you’re essentially buying a piece of 500 of the largest companies in the United States. This diversification can help mitigate risk and provide long-term returns.

The good news? Investing in S&P 500 index funds is a comparatively easy, passive investing strategy.

In this article, you’ll learn about investing in S&P 500 index funds to achieve financial freedom.

Read More