Protecting Your Assets with a Collar
Until recently, I had never purchased any stock options. Of course, I was familiar with the concept, especially because having a large share of options in a company I worked for going public allowed me to…
Cash for Kids
I hate cash. I try my best not to carry it. My children will soon be 16 and 13, and I would like them to experience the freedom of spending their money however they want. If…
Surprise Benefit of FIRE in Southern Illinois
The main reasons for moving to the Illinois side of Saint Louis were the cost of living and proximity to friendships and family. What I never expected was the possibility that our location would allow for…
2024 Financial Aid & FIRE
One of the reasons for FIRE is a desire to have total control over your finances. But, when it comes to paying for college, your hands become tied by colleges deciding how much money you are…
The Death of Mint
I have been obsessed with tracking my finances since I moved out of my parent's house. If you do not know how much money is coming in and how much money is going out, you are…
Interest Rates, Inflation, and the Market
My early retirement decision was made based on The 4% Rule. If you have a million dollars and you can safely live on $40,000, then you can retire. You can think of it as the 25x…
AMC A-List Math
I love movies. I want to watch as many movies as I can. I watch a fair amount while running on the treadmill, but most deserve to be watched with your full attention in a large…
Forty-One
I've made it to 41. On average, more than half of my life is over. The government gives me another 38 years, four less than if I was a female. After my tingles, I spent a…
The Self-Employment Tax
As a self-employed person, the one tax you can't run from is the self-employment tax. Your first $147,000 in wages and net earnings are taxed at 15.3%. This is separate from the income tax you also…
The Endgame
It's a played-out reference, but retiring is taking the red pill. You question all your previous beliefs and realize you were trying to accumulate money for the illusion of happiness. You can't hide behind the guise…