Early Retirement Extreme Forums

<r>As I am trying to invest more and more smartly in this oh-so-important asset (read: lose weight, improve overall health and strength, improve diet and so on) I check my weight and waist every month.<br/> <br/> My heartbeat in rest is checked whenever I visit my dietitian and whenever I donate blo...

<r>So, September was quite a hectic month and I have been far less active on this forum than I'd liked to have been.<br/> However, having celebrated my birthday for family and work (for friends in October), having been ill for about a week, finally got myself a decent direction and inspiration for m...

INFJ here - with the introverted being the strongest (89%) component. Sounds pretty accurate!

<r>Nice going, Marlene. I really enjoy reading about the little DIY-'streak' you're on! <br/> As for drinks: I also tend to add ice cubes in funny shapes (hearts, stars, what-not). They can add another fancy/ funny touch to one's drink in a very simple and easy way.<br/> <br/> And for lemonade/ flav...

Very-very inspirational!

I often find myself struggling with just this idea.
Thank you for sharing this link. Now I definitely know that I'll find a way to pick up some carpentry and electronics (maybe an actual study) once I am done with this study

<t>I love this idea. I switched to (natural) soap bars both due to the cost and to avoid some extra plastic, but making your own sounds even better. Even if it is just for the experience, the satisfaction and knowing exactly what went into the bars.<br/> <br/> I can imagine it might make a nice gift...

I have played the harp for about a year when I was 16-17. I was really enamored with it, but unfortunately I had to quit when I moved for my studies. Maybe I can pick it up again when I am retired, haha!

<r>@ TravelingTrader: thank you for the recommendations. They are most welcome as its always good to know that other people were (also) enthusiastic about specific books. The 4-hour work week is on the reading list for September (actually I hope to start this week), as is the Dutch and slightly adap...

<t>Overview of August 2012 and To-Do-List for September.<br/> The month of august was a somewhat odd (and expensive!) month. Yet I figured that this month was still as good a month as any to really start tracking my finances.<br/> August 2012 Finances Overview (Euros)<br/> Expenses:<br/> <br/> - Hou...

<r>Reading<br/> In the line of becoming more self-reliant: I want to read more again.<br/> <br/> Nowadays, I notice I simply waste too much time watching TV or randomly browsing the Internet if I am not careful.<br/> <br/> As such, I have compiled a list of books I want to have finished (re)reading ...

<r>Hello all,<br/> This is where I will keep my journal, keep track of my expenses and other goals. At first, it might be about rather 'simple' goals without much financial 'math'. However, as I progress and once I 'actually' start working (full-time), I hope this journal progresses as well.<br/> Bu...

<t>I'd say both skill up and save up. <br/> Most of the more survival-geared/ DIY skills help you with saving actually (learning how to cook, learning how to repair things or even learning how to survive in the wild).<br/> <br/> But I see your point.<br/> <br/> Living in the Netherlands as well (and...

<r>"Once a goal is set, XXTJ's tend to stick with it really well to the point that the process of achieving the goal in itself is enjoyable no matter how difficult or painful it is to work towards it." (jzt83)<br/> I'd even go as far as to say: achieving the goal is especially enjoyable when it is d...

<r>My embarrassing splurge of this month:<br/> <br/> Something called 'restaurant week' in the Netherlands. It's a week in which you can eat a 3-course menu at whatever participating restaurant for 27.50 Euros (drinks not included) The trick is to pick a more fancy restaurant at which you would norm...

<r>Dumpster diving is really quite safe, once you know what to look for <E>;)</E><br/> <br/> But having said that; growing your own food (or even just the herbs) and making (more) things from scratch helps a lot. Even more so, I found that when I prepared the food with the kids I used to look after ...

<t>Hrm, I have had tons of odd jobs and part-time jobs ever-since I was allowed to. <br/> I started with baby-sitting my younger siblings and cousins and later on, the children from other families in my neighborhood. From age 15 and on, I have worked in retail (cashier, restocking supplies) and in a...

<t>I might consider it. I currently rent a small apartment in a 4 stories high building (living on the 3rd) - so I would need to contact the housing association for such a feat.<br/> <br/> Still, it sounds appealing; having our flat-community band together and produce part (?) of our own energy. <br...

<t>@ktn:<br/> <br/> First of all, thank you for the welcome. And for the kind words on Dutch people/ the Netherlands in general. Hearing foreigners/ immigrants talk about one’s own country helps me discover new things about ‘my’ country.<br/> <br/> So no offense taken at all! There’s cheap Dutch peo...

Congratulations on your (extremely-)extremely early retirement!

I hope you will stay in touch and let us know what wonderful things you are now doing. Extra inspiration is never a bad thing even though ERE within 2 years is quite inspirational already!

Welcome to the forums, Bibacula!

I really love how you turned being laid off into an opportunity to travel the world: quite an inspirational story indeed.

Looking forward to reading more from and about you