I will feel a lot better when I have the 5-10 years saved, for sure. What I've done to keep myself on track is made cash envelopes for groceries and eating out this month to ensure I don't spend more than I have allocated. It's much more difficult for me to spend cash because I start to panic when I see it dwindling.
I also wanted a wreath for my front door. Trying to make my place more homey. I saw one online I really liked and with shipping it was over $100! For a wreath! I took a photo of it, and am headed to the craft store in a couple of weeks to make my own for a fraction of that price. I used to make all my stuff so I'm going to start again. Maybe I'll even be able to sell a few things like I used to.
inchicago's journal
Re: inchicago's journal
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted. I think I’ll stick to quarterly updates from now on. So for the best news: I FINALLY GOT A NEW JOB! No more overtime, lots less stress and more money/vacation. I’m still absolutely exhausted from my old job but I’m hoping in another month or two I can start seeing positive changes in my health.
My savings rates continue to increase, slowly but surely. I finished this past month over 50%. At the end of the year, I want to be at 60%.
Recipes:
I thought I would share two quick and healthy recipes for soup and vegetable lovers here.
Sweet Potato and Apple Soup (hot)
2 sweet potatoes
2 crisp green apples
2 leeks (optional)
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
½ tsbp. sea salt
Chipotle pepper powder
Water
- Cut up the sweet potatoes, apples and leeks (if using) and put in the pan along with enough water to cover everything up . Add the 2 bouillon cubes, salt and as much of the chipotle as you like. After the potatoes are soft, put everything in a blender/Vitamix and process. This makes enough for a bowl of soup for 4 people or for 1 person like me, you can eat it for your dinner for the next 2 nights.
Raw Vegan Tomato Soup (cold)
3-4 small tomatoes or one very large “ugly” tomato
2 dates (cut up so it’s easier on the blender)
¼ tbsp. sea salt
Balsamic vinegar
Water
- Process everything in a blender and add just enough water so the blender doesn’t get stuck. I use a Vitamix. It makes a nice, super healthy mid-morning snack.
Goals for the next quarter (April-June):
• Walk much more
• Drink only water (pretty close to this, just need to eliminate the tea drinking)-will save about $50 per month which should get my eating out expenses way down
• Stay away from chocolate (accomplished so far since the first week of February)-saving me at least $20/per month
• Continue cutting down on the grocery bill-down to $375 this month; goal is $300 by the end of the quarter
• Continue cutting down on eating out-get this to under $200 average/per month by the end of the quarter
• Books, clothing, etc. have not even averaged $50 in the quarter so that’s going very well
• Lose at least seven pounds
• More yoga and weight lifting
• Open IRA
I've managed to read about 15 books over the past three months.
Other thoughts:
1. ERE and becoming FI is really about taking an alternative path. Thinking that things can be different. It’s difficult for me to find others to talk over my ideas with about ERE concepts. I realize that those on this forum are in the very far minority. Of course, the rules state not to talk ERE with others so that may play a factor, too.
2. I came across a post that listed the Nomad List and I have really enjoyed reading through the potential different places to live. No law (yet anyway) says I have to remain in the U.S. all my life. I like travel and seeing new things so I’m beginning to consider a cheaper destination like Thailand where many expats and retired folks go. My criteria are the weather has to be somewhat mild and I have to be able to live decently for under $1000/per month. This would ensure that I could retire before I’m 55, live off my savings until 67, and then collect retirement benefits.
My savings rates continue to increase, slowly but surely. I finished this past month over 50%. At the end of the year, I want to be at 60%.
Recipes:
I thought I would share two quick and healthy recipes for soup and vegetable lovers here.
Sweet Potato and Apple Soup (hot)
2 sweet potatoes
2 crisp green apples
2 leeks (optional)
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
½ tsbp. sea salt
Chipotle pepper powder
Water
- Cut up the sweet potatoes, apples and leeks (if using) and put in the pan along with enough water to cover everything up . Add the 2 bouillon cubes, salt and as much of the chipotle as you like. After the potatoes are soft, put everything in a blender/Vitamix and process. This makes enough for a bowl of soup for 4 people or for 1 person like me, you can eat it for your dinner for the next 2 nights.
Raw Vegan Tomato Soup (cold)
3-4 small tomatoes or one very large “ugly” tomato
2 dates (cut up so it’s easier on the blender)
¼ tbsp. sea salt
Balsamic vinegar
Water
- Process everything in a blender and add just enough water so the blender doesn’t get stuck. I use a Vitamix. It makes a nice, super healthy mid-morning snack.
Goals for the next quarter (April-June):
• Walk much more
• Drink only water (pretty close to this, just need to eliminate the tea drinking)-will save about $50 per month which should get my eating out expenses way down
• Stay away from chocolate (accomplished so far since the first week of February)-saving me at least $20/per month
• Continue cutting down on the grocery bill-down to $375 this month; goal is $300 by the end of the quarter
• Continue cutting down on eating out-get this to under $200 average/per month by the end of the quarter
• Books, clothing, etc. have not even averaged $50 in the quarter so that’s going very well
• Lose at least seven pounds
• More yoga and weight lifting
• Open IRA
I've managed to read about 15 books over the past three months.
Other thoughts:
1. ERE and becoming FI is really about taking an alternative path. Thinking that things can be different. It’s difficult for me to find others to talk over my ideas with about ERE concepts. I realize that those on this forum are in the very far minority. Of course, the rules state not to talk ERE with others so that may play a factor, too.
2. I came across a post that listed the Nomad List and I have really enjoyed reading through the potential different places to live. No law (yet anyway) says I have to remain in the U.S. all my life. I like travel and seeing new things so I’m beginning to consider a cheaper destination like Thailand where many expats and retired folks go. My criteria are the weather has to be somewhat mild and I have to be able to live decently for under $1000/per month. This would ensure that I could retire before I’m 55, live off my savings until 67, and then collect retirement benefits.
Re: inchicago's journal
It’s been so long since I’ve posted, that I forgot my password. Anyway, it’s time for this year’s summary and new goals to be written.
2017 Goals Summary:
1. Learn to invest wisely in stocks.
While I did manage to learn a lot more and open up a Roth, I only put in $1,000 for this year. I will continue my education on the stock market.
2. Begin a Roth IRA.
completed
3. Obtain a Yellow Belt in karate.
Due to several health issues and a foot injury, I had to drop out of karate and kickboxing.
4. Continue strengthening psychic abilities.
I worked on this some. Not enough for major progress, though.
5. Make some $ with small business.
I cancelled my current small business as this is something that interested me at all. My plan is, once I figure out my current situation, to get a few income streams running.
6. Listen to more music.
completed
7. Stick to savings/investing plan.
Not even close this year. The bills, especially medical, just piled up. While I could pay them all and didn’t add any debt, it didn’t help my piggy bank one bit. I am grateful, though, that I could afford everything with no major financial issues.
8. Stress less and quit volunteering for work projects and professional projects.
Completed, while I did volunteer for a couple of this to add to my resume, that was it. I will continue this into the new year.
9. Make more crafts-embroidery, knitting, etc. (I have tons of stuff to make these without buying a thing.)
I did make some ornaments for a charity event and picked up an instrument again. I still have some work to do in this area.
10. Get a few low maintenance plants to put in the house to bring the nature indoors.
I brought my lily plant from my former job in the house.
11. Expand my friend circle. Most of the friends I had, which were very few, have moved away.
Epic fail on this one, too. I lost at least two, which was for the best. I will not replace them.
12. Focus more on what I want, not on what I don’t want.
Continuing to do this and define what it is I really want. I know now what I want but trying to get it is not always easy, i.e., job, health, money, etc. Working towards it all.
13. Savings/investment rate at least an average of 40% of income per month (not counting the 401k).
Fail, as stated above. However, on a positive note, I did hit the $300k net worth mark.
14. Convince my husband to save more.
While I had to control his spending, he wasn’t able to save much so we are working on getting him a new full-time position.
Seriously, 2017 sucked pretty big. A disaster in most ways but I’m going to keep my head up and look toward the future since really, what else can I do? I’m still debt free but after this year, but I’m more than ever focused on getting myself in even better financial shape, so I no longer have to worry when I find myself in bad situations.
I’ve been in a bad place for a good portion of this year and I’m so glad that I have been debt-free and saved enough money to get me through these times. While it hasn’t been fun by any means, at least I have been able to rest at time knowing I can cover expenses and can survive if my job, etc., goes south.
2018 Goals:
1. Hit $350k+ net worth and remain debt-free.
2. Husband is working a full-time position.
3. Focus more on happiness.
4. Start an indoor garden. I think I’ll start with tomatoes and herbs.
5. Continue with raw vegan diet (@ at least 85% of the time) that was started late in 2017.
6. Be in a position to buy a rental condo no later than 2019.
7. Explore additional passive income revenue streams. (Any ideas, send them my way!)
8. Take at least one vacation and hopefully it will be stress free!
9. Continue with music and crafts for enjoyment.
10. Continue the positive gains that I have in lessening eating out and drinking tea outside the home. I have gotten it down about 35%. Lots of work to do but it has held steady here.
In 2018, I really want to focus on what I want. Stop stressing and worry about things out of my control. I want to continue to do the things that I enjoy: reading, walking, exploring, music, (and whatever else I can’t think of right now).
I want to wish everyone a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR and hope everyone’s dreams and ERE goals are successful!
2017 Goals Summary:
1. Learn to invest wisely in stocks.
While I did manage to learn a lot more and open up a Roth, I only put in $1,000 for this year. I will continue my education on the stock market.
2. Begin a Roth IRA.
completed
3. Obtain a Yellow Belt in karate.
Due to several health issues and a foot injury, I had to drop out of karate and kickboxing.
4. Continue strengthening psychic abilities.
I worked on this some. Not enough for major progress, though.
5. Make some $ with small business.
I cancelled my current small business as this is something that interested me at all. My plan is, once I figure out my current situation, to get a few income streams running.
6. Listen to more music.
completed
7. Stick to savings/investing plan.
Not even close this year. The bills, especially medical, just piled up. While I could pay them all and didn’t add any debt, it didn’t help my piggy bank one bit. I am grateful, though, that I could afford everything with no major financial issues.
8. Stress less and quit volunteering for work projects and professional projects.
Completed, while I did volunteer for a couple of this to add to my resume, that was it. I will continue this into the new year.
9. Make more crafts-embroidery, knitting, etc. (I have tons of stuff to make these without buying a thing.)
I did make some ornaments for a charity event and picked up an instrument again. I still have some work to do in this area.
10. Get a few low maintenance plants to put in the house to bring the nature indoors.
I brought my lily plant from my former job in the house.
11. Expand my friend circle. Most of the friends I had, which were very few, have moved away.
Epic fail on this one, too. I lost at least two, which was for the best. I will not replace them.
12. Focus more on what I want, not on what I don’t want.
Continuing to do this and define what it is I really want. I know now what I want but trying to get it is not always easy, i.e., job, health, money, etc. Working towards it all.
13. Savings/investment rate at least an average of 40% of income per month (not counting the 401k).
Fail, as stated above. However, on a positive note, I did hit the $300k net worth mark.
14. Convince my husband to save more.
While I had to control his spending, he wasn’t able to save much so we are working on getting him a new full-time position.
Seriously, 2017 sucked pretty big. A disaster in most ways but I’m going to keep my head up and look toward the future since really, what else can I do? I’m still debt free but after this year, but I’m more than ever focused on getting myself in even better financial shape, so I no longer have to worry when I find myself in bad situations.
I’ve been in a bad place for a good portion of this year and I’m so glad that I have been debt-free and saved enough money to get me through these times. While it hasn’t been fun by any means, at least I have been able to rest at time knowing I can cover expenses and can survive if my job, etc., goes south.
2018 Goals:
1. Hit $350k+ net worth and remain debt-free.
2. Husband is working a full-time position.
3. Focus more on happiness.
4. Start an indoor garden. I think I’ll start with tomatoes and herbs.
5. Continue with raw vegan diet (@ at least 85% of the time) that was started late in 2017.
6. Be in a position to buy a rental condo no later than 2019.
7. Explore additional passive income revenue streams. (Any ideas, send them my way!)
8. Take at least one vacation and hopefully it will be stress free!
9. Continue with music and crafts for enjoyment.
10. Continue the positive gains that I have in lessening eating out and drinking tea outside the home. I have gotten it down about 35%. Lots of work to do but it has held steady here.
In 2018, I really want to focus on what I want. Stop stressing and worry about things out of my control. I want to continue to do the things that I enjoy: reading, walking, exploring, music, (and whatever else I can’t think of right now).
I want to wish everyone a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR and hope everyone’s dreams and ERE goals are successful!
Re: inchicago's journal
Happy New Year to you too!!! Congrats on making in through 2017 (I'm assuming you'll finish the last two weeks 
). Onwards and upwards.
). Onwards and upwards.
Re: inchicago's journal
I like your yearly goals, good mix of concrete goals and things that are more like a process you can continually improve at.
Re: inchicago's journal
It's been awhile since my last post. I have been reflecting on the past two years and realize I need to get serious about this ERE thing as the clock is ticking every day. I read a journal post earlier (Jin+Guice's) and I was like whoa, that was the best summary I've seen as far as what we are taught here in the U.S. to believe and do. Go to school, get a job, be a slave to the career, get a house with a 30 year mortgage, 2.x kids, and the list goes on. I've known for the last 20 years, that I didn't want that, but it seems every time I tried, I let someone suck me back in. I am so glad we have a community like this, with other like-minded people, where we can turn to for ideas, inspiration, etc.
As I was reflecting, I realize I have absolutely no good excuse for not saving at least 60% of my income. No excuse whatsoever. I'm embarrassed to say I was terrible this year with the eating out thing. I can tell you it did nothing for my waistline or pocketbook. For that, I'm going to be on an all-cash system. I won't totally deprive myself, but I won't be spending even half of what I was spending. During the last few weeks, I have gathered easy, healthy recipes where I can make large batches to use for work snacks, breakfast and lunch. I even started doing this recently and enjoyed my homemade stuff much more. Plus, I eat less. While I'm certainly not what you would call overweight, I do have a few extra inches to lose and need to gain more muscle. I have been utilizing the free gym at work in order to achieve that. It's just a small gym, but it has enough for me to accomplish what I need to. I also have some exercises I can do at home. Part of my issue is a foot injury I got back at the first of summer in 2017. I'd say I'm about 80% healed but any running, jogging, etc., is out of the question for now.
My average savings rate in 2018 was 20% and that included my 401k.
This is why I have made myself a plan. I've planned out any big purchases I may need, plus property taxes, to make sure I accomplish the goals I have laid out for myself in 2019. What I really want to do, is to be able to live in different places for 3-6 months out of the year and experience the culture, see the sights (not touristy), and just enjoy not getting up every day because I have to.
I'll also be focusing on side incomes in 2019. I'm so disappointed with my 401k. Especially when October hit, even though I know October traditionally is a bad month for the stock market. My plan is to continue saving until the next recession hits when hopefully I can stock up on some properties. I have a lot of plans and due to chronic exhaustion this past year, I haven't accomplished much of anything. Luckily, I'm on the mend. The exercise and changing some eating habits (from the past few years) has helped immensely. For the last couple of weeks, I have made sure to have homemade meals for both of us and extra in the freezer for the nights when both us are too tired of we are coming home late from work.
I have other ideas, too, about maybe moving somewhere cheaper. The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago just keep increasing taxes and I don't feel like there is much we are getting out of it. Plus, it's crowded. I'm thinking Indiana because that still allows one to work downtown. I'll explore that in 2019, too.
I'm throwing this all out here because I am so disappointed with myself for not sticking with my goals. I guess the good thing is that I am committed now more than ever.
As I was reflecting, I realize I have absolutely no good excuse for not saving at least 60% of my income. No excuse whatsoever. I'm embarrassed to say I was terrible this year with the eating out thing. I can tell you it did nothing for my waistline or pocketbook. For that, I'm going to be on an all-cash system. I won't totally deprive myself, but I won't be spending even half of what I was spending. During the last few weeks, I have gathered easy, healthy recipes where I can make large batches to use for work snacks, breakfast and lunch. I even started doing this recently and enjoyed my homemade stuff much more. Plus, I eat less. While I'm certainly not what you would call overweight, I do have a few extra inches to lose and need to gain more muscle. I have been utilizing the free gym at work in order to achieve that. It's just a small gym, but it has enough for me to accomplish what I need to. I also have some exercises I can do at home. Part of my issue is a foot injury I got back at the first of summer in 2017. I'd say I'm about 80% healed but any running, jogging, etc., is out of the question for now.
My average savings rate in 2018 was 20% and that included my 401k.
This is why I have made myself a plan. I've planned out any big purchases I may need, plus property taxes, to make sure I accomplish the goals I have laid out for myself in 2019. What I really want to do, is to be able to live in different places for 3-6 months out of the year and experience the culture, see the sights (not touristy), and just enjoy not getting up every day because I have to.I'll also be focusing on side incomes in 2019. I'm so disappointed with my 401k. Especially when October hit, even though I know October traditionally is a bad month for the stock market. My plan is to continue saving until the next recession hits when hopefully I can stock up on some properties. I have a lot of plans and due to chronic exhaustion this past year, I haven't accomplished much of anything. Luckily, I'm on the mend. The exercise and changing some eating habits (from the past few years) has helped immensely. For the last couple of weeks, I have made sure to have homemade meals for both of us and extra in the freezer for the nights when both us are too tired of we are coming home late from work.
I have other ideas, too, about maybe moving somewhere cheaper. The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago just keep increasing taxes and I don't feel like there is much we are getting out of it. Plus, it's crowded. I'm thinking Indiana because that still allows one to work downtown. I'll explore that in 2019, too.
I'm throwing this all out here because I am so disappointed with myself for not sticking with my goals. I guess the good thing is that I am committed now more than ever.
-
fell-like-rain
- Posts: 54
- Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2018 12:19 pm
Re: inchicago's journal
My two cents: whenever I don't do something I told myself I would, I remind myself that my brain is just a thin layer of rationality floating on top of a lake of heuristics and Pavlovian responses. So it's not that you didn't have the right resolve or willpower (which makes it seem like a moral failure), it's that you didn't put the right system in place to shepherd your hindbrain along the path you wanted.
Also, the average U.S. savings rate was something like 6.5% this year. So you can always remind yourself that although you saved a third of what you wanted to, you saved triple what a 'normal' person would. Logarithmically, you're halfway there!
Also, the average U.S. savings rate was something like 6.5% this year. So you can always remind yourself that although you saved a third of what you wanted to, you saved triple what a 'normal' person would. Logarithmically, you're halfway there!
Re: inchicago's journal
Thank you for the comment fell-like-rain. 
You are correct. I had no plan. Just some ideas. I had spent the last week or so coming up with how will I make this happen in 2019. I know where I want things to go, so I'll be putting most of them on automatic so I simply don't have it in the account to spend. I'll get used to it this way. If I can't see; technically I don't have it.
I also got some investing help from someone who knows what he is doing so I can now understand the charts, numbers, etc., etc. I feel much more informed that I did prior.
You are correct. I had no plan. Just some ideas. I had spent the last week or so coming up with how will I make this happen in 2019. I know where I want things to go, so I'll be putting most of them on automatic so I simply don't have it in the account to spend. I'll get used to it this way. If I can't see; technically I don't have it.
I also got some investing help from someone who knows what he is doing so I can now understand the charts, numbers, etc., etc. I feel much more informed that I did prior.
Re: inchicago's journal
With regards to eating out, we plan our meals weekly (and - most of the time - buy all of the products we need in one go) and we meal prep. I just saved a bunch of recipes of meals that I can quickly make and that can be made in bulk. I choose from those recipes. I eat the same breakfast every day. Mostly the same lunch and am experimenting with meal salads for dinner on days that I work late. Most prepped in advance.
It saves you so much time - time that you can spend on figuring out how to save more money, etc. (Not to mention money and impulse-buying unhealthy food.)
Good luck, OP!
It saves you so much time - time that you can spend on figuring out how to save more money, etc. (Not to mention money and impulse-buying unhealthy food.)
Good luck, OP!
Re: inchicago's journal
Long time, no post. A lot has happened recently.
I’m so glad though I started implementing a lot of the ERE principles in my life. It’s allowed me to walk away from a job which was causing me major stress and unhappiness. I have never in my life left a job without having a new one. But that’s what ERE is for, right? You get burnt out and you can live and take time out for yourself without the immediate need for a J-O-B. I’m searching for a new position now, but I’m going to be a lot more cautious than just jumping into it because the salary looks good.
I’m highly considering getting rid of my car. I still owe $ on it. While I can pay, I don’t know if I want to. I like the convenience of being able to go somewhere when I want to. What I don’t like is the hassle of trying to find parking on the street outside my home, maintenance costs (ongoing and also people hitting it on the street, etc.), and the taxes I pay (city/state sticker) and the costs of insurance. I am averaging about 5,000 miles on it per year. Right now, it’s two years since I bought it and it has 5,700 miles on it. I can sell it for pretty close to what the loan is on it. The only thing that is really making me think to keep it is when the weather gets very cold and I’ll need it (think I need it?) and my husband may need it for a job in the suburbs (but that is a big if). Perhaps when the time came for that, we could purchase a good used car for cash.
When I first knew I was/had to leave this job, I started looking at all the things I needed to cancel. (I don’t need any unnecessary bills). While I thought I had been doing a good job of saving $, I realized I was only fooling myself. Book and dog toy subscriptions, unnecessary clothes, etc. I realized that having stuff is stressful. Someone recently told me I was ridiculous to think this way, but am I? I have to find $ to pay for it. I have to store it. I have to donate it or get rid of it when I no longer want it or find it useful. Without stuff, it seems life would have more freedom from the care of it.
I’ll be done with my current job at the end of this month. Some things I’ve started doing:
• Getting books at the library
• Cooking
• Cleaning (I had no energy for this during the last few years, and I have always been a neat freak.)
• Watching free videos online for specific topics like enhancing my LinkedIn profile and doing repairs around the house
• Getting back into hobbies I used to have
• Weightlifting and walking
This whole thing has made me realize more than ever that ERE is what I need in my life. My plan is to temp until I find the right job for me, living off as little as possible, and then continue saving until I can get a few rental properties.
Well, that’s all for now…
I’m so glad though I started implementing a lot of the ERE principles in my life. It’s allowed me to walk away from a job which was causing me major stress and unhappiness. I have never in my life left a job without having a new one. But that’s what ERE is for, right? You get burnt out and you can live and take time out for yourself without the immediate need for a J-O-B. I’m searching for a new position now, but I’m going to be a lot more cautious than just jumping into it because the salary looks good.
I’m highly considering getting rid of my car. I still owe $ on it. While I can pay, I don’t know if I want to. I like the convenience of being able to go somewhere when I want to. What I don’t like is the hassle of trying to find parking on the street outside my home, maintenance costs (ongoing and also people hitting it on the street, etc.), and the taxes I pay (city/state sticker) and the costs of insurance. I am averaging about 5,000 miles on it per year. Right now, it’s two years since I bought it and it has 5,700 miles on it. I can sell it for pretty close to what the loan is on it. The only thing that is really making me think to keep it is when the weather gets very cold and I’ll need it (think I need it?) and my husband may need it for a job in the suburbs (but that is a big if). Perhaps when the time came for that, we could purchase a good used car for cash.
When I first knew I was/had to leave this job, I started looking at all the things I needed to cancel. (I don’t need any unnecessary bills). While I thought I had been doing a good job of saving $, I realized I was only fooling myself. Book and dog toy subscriptions, unnecessary clothes, etc. I realized that having stuff is stressful. Someone recently told me I was ridiculous to think this way, but am I? I have to find $ to pay for it. I have to store it. I have to donate it or get rid of it when I no longer want it or find it useful. Without stuff, it seems life would have more freedom from the care of it.
I’ll be done with my current job at the end of this month. Some things I’ve started doing:
• Getting books at the library
• Cooking
• Cleaning (I had no energy for this during the last few years, and I have always been a neat freak.)
• Watching free videos online for specific topics like enhancing my LinkedIn profile and doing repairs around the house
• Getting back into hobbies I used to have
• Weightlifting and walking
This whole thing has made me realize more than ever that ERE is what I need in my life. My plan is to temp until I find the right job for me, living off as little as possible, and then continue saving until I can get a few rental properties.
Well, that’s all for now…
-
classical_Liberal
- Posts: 2283
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2016 6:05 am
Re: inchicago's journal
Necessity is the mother of invention... I'm hoping this holds true to some extent for me as well, particularly with more free time and life energy.
If the new lifestyle of temp work and more free time is amiable to you, and you can balance cash flow, maybe consider it for the long-haul?
If the new lifestyle of temp work and more free time is amiable to you, and you can balance cash flow, maybe consider it for the long-haul?
Re: inchicago's journal
classical_Liberal, I like the way you think! Actually, I hadn't even thought of that as a long term solution. I have people telling me I'm crazy for even temping. I always respond with I have no debt and my expenses are low so I can do it. I feel like temping will allow me to explore options and maybe even other industries. Eventually, I would like to get another FT position but I'm not as focused on the pay as I once was. I really want something with low stress and has a good atmosphere.
Last edited by inchicago on Sun May 19, 2019 7:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: inchicago's journal
bigato, excellent idea! I am only driving it on Saturdays and Sundays right now (if then) so it wouldn't be that hard to stop for 3 months, especially in the summer. The winter is what I worry about.
Re: inchicago's journal
Thanks bigato for the ideas. I will definitely think about what I'll do with, because having a car kind of stresses me out but it does make sense to test it out before just getting rid of it.
-
jennypenny
- Posts: 6853
- Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2011 2:20 pm
Re: inchicago's journal
Can you Turo the car to offset the costs and still have it for when you need it?
Re: inchicago's journal
The service economy makes getting by without a car easier than it's ever been. Uber is pretty reliable in a city. Aldi via instacart is very affordable.
What's the cost of the car per month? about $300? That could cover your instacart charges and maybe 100 miles of Ubers (~$2/mile).
My guess calculation, you'd know better:
Loan Service - Let's say you are paying ~4% on an 8k loan - 32
Parking - You're in the city, so 100 a month? - 100
Insurance - 68 a month for easy math
Mileage multiplier for a typical month. Let's say 50 cents per mile over 200 miles - 100.
What's the cost of the car per month? about $300? That could cover your instacart charges and maybe 100 miles of Ubers (~$2/mile).
My guess calculation, you'd know better:
Loan Service - Let's say you are paying ~4% on an 8k loan - 32
Parking - You're in the city, so 100 a month? - 100
Insurance - 68 a month for easy math
Mileage multiplier for a typical month. Let's say 50 cents per mile over 200 miles - 100.
Re: inchicago's journal
It’s been some time since I last posted so I thought it’s time for an update. It’s been a little over five months since I have had a full-time job. A little over three of those months have been temping at a non-profit. My pay is about 55% less than I was making, and I have no benefits. As crazy as this may seem, I am far happier than I was at my previous two jobs. I used to be stressed all the time. I wouldn’t do anything on the weekends because I was so tired or trying to catch up on work from my job. Even with such a drastic pay cut, I have managed to save a few hundred every month. I learned to trade stocks late in July and managed to make more last month than in an entire month of tempting. This is helping me save for retirement.
Since I have more free time, I have been able to volunteer for two professional associations, as well as local community events. I have also attended several free events in the city and suburbs. I am currently also working on a side business. (More on that later.)
I knew my health was suffering, but I didn’t realize just how much until I walked away from my last job and became unemployed. The good thing was, it was summertime, and I was able to exercise quite a bit. I went to the gym almost every day and sometimes twice a day. I started making all my own meals again and since fruits and vegetables were in season, I was eating quite well and healthy. In two months, I dropped 10 pounds. I have continued to make most of my own meals and workout when I can, but feel I need to step that up a bit.
The temp job may become full-time soon, but it will still allow me the flexibility as mentioned above. The issue becomes of course the serious reduction in pay and a lesser title which will stand out on my resume, but I have formulated a plan to negotiate for slightly more pay and a better title at the temp job. I know I can provide additional value to this non-profit. That should happen in the next week or so. My dilemma is of course if I should continue pursuing a higher paid position with much more responsibility. I could take this job for now and see how things go.
The dark side to all this is my own self. In a way, I feel like a loser that I know longer have the higher-paying job and I’m back at the bottom again, but then I say to myself, “do you really want to go back to that and hate your life again?” I know those jobs were destroying my health. I tell myself, eventually, with trading and my side business, there will be no need for the high paying job, but that’s not here yet so the old doubt and worry creep in.
My primary motivation at this point is to retire early, move out of the city and be done with corporate America and all the work-related political bs. I would like that to happen no later than 15 years from now, but if the trading becomes successful and the side business, I would make that sooner. I dream of living close enough to the water where I could go swimming year-round, eat fresh fruit and just take it easy. I want, too, to visit many places around the world when I finally can retire and have the time to do so.
That’s about it for now.
Since I have more free time, I have been able to volunteer for two professional associations, as well as local community events. I have also attended several free events in the city and suburbs. I am currently also working on a side business. (More on that later.)
I knew my health was suffering, but I didn’t realize just how much until I walked away from my last job and became unemployed. The good thing was, it was summertime, and I was able to exercise quite a bit. I went to the gym almost every day and sometimes twice a day. I started making all my own meals again and since fruits and vegetables were in season, I was eating quite well and healthy. In two months, I dropped 10 pounds. I have continued to make most of my own meals and workout when I can, but feel I need to step that up a bit.
The temp job may become full-time soon, but it will still allow me the flexibility as mentioned above. The issue becomes of course the serious reduction in pay and a lesser title which will stand out on my resume, but I have formulated a plan to negotiate for slightly more pay and a better title at the temp job. I know I can provide additional value to this non-profit. That should happen in the next week or so. My dilemma is of course if I should continue pursuing a higher paid position with much more responsibility. I could take this job for now and see how things go.
The dark side to all this is my own self. In a way, I feel like a loser that I know longer have the higher-paying job and I’m back at the bottom again, but then I say to myself, “do you really want to go back to that and hate your life again?” I know those jobs were destroying my health. I tell myself, eventually, with trading and my side business, there will be no need for the high paying job, but that’s not here yet so the old doubt and worry creep in.
My primary motivation at this point is to retire early, move out of the city and be done with corporate America and all the work-related political bs. I would like that to happen no later than 15 years from now, but if the trading becomes successful and the side business, I would make that sooner. I dream of living close enough to the water where I could go swimming year-round, eat fresh fruit and just take it easy. I want, too, to visit many places around the world when I finally can retire and have the time to do so.
That’s about it for now.
Re: inchicago's journal
Hi inchicago, I really liked your journal, clear thinking, was easy and interesting to read. I must say I myself found it so easy to stop spending on material things but too hard when it comes to spending on food!
Re: inchicago's journal
Thanks so much Alice_Au. I wish I had never got into the habit of eating out. Expensive and not good for health really. I have gotten into the habit of not eating lunch out at work. Downtown prices are astronomical and will be more so soon with new taxes and I'm sure what I am bringing is way healthier than anything than I can buy. Working on the grocery expense, too. We'll get there!
Re: inchicago's journal
It’s certainly been a long while since I’ve posted! Almost two years ago! So much has happened since then. I had a job where I was working from 60-80 hours a week. It had a pension and good pay, but I had to leave due to my health. I took another job with better pay and it ended up being a nightmare. One of the most toxic places I’ve even been. People leaving left and right. People were afraid to talk to each other. I’ve been in some bad places, but nothing prepared me for this one. I ended up leaving after a little over two years without another job. I have never, ever, left a job without having another job. The timing was perfect because I got to enjoy the summer. I figured I was getting a bit lazy, so I got a temp job and started going on interviews. (The nice thing was that I wasn’t freaked out in the least even with my paycheck being cut by 60% and no benefits, I still could afford to live just fine.) Then, Covid hit. Stuck in the temp job. I drove downtown once a week to get the mail and process the checks the company received. While I could have taken the temp job as FT, the pay was nowhere near what I wanted, much less what I wanted to do. Finally, last September, I scored a job downtown by Union Station. So far, it’s been probably the best job that I have ever had. I have gone down every day (but one) since September to downtown on public transportation.
It's my first weekend of not having a car for quite awhile now. It's not as bad since I live in the city. (Sorry but the suburbs is not the city! LOL) After my car flooding twice because of a design flaw, (and it was a brand new car when I bought it), I had the dealership buy it from me. Do not ever get a Nissan Versa as it seems that there has been a lot of owners who have had their cars flooded, including massive amounts of mold and their electrical getting fried. I wasn't too upset about getting rid of it since I only had 11k miles on it in four years but I am annoyed by the fact that my plan was ruined as I wanted to keep it for 10-15 years like I did my last car. Very disappointed but I blame myself for not researching it before I bought it. I could have gotten more if I sold it on my own, but my conscience would not let me do that and then some other person would have to deal with the stress of it.
Where am I now? I have a renewed commitment to ERE in my life. I want to be able to leave Chicago within 5-7 years. Where I’m not completely sure. I’m just ready to be out of a big city. There are just too many people. I won’t deny it, that during Covid I enjoyed having not as many people around. I learned how to stock trade and have just started in crypto investing. I’m writing two books and started on a real estate investing program. I’ve been exercising more and have jumped back into cooking various things. I think I may start trying some different world cuisines next. I’ve been reading more.
I never found much joy in buying “stuff” and after Covid, I find it even less interesting. The idea of going to a mall makes me want to go to sleep. All of these activities centered around money are just so boring IMO. What do I want to do then? Have no stress. Enjoy a good meal. Read. Travel a couple of times a year. Sit in the park (or a yard if I had one). Listen to music. Take walks. I’ve been incorporating more and more of that. When I was doing stock trading, mainly during my temp job, I spend 18 hours a day talking with people in the trading room. I don’t want to waste so much time on chat or social media, so I’ve slowly been eliminating that.
That’s my update for now. Happy 4th of July to everyone!
It's my first weekend of not having a car for quite awhile now. It's not as bad since I live in the city. (Sorry but the suburbs is not the city! LOL) After my car flooding twice because of a design flaw, (and it was a brand new car when I bought it), I had the dealership buy it from me. Do not ever get a Nissan Versa as it seems that there has been a lot of owners who have had their cars flooded, including massive amounts of mold and their electrical getting fried. I wasn't too upset about getting rid of it since I only had 11k miles on it in four years but I am annoyed by the fact that my plan was ruined as I wanted to keep it for 10-15 years like I did my last car. Very disappointed but I blame myself for not researching it before I bought it. I could have gotten more if I sold it on my own, but my conscience would not let me do that and then some other person would have to deal with the stress of it.
Where am I now? I have a renewed commitment to ERE in my life. I want to be able to leave Chicago within 5-7 years. Where I’m not completely sure. I’m just ready to be out of a big city. There are just too many people. I won’t deny it, that during Covid I enjoyed having not as many people around. I learned how to stock trade and have just started in crypto investing. I’m writing two books and started on a real estate investing program. I’ve been exercising more and have jumped back into cooking various things. I think I may start trying some different world cuisines next. I’ve been reading more.
I never found much joy in buying “stuff” and after Covid, I find it even less interesting. The idea of going to a mall makes me want to go to sleep. All of these activities centered around money are just so boring IMO. What do I want to do then? Have no stress. Enjoy a good meal. Read. Travel a couple of times a year. Sit in the park (or a yard if I had one). Listen to music. Take walks. I’ve been incorporating more and more of that. When I was doing stock trading, mainly during my temp job, I spend 18 hours a day talking with people in the trading room. I don’t want to waste so much time on chat or social media, so I’ve slowly been eliminating that.
That’s my update for now. Happy 4th of July to everyone!