Author Topic: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself  (Read 3317829 times)

MissPiggy

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3000 on: November 28, 2016, 05:03:49 AM »
Hi guys from Sydney, Australia!

So nice meeting you all!

Just discovered MMM blog and forum after listening to a Mad FIentist podcast interviewing MMM about a month ago. Since then I have listened to all his podcasts, started commenting and following numerous MMM forums, and reading many other FI bloggers and vloggers.

A bit about me:
- 26 yo, 3 years out of uni and in a full-time job
- save about 25% of my income, have the potential to save 40%
- always been money-conscious but since working full-time (3 years ago) I've regularly blow the budget and lived outside of my means, mostly due to entertainment expenses (dining out/drinks at bars) with friends
- never had a credit card, only debt is student loan (which is deducted from my pay through tax)

Since reading FI blogs, I'm:
-  monitoring all my expenses to the dollar!
- focusing on seeking value out of purchases instead of cheap-thrills
- challenging and questioning social expectations and pressures in my social circle which is focused around high-cost wining and dining
- aiming to be financially independent by 35
- even started a personal FI blog to catalogue my journey!

Hey there, nice to see another local :)

35 is a challenge... I'm trying to do the same.

Sydney represent!

35 is a push... but I'm ambitious and frankly don't want to be chained to my corporate desk for another 40 years.

Becca143

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3001 on: November 28, 2016, 06:51:20 AM »
Hi

Becca

Mystery Money Man

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3002 on: November 30, 2016, 12:02:54 AM »
Hi everyone!

Mystery Money Man here....let's see, a little bit about me.

I blog over at http://www.mysterymoneyman.com. I'm also a member of the AOL Finance Collective, over at AOL.com

Big fan of MMM, been a visitor to this site for a while, but just thought I'd jump onto the forums now. 

My biggest passion in life happens to be music, and so I divide my love for personal finance blogging with time in my recording studio and on stage fronting an alt rock band. Just a heads up that if you happen to find me out on Apple Music or Spotify or something, I'll never admit it's me. ;)

I do have a 9-5 that I hope to walk away from in about 5 years, to work for myself, hence my drive towards Financial Independence. 

Mrs. Mystery Money is my beautiful wife of 17 years, and we have three amazing children.

Look forward to joining the many great conversations here!

JezL

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3003 on: December 01, 2016, 03:29:17 AM »
Hi, I'm Jez. 29. Married. One kid who's 6 months now. Up until now, have always been a bit reckless with money, spending first, thinking second, but now we've started a family, want to reign in the wild side and be more responsible. Hoping that this forum is just the thing I need to keep me focused.

WilliamArthur

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3004 on: December 01, 2016, 06:18:07 PM »
Hi!
I am William, currently a senior high school student in Southwest Georgia, and have been interested in FI since 10th grade. Through actively educating myself through blogs (Mr. Money Mustache was my first) and books, I know that I'll be able to retire by 35. I can't wait to learn and interact with those on different paths, but the same destination!

Poundwise

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3005 on: December 04, 2016, 11:06:00 AM »
Hello!  After lurking for 3 years, I've already done a lot of posting in the last couple of weeks as I've been sick in bed and I'm bored. I'm a lady of a certain age, with three mostly-adorable kids and an always-adorable husband.  I used to be a SAHM, then a WAHM, and now I'm a SAHM again.  In our twenty years together, DH and I have lived frugally and within our means, but I'm always looking out to streamline our lives. I also look to fortify myself against envy of the big spenders who surround us.  Early retirement is not really a goal, since DH, Dr. Poundwise, lives to work (scientist) and I also look forward to the time when the kids are grown and I can turn my abilities outward a bit. However, it's nice to be able to pick and choose.

I've really enjoyed reading the forum and look forward to interacting with you wise heads more.

alex@seed4great

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3006 on: December 05, 2016, 11:31:34 AM »
Hello, my name is Alex and I was reading this forum for long time. But just recently decided to be more active in this direction: started my blog at seed4great.com and will try to share my thoughts with other people. I am in engineering career for 25+ years. I may have enough assets to retire, but I was really not looking for retirement because I enjoy my work very much. However the recent changes in entire industry and in the particular area I am in (electrical engineering) does not look good, especially for older guys like myself. The changes in industry landscape are so drastic, that they do not leave much space for those 50 and older. This is the reason I started to explore the possible roads to take in this situation. I was doing a research on my own inspired by many great blogs around, including of course Mr. Money Mustache. I shared some thoughts in a couple of articles I already published, and I will continue to do that. I believe in a power of sharing information: we live better and stay better, when we are informed.

emily1994

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3007 on: December 06, 2016, 12:09:47 PM »
Hi everyone! My name is Emily and I am a 22 year old recent college graduate. Since I've joined the 'real' world I've found myself stressing daily about my finances and how to save up (I've had money anxiety since I was a kid).

rduncan1216

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3008 on: December 06, 2016, 04:07:51 PM »
Hello everyone!

I'm turning 32 this month, and I live with my wife, cat, and dog in Winston-Salem, NC.  We have been working on getting our finances in order, and trying to find a way to improve our savings rate to build our 'stache! 

I'm excited about participating in this community; most of my friends and relatives look at me like I'm crazy when I talk about my dreams to pay off our debt and retire early.  My wife gets tired of hearing me talk about it, so me coming here to post will give her ears a rest :)

frugalfelicia

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3009 on: December 09, 2016, 08:41:49 PM »
Hi everyone!

About me:
-living in Canada
-33 years old
-Social Worker
-single w/ one child

Goals:
-pay off student loan (was about $60,000 when I graduated in 2015, down to $39,000 now)
-continue contributions to retirement savings (just started a few months ago, currently at $1,300)
-continue contributions to RESP for my child (opened last month, at $200)


Frankenthaler1980

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3010 on: December 10, 2016, 09:45:15 PM »
Hi, I'm Kate.  My future husband introduced me to the Mr. Money Mustache blog in early 2014, much to his eternal regret.  At the time, I was recovering from foot surgery, which kept me out of work for over a month, giving me plenty of time to read the MMM blog from start to finish.  I was inspired to give myself the challenge to pay off $14K in student loans over the course of 12 months, during which time I earned $40K from my job as a bartender.  I met my goal by riding the bus, eating rice and beans five days a week, giving up my daily store-bought cup of coffee, and generally annoying the shit out of everyone around me with my frugality.

Six months ago, I was laid off from a job that I hated, and the Department of Employment accepted me into the Self-Employment assistance program.   This allowed me to collect unemployment checks while working 40 hours a week in my art studio.  The unemployment money runs out just after New Year's Day, and I haven't figured out how to turn art into money, but I'll be damned if I'm ever going to work full time again at a job I can't stand.  I may never be financially independent in my line of work, but now seems like a good time to check out the MMM forum for advice on how to cut every ounce of fat from my spending.

It seems like a lot of the contributors to this forum are employed in high tech; I wonder if there are any other artists or craftspeople out there?

soumyabrata

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3011 on: December 11, 2016, 04:13:32 AM »
Hi

I am Soumyabrata. I am from Kolkata, India. I am reading MMM for more than a year now and it has given me real hope in life. I am very late in joining the forum and let MMM know my thanks. Finally doing it. My business unit got sold last year and I have to leave the job to get a new one and move to a different city alone without my wife and daughter. My previous company couldn't give me a new job in my hometown. At that point of time I could realized that how much my life is beyond my control because I am dependent on other people for money. At that point, last year I discovered this wonderful site and forum. I am always frugal and earn more than average indians but before this never thought about what to do with my savings. Now I have goal to be financially independent and go back to my family. I own a house debt free and another apartment with debt to be paid back. I am planning for a 3% withdrawal rate instead of 4%, just being conservative and as per my calculation will be financially independent in another 5 years which I will be 41. My wife is in teaching and plans to continue working till 60, but my calculation is not taking into account her income. Thank you MMM. Please let me know if anyone have any questions for me.

cannagrowit

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3012 on: December 11, 2016, 05:54:08 AM »
Hi, I'm Tracy.

Just waking up from my shopping and driving coma. I'm really glad to find this website and board.

Thanks MMM!

MMJ helps me too :)

Hoglet121

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3013 on: December 11, 2016, 07:20:23 PM »
Hi from NZ!

I'm 33, married and working full time. I discovered MMM about 18 months ago and have read through all the blogs and much of the forum. We've paid off the last of the non-mortgage debts and built an emergency fund. My goal isn't necessarily to retire full stop, but to have the freedom to work for myself. I have a small side gig but I'm time limited by working full time, my goal is to be able to work on it 20 or so hours a week, as well as taking some time to slow-travel by bike.

Wish I'd learnt to think this way 15 years ago!

abby1234519

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3014 on: December 12, 2016, 03:55:05 AM »
Hi from Northern England, UK!

I discovered the MMM blog about 3 days ago, I'm currently up to reading 2013! I didn't do much yesterday apart from read the blog....I'll let you decide if that's a productive day or not.


A bit about me:
- 27 years old, a few years out of university and currently working full time in a job that I love.
- no savings, and currently unable to save due to our expenses high and also having some 0% debt
- I have never been a frugal person, I am the complete opposite (hence why I have debt) and am looking to turn this around and find the inner Mustachian.
- my "lightbulb" moment was only last month, I've known for a while that things needed to change but have been full of excuses.
- married with one sprog, home life can be fraught with stress - my husband and I don't see eye to eye on a lot of money related matters, he's also unwilling to get really involved with family finances as he says it goes over his head! He's prepared to be in charge of the food budget.

What I want to achieve:
-  no more unnecessary spending, I have a budget on YNAB and in 2017 I will NOT go over it
- I worked out that my budgeted spends for 2017 (not including household bills or rent etc) is £11,000. This is so much!! It covers car maintenance, christmas, food etc but I just feel that this is ridiculous. In fact if you take out debt payments and savings, our annual expenditure will be around £28,000.
- I won't buy anything new in 2017 (unless its cheaper to buy it new vs second hand, and doesn't included presents budget)
- Credit card debt free by the end of 2017 (which leaves a student loan to pay back and a family loan to tackle in 2018)
- I just want to change my life! I don't want to worry about finding money when the car goes boom
- I also want to use that darn bicycle that I bought at the start of this year for £500. I've used it once...I live 3 miles away from work, I can totally cycle. Hand in hand with this goes the desire to lose weight, after all if I can save money by cycling then losing weight is a benefit.

GilbertB

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From Gent, Belgium
« Reply #3015 on: December 12, 2016, 07:05:23 AM »
I'm a ship engineer trying to build a life for my family, without it leading to over-consumerism, debt and credit etc.
I do renovation and furniture making myself and am frugal except for cake, I love cake.

I've been reading MMM since my second internship at sea (new ship, not much to do) in 2014.

Mustacean

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3016 on: December 12, 2016, 09:37:56 PM »
Hi all,

I recently found this blog and am looking forward to gaining new insights from all of you in the forum.

Cheers!

fire_by_50

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3017 on: December 12, 2016, 09:49:11 PM »
Hello everyone,

I am a college senior about to graduate in May & I look forward to entering the workforce full-time with the concept of FIRE fresh in the back of my head!

FIT_Goat

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3018 on: December 12, 2016, 10:17:51 PM »
Hi all,

I won't get into too many details in this post, I might save those for a post where I expect it to be seen.  I am a 36 year old teacher / volunteer firefighter, who is considering moving to full time paid firefighter.  Neither job pays exceptionally well.  The firefighting job starts out $4k less than I make now, but offers lucrative overtime opportunities.  More importantly, I really enjoy it and think of it as less of a job and more something I do for enjoyment.  Obviously, since I do some of it now for free.

I haven't always been the brightest with money, although I have avoided the worst of sins.  I graduated from college with a lot of student loans, but paid them off and had the balance forgiven after teaching in a low-income area.  I've never carried credit card debt. I use a card for monthly expenses (for the rewards) and pay it in full each month.  I got a car loan with my first job.  It was a used car, to replace my VW Fox.  That Fox was my baby.  I bought it for $550 in cash and rode it into the ground over a 4 year period.  There was very little that still worked in that car.  I replaced it with a 4 year old Jetta (not my best choice). Bought a house, 80/20 no money down and interest only on the 20% loan (which was at 7.625%!).  I paid that 20% loan off in 3-4 years.  While single, on a starting teacher's salary, and knocked out the car loan at the same time.  I then managed to save up $14,000 in cash (nothing to most here, I know) in the next year or so after that.  I didn't have much, but I spent as little as I could while remaining happy and saving up all I could spare.  I was on the right path.

I started teaching 11 years ago.  I still have that Jetta.  It's going on 15 years old, but runs fine for the little driving I do.  About five years ago, I met my [now] wife.  I love her.  I really do.  But, the Mustachean way is not her way.  I stepped in and got her out of a cycle of payday loans (my first warning sign), and other bad debt.  I showed her my way.  She fought it.  She earned her money, and deserved to spend it as she wished.  This has always been an area of tension between us.  We worked through it.  I didn't save as much as I wanted.  In truth, I was barely saving anything.  And, slowly, various emergencies popped up that ate away my cash reserves.  Some of them I could have probably found cheaper solutions to, but that's the past.

Her dad died.  Her mom moved in with us.  Our house is too small for 3 adults and a child!  No, it wasn't!  It was a 3-bedroom house.  It was plenty big enough.  But, I agreed to house-shop for a larger place to make everyone more comfortable.  We ended up finding a new house that I do love.  But, it was expensive.  And, I didn't have money down.  And, we had to do it all in my name alone (which is a whole different issue).  Her mom "gave" us money for the down payment for an FHA loan.  Ugh, admitting it makes me sick.  Mortgage interest for life unless I refinance, and a big MI charge right at the start of the loan.  We sold the other house, and most of the profits (aka equity that I built while single) went to pay back her mom and pay off $10,000 in credit card debt my wife had been hiding (that's the whole different issue that kept her from being on the loan).

I'll be honest.  The hidden credit card debt was nearly the breaking point of our marriage.  The stress from that, issues selling the house, and losing all the progress I had ever made, caused me to get shingles and develop a bad case of being a miserable jerk to everyone around me.  My wife has given me all her cards, and I plan on checking up on making sure she's not getting new ones.  She is using cash only.  She was making as much as me, but her income recently took a hit and now she makes $23k.  This happened right after we bought the new house, naturally.

Anyway.  After 11 years of work, I have a net worth of only around $53,000.  Most of that is in my 403b account (no match and horrible returns).  I have $14k in cash, which I might invest, when I figure out which direction makes the most sense.

But, it's not all bad!  My starter goal is to increase my net worth by $2,000 a month this upcoming year.  It's a stretch unless my wife's job picks up or I can convince her to cut some very non-Mustachean expenses in our budget (annual theme park passes, satellite radio, a $250 a month cell phone bill).  Even with her current income and without killing those expenses (which I will do as quickly as she can handle it--working on getting her to buy into alternatives and having her develop the idea of shedding the crap), I can probably hit $1700 a month.  It's not great.  It's not enough.  But, it's a first step.

You've already inspired me and saved me $4,000.  It won't show up in my savings, but it won't come out of it.  During the recent hurricane, our fence was destroyed.  It was chain-link. We got some insurance money, it went to other repairs.  We got quotes, for a new [upgraded] fence to replace the whole broken fence.  That's the $4,000+ expense.  What am I thinking!  I can get a few poles, a new top pipe, a few bags of concrete and the hardware for less than $300 (much less as that's my over-the-top estimate).  Then I spend a weekend doing it myself, or with a buddy, and we have a perfectly fine fence again.

I'm going to do this.  At the current rate, it might not be as fast as some people here, but I can do it.  I also have a pretty solid pension (which gets twice as good if I move to paid firefighting), that will mean I have more when I get to traditional retirement ages, and thus might not need to save as much as if I had to rely on it alone forever.

tsmith321

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3019 on: December 13, 2016, 05:24:14 AM »
Hey,

I can't believe it has taken me so long to find this forum.  My wife and I just finished paying off our students loans (230k!) and now are tackling the mortgage (170k) and investments.  We are planning on being completely debt free in 5 years or less, while stashing money away.  Our NW is currently currently 650k.  The goal is to reach the 2 comma club before we hit 40!

I look forward to sharing our journey and hearing about yours.

Regards,

Tom Smith
tsmith321

TDMustache

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3020 on: December 13, 2016, 11:39:09 AM »
Hi fellow Mustachians.  I discovered MMM several years ago, and fell in love with the website.  As part of celebrating my own FI, I started my own website - a passion project called FIDoughhub (Financial Independence Dough Hub).  Like, MMM I am dedicated to helping others achieve FIRE, and this site is one of FIDough's Favorite Websites. 

Keep up the great work everyone!

Mr. FIDouguh
https://fidoughhub.com/

naughty240

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3021 on: December 18, 2016, 06:14:02 PM »
Hi, I'm Steve and I'm here to listen and learn.

mannerv

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3022 on: December 19, 2016, 03:40:21 PM »
Hi, I am 37 years old, also from Scandinavia (Finland). Came here to lurk and learn.

I've run my own money-saving blog for around 8 years now. Still stumbling a lot. Hope to get some ideas from here on how to "cement" my finances.

Cativa

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3023 on: December 19, 2016, 04:48:17 PM »
The year was 2009.
Every credit card was maxxed.
We both had loans on our 401ks.
The savings account was at zero.
Both cars had loans outstanding.
We had just bought a new house - with a huge mortgage - with, naturally, zero dollars down.
We both loathed our jobs, but they paid well, so we felt trapped in them because they were the only way to pay the bills.

Suddenly, thankfully, we turned to each other one Saturday morning over coffee and admitted that this was no way to live.

****

Its the end of 2016.
We have zero credit card debt.
No loans on our 401ks (which we max!), and we also both have IRAs (which we max!) and a taxable brokerage account.
The savings accounts hold a 6+ month emergency fund.
Both cars are paid off - and we actually replaced one car in 2014 with one we paid for in cash.
We're attacking the mortgage now.  We still owe $300K (our only debt) but its much less than it was.
We still are paid well, but still loathe our jobs.  We still feel that this is no way to live, but we are digging our way out fast and furious!

****

I am 41 and he is 45.  I'm not sure if we will be ready to FIRE in 2020, but I am pretty sure we will have FU money by then :)

We found MMM a couple years ago.  The blog was a great kick-in-the-pants we needed after years of digging ourselves out of our hole.  Now I love reading the forums - great ideas, and inspiration!


Bumbles8

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3024 on: December 19, 2016, 05:53:25 PM »
Always been half interested in finances and have read lots of articles the last couple years.  Stumbled upon this site and a few others.  As college was coming to an end (graduated May of this year), started tracking expenses and setting a budget.  Started reading this site more and more. 

I have kept reducing spending, and trying to maximize investments.  I have minimal debt compared to lots of recent graduates (~12k) and make upper 60s in a fairly LCOL area.  Won't max my 401k this year because I started in mid-June after a month backpacking in Europe.  Opened a Roth, and hope to max both 2016 and 2017. Also max my 401k this coming year and get to a comfortable emergency fix.

Still a lot to learn and trying to get better everyday with more reading, more exercising, and less stuff.

And now for my one non-MMM deal: I own a truck (paid for, '99, 200k miles) and even worse for the MMM community, I use it to tow a boat.  Big time freshwater fisherman.  So will have to work around that hobby, because it's not going anywhere. 

Initial goal is NW 100k by end of 2019 (I'll turn 25 about midway through 2019)

BuffaloStache

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3025 on: December 19, 2016, 10:05:02 PM »
The year was 2009.
Every credit card was maxxed.
We both had loans on our 401ks.
The savings account was at zero.
Both cars had loans outstanding.
We had just bought a new house - with a huge mortgage - with, naturally, zero dollars down.
We both loathed our jobs, but they paid well, so we felt trapped in them because they were the only way to pay the bills.

Suddenly, thankfully, we turned to each other one Saturday morning over coffee and admitted that this was no way to live.

****

Its the end of 2016.
We have zero credit card debt.
No loans on our 401ks (which we max!), and we also both have IRAs (which we max!) and a taxable brokerage account.
The savings accounts hold a 6+ month emergency fund.
Both cars are paid off - and we actually replaced one car in 2014 with one we paid for in cash.
We're attacking the mortgage now.  We still owe $300K (our only debt) but its much less than it was.
We still are paid well, but still loathe our jobs.  We still feel that this is no way to live, but we are digging our way out fast and furious!

****

I am 41 and he is 45.  I'm not sure if we will be ready to FIRE in 2020, but I am pretty sure we will have FU money by then :)

We found MMM a couple years ago.  The blog was a great kick-in-the-pants we needed after years of digging ourselves out of our hole.  Now I love reading the forums - great ideas, and inspiration!

Excellent story and great progress already! Welcome and good luck!

Outdoors in MI

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3026 on: December 20, 2016, 07:40:55 PM »
Not being one to jump into things too soon, I followed the MMM blog and forum for a couple of years before finally joining up with a log-in. I've always been of a frugal nature but had never imagined retiring early. Of course now, at just over 50, it's a bit late to do so. But I am debt-free and looking forward to the possibility of retiring in 5 years or so. So... I'm glad to be an official member of the MMM community!

Epictetus

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3027 on: December 21, 2016, 02:01:51 PM »
Hi my name is Laura. I found MMM about two years ago after a Google search on "how to quit the rat race" led me to an excellent YouTube video by Jake Desyllas which mentions MMM. I've been pretty frugal for most of my adult life (at least in relation to my high-ish income but not super hard core like M) and I think I've got enough now cut free, but it sure is a scary leap to make! I took a several month leave of absence this year to hike the AT and see what having no income would feel like. My net worth went up during this period, which is somewhat reassuring, although it is hard to spend too much $ when you are isolated on a trail :P Anyway, now I am keeping track of my spending versus my non-employment related income on a monthly basis, hoping to get to some level of comfort with dropping employment by next fall. Thanks for all the good info and comradery on this blog - it's been a huge help!

Dub_the_Builder

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3028 on: December 22, 2016, 09:39:00 AM »
JW Here,  I'm 32 and set an audacious goal of becoming financially independent by age 40. I grew up in a lower middle class family who avoided debt but never took any risks in their investments. I was lucky enough to graduate college with zero debt thanks to my parents and I working and paying along the way. I was also lucky enough to get a quality corporate job and work my way up over the last 10 years. In that time, I got married to my wife and helped her finish school without any student loan debt.

I went to school for small business and have had a desire to run my own company since high school. I am at a point in my career where I am seeing first hand the impact of politics in the work place and it has become an increasing source of frustration. I want the freedom to step away and pursue something I am truly passionate about. My wife and I have a little girl and plan on more kids. I want to have a nest egg to support the family before I pursue something else.

I have always saved for retirement but looking back wish I had done things different in my 20's. The last three years I have been educating myself on investing. Recently I have been consuming a lot of podcasts on my ride to work from the likes of Afford Anything, The Mad Fientist and Radical Personal Finance.

As for the numbers, My wife and I have a net worth of ~$160K. $110K in retirement accounts and $50K of equity in the house. The only debt we currently have is a mortgage and a car loan. One of the reasons I joined this forum is to ask advice like paying off mortgage early or continue investing as an example. My FI # is $1.2M.

Lastly, I am slowly working with my wife on making better decisions in the future and finding ways to cut our expenses and find ways to invest more wisely. We were going down the rental investment property route but the market in our area has exploded over the last 2 years so we may put that on hold til a better time down the road.

Looking forward to the community here and glad to have people to talk to as my friends and co-workers think I'm strange (which Im completely fine with).

minima

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3029 on: December 22, 2016, 02:25:10 PM »
Hi-

I'm a long-term frugalist who has had blips in frugality over the years but now that I'm single and back to normal, I'm rebuilding my savings and have money to spend, if I want to, and a job that pays well and allows me a venue to contribute to society in the ways that I like. So I'm not really interested in retirement since it would hamper my ability to accomplish what I think is important-- but I'm always happy to live an early retirement lifestyle and to relax without worry about financial issues.

I've been a natural minimalist for most of my life and have always prized a lifestyle that depends on strategy to allow me to get the most out of life. Since I prefer to use my body rather than motorized vehicles for propulsion, and am happiest when I'm able to engage in outdoor sports, international travel, and laid-back interactions with easy-going people, I've been lucky to have a good life in the overall.

I signed up for the forum after asking some questions through the contact link (sorry MMM) and not realizing that the forum is a preferred means for interaction. I've been reading post-by-post from the beginning of the blog and just got to the forum inauguration post. So, I'll search the forums and see where my question to the group might be most appropriate-

Thanks to all and I'm glad to have what I expect will be your good advice--

minima

smacpa

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3030 on: December 23, 2016, 11:01:33 PM »
Hello,
New here, I stumbled upon MMM blog when I was re-doing my budget and net worth statement after years of laziness and unintentional living.  Trying to get on the right path since I wasted my 20s living a normal life, I am about to turn 31 years old.  Looking to build FU wealth.

Txtriathlete

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3031 on: December 25, 2016, 07:19:12 PM »
52 y/o FI since 2013. Working from home in a dream job that pays enough to encourage wasteful spending. Which brought me to M3 as I seek to get control of my spending.

Overflow

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3032 on: December 28, 2016, 11:26:56 AM »
Hello My name is Overflow.

Early on the FI journey.

No debt, decent savings.

Just purchased first rental property, looking for good tenants right now.

Goal is to reach FI by 2020-21. Primarily through rental properties.

Jumping on this forum to kick my financial house into high gear.

Helmet

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3033 on: December 28, 2016, 11:42:34 PM »
I'm just a helmet out in the Pacific Northwest trying to grow a mustache. 2016 was my first mustachian year and I managed to max both the 401k and IRA, looking to do the same in 2017 while adding an HSA to the mix. I've lurked around the forum quite a bit as a guest and finally decided it's time to come out of the shadows.

DNA SWISH

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3034 on: December 30, 2016, 01:57:15 PM »
Hi,

Just signed up today.

DNA SWISH

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3035 on: December 30, 2016, 02:23:50 PM »
Hi,

My wife and I have been following the Stash principles for some time now and we are also fellow Canucks .
I gotta tell ya this stuff is powerful Kung Fu!

Decided today to join the community.

We are $8000.00 shy of hitting the million mark. :), and have no intention of leaving work for at least another 10 years, (pension). But more important, we like our jobs. It's just nice have options.

We have always been savers but, but have to admit we did get off track for awhile, but after stumbling across the site the flame was re-lit. Thanks

Once you start your journey you will never view your surroundings the same way.

DnA

thebattlewalrus

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3036 on: December 30, 2016, 04:13:30 PM »
Hello Mustachians!

I have been sitting in the corner reading and not posting the last couple years and figured it was time to jump into the fray :)

I'm here to learn and maybe add a bit to the conversation.

Low debt, wife and I have good jobs, and looking to invest more over the next few years.

alot$lol

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3037 on: December 30, 2016, 07:00:21 PM »
Good evening, I go by Tiger (not Tiger Woods). I'm a lawyer by trade. Similar to most of the members here, I also want to achieve my own definition of final freedom in order to live life on my terms without having to work solely for money.

semiretired31

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3038 on: January 01, 2017, 01:24:17 PM »
Hi everyone, I'm Nick - a 26 year old software engineer from central Pennsylvania. I've been a bit of a lurker to the MMM blog for a few months, trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can so I decided to jump into the community here as well.

My wife (a high school spanish teacher) and I have been discussing some ER possibilities of late due to high stress levels at her job and lackluster opportunities at mine. We're generally pretty good with not buying excessive stuff but could definitely do better to supercharge our 'stash. Our goal is to be mortgage-free in about 4 years, which is a little far-fetched but not altogether impossible. After that, we want to save up for a B&B in Costa Rica :)

I like how you think.  37 and in Central Pa... love the idea of a B&B in Costa Rica.  One of my favorite places in the world.

semiretired31

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3039 on: January 01, 2017, 01:45:11 PM »
Hey everyone - Turned on to MMM by a friend/old colleague who is a couple years in and seeing real results.  Motivated me to do the same. 

From southeastern PA, , 37, wife, 2 kids (8 and 10) and do software sales.  Good income... that I could have done more with over time.  Have a reasonable start on my 401(k), never really considered the idea of retiring early.  Man... something to shoot for. 

Just starting to think about changing habits, but always have been pretty mustachian.  Invested my first sizable sum in my Vanguard account.  Hopefully sitting here a year from now with some successes to talk about. 

Loren Ver

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3040 on: January 02, 2017, 10:48:08 AM »
Yo!  I'm Loren and I thought you all could use more non-computer types on the Mustache train :).
I am 34 years old and working as a Biologist (currently a protein biologist, though I did Molecular Biology for the previous 7 years).

I didn’t know it, but I have been living many of the mustachian fundamentals for most of my life.  My dad retired in his 40s so I have always seen this as a goal.  While I was still in college I told my boyfriend (soon husband) that if he planned it out he could retire at 40.  We have been working towards that since and have about 6 years to go.  There have been times of no work, underpaid work, going back to college.  We have paid off most of the student loan debts (about $70,000) in a hurry (leaving the 1.8% ones to slowly die) and only carry a mortgage.  We intentionally have no children nor pets (though I plan for dogs once I retire). Now that we both have fulltime jobs, the timeline is starting to focus and the fun is really starting.  Not too bad for a family that has never had a take home pay in the 6 figures. 

I found the MMM blog while doing some searching about getting money out of a 401k when one needs to fill the gap between retiring early and waiting until the government thinks you should stop working.  I found the post How Much is TOO MUCH in your 401(k)?
I couldn’t believe that there were others out there like me!  So I have been poking around since, seeing what there is to learn and giggling at the complainypants. 

LV

grommet

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3041 on: January 02, 2017, 05:20:12 PM »
Howdy folks...super excited to be here! 4 children + 2 stepchildren, two financial bubbles, a divorce, and a new wife who treats spending like an Olympic sport have put a dent in my FIRE plans, but I'm cautiously optimistic that I can turn things around and reach that goal by 60 (I'm 46 now). I have lots to learn from this community and look forward to the conversation. :-)

SpartyStash

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3042 on: January 02, 2017, 10:34:43 PM »
Hi Mustache People,

I'm a 53 year old FI retired scientist (semi-retired as of May 2015, single, no dependents, no deductions).  I'm still doing a little bit of consulting to sort of stay engaged, scientifically (so I might only be semi-retired...).  I've probably been following mustache principals since my early 20's (grad student lifestyle, kept my Honda Civic for 18 years, avoided all forms of debt, etc.).  I think I may only be part mustachian though, as I really like Chipotle burritos and end up eating there 3-4 times a month.  I found MM a couple years ago and I've finally decided to join the community. 

I think the biggest challenge I've faced, is to turn off the save-save-save-invest-invest-invest mindset and start spending my investments.  I finally came up with a plan last fall (e.g. exactly which investments are in the sell pile, which investments will be sold to increase dividend income, and which will be kept for future needs (house)), and that has really helped.  With dividend income and selling ~2-3% of my investment portfolio a year, I can generate ~55-60K to enjoy life on (any consulting income would be on top of this).  When I'm 65 I'll also have a small pension and I'll be able to start tapping my 401K & IRA investments.  Another challenge has been the lack of daily structure (like a lot of other newly retired folks). 

I'd like to move west (most of my friends are out there, and I enjoy lots of outdoor activities) but my Mom is now in a nursing home in CT (I'm in PA).  Thus I've been spending 8-10 days a month visiting my Mom and cleaning the family home.  So for right now I'm sort of "stuck" here on the east coast (no other family in CT, brothers rarely visit my Mom, I'm pretty much taking care of most everything).  Probably the biggest 2017 resolution that I have, is to really commit to planning/taking some vacations (e.g. spend a week in Oregon).  This sort of got away from me in 2016 (took a couple vacations, but could have taken others).         

Best,
SpartyStash

MinimalistMark

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3043 on: January 03, 2017, 12:30:50 PM »
Hi I'm Mark, a late 20 something guy living in the tri state area. While still relatively a newbie to my career in the financial industry, I've seen enough to know that the 'corporate-forever' lifestyle isn't for me. Having discovered MMM and the concept of FI about a year ago, I'm taking the necessary steps to secure a stable future and FI, devoid of compulsory 'busy' work and pointless meetings (I hate meetings). I'm here to learn and maybe even nudge a friend or two to this lifestyle.

AmberTheCat

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3044 on: January 05, 2017, 11:31:31 AM »
hi all. i've enjoyed reading the above posts. we're all so different; but have a similar goal/interest

have 4 kids (2 in college) & spouse & havent saved as much as we'd have like. there's a guaranteed pension for us which is helpful to know i suppose. retire early? that'll take a mindset shift; that's what i'm going to start reading about here.  ok -- carry on!

BuffaloStache

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3045 on: January 05, 2017, 05:46:06 PM »
retire early? that'll take a mindset shift; that's what i'm going to start reading about here.  ok -- carry on!
That's what this place is all about! welcome!

JkOk

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3046 on: January 06, 2017, 04:45:22 AM »
My wife has told me to stop ranting about MMM, so I've succumbed to moving from lurker to poster so I can have an outlet for my Mustachian thoughts.

I'm mid 30s, too much education, not enough financial sense until recently, two mini-mustaches in tow, reasonably well paid, with a wife who is half mustachinista, half not.

We tried to reduce our spending over the last couple of years, but after immersing myself in the MMM philosophies I realise that we have been outrageously half-hearted about it.

Currently on track to have paid off car loan and credit cards by May. Student loan is a bit out of reach but slowly does it.

First week of the year, and I have spent zero $ on lunches or snacks at work, and saved $100 on badass shopping (which included buying 15kg of rice at half price... We are set until mid 2018!). Grabbed my weekly quota of a $10 six pack of beers on my way home from work today (Friday), polished off three, left three for tomorrow.

Last year it would have been $5-10/day on lunch, dinner picked up each day with no planning, and $50 worth of beer/week. Feels good to show some damn restraint!

Valibert

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3047 on: January 06, 2017, 06:19:07 AM »
Hi we are Valibert, French couple living in the Netherlands. We got introduced to FIRE a couple weeks ago and are now ready to start the journey. Good luck to everyone! :)

littlebrokenrobot

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3048 on: January 06, 2017, 09:42:20 AM »
Hi all,

I'm a thirty-something, single, Canadian guy who's been following the MMM blog, off and on, for a couple of years now. Living outside my means saw me close to $50K in debt at my thirtieth birthday, with no assets. Through frugality and diligence I flipped that figure from red to black in a handful of years. I'm now on the FIRE path and looking forward to learning and growing on that journey along with the rest of you.

Roll on 2017, a new year of financial badassity!

LBR

littlebrokenrobot

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #3049 on: January 06, 2017, 09:46:18 AM »
My wife and I have been following the Stash principles for some time now and we are also fellow Canucks .
I gotta tell ya this stuff is powerful Kung Fu!

Decided today to join the community.

We are $8000.00 shy of hitting the million mark. :), and have no intention of leaving work for at least another 10 years, (pension). But more important, we like our jobs. It's just nice have options.

Hello from a fellow Canuck and new MMM forum member. A pre-emptive congratulations on hitting the seven-figure mark. :-)