FISH | Financial Independence Seeking Happiness: Early Retirement

CoNTeNDiNG with RiSK

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

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...

Happiness in France

Contender 2 Budget, downshifting, Early Retirement, early-retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, frugality 21:00

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THE.PReSeNT: "CoNTeNDeR what are you up to? You have been all talk about this move to France THE.FuTuRe says you haven't got it in you besides FRA?NCE are you MAD?  
 
Aren't they all socialists that take all your money and tell you how to live your life?  
 
Come to your senses man. 
 
It may rain in Blighty a lot and the government may be a bit socialist and spend most of our money, badly.... but we have the pub! let's get down The Dog and Bone pub, have a few pints* and get p*****" 
 
<a href="http://www.camra.org.uk/beertax" target="_blank">* Effective tax on a UK pint costing £2.50 is £0.97 - 38%!</a> 
 
Here is an update and some reflections on our downshifting move to France NEXT MONTH: 
 
- Was Renting in the UK a good Choice? 
- How the move is going? 
- What is on the cards for the TRIBE in the next 4 years? 
-  Is it going to work for us? 
 
Exiting the Rental Property in London 
 
Right now we are finalising our move to France. Mrs C resigned from her job one month ago. We have arranged to hand back the keys on our London rental property. 
 
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="1" style="height: 144px; width: 547px;">
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 <td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#C0C0C0" height="17" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">To buy the London 3 bedroom terraced Victorian house it it would have cost $700,000.  With 20% down payment of $141,000 the mortgage would
 have been $560,000 and we would have to have paid stamp duty on the 
property $21,000. 
 
The typical cost of a repayment mortgage over 25 years is (4.6%) = $3192 
The typical cost of an interest only mortgage is $2147 
The rent is $2080 per month</td>
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Was renting a good choice? We may have missed out on capital appreciation of the house. This would have been completely dependent on the timing of the purchase. Or we could be in negative equity. 
 
By renting we abdicated the risk of owning the property. We did not have to pay for re-decoration, a new roof, new boiler and the mortgage arrangement fee, estate agent fee and the stamp duty to the government. 
 
The "fees" and the deposit instead have been invested for capital gains via the stock market. This has allowed us to save in more diverse assets instead of the majority being tied to the property. 
 
Some people have become very rich via property over the last decade and perhaps we did not understand the opportunities that were there at the time. Perhaps we were always intimidated by the large amount of money and the commitment involved.

Happiness in France

THE.PReSeNT : "CoNTeNDeR what are you up to? You have been all talk about this move to France THE.FuTuRe says you haven't got it...

Financial Independence For The People

Contender 2 Blog, downshifting, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Work 22:46

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This is a follow on from the last post <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/do-right-thing.html" target="_blank">Do The Right Thing</a> - is financial independence the right thing to do considering some of the challenges in the world.   
 
Here the discussion moves on to whether financial independence is a valid life challenge, an alternative to the 
status quo OR shunning the masses and joining the elites. Is it 
taking advantage of the system, getting with it, a chance to downshift or just opting out? 
 
Is financial independence taking the easy route and freeloading? 
 
THE.FUTURE: "CoNTENDER
 the FREELOADER what a F****** WASTE! What a looser. Hiding from me again, afraid to get in the ring and fight. Stand up man. Accept it someone else will take your place - you can't protect them by hiding away. Do you think you are setting a precedent? Who
 will run the factories and drive the trains if too many people downshift! Who will be MY 
servants?" 
 
Here are a few options to obtaining a passive income and a brief critique: 
 
Owning part of a businesses for 
income, means that you are reliant on the hard work of employees for that privilege. This could bee seen as taking
 advantage OR are you helping to supply jobs instead? Realistically in the scheme of things, owning a few stocks to gain an 
income for a frugal family is not going to have any impact on the 
investing landscape of the world. 
 
Buy to Let - get some tenants 
to pay for your lifestyle because they cannot afford to get on the housing ladder so are stuck renting OR are you a good landlord providing quality housing fulfilling a community need? 
 
Perhaps business property is better. Businesses don't like to buy - what if they have to move operations, cut or increase staffing. Business property requirements change very frequently. Is this a better place to invest? 
 
What about peer to peer 
lending - riding the debt wave, charging people exorbitant interest. Is 
that fair helping to / being part of building their debt prison? 
Is that doing the right thing? THE.CoNTeNDER thinks this is predatory and sucks. 
 
Government bonds - ultimately a taxpayer liability. If you buy them does it encourage politicians to issue more? Can one
 "trust" the government to pay the bond back - think about Greece and Cyprus in modern times. 
 
Alternatively
 go completely off grid, get out of the system altogether but at what 
cost to you and your family? Is this even more selfish?

Financial Independence For The People

This is a follow on from the last post Do The Right Thing - is financial independence the right thing to do considering some of the cha...

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

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Is the Pursuit of Financial Independence Doing the Right Thing? 
 
THE PaST: "Go to school then study a degree that makes a difference to the world" 
 
THE.PReSeNT: "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" 
 
THE.FUTURE: "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." 
 
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. 
 
Is this really the pursuit of happiness - stuff and job status or just a marketeers dream of control over the masses? 
 
Is getting with the system the way to go? if so why the F**** does this blog "chase" financial freedom?  
 
Why isn't THE.CoNtENDeR blogging about working, making a difference in BIG business?  
 
Perhaps the CoNTEnDER has got it all wrong. Perhaps he needs a good look at himself and get (back) with the system? 
 
Known, Know, NO's 
 
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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:</div>
 
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. 
 
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. 
 
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? 
 
Someone will have to go without in THE.FUTuRE - be rich and buy our way out of it! 
 
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 eustress 9-5 job is now becoming a stressed 8-9 job. 
 
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. 
 
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. 
 
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. 
 
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. 
 
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. 
 
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. 
 
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.

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 ...

Financial Independence in a FUBAR Economy

Contender Black Swan, book, Dividends, downshifting, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Investing 11:14

Financial Independence in a FUBAR Economy

Original Photo by: Kheng Guan Toh Welcome Fight Fans well THE.CONTENDER has got himself into a pickle. He is unsure of his next move. ...

You Can't Take It With You

Contender 3 downshifting, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence 10:25

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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alQZaDWdij8/UbcL7ZYX9iI/AAAAAAAACs8/Ouh5TldFozo/s1600/KeepCalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alQZaDWdij8/UbcL7ZYX9iI/AAAAAAAACs8/Ouh5TldFozo/s320/KeepCalm.jpg" width="274"></a>THE.FUTURE: "CONTENDER what is the point in fighting me. I will always be here. You came into this world with nothing and you will leave nothing - FACT! Do yourself a favor, give up now while the going is good" </div>
 
CONTENDER: "Ah I can't take it with me - I have heard that one a few times - I do, however, intend to leave something behind. Something for you to remember me by"   
THE FUTURE: "Thank you for your offer but I have no need for worldly goods. Just disappear as fast as possible"   
CONTENDER: "Why don't flatter yourself who said about leaving you stuff - what about some pleasant memories instead.... about your defeats, I am sure you would like to remember those!" 
 
How much saving and investing is needed for Early Retirement or Downshifting? A general rule is a investment pot of 25 times current spending = financial independence. Does this consider everything let's double check; what about looking at a NEW TOOL - creation of a full financial timeline of expenses and incomes? 
 
What is Financial Freedom to the Tribe? 
 
Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, we all need dreams and part of our little dream is getting close. In September our little tribe is moving away from the hustle, grime, crime and constant advertising in the city to the quieter French countryside. 
 
Our dream is to be free from consumerism and free from the trappings of an unwanted job to pay for our vices. Will the French countryside offer this to us? 
 
We are sure that THE.FUTURE will not let us have everything our own way though. The question is what will we be able to avoid in THE.FUTURE:   
No more appraisals in work; CONTENDER you have done OK but DO BETTER! - give me a break!  
No more living in a <strike>box</strike> small house. Where is the view? 
No more commuting - what a waste! 2hrs a day 5 days a week for 46 weeks in the year. 460 hrs per year = 19 full days in the car / train! Complete bonkers? 
No to conformity - at the desk by 9am? 
No to keeping up with the Jones. When is enough stuff enough? 
 
Our little tribe think we can be financially independent later this year. By this we think we will be able to buy a house outright and live off the income from our investments and at a later date our pension savings. 
 
Yes to choice - hiking or swimming, a bit of work, read a book, play with the kids or an educational activity 
Yes to responsibility - we are responsible for our place of living, kids education, long term finances 
Yes to fun - Less work = More leisure time = More fun for our little tribe. 
Yes to thinking, talking and reading more - It is nice to just sit under a tree on a warm summers day and think. Later have friends around for a bite to eat and talk about the silliness of the day ;) 
 
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How have we come to this conclusion? Well we used a little financial tool which we have used to lay out our finances for the next 40+ years. We have been pouring over the numbers and different scenarios with the tool to visualise our possible financial future.</div>
 
A SIMPLE guideline for FULL financial independence is savings of 25 times current expenditure. Then expenditure is 4% of the pot each year. But what about buying a house, kids...... What if we layout ALL our expected expenditures and projected incomes on a timeline into the future. What would it look like? Will we have enough?

You Can't Take It With You

THE.FUTURE : "CONTENDER what is the point in fighting me. I will always be here. You came into this world with nothing and you will l...

Dividend Surprise Part 2

Contender 0 Compound Interest, Dividends, DRIP, Early Retirement, Finance, financial freedom, financial independence 08:49

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After taking a parting blow to the head from CHEAP.SHOT his sparring buddy THE.CONTENDER was dazed and disorientated. Is the right thing to be doing, he asked himself? This fighting THE.FUTURE stuff is quite risky. Is he risking it all on black? 
 
CHEAP.SHOT: "CONTENDER! CONTENDER! are you alright? Sorry mate I thought we were still sparring. I did not hear PLAN.AHEAD calling us over" 
 
PLAN.AHEAD took THE.CONTENDER to one side: "Look what happened, you dropped your guard. You thought you were safe and in control. This is a risky business and you need to have your wits about you at ALL times" 
 
In part 1 of this post (found here) we had a look at the pros and cons of dividend investing. Here in Part 2 we are going to have a look at the risks of investing in dividend stocks, our strategy and tracking progress. 
 
Personal Financial Goals 
 
As we are well into our financial freedom plans we have been fortunate to accumulate enough savings and investments to be very close to our desired goal. This is to buy a "nice" property in France and enough passive income to cover living costs. Currently this nest-egg is 2/3 in cash and funds and 1/3 is in dividend stocks. Ultimately we need our investments setup in the following manner: 
<ul>
<li>45% in cash to buy a property outright </li>
<li>45% in dividend stocks. We are aware the nominal value will rise and fall with the market and company performance but the income that we need will hopefully grow over time. </li>
<li>10% in our protection portfolio for emergencies cash and cash alternatives such as precious metals.</li>
</ul>
So what do I think are the risks that lie ahead for this approach if we follow this route? 
<ul>
</ul>
Mitigating Currency Risk 
 
US
 shares carry a premium (more costly / lower yield) to them but the dollar is the reserve currency 
of the world. Likewise UK and Continental European stocks carry Pound 
Sterling and Euro risk (get the money printing presses ready, Mr Carney - New Bank of England Governor) 
 
We are going to be living in France and paying for everything in Euros so what do we think are our options to reduce currency risk? 
 
a)
 Ideally we want to have much more income than outgoings if possible. This is the 
ideal situation as we can continue to invest and grow our income and 
it will provide a buffer in hard times. Likelihood low - we want to spend as much as possible on a home. 
 
b) Investments will be made in countries with strong currency fundamentals and good 
trade agreements that avoid double or punitive taxation. Global low cost
 funds can help to mitigate currency risk instead of trying to work out 
the "best" country to invest in. In our case we cannot invest in funds in the short term due to higher French taxation. Our income will be paid in multiple currencies before being converted to Euros. 
 
c) PROTECTION - our cash will be spread across different currencies and cash equivalents. Primarily this will be covered by income from multiple countries in the form of dividends, pounds, euros and some precious metals fund. 
 
d) We will monitor all investments and country risk monthly and change the mix of the portfolio as required. Our monthly dividend tracker and risk evaluator is outlined below. 
 
There are several countries and currencies that are of interest to our little tribe Canada, China, Chile, Singapore and to a lesser extent Brazil, countries located in Eastern Europe and Australia. 
 
Canada and Chile are of interest for example as they both have growing populations, an abundance of natural
 resources, are business friendly and have a lot of undeveloped land for agriculture and natural resources. 
 
For more on risk management and the low cost fund approach to investing have a look at the videos on the <a href="http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Video:Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy" target="_blank">Bogleheads wiki</a>. 
 
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Please read on to have a look at the tribes own strategy and progress</div>

Dividend Surprise Part 2

Risky business be careful! After taking a parting blow to the head from CHEAP.SHOT his sparring buddy THE.CONTENDER was dazed and di...

Dividend Surprise Part 1

Contender 3 Compound Interest, Dividends, DRIP, Early Retirement, Finance, financial freedom, financial independence 12:46

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THE FUTURE: "Jobs are being created, resources are abundant and technology is amazing - go out and enjoy yourself - I will look after you!"   
PLAN.AHEAD: "That is all good mate but I want options. I want freedom to do as I wish. If I spend all my money today I will have none for tomorrow" 
CONTENDER: "What about dividend investing, will this work?"  
PLAN.AHEAD: "Contender, the stock market is a casino mate! you have less chance in it than in the ring with THE.FUTURE!" 
Over the past 12 months a lot of work has been carried out to develop a strategy for a sustainable dividend income for our Tribe.  
 
Part 1 of this post is going to look at the pros and cons of dividends versus capital appreciation of stocks. Part 2 is going to look at risks of investing in dividend stocks, our strategy and tracking progress. 
 
The Tribes Dividend Journey 
 
We have been investing heavily for the past 7 years in three portfolios GROWTH, INCOME and PROTECTION (covered here). It is only in the last year we have been heavily interested in increasing the share of the INCOME portfolio. In particular we are buying individual company shares for their dividends. 
 
To get to the target we are gradually selling our tracker funds from the GROWTH 
(Primarily global, European and emerging markets) and adding capital 
from dividends and adding income from Mrs C's [delete] income into individual shares. The PROTECT portfolio is staying static. 
 
In the current climate of a historically high priced stock market (P/E ratios are at towards the top of their historical trading ranges) and what THE.CONTENDER considers a stagflation environment this poses several concerns about the timing of owning MORE shares. 
 
We currently live in a very different financial landscape with lots of printed money circling the globe. This is very supportive of stocks so there is no reason to believe the stock market will capitulate just yet. 
 
<ul>
<li>Our exercise is moving money out of one group of shares (funds) to another group (individual dividend stocks) </li>
<li>We are adding some extra earned income so we are in effect nearly neutral on purchases.</li>
<li>Our objective is all about GROWING INCOME over CAPITAL APPRECIATION. </li>
<li>We are comfortable in owning a large amount of stocks but... we want to be more DEFENSIVE with the choice of these shares. </li>
<li>We are buying shares in these sectors that we consider DEFENSIVE: utilities, energy and pharmaceutical.</li>
<li>We consider their goods and services as a "need" instead of "want". </li>
<li>We understand dividends can be variable such as energy companies that are beholden to the underlying price the the commodity they are selling.</li>
<li>We hold some fixed income assets (preference shares and cash accounts) </li>
</ul>
While it may seem a little Kamikaze to keep holding so much wealth in stocks at the moment we are buying them for their income, not overall value (appreciation is desired ;). 
 
Perhaps lots of cash is better? Unfortunately like anything in life it is all about risk aversion. Cash loses value to inflation but is safe. At our point in our lives we are do [which one?] not need to be overly safe. If a problem happens we will do what it takes to get back on track. 
 
We are aiming for 80% INCOME and 20% in GROWTH and PROTECTION after the purchase of a property in FRANCE and the semi early retirement situation we are looking for. 
 
Starting a portfolio 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin   </blockquote>
We have read about dividend investing from several sites and blogs such as the <a href="http://dividendmonk.com/" target="_blank">dividend monk</a>, <a href="http://seekingalpha.com/" target="_blank">seekingalpha</a>, <a href="http://monevator.com/" target="_blank">monevator </a>and several early financial independence blogs such as <a href="http://www.bravenewlife.com/" target="_blank">brave new life</a>, <a href="http://retireby40.org/" target="_blank">retire by 40</a> and <a href="http://jlcollinsnh.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">jlcollinsnh</a>. 
 
We have a list of our our current holdings and the current dividend income they provide per month. We have added "what if" we bought x shares in each company to work out what the portfolio could look like to generate our desired final income (more detail will be provided in part 2 of the post). 
 
All of the stocks are researched  (Mr C spends lots of time on this) and evaluated. Decision of what to buy each month are made by having a look at share valuations and performance. We are currently concerned about buying some of the shares we have identified that have had large run ups at the start of the year (typically 10-20%). 
 
We are currently targeting the "laggards" - shares that are behind the market gains. Is this a good approach? Laggards are usually laggards for a reason? Well perhaps that is because their sector is out of favor and might be the next "performer". There is a "risk on" appetite in the market so some defensive sectors have been laggards / sold off in favor of stocks with perhaps more growth prospects. 
 
Please read on for: Are companies paying dividends the right choice? High paying dividend stock considerations. Dividend champion investing.

Dividend Surprise Part 1

THE FUTURE : "Jobs are being created, resources are abundant and technology is amazing - go out and enjoy yourself - I will look afte...

Frugality+Budgeting+Investing+Planning+ Hard Work=Financial Independence

Contender 2 book, Early Retirement, financial independence, frugality 14:46

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<h2>
Exposing the ways of the financially Independent Wealthy </h2>
SPEND.A.LOT: "I'm off shopping it's Saturday after my pay check. I've worked hard this month and deserve a new pair of shiny flashing light beep beep sneakers" 
THE.CONTENDER: "Aren't the beep beep sneakers way expensive? Can you buy them out of your pay check after paying all the bills?" 
 
SPEND.A.LOT "Well I just received this card through the post it has $2,000 of credit to spend now on it and no payments for 6 whole months - result! I want a new car as well there is a nice sports car in the local dealership with 10%. We can use the other car for the kids and I get to look the business" 
 
Card issuer (AKA THE.FUTURE) - what a sucker! They never read the small print, interest rate of 2000% he will be my little slave before he knows it. 
 
THE.CONTENDER: Would you hold off your purchases a minute, mate? I would like you to read a little book before you buy the sneakers and new car. It is called "The Millionaire Next Door" 
 
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21LiILnlkNL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click-small,TopRight,12,-30_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21LiILnlkNL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click-small,TopRight,12,-30_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millionaire Next Door on Amazon</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
 </div>
"The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas Stanley and William Danko  exposes the truth that great defense (that is "controlled spending on necessities" compared to consumerism is the road to wealth. 1 Million + copies sold in the US alone speak for itself. This post has: 
<ol>
<li>A short review of the book </li>
<li>THE.CONTENDER concerns for the kids</li>
<li>A look at putting some of the recommendations of the book into practice</li>
</ol>
 
"The Millionaire Next Door" written in 1996 investigates the lives of the wealthy. Their spending habits and investing traits versus high income low net worth individuals. Again the same result as the one THE.CONTENDER believes in: 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frugality + Budgeting + Investing + Planning + Hard Work </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
= Financial Independence</div>
 
The Book 
  
Simple enough isn't it? What was more fascinating about the book for daddy CONTENDER is the impact of your own consumption and traits rub off on the kids. In the book some very concerning points are made. 
 
Spendthrift high income families generally: 
<ol>
<li>Care about status and keeping up with the Jones</li>
<li>Spend a lot on expensive consumer goods (Cars, boats, clothes, blenders, cappucino makers and the like)</li>
<li>Do not have a household annual budget </li>
<li>Do not dedicate enough time to financial planning and investing</li>
<li>Some rely on sustaining their lifestyle on "gifts" from rich parents.</li>
</ol>
Compare this to millionaires 
<ol>
<li>They save at least 15% of their income</li>
<li>Their income is a very small part of their total wealth</li>
<li>A significant amount own their own business, leverage their contacts to get good deals and business passed onto them.</li>
<li>Are humble in front of their employes and neighbors showing no signs of their real wealth</li>
<li>The are fully satisfied with their humble living and have no intention to change and turn into a consumer. They have clearly defined life goals.</li>
</ol>
It is a fascinating look into the lives of the wealthy with loads of case studies. What is even better is that as it has sold over a million copies, you can pick up a second hand copy for a very modest price so I cannot recommend the book highly enough. 
 
Please read on for the  impact on the kids, FI state of mind what would the Millionaire Next Door ask himself?

Frugality+Budgeting+Investing+Planning+ Hard Work=Financial Independence

Nice shiny stuff - usually very expensive.... Exposing the ways of the financially Independent Wealthy SPEND.A.LOT: "I'm off ...

THE FUTURE

Contender 2 Blog, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, PERL 09:05

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Vision of THE.FUTURE (<a href="http://www.edenproject.com/visit-us/whats-here" target="_blank">Eden Project Cornwall UK</a>)</td></tr>
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THE.FUTURE "Contender I'm out to get ya! Yeh I'm watching you, I'm your shadow, I'm your worst nightmare! 
THE.CONTENDER - nice bloke THE.FUTURE time to put him in his place. 
 
<a href="http://www.getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-past.html" target="_blank">THE.PAST</a> - is a has been, in <a href="http://www.getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-present.html" target="_blank">THE.PRESENT</a> we enjoy the things we do each day. Now for THE.FUTURE! What is he up to in the investment world? Lets try to <strike>forecast</strike> guess a few things. What may happen across the planet in 2013? What can we work on on this blog this year? Let's guess. 
 
Guessing THE.FUTURE and Redundancy 
 
Contender used to forecast the sales of a very well known billion dollar brand consumer good. Forecasting as it turned out was educated guessing. As an engineer making a "Best Guess" versus an accurate answer was a bit of a change in mindset. 
 
To counter error in engineering you "add" a bit of redundancy in-case the calculations or assumptions are a little bit out. Forecasting THE.FUTURE on the other hand is guess work based on observations, thoughts and inherent human biases. 
 
Being incorrect with a sales forecast is countered by holding safety stock. You have options - plan for the best case scenario, make the stock early in case you need to make more, have idle machine capacity to "turn on" if required as a few examples. All redundancy and risk mitigation. 
 
So is forecasting about where redundancy is required? Savings are redundancy, food in the house is redundancy. Heating oil / lumber in the shed is redundancy. THE.FUTURE holds many surprises and cannot be forecasted accurately; so where shall our tribe add some redundancy this year? 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
THE.FUTURE</div>
 
CONTENDER 2013 <strike>Ramblings</strike> <strike>Forecast</strike> Guess 
 
UK:
 In good old blighty QE will re-start hitting the pound and driving inflation higher. 
Economic growth will come but in the wrong areas creating new bubbles in
 the UK economy. What happens when they pop this time? George Osbourne 
will continue to say how well Austerity is going but knows differently ;) 
 
GDP Growth
 forecasts are only a representation of the money printing not real GDP 
growth. Inflation will stay high although it will be reported low (just 
what they really want - how is the UK going to get out of its debt trap 
otherwise?) 
 
More rain? - It is getting wetter in this 
country? The weather more extreme each year. One year a massive heatwave and the
 next year the country is underwater. <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/new_scientist/2012/09/will_2013_be_the_hottest_year_climate_change_and_el_ni_o_will_make_next_year_sweltering_.html" target="_blank">Time for a heatwave?</a> 
 The UK Populus starts to make more noise about the financial systems confiscation of their wealth. People will continue to scale back on expensive consumer goods and move to own label products. The own label products do the job at a much lower price. 
 
In realising that they need to be "savvy" consumers all areas of spending will start to be scaled back.  Holidays aboard, expensive fashion, gadgets, eating out, entertainment. All GDP negative. 
 
Riots in London are unlikely (we had them at the end of our street in 2011) but inflation is pressuring the population all it needs is an increase in interest rates to make times much harder for people. 
 
More people start to move out of poor performing "active" investment funds (who charge high fees) into  low cost tracker funds or invest directly themselves. The cities lavish fund industry marketing teams go into overdrive to save their jobs. 
 
The economy shows some signs of life after all of the money lavished on it but is held back by tail winds from the continent. 
 
Please read on for Continental Europe, China, Japan and the USA, our investment approach, What is going on with the blog this year and some closing thoughts....

THE FUTURE

One Vision of THE.FUTURE ( Eden Project Cornwall UK ) THE.FUTURE "Contender I'm out to get ya! Yeh I'm watching you, I...

THE PAST

Contender 0 Black Swan, Blog, Dividends, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Investing 20:12

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Romieu Gers France</td></tr>
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THE.PAST: "Well you did not see that coming did ya man!" 
THE.CONTENDER: "We planned enough of it mate!" 
 
This is the first of 3 posts, a look at THE.PAST, the year that was 2012.  
<ol>
<li>THE.CONTENDER Tribe 2012 road to Financial Independence and this year's highlights. </li>
<li>What happened in the financial world and the impact on the THE.CONTENDER investment portfolio.</li>
<li>What we learnt as a family over the year. What did you learn about yourself?</li>
</ol>
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
THE.PAST</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it” George Santayana </blockquote>
Tribe road to financial Freedom and France in 2012 
<ol>
<li>Mr C takes over the parental duties while Mrs C goes back to work </li>
<li>Our eldest child left creche and started nursery school </li>
<li>Spending was cut dramatically with no impact to our standard of living, as described in <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/father-muff-financial-frugality-case.html">Father C a Financial Frugality Case Study of Bringing up Baby</a></li>
<li>Standard of living actually increased as we had one adult at home, which is positive for the children and less stressful for the parents (no more rushing around to pick up kids, having to book days off when they are sick and finding child care solutions)</li>
<li>Both children have grown up immensely this year and are showing real progress - the eldest with reading and writing (just turned 4) and the youngest is a real little person now she is mobile. </li>
<li>Saving exceeded expectations but investments were flat (see below)</li>
<li>Investment knowledge has increased see <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/round-5-156s-investment-challenges.html">Investment Challenges</a> and <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/risk-versus-reward-round-5-2m-59s.html">Risk Versus Reward </a>and <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/financial-independence-planner-stock.html">Financial Independence Planner & Stock Screener</a></li>
<li>The Tribe has improved its knowledge and use of alternative health practices, see <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/keeping-muff-healthy-round-6-1m-37s.html">Keeping the Tribe healthy</a> </li>
<li>Wonderful holiday in the south of France researching where to live (photo above from the Gers region of France).</li>
<li>Started this blog! see <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/10-blogging-mistakes-muff-styleee.html">10 blogging mistakes - CONTENDER styleee!</a></li>
</ol>
Financial Impact of 2012 
 
First for all those Boggle heads out there our investments came out at a slightly positive 1.5% gain compared to an approximate 7% gain for the US market. 
 
We did exceed our savings plan but took a hit when Mr C left work and hence lost his share options. 
 
Overall this is disappointing but there is always a silver lining! First let's have a look at what happened across the world and why the THE.CONTENDER investment portfolio turned out flat. 
 
By World Region 
 
UK: Austerity is doing its job, shame about the un-realistic growth figures (as usual) along came the double dip recession. Odd thing is that the "austerity" still means that the national debt is increasing year on year...... Nothing to see here, move on, all is well! (quick, appoint another ex Goldman Sachs employee as the Governor of the Bank of England as Merv has stopped printing to cover up the mess that the UK finances are in). 
 
Olympics - good job and pulled the UK out of recession due to the ticket sales alone..... Record haul of medals and Sir Bradley Wiggins won Gold following on from his Tour de France success.  And UK sports personality of the year to boot. GO WIGGO! 
 
Rain - funny that and in the UK of all places - IT HASN'T STOPPED!!! Why invest in wind power we need hydro dams! 
 
Tribe Investments 
<ul>
<li>Stocks generally positive for the year. Income stocks did OK (oil and gas, utilities, telecoms and pharmaceuticals)</li>
<li>Funds generally negative due to exposure to precious metal miners which have had a second poor year of performance in a row compared to the underlying metals which were both positive for the year. </li>
</ul>

THE PAST

La Romieu Gers France THE.PAST: "Well you did not see that coming did ya man!" THE.CONTENDER : "We planned enough of it...

Some of the best FI / ERE Posts of 2012?

Contender 1 Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence 08:20

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Hi fight fans, nearly the end of the year already! Where did it all go. Who were the winners in the game of life?   
THE FUTURE is still lurking there ready to take THE.CONTENDER to the cleaners when he gets the chance. What is THE.CONTENDER to do? Keep on LEARNING.  
 
Below are some of the favorite posts THE.CONTENDER has read this year and a brief summary of what they were about, and what can be learnt from them. 
 
January Freeze - too cold for brass monkeys. New Year Resolutions for the rest of the year anyone? (<strike>P.S. </strike><strike>CONTENDER remember last years and don't kid yourself;o</strike>) 
 
jlcollinsnh<a href="http://jlcollinsnh.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/index-funds/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to The bashing of Index Funds, Jack Bogle and a Jedi dog trick"> - The bashing of Index Funds, Jack Bogle and a Jedi dog trick</a> 
What: Why cheap index funds such as Vanguard are a great way to invest and why the financial media and investment houses hate them* 
Early Retirement Angle: Cut out the investment fees to retire early 
 
February Blues - bills bills bills Christmas overspend? 
 
Brave New Life - <a href="http://www.bravenewlife.com/02/how-to-get-your-significant-to-embrace-a-brave-new-life/" rel="bookmark" title="How To Get Your Significant Other To Embrace a Brave New Life">How To Get Your Significant Other To Embrace a Brave New Life</a> 
What: Change of direction, stop wasting money and being a good little consumer? What about the rest of the family? 
Early Retirement Angle: Taking people with you all working towards a common goal of early retirement is a change in mindset. The consumerist live for today lifestyle needs to countered with save to day to enjoy tomorrow financially free. 
 
March Madness - It is getting lighter in the evenings and the world is a better place 
 
Brave New Life - <a href="http://www.bravenewlife.com/03/core-principle-6-this-is-water/" target="_blank">Core Principle 6 This Is Water</a> 
What: David Foster Wallace inspiration talk on life - what is it all for / have some perspective on life? 
Early Retirement Angle: Consider the big picture in life who are you and think carefully about the world 
 
Brave New Life -<a href="http://www.bravenewlife.com/03/10-reasons-not-to-retire-early-uh-oh/" rel="bookmark" title="10 Reasons Not To Retire Early? Uh-Oh!">10 Reasons Not To Retire Early? Uh-Oh!</a> 
What: Nice post on the financial media's excuses \ procrastination against early retirement. 
Early Retirement Angle Grinder: Doubts, herd mentality, media - think clearly set your own goals and try to shut out all of the negativity that is out there about "retirement" and "frugality".

Some of the best FI / ERE Posts of 2012?

Hi fight fans, nearly the end of the year already! Where did it all go. Who were the winners in the game of life? THE FUTURE is still ...

Get Real

Contender 0 Compound Interest, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Gold, Investing, Oil, Schiller PE10, Silver, Wheat 14:40

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real Stuff (munkee.com)</td></tr>
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 PLAN.AHEAD: "Where have you been CONTENDER we need to get on with your training?" 
 THE.CONTENDER: "THE FUTURE caught our little tribe out with the evil flu but we are back in the game now" 
PLAN.AHEAD: "Right C your NEW training program is called LEARN.SOMETHING.USEFUL" 
THE.CONTENDER: "Is it going to help me defeat THE FUTURE?" 
PLAN.AHEAD: "Now don't get carried away. One step at a time. I have so many things you need to learn. What I need from you is Focus, Listen and Actually Understand, Take your time and let it all sink in" 
THE.CONTENDER: "Yes master tell me tell me I want to know the secrets of the FINANCIAL.INDEPENDENCE.SHIELD and the HAPPINESS.PUNCH (hopefully it is alcoholic ;) 
 
In this post a thesis that the next 30 years are going to be very different than the last 30 years (à la <a href="http://www.peakprosperity.com/" target="_blank">Chris Martinson</a>). In particular considering investing in REAL NECESSITIES instead of passive INDEX investing. 
 
Next post will provide a new stock screening tool that analyses up to 3000 stocks at a time AND an update to CERP - financial planning tool to incorporate an individual stock analysis dashboard as well as a 10x boost to the speed of the tool! 
 
 
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 <td align="LEFT" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;" valign="MIDDLE">Stock screener for company quality and return on capital</td>
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Return of Capital 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"It not the return on capital but the return of capital" - Jim Rodgers 
 
 "The first rule of investing has always been don't lose money!" - Warren Buffet</blockquote>
 
For those seeking very early financial independence we need to to grow money faster than inflation and build up a passive income. 
 
In order to do this THE.CONTENDER has looked to first understand what is money and investing (after making a few mistakes) before taking the plunge into the stock market. 
 
Ever since our Tribe started to invest in precious metals in 2005 (a very small amount after talking to an investment banker at a party and being inspired by his outlook on investment) we have been interested in what is money? Why is it valuable? Why does it lose its value over time? 
 
We want our savings to AT LEAST buy comparative goods in the future. $10 for a bag of potatoes today + bank account interest should cost $10 in five years time. 
 
If we are growing our money what is the REAL return after inflation? 
 
10 years ago you could get a loaf of bread for 0.5 monetary units,  now it costs 1.5 monetary units in only 10 years! Supposedly technology has improved so the cost of my loaf of bread should be coming down right??!!!: 
<ol>
<li>Transport is more efficient (we mix truck loads to get max fill / weight ratios with complex computer programs and collaboration across multiple companies)  </li>
<li>Energy is captured and recycled in the baking process  </li>
<li>Agriculture productivity is up - better machines, fertilizers and weather prediction systems....  </li>
<li>Waste is down due to efficient inventory management and improved sales forecasting.  </li>
<li>Competition is rife and profit margins are being reduced  </li>
<li>The USA is going to be energy independent and oil and gas prices are going to plummet!</li>
</ol>
Why Why Why has the cost of my loaf of bread trebled after all of these cost saving improvements? Why is THE.CONTENDER paying so much more for the basics of life compared to 10 years ago. Inflation has been reported as very low.....????

Get Real

Real Stuff (munkee.com) PLAN.AHEAD: "Where have you been CONTENDER we need to get on with your training?" THE.CONTENDER: ...

6 Habits for Very Early Retirement

Contender 2 Early Retirement, financial independence, Habits, Rules 20:50

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps a leaflet instead..</td></tr>
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THE.CONTENDER is on a Scrap in the Savannah! - he is only fighting a has been in UP.TO.HIS.EYEBALLS.IN.DEBT so needs something to hype up the fight. Unfortunately Rhumble in the Jungle has been done.... shame:( 
 
Africa's heat, humidity, local culture, dance, song and animal instincts fuel CONTENDERS's ambition to coax THE.FUTURE to getintheringwithme after putting away this lightweight. Pounding the watermelons for the camera was satisfying but CONTENDER  wanted to prove his killer instincts to the world. He headed out into the Savanna in search of some prey. 
 
Following on from the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/2012/11/30-rules-of-very-early-retirement.html" target="_blank">30 Rules of Very Early Retirement </a>THE.CONTENDER thought it 
would be fun to list 6 Habits of very early retirement he has developed down the years...... 
 
THE.CONTENDER came across the idea of embedding habits in your daily routine from Steven Covey. He is world renound for his <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Habits-Highly-Effective-People/dp/0684858398/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352709552&sr=1-1" target="_blank">7 Habits of Highly Effective People</a> see summary <a href="http://www.change-management-coach.com/stephen-covey.html" target="_blank">here</a>. THE.CONTENDER highly recommends his follow up book the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-8th-Habit-Effectiveness-Greatness/dp/0743206835/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352708902&sr=8-1" target="_blank">8th Habit</a> as well, it includes a brief description of the other 7 - time for a trip to the library?). 
<ol>
<li>Emotional intelligence - Stalking the springbok his head is turned by a rhino - surely that would be the ultimate trophy for his first outing? Very tempting... focus THE.CONTENDER , smell the roses! Its too big, too precious too stupid! The early retiree does not have his head turned by the latest marketing campaign easily (unless it is half price consumable offers in the supermarket - we like those). He stalks his prey for the best deals and he ignores the glitzy, shiny gizmos that cost a fortune and "need" upgrading every year - to whose benefit is that?  </li>
<li>Financial Intelligence - All those years of training. The prey does not stand a chance . Statistics, PE (Price to Earnings), PEG (price to growth), balance sheets, rental yields, mortgage rates, you name it it is all in his arsenal along with the ultimate weapon of choice A SPREADSHEET*. The early retiree has put the hard yards in (New Zealand rugby saying for working really hard as a team to move very slowly forward up the rugby field) he spends time learning the basics, then the ins and outs of finance. What is money "money doesn't grow on trees" todays fiat money is trees - as much paper printing as you like and electronic entries on the computer called QE (quantitative easing) i.e money printing, debasing the currency....more for another day. The early retiree understands the rules of the game and learns all the tricks to get check mate.  </li>
<li>Determination - Slowly moving forward through the savanna he has his prey it in his sights... getting closer and closer as it twitches its ears can it hear him.  It is still a long way in the distance. Getting closer, getting there, getting there...keep going your time will come. Patience is a virtue and planning for early retirement will take time and will power to stay the course. You need to <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-free-Productivity/dp/0749922648/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352708994&sr=1-1" target="_blank">get things done </a>and be bloody minded in this time. Our fledgling hunter eyes the goal of master early retiree huntsman, nothing is going to stand in his way!  </li>
<li>Mental agility - thinking on his feet he spots some big rocks in the landscape ahead. They are in his way what does he do? Good job he thought of packing a few sticks of dynamite! Thinking and planning ahead to avoid the big rocks. The early retiree has developed the planning habit. He has worked out his retirement needs and how to deal with any challenges THE FUTURE holds...probably. He regularly checks his progress and changes course if needed. He learns on is feet (actually getting stuck in, not just reading a book or this blog;) He can critically evaluate an opportunity or pitfall. </li></ol>

6 Habits for Very Early Retirement

Perhaps a leaflet instead.. THE.CONTENDER is on a Scrap in the Savannah! - he is only fighting a has been in UP.TO.HIS.EYEBALLS.IN.DEBT ...

30 Rules of Very Early Retirement

Contender 3 #financialindependence, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Rules, Saving 07:07

30 Rules of Very Early Retirement

Lots of Rules Today THE.CoNTeNDeR and trainer SORT.YOUR.LIFE.OUT have a look at all of the rules of the Very Early Retirement Fight. ...

A Good Day To Live

Contender 3 Blog, Early Retirement, early-retirement, Happiness 06:59

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJiqB4piXXw/UJbclGXTzyI/AAAAAAAACDs/JZWLKuSKq0U/s1600/AGoodDayToLive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="87" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJiqB4piXXw/UJbclGXTzyI/AAAAAAAACDs/JZWLKuSKq0U/s400/AGoodDayToLive.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: A good Day to Live</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Fight fans it is a <a href="http://gooddaytolive.wordpress.com/">Good Day To Live</a>! There is a contender out there with strong credentials, a vision for THE FUTURE and a conviction to see it through to the end. MR WOODPECKER is a fellow European who is lighting up the Early Retirement and Live Life to the full movement. His posts on saving for the future, experiences from all the beautiful places he visited, perspectives on early retirement and the beautiful world around us, all that through the photographs he shares from his travels.  His philosophy on life resonates to the CONTENDER tribe! 
 
THE.CONTENDER has been fortunate to work with several people across countries in Europe. Europe is an amazing place full of extremely different cultures, working practices, traditions, sense of humor, rivalries and politics to name a few! This is why it is so good to have another European perspective from Woodpecker. His posts cover similar goals to THE.CONTENDER 's in his own unique way. Being only a few hundred miles away (UK / Germany) you can see the clear cultural differences from the styles. 
 
THE.CONTENDER has more of a western capitalist slant to this blog whilst Woodpeckers is more easy going and philosophical. Just an observation! 
 
THE.CONTENDER enjoys reading about Woodpecker's adventures, analysis of work life balance and what is happiness for Woodpecker and his tribe. THE.CONTENDER sees clearly that he has been dealt a great hand by living in Europe. It may have tones of bureaucracy, too many politicians and silly rules but it works. We have amazing geography and landscapes on our doorsteps, a mature society (as in stable populations and over population limited to some of the European mega cities). 
 
Our architecture may be crumbling in places but new exciting architects transform European cities  (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilbao_Guggenheim_Museum" target="_blank">Bilbao Guggenheim</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%BCsseldorf-Hafen" target="_blank">Dusseldorf harbor</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagrada_Fam%C3%ADlia" target="_blank">Barcelona familia sagrada</a> and good old Blighty's modern glass ode to capitalism the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_St_Mary_Axe" target="_blank">Gurkin </a>and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shard" target="_blank">Shard of Glass</a>. Shame we can't look after our crumbling (literally as well as morally) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Westminster" target="_blank">Houses of Parliament in London.</a>... Old and New, Splendor and Shock all there to be marveled or abhorred! 
 
Woodpecker's posts are clear and nice to read, and contain lots of personal thoughts on how to achieve work-life balance in a fast paced, modern, corporate lifestyle in a big European city. For instance Mr Woodpecker describes in one post how he considered applying for a promotion and the implications this would have for him and his tribe, read on to see what he chose to do in the end. Quite inspiring for THE.CONTENDER. 
 
This is why <a href="http://gooddaytolive.wordpress.com/">Good Day To Live</a> is a must read. It is a celebration of life an all things good in Europe. What is happiness? Why travel far when there is beauty on your doorstep? The joys of raising a family.  
 
THE.CONTENDER 's favorite posts from A Good Day To Live 
<h1 class="entry-title">
<a href="http://gooddaytolive.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/a-new-era-of-work-part-2-women-back-to-kitchen/" target="_blank">A new era of work – Part 2: Both partners working full time – what a crazy concept!</a> </h1>
This is
 a great post considering the change in the working patterns of the 
"average" family from 30 years ago versus present. The post is a good critique of the crazy change from one wage earner to both parents working and the impacts this can have on your lives. 
 
 <a href="http://gooddaytolive.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/the-income-and-consumption-illusion-more-and-more-will-not-make-you-happier/" target="_blank">The income and consumption illusion – Part 1: More and more will NOT make you happier!</a> 
 
A post on what is enough? Woodpecker considers discussed does a higher grade model of car really make you happier? What is an agreeable income threshold for happiness? All in this post an one to definitely ponder upon. What do you really need and what would your family budget look like if you re-size your lifestyle? 
 
THE.CONTENDER's Favorite Part of the Blog 
 
A small selection of Woodpecker's wonderful photos of Europe which are dotted all over his blog: 
 
 
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gooddaytolive.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/xdsc_6495-e1349775071411.jpg?w=640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="213" src="http://gooddaytolive.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/xdsc_6495-e1349775071411.jpg?w=640" title="Source: A good Day to Live" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gooddaytolive.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/italy-part-6-san-vito-lo-capo-and-genoa/" target="_blank">AGDTL - San Vito Lo Capo and Genoa</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gooddaytolive.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/xdsc_6299.jpg?w=640&h=425" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="http://gooddaytolive.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/xdsc_6299.jpg?w=640&h=425" title="Source: A good Day to Live" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gooddaytolive.wordpress.com/2012/10/05/italy-part-5-sicily/#more-780" target="_blank">See Woodpeckers post on Sicily</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">  </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gooddaytolive.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/xdsc_6058.jpg?w=640&h=425" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="http://gooddaytolive.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/xdsc_6058.jpg?w=640&h=425" title="Source: A good Day to Live" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gooddaytolive.wordpress.com/2012/09/19/italy-part-4-tropeacalabria/" target="_blank">AGDL - Tropea Calabria</a></td></tr>
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<h1 class="entry-title">
Keep up the good work <a href="http://gooddaytolive.wordpress.com/about/" target="_blank">Woodpecker</a>!</h1>
Peace and prosperity 
 
THE.CONTENDER 
 
Welcome New Contender Readers! Take a look around. <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me.html">Find out who THE.CONTENDER is</a> or <a href="http://www.getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/why-why-why.html">Start at the first article</a>, browse the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/all-posts-get-in-ring.html" target="_blank">all posts</a> or just go for a <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me.html#random" rel="13">Random Post</a>. Please feel free to play with the FREE <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/muff-tools-and-check-lists.html" target="_blank">planning tools and checklists</a>. 
 
Keep in Touch:  <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MuffFreeLifeAndExtremeFinancialFreedomPlanningTools" target="_new">RSS Feed</a>, follow our Tribe on <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/MUFF68989945" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or subscribe to posts by email: 
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A Good Day To Live

Source: A good Day to Live Fight fans it is a Good Day To Live ! There is a contender out there with strong credentials, a vision for...

Community HELP! Part 2 - 8 Contributions and Develop New Skills

Contender 0 charity, community, Early Retirement, early-retirement, Happiness, health, Life 08:29

Community HELP! Part 2 - 8 Contributions and Develop New Skills

Look to your community and learn new skills SPENDITALL : "CONTENDER , when you decided to hang up your gloves, you talked about gi...

Community HELP! Part 1 - 10 Amazing Blessings

Contender 0 charity, community, Early Retirement, Education, financial independence, frugality, Happiness 13:48

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DxKG6LKTt3Q/UHKAppmXVZI/AAAAAAAAB68/5SYKoWrX7mw/s1600/Rocky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DxKG6LKTt3Q/UHKAppmXVZI/AAAAAAAAB68/5SYKoWrX7mw/s200/Rocky.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Community guy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
INTERVIEWER: Rocky you are relatively unknown, a southpaw fighter from the harsh streets of Philadelphia, scraping a living in the lower reaches of boxing. What makes you think you have a chance at toppling the champ? 
 ROCKY:  Don't really know, got this chance, need to take it. Guess he's gonna be complacent and underestimate me I guess. Gotta go and run up some steps see ya! 
 
Rocky was more than boxing, more of a life saga that is really a credit to Sylvester Stallone; uplifting, inspirational and down to earth at the same time. The films covered several social themes; poverty, family and community. Rocky wore his heart on his sleeve, never forgetting his roots. He was committed to the community he lived in. 
 
In this post we are going to look at 10 ways our community, its resources and have helped us. A follow up post will cover ways in how we can contribute ourselves, especially in early retirement with all that free time! 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Well I'd like to get a couple of hats and maybe a 
statue for the church and some of those Muppets for the kid, you know, 
Kermit and Miss Piggy and a Snowcone machine for Paulie, you like 
Snowcones don't you?"-Rocky</blockquote>
Rocky is in a different class in the ring. THE.CONTENDER would be in big trouble. Nevertheless can THE.CONTENDER in Early Retirement engage with the community in the way that Rocky did? 
 
Community Spirit 
 
Since THE.CONTENDER has stopped working, the people and resources in our local community are more important than ever. THE.CONTENDER has met so many generous people who give up their valuable time to make local play groups, farmers markets and Sunday schools happen. Local government maintains the parks and libraries our little tribe enjoy on a day to day basis. Our Local resident group help improve our environment 
(such as new trees for the streets and organising events for the children in our local park). They petition for improvements to 
parking, access, parks and libraries. These are all massive resources that we are very grateful for. 
 
Our area would be poorer culturally and the community would not be so vibrant if it were not for the efforts of these individuals. 
 
New Friends 
 
When THE.CONTENDER was working he had a long commute to and from work, had to rush to go home just in time to pick 
up the kids from childcare then get them to bed leaving little time for anything else. Our tribe hardly knew our neighbors and did not find the time to properly engage with most people around us beyond the polite hellos and goodbyes. 
Our evenings were primarily filled with watching films, reading books, exercising, internet then bed. At weekends we recovered and sometimes a play date with one of our eldest child's friends.We used our community resources only fleetingly at 
weekends such as a visit to the park and library. 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Stay in school and use your brain. Be a doctor, be a lawyer, carry a 
leather briefcase. Forget about sports as a profession. Sports make ya 
grunt and smell. See, be a thinker, not a stinker. -
Apollo Creed  </blockquote>
With the birth of our second child Mrs C was able to take some maternity leave followed by THE.CONTENDER taking the reigns when Mrs C went back to work, with his paternity leave and now full time commitment to raising the kids. During this time we have both been very fortunate to meet new friends. Especially when we needed them 
most. 
 
After starting to look after the children full time THE.CONTENDER has met many people in
 the community who have welcomed him with open arms. THE.CONTENDER would like to consider them all friends. They are from 
all walks of life, have very different backgrounds and challenges to overcome. They are very different to the people from working in a corporate environment where most people put on a very "professional" persona. Now THE.CONTENDER meets musicians, teachers, fashion forecasters, editors and publishers, carers, builders, retirees, professional doing an MBA....from what THE.CONTENDER sees they all care deeply about their community and so do we.  
 
Time to have a look at 10 areas of help and resources from our wonderful local community. Please read on: 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>

Community HELP! Part 1 - 10 Amazing Blessings

Community guy INTERVIEWER : Rocky you are relatively unknown, a southpaw fighter from the harsh streets of Philadelphia, scraping a liv...

10 blogging mistakes - Contender styleee!

Contender 5 Blog, Early Retirement, Finance, frugality, Happiness, Naive, Planning, Writing 08:52

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.streetartutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/4602805654_db8b6569fb_b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://www.streetartutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/4602805654_db8b6569fb_b.jpeg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bansky - Graffiti Creative Brilliance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
THE.CONTENDER is writing this post about the respect and humility THE.CONTENDER has for the challenge of writing a readable, engaging and hopefully entertaining blog. 
 
What makes a blog attractive? Is it funny, short, arty or just contain as much content as possible. What has THE.CONTENDER done and considered to create this blog (the plan is at the end of the post)? 
 
Importantly what CGBEB (Contender Great Big Enormous Blunders) have been made so far. Will it \ does it meets the needs of the readership? 
 
THE.CONTENDER has been a scientist all his life and worked primarily in large corporations. He had been turned into the proverbial robot happy in herds. THE.CONTENDER wanted to write a blog which is a personal pursuit. 
 
The main problem was that THE.CONTENDER has been a corporate employee trained to give up individuality and not to peruse risks. THE.CONTENDER asked himself how in the hell does one write a blog? Never excelled in English whilst only having expertise at corporate memos and PowerPoint presentations... 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
How does THE.CONTENDER write something readable in a sphere where professional writers can knock me out for the count????</div>
 
To start the blog I needed a subject and a theme. The content was to be on financial and life planning - putting goals into a plan and making sure they happen. For a theme - boxing and the choice of the website url "www.GetInTheRingWithMe.blogspot.com". Life is a fight so the duel of boxing
 to win seemed to be a good fit. 
 
Secondly an alias name was 
required. MUFF was borne to convey the message  "My 
Unconventional Freedom Fight" secondly the word MUFF is quite silly and can mean several different things and used in several ways. This did not work out and was subsequently dumped. 
 
Next was to get started. I had just stopped work in Feb 2012 to look after the kids. A couple of months were required to get accustomed to looking after the little ones full time. Exhausting to start with and my wife was just getting back into work mode. So I got started on this blog in June July and turned it on in August.........Is anyone going to read it? 
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzPVq2Q5Sq0/UGBQmC0TddI/AAAAAAAABzM/NBaeFjClnaA/s1600/Bansky+Pulp+Fiction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzPVq2Q5Sq0/UGBQmC0TddI/AAAAAAAABzM/NBaeFjClnaA/s320/Bansky+Pulp+Fiction.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flop on my hands after all that work - time to change?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
The first couple of months saw very modest traffic. This told me that there was a lot I was doing wrong (as usual) can THE.CONTENDER learn from his mistakes? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Please read on for the CGBEB (Contender Great Big Enormous Blunders) I have had to correct (so far):

10 blogging mistakes - Contender styleee!

Bansky - Graffiti Creative Brilliance THE.CONTENDER is writing this post about the respect and humility THE.CONTENDER has for the challe...

Early Retirement at 36 - Charity Time?

Contender 0 charity, Early Retirement, financial independence, frugality, Planning 16:00

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wseeVkLjabs/UHapgeZZ0yI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/pKxC5g1NKck/s1600/InterviewTime2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wseeVkLjabs/UHapgeZZ0yI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/pKxC5g1NKck/s320/InterviewTime2.jpg" width="256"></a></div>
Evening fight fans your host for the evening is the THE FUTURE here on FREEDOM FIGHT NIGHT. This evening we are interviewing THE.CONTENDER on his extraordinary decision to Retire Early. THE FUTURE wants to know is THE.CONTENDER going to fade into the distance or stay in the spotlight? 
 
Our champion glides into view floating like a butterfly onto the comfortable leather reclining chair. A hush comes across the audience all eyes are on THE.CONTENDER . 
 
INTERVIEWER: THE.CONTENDER , so kind of you to take time out from your busy schedule looking after the kids:). Your retirement came out of the blue and has shocked a large number of people. Surely is is too early to hang up the gloves? 
 
THE.CONTENDER : Taking early retirement from the ring is a blessing, I have taken some hard knocks down the years. I want to see the kids grow up and secondly I think it is time to "give back" to the the community. 
 
INTERVIEWER: Give back to the community..... THE.CONTENDER you are recognized all over the world are you going to use your ugly mug for the Halloween? 
 
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h__4JapNa6g/UHNMeB_ntbI/AAAAAAAAB8E/eenWldgXZ70/s1600/African+School.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h__4JapNa6g/UHNMeB_ntbI/AAAAAAAAB8E/eenWldgXZ70/s320/African+School.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE.CONTENDER helped to put on a school sports day for this special bunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Audience laughs 
 
THE.CONTENDER : Freddie's (Kruger) stunt double doesn't have to worry.  I want to be active in the community in a different way! I have been inspired by an orphanage charity project I was fortunate to participate in. As my face is well traveled and the kids were not scared easily....... 
 
THE.CONTENDER has seen poverty first hand. He doesn't think it has a place in the modern world. He has visited rural Africa on two occasions; Zambia and Zimbabwe followed by South Africa. THE.CONTENDER has also seen poverty in Poland, Czech Republic, Thailand and good old Blighty itself in some London housing estates. It's not pretty and really in this day and age should not be there. 
 
It is the Trip to South Africa THE.CONTENDER would like to talk about today. The team that THE.CONTENDER traveled with raised money for and worked on a much needed orphanage for 150 children (1/3 infected with HIV). It is a fabulous example of charity, learning and independence. It was a heart warming, sad, inspirational and joyful experience all at the same time. Is this what all early retirees could dedicate some of their time to? 
 
Charity, Early Retirement and Poverty 
 
THE.CONTENDER did not really understand poverty properly until he saw it first hand. Yes THE.CONTENDER had seen Live Aid and all of the daily horrific news stories on the BBC. THE.CONTENDER had sympathy for them and donated to charity but never actively with his own time. Was this really making a difference? 
 
Thinking back to my upbringing I was dead fortunate. I was brought up in a one parent loving family. Living in a declining coal mining area in South Wales. THE.CONTENDER was happy. He ran free in the beautiful Welsh Valleys with his mates and kicked rugby balls around the playing fields. Even though as a family, we had little money, we did not go without. THE.CONTENDER had access to a very good education system. He was heavily subsidised and had a sponsor to go to an exceptionally good University in Manchester studying engineering. 
 
THE.CONTENDER has benefited from resources a large part of the world population would bend
 over backwards for. THE.CONTENDER has been given it all on a plate - he has been
 very, very, very (yes three times!) fortunate. Did THE.CONTENDER know this at the time - perhaps - definitely now though. 
 
A good education resulted in a good job and the amazing opportunity to be financially free by the ripe old age of 36. Our little tribe has a very comfortable life that is easy to take for granted. We have running water, electricity, rent a nice property, can go to the store and buy Alaskan salmon, French saussion, Italian Chianti heck our local market sells fish from New Zealand! (We think this is completely silly by the way and buy local as much as possible.) Lucky indeed. 
 
Why has THE.CONTENDER been fortunate enough to thrive like this? THE.CONTENDER worked hard but was helped due to the specific advantages of a developed country. So what can THE.CONTENDER do more of to give back to society which has helped him all these years? Can we be charitable and help where it is needed? 
 
THE.CONTENDER 's first real experience of poverty, and how a little charity goes a long way, was his first trip to Africa. My sister was teaching in Zambia at the time. It is an amazing place - even more so if you are a foreign tourist! My sister took us to some places that were completely off the beaten track. This is where poverty first really became real for me. From the funeral parade of at LEAST 50 COFFINS each day out of Lusaka to the bush where they probably never see a white man. It was in a small isolated hamlet THE.CONTENDER inadvertently scared a bunch of kids with a balloon - completely alien to them. Ooops! 
 
These people had a roof over their heads, some small necessary possessions for cooking and gardening and that was it. No schools, no health care, no idea of money really - poverty to a westerner but THE.CONTENDER only saw happiness in the eyes of this vibrant group. Sadly THE.CONTENDER was sure their life expectancy was low. They they probably did not really know what health care was or what a hospital looks like and all the benefits it brings. 
 
My sister is back in the UK and regularly provides donations of clothes and fills her suitcase up with essentials each time she travels back to Africa. Good one sis! 
 
This brings me on to the main part of this post; how the skills THE.CONTENDER has learnt were put to use in a charitable manner and how a modest amount of money can make a huge difference to so many (150 orphans in this case). Please read on about this exceptional project!

Early Retirement at 36 - Charity Time?

Evening fight fans your host for the evening is the THE FUTURE here on FREEDOM FIGHT NIGHT. This evening we are interviewing THE.CONTENDE...

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