Frugal chicos journal - ERE in The Basque Country

[Frugalchicos]

@sodatrain and @2Birds1Stone

Thank you guys! I am pretty pumped about the move, our next life and chapter. Can't wait to enjoy it!

On another note, I was watching a video in YT about a youtuber trying to do in 30 days some of the main mainstream lifestyle routines. Such as going Keto, walking with shoes, meditating, reading for 30mns a day, skin routine and so on. At the end of the video he rated what he thought was worthless and what he thought could be beneficial. I found it interesting because I already do some of the routines he tried and it also motivated me to find a good challenge to get me out of the comfort zone and explore:

- I already do some some form of exercise 3-4 days a week
- I read about 30mns a day. I read 1 book a month most of the months
- I don't have a skin routine per se, but I use moisturizer every day
- I have a good sleep routine. I am in bed by 9 and wake up by 5am

Now, this is where I could challenge myself:

- better diet. Just be more mindful. Eat until I feel somehow full and eat more greens
- Quit sugar, with the exception of the occasional treat
- Do more push ups
- Less screen time. I was thinking in having my phone in a drawer when we move. At least once a week
- Reach out to an old friend once every other month

For now I will start with the "use everything that we have in the cupboard" challenge. I will make sure we use all the pasta, legumes, rice, etc that we have in the house. However, I want to explore some of the above challenges once we settle in The Basque Country

[guitarplayer]

I am impressed by your sleep routine!

[Frugalchicos]

@guitarplayer

Thanks! It is not something I actually plan for. My body just asks me to go to bed at 9 and I naturally wake up at about 5. My guess is that the routine will change when we move because of the sunrise and sunset times that are later. We will see, but definitely like waking up early in the morning and do some physical activity. It really helps me to energize and face the day with a better mood

Moving update: just sold the couch for $200. We made $700 and still have a couple of things to sell.

[Frugalchicos]

alright, we started to pack since we are planning in moving out of this apartment on the 27th. It seems like we might be able to to make it with 6 luggages. I have to figure out how to pack big items like the PS5 and the Telecaster.

These days I was thinking about my future life and was wondering if I the pace of life will feel like it slows down. The main reason I am not sure about it is because I will continue to work for an American company,. with an American boss and most of my reports are in the US. I am planning in taking it easier, respect my 8 to 4:30 schedule as much as possible and prioritize my life and hobbies.

I am also wondering about future friendships that we make in common. Our friends here have been mostly people that live in the area and their kids happen to go to the same school than ours. Conversations have always been kept superficial and tribal. So wonder if that would change over there.

Lastly, I am very excited to rekindle with my guitar learning journey and surfing!

[guitarplayer]

Good luck with the move! Whenever I read your posts I am reminded DW is half jokingly invited to work in Bilbao every now and again by people she (remotely) works with, we might just become neighbours once

[Frugalchicos]

@guitarplayer

Thanks!! that would be sweet! I bet you would enjoy Bilbao

[Frugalchicos]

Alright team- final posting from the US! We are leaving next Sunday.

Eight large suitcases are packed and ready. It turned out to be more than I expected, but hey, that is the life of three people combined. Plus, I am bringing along some large items like a PS5, a guitar, and my beloved 27″ Apple monitor.

It finally feels real. I am so excited for everything ahead: getting to the Basque Country, preparing the house, settling in, and having some fun!

Happy 4th of July everyone! see you in Europe

[sky]

Bidaia ona izan!

[Frugalchicos]

@sky

Eskerrik asko lagun!

[gettinwiser]

Hey @frugalchicos, just finished reading your journal. Being born in Euskadi myself, I have found the journal super engaging haha.

Wow, what a journey. You have had an amazing saving and investing discipline over the past 10 years. Your monthly average income now surpasses my full year GROSS salary! I have just written the first post on my ERE journal, and I cannot even start to imagine building such wealth in such a short period of time.

Regarding the retiring or not retiring dichotomy, I would probably lean more on retiring from regular work, and dedicating my time to projects I find interesting and spending more time with family and friends. But coming from a working class family, I understand the need to feel financially safe during uncertain times, like moving and establishing back in Spain with your wife and kid. Just remember this is more about your personal mental peace than about your objective financial safety; you kind of are already financially bulletproof my man.

My 2 cents on your situation: you can do whatever you feel like doing. Once you feel well established in Bilbao, if you don't want to stop working, you are in a privileged enough position to do as much or as little work as you want to, in whatever project you want. Just give yourself some time to reflect on what is important for you and what brings you joy and fulfillment, and go on that direction.

Munduko denbora guztia dekozu orain, lagun!

[Frugalchicos]

@gettinwiser

Hey, always good to see someone from The Basque Country around here! - I agree, I know I can do whatever I want and will be able to retire soon. However, I get peace of mind working during the transition to buy all the stuff we need and save that extra cash for a couple of years or living expenses. I personally don't see myself working for longer than 1-2 years.

All the best and luck to you during your journey!

[guitarplayer]

I personally don't see myself working for longer than 1-2 years.

So you dropped the plan of opening a language school?

[Frugalchicos]

@guitarplayer

Yea, there is no need to run a business. We already over achieved our goal. Once I retire, it will most likely be hiking, surfing, fitness and enjoying life. Perhaps I occasionally help my friend with his tours.

My next big goal is lifestyle and healthy living. I would like to be very mindful with what I eat, drink and do, finding a good balance. I would like to age being strong, flexible, and of course, wealthy