FISH | Financial Independence Seeking Happiness: Conformity

20 Positively Stubborn Ways to be FI

Contender 3 Conformity, Critical Thinking, downshifting, financial independence, Freedom, frugality, Habits, Happiness, health, Risk 18:40

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning a new skill</td></tr>
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I love days when I am put in my place. Learning from an expert and proving to me how little I know.<br />
<br />
Today was one of those days - a humbling experience using a chainsaw. One I will reflect upon many years in the future.<br />
<br />
A chainsaw is a powerful and dangerous machine that you must respect. It is a marvel. At the same time cutting the trees is a bit of an art that takes time to perfect.<br />
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Felling old and new trees will provide warmth for Tribe in the winter making way for new growth. <br />
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<b>Looking at THE.PaST I would never have done this if we did not stubbornly believe in our goal of financial independence in a countryside house. Below I have outlined 20 stubborn steps towards FI which will ultimately make you stand out from the crowd. </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Stubborn Waste of Wisdom</span><br />
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You start out in life knowing nothing and leave this life knowing a lot. Unfortunately, in THE.CoNTeNDeR's humble opinion, western society does not value wisdom. It really does not give a f****.<br />
<br />
Get out of the way, old man, you are hogging the jobs. Retire, you dinosaur.<br />
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Is it me or is there something seriously wrong in the western world where old people are marginalized and their wisdom is not passed on but mainly deemed outdated. What is out-dated anyway? Is "deliver to your door" and "work till you drop" in front of a computer all that matters nowadays or a means of controlling production and distribution in a way that means profits and taxes?<br />
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We are a stubborn bunch and as a result we are not capable or knowledgeable of the basics of living. This may sound harsh but how many people understand how to wire a plug nowadays.<br />
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The wise old men could teach us DIY and grow your own, tax returns, financial decision making. We are too busy, we do not need to know how to do this, we can take out a loan and pay someone else a lot of money to do it so that we can go and have fun playing videogames.<br />
<h2>
Ignore the crowd / society and be a stubborn bastard</h2>
Making a difference generally means being different. Sure, everyone is different, don't get me wrong but going to work for someone else generally reduces your ability to really make a BIG difference for society and yourself.<br />
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Companies need people to do work accurately and quickly. Efficiency and productivity are the buzz words. Make lots of small differences in work and collectively the company does well. At the same time one's ability to make a REAL difference to society as a whole is EXTREMELY limited.<br />
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Working for someone else<br />
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1. Limits your income - the company makes more money from the work you do than they pay you.<br />
2. Takes up the majority of your time, thus limiting the time you can dedicate to thinking and actually making a real world difference.<br />
3. Conditioning - 9-5 is the norm, a monthly paycheck is the norm, a commute is normal.</div>
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I wonder what Plato and Socrates would have thought of modern society. I have a hunch they would marvel and be repulsed at the level of control society has over us. </div>
<h2>
Learn to Be Different</h2>
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Making a difference means breaking free from normal. Valuing risk over percieved safety and <br />
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conformity. Learning to embrace failure instead of fear?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching tiles at the renovation project</td></tr>
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Before we get to the <b>Stubborn Financial Independent Ba***** List</b> let's start with the difference between knowing
 and believing. They are completely different but both can be right and 
wrong. Always challenge the status quo thinking (ideally in your head and not out loud if you see what I mean).<br />
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Without trying something for yourself, you will never know. As mentioned above the best way to get ahead in life is to go safe my lad, collect
the monthly pay check and off to the pub. Let's break this down as an example and Ask WHY five times<br />
<ol>
<li>Why do I want to work until retirement & who said that we should? </li>
<li>Why don't I retire early?</li>
<li>Why can't I retire early?</li>
<li>Why do I need to save so much to retire early at my CURRENT living standard?</li>
<li>Why can't I save enough to have the living standard I NEED?</li>
</ol>
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The 5 whys is a powerful technique used to simply think. Seek questions and the answers will follow. It can be applied to so many things in life. Why do I need to buy THIS CAR / HOUSE / VACATION. Have this JOB, FRIEND, DESIRE. Perhaps give it a go now on a subject close to your chest.</div>
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Be Different</h2>
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Perhaps being a right selfish bastard has some merits…. providing it is in the right context, taken with a pinch of salt and ideally hidden from sight and not talked about.<br />
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A small note of caution, we need to be careful and stealth-full when starting out on a FI journey. Testing the waters with people around you is advisable before "coming out" full on about FI OR just keeping quiet may be in your best interest at first. Unfortunate consequences from being too bold could be to alienate family, friends and colleagues which may ultimately damage your happiness and ability to become financially independent.<br />
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See the post <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/2013/03/downshifting-what-are-you-doing.html" target="_blank">Downshifting are you mad???</a><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Stubborn Financial Independent B****** List </h2>
<ol>
<li>Be strong minded and know what you want - dedicated to your mission to obtain what you want.</li>
<li>Keep to your goal but allow yourself to change the way to get there.</li>
<li>Refuse silly stressful timelines - pointless, showing off and asking for trouble.</li>
<li>Don't finish anything fully - waste of time and effort. 20% effort 
will produce 80% of the desired result move on and let someone else do 
the rest.</li>
<li>Question the given "truth" - there is always two sides to any "story" and ask what is in it for me.</li>
<li>Avoid all labels and brands and forget what people say - learn to dress well for less and have a signature. Perhaps a hat, tie, scarf or color. People will ultimately remember you more.</li>
<li>Refuse to accept the price you are offered - everything can be bartered or they loose your trade. Worst thing that can happen is you shop around for a better price cannot get it and have to go back to the same store.</li>
<li>Refuse to gossip - pointless, negative and destructive</li>
<li>Refuse un-ethical work / lying: leave it to someone else with no morals - do you really want to live with it?</li>
<li>Throw away the idiot box (TV) and avoid advertising. Always ask they are telling me this because... we want you to buy something</li>
<li>Do not give up private information for something "Free" - you will be marketed by something on a personal targeted note. </li>
<li>Never eat junk food on at least 6 days a week - go to a burger joint with friends once a week but otherwise eat well.</li>
<li>Refuse to "ride" when you can walk.</li>
<li>Pay a fair share of tax but take all the tax breaks you can get. They are there (such as paying into a pension) so you are entitled to them. I will leave up to you what you believe your fair share of tax should be (noting that the rich like capital gains tax as it is only charged at 18% in the UK)</li>
<li>Keep to your principles and habits if someone says come on this will be fun or are you a wimp - just say NO. </li>
<li>Don't buy presents and don't ask for presents - make them. A drawing, a cake, a pot of jam or tomato chutney.</li>
<li>Mothers / Fathers day, Christmas, Easter Bunny and the Halloween pumpkin lantern are all just clever marketing tools to make you waste money, food and resources on an unprecedented scale.</li>
<li>Avoid all expensive hobbies and sports, golf, skiing, wine club, going to watch games and sport, computer gaming with the latest equipment etc... find a cheap or useful hobby instead. Walking with the local ramblers club, playing football in a team.</li>
<li>Refuse to kiss arse, just be the best</li>
</ol>
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Go out and Be Stubborn</h2>
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So what if someone comes back to you and calls you STUBBORN a
MISFIT or a TROUBLE MAKER? Well, rise above that. How do you change the perceptions and how do you really MAKE A DIFFERENCE.</div>
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No matter what you do, make a POSITIVE difference. Be POSITIVE.
Have a GO. Stubborn is not bad, it is CONFIDENCE, CONVICTION and willingness to take RESPONSIBILITY. It is making a difference positive or negative. Shake the boat
and see what falls out. If it was you, it was for a reason and you learnt
something from it for a reason.</div>
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We only live one life. A sacking is a learning and an
opportunity. Standing up for yourself breads self-esteem, relationships and
confidence.</div>
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<b>CoNTeNDeR Stubborn to the Core.</b></div>
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<b>Peace, respect and tranquility to all stubborn b******* out
there :)</b></div>
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<b>Welcome New Readers!</b> Please take a look around.<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Click here</a><b> </b>to find out more about <b>THE.TriBe</b> and the blog is or perhaps browse the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/all-posts-get-in-ring.html" target="_blank"><u>all posts list</u></a>, Please feel free to play with the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/muff-tools-and-check-lists.html" target="_blank">planning tools and checklists</a>. If you liked this post can you please spare a few seconds to share it?

20 Positively Stubborn Ways to be FI

Learning a new skill I love days when I am put in my place. Learning from an expert and proving to me how little I know. Today w...

12 Things to Get your S*** Together

Contender 3 community, Conformity, Critical Thinking, Debt, Early Retirement, Education, financial freedom, Investing 20:32

<h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZl6uubu1lOl9YfM5suxlFqjrQ705626PDAIix3rpncFpreadsocPi587GoLKl5tGHb8fV6YR03HzusVWCX_15lHpiZcofCzHUJRX3oNWXPsjOp5Il8o8oCVAmElIR9UWE3IMo6Q1hPPK/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunflowers at the end of our road in Gascony" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZl6uubu1lOl9YfM5suxlFqjrQ705626PDAIix3rpncFpreadsocPi587GoLKl5tGHb8fV6YR03HzusVWCX_15lHpiZcofCzHUJRX3oNWXPsjOp5Il8o8oCVAmElIR9UWE3IMo6Q1hPPK/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" title="Simple Country Living" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple Country Living</td></tr>
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</h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>In this post we going to consider what if the world worked differently from a personal idealistic standpoint (knowing that it won't happen)</b></li>
<li><b>Based on the observations what can we do for ourselves. KISSI - K</b>eep<b> I</b>t<b> S</b>imple<b> S</b>tupid<b> I</b>deas</li>
<li><b>Followed by a list of useful websites </b></li>
</ul>
<h2>
I Deny Myself A Simple Life</h2>
Are we programmed from birth to deny ourselves an easy happy life? Importantly, if we went down that route, where is the profit motive, drive and ambition that make us human. This may be one of the reasons that society is setup to guide us to "hard work".<br />
<br />
We have to "work hard" as we have been programed in two important ways to make sure this happens<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>To buy stuff we do not NEED. By buying the stuff we do not NEED we become DEPENDENT on the banks for the life blood of LIQUIDITY. We sell our PRECIOUS TIME for LOANS to fund a place in the sun today at the expense of the future.</li>
<li>We are told the future is too far off and impossible to predict. Live for today! If you don't nuclear war is coming, environmental catastrophe will drown you, monsters from the deep are coming and aliens with ray guns are going to fry you. If you ever make it to the FuTuRe don't worry as each generation is better of than the last. "Inflation will erode the value of the loan". "Who knows what the future holds", everything will the s*** so why not LIVE FOR TODAY? Buy stuff it makes you happy and desirable!</li>
</ol>
IT is EASY to be sold down that road when you are young, your hormones are running wild and you have to prove yourself in the adult world.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>My worst purchases were the designer shirts, aftershaves, expensive W I D E S C R E E N  TV new car, new PC (several times) and games console, what saved me was I lived within my means and was comitted to pay down debt but still spend what was left at the end of each month. It had to change and it did due to moving in with my wife to be.</i> <i>We started to think about what the world around us was all different - CoNTeNDer</i></blockquote>
<h2>
Lets Turn Our World on its Head - What if</h2>
<ul>
<li><b>On Media</b> - what if it was biased towards real life and real entertainment</li>
<ul>
<li>Positive stories of achievement and real world lives are the headline news</li>
<li>Documentaries and educational entertainment are prioritized in TV programming</li>
<li>The average Joe was the star instead of being bombarded by "beautiful people" </li>
</ul>
<li><b>On Fashion</b> - was personal from us and not dictated by the fashion house dreams</li>
<ul>
<li>What if the real answer is that someone will fancy you for who you are and not what you buy.</li>
<li>Everyone looked different in the crowd and unique instead of being seen as an "odd ball" </li>
</ul>
<li><b>On Work</b></li>
<ul>
<li>What if you achieved in the job because you are spontaneous and talented instead of a great regurgitation of the company line and butt kisser?</li>
<li>What if we did not waste so much human talent on mindless administration jobs and advertising a dream or an inadequacy and did something really useful?</li>
<li>What if work was more financially fair with the difference in the high to low wages in society falling back to historical averages e.g. the guy at the top gets 40 times the guy at the bottom? Is this anti-capitalist or does it help to pull everyone's wages up? The guy at the bottom has more money to spend and invest and the wealth trickles back into the community, the community thrives and the business grows and the guy at the top makes more.....</li>
</ul>
<li><b>On Friendship</b></li>
<ul>
<li>You were happy because you had loads of positive balanced friends.</li>
<li>You gave your time freely and cherished giving thanks in kind</li>
</ul>
<li><b>On Personal Development</b></li>
<ul>
<li>You worked out how to do things for yourself and were taught that failure is fine just learn a little from the experience.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>On Finance</b></li>
<ul>
<li>You were told to shun debt</li>
<li>Taught to control your finances and invest</li>
<li>Easily setup your own business</li>
</ul>
<li><b>On Health</b></li>
<ul>
<li>What if we were taught to grow our own food in School</li>
<li>What if we were really taught to understand where our food comes from and its real cost to the body <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">(see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Inc-HD-Robert-Kenner/dp/B009K86D86/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1408303705&sr=1-1&keywords=food+inc" target="_blank">FOOD INC</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-End-Line-Ted-Danson/dp/B003F8OQUY" target="_blank">The End Of The Line</a> Documentaries)</span><b><u><br /></u></b></span></li>
<li>What if you exercised naturally and regularly - walking to work and the shops, maintaining a garden</li>
</ul>
<li><b>On Family</b></li>
<ul>
<li>You had supportive family nearby</li>
</ul>
</ul>
This personal list of observations our Little TRiBe has made down the last few years have really focused our attention on how we avoid DEBT, INVEST and LIVE OUR LIVES today and with THE.FuTuRe in mind. <br />
<ul><ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<h2>
It's not going to happen any time soon so it is up to you</h2>
Idealism is great. You are philosophising on what things could be like and what deep down you want for your own TRiBe. This is the point that Mr.ReALiSM arrives, pulls your head out of the clouds and douses you with a bucket of cold water.<br />
<br />
There are too many interested parties to keep the status quo going. Maybe a butterfly flapping its wings in Connecticut does cause a Typhoon in the South China sea but the average Joe such as the CoNTeNDeR really has his work cut out to make any sort of noise.<br />
<br />
Institutions and systems are built up over generations and interested parties have set them up to protect their interests regardless of the odd dissenter in their ranks. Things are not going to change any time soon. <br />
<br />
For instance media will not change track any time soon due to its self interest in glamorising people and lifestyles, horror and tragedy - they sell.<br />
<br />
Education is provided for the good of the state. It is not providing a full rounded curriculum only what is needed to keep the country running smoothly. They need obedient workers to pay ever increasing taxes.  <br />
<br />
It is up to indviduals to use our gift to think for ourselves. It is a skill that needs to be mastered, some call it wisdom. (see the post on <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/2014/02/FinancialIndependenceOptimism.html" target="_blank">Positivity, Realism and Pessimism</a> in relation to financial independence planning). So what can we do for ourselves to make our lives simpler, wealthy, challenging and rewarding: <br />
<h2>
What can one do for ones self?</h2>
<ol>
<li><b>Learn how to debate, question and think clearly from a young age</b></li>
<li><b>Find a mentor</b>, a wise worldly person to talk to and learn from</li>
<li><b>Limit the amount of advertising and media you expose yourself</b> <b>to</b> - as always question it - is it for your benefit?</li>
<li>Make goals that are <b>what you really want and really need</b>. </li>
<ol>
<li>If being the next Richard Branson is what you want, understand how he did it and work out how to get there. </li>
<li>If you want to be financially independent, understand what type of lifestyle you are looking for and how much income will you need to fund it, then work out how you will obtain the income and how long it will take.  </li>
</ol>
<li><b>Do not be one of the herd</b> as you will always be average and risk-adverse. Being comfortable is not necessarily free or happy.</li>
<li><b>Cultivate relationships with a wide range of people</b> - everyone has unique insights to the world around them you can learn from.</li>
<li><b>Life is a set of challenges</b> for some reason 7 years is usually a good changing point. Get out of your comfort zone on a regular basis, make mistakes and learn from them you will be stronger for it in the future</li>
<li><b>Read</b>. Books the internet etc. all of that world of knowledge as at our fingertips. There is too much so what do you need to learn at that point in time in your life. Get a book and have a go. Once the skill has been learnt file the skills away mentally (or in a library) for another day.</li>
<li><b>Accept nothing less than happiness</b>! If you are un-happy move on and do something about it. You are the person in control of the majority of your happiness. You and only you can make a real change. Ditch the bad job if needs be, move, end the bad relationship, kick the bad habits. </li>
<li><b>Do not accept perfection</b> - it is not possible and will lead to un-needed 
stress follow the 80:20 rule 80% of the results come from 20% of the 
work - delegate the rest!</li>
<li><b>Ignore other people achievements and focus on your own</b>. Who knows how other people  achieved theirs or how they are funded so don't go there, they are not you. I do not mean ignore the greats such as Aristotle, Socrates, Jefferson et al. just the people next door and in work.</li>
<li><b>KISSI - Keep it simple stupid ideas</b></li>
<ol>
<li>Spend less than you earn</li>
<li>Do not accumulate complicated stuff - it is a mental and cost expense for you.</li>
<li>Avoid the need for administration - too many cars / houses etc...TV license and mobile phone contracts.</li>
<li>Keep organized - know where everything is and when it needs to be done (e.g. add your car test to your e-calendar with a reminder).</li>
<li>Stay under the radar - don't gossip or get into trouble.</li>
<li>Take stay-cations enjoy where you live - no cars, planes, passports, booking forms, hotels...</li>
<li>De-clutter / sell stuff on a regular basis and your email subscriptions / junk mail!</li>
</ol>
</ol>
This list could be very long to capture every different angle that is available. It cannot cater for each person's own dreams all it does is point out some of the pitfalls our little TRiBe HAS fallen into in THE.PaST.<br />
<br />
Our message is we had to learn to avoid the temptations and bull**** that are thrown at us in the modern world. We had to think long term and work backwards towards our goals. We have had to be adaptable and have changed directions and our aspirations. We have plans for the coming years and fully expect them to change albeit hopefully not as much as in out 20's and 30's!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.fr/2012/10/10-career-skills-for-early-retirement.html">10 Career Skills for Early Retirement</a>,<u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u><br />
<u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/2012/11/6-habits-for-very-early-retirement.html">6 Habits for Very Early Retirement </a></span></u>.<br />
<br />
So ask the question what do you really want. That end goal and that good set of goals. Aim for it. Get it.<br />
<br />
Here are some useful websites and links:<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://briankim.net/" target="_blank">BrianKim.net</a> - great daily pick me up emails</li>
<li><a href="http://www.stevepavlina.com/" target="_blank">Steve Plavlina</a> - thoughtful personal development website</li>
<li><a href="https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php" target="_blank">Steven Covey</a> - 7 Habits and the 8th Habit- they are even teaching the methods in schools</li>
<li><a href="http://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">Change your thoughts</a> change your life</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/" target="_blank">Mr Money Mustache</a> - frugal living</li>
<li><a href="http://retireby40.org/" target="_blank">Retire by 40</a> - Some great finacial models</li>
<li><a href="http://simple-living-in-suffolk.co.uk/" target="_blank">Simple living in Suffolk</a> - Sound financial and life advice from old blighty</li>
</ol>
A couple of new(ish) financial independence sites from the UK<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mistersquirrel.com/" target="_blank">Mr Squirrel</a> <br />
<a href="http://theescapeartist.me/" target="_blank">The Escape Artist</a> <br />
<br />
Peace, prosperity and happiness<br />
<br />
<b>CoNTeNDeR</b><br />
<br />
<b>Welcome New Readers!</b> Please take a look around.<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Click here</a><b> </b>to find out more about <b>THE.TriBe</b> and the blog is or perhaps browse the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/all-posts-get-in-ring.html" target="_blank"><u>all posts list</u></a>, Please feel free to play with the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/muff-tools-and-check-lists.html" target="_blank">planning tools and checklists</a>. If you liked this post can you please spare a few seconds to share it?

12 Things to Get your S*** Together

Simple Country Living In this post we going to consider what if the world worked differently from a personal idealistic standpoint (...

Who are you?

Contender 0 Blog, community, Conformity, downshifting, financial freedom, financial independence, Happiness, Mid Life Crisis, Naive, Writing 11:12

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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVCjHr7CsuMK8Lc4b9LJBt4MJXO46SdbyAe3ilPqHtOJNR81ZhJmGf_ZrMCfnZ6WRxog6Jk8rPIuylm5BeqHoqvtkO_51jmTnt-ZkBqa1q1YtnHjq4SDIBA12NVUCoh8762bltD3ylu1D/s1600/RomeSept2004+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVCjHr7CsuMK8Lc4b9LJBt4MJXO46SdbyAe3ilPqHtOJNR81ZhJmGf_ZrMCfnZ6WRxog6Jk8rPIuylm5BeqHoqvtkO_51jmTnt-ZkBqa1q1YtnHjq4SDIBA12NVUCoh8762bltD3ylu1D/s320/RomeSept2004+057.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who is this guy?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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</div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>THE.FuTuRE</b>:
<i>"<b>CoNTeNDeR</b> who are you and what right do you have to
talk about real life issues? </i><br />
<br />
<i>Are you a qualified life coach,
psychologist, philosopher? No. You are just a guy from the UK who's downshifted to rural France. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Be a
good boy, don't upset every one with your provocative thoughts and keep your conversation to the weather"</i></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Who </b><b>a</b><b>m I
</b><b>t</b><b>o</b>..... blog about real life challenges? Mainly these are the
challenges the author has dealt with down the years and continues to
struggle with. These are unique challenges to <b>THE.CoNTeNDeR</b> so what
is the point in sharing them through a blog? Please read on and make your own opinion.</div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Who am I </b><b>t</b><b>o</b>.....talk
about what has worked for the <b>TriBe</b>. We have been very fortunate to
have had good university educations and good jobs. This is not
"normal" says some our incomes were above normal. Did we squander
a lot of money – yes. Did we ride the housing bubble – no. Have we
inherited wealth – no. We have two kids. How many other people are
like us / comparable? So is this blog only for the few and only some
of the few would find it of any interest whatsoever? 
</div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Who am I to</b>...... talk about financial independence. <b>THE.CoNTeNDeR</b> reads a lot,
collates a lot of information and tries to convey opportunities and
concerns on this site. If <b>THE.CoNTeNDeR</b> wearing rose tinted
glasses, is he only seeing what he is looking for? Does everyone have
their own "filter glasses"? How can this site ever be
un-biased as its goal is talking about financial independence as fast
as possible. Is this reckless? 
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Who am I to</b>...talk
about seeking happiness. Does anyone know what happiness is for a
starter? From reading around the subject many have commented. It is
even mentioned famously in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life,_liberty_and_the_pursuit_of_happiness" target="_blank">US constitution</a>? but does not say what
it is. Writing about what makes us happy will have absolutely no
bearing on the MAJORITY of readers so what is the point?</div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Who are you</b>...... all
<b>THE.</b><b>CoNTeNDeR</b> knows is that each of us is a unique individual
with unique talents, ideas, opinions and personal circumstances.
Perhaps you have stumbled onto this blog and are now moving on
because the topic is of no interest. Perhaps you are someone reading
about ideas for a different life and what that looks like. Perhaps 
</div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So as <b>THE.FuTuRe</b> says
(on this blog at least :) "<i>Who </i><i>are you <b>CoNTeNDeR </b></i><i>to
write THIS blog on THIS topic</i>". Is this just a good way to
lose friends and alienate people. Who really wants to know too much
about a friend through a blog? Will this just destroy the
relationship as <b>THE.CoNTeNDeR </b>has chosen a different path and is
writing all about it? 
</div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>THE.FuTuRe</b>: "You
know what you want <b>CoNTeNDeR </b>so why not keep your gob shut!"</div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>THECoNTeNDeR</b>:
"Perhaps this is my way of rebelling against social norms, a way
of justifying our plans and philosophising on the outcome of our
choices. Perhaps some of the insights found along the way will be of
use to someone else. It would be nice to share thoughts with people either thinking of changing their life around or those who have already downshifted / changed their life balance. Perhaps it is completely the wrong thing to do.
Who knows? One thing that has been learnt is you only know by trying
and doing." 
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>THE.CoNTeNDeR</b> is
trying this blog. Time will tell if this was a wise thing to do.
Perhaps it will be of some use. If it does cause harm / offence will
it be time to go dark? Change the topic to some other hobby or just
talk about the weather!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Peace Prosperity and
Happiness</div>
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<br /></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Who is that bloke? That
bloke is <b>THE.CoNTeNDeR</b>.</div>
<br />
<b>Welcome New CoNTeNDeR Readers!</b> Please take a look around.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Here you can find out about </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">THE.CONTENDER</a> and the purpose of the blog is or perhaps browse the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/all-posts-get-in-ring.html" target="_blank"><u>all posts list</u></a>, have a <a href="http://pinterest.com/gitrwm/contender-vs-the-future/" target="_blank">look at the pictures on the notice board</a><u><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me.html#random" rel="13"></a></u>. Please feel free to play with the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/muff-tools-and-check-lists.html" target="_blank">planning tools and checklists</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Keep in Touch:</b>  <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MuffFreeLifeAndExtremeFinancialFreedomPlanningTools" target="_new">RSS Feed</a>, follow <b>THE.CoNTeNDeR</b> on <a href="https://twitter.com/The__Contender" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or<b> </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Contender/368729006562792" target="_blank">Facebook </a>or subscribe to posts by email:<br />
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Who are you?

Who is this guy? THE.FuTuRE : " CoNTeNDeR who are you and what right do you have to talk about real life issues? Are you a...

Stuck Generation

Contender 0 Black Swan, Conformity, Education 07:17

<span style="font-size: large;">Stuck, spoilt, lost, directionless, manipulated...? </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jobacle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/trapped_cube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://jobacle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/trapped_cube.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">Source: <a href="http://jobacle.com/blog/does-work-suck-9-tips-to-break-out-of-the-funk.html" target="_blank">jobacle.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am now at the grand old age of 37. I have been fortunate to receive a good education at a low cost (well I got a small bursary to help me through). The generation before had it for free but places were limited and more of the generation following me have had access to higher education but had to pay through the nose for it.<br />
<br />
Our hard working 'frugal' Granddad's and Grandma's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strauss_and_Howe" target="_blank">silent / artist generation</a> (80+) used to war and service left behind a strong economy and institutions.  Fortunate was the next generation, the baby boomers,  to inherit, exploit, enjoy and ultimately abuse such strong economy and well accepted institutions.<br />
<i></i><br />
<br />
'<b>Prophet - Baby Boomers</b>' now covert and hoard the managerial positions in work. This leaves my generation <b>Generation X</b>, <b>or Nomads - The Lost Generation</b>, as '<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Willing-Slaves-Overwork-Culture-Ruling/dp/000716372X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381660997&sr=8-1&keywords=willing+slaves" target="_blank">willing slaves</a>' chasing the dangling carrot of a managerial job at much lower pay and benefits before us - <a href="http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20130710-the-forgotten-generation" target="_blank">Click here for an interesting BBC article</a>.<br />
<br />
We are voting with our feet and leaving the workforce in droves disenchanted by all of the 'old' hanger on  managers that believe they deserve their holidays in the sun. Just happens their search for sun is the other side of the planet. The cost of getting there would feed numerous families in poverty for several years. A $ a day living cost versus a $6,000 holiday - bull****! And what about the generation after the nomads, <b> <a href="http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-10-01/millennials-devastated-american-dream-becomes-nightmare-most?page=5" target="_blank">Gen Y, or Millennial</a></b><a href="http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-10-01/millennials-devastated-american-dream-becomes-nightmare-most?page=5" target="_blank"> </a>(HERO generation!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.instituteofcustomerservice.com/files/generation-cycle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://www.instituteofcustomerservice.com/files/generation-cycle.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We have failed them even further. Debt, Debt, Debt. Having got the university education after they have been told - you must go, even if it is completely the wrong thing to do. Perhaps different skills were better for a large number of students. It is the right thing to do.<br />
<br />
As for those who were suited to the high education 1. They had to pay an awful lot for it and 2. Good luck in getting a high paying job afterwards. Let's not forget you are last in the queue for a promotion, you are lucky to have a job and you are learning on the job to be the next leader. No pay rises for you then! You are one of the lucky ones. <br />
<br />
Now you want a car, house even a family. That is not allowed until you pay your debts. Actually let's forget that get some more debt - interest free for 3 months then 30% from there on - bargain! 8 x your earnings for a shoe box - we are not building housing quick enough you know. Buy now sign on the dotted line.<br />
<br />
Please do not forget to pay for the debt of the generations before you turn out the lights. <br />
<br />
Is it me or are things f***-ed up or what? Why is a 2-bed flat sold for $500,000? Why does it cost $50,000 to get a 3 year degree when books are available on the internet at almost no cost. Why consume, consume, consume, because there is nothing else to do, is there? At least that is what we are being told - it is for the good of the economy.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What world for the kids?</span><br />
<br />
Our children? The ARTIST generation. Can they help to create a fairer society? Are they going to have to endure hardships, frugality and servitude like the previous artist generation (born around the 1930's)? All we can do as parents is help them thrive as human beings by exposing them to experience and helping them to learn as many life skills as possible.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theresilientfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Fourth-Turning.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.theresilientfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Fourth-Turning.gif" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.theresilientfamily.com/2013/03/prophets-nomads-heroes-and-artists/" target="_blank">TheResilientFamily</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We want to make sure they have some sort of inheritance to help them along the way. Can we teach thrift and saving as a virtue in their mindsets - should we even interfere? Ideally we will provide them with a modest income from some investments help provide a financial education and hopefully some knowledge to use it to fulfill their dreams.<br />
<br />
Alternatively will 'pampering' be the completely wrong approach. The gift of knowledge and wisdom is often given through hardship.....leave them alone, we f***** it up so why would we know best?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What type of world are we building for THE.FuTuRe? What will they think of us? Corporate ladders, fiat money, greed is good. What have we done? </b></div>
<br />
Peace, prosperity and happiness<br />
<br />
<b>THE.CONTENDER</b><br />
<br />
<b>Welcome New CONTENDER Readers!</b> Please take a look around.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Here you can find out about </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">THE.CONTENDER</a> and the purpose of the blog is or perhaps browse the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/all-posts-get-in-ring.html" target="_blank"><u>all posts list</u></a>, have a <a href="http://pinterest.com/gitrwm/contender-vs-the-future/" target="_blank">look at the pictures on the notice board</a><u><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me.html#random" rel="13"></a></u>. Please feel free to play with the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/muff-tools-and-check-lists.html" target="_blank">planning tools and checklists</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Keep in Touch:</b>  <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MuffFreeLifeAndExtremeFinancialFreedomPlanningTools" target="_new">RSS Feed</a>, follow <b>THE.CONTENDER</b> on <a href="https://twitter.com/The__Contender" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or<b> </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Contender/368729006562792" target="_blank">Facebook </a>or subscribe to posts by email:<br />
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Stuck Generation

Stuck, spoilt, lost, directionless, manipulated...? Source: jobacle.com I am now at the grand old age of 37. I have been fortunate to ...

CoNTeNDiNG with RiSK

Contender 0 Conformity, Early Retirement, financial independence, Planning, Risk 10:28

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9mg-JwFdfznsSR0BCck1hPMBY_ftZGAzvlJT_NqhB4JueoayuMku87gKi91nxF_ElQ_0whFCJwH2wjE-m6X0QVADWRQkM7l9FreOPH_mSF1KovCq8Xi7ZrgacC1aqjzx29nyJ2z96Bxo/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9mg-JwFdfznsSR0BCck1hPMBY_ftZGAzvlJT_NqhB4JueoayuMku87gKi91nxF_ElQ_0whFCJwH2wjE-m6X0QVADWRQkM7l9FreOPH_mSF1KovCq8Xi7ZrgacC1aqjzx29nyJ2z96Bxo/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="212"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Risky Move?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>RISK: </b><i>"Contender get.in.the.ring.with.me come on let's see what you've got. I am everywhere you have no way of dealing with me. Heck THE.FUTURE has you by the short and curlies and now I am on the scene! Give up go home."</i><b><br></b><br>
<br>
<b>RISK is everywhere. It is around every corner, every decision every minute. THE.CoNTeNDer may have been "trained" to consider risks in his project management days. Unfortunately RISK training is one thing being good at handling risk and executing a plan is a completely different matter altogether.</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">CoNTeNDeR'S RiSKY PaST...Or Not... </span></b><br>
<br>
CoNTeNDeR just as everyone else has taken risks in life. To name a modest few:<br>
<br>
Jumping out of a tree and ONLY breaking his arm. Hitching a car ride at one o'clock in the morning in the middle of the countryside. Hospitalised several times whilst playing rugby. Living in Wales after coming from England and speaking with an English accent. Going to university. Getting in debt with a brand new German automobile. Choosing a job in a completely different field a long way from home, getting married and having kids with his French wife. Working towards financial independence and moving to France.<br>
<br>
Was any of that really risky? More on that below.<br>
<br>
THE.CoNTeNDeR could have fallen on any number of swords in THE.PaST. Along the way he did  slip on a few banana skins. He is none the worse for the 'experiences' and perhaps a bit more humble and wiser for the c*** ups!<br>
<br>
There were several times of getting lost in alien countries Spain and Italy, incurring speeding and fare avoidance fines as well as avoiding a major car crash in Poland. Messing up an update to a planning system that wiped out all of the production and distribution plans for the day. Getting the jeep stuck in a game reserve in and running back through the reserve (containing several dangerous animals such as Rhino and Hyenas) to get help and jumping into a crocodile infested lake in Zimbabwe - yes it's true!  <br>
<br>
At least C is still here and still legal. It has been quite a ride as Bill Hicks said: <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iMUiwTubYu0?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div>

CoNTeNDiNG with RiSK

A Risky Move? RISK: "Contender get.in.the.ring.with.me come on let's see what you've got. I am everywhere you have no way o...

Do the Right Thing

Contender 4 Blog, Conformity, Critical Thinking, downshifting, Early Retirement, early-retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Inflation, Investing, Life, Mid Life Crisis, Naive 23:17

<br>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/22/DO_THE_RIGHT_THING.jpg/220px-DO_THE_RIGHT_THING.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/22/DO_THE_RIGHT_THING.jpg/220px-DO_THE_RIGHT_THING.jpg" width="214"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wikimedia.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Is the Pursuit of Financial Independence Doing the Right Thing?</span></b><br>
<br>
<b>THE PaST</b>: <i>"Go to school then study a degree that makes a difference to the world"</i><br>
<br>
<b>THE.PReSeNT</b>: <i>"Go to school and study a degree to make you rich, all that touchy feely stuff won't pay, get a corporate job, go work in finance"</i><br>
<br>
<b>THE.FUTURE</b>: <i>"sell your soul to me Muuugh Ha Ha Ha - OK a bit carried away just get into debt up to your eyeballs. I love a good debt slave, mine all mine."</i><br>
<br>
Has the world become more individualistic and materialistic? If you are not part of the system are you weird? Come on get with it, work hard, climb the ladder and load up on debt until you drop.<br>
<br>
Is this really the pursuit of happiness - stuff and job status or just a marketeers dream of control over the masses? <br>
<br>
<b>Is getting with the system the way to go? if so why the F**** does this blog "chase" financial freedom? </b><br>
<br>
<b>Why isn't THE.CoNtENDeR blogging about working, making a difference in BIG business? </b><br>
<br>
<b><u>Perhaps the CoNTEnDER has got it all wrong. Perhaps he needs a good look at himself and get (back) with the system? </u></b><br>
<br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Known, Know, NO's</b></span><br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Let's start off with a few challenges THE.CONtENDER believes exist in the world, have shaped some of the thinking in this blog and yet we do very little about:</span></div>
<br>
We know burning fossil fuels is not 100% good. Particulate pollution and rising gases in the atmosphere come with some known and unknown consequences. On the other hand we have realised  the BIGGEST improvement in living standards mankind has ever seen. Life expectancies have increased dramatically.<br>
<br>
<span style="color: blue;"><i>The group think it is now "normal" to burn fossil fuels, we are unsure of the consequences but are enjoying the ride while it lasts.</i></span><br>
<br>
We know that we live on a planet of finite resources but we still continue to consume them at increasingly faster rates. They will deplete - what do we do then?<br>
<br>
<span style="color: blue;"><i>Someone will have to go without in THE.FUTuRE - be rich and buy our way out of it!</i></span><br>
<br>
We know work is good for us but too much work can be bad. We know that some stress (eustress) helps us fulfil our potential. At the same time a <b><i>eustress </i></b>9-5 job is now becoming a <b><i>stressed </i></b>8-9 job.<br>
<br>
<span style="color: blue;"><i>Work adds meaning to life and stress is good for you as well as having money to exchange for some material comforts. You will have a career to look back on. You will have achieved something special in life - just make sure you are able to get the right job that pays well, letting you get ahead in life.</i></span><br>
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We know that debt is bad so why do it? We know saving is good but the majority thinks saving 3-4% of their take home pay is very very good.  Invest it? Who are you kidding you cannot beat the professionals on Wall Street - pay them big fees to loose your money instead.<br>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Why save when we have a state and work pension. Inflation will erode the value of any debt we take on and our house will go up in price. My pay goes up over time so I will be able to pay for inflating goods and housing. I am told I need lots of shiny gadgets and lots of designer clothes. I need to be on the work bandwagon to afford it all.</i></span><br>
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We know money doesn't grow on trees - it is made from them! On top of that more recently it is actually typed into existence on a computer - not the one I am typing on I am sad to say. Can fiat money really be a store of wealth when it can be created out of fresh air so easily? Go figure.<br>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>The government is in control of inflation. Inflation = good and Deflation = bad because they say so. Just accept that it is good that your cash savings loose value each year and you have to pay more for goods and services. It is all OK as Inflation = good.</i></span><br>
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The family structure is challenged by he reduced amount of time at home. On the flip side it has more money to spend than ever.<br>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>The government is providing lots of tax incentives to help pay for child care at a creche. I need to be in work to accrue the state pension entitlement. Instead of the parent staying at home messing up their career their child can be happy with lots of other kids.</i><b></b></span><br>
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Do the Right Thing

wikimedia.com Is the Pursuit of Financial Independence Doing the Right Thing? THE PaST : "Go to school then study a degree that ...

Facinating Real World People

Contender 0 Black Swan, Conformity, Education, Financial Armageddon, financial independence 08:27

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<i><b>THE.FUTURE</b>: "So you think you have what it takes to survive what I have in store for you?</i><i><b> </b></i><br>
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<i><b>THE.CONTENDER</b>: "You are so full of it. I have a whole bunch of advisers that have you in their sights. They are free thinking and certainly not controlled by you!</i>"<br>
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This post is short and sweet. Below are some videos of some very interesting REAL WORLD outspoken people THE.CONTENDER keeps tags on. Covering future trends, investing, ecology, philsophy, fiat money and financial independence. A smart interesting bunch of free thinkers. Have a look at any of the videos that take your interest.<br>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Celente" target="_blank">Gerald Celente </a>- Trend Forecasting Master Jedi<br>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Keiser" target="_blank">Max Kaiser </a>- Maverick Ex Trader who Is not afraid to Speak his Mind here talking to the Dollar Vigilante<br>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nassim_Nicholas_Taleb" target="_blank">Nassim Nicholas Taleb</a> - Black Swans and Anti-fragility<br>
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Facinating Real World People

THE.FUTURE : "So you think you have what it takes to survive what I have in store for you? THE.CONTENDER : "You are so full ...

Brainwashed

Contender 2 Conformity, Debt, Mortgage, Naive, Renting, Saving 13:45

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Round 2 - The Naive Fighter – La La La (when is X factor on?)</b></h2>
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<b>In the last post we had a look at the "middle class lifestyle"<i>. </i>How was this seen as a normal lifestyle in the first place? Here is an overview of how it is easy to get into debt (especially a mortgage) and its consequences.</b><br>
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You have been taught how to look, talk and act the right
way to get ahead in life. You get a good degree, a corporate job, expensive car,
mortgage, go on expensive holidays, get married have kids etc. This is the good life…… unfortunately all of a sudden you are seriously in debt unless you are fortunate enough to earn mega $$$$$. </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>went down the generally accepted route "to get ahead in life". <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>had student loans and a brand new car (investments in my future). A significant daily commute  burning through my pay checks. I was "entitled" to expensive gadgets, movies, games and exotic holidays. At the end of each month I had no savings, just debt repayments. Pressure to conform continued - you must get on the housing ladder. How could I? Debt payment was a large chunk of my salary and taking years to pay off (5). Did I really want mortgage payments on top - it was supposedly good debt?<br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Work <span style="font-size: large;">= <span style="font-size: large;">Significant increase in Spending</span></span></span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>needed to excel at his corporate job - work harder and climb the corporate ladder. Surely the salary would sky rocket and a <b>CVP </b>(<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>C</b>ontender </span></span><b>V</b>ice <b>P</b>resident) in 20 years! So next steps:<br>
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<li>Make sure <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>looked the part - expensive suits, shoes, leather designer computer case, flash mobile - <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>was going places (factories)</li>
<li>Study - buy all of the latest books on professionalism and business management - why can't it be simple and in one book or in 5 page books? </li>
<li>Go beyond the call of duty in work - work on additional or suggest new projects whilst putting in all of those extra unpaid hours</li>
<li>Go to a bigger company for more opportunities</li>
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<i>It is hard to quantify how much was spent on "getting ahead in work". As an estimate suits and computers etc must have cost at least £7K. Books another few hundred of pounds. Hundreds of extra hours worked for no overtime and a small end of year bonus (probably the bonus worked out at a£1 and extra hour worked). 1,000's of pounds!!! </i><br>
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<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/muff-tools-and-check-lists.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_tJJBfdEcjYj8hSe6G74uOkYPZdhtdvUjHlD66iDSU-DDkHu3ga_HfgHks_i1d_8T14tBYvTCra_s6KmbaqeiUZkh0TVDkWPeTO1BasqeCXSrNbM009OsiGvcohCmAN1cKCIvm1mpU_e/s200/Muff+Tool+Kit+v6.jpg" title="PLANNING TOOLS AND CHECKLISTS" width="200"></a>Life was still good. <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>was working hard and slowly progressing his career, as was his wife. Frequent holidays were a must to unwind and relax. We needed those breaks as work was becoming harder and more time consuming. Downsizing the workplace resulted in greater and greater workload. 9-5 working 
hours seemed like a pipe dream.<br>
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Our always "on" connected 
culture left little time to turn off from work. Weekends turned into recovery time from the increasing hours and stress levels. As high skilled individuals with good jobs we were not being significantly rewarded for these sacrifices. The idea that good job = good stress somehow introduced itself in the workplace - <i>what rubbish is that</i> - and who in their right mind thinks continuous stress is a good thing? In our opinion work life balance was going in the wrong direction <br>
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<i>How could we possibly 
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This is where we stopped and started to question our lifestyle. At that point we decided we did not want to spend all our time at work just to pay off the next piece of debt. Work did not really care about us. Why should all our effort and time be spent on it - did WORK=HAPPINESS? Retirement at 67 seemed a long way off.<br>
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<b>Please read on for the two hottest topics we had: Debt versus Saving and getting on the housing ladder.</b><br>
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Brainwashed

Round 2 - The Naive Fighter – La La La (when is X factor on?) In the last post we had a look at the "middle...

Welcome to FISH !
You have come here looking for answers. How to get out of debt? How to save and invest? How to retire early and how you want to live in retirement.

Well this is the right place for you as out tribe has been through all of these steps. We no longer work for a corporate employer and have saved enough to retire early. How we did this is shared here on this site for you.

Our little tribe found out these secrets to financial independence in our late 20’s. Since then we have taken early retirement, in our late 30's, in just 7 years. We now live in the South West of France with our two young children.

Along the way I decided to share everything I learnt. My articles and tips on aggressive saving and compound investing are there to help you meet your financial goals fast. I discuss ways to help you decide what you want by building a life plan. This helps to work out how to get where you want to be whilst avoiding the pitfalls along the way.

My expertise was built up working in blue chip corporate jobs, extensive reading and putting it into practice. I have condensed this knowledge into simple strategies to help you meet your goals and not those of the bank or the place you work.

There are free planning tools on this site that help you make a life plan. A plan for your future. The tools calculate how to reach your financial goals in a timeline that suits you. The tools help set out your life goals, make them happen and how to exceed them.

There are tips on how to simplifying your life to remove day to day headaches. These include ways to pay off debt fast buy eliminating wasteful spending habits. How to reduce your monthly bills through choices that actually improve your health and wellbeing. Identifying things you don’t need that sap your time and wallet.

There are little sustainability projects to reduce your dependence on shops and utilities whilst saving money to spend on things you want.

All of these little steps will show you how save 50%+ of your salary so you can meet your goal whatever it is. This huge saving rate can be compounded for very early retirement. I am sure you will find something here for you.

Darren Lee (A.K.A the Contender as in my blog)

FISH | Financial Independence Seeking Happiness