This article is the second in a series of seven that will discuss what it takes to reach financial independence. If you have not already read the first step, which covers budgeting, please take a minute to visit that post. This article will outline why you should create a passive income stream. When I first […]
Archives for 2015
Sunshine Blogger Award Nomination
I was nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award by Abigail at I Pick up Pennies last week. We were disconnected from the internet over the weekend enjoying some camping south of the Grand Canyon. Next Monday’s post will share some pictures and our experience. Here are her questions and my responses: What’s the best thing you’ve […]
On priorities: Our friend “Buck” stops here
A beautiful array of wildlife passes through our backyard. We’ve seen foxes, coyotes, skunks, quail and other birds, lynx, javelina and, of course, plenty of deer. A while back we had a lone deer visit us several times over a couple of days. He settled in for a few hours during each visit. I named […]
Step 1: Budget for Financial Independence
In books on personal finance, the chapters are typically organized in a fashion that takes an overarching, holistic approach to the financial aspects of your life. The authors describe how each concept—determining your net worth, creating a budget, having insurance, planning for taxes, creating a will, and the hundred other things we should be doing—relates […]
Should you rent or buy your home?
Lately, I have been reading a lot of articles online about the virtues of renting versus owning your home. The posts and feedback from readers have been quite informative and interesting to read. Should you rent or buy your home? I enjoy exploring how other people approach their location and lifestyle. Maybe this is my […]
A Tale of Two Employees’ Finances – “Billy”
In another post I compared the difference between my situation and that of a co-worker. If you have not already read that post, check it out here. Over 30 years ago, I met a great friend of mine when we worked for a large wholesale bakery operation. Let’s call him “Mr. Billy” or “Billy” for short. […]
Ask “Why” 5 Times
Why Ask “Why?” – And why ask it five times? It’s good to have some clarity in life: a clear vision about the future and a well-articulated plan on how we’ll get there. I know that, for me, sometimes my day-to-day routine forms such a rut that it’s easy to forget what is truly important. Today […]
Are we there yet?
Today we have a treat with a post from my wife. I thought it might be interesting for people to see life in the household from my better half’s perspective. I hope you enjoy it, and please do leave feedback and ask questions. Do you find yourself focusing more on the future than living in […]
Save money: visit the desert in the summer!
My wife and I went to Scottsdale, Arizona, for a nice getaway and a change of pace from staying at home. It had been several months since we had been in the Phoenix area, so we took a short trip to celebrate the July 4th holiday and my wife’s birthday. We found out very quickly […]
26 Different Ways to Buy Stuff
Several years back I had an opportunity for one of those great teachable moments with my daughters. You know, when you can talk about a particular principle using a real life example, without sounding too preachy. I hope they will not only hear what I am saying but actually listen and understand. I believe the original […]