Financial Independence

Financial Caregiving: Are You Ready?

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: November 8, 2020 Leave a Comment

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My father passed away three years ago. That realization still sneaks up on me (and maybe smacks me on the back of the head) every time I clean out a file box or organize the family photos. Another way to deal with grief is talking about it. This month I’ve shared my lessons learned in a very short video interview. … [Read more...] about Financial Caregiving: Are You Ready?

Lessons Learned (So Far) From a Money-Savvy Book Launch

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: October 1, 2020 Leave a Comment

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Now that my second book has hit the presses, we’re doing the promotion. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and my version of marketing looks an awful lot like “talking with hundreds of people while drinking coffee.” [This post is about writing and marketing. You can read about the creation of the book here and you can buy the book here.] The … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned (So Far) From a Money-Savvy Book Launch

From The Mail Buoy: “The Truth Behind Budgeting– It’s Not The Budget”

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: August 21, 2020 Leave a Comment

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A reader writes: “My spouse and I need a budget. What should we do? What type of budgeting do you recommend? I know it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ world, but how much is too much saving? It feels a little unsustainable at times but my wife and I make it work. We do love to get fancy and enjoy nice things but a lot of times the budget doesn’t … [Read more...] about From The Mail Buoy: “The Truth Behind Budgeting– It’s Not The Budget”

“I’m 59.5 Years Old And Done Writing About My Money”

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: August 31, 2020 16 Comments

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We’re aging out. As many of you know from your research, 59.5 is the minimum age for starting optional withdrawals from an IRA. Nearly everyone worries about how they’ll tap their IRA for living expenses when they reach financial independence before 59.5. (Although there are many penalty-free exceptions to this tax law.) I hit that dubious age … [Read more...] about “I’m 59.5 Years Old And Done Writing About *My* Money”

Fear And Despair In The Time Of Bear Markets

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: August 31, 2020 Leave a Comment

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Let’s discuss your plan for getting through a bear market and reaching financial independence. If you don’t have a plan, then by the end of this post you’ll know how to craft one. You’ll feel good about taking action and you’ll sleep better at night. You’ll cope with these situations every 5-10 years during all phases of your very long life. … [Read more...] about Fear And Despair In The Time Of Bear Markets

Yet Another Decade In Review Post

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: August 31, 2020 6 Comments

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My spouse and I enjoyed a heck of a year. The end of 2019 marks 20 years of our financial independence and over 17 years of my military retirement. I’ve written about military personal finance for over 15 years and I hope I have a few decades left! And yeah, I empathize with my fellow math nerds who insist that 2019 isn’t the end of the decade. … [Read more...] about Yet Another Decade In Review Post

Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: August 31, 2020 2 Comments

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It’s coming in spring on 8 September 2020: the book you’ve asked for about teaching your kids how to manage their money. My daughter Carol and I recently signed a book contract with ChooseFI Media to publish “Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence.” It’s written from your questions asked at financial … [Read more...] about Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence

Should You Attend FinCon, Military Influencer Conference, Camp Mustache, CampFI, and FI Chautauqua?

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: December 5, 2019 2 Comments

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Your journey to financial independence can be a little lonely if you’re doing it all by yourself. Even social media, podcasts, and videos are poor substitutes for hanging out with people who share your goals. This post will cover different ways to get a little boost of FI endorphins to last for months... or at least until the next boost. Better … [Read more...] about Should You Attend FinCon, Military Influencer Conference, Camp Mustache, CampFI, and FI Chautauqua?

Reader Interview: Planning For The Military Transition

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: August 22, 2019 2 Comments

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[Today's military transition advice is brought to you by servicemember Annabel Monroe of Monroe Brothers Investments. If you're interested in contributing your interview at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines.] What influenced your decision to join the military, and what's your transition plan to leave active … [Read more...] about Reader Interview: Planning For The Military Transition

From The Mail Buoy: Staying For 20 And Hacking The High Cost Of Living in Hawaii

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: October 23, 2020 4 Comments

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A reader writes: "Nords, I’m an avid reader of your website and love your Reddit replies. I’m active duty with 14 years of service. I’m saving a considerable amount of my paycheck and investing in dividend growth stocks with a portfolio that yields about 3.5%. I can retire at 20 years or try for one more promotion, but I’d do the High Three … [Read more...] about From The Mail Buoy: Staying For 20 And Hacking The High Cost Of Living in Hawaii