#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.

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#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.

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#133 Is It Worth It to Live in a High Cost of Living (HCOL) Area (1)

#133: Is It Worth It to Live in a High Cost of Living (HCOL) Area? –

The allure of a bustling high-cost-of-living (HCOL) area is undeniable.

You gain access to trendy restaurants, world-class museums, and various other entertainment options. The career options are extensive as well.

If you’re seeking a vibrant lifestyle and a dynamic job market, life in an HCOL area might be appealing.

But the name implies a question: is the high cost of living worth it?

In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of living in an HCOL area to help you answer this question for yourself. We’ll also explore some alternatives that may be worth your consideration.

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#127: Is Buying a House Worth It? Unlock the American Dream or a Financial Burden –

The question, “Is buying a house worth it?” echoes throughout the minds of countless individuals. 

Homeownership has been viewed as a symbol of stability and success. But is buying a house worth it in today’s world? The answer, like most things in life, is a complex “it depends.”

The American Dream has long been defined by homeownership, often believed to be a pathway to stability and wealth creation. But in today’s ever-changing economic landscape, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it once was.

No doubt, owning a home has the potential to be a fantastic way to build your net worth. Over time, as you pay down your mortgage, you gain equity in the property. 

Ideally, as the market appreciates, the value of your home increases as well. This can be a significant financial boon to your net worth, but there’s a big caveat: it’s not guaranteed.

Unexpected housing repairs, property taxes, and homeowners insurance can eat away at your profits. Additionally, economic downturns can cause home values to stagnate or even decline, like what happened during the 2008 housing crisis.

While homeownership can be a path to wealth building, luck can play a significant role.

In this article, we’ll evaluate the pros and cons of homeownership. You’ll also get a set of decision-making criteria so that you can decide once and for all “Is buying a house worth it to me?”

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#115 Unlock Your Potential 10 Powerful Career Building Strategies (1)

#115: Unlock Your Potential: 10 Powerful Career Building Strategies

Unlock Your Potential: 10 Powerful Career Building Strategies

Good career building strategies can remain elusive to the best of us. After all, who last wrote a book that said to get to career XYZ, start with step X, then take step Y, then Z?

In truth, there isn’t a right or wrong way to incorporate good career building strategies, and many careers can take wild turns you might never anticipate, especially early on in your career.

No career has a crystal clear pathway, but you can implement some valuable strategies that will support your journey, regardless of where you’re headed or where you land.

So if you ever feel like your career is stuck on autopilot: you’re qualified and work hard, but that spark of passion and fulfillment seems elusive, then consider implementing the following 10 powerful career building strategies.

By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll learn how these 10 strategies will help you ignite your potential and build the career of your dreams. So get ready, we’re about to dive in!

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#113 Is a Tesla Worth It How to Make Empowered Financial Decisions

#113: Is a Tesla Worth It? How to Make Empowered Car-Buying Decisions

It might be the latest craze, but have you ever actually asked yourself, “Is a Tesla worth it?” Admittedly, this isn’t a straightforward answer for most people.

Regardless of whether you’re all in on Tesla or couldn’t imagine ever owning one, you have to admit that it IS a symbol of innovation and a future powered by clean energy.

But is it the right choice for you

As a proud Tesla owner, I can tell you it’s an incredible car, but it’s not a fit for everyone. You have to consider your situation, priorities, and finances first.

In this article, I’ll share some factors you should consider before you make your next vehicle purchase. By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll have an answer to the question, “Is a Tesla worth it to me?”

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#106 The Ultimate Career Worksheet Mapping a Path to Success

#106: The Ultimate Career Worksheet: Mapping a Path to Success

Have you ever browsed good ‘ol Google only to discover a career worksheet that was so good you knew instantly that it was gold?

No? Alright, me either, but do you ever wish you could find something that helped you level up your career?

If you ever feel like your career is a meandering stroll through a fog-shrouded forest then you’re not alone. It can be difficult to navigate the professional world, especially in a way that adds value to your life. 

If only there was a clear map to your dream job. Wouldn’t it be so much simpler?

Now, I’m not saying the career worksheet you’ll find on this page will instantly change your life or that you’ll find gold at the end of this treasure map, but it might help you change your career story. Finish reading this article, download and use the career worksheet that follows, and you’ll have your map with a path to success.

This powerful tool is your blueprint, your personal oracle for carving a career you’ll be head-over-heels in love with. So, grab your metaphorical pen and paper (or download the handy digital version below!), strap on your explorative spirit, and let’s dive in!

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