Thank you onewayfamily for the positive feedback!onewayfamily wrote: ↑Sat Sep 30, 2017 4:41 amTo MDFIRE - that list you wrote of your lifestyle could basically be quoting me, and I suspect many others on the forum. A few points that I did want to give another perspective for you though:
- loans/debt: I agree in most cases these are negative, especially if used to purchase depreciating items or non-assets, but getting heavily into mortgage debt and buying a few apartments to rent out is pretty much what enabled our FIRE in the first place, simply saving and investing without leverage would have taken a lot longer. Obviously this has to be done right, with a lot of research etc.
- computers/phones etc: I also buy used/refurbished where possible, but I still try to get items that are up-to-date and fast enough so that I'm not wasting time that I could use more productively. E.g. you can get a phone/laptop that is a couple years out from the latest model, either new/used/refurbished for a good price, and you will still get good speed and performance. If you use something heavily it's worth paying extra to have a good experience I believe. You may already do this, I just wasn't sure from the level of detail in your post.
- I see the point in loans and debt, which you mentioned. I guess it is a very personal thing, that I don't want to be dependent on something. I have thought about Real Estate Investing and Renting with debt involved, but I don't think that this is something for me. Although the leverage effect could be huge. Have you made or are you making good experiences with Real Estate and Renting? Or was it buying and selling Real Estates?
- Performance and speed and productivity. I know. Last year I have replaced my old PC and a month ago I have replaced my old smartphone. Both were really slow in the end. I have experienced a huge performance improvement. I guess I try to use the "Middle Way" as you mentioned. I don't buy the latest products, but also not the oldest and cheapest ones. Take Care!