FISH | Financial Independence Seeking Happiness: financial freedom

Messed Up, Clued Up, Wised Up

Contender 2 Critical Thinking, downshifting, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Planning, Risk, Saving 19:46

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As human beings we start off in life learning from our parents who generally protect us from the real world. We make mistakes, do and say things we shouldn't. All part of being a kid and the learning process. Later in life we act and talk bravado, drink and party too much, fun, fun, fun continuing the learning process. Eventually adolescence leaves us behind, the real world of work and personal responsibility beckons but we are still a long way from being wise. 
 
To be financially independent is to learn to be wise with our investments. We need to manage and adapt them to deal with the opportunities and uncertainties that we will be presented with in the 40+ years of living financially independent.  
 
Specifically this post considers how we gain wisdom to overcome some of the challenges to our financial independence and what we could do about them. 
<h2>
Confidence (A.K.A THE.PaST)</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Confidence is generally described as a state of being certain 
either that a hypothesis or prediction is correct or that a chosen 
course of action is the best or most effective.???</blockquote>
Before looking at some options for financial resilience, let's consider some of the major changes to our lives and what we can learn from them. 
<h2>

Past Precedents</h2>
In the recent past mankind has overcome numerous challenges. The green revolution has fed the masses and enabled us to hugely increase the world population. Nuclear power came along at the right time to reduce our consumption of oil, coal and gas which in turn have been tapped with space age technology. 
 
Companies have thrived, profits have flowed. Based on our past it is fair to believe that things will continue as they always have  the status quo and invest accordingly based on long term trends. There are numerous investment approaches to manage investments in several of the websites linked from the front page of this site. 
 
Investment opinions and approaches are just opinions albeit backed up with historical precedents. Should one run one's life and investments based on the opinions and ideas of others? Perhaps they should be used as a way to build wisdom, take responsibility for ones decisions, think outside the box and get rich instead of market average?   
<h2>
Arrogance (A.K.A THE.PReSeNT)</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The act or habit of <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/arrogate" title="arrogate">arrogating</a>, or making undue claims in an <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/overbearing" title="overbearing">overbearing</a>
 manner; that species of pride which consists in exorbitant claims of 
rank, dignity, estimation, or power, or which exalts the worth or 
importance of the person to an undue degree; proud contempt of others; 
lordliness; haughtiness; self-assumption; presumption.</blockquote>
<h2>
Seeking Wisdom from the Past </h2>
Wisdom takes time. For me THE.CoNTeNDeR the light bulb dimmer was adjusted up a little around the age of 36. I write my opinions here on this blog - are they wise, perhaps they are wiser for me but how would you know when you have wisdom or enlightenment? 
 
As you grow older you tend to be more reflective instead of impulsive, learn to understand and accept risks, take responsibility for your actions, developed a greater depth of knowledge and skills, learnt how to keep your hand on the pulse and filter out the chaff from the important. 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Bloggers write s**** with exclamation marks and bad punctuation with no concrete evidence" - quoted in the film Contagion</blockquote>
Is it wisdom when you have learnt how to be objective, understand different points of view, listen to others and then critically analyse the information and make your decisions? 
 
Is giving no advice and just asking probing questions good advice? Is listening and asking relevant questions the right way to be happy with your family friends and colleagues?  Do what you believe is right. Don't take anyone else's advice for granted or blame someone for taking it. At the end of the day you are the person ultimately taking the action of your own free will. 
 
Listen, think, ignore and do what is right for you. 
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Delusion (A.K.A THE.FuTuRe)</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A delusion is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belief" title="Belief">belief</a> held with strong conviction despite superior evidence to the contrary. As a pathology, it is distinct from a belief based on false or incomplete information, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confabulation" title="Confabulation">confabulation</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogma" title="Dogma">dogma</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illusion" title="Illusion">illusion</a>, or other effects of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perception" title="Perception">perception</a>. </blockquote>
<h2>
Present & Future Opportunities?</h2>
I thought it is worthwhile to consider a few things going on in the world today that definitely raise a few questions on the viability of financial independence. 
<ol>
<li>Cyprus Precedent - Your money in a bank is not actually yours - you lend it to them and it is a liability for them. What stops a bank haircut across the board?</li>
<li>Negative interest rates! Yes you pay the bank to look after your money which it may use in risky lending practises to make more money or the bank safe?</li>
<li>Money flows into stocks and especially dividend stocks. These "investment" actually become risky in a high inflation environment under performing in real terms as margins are eroded.</li>
<li>Real estate prices rise as money finds a home - over inflating the price of a home. Worse still people buying a home with a mortgage have to take on more debt. Debt = time and lots of debt = debt slavery. If the property bubble bursts the debt remains and due to the inherent leverage in the system the buyer can be left with huge losses.</li>
<li>Increase in the money supply / inflation increases living costs. Just divide 72 by the inflation rate to get the time for prices to double. e.g. a 4% rate 72/4 = 18 years!</li>
<li>Resource depletion - why are we digging up huge swathes of Canada, fracking US plains and drilling miles under the sea? At the same time US gasoline usage has cratered by 60%+ and oil is hovering around $100</li>
<li>Central bank / government intervention and herd mentality - financial markets are just as emotionally driven as they are fundamentally valued. Central banks can completely change the rules of the game. Governments can force changes on the populous.</li>
<li>Black swan events - what about the nuclear fusion problem being solved in the next 5 years and "free" energy being available for everyone? </li>
</ol>
Joining some of the dots together above highlight that time could be a changing.What about the FI enthusiast what does this mean to the 4% withdrawal guideline? Like everything in life it is a rule of thumb, guideline based on historical norms (how long has it been normal?) 
 
Guidelines are there to be broken, re-defined just as the current rules of the game in finance are being changed favouring different people and entities. 
 
Who knows? Perhaps the 4% rule becomes the 6% rule as we may be ushering in a new prosperity. Instead of saving 25 times your outgoing you only need to save 20 times instead? What if you invest in the right sectors? 
<h2>

Opportunistic Investments?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Oil is depleting - invest in oil companies with long life reserves and buy a small car?</li>
<li>Food costs more - grow your own?</li>
<li>Electricity is going up - get some solar panels, wind turbine our water wheel?</li>
<li>Cash savings are loosing their value. Learn about fiat money and why we are told inflation is good and deflation is bad (to whom?) - invest your spare cash (always keep a cash buffer for opportunities and emergencies)  in perhaps productive farmland or forestry, perhaps a depleting resources such as platinum, copper or silver or rarity in artwork, first edition books, stamps?</li>
<li>Have your own business so you can set the right prices for your needs. </li>
<li>Have a strategy, a backup strategy and and backup backup strategy. What if rental yields drop - should you exit?, Stock markets soar - should you sell some and buy rental properties? What happens if the misses is pregnant with triplets or you receive an inheritance windfall?</li>
<li>What are the growing businesses of the world? What are the trends where are the opportunities? Perhaps take time twice a year to read up on the future. Trend forecast sites can be a good source of information, consider any of the new websites, buzz gadgets that are the new big thing. What are the key resources needed to provide our 21st lifestyle? (e.g. rare earths, silver, semi conductors, solar panels, new drugs etc.)</li>
<li>You are getting older - look after yourself as health costs are rising - avoid processed foods high in sugars and fat, eat fresh local produce, clean your teeth properly, look at alternative medicines and preventative treatments.  </li>
</ul>
<h2>
Wisdom (A.K.A .....Dalai Lama, Thomas Jefferson, Socrates.....)</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wisdom is the ability to think and act using <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge" title="Knowledge">knowledge</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experience" title="Experience">experience</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Understanding" title="Understanding">understanding</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_sense" title="Common sense">common sense</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insight" title="Insight">insight</a>.</blockquote>
<h2>
Muses on attaining wisdom</h2>
<ul>
<li>Listen more than talking</li>
<li>Read, observe, analyse, criticise, and form your own opinions </li>
<li>Be idle and have idle thoughts</li>
<li>Ask questions with no right or wrong answers - What is the meaning of life?</li>
<li>Have friends that like a good debate</li>
<li>Don't jump to conclusions, listen, ask and understand the other persons point of view</li>
<li>Wait - there is no real rush - take your time when making decisions and weigh up all options </li>
<li>Open your mind - everything is interesting, there is no right or wrong just choices with different outcomes. What are the outcomes you want?</li>
<li>Have a go at anything and everything </li>
</ul>
Why do we want to be at peace, prosperous and happy? ... 
 
CoNTeNDeR

Messed Up, Clued Up, Wised Up

As human beings we start off in life learning from our parents who generally protect us from the real world. We make mistakes, do and say ...

The Joy of Gardening

Contender 0 downshifting, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Happiness, health 19:07

The Joy of Gardening

A garden with a view One key aspect of our downshifting plan has always been to have a nice garden. A garden is hard work, right? It is ...

Finally There (Guest post)

Contender 4 financial freedom, guest post, Happiness, stress, Work 15:48

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1WCkyaKCq3EEOWSB75XeTWgC5EaOABURk0j-Zue04TvSAFsmn6m3pqM58tx-UL8tbyyhfbikXy7UPPnVLOG1E6ohiuAPxyqkGm-A_rd-MR9pGdA3cPm5QLu9gSxG6GKzp5nZwm-9gg2p/s1600/Mountains.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1WCkyaKCq3EEOWSB75XeTWgC5EaOABURk0j-Zue04TvSAFsmn6m3pqM58tx-UL8tbyyhfbikXy7UPPnVLOG1E6ohiuAPxyqkGm-A_rd-MR9pGdA3cPm5QLu9gSxG6GKzp5nZwm-9gg2p/s1600/Mountains.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pyrénées, "un réservoir de beauté", by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/feyte/11624814914/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Pierre-Paul Feyte</a></td></tr>
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Mrs C's New Life 
 
This evening whilst I was sawing some wood for our evening fire and at the 
same time looking at the sunset on the French Pyrenees, it suddenly happened. 
This is it, my dream of a Good Life, finally there! 
 
The majestic mountains, all 
pink and blue in the sunset, the cold crisp evening air after a beautiful warm 
spring day. It was not much really, just chopping a big oak branch we cut off a 
tree a few days ago that needed to be cut into smaller chunks to fit in the 
fire place.   
 
But that was it, with hands firmly gripping the oak branch, all 
covered in lichen and a beautiful bottle green and grey colour, I was finally closer to Nature – far closer than I had ever been in the last 20? 25 years? 
 
Tonight, when I was closing the shutters of my kids’ bedrooms and putting them to bed, I saw our French friend Paul-Alexandre, who is a very busy corporate executive, come and pick up his 12-month old child from the child-minder at 7 pm. It made me realise that I could not live that busy corporate life anymore. I am not saying any more ever never never, but right now, this is not for me. 
 
No more power suits from lovely Italian labels that make a lovely thin waist and a terrible dent in the wallet and Harvey Nicks newsletter with more lovely dresses to get. Just a cotton skirt or a pair of dark blue jeans. No more high heels (and the back pain that goes with it) and no more carrying a so-called book bag to hide a pair of sports shoes for when running from meeting to meeting becomes impossible to manage in Louboutins. Just a really comfortable pair of dark green Hunters bought years ago when still dreaming the dream. 
 
No more macho bosses, even the female bosses are macho in the City. Just lovely neighbours who invite us to parties and to watch the 6 nations at home or share home-made cakes and biscuits. No more tossing and turning every night whilst worrying about work where I had to negotiate 300-page long commercial contracts and be an impossibly hard negotiator (the Iron Lady was the lovely nickname clients gave me). 
 
Just getting enough sleep so that we can go for a walk to town (6 km back and return), take the girls swimming and spend 2 hours gardening without feeling tired. 
 
I could go on and on with the list of “no more's” and “just's”. Now I am appreciating those long years of effort, saving every penny and planning every step we made. 
 
Thinking, Planning, Money..... 
 
The effort of our monthly financial reviews and planning have finally paid off....even if at the time I had to be dragged screaming to each financial review for our little tribe. I found that these reviews could sap what was left of my limited post work energy and..... 
 
It is true that I have never enjoyed talking or even thinking about money, other than seeing is as a both a way to control people and a mean to travel to far away places. Two sides of the same coin, if you excuse the pun, which interested me but I never wanted to spend more time arranging my finances than was strictly necessary. 
 
I was a passive saver and stayed away from debt. Also I have always liked to manage my pension funds and investments by choosing funds and monitoring their performance myself. But that’s just because I have always seen myself as a feminist and never wanted to have to rely on a man for financial support. Hence I wanted to do “all” by myself, studies, career, travelling, and investing my savings. It is also down to not wanting any man to control my destiny, whether a boyfriend or a financial advisor. 
 
Changing to an Early Financial Independence Mindset 
 
I was set on the normal path, work util retirement in my 60's. I was happy with the returns on my savings and investments were generating. I could leave them on autopilot until later in life. I was a “don’t touch if not broken” type of woman.But I was seeking a "way-out" out of the rat race, feeling it was not going to make me happy and that the sacrifices required to obtain the top managerial role would not be worth the results. 
 
But change we did as a couple when we started putting our heads together to look at our finances. After all these years of planning for financial independence and creative freedom for our family these efforts are paying off. I did resent the monthly financial reviews a bit Mr C says "a lot") but they were to be done. How could we get to our dream if we sleep-walked all our life and not got our house in order? 
 
And here we are in the south west of France! We work in our vegetable patch together every sunny day (i.e. almost every day). The girls are playing in the field full of daisies (paquerettes) and we all go for cycle rides on paths with views over the Pyrenees mountains. 
 
Mrs C 
 
Welcome New Readers! Please take a look around.<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to find out more about THE.TriBe and the blog is or perhaps browse the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/all-posts-get-in-ring.html" target="_blank">all posts list</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 like this post please spare a few seconds to share it >>

Finally There (Guest post)

The Pyrénées, "un réservoir de beauté", by Pierre-Paul Feyte Mrs C's New Life This evening whilst I was sawing some w...

Financial Independence Options

Contender 1 Budget, downshifting, Early Retirement, Finance, financial freedom, financial independence, frugality, Planning, Saving 18:30

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG85piBTkus/UuU-niALSnI/AAAAAAAADHY/88GfwH9Hgn0/s1600/TeddyFamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG85piBTkus/UuU-niALSnI/AAAAAAAADHY/88GfwH9Hgn0/s1600/TeddyFamily.jpg" width="320"></a>Mr Teddy Bear: "Time to review our family finances and consider where are we going. Let's get the facts and run the cold hard numbers." 
 
Mummy Bear: "Oh daddy bear you are so cuddly when you talk tough" 
 
Baby Bear: "I want a games station, mobile computer, princess bike and trust fund...Now!" 
 
 
 
 This post is about a few hypothetical scenarios entered into the NEWLY UPDATED financial time line planner. 
 
The financial time line planner has received a little bit of tender and loving care in the last week. The following has been changed / added: 
<ul>
<li>Mortgage calculations</li>
<li>Debt repayments</li>
<li>Improved graphics</li>
<li>Financial scenarios</li>
</ul>
Here we are going to look at three different type of people and see how the timeline works for them: 
<ol>
<li>A fun loving/carpe diem 25-year old on a professional career who loves #selfies</li>
<li>A 35-year old looking to #downshift as fast a possible</li>
<li>A clued up 25-year old who is going for #ExtremeEarlyRetirement</li>
</ol>
Party on! CEO, Playboy, Sports car, Mansion, Hawaii 
 
Our
first example is the one THE.CoNTeNDeR started out in life believing would make him happy...
 This was soon dashed by the property boom in the UK effectively resigning him to having to rent for teh rest of his life. This caused a huge
 shift in THE.CoNTeNDeR's financial mindset. 
 
So here is a representation of an ambitious 
life and fun loving 25 year old looking to climb the corporate ladder. He is going to enjoy the high life and 
all the consumer goods on offer. The result shows 
the need for an ever increasing income to pay for the increasingly high 
life living costs. Although cash flow rich and materially wealthy on the outside he needs to keep the hamster wheel turning to avoid a nasty shock. 
 
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74UIXtw9txg/UuPiBkUZPtI/AAAAAAAADG4/U19n5TSyFBs/s1600/25yrPartyOn.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74UIXtw9txg/UuPiBkUZPtI/AAAAAAAADG4/U19n5TSyFBs/s1600/25yrPartyOn.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CLICK ON PICTURE !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>

Financial Independence Options

Mr Teddy Bear : "Time to review our family finances and consider where are we going. Let's get the facts and run the cold hard num...

Phi, Hero and Forecast

Contender 2 Black Swan, Critical Thinking, downshifting, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Investing 19:50

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxaOmSUDwkw/UtfLHcaX2nI/AAAAAAAADF0/ObYH9dyGPew/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxaOmSUDwkw/UtfLHcaX2nI/AAAAAAAADF0/ObYH9dyGPew/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's THE.FuTuRe Forecast?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
 
THE.FuTuRe: "I took you to the cleaners last year. I ran circles around you, give up, give in. It's a slaves life for you my lad. Live for today your past is gone and forget about tomorrow." THE.PReSeNT "Just let me look after you!" 
 
THE.CoNTeNDeR: "You're a happy bunch aren't you? Bog off! I can learn from the past to prevent mistakes in the future. I actually know of a few useful guys that can help me out." 
 
Forecasting is an inherently difficult and thankless task. Accepting that you will be wrong to a degree is the first step. Secondly you need to refer to the past to help to predict the future. Finally add in knowledge you know today and plans for THE.FuTuRe. 
 
Being partially right is better than being completely wrong. 
 
THE.CoNTeNDeR had a go at product sales #forecasting and can attest to the fact, through the use of clever mathematics and experience you can gain superior results. We want to think bigger though - what could happen in real life? Thankfully there are some people out there that specialise in the big picture in particular investment cycles and geopolitical events. 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Plan too far ahead and nature will seem to resist.” - Ancient Chinese proverb  </blockquote>
We live in a mind boggling, complex, constantly changing world and our understanding of it is still in its infancy. In this post we are going to look at  
<ul>
<li>How we humans are using patterns and cycles to forecast THE.FuTuRe. In particular Martin Armstrong's Confidence, Model, Nicolai Krondratieff's inter-generational cycles and Gerald Celente's Trend Journal.</li>
<li>Contemplate inter-generational impacts for the Boomer, Nomad, Hero and Artist generations. </li>
<li>A look at an investing approach, for the aspiring Financial Independent Person that is built to ride the waves of time....Harry Brownes Permanent Portfolio. </li>
</ul>
Phi, Cycles and the Nano Second Investing World we Live in 
 
Phi is represented throughout nature and is very evident in the cycle of time, plant structures and even human nature. Number patterns are everywhere have a look at the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/190426347X/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=190426347X&linkCode=as2&tag=thecontfinain-21" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">Golden Section</a> for instance. We cannot ultimately fight nature - fundamentals win out eventually. We still believe we can geo-engineer our climate yet we cannot even get a weather forecast right! 
 
If nature does not have enough on its plate here comes MAN. We have introduced our logic to the real world which has huge implications on how we interact with the world. 
 
Just have a look at technical trading and the adornment of <a href="http://moneyweek.com/spread-betting-video-tutorial-elliott-wave-theory-13701/" target="_blank">Fibonacci levels Tramline analysis and Elliot Wave Theory</a>. With so many people using these "tools" the herd follow numerical trends against all reality for the underlining investment. Wall street has the power to wipe out entire industries. Often shipping them abroad where human rights and environmental controls are less strict. These beliefs are powerful forces that cannot be overlooked. 
 
We now have added HFT algorithms into the mix. Computers bash the price up or down based on more man logic to make huge profits on the smallest differences in price. MAN LOGIC is prone to herd mentality and emotions so these HFT can all feed on each other and cause ridiculous price distortions. 
 
How long until we introduce artificial intelligence to the computers to make the situation even worse. What common sense we do have will be removed. Perhaps we will have a Terminator Esq Financial Judgement Day. Computers deciding that destroying the entire financial system will lead to the most profit taking the real world with it? It is very strange that HFT is allowed......

Phi, Hero and Forecast

What's THE.FuTuRe Forecast? THE.FuTuRe: " I took you to the cleaners last year. I ran circles around you, give up, give in. It...

6 Happy Time Ideas

Contender 0 downshifting, financial freedom, financial independence, Happiness 23:14

<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcYjFGDaKgU/UqxZMZxKz9I/AAAAAAAADEs/K5kbHAAjxso/s1600/P1030554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcYjFGDaKgU/UqxZMZxKz9I/AAAAAAAADEs/K5kbHAAjxso/s320/P1030554.JPG" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple timeless pleasure - a free walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
THE.PaST: "Happiness is doing well in school, getting a god job yadda yadda......"   
THE.PReSeNT: "Happiness is having lots of fun. Party hard, party on......"   
THE.FuTuRe: "Happiness is having power, status, wealth, a legacy....."   
CoNTeNDeR: "Fu**ed if I know, but I am not listening to you guys." 
 
<a href="http://www.getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/2013/04/10-happiness-guidelines.html" target="_blank">10 happiness guidelines</a> was posted earlier in the year which looked at a few topics around the happiness of the mind such as being positive and putting things into perspective.  
 
Here are a few ideas on actions on how the Tribe i sseeking achievement of personal happiness. 
 
What is personal happiness anyway?  
 
Whilst it is impossible to define happiness, after all it is a word that means a million different things. We can consider it a key part of our journey through life. We want to enjoy and extend ourselves to live our precious hours on this planet to the max. 
 
There are a few things that can be done to help seeking happiness such as avoiding distractions. Shopping and superfluous entertainment media such as soap operas come to mind. They waste time that could be spent with our friends, family and the great outdoors. Some free personal time allows you to reflect on what is really important to you and how lucky you are for what you have - there is always someone worse off (as for better off that is a matter of opinion). 
 
Most distractions incur a monetary cost and MONEY IS TIME. So avoiding frivolous distractions will reduce / eliminate unneeded spending. Keep your money and your time instead of selling it on the open market to someone else for their benefit. 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"It's not a question of enough, pal. It's a zero sum game, somebody wins,
 somebody loses. Money itself isn't lost or made, it's simply 
transferred from one perception to another." - Gordon Gekko</blockquote>
Time Ideas for a Happy Life 
<ol>
<li>Meet your friends and family as much as possible  </li>
<ol>
<li>A meal, kids running around, bottle of wine and table talk. What a great way to relax, switch off and just go with the flow.  </li>
<li>Building strong relationships, helping out (when asked might I add) and giving are all simple pleasures in life and are free.  Have a look at the posts <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/community-help-part-1-10-amazing.html">Community HELP! Part 1 - 10 Amazing Blessings</a> and <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/early-retirement-at-36-charity-time-r6.html">Early Retirement at 36 - Charity Time?</a> </li></ol></ol>

6 Happy Time Ideas

Simple timeless pleasure - a free walk THE.PaST : "Happiness is doing well in school, getting a god job yadda yadda......" ...

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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THE.FuTuRE:
"CoNTeNDeR who are you and what right do you have to
talk about real life issues?  
 
Are you a qualified life coach,
psychologist, philosopher? No. You are just a guy from the UK who's downshifted to rural France.  
 
Be a
good boy, don't upset every one with your provocative thoughts and keep your conversation to the weather"</div>
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Who am I
to..... 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 THE.CoNTeNDeR so what
is the point in sharing them through a blog? Please read on and make your own opinion.</div>
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Who am I to.....talk
about what has worked for the TriBe. 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? 
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Who am I to...... talk about financial independence. THE.CoNTeNDeR reads a lot,
collates a lot of information and tries to convey opportunities and
concerns on this site. If THE.CoNTeNDeR 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? 
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Who am I to...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>
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Who are you...... all
THE.CoNTeNDeR 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 
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So as THE.FuTuRe says
(on this blog at least :) "Who are you CoNTeNDeR to
write THIS blog on THIS topic". 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 THE.CoNTeNDeR has chosen a different path and is
writing all about it? 
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THE.FuTuRe: "You
know what you want CoNTeNDeR so why not keep your gob shut!"</div>
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THECoNTeNDeR:
"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." 
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THE.CoNTeNDeR 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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Peace Prosperity and
Happiness</div>
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Who is that bloke? That
bloke is THE.CoNTeNDeR.</div>
 
Welcome New CoNTeNDeR Readers! Please take a look around. 
 
<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">all posts list</a>, have a <a href="http://pinterest.com/gitrwm/contender-vs-the-future/" target="_blank">look at the pictures on the notice board</a><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me.html#random" rel="13"></a>. 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>. 
 
Keep in Touch:  <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MuffFreeLifeAndExtremeFinancialFreedomPlanningTools" target="_new">RSS Feed</a>, follow THE.CoNTeNDeR on <a href="https://twitter.com/The__Contender" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Contender/368729006562792" target="_blank">Facebook </a>or subscribe to posts by email: 
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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...

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. 
 
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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 
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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

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Welcome Fight Fans well THE.CONTENDER has got himself into a pickle. He is unsure of his next move.  
 
THE.FUTURE as ever is not following the script. Its tactics constantly change. What is CoNTeNDeR to do? Change his tactics, change his training routine, change the game plan? 
 
 
 
 
Are the financial markets FUBAR (F***** Up Beyond All Recognition)? Are there any "safe" places to put our capital to ensure financial independence for the Tribe? This post goes through some thinking on the challenges ahead and lists a few books that could shed some light on THE.FUTURE 
 
Financial independence \ Downshifting update 
 
Mrs C has resigned and we are definitely taking some time out as a family in the South of France. We will be renting a property for a period of time to check out the location and make sure we are happy before fully committing to France. 
 
We will apply for residency and buy a house with whatever our investments are worth in THE.FUTURE. 
 
A year ago we were on track to live off our income portfolio indefinitely WITHOUT considering our pension schemes. This is no longer the case. What has happened and what are we doing about it. 
 
Easy come easy go...... 
 
Tribe investments 
 
The latest investing mistake of the Tribe was to underestimate how schizophrenic the markets can be when the US Federal Reserve "speaks". 
 
They say "actions are worth a thousand words" however in the case of the Fed the opposite seems to be true! 
 
The mention of the word taper has dramatically hit our protection portfolio value - the precious metals component (but we have the gift of time). Our Growth and Income portfolios are also down a little this year. 
 
Unfortunately even cash, also known as un-backed fiat paper money, is not safe as its purchasing power is being quickly eroded by global QE. 
 
So even though we have been paid good dividends and income from Mrs C's work the total portfolio is down for the year. Just when we have both stopped working. Bad Bad Bad? 
 
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So what is the Fed up to? Where do they want us to park our money and </div>
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what are their plans for it? </div>
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Do these really align with our goal of financial independence or does work beckon faster than we anticipated?</div>

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>. 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
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...

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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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: ...

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. ...

10 Career Skills for Early Retirement

Contender 1 Critical Thinking, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Planning, Work 10:51

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Sears Tower Chicago - BIG Business</td></tr>
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THE.CONTENDER 's career has been short and sweet. He is now officially semi retired* after only 13 years on the job - lucky B******. So it is hard to call it a career really. 
 
As a graduate THE.CONTENDER went straight into a process improvement role (adding new computer planning systems, training, creating reports and interactive tools) and actually enjoyed 90% of the experience and learnt a few tricks along the way. 
 
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This post is about some of the amazing skills learnt on the job. Specifically how THE.CONTENDER has since applied them in his quest for early retirement and how THE.CONTENDER will use the skills in the future.</div>
 
First here is a list of 10 business skills that THE.CONTENDER learnt from work and considers highly beneficial in his personal life. This will be followed by a section on how they can be used in respect to financial freedom / early retirement: 
<ol>
<li>Discipline -  THE.CONTENDER had to act like an adult from now on. Work had to be completed on time and correctly. Mistakes cost money and made THE.CONTENDER loose face let alone slowed down my career advancement.  </li>
<li>Project management - THE.CONTENDER was meant to deliver projects on time and get everyone involved......at lest that was the idea, this really took some practice! It was one hell of a learning ride on the way. From the indemnity of being pulled up in front of senior management for a delay to being proud of oneself in delivering a valuable time saving tool to my colleagues. The project management skills eventually set THE.CONTENDER up to succeed. THE.CONTENDER considers project management as one of the hardest skills to learn and actually excel at. If you are good at it you will build significant trust making you the go to guy to get something done.  </li>
<li>Learning business interpersonal skills - simple communication, adjusting your style to the person you are dealing with, listening attentively to that person and addressing their concerns (Or in THE.CONTENDER 's early career telling them they were wrong because they were.... so there! Opps! I was right 80% of the time, sort of :)  </li>
<li>Independence and Responsibility - booking business travel to go to different countries, planning your own workload, deciding on priorities (and what to ignore). Taking ultimate responsibility for your appraisals - without significant effort how will you get noticed. </li>
<li>Time management - work on what was really needed 80:20 rule (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareto_principle">80% of results come from 20% of the work</a>) - THE.CONTENDER is adamant that you work on the really important stuff, complete 80% of it and move on - but how many people work that way! So THE.CONTENDER learnt how to delegate it onto someone who will actually finish it o  </li>
<li>Critical thinking - Why do we want to do that? Is it worth the effort? What will other people think?  </li>
<li>Mentoring - Really this is all about networking. Two main benefits : 1. Learning who and how to influence to get your way 2. To get a promotion - Sorry THE.CONTENDER's opinion.! What THE.CONTENDER really got out of mentoring was crystalisation of my thoughts towards EARLY RETIREMENT through the interrogation \ questioning process - :)  </li>
<li>Computer skills - reporting, basic programming, websites, writing training documents. Computer allow you to get things done quickly and in our data overload world if you have the right skills analyse the data to get to the real problems and opportunities and present them in a way that conveys the importance of you message. Get noticed.  </li>
<li>Change management / influencing - possibly the hardest skill to learn and master and the biggest problem THE.CONTENDER had in this short career.  </li>
<li>Presentation skills - Professional training in this area is invaluable - watching a playback of a presentation you give followed by some professional coaching - the end result is astounding. Maybe one day THE.CONTENDER will post his video in the future...... </li>
</ol>
Not forgetting the need to be paid A reasonable salary for the work- more you earn the faster it is to retirement ;) 
 
THE.CONTENDER has no way mastered any of the skills but all are highly useful compared to some of the education THE.CONTENDER had in school <a href="http://www.getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/10-education-topics-for-financial.html" target="_blank">(please see </a><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/2012/09/10-education-topics-for-financial.html" target="_blank">THE.CONTENDER's post on missing education skills)</a> 
 
So THE.CONTENDER has provided a list of "boring" but must have business skills lets have a chat how actually each skill can contribute to early retirement and a successful private life. Please read on.....

10 Career Skills for Early Retirement

View from the Sears Tower Chicago - BIG Business THE.CONTENDER 's career has been short and sweet. He is now officially semi retir...

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