Author Topic: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself  (Read 3317690 times)

GodHimself

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4100 on: March 27, 2020, 09:40:30 PM »
Hi. I'm C.

I live in Michigan, am a grad student, and work a six figure tech job.

Nice to meet you all!

Frugalchicos

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4101 on: March 29, 2020, 09:45:29 AM »
Hi There,

Veteran in the ERE forum. Originally from The Basque Country, moved to different cities over the years, lived in the USA for almost the last decade. Managed to saved almost 500K, showed the middle finger to my boss and moved back to my hometown with wife and bnwt baby.

Wish you the best during these rough days guys and thanks for welcoming me to this amazing community!

Chico

SouthAmericanHusky

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4102 on: April 03, 2020, 12:53:30 AM »
Hi Everybody!

I'm a 32 year old product designer from Argentina. I've discovered MMM a couple of months ago an then found the forum link. I like getting involved into blogs and forums to learn and share experiences

I'm kind of a nomad since last year. Been travelling through south america. Currently staying in Colombia with my gf. I work remotely and she's a freelancer. Getting to know a bit of the world while saving some money. I'd like to have more free time and invest what I can in the meantime. Don't wanna feel too attached to a job (even tough I mostly work remotely or freelance) so I'm looking forward to experience even more frugality and minimalism in the future (covid-19 is being an excuse for that). I'd say: Working less, spending less

See you there!

xokopixo

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4103 on: April 04, 2020, 11:19:59 PM »
Hi All, I'm Beatriz Cost a 29 year old newly converted Mustachian living in Yellowknife, NWT Canada. Nowadays very need some new knowledge

pollyjoty

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4104 on: April 06, 2020, 05:30:27 AM »
Hi,
We are an Indian couple. Basically from North India. We are 44 and 49 years old. I Paul am retiring early from the military this year in Jul and she has been a homemaker, looking to venture out into baking from home. We have two children. Elder daughter completes her undergrad in Data Sciences from the US, and the younger one is in grade VIII.
We have been reading the blog for a long time and relate with lot of things on it. Seems like India is moving towards what the US was in the 60s or 70s. Soon our country will be also like any other consumer-driven economy surviving on consumption. Indians too are consuming lot of natural resources and use money as a status symbol, which in fact is totally opposite to the Hindu culture where it was only important to value the means not the ends.
We have travelled to the US and do try and understand our elder daughters thoughts having read the blog. We are also going into a retirement now, which is motivated by the thinking on these blogs.
Thanks a lot, MMM

George the Pet Goose

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4105 on: April 06, 2020, 06:59:27 PM »
Hi Everyone

I hope everyone is healthy and happy during this shut down. And especially COVID free. Appreciate being allowed to join this website.
I'm a middle aged married female living in Northern Calif who was recently laid off. Each day is spent learning how to trade online within my IRA & Roth IRA thru Fidelity.
Earned $891 last month with investment of $9100k invested. Hoping to do this for a livin, or at least a side gig, now along with selling online. We cycle 3x a week for about an hour and a half up to the summit. Sometimes longer. Hike occasionally.

Dislaimer- Not affiliated at all with George the Pet Goose. Nothing better came to mind when registering. Below i am getting a verification again to post this, not sure why. Blessings to you all, Michelle

bikeboise

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4106 on: April 18, 2020, 01:23:13 PM »
Hi everybody!

I've been meaning to join the forums for a long time, I started reading MMM before my freshman year of college, nearly six years ago now. I'm 24, living in Boise working a tech job, and engaged to an interior designer, and the only children we plan to have for the foreseeable future is our four year old dog. We don't have strict plans to FIRE yet, just working on building up enough money for a down payment.

sarah102

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4107 on: April 20, 2020, 02:43:03 AM »
Hi, I'm Sarah. I tested negative in everything except the "Being Broke" test.

kamalesam

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4108 on: April 22, 2020, 06:56:58 AM »
Hi guys , new here! My name is Rick .

shamilton

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4109 on: April 23, 2020, 07:58:13 AM »
Hello. I'm a big fan of MMM. I lived under the poverty line for the first three decades of my life so I'm naturally very good at not spending money. I read MMM to keep myself from turning into a consumer now that I have a few extra dollars.

I joined the forum because there are some home repairs I can't seem to figure out on my own and I think MMM people will give good advice.

I live in Ohio.

MudPuppy

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4110 on: April 24, 2020, 12:26:20 PM »
Since I de-lurked to comment on some garden stuff, here's an introduction


I'm early 30s and living in the southeastern US. I used to read the blog when it was more active and it took quarantine to make me remember there was an associated forum so I started reading several weeks ago.

Peaksandvalleys

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4111 on: April 24, 2020, 08:21:42 PM »
Also recently de-lurked! Living in the western US, slowly working out of education debt while starting a career and enjoying the outdoors. Motivated by you all!

firefoxes

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4112 on: April 27, 2020, 10:22:38 AM »
Hi all - hope you are keeping well!

We are new to the team-FIRE couple living in the PNW. We started our journey slowly, eliminating hubs' student loan debt before we got married in 2018 with aggressive payments. Ever since we've been learning a bit at a time and really got some momentum at the start of the year, setting a budget and opening a Vanguard account. He focuses on earning more (software engineer) and I focus on spending less (grocer and budgeter extraordinaire).


laurapalmer89

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4113 on: April 28, 2020, 06:49:17 AM »
Washington based! Greeting everyone

myobjectivism

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4114 on: April 29, 2020, 06:08:02 AM »
Hi.. Couple of days back I found a post related to FIRE in this forum while searching in google. And immediately liked this site and registered. We are 43 years and 38 years old couple from India with two hyperactive kids 8 and 5 years old.

Planned to move to India next month and retire :). And plans are still ON and thats why I was searching for similar mindsets over internet and found this site.

Reason behind retiring early is to spend valuable time with family, friends and do what I like to do in life.

Looking forward to discuss with like minded people who are planning for FIRE or already started their journey.

emma20

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4115 on: April 30, 2020, 10:45:13 PM »
Hey everyone,

Emma here from Australia.

Looking forward to learning how to retire early from this fabulous community, have started reached into ETFs (particularly Vanguard VAS, VGS & VTI)

Also looking forward to building long term relationships

phunky_monk

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4116 on: May 04, 2020, 05:17:02 PM »
Hi all,

phunky_monk checking in here from southern california. I am 28 years young. Still employed but hours drastically reduced (2 shifts in last 3 weeks) along with a pay cut as my company braced for the recession. I've spent the time off cooking, cleaning, working out, learning to handstand, but most importantly: learning about the various types of investing. It was about a week ago I started reading MMM and am so glad I discovered it. I am super excited to start cutting my spending, saving hard (once the hours roll back in) and investing.

I am looking forward to getting to know y'all and hopefully receiving some input on the moves I have made in the past few weeks.


nessa

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4117 on: May 05, 2020, 11:02:34 AM »
Hey there everybody!

I'm 47, planning to FI/Recreational Employment in 2027/2028, and live in the high desert of Southern California. I've been lurking in the forums for a few months, and am happy to jump in and share my journey alongside you all.

Gotosleep

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4118 on: May 08, 2020, 10:10:06 AM »
Hi! I finally decided to join in and stop my lurking status.  I am 31, married with 2 young kids in the southern US.  I am grateful for finding this community a few years ago.  I was able to curb the lifestyle inflation that happens post grad school in my profession and now I can stay at home most of the time with my littles!

advRN

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4119 on: May 08, 2020, 10:55:11 PM »
Hey everyone!

27 year old travel murse here. I just found out about FI/RE a few months ago and have been obsessed ever since. I can see it as the light at the end of the tunnel for my career in healthcare. Lots of other passion projects I intend to pursue post FI. Excited to be here and connect with everyone!

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4120 on: May 15, 2020, 03:40:51 PM »
Hi all - hope you are keeping well!

We are new to the team-FIRE couple living in the PNW. We started our journey slowly, eliminating hubs' student loan debt before we got married in 2018 with aggressive payments. Ever since we've been learning a bit at a time and really got some momentum at the start of the year, setting a budget and opening a Vanguard account. He focuses on earning more (software engineer) and I focus on spending less (grocer and budgeter extraordinaire).

Welcome to the forums, @firefoxes   Glad you're here.  Its a good group, and we have some really brilliant people. I think you'll enjoy some of the threads.  Paying off hubs student debt is reminiscent of what we did many years ago as a wedding gift to each other: paid off her student debt in full.  Never regretted it for a second. 

Feel free to dive in. Most people here are very nice and supportive.   

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4121 on: May 15, 2020, 03:42:49 PM »
Washington based! Greeting everyone

Welcome @laurapalmer89 !!  We're glad you're here.  Now by Washington do you mean the state or the city?

In any case, welcome. 

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4122 on: May 15, 2020, 05:21:31 PM »
Also recently de-lurked! Living in the western US, slowly working out of education debt while starting a career and enjoying the outdoors. Motivated by you all!

Welcome to the forums, @Peaksandvalleys  !!  Glad you're here.  So tell me, is the username hiking related?  Hopefully we can motivate you some more. 

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4123 on: May 15, 2020, 05:25:34 PM »
Since I de-lurked to comment on some garden stuff, here's an introduction


I'm early 30s and living in the southeastern US. I used to read the blog when it was more active and it took quarantine to make me remember there was an associated forum so I started reading several weeks ago.

Hi @MudPuppy !! I was going to welcome you to the forums but it looks like you dove right in.  An overdue welcome anyways.  BTW I appreciated your comments about the incarcerated.

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4124 on: May 15, 2020, 05:28:40 PM »
Hello. I'm a big fan of MMM. I lived under the poverty line for the first three decades of my life so I'm naturally very good at not spending money. I read MMM to keep myself from turning into a consumer now that I have a few extra dollars.

I joined the forum because there are some home repairs I can't seem to figure out on my own and I think MMM people will give good advice.

I live in Ohio.

Hi @shamilton and an overdue welcome to the forums.  Interesting reason for joining the forums.  I like it.  Hope you were able to get the info you were looking for.  The folks here can be super nice and helpful.  Welcome aboard!

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4125 on: May 15, 2020, 05:31:24 PM »
Hi guys , new here! My name is Rick .

Hi Rick  @kamalesam and a late welcome to the forums!  I see that you're interested in real estate.  Lots of folks here are RE buffs.  Not to my tastes in all candor, but I'm glad to have more folks to expand my too narrow horizons.  Glad that you're here. 

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4126 on: May 15, 2020, 05:36:19 PM »
Hi, I'm Sarah. I tested negative in everything except the "Being Broke" test.

Hi @sarah102 and an overdue welcome to the forums!  I'm buffaloski Boris, part of the local color.  Broke, eh?  I assume/hope you're looking to change that?  We've got some really super bright people who are well placed to provide advice.  You might want to check out the case studies and see if any of it reverberates.   

In any case, welcome.  Glad you're here.   

MudPuppy

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4127 on: May 15, 2020, 11:07:35 PM »
Since I de-lurked to comment on some garden stuff, here's an introduction


I'm early 30s and living in the southeastern US. I used to read the blog when it was more active and it took quarantine to make me remember there was an associated forum so I started reading several weeks ago.

Hi @MudPuppy !! I was going to welcome you to the forums but it looks like you dove right in.  An overdue welcome anyways.  BTW I appreciated your comments about the incarcerated.

Thank you for welcoming me so warmly!

canadianrose

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4128 on: May 16, 2020, 12:58:14 AM »
Howdy. I'm 39, Canadian, a second-year RV Service Technician Apprentice. Single again after a long rocky relationship. Crossing my fingers that I can go back to school in the fall. Thanks to CERB and a government grant, I have the money set aside. Currently living with my mom in exchange for work on the family property, so I feel fortunate. I'm glad I found this place.

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4129 on: May 16, 2020, 10:15:32 AM »
Since I de-lurked to comment on some garden stuff, here's an introduction


I'm early 30s and living in the southeastern US. I used to read the blog when it was more active and it took quarantine to make me remember there was an associated forum so I started reading several weeks ago.

Hi @MudPuppy !! I was going to welcome you to the forums but it looks like you dove right in.  An overdue welcome anyways.  BTW I appreciated your comments about the incarcerated.

Thank you for welcoming me so warmly!

You're very welcome.  I wish more of our posters would do the same.  (Not-so-subtle hint).  Most of the folks here are quite nice and I learn a lot from folks who are new.  Yeah, sometimes they ask repetitive questions, but it forces you me rethink and re-examine. A good thing in my view.   

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4130 on: May 16, 2020, 10:20:09 AM »
Howdy. I'm 39, Canadian, a second-year RV Service Technician Apprentice. Single again after a long rocky relationship. Crossing my fingers that I can go back to school in the fall. Thanks to CERB and a government grant, I have the money set aside. Currently living with my mom in exchange for work on the family property, so I feel fortunate. I'm glad I found this place.

Hey, welcome to the forums @canadianrose !!  It's a good group and I think you'll enjoy it here.  Feel free to dive in.  The only place you can't post yet is in "off topic" until you get 100 posts under your belt, but that's no major loss*.  I do like the fact that you're at the beginning of the journey.  We have a lot of fairly wealthy folks here who are great for advice, but it's nice to have a mix. 

*(Obi-wan's comment on Mos Eisley applies).

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4131 on: May 16, 2020, 10:33:35 AM »
Hi everybody!

I've been meaning to join the forums for a long time, I started reading MMM before my freshman year of college, nearly six years ago now. I'm 24, living in Boise working a tech job, and engaged to an interior designer, and the only children we plan to have for the foreseeable future is our four year old dog. We don't have strict plans to FIRE yet, just working on building up enough money for a down payment.

Hi @bikeboise and a belated welcome to the forums!!  Looks like I've become the one person welcome-wagon (??) In any case, glad you're here.  The site name indicates that you're a biker.  You're in good company.  Lemme ask...how is the biking in Idaho?  We've been thinking about heading out west for a long time but haven't visited ID yet. 

Feel free to ask questions, there are a lot of really bright people here who love to give advice.  Solicited or not. :-)

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4132 on: May 16, 2020, 10:40:18 AM »
Hey, 24 male living in Huntsville, AL. Married to wonderful 24 year old woman.

Both engineers and currently ~84k networth with no debt.

Hi  @bloodaxe  and a late welcome to the forums. No debt?  I like it. Be forewarned though: there is an ongoing, never ending argument here as to whether you should have a mortgage or not.  This has got to be about the only place on the internet where we actually debate that. Passionately.  Get ready for weird.  Feel free to dive in and ask questions.  It's a pretty nice bunch.   

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4133 on: May 16, 2020, 10:46:09 AM »
Hi Everyone

I hope everyone is healthy and happy during this shut down. And especially COVID free. Appreciate being allowed to join this website.
I'm a middle aged married female living in Northern Calif who was recently laid off. Each day is spent learning how to trade online within my IRA & Roth IRA thru Fidelity.
Earned $891 last month with investment of $9100k invested. Hoping to do this for a livin, or at least a side gig, now along with selling online. We cycle 3x a week for about an hour and a half up to the summit. Sometimes longer. Hike occasionally.

Dislaimer- Not affiliated at all with George the Pet Goose. Nothing better came to mind when registering. Below i am getting a verification again to post this, not sure why. Blessings to you all, Michelle

Hi @George the Pet Goose and a late welcome to the forums.  Sorry about the layoff.  That sucks.  I'm curious; do you mean day trading? 

What part of Cali are you biking in?  I used to do the Sonoma coast back in the day.  Coughed a lung or two but had a great time. 

Welcome to the forums and we're glad you're here. 

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4134 on: May 16, 2020, 10:50:01 AM »
Hi,
We are an Indian couple. Basically from North India. We are 44 and 49 years old. I Paul am retiring early from the military this year in Jul and she has been a homemaker, looking to venture out into baking from home. We have two children. Elder daughter completes her undergrad in Data Sciences from the US, and the younger one is in grade VIII.
We have been reading the blog for a long time and relate with lot of things on it. Seems like India is moving towards what the US was in the 60s or 70s. Soon our country will be also like any other consumer-driven economy surviving on consumption. Indians too are consuming lot of natural resources and use money as a status symbol, which in fact is totally opposite to the Hindu culture where it was only important to value the means not the ends.
We have travelled to the US and do try and understand our elder daughters thoughts having read the blog. We are also going into a retirement now, which is motivated by the thinking on these blogs.
Thanks a lot, MMM

Very cool @pollyjoty .  A late welcome to the forums.  You've got me curious about Hindu culture (I'm already bonkers for the food).  How would you say that Hindi culture is opposed to consumerism? 

Glad you're here and I really hope you'll dive in.  We don't have a lot of folks from that area and it would be fascinating to get a different perspective.  Again, welcome and hope to see you around! 

travel2020

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4135 on: May 17, 2020, 12:17:04 PM »
Hi all,

Hope everyone is staying safe.

I’m KZ, a long time lurker at MMM. Since I’ve been spending more and more time perusing the forums and getting more serious about FIRE as we become empty nesters, figured it’s time to formally join the club :)

Thank you to all those who share their insights on the forums, it’s immensely helpful.

KZ

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4136 on: May 17, 2020, 12:59:38 PM »
Hi all,

Hope everyone is staying safe.

I’m KZ, a long time lurker at MMM. Since I’ve been spending more and more time perusing the forums and getting more serious about FIRE as we become empty nesters, figured it’s time to formally join the club :)

Thank you to all those who share their insights on the forums, it’s immensely helpful.

KZ

Hi KZ and welcome to the forums!  Now that you've joined us, there's no turning back :-)

"Abandon all hope all ye who enter here."

Glad to have you aboard! 

bloodaxe

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4137 on: May 23, 2020, 03:22:46 PM »
Hey, 24 male living in Huntsville, AL. Married to wonderful 24 year old woman.

Both engineers and currently ~84k networth with no debt.

Hi  @bloodaxe  and a late welcome to the forums. No debt?  I like it. Be forewarned though: there is an ongoing, never ending argument here as to whether you should have a mortgage or not.  This has got to be about the only place on the internet where we actually debate that. Passionately.  Get ready for weird.  Feel free to dive in and ask questions.  It's a pretty nice bunch.   

Thanks. We might buy a house in the future. No plans right now though.

late_savings_bloomer

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4138 on: June 04, 2020, 09:21:15 AM »
Howdy. I'm 39, Canadian, a second-year RV Service Technician Apprentice. Single again after a long rocky relationship. Crossing my fingers that I can go back to school in the fall. Thanks to CERB and a government grant, I have the money set aside. Currently living with my mom in exchange for work on the family property, so I feel fortunate. I'm glad I found this place.


Hi, I'm new too, and Canadian too! And recently finished a 'back to school' stage of my life. Now it's time for some big saving and investing for me and I signed up to seek some help after getting some particularly useful replies within the comments under MMM blog posts.

Being in my late 30s with no stable job or great savings, I am a late moustache-bloomer (hence the nickname), and (it seems to me) a bit of a case study that challenges most of the calculator-based assumptions of fixed income, fixed spending etc over 15 years that determine your years to FI. I think reality is much more nuanced and complex than those calculators make it look. But on the bright side, I have no debt and no big spendings or addictions (anymore!!!) either, and I am healthy.
all the best,
late bloomer...

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4139 on: June 20, 2020, 07:44:04 PM »
Howdy. I'm 39, Canadian, a second-year RV Service Technician Apprentice. Single again after a long rocky relationship. Crossing my fingers that I can go back to school in the fall. Thanks to CERB and a government grant, I have the money set aside. Currently living with my mom in exchange for work on the family property, so I feel fortunate. I'm glad I found this place.


Hi, I'm new too, and Canadian too! And recently finished a 'back to school' stage of my life. Now it's time for some big saving and investing for me and I signed up to seek some help after getting some particularly useful replies within the comments under MMM blog posts.

Being in my late 30s with no stable job or great savings, I am a late moustache-bloomer (hence the nickname), and (it seems to me) a bit of a case study that challenges most of the calculator-based assumptions of fixed income, fixed spending etc over 15 years that determine your years to FI. I think reality is much more nuanced and complex than those calculators make it look. But on the bright side, I have no debt and no big spendings or addictions (anymore!!!) either, and I am healthy.
all the best,
late bloomer...

Welcome to the forums, @late_savings_bloomer!!

The calculators only take you so far.  The basics are pretty simple. The problem is the assumptions are based on some perhaps unrealistic assumptions like the returns on stocks remaining at their historic norms.  Speaking for myself, I think that savings are going to become more important than investment return for those looking to be FI. 

Sleepy Gary

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4140 on: June 23, 2020, 07:45:03 AM »
Howdy Y'all. I've lurked for the past 5 years and would like to get more involved now. Late 20s with a wife (engineer) and newborn (current supervisor while working from home). We are 25% of the way to FI, 50% SR and a fairly cushy lifestyle. Still trying to figure out if RE is right for us. I feel pretty good about the math and tactics but  need more self exploration to figure out what life looks like after FI. Slow travel, volunteering & parenting are all on the mind but it is difficult to visualize that lifestyle without tangible examples.

We're in Houston and I'm an Oil & Gas engineer so I just hope that I can hold a job for the next 10 years until we hit FI.

late_savings_bloomer

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4141 on: June 25, 2020, 12:26:54 PM »
Howdy. I'm 39, Canadian, a second-year RV Service Technician Apprentice. Single again after a long rocky relationship. Crossing my fingers that I can go back to school in the fall. Thanks to CERB and a government grant, I have the money set aside. Currently living with my mom in exchange for work on the family property, so I feel fortunate. I'm glad I found this place.


Hi, I'm new too, and Canadian too! And recently finished a 'back to school' stage of my life. Now it's time for some big saving and investing for me and I signed up to seek some help after getting some particularly useful replies within the comments under MMM blog posts.

Being in my late 30s with no stable job or great savings, I am a late moustache-bloomer (hence the nickname), and (it seems to me) a bit of a case study that challenges most of the calculator-based assumptions of fixed income, fixed spending etc over 15 years that determine your years to FI. I think reality is much more nuanced and complex than those calculators make it look. But on the bright side, I have no debt and no big spendings or addictions (anymore!!!) either, and I am healthy.
all the best,
late bloomer...

Welcome to the forums, @late_savings_bloomer!!

The calculators only take you so far.  The basics are pretty simple. The problem is the assumptions are based on some perhaps unrealistic assumptions like the returns on stocks remaining at their historic norms.  Speaking for myself, I think that savings are going to become more important than investment return for those looking to be FI.

Thanks BB. My issue with savings is inflation. What's the point of keeping money that only depreciates over time?! I have been a saver all my life and to look at the diminished value of my savings now is really demotivating. So I don't quite get the 'saving is the most important part of the equation'. I think what you do with the savings (i.e. investing) is equally important, and for me investing was the missing piece of the puzzle of how to sort out my financials. Still learning on how to *actually* do it and I'm pretty overwhelmed by the various indices and possibilities. Total newbie!! :)

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4142 on: June 26, 2020, 09:11:12 PM »
Howdy. I'm 39, Canadian, a second-year RV Service Technician Apprentice. Single again after a long rocky relationship. Crossing my fingers that I can go back to school in the fall. Thanks to CERB and a government grant, I have the money set aside. Currently living with my mom in exchange for work on the family property, so I feel fortunate. I'm glad I found this place.


Hi, I'm new too, and Canadian too! And recently finished a 'back to school' stage of my life. Now it's time for some big saving and investing for me and I signed up to seek some help after getting some particularly useful replies within the comments under MMM blog posts.

Being in my late 30s with no stable job or great savings, I am a late moustache-bloomer (hence the nickname), and (it seems to me) a bit of a case study that challenges most of the calculator-based assumptions of fixed income, fixed spending etc over 15 years that determine your years to FI. I think reality is much more nuanced and complex than those calculators make it look. But on the bright side, I have no debt and no big spendings or addictions (anymore!!!) either, and I am healthy.
all the best,
late bloomer...

Welcome to the forums, @late_savings_bloomer!!

The calculators only take you so far.  The basics are pretty simple. The problem is the assumptions are based on some perhaps unrealistic assumptions like the returns on stocks remaining at their historic norms.  Speaking for myself, I think that savings are going to become more important than investment return for those looking to be FI.

Thanks BB. My issue with savings is inflation. What's the point of keeping money that only depreciates over time?! I have been a saver all my life and to look at the diminished value of my savings now is really demotivating. So I don't quite get the 'saving is the most important part of the equation'. I think what you do with the savings (i.e. investing) is equally important, and for me investing was the missing piece of the puzzle of how to sort out my financials. Still learning on how to *actually* do it and I'm pretty overwhelmed by the various indices and possibilities. Total newbie!! :)

 By savings I mean the amount you put aside, not a savings account. I shoulda made that clear. For the past several decades investors have made around 7% on their stock investments. No one has a crystal ball, but a lot of economists don’t think that’s going to hold up going forward. 4-5% is probably more like it. If you’re looking to get to a specific number and your investment returns going forward are lower, that means you either have to save more or invest for a longer time or both to get that same amount as a stache.

RobERE

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4143 on: July 05, 2020, 05:40:18 AM »
Hi, I'm Rob in the UK. I came across MMM last August and have been absorbing the principles of FIRE ever since. The blog has prompted me to stop outsourcing home repairs and I'm now on a massive DIY project to refresh our house before we relocate and downsize. (Lockdown/wfh has been a massive help). I have followed Pete's advice and invested in some decent quality cordless power tools (I'd never taken myself seriously as a DIYer previously so had always bought the cheapest tools – not any more!).

Otherwise, I'd like to think I'm fairly mustachian – no debt, home mortgage paid off, modest cars (Nissan LEAF) and we mostly cook at home from real ingredients. I do make an exception though buying extreme markdown foods from the supermarkets when they do their final markdown around 6.00 pm - 6.30 pm.

I'm using the summer weather to get external works done: repainting the soffits and facias, replacing guttering and downpipes and relaying a stone terrace are all lined up for the coming weeks. Then it will be on to upgrading a half-bathroom and a bathroom, designed to appeal to potential buyers (not necessarily what we would choose!). Following that, we'll paint the outside walls (rendered finish) and work through redecorating internally). I'm thinking about hiring a boom lift (cherry picker) for the outside work, which will save time and be safer than ladders.

In parallel, I'm will be listing my vinyl collection (maybe 1000 albums – I have lost count), and several hundred books for sale. I'm taking advantage of the seasonal weather and current boom in exercise to sell some old bikes on ebay and I have a long list of clutter which will be listed or gifted over the coming weeks. Plus my hi-fi system is going to go.

My biggest learning so far is that it takes a lot more work to get rid of 'stuff' than it does to acquire it. That's sufficient to slam the brakes on my consumer habit.

Any helpful hints and tips from forum members who have been there and got the t-shirt would be appreciated.

lemanfan

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4144 on: July 05, 2020, 05:57:03 AM »
My biggest learning so far is that it takes a lot more work to get rid of 'stuff' than it does to acquire it. That's sufficient to slam the brakes on my consumer habit.

Important lesson.

pecunia

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4145 on: July 05, 2020, 05:09:51 PM »
My biggest learning so far is that it takes a lot more work to get rid of 'stuff' than it does to acquire it. That's sufficient to slam the brakes on my consumer habit.

Important lesson.

I've learned a lot of stuff depreciates quite quickly after it is no longer new.  Quite often you may find what you need in a second hand store for a great deal less than what is paid new.  People throw stuff away when there is a lot of utility left.  Good Luck RobERE.

RobERE

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4146 on: July 06, 2020, 01:00:19 AM »
That is so true. For our bathroom renovation, I will be buying second hand sanitary ware. I picked up a Vileroy & Boch basin and pedestal for £19 from a well-know auction site. When installed and fitted with a new tap it will look indistinguishable from new! :)

Buffaloski Boris

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4147 on: July 06, 2020, 05:17:21 PM »
Hi, I'm Rob in the UK. I came across MMM last August and have been absorbing the principles of FIRE ever since. The blog has prompted me to stop outsourcing home repairs and I'm now on a massive DIY project to refresh our house before we relocate and downsize. (Lockdown/wfh has been a massive help). I have followed Pete's advice and invested in some decent quality cordless power tools (I'd never taken myself seriously as a DIYer previously so had always bought the cheapest tools – not any more!).

Otherwise, I'd like to think I'm fairly mustachian – no debt, home mortgage paid off, modest cars (Nissan LEAF) and we mostly cook at home from real ingredients. I do make an exception though buying extreme markdown foods from the supermarkets when they do their final markdown around 6.00 pm - 6.30 pm.

I'm using the summer weather to get external works done: repainting the soffits and facias, replacing guttering and downpipes and relaying a stone terrace are all lined up for the coming weeks. Then it will be on to upgrading a half-bathroom and a bathroom, designed to appeal to potential buyers (not necessarily what we would choose!). Following that, we'll paint the outside walls (rendered finish) and work through redecorating internally). I'm thinking about hiring a boom lift (cherry picker) for the outside work, which will save time and be safer than ladders.

In parallel, I'm will be listing my vinyl collection (maybe 1000 albums – I have lost count), and several hundred books for sale. I'm taking advantage of the seasonal weather and current boom in exercise to sell some old bikes on ebay and I have a long list of clutter which will be listed or gifted over the coming weeks. Plus my hi-fi system is going to go.

My biggest learning so far is that it takes a lot more work to get rid of 'stuff' than it does to acquire it. That's sufficient to slam the brakes on my consumer habit.

Any helpful hints and tips from forum members who have been there and got the t-shirt would be appreciated.
welcome to the forum @RobERE! We're glad to have you!  I'm not so much a DIY guy but we do have a section for that if you want to dig in.  As for getting rid of stuff, I'm a big fan of the dumpster and the charity shop.  Boot sales are OK so long as I don't have to do them. :-)

RobERE

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4148 on: July 07, 2020, 12:16:12 AM »

welcome to the forum @RobERE! We're glad to have you!  I'm not so much a DIY guy but we do have a section for that if you want to dig in.  As for getting rid of stuff, I'm a big fan of the dumpster and the charity shop.  Boot sales are OK so long as I don't have to do them. :-)

Thanks for your welcome and comments. I listed two old bikes on eBay which completed on Sunday. I have had no end of grief from one buyer who changed their mind but didn't accept that aI would have to make an unpaid item claim to get the final fee credited. With the time I put in power-washing the bike, taking photos and then dealing with the buyer and eBay support, for the value of the transaction my time must have worked out less than minimum wage!

GrahamCracker

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Re: Say Hi and Introduce Yourself
« Reply #4149 on: July 13, 2020, 03:06:39 PM »
Hi, I’m GrahamCracker. I joined this community so I could read my friend’s journal and perhaps start one of my own one day. At 95, I’m probably the oldest member of this community. I grew up in Alaska, when hard-core frugality was a way of life. I left Alaska for collage at UW. After graduation a friend invited me to visit her in Berkeley. I liked the milder CA climate and never left.

I’ve been widowed for about five years, after nearly sixty six years of marriage. My husband and I started with very little and gradually worked our way to financial freedom. He retired at 59, which was pretty early in those days. I got my real estate license once the kids were up and out and had fun with that for about a decade. Together, we bought six rental properties. We maintained and managed them ourselves, eventually selling them off one by one.

My friend and I enjoy being frugal pals. We speak the same language, so to speak.

I look forward to spending a little time here and getting to know you.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!