@rube
Hi, I’m glad to hear it worked for you (if it did).
Option 1 has its pros and cons:
Pros: It gives them more time to figure out a position for me in Europe if they decide to keep me. I don't see any internal candidate at the moment who is nearly suitable for my position, so they'd likely need to hire externally or restructure the entire department.
Cons: It also gives them more time to find a solution without me.
Right now, I’m leaning more towards option #2—being open to working remotely from Spain with a strong salary and a good schedule, then deciding when to quit once I’m settled.
Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
@western red cedar
- The impact of Covid and everything that came with it, like being confined to our apartment for 72 days. Fortunately, we had a great balcony with a view of the mountains where we enjoyed tons of beautiful meals.
- My parents. This remains a significant source of stress. The strained relationship with my father and my mom's ongoing emotional struggles have made it challenging to maintain good communication and the relationship I'd like to have with her. I'm currently learning to accept this and manage my emotions and triggers so they don't affect me as much.
- Job and financial concerns. When we moved to the Basque Country in 2019, our net worth was 420K ($1,177,000 less than it is now). I realized this wasn't enough to retire early, and I struggled to find a stable job during the pandemic. While I enjoyed surfing when restrictions allowed, the uncertainty still brought a lot of stress. Chica's situation wasn't ideal either; she was temporarily laid off, and when she did work, it was often until 2am.
Overall, we're preparing for this move under very different circumstances, with more mental tools (I recently started seeing a psychologist to manage my anxiety), and our current NW will allow us to live a very comfortable life. I also hope we'll build a strong group of friends who bring us joy and with whom we can share great moments.
You've made an excellent point. Over the past few days, I've reflected on it and identified the key stressors from our move back in 2019:It might be helpful or interesting to reread some of your old journal entries about that period as you prepare for the next transition.
- The impact of Covid and everything that came with it, like being confined to our apartment for 72 days. Fortunately, we had a great balcony with a view of the mountains where we enjoyed tons of beautiful meals.
- My parents. This remains a significant source of stress. The strained relationship with my father and my mom's ongoing emotional struggles have made it challenging to maintain good communication and the relationship I'd like to have with her. I'm currently learning to accept this and manage my emotions and triggers so they don't affect me as much.
- Job and financial concerns. When we moved to the Basque Country in 2019, our net worth was 420K ($1,177,000 less than it is now). I realized this wasn't enough to retire early, and I struggled to find a stable job during the pandemic. While I enjoyed surfing when restrictions allowed, the uncertainty still brought a lot of stress. Chica's situation wasn't ideal either; she was temporarily laid off, and when she did work, it was often until 2am.
Overall, we're preparing for this move under very different circumstances, with more mental tools (I recently started seeing a psychologist to manage my anxiety), and our current NW will allow us to live a very comfortable life. I also hope we'll build a strong group of friends who bring us joy and with whom we can share great moments.
-
cimorene12
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Fri Dec 02, 2011 3:10 am
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
I have multiple suggestions. I'm glad that Chica has a clear resignation date, because it was dodgy during COVID lockdown. I'd recommend mentioning in an email to your boss that your wife has the end date of June 12, 2025. Leave the ball in her court. If she wants to counter-offer, she can. In America, we have at-will employment. Make sure to have a live stand-up call at the beginning of the day where everyone sounds off on their checklists.Frugalchicos wrote: ↑Fri Sep 06, 2024 8:54 am@Western Red Cedar
Thanks!
Chica has a clearer plan than I do. She will be resigning, with her last day of work being 6/12/25, the same day our daughter finishes school. I'm still deciding whether to tell my boss that I'm moving to Spain and leave it up to them to decide if they want me to work remotely. I'm currently considering three scenarios:
1- Mention during my end-of-year review that I'm planning to move in July 2025 and express interest in working from Spain.
2- Inform my boss in April/May that I'll be moving in July.
3- Let my boss know in April/May that I'll be quitting in July.
https://www.atlassian.com/agile/scrum/standups
https://pm.umd.edu/edx/
IMHO, Mini-Chica could check out Le Caousou, and Chica could consider being one of the math, music, or art teachers for école maternelle as one of the de Clares in Toulouse, France. With your EU passport, you can get through the paperwork to be there.
https://www.caousou.com
https://debretts.com/royal-family/royal-dukedoms/
-
Western Red Cedar
- Posts: 1519
- Joined: Tue Sep 01, 2020 2:15 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
@Fc - I was a little surprised to see you are thinking about continuing with the current job after moving back to Spain. Based on the numbers you've shared, it looks like you'll have more than enough money to cover your expenses, and then some.
In 2020 you mentioned that the tax situation was less than ideal for working abroad. It seems like that is worth weighing as you make your decision, along with the additional stressors of continuing to deal with work in a different time zone on top of a major move.
Bill Perkins' Die with Zero has been popular among the FIRE community. I haven't read it, but he discusses a lot of the big ideas in this podcast. I'd recommend checking it out. You and chica have a unique opportunity to start fresh in Spain without the baggage of work.
https://www.madfientist.com/bill-perkins-interview/
In 2020 you mentioned that the tax situation was less than ideal for working abroad. It seems like that is worth weighing as you make your decision, along with the additional stressors of continuing to deal with work in a different time zone on top of a major move.
Bill Perkins' Die with Zero has been popular among the FIRE community. I haven't read it, but he discusses a lot of the big ideas in this podcast. I'd recommend checking it out. You and chica have a unique opportunity to start fresh in Spain without the baggage of work.
https://www.madfientist.com/bill-perkins-interview/
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
@WRC
If I decide to keep my current job and work remotely from Spain (assuming my company approves), it would likely only be for the remainder of 2025. This way, I would only need to pay taxes in the U.S., as I would have spent most of the fiscal year there. The primary motivation for this is to save more cash for a future car purchase.
Speaking of cars, my mom has a small, older car (Seat Ibiza) with low mileage that I could use for the first couple of years. This would be really helpful during the transition period since we want to keep our expenses low and avoid major purchases or withdrawals during the first five years of early retirement.
But as you said, I have to think this through since it would also be very nice to quit, move and start fresh with our new life.
If I decide to keep my current job and work remotely from Spain (assuming my company approves), it would likely only be for the remainder of 2025. This way, I would only need to pay taxes in the U.S., as I would have spent most of the fiscal year there. The primary motivation for this is to save more cash for a future car purchase.
Speaking of cars, my mom has a small, older car (Seat Ibiza) with low mileage that I could use for the first couple of years. This would be really helpful during the transition period since we want to keep our expenses low and avoid major purchases or withdrawals during the first five years of early retirement.
But as you said, I have to think this through since it would also be very nice to quit, move and start fresh with our new life.
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
It would be sweet if you could arrange for a 2-3 month advisory role to help with the transition when you leave. Something asynchronimous and with calls scheduled in the (short) overlap of working hours between Chicago and Euskadi, so you don´t have a crazy schedule and that let´s you bank another 20-30k. When the time comes, I would make sure to propose something like that to your employer, it would probably be much appreciated.
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
@nicolino
Thanks for the advice! That would be great, but given my company and role, I don’t think that option is very realistic. At this point, the most feasible choices seem to be either quitting altogether or working through the end of the year on my terms, semi-coasting.
Thanks for the advice! That would be great, but given my company and role, I don’t think that option is very realistic. At this point, the most feasible choices seem to be either quitting altogether or working through the end of the year on my terms, semi-coasting.
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
Alright, Sunday scaries update people!
NW: $1,629,000 - increase of $31,631
YTD Average savings 63% - it is probably somewhere in the 80s if we count our 401Ks contributions. Very proud of having a very consistently high savings % since 2015.
Updates:
- The most exciting news: I’ve started guitar lessons! I’m really excited about it. I’ve already learned the G minor and major scales, the C major scale, and a few barre chords. I was already familiar with all the open chords and can transition between them pretty smoothly. I feel confident that I’ll make good progress since I already feel more confident trying to learn new songs
- Watching the marathon runners today was really inspiring. I’d love to run one in the next couple of years, and I think Bilbao 2026 Marathon would be a great goal.
- Our condo renovation is progressing well, though we have encountered a couple of issues that will cost around $3,000 extra. Hopefully, that’s the last of the surprises.
Thoughts:
- Work: I keep playing the corporate game and think I am pretty effective at focusing my energy where it is needed to keep performing well with minimal effort. Right now, my plan is to inform them in April that I’ll be leaving in July and see how that goes.
- Things that worry me when EREing: currency exchange, huge stock crash. However, I feel very confident about my capacity to live way below my means, adapt to changes and ability to make money.
- Lately, I have been reflecting on how little I care about my corporate job and how much I miss the freedom to spend my time and energy on things that truly interest me. Just 9 months left...
NW: $1,629,000 - increase of $31,631
YTD Average savings 63% - it is probably somewhere in the 80s if we count our 401Ks contributions. Very proud of having a very consistently high savings % since 2015.
Updates:
- The most exciting news: I’ve started guitar lessons! I’m really excited about it. I’ve already learned the G minor and major scales, the C major scale, and a few barre chords. I was already familiar with all the open chords and can transition between them pretty smoothly. I feel confident that I’ll make good progress since I already feel more confident trying to learn new songs
- Watching the marathon runners today was really inspiring. I’d love to run one in the next couple of years, and I think Bilbao 2026 Marathon would be a great goal.
- Our condo renovation is progressing well, though we have encountered a couple of issues that will cost around $3,000 extra. Hopefully, that’s the last of the surprises.
Thoughts:
- Work: I keep playing the corporate game and think I am pretty effective at focusing my energy where it is needed to keep performing well with minimal effort. Right now, my plan is to inform them in April that I’ll be leaving in July and see how that goes.
- Things that worry me when EREing: currency exchange, huge stock crash. However, I feel very confident about my capacity to live way below my means, adapt to changes and ability to make money.
- Lately, I have been reflecting on how little I care about my corporate job and how much I miss the freedom to spend my time and energy on things that truly interest me. Just 9 months left...
-
Western Red Cedar
- Posts: 1519
- Joined: Tue Sep 01, 2020 2:15 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
It is great to hear you are still leaning into guitar and music. I'm looking forward to next spring when I'll have access to my guitar and ample time to play. If you get serious about the marathon, you can start with a 5-10k and/or a half marathon. They offer a nice taste without the level of training or risk of injury. After a half, it is easy enough to sign up for a full if it is still of interest. It is a great excuse to travel to an interesting, nearby destination with a reputable course as well.
In terms of market activity and stock crashes, what helped me a lot psychologically as I was considering leaving FT work was spending some time with my drawdown strategy and ultimately keeping enough cash/liquid assets for 3-5 years that would allow me to withstand most downturns. I realized that I could pretty easily withstand most realistic market downturns without selling equities, which helped me sleep well.Frugalchicos wrote: ↑Sun Oct 13, 2024 8:16 pm- Things that worry me when EREing: currency exchange, huge stock crash. However, I feel very confident about my capacity to live way below my means, adapt to changes and ability to make money.
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
@WRC
Hey, great to hear from you! Guitar’s going pretty well. My teacher is not the best, honestly—he's probably a good player but not the greatest when it comes to teaching with a clear and structured plan. Still, the lessons are super close to my place and pretty affordable, so I think I will be sticking with them since they keep me motivated. I’m also doing some online stuff on the side with Justin Guitar and Marty Music and learning the occasional song with random videos online. I’m trying to learn as much as I can for now since I enjoy it and is a hobby I want to have for the rest of my life
As for running, I have done 4 half marathons over the past 5 years, but I know that training for a full one is a whole different game. Still, I think it’s an awesome goal to aim for once we’re back in the Basque Country!
And yeah, I totally agree about having a solid financial cushion. We are hoping to save up around 60K before the move, which should help us get by for 3-4 years if we need it. Like you said, it is nice to have that peace of mind for a good night’s sleep!
Hey, great to hear from you! Guitar’s going pretty well. My teacher is not the best, honestly—he's probably a good player but not the greatest when it comes to teaching with a clear and structured plan. Still, the lessons are super close to my place and pretty affordable, so I think I will be sticking with them since they keep me motivated. I’m also doing some online stuff on the side with Justin Guitar and Marty Music and learning the occasional song with random videos online. I’m trying to learn as much as I can for now since I enjoy it and is a hobby I want to have for the rest of my life
As for running, I have done 4 half marathons over the past 5 years, but I know that training for a full one is a whole different game. Still, I think it’s an awesome goal to aim for once we’re back in the Basque Country!
And yeah, I totally agree about having a solid financial cushion. We are hoping to save up around 60K before the move, which should help us get by for 3-4 years if we need it. Like you said, it is nice to have that peace of mind for a good night’s sleep!
-
guitarplayer
- Posts: 1675
- Joined: Thu Feb 27, 2020 6:43 pm
- Location: Scotland
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
Thanks for keeping on with updates @Frugalchicos.
For the guitar, the more I play the more I realise, it has to be centred on joy, so I think you are approaching it the right way!
Running a marathon is not too hard if you set the bar low, like completing it in 5 h for example. I coached DW to run marathons, she did 5h 25min first time and just under 5h second time if I remember. It was funny when were getting ready, she'd curse me in some trainings but I took it as a sign of affection For my first one, I did it under 4h from a position of smoking and drinking (or broadly partying, so staying up late on weekends etc) up to three months before the event (also, it got me to stop smoking permanently).
For the guitar, the more I play the more I realise, it has to be centred on joy, so I think you are approaching it the right way!
Running a marathon is not too hard if you set the bar low, like completing it in 5 h for example. I coached DW to run marathons, she did 5h 25min first time and just under 5h second time if I remember. It was funny when were getting ready, she'd curse me in some trainings but I took it as a sign of affection
For my first one, I did it under 4h from a position of smoking and drinking (or broadly partying, so staying up late on weekends etc) up to three months before the event (also, it got me to stop smoking permanently).-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
@guitarplayer
Thanks for the kind words! The guitar stuff is definitely keeping me busy—I’m constantly checking out guitars (Epiphone Les Paul), watching YouTube videos on techniques, following Justin Guitar, and learning songs. Right now, I’m focusing on perfecting scales and working on CAGED and barre chords.
Running a marathon with chica is definitely on my list! Running has always been my go to for getting in shape quickly. Can’t wait to dive into all these fitness goals!
Thanks for the kind words! The guitar stuff is definitely keeping me busy—I’m constantly checking out guitars (Epiphone Les Paul), watching YouTube videos on techniques, following Justin Guitar, and learning songs. Right now, I’m focusing on perfecting scales and working on CAGED and barre chords.
Running a marathon with chica is definitely on my list! Running has always been my go to for getting in shape quickly. Can’t wait to dive into all these fitness goals!
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
Reporting from The Basque Country:
We arrived last Saturday morning, I have been working remotely US schedule. It wasn't that bad, it is true that I felt I didn't do much but admin stuff in the mornings and working in the afternoons. I had my yearend review with my boss on Friday and communicated we are planning in moving in July. It wasn't a real shock since I already hinted it a couple of times. She was supportive and said she will try her best to keep me in the company in any capacity. Let's see what happens, it would be nice to have the option to choose if I want to work from here remotely a couple of years. If it doesn't work out, I might just retire early until an exciting project comes up, or help my friend with the luxury tours.
Apart from that, everything is going well. Love being here and see life from a different frame, where you see you don't need much and bigger is not always better.
We are finishing furnishing our first condo. It is looking super cool, the vibe is quite moody, with plenty of black accents and with a beautiful black leather armchair and the exposed original oak beams and pillars. It kind of feels like sitting on the chair and sip an old fashion while listening to some music.
The construction of what will be our final home is also coming along pretty well, we probably have another 2 months to go, but it is already easy to see how the final result might look like. Very exciting!
Finally, I will be off 2 weeks after Monday, so I am planning in a lot of chilling, maybe surfing if waves are not huge and some hiking. Also, I will play some guitar and hang out with friends. Life is good in the Basque Country!
Happy Holidays to everyone!
We arrived last Saturday morning, I have been working remotely US schedule. It wasn't that bad, it is true that I felt I didn't do much but admin stuff in the mornings and working in the afternoons. I had my yearend review with my boss on Friday and communicated we are planning in moving in July. It wasn't a real shock since I already hinted it a couple of times. She was supportive and said she will try her best to keep me in the company in any capacity. Let's see what happens, it would be nice to have the option to choose if I want to work from here remotely a couple of years. If it doesn't work out, I might just retire early until an exciting project comes up, or help my friend with the luxury tours.
Apart from that, everything is going well. Love being here and see life from a different frame, where you see you don't need much and bigger is not always better.
We are finishing furnishing our first condo. It is looking super cool, the vibe is quite moody, with plenty of black accents and with a beautiful black leather armchair and the exposed original oak beams and pillars. It kind of feels like sitting on the chair and sip an old fashion while listening to some music.
The construction of what will be our final home is also coming along pretty well, we probably have another 2 months to go, but it is already easy to see how the final result might look like. Very exciting!
Finally, I will be off 2 weeks after Monday, so I am planning in a lot of chilling, maybe surfing if waves are not huge and some hiking. Also, I will play some guitar and hang out with friends. Life is good in the Basque Country!
Happy Holidays to everyone!
-
2Birds1Stone
- Posts: 1779
- Joined: Thu Nov 19, 2015 11:20 am
- Location: Earth
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
Hey! DW and I may be trying to visit your part of the world in June. We are going to be in Portugal till the end of May and then I was thinking about a few weeks in Basque before we head to Poland for a month. Will you be around?
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
@2birds1stone
Hey! No, we will still be in the US in June. I think we will move mid-late July.
But let me know if you are still planning in going to the Basque Country and if you need some recommendations!
Hey! No, we will still be in the US in June. I think we will move mid-late July.
But let me know if you are still planning in going to the Basque Country and if you need some recommendations!
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
2024 Recap:
Financial:
- Saw a $479,451 NW increase
- Received over 22K in dividends that we reinvested
- Our 401Ks increased 75K
- Our savings average was 63%
Goals achieved:
- Save all the money for the condo renovation
- To have $1MM invested. We achieved $1,060,000
- Stick to the budget and live with my salary
Other highlights:
- We furnished the other apartment
- we went to Cancun with points in Spring and had a good time
- Mini chica started Kindergarten
Overall has been a good year where we had time to enjoy family time, achieve our financial goals and explore some hobbies like reading and playing guitar.
Some of our goals for 2025 are the below:
- Enjoy an easy early 2025 and say goodbye to Chicago and the States. I spent 15 rewarding years in America, that I am very thankful for, but I can't hide my excitement to start the new chapter in life.
- Finish construction on budget by April
- Furnish our condo by July / August
- Hopefully get Mini chica signed up for the school we like in the Basque Country
- Have a good transition from Chicago to Bilbao
My own personal goals:
Career:
- continue working for my current company remotely from Bilbao. If it doesn't work out, I will take a long break until the right opportunity comes along.
Personal:
- Work out: lift weights (currently recovering from an injury), run and work on flexibility
- Continue reading a book a month
- Play guitar and learn more technique, music theory. Hopefully sign up for lessons in September
- Regain freedom, take that heavy lift from my shoulders and enjoy life fully
- Surf starting in July
- Hike
- Run a 10K at the end of the year
Financial:
- Save 35K from January to July to furnish the house and for living expenses
Others:
- Choose a car model to buy in 2026. Our budget is about 35K. Looking for a hybrid or electric medium SUV.
Financial:
- Saw a $479,451 NW increase
- Received over 22K in dividends that we reinvested
- Our 401Ks increased 75K
- Our savings average was 63%
Goals achieved:
- Save all the money for the condo renovation
- To have $1MM invested. We achieved $1,060,000
- Stick to the budget and live with my salary
Other highlights:
- We furnished the other apartment
- we went to Cancun with points in Spring and had a good time
- Mini chica started Kindergarten
Overall has been a good year where we had time to enjoy family time, achieve our financial goals and explore some hobbies like reading and playing guitar.
Some of our goals for 2025 are the below:
- Enjoy an easy early 2025 and say goodbye to Chicago and the States. I spent 15 rewarding years in America, that I am very thankful for, but I can't hide my excitement to start the new chapter in life.
- Finish construction on budget by April
- Furnish our condo by July / August
- Hopefully get Mini chica signed up for the school we like in the Basque Country
- Have a good transition from Chicago to Bilbao
My own personal goals:
Career:
- continue working for my current company remotely from Bilbao. If it doesn't work out, I will take a long break until the right opportunity comes along.
Personal:
- Work out: lift weights (currently recovering from an injury), run and work on flexibility
- Continue reading a book a month
- Play guitar and learn more technique, music theory. Hopefully sign up for lessons in September
- Regain freedom, take that heavy lift from my shoulders and enjoy life fully
- Surf starting in July
- Hike
- Run a 10K at the end of the year
Financial:
- Save 35K from January to July to furnish the house and for living expenses
Others:
- Choose a car model to buy in 2026. Our budget is about 35K. Looking for a hybrid or electric medium SUV.
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
Quick update. Not much to actually update about, but kind of feel like writing on a snowy afternoon.
- Net worth stays consistent
- Only 5 months to go
- All the money for the construction is saved
- We are already saving for furniture and living expenses
- We would like to save enough for the remaining of 2025 and all 2026
- Work is busy, but I am taking it one day at a time
- We bought tickets for our return. July 13th
- Trying to have fun during the weekends
- Signed up for a half marathon on October...in Bilbao!!
- I have been running in the treadmill lately
- Net worth stays consistent
- Only 5 months to go
- All the money for the construction is saved
- We are already saving for furniture and living expenses
- We would like to save enough for the remaining of 2025 and all 2026
- Work is busy, but I am taking it one day at a time
- We bought tickets for our return. July 13th
- Trying to have fun during the weekends
- Signed up for a half marathon on October...in Bilbao!!
- I have been running in the treadmill lately
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
2 things happened today...
1- I got a 3.5% raise and a 22K bonus...not bad
2- I was told the initial reaction for me to work remotely from The Basque Country was a straight up and quick "NO WAY!"
I took these news with bittersweet emotions. The scary and exciting idea of not working after July is sinking in. I feel fear and excitement at the same time. Fear from leaving a standard, predictable life behind and excitement for the new life to discover.
Some other questions come to mind:
1 - Am I rich? If so, am I rich enough for not having to work again? For those who have not been following, our NW is 1.7MM, which 0.5MM is real estate
2- Will I work again? Doing what and in what terms?
1- I got a 3.5% raise and a 22K bonus...not bad
2- I was told the initial reaction for me to work remotely from The Basque Country was a straight up and quick "NO WAY!"
I took these news with bittersweet emotions. The scary and exciting idea of not working after July is sinking in. I feel fear and excitement at the same time. Fear from leaving a standard, predictable life behind and excitement for the new life to discover.
Some other questions come to mind:
1 - Am I rich? If so, am I rich enough for not having to work again? For those who have not been following, our NW is 1.7MM, which 0.5MM is real estate
2- Will I work again? Doing what and in what terms?
-
2Birds1Stone
- Posts: 1779
- Joined: Thu Nov 19, 2015 11:20 am
- Location: Earth
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
It will never be enough with your mindset. Anyone whose followed and commented here for a long time has watched you move the goal posts over and over again. What's next? Prepaying for a luxury car and long term care in 2050 dollars?
You've had enough for a long time. No amount of money will help with your insecurity around money.
You've had enough for a long time. No amount of money will help with your insecurity around money.
-
Frugalchicos
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:23 pm
Re: Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country
2b1s
Hey, thanks for the note and the reality check. Agree with the comment about moving the RE date. However, I would like to clarify my fears and “money hoarding” come from fear for uncertainty and lack of options in the future. I understand getting into the idea of RE and actually feel confortable with it is a journey itself. Everyone takes it differently based on background, experiences and risk adversity. I come from a humble working class family where hard work and saving is the only option to get ahead…and that is very ingrained into me, and need to learn how to behave and feel differently.
Additionally, i admit while in the US, I have more of a consumerist mentality. Funny, the feeling dissipates quickly as soon as i go back to Europe
Hey, thanks for the note and the reality check. Agree with the comment about moving the RE date. However, I would like to clarify my fears and “money hoarding” come from fear for uncertainty and lack of options in the future. I understand getting into the idea of RE and actually feel confortable with it is a journey itself. Everyone takes it differently based on background, experiences and risk adversity. I come from a humble working class family where hard work and saving is the only option to get ahead…and that is very ingrained into me, and need to learn how to behave and feel differently.
Additionally, i admit while in the US, I have more of a consumerist mentality. Funny, the feeling dissipates quickly as soon as i go back to Europe