FISH | Financial Independence Seeking Happiness: Education

12 Things to Get your S*** Together

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

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

12 Things to Get your S*** Together

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

Financial Independence and Happiness Books

Contender Black Swan, book, downshifting, Early Retirement, Education, Finance, financial independence, Freedom, Investing, Planning, Saving 13:01

<b>SPEND.IT.NOW: </b><i>"You say Read Read Read - I haven't got time to read! TLTM (too long too much?). I've been fed snippets all my life. The news in 10 minutes is all you need don't you know? That's what I want concise, short, to the point, none of this 300 page novel stuff. Crikey, even your blog posts are too long CoNTeNDeR. I've gotta do other stuff you know. </i><br>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLclnDc3bXXYAUmvcIIV65Huqfz40tG-nnwbaOQPANt2qyOCbi_jC09RI-qo197YlNwdBfHgCYwX2Qfn5HybPpLJF1Q1ry1sTecjsrGqoTxqkUHeLWvcoXcnEvJzffOFEifW8aUWl5yXXP/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLclnDc3bXXYAUmvcIIV65Huqfz40tG-nnwbaOQPANt2qyOCbi_jC09RI-qo197YlNwdBfHgCYwX2Qfn5HybPpLJF1Q1ry1sTecjsrGqoTxqkUHeLWvcoXcnEvJzffOFEifW8aUWl5yXXP/s400/Books.jpg" width="400"></a><i>Short is all I want! Let's start by sorting this blog out.</i><br>
<br>
<i>Change it to "</i><i><i><b>SMBH</b>"<b> </b></i><b>S</b>ave <b>M</b>oney, <b>B</b>e <b>H</b>appy" -  that's it nice, simple and quick to read! Genius! </i><br>
<br>
<i>Delete everything on the blog and replace </i><i><i><i>the front page</i></i> with "</i><i><i><b>SMBH</b>". Job done. You will thank me </i>CoNTeNDer you can pack up the website as you have done your bit and have all that spare time to fill with fun"</i><br>
<i><br></i>
<b>CoNTeNDeR:</b><i> "<b>SMBH </b>to you too!"</i><br>
<br>
<b>Books are great, something to get lost in for a few hours, something to debate, something new to learn. A lot of what is discussed on this site has its starting point in a book or article. This post is all about the books we have relied upon for our financial independence and downshifting planning. </b><br>
<br>
<span style="font-size: large;">Reading, Why Bother?</span><br>
<br>
Books, Books, and More Books, so many to read and so long. When will one ever the the time to read them all?<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_literacy_rate" target="_blank"><br></a></div>
Aren't a lot of books just fiction such as graphic crime stories and romantic slush. Yes they may be great to retreat into a fantasy world unfortunately they will not help with gaining financial independence (although they may help on the happiness side).<br>
<br>
What we are really looking for are reference and how to books and essays.<br>
<br>
It is all too easy to say "<i>Come on, I had my share of serious books at university</i>" unfortunately the books in university were generally just on topic. Too specific and not everyday real world challenges. <br>
<br>
For example <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0141038225/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0141038225&linkCode=as2&tag=thecontfinain-21" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">Antifragile</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0141034599/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0141034599&linkCode=as2&tag=thecontfinain-21" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable</a> by Nassim Taleb are the opposite of  "Don't worry about challenges, society will look after you, go to the pub, watch a movie or go to the shops instead. It is more fun". Taleb highlights how fragile some of our support systems actually are how unforeseen events will always exist and what we as individuals can do about it.<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/WorldMapLiteracy2011.png/400px-WorldMapLiteracy2011.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/WorldMapLiteracy2011.png/400px-WorldMapLiteracy2011.png" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_literacy_rate" target="_blank">List of countries by literacy rate source: Wikipedia</a></div>
<br>

Financial Independence and Happiness Books

SPEND.IT.NOW: "You say Read Read Read - I haven't got time to read! TLTM (too long too much?). I've been fed snippets all my li...

Stuck Generation

Contender 0 Black Swan, Conformity, Education 07:17

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

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

Facinating Real World People

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

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw6ch1G42XumlDPQVyoGboXpKOrhxYnD8lusBGQ3LiB_o3Y9U7bioFnkBeAOkfdvWiLZVkz9EWvewQVfM3qy3mjeYSYphI_Fr6JumjP1Um7xWjYGRVMioIpcFQDj7vNLg5Pr6qJVGcolj/s1600/RomeSept2004+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw6ch1G42XumlDPQVyoGboXpKOrhxYnD8lusBGQ3LiB_o3Y9U7bioFnkBeAOkfdvWiLZVkz9EWvewQVfM3qy3mjeYSYphI_Fr6JumjP1Um7xWjYGRVMioIpcFQDj7vNLg5Pr6qJVGcolj/s1600/RomeSept2004+057.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<i><b>THE.FUTURE</b>: "So you think you have what it takes to survive what I have in store for you?</i><i><b> </b></i><br>
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<i><b>THE.CONTENDER</b>: "You are so full of it. I have a whole bunch of advisers that have you in their sights. They are free thinking and certainly not controlled by you!</i>"<br>
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This post is short and sweet. Below are some videos of some very interesting REAL WORLD outspoken people THE.CONTENDER keeps tags on. Covering future trends, investing, ecology, philsophy, fiat money and financial independence. A smart interesting bunch of free thinkers. Have a look at any of the videos that take your interest.<br>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Celente" target="_blank">Gerald Celente </a>- Trend Forecasting Master Jedi<br>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Keiser" target="_blank">Max Kaiser </a>- Maverick Ex Trader who Is not afraid to Speak his Mind here talking to the Dollar Vigilante<br>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nassim_Nicholas_Taleb" target="_blank">Nassim Nicholas Taleb</a> - Black Swans and Anti-fragility<br>
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Facinating Real World People

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

Infographic | Achieve Very Early Financial Independence - Part I

Contender 0 Budget, Education, Finance, financial independence, Infographic, Investing, Planning, Saving 09:50

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<iframe frameborder="0" height="4500" scrolling="no" src="http://infogr.am/Achieve-Very-Early-Financial-Independence---Part-I" style="border: none;" width="580"></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://infogr.am/Achieve-Very-Early-Financial-Independence---Part-I" style="color: #acacac; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Achieve Very Early Financial Independence - Part I</a> | <a href="http://infogr.am/" style="color: #acacac; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Create infographics</a></div>
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<<< Click here for a spreadsheet planning tool that includes goal setting (how to work out your FI numbers), Portfolio management tool with automatic updates from Yahoo!<br />
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Peace and prosperity<br />
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THE.CONTENDER<br />
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<b>Welcome New Contender Readers!</b> 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"><u>Start at the first article</u></a>, browse the <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/all-posts-get-in-ring.html" target="_blank"><u>all posts</u></a> or just go for a <u><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me.html#random" rel="13">Random Post</a></u>. 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>.<br />
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Infographic | Achieve Very Early Financial Independence - Part I

Achieve Very Early Financial Independence - Part I | Create infographics <<< Click here for a spreadsheet planning tool th...

Community HELP! Part 1 - 10 Amazing Blessings

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

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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3Hkn2rs4eqioIHFc6Zi1fhtHZbFY2mXOtGD7FJBUvAl4b8s3UY8Yi2oVth8BR-_kSCYtBuwgHGlo1eRzFrgSLmi61cNQnhwjCA_anexN9_mzpJePEvGHM5HxbS0-i5A5xCU9TIe0Gu7B/s1600/Rocky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3Hkn2rs4eqioIHFc6Zi1fhtHZbFY2mXOtGD7FJBUvAl4b8s3UY8Yi2oVth8BR-_kSCYtBuwgHGlo1eRzFrgSLmi61cNQnhwjCA_anexN9_mzpJePEvGHM5HxbS0-i5A5xCU9TIe0Gu7B/s200/Rocky.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Community guy</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<i><b>INTERVIEWER</b>: 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? </i><br>
<i><b><br>ROCKY</b>:  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!</i><br>
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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.<br>
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<b>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 </b><b>ways in how we can contribute ourselves, especially in early retirement with all that free time!</b><br>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"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</i></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?<br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Community <span style="font-size: large;">Spirit</span></span><br>
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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.<br>
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Our area would be poorer culturally and the community would not be so vibrant if it were not for the efforts of these individuals.<br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">New Friends</span><br>
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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.<br>
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<i>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. -
<b>Apollo Creed<br> </b></i></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.<br>
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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.  <br>
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Time to have a look at <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">10 areas of help and resources <span style="font-size: small;">from our wonderful</span> local community<span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">Please</span> read on:</span></span></span></span></span><br>
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<i><b></b></i></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...

Early Retirement, Lean and Maslow what do they have in common?

Contender 1 Early Retirement, Education, Ethical, Freedom, frugality, Happiness, health, Investing, Life, Planning, Saving, Toolkit 09:27

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZJhNhlHaOw08E2WAg_Ne9P42Yc4uvfbA_YWdgDXuhUPBV5Y2lg0xv3CGs8nPJm1BqGzDMpWhpvJgbSa0EYguawsi1GFe1OaDki1LAEkLNP92cSQQuhuDnwvautoX4NtwMu_QBP6Cin0w/s1600/OntheRopes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0mNsTxLBIq2hM6Jc7T5v766DeC2rQUd_AhoWb_qP8Urw8gtfhvHjBWlAlG3wbBTRpkCIgYJ8pHiL0bv_nkFJN8JSaXXeu3WECfhEWSBJC57KDc10kIQCOv6A5nDESwd2MZ8Ex3gRGNvU/s1600/LifeFreedomHouseLG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0mNsTxLBIq2hM6Jc7T5v766DeC2rQUd_AhoWb_qP8Urw8gtfhvHjBWlAlG3wbBTRpkCIgYJ8pHiL0bv_nkFJN8JSaXXeu3WECfhEWSBJC57KDc10kIQCOv6A5nDESwd2MZ8Ex3gRGNvU/s200/LifeFreedomHouseLG.jpg" title="PERL - Planning for Early Retirement and Life" width="188"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>PERL </b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Hello Fight Fans, welcome to Fight Night on channel CONTENDER! Let's get ready to RUMBLE! <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Introducing in the red corner weighing in at 13st 2lb</span> <b>THE.CONTENDER!</b></span> In the blue corner weighing in an impressive 16st 9lb is <span style="color: blue;"><b>THE FUTURE</b>. </span></i></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Tonight's fight is over 12 rounds. The prize is for the <b>UFF</b> <b>(U</b>ndisputed <b>F</b>reedom <b>F</b>ight) Belt </i></span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span> </span>has been training for the future for some time. Since he was born actually; <i>just like everyone else</i>. <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>has been fighting to achieve his goals and desires; <i>funnily enough just like everyone else</i>. <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>has searched for the key to making them happen; <i>just like everyone else,</i> <i>where is it damn it! </i><br>
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<b>So this post is about </b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>'s personal thoughts on what this key could look like. In particular could it unlock the secret to an effective Early Retirement and Life Planning approach? </b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>'s approach is based on three key parts: 1) Maslow's hierarchy of needs, 2) a concept called LEAN and 3) Monthly Planning process. This is what it looks like in </b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>'s world:</b><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLekrAUDqj7PQWK2Vg56aH8zkFXg1ic8fdfXFWvIUC5UuHJAOj59WMD-okA0c5uuDimuVQLAyVgFGhUIcwnPBdlvijYkyi3ryInWDbJKrMMXSpOD5xLzauX55-wqAUWxfxUec3rsKwMR5/s1600/Maslow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLekrAUDqj7PQWK2Vg56aH8zkFXg1ic8fdfXFWvIUC5UuHJAOj59WMD-okA0c5uuDimuVQLAyVgFGhUIcwnPBdlvijYkyi3ryInWDbJKrMMXSpOD5xLzauX55-wqAUWxfxUec3rsKwMR5/s320/Maslow.jpg" title="Maslow's Pyramid of Needs" width="320"></a><b>1) MASLOW</b><br>
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Maslow placed the most important aspects of life at the bottom of a PYRAMID. Water, food and shelter at the bottom as they are essential through to self-actualization at the top.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPztYktJDZnAuDiWSX-Stf-t81W1DwUD83qlsbZNGcAc8KMbG51N9yKmc7nNi3lRdGY8nscgpfm-OV-2e83RjKPnHADiM2np2Z_eGD8cH_w81MsPqzu7VUBsF22ATjUi7VB66AQR_vgE-P/s1600/Lean+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b>2) LEAN</b><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLL63Q1BECuDcmvj-rw-mp0HDlVXUknkXvfD7A6Pd33q2ULfxuqsaiC37lVcqaf9QXl8r1ccnhA-GU0qrEodxjTVQ5-6kyStrWn6A8mf-1RSJKatD8mwczNCgMJXmKk29OIKkCpGAgyd1c/s1600/Lean+House2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLL63Q1BECuDcmvj-rw-mp0HDlVXUknkXvfD7A6Pd33q2ULfxuqsaiC37lVcqaf9QXl8r1ccnhA-GU0qrEodxjTVQ5-6kyStrWn6A8mf-1RSJKatD8mwczNCgMJXmKk29OIKkCpGAgyd1c/s320/Lean+House2.jpg" title="House of Lean" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>would like to introduce Tachi Ohno of Toyota. He is considered the father of  <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean_manufacturing" target="_blank">LEAN</a> in the manufacturing world. LEAN is all about removing waste (Japanese for waste is "muda") and making the products as close to the point of  delivery as possible (<b>JIT</b> - just in time).<br>
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What is interesting is that LEAN principles have been simply represented as a house. You need strong foundations, build the walls and top off with the roof while regular maintenance will keep it in tip top condition.<br>
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<b>3) PLANNING (Making it Happen)</b>:<br>
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Project management has lots of models and different approaches depending on what the project is. It can can be very complex such as building a skyscraper or simple in the case of planning a journey to the Zoo.<br>
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<i>Over complication and missing steps, have put </i><i><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>in hot water in the past. </i><i><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>had to learn how to mange projects and people effectively to make sure he could not see the wood from the trees.  </i><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>eventually learnt that planning really is a simple process wits for key repeating steps <b>PLAN </b>- <b>DO </b>- <b>CHECK </b>- <b>ACT</b>. When carrying out these steps a list of checks and skills must be used. Below is a list of the key aspects of planning, leading and execution that <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>has been rigorously trained on. In <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>'s opinion consider all of them, in a robust review process, and you won't go too far wrong:<br>
<ul>
<li>What is your <b>VISION </b>- what do you want- your end goal - Early Retirement and Happiness?</li>
<li>Do you have a <b>PLAN </b>to get there - this can be on the back of a biz card or a spreadsheet? </li>
<li>Are you keeping everything <b>SIMPLE?</b></li>
<li>Be prepared to <b>ADAPT </b>your plan and goals, make sure you have regular checks </li>
<li>Do you have the right <b>ATTITUDE </b>- are you really committed to being frugal for early retirement?</li>
<li>Do you see the <b>PROBLEM </b>clearly? is it that you have to pay your debts first or get a new job close to home?</li>
<li>Have you <b>DISCUSSED </b>this with your close family / friends and do you have everyone on board?</li>
<li>Who is in <b>CONTROL </b>- tracking progress and spotting deviations, obstacles and opportunities and getting back on track if you fall behind.</li>
<li><b>ASSERTIVENESS </b>- get on with it, have a go, back up your convictions</li>
<li><b>INVOLVE </b>everyone in the decision making progress - <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>and his tribe are moving to France, the reason is that the living standard is higher, decent warm weather and it has good schools for the kids; so <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>turned to the grandparents: "what do you think?"</li>
</ul>
<b>So what if we try combining the life (Maslow) with the continuous Improvement and removal of waste of Lean (Tachi Ohno), with the principles of planning and financial freedom? Here is </b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER</span></span>'s interpretation, please read on ;)</b><br>

Early Retirement, Lean and Maslow what do they have in common?

PERL Hello Fight Fans, welcome to Fight Night on channel CONTENDER! Let's get ready to RUMBLE! Introducing in the red corner weig...

10 Education Topics for Financial & Intellectual Freedom

Contender 0 Critical Thinking, Education, Freedom, Happiness, Life, Naive 20:36

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archimedes in his Bath - UMIST</td></tr>
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<b>Education, Education, Education!</b> <b>THE.CONTENDER</b> and Mrs C were fortunate to have a very good education. <b>THE.CONTENDER</b> studied sciences and maths before obtaining a masters in Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology from UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology). Mrs C is qualified in both French and English law. Both of us had a passion for learning and this has opened significant doors for us in adult life.<br>
<br>
In this post <b>THE.CONTENDER</b> is going to cover what he considers are the 10 missing parts to his real world education which would have enabled very early retirement and how they fit into the <b>CALP</b> (<b>Contender  </b><b>A</b>wesome <b>L</b>ife <b>P</b>lan)<br>
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To start this round off with some low blows, here is a critique of subjects <b>THE.CONTENDER</b> has studied:<br>
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<b>Reading, writing, grammar and languages: </b>Core skills were taught, unfortunately not enough emphasis was placed on reading and communication skills (such as presenting to a large audience).<br>
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<i>"Listen very carefully I shall say this only once"</i> <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/comedy-and-drama.html" target="_blank">Allo! Allo!</a> <b>THE.CONTENDER</b> was also taught French and German. Both are useful, unfortunately being brought up with the British mentality that "everyone else can learn English" languages did not really interest me at the time. Subsequently being married to my French wife and having worked extensively in France and Germany it really is a shame I did not put more effort in! Our three-year old understands more French than me - boy am I in trouble if I can't understand what she says it is bad enough with the wife! <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacrebleu" target="_blank">Sacrébleu! </a><br>
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At this point of the blog, Mrs C took the keyboard from me and typed this:" after all these years, and with the dream of moving to France everyday on our mind, <b>THE.CONTENDER</b> still makes NO effort whatsoever to speak French (the French method book by the bedside table does not count, it is not even open and has never been read)". Then <b>THE.CONTENDER</b> has managed to get the keyboard back from his adorable but persistent French wife. <b> </b><br>
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<b>Maths and Sciences: </b>What can I say <b>THE.CONTENDER</b> is a scientist and has an Engineering Degree so I really like these subjects.<br>
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<b>Maths </b>- regardless of personal interest, you must be good at simple APPLIED maths. How to budget, compound interest (the key to financial freedom) measure up a table. I have used a bit of advanced maths down the years but that is limited to algebra - other than that only teach advanced maths if needed at a later date (college \ degree).<br>
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<i>“The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest” - Albert Einstein </i></blockquote>
<b>Chemistry - </b>a simple overview is very useful to understand when people talk about acids (bad for the skin) what is added to foods and baby bottles. It is useful to know how to make common useful compounds such a vinegar - at the very least you want to understand the chemistry of alcohol and potassium in water is cool!<br>
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<b>Biology -</b>  learn about your body what is good for it and how it changes with age - hopefully you will learn how to control some of those urges to have kids too soon in life with your new found knowledge :) Good place to chat girls up though....<br>
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<b>Physics -</b> learn about the universe and why when you jump off a cliff you fall - interesting inspiring....<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timbuktu Mosque</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWYXhT-n9WDoc8PojK2w4CdbgzH8X_MoCYDU6f07XxWjHyQb7_nnVSEvvBJlqgr8eXVZaIOWSCffUjc0jx5Z-dNYdstnhayBCTj3JZ3R5KdU-dZjHbInqxv-OLyXyIHLcYuFJgkOxjUh8/s1600/Exams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b>Geography </b>surely you should know where Timbuktu, London, Texas and the North Pole are. You should also know a bit about terrain and the impact of weather, other than that we know volcanoes pour out hot stuff isn't that enough?<br>
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<b>Religious Education</b> - The tribe considers a spiritual education is important but believes this should be given outside of the education system. We take our eldest to Sunday School each week and our youngest will start as soon as she is ready.  <br>
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<b>Home economics</b> - Parents should cook with their kids at home! Unfortunately a lot of parents are too busy to cook healthy meals from scratch and kids need to learn good eating habits from their parents. Besides if you cannot have fun with flour and eggs in school making <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/lemondrizzlemuffins_10460" target="_blank">lemon drizzle muffins</a> what is wrong with this world? Even worse have you heard about <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2208795/One-university-students-boil-egg-quite-happily-set-broadband.html" target="_blank">British students starting uni this September</a> and not even knowing how to boil an egg, let alone make their bed or anything remotely practical?<br>
<span style="color: red;"><br></span>
<b>History - </b>we do not learn from past mistakes such as the Weimar hyper-inflation in Germany leading to the rise of the nazis.<br>
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<b>Sport -</b> one of the little joys in life - get muddy, have a scuffle on a Rugby pitch - build character teamwork and camaraderie. <br>
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<b>Information Technology - </b>a bit of a given nowadays - <b>THE.CONTENDER</b> hopes everyone can actually use a spreadsheet and finish an assignment without being distracted by surfing ;o) Perhaps parents and schools could teach how to avoid online advertising (Firefox has a very <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/adblock-plus/" target="_blank">effective free advertising blocker</a>)<br>
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<b>Please read on for the 10 missing parts to </b><b><b>THE.CONTENDER</b> 's education</b> <br>
<br>

10 Education Topics for Financial & Intellectual Freedom

Archimedes in his Bath - UMIST Education, Education, Education! THE.CONTENDER and Mrs C were fortunate to have a very good education. ...

Free Tools

Contender 0 Education, Finance, Investing, Planning, Saving, Toolkit 12:46

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<b>Free Toolkit Manifesto </b><b>- Provide simple, accessible, customizable planning tools</b></h2>
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<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/muff-tools-and-check-lists.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_tJJBfdEcjYj8hSe6G74uOkYPZdhtdvUjHlD66iDSU-DDkHu3ga_HfgHks_i1d_8T14tBYvTCra_s6KmbaqeiUZkh0TVDkWPeTO1BasqeCXSrNbM009OsiGvcohCmAN1cKCIvm1mpU_e/s200/Muff+Tool+Kit+v6.jpg" title="PLANNING TOOLS AND CHECKLISTS" width="200"></a><b><br></b></div>
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Free<b> CPT</b>'s (<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/muff-tools-and-check-lists.html" target="_blank"><b>C</b>ontender <b>P</b>lanning <b>T</b>ools</a>) that cover radical solutions to life's challenges are a key part of this blog. A blog post will accompany each tool and a how to use guide. Is this a new concept - definitely not. My objective may be different though : <b>"Provide, free, clear simple, very user friendly planning tools with the specific goal of the Pursuit of Happiness"</b>. I know this is a very ambitious, difficult, complex if not impossible task but I sincerely hope it will be a fun collaborative effort and interesting to see where it ends up. </div>
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<i><span class="huge">All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.</span>
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Winston Churchill
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<span style="font-size: large;">Qualified???? - CLSAD (<b>C</b>ontender <b>L</b>ife <b>S</b>kills and <b>D</b>isasters)</span><br>
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How have I learnt how to plan \ create ad-hock tools? 12 years work in process design has laid a solid foundation. I have found that business tools are readily transferable into social life. The challenge is to simplify and adapt their purpose.<br>
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I have read a huge number of business books gone on numerous training courses. A vast amount of information and too much to remember and apply. I applied, succeeded and messed up in places but then adapted and ultimately worked hard to get results in work. The same is true in my personal life and a <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/round-5-15-secs-muff-family-financial.html" target="_blank">later post</a> covers some of the bad decisions the Tribe have learnt from. <br>
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Does this qualify me to have a go at a bunch of tools for life? Definitely not but someones got to do it. I am willing to have a go, try them out in real life situations to find out<br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tool Contents - CBBT (Contender Big Bag of Tricks) </span><br>
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CBBT includes planning, strategy building, risk planning, tracking, calculations, graphs and diagrams. They cover the key points from the start of the planning process to the final long term goal (it is almost always a good idea to state your long term goal and work backwards). <br>
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I have found that having a plan that you can update easily with checks \ action lists is extremely important. This makes sure you do not miss the obvious and you stay on track. A plan helps you to be realistic with yourself. A regularly reviewed plan gives you a sense of control and comfort that you are going in the right direction. If you are off track you can adapt and not panic onto bad decisions. </div>
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Free Tools

Free Toolkit Manifesto - Provide simple, accessible, customizable planning tools Free CPT 's ( C ontender P lanning T ools )...

Bonkers Lifestyle

Contender 0 Debt, Education, Life, Mid Life Crisis, Work 13:10

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<b>Round 1 - The Rookie  – steps up to the
ring – what is he letting himself in for?</b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The purpose of this post is to consider the "standard" middle class mindset and why financial independence is a lost caus<span style="font-size: small;">e for the majority because of their habits</span>. Yes it is generalised and a bit stereotyped. What is interesting is standing back and having a think about how silly some of it is?<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A quick generalization of middle class life (And<span style="font-size: large;"> CONTENDER</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span> mistakes)</span></div>
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<b>Early Years (Creche)</b></h3>
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Both adult's work to pay the bills (fairly new
phenomenon). Stressed, extremely busy ever wonder why? The government needs its
workers to pay the taxes for its largess (they know how to spend our money……).
So baby is placed in care of a creche looked after on an initial 1:3 then 1:6
ratio of career to child relationship instead of a 1:1 relationship with a parent or
grandparents. Generally parents had to move away from home to get a “good” job so grandparents and children miss out. “Love\Care" provided by someone else other than the parents. The child is already being indoctrinated into the
system.<br>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>was fortunate to be brought up by his mother however we had handed over our first child to the creche at 9 months old - were we doing the right thing? </i></div>
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<b>Early Years Education
(Primary School)</b></h3>
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Take a group of children that are all the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">same age</b> place them in a room doing the<b>
same activities</b>. (good that they are getting the basics but are we helping the next Einstein?) </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Children-Fail-Classics-child-development/dp/0201484021/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339142323&sr=8-1-spell" target="_blank">How Children Fail - John Holt</a> <br>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>cannot remember much about early years education only that I moved countries and fitting in was a big challenge for me. I was sport mad learned how to read and write (badly!).</i> <i>Generally spent my time kicking a ball around and messing around on my commodore 64 personal computer - cool new gadget.</i></div>
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<b>Mid Years Education
(Secondary School)</b></h3>
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Now lets place the same group in a room for an hour to absorb information and learn how to regurgitate. Ring a bell then move
into another room and repeat. No time provided to actually learn, master and question the subject but perfect for obedience to the bell.<br>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Children-Learn-Penguin-Education/dp/0140136002/ref=pd_sim_b_1" target="_blank">How Children Learn - John Holt</a> </div>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">THE.CONTENDER </span></span>was immersed in lots of subjects in school but was still more interested in kicking a ball around. I was still poorly read but excelled at maths and sciences which I studied in college. I still had no idea what adult life was about and was generally a normal irresponsible teenager. The money I had was from some door to door sales. The little money this generated was all spent on games, magazines and food. </i><br>
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Bonkers Lifestyle

Round 1 - The Rookie – steps up to the ring – what is he letting himself in for? The purpose of this post is to consider the ...

Get In The Ring?

Contender 0 Blog, Education, Finance, Freedom, Happiness, Life, Planning, Toolkit 09:53

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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>FISH | Financial Independence and Seeking Happiness<br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></span><br />
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<i><b>CoNTeNDeR</b>: "Who is next in the ring?"<br /> </i></div>
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<i><b>PLAN.AHEAD</b>: "The future my son he is unforgiving, surprising and always your shadow"<br /> </i><br />
<i><b><i><b><i><b>CoNTeNDeR</b></i></b></i></b>: "A venerable adversary what do I need to learn if I am going to face him?"<br /> </i><br />
<i><b>PLAN.AHEAD</b>: "</i><i><i><b>CoNTeNDeR</b></i>we constantly need to learn. <b>THE FUTURE</b> is there he is real and he is constantly changing. Are you ready to getinthering my lad?<span style="font-size: small;">"<br /> </span></i><br />
<i><i><b>CoNTeNDeR</b></i>: "I am only on this planet once and I intend to make the most of it lets get on with it"</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome! Lets get straight to the chase this blog is all about gaining <b>financial</b> <b>independence </b>as quickly as possible<b> </b>while<b> </b><b>seeking  </b><b>happiness</b> along the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>THE.FuTuRe</b> <i>"I'm one step ahead of you boy, look left, look right, around every corner I am ready to strike. Go home boy to your job, your routine accept your fate."</i> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">W</span>hy<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">the FISH</span></span> Blog? </span> </div>
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Our Tribe have been on quite a ride for the last 15 years.<br />
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We have taken some hard knocks from <b>THE.PaST</b>, picked ourselves up from the canvass <span style="font-size: small;">and are </span> expecting <span style="font-size: small;">surprises from </span><b>THE.FuTuRe</b>.<br />
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All the time we have grown a little older and hopefully a little wiser :0) Learning bit by bit how to set ourselves up for life.<br />
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We are in better shape for <b>THE.FuTuRe</b> after a dramatic change in lifestyle over the past seven years saving like mad to gain financial independence.<br />
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This change has caused us to addressed the challenges of a growing family, education, finance and work. We have changed from short term consumer thinking to long term goals of the <b></b>pursuit of financial independence and happiness.<br />
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Old habits have died hard (reckless spending, hedonism, just living the now) and replaces by new ones where we can clearly see <b>THE.FuTuRe</b> and are taking him on <i>on our terms</i>.<br />
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<b>This blog is a collection of articles and tools that we found useful in planning for Finacial Independence and Seeking Happiness. </b></div>
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Here are a few backgroun articles from the site:<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Who Am I</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/2012/07/round-5-15-secs-muff-family-financial.html">Family Financial Independence in 7 Years! Almost FI this is how we got there</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/2012/11/30-rules-of-very-early-retirement.html">30 Rules of Very Early Retirement</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/2012/10/10-career-skills-for-early-retirement.html">10 Career Skills for Early Retirement</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/2013/10/stuck-generation.html">Stuck Generation - Generational cycles and the impact on the next generation</a></span> </span><br />
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<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/all-posts-get-in-ring.html" target="_blank"><img alt="All Posts" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubHYk5t29Fqnad4iyBU8MwpHCm64Sra9FAbn7f2mv4S0lmGPCeQTyAYUPbIHPkt8w0TS2Kj5ykp1WPHMHo5J9mhyks53jwlS8yINVf5-zLtQ-Pz5W4yGrWhCgUdOFDgsqtdVIkPYAc6SZ/s1600/Focus1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How do you become Independent?</span><br />
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Gaining financial independence and working out what you want requires alot of research, thinking, learning and doing. Some of the key sources of information are linked from this site.  <br />
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Skills need to be honed in finance, health, work, education, environment. Unfortunately it is is easy to get overloaded by information and sidetracked by marketing.<br />
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<i>This blog is primarily about providing the information in one place. Discuss how to create a personal financial 
independence plan and how to put it into action. It further considers future 
trends and why become financially free and seek happiness in the first place.</i></div>
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"It's all about money, not freedom, ya'll, okay? Nothing to do with 
fuckin' freedom. If you think you're free, try going somewhere without 
fucking money, okay?"<a class="extiw" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American:_The_Bill_Hicks_Story" title="w:American: The Bill Hicks Story"> American: The Bill Hicks Story</a><i> </i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">FISH Blog Goals</span><br />
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<ol>
<li>Poke some fun at conventional wisdom</li>
<li>Share useful information</li>
<li>Investigate topics such as finance, health and education and their impact on happiness</li>
<li>Provide a set of simple<b> </b>planning tools for you to hopefully view \ use \ get some ideas <b>>>>> </b></li>
<li>Have some fun </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A bit more information on the Blog</span><br />
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<li>Work out how to be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">financially
independent</b> and understand WHAT is happening in this world and
how to GROW wealth regardless of world events</li>
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a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">     </span>Real World Education – what are we <u>NOT </u>taught in school about finance</div>
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b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">     </span>Getting the right job and the benefits of multiple income streams</div>
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c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">     </span>Compound interest - One of the wonders of the world and its impact on growing your   savings and investments.</div>
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d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">     </span>Investigation of different investments and how to evaluate their worth <br />
<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/stock-screen.html"></a></div>
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<li><b>Applying Simple Business skills</b> (project planning, negotiation, influencing
etc.) to plan for financial independence<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
 <span class="huge">"Children are smarter than any of us. Know how I know that? I don't know one child with a full time job and children."</span><span class="bodybold"> </span><span class="bodybold"><b>- Bill Hicks</b></span></blockquote>
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<li>How to get a continuous balanced <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">real world education</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> for life  </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /> </b></li>
<li>What is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Self-sufficiency
and resilience </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">what can be useful whilst not being extreme and living in a hut in the woods.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></li>
<li>What can constitute a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">good life?</b></li>
</ul>
<b><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/stock-screen.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkWERHEhnInixQ4cAtQT5ZaCq_dErIUiYnskPiigKOXguD7T99k75RBX1_6TVJhhqISp9hv-Vw337yUzmaQ_4KtWPIrSmgZvGZZ2rHL2jkUV-z8lTQ7DP0RYpum-UJgWvBMITewH2x8oQ/s1600/Focus3.PNG" /></a> </b><br />
<b>Please feel free to have a look around perhaps start with the </b><b><b><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/all-posts-get-in-ring.html" target="_blank">All Posts</a> </b> </b><b>page which has summaries and descriptions of the sites articles</b><b> </b><br />
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<span class="huge">"I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, 
"Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would 
defeat the purpose.</span><b>" - </b><b>George Carlin   </b></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FISH</b> Tools </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">THE.CoNTeNDeR</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> has developed a<b> F</b>inancial <b>I</b>ndependence and <b>S</b>eeking <b>H</b>appiness</span><b><span style="font-size: small;">  </span></b><u><b><a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/muff-tools-and-check-lists.html" target="_blank">Tool Kit</a></b></u>. Hopefully the tool will be a valuable addition to the financial freedom and life hacking / planning community.<br />
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<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.com/p/muff-tools-and-check-lists.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Financial Timeline Planner Tool" border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksOogbmFVUGjJEgu-zrad7E4slMAeQRT46ENZplM7GBGKj6N-RWeRiNfvQcwr9bf2rfv_AzYx755mNNAHtdNqwUfX7QvwUDSpy81CJ7gDp6UE9LcHl-nUL0L2AleROi6N_rWBfXRMOETz/s1600/Focus2.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The tool covers financial freedom, health, education and general life. It is really a continuous self education planning tool interspersed with investment choice and management. </div>
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<span class="huge">"Most people work just hard enough not to
get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit.</span>"<span class="bodybold"> - </span><span class="bodybold"><b>George
Carlin</b></span><i><span class="bodybold"><br /> </span></i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eyWsFfd9pqE?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">A CoNTeNDeR after all? </span></span><br />
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Whilst our Tribe has made some blunders on our road to Financial 
Independence that is part and parcel of the joys of learning from 
mistakes. On top of that life has a habit of throwing up the unexpected.
<u> Don't worry they are all covered in this blog</u>.<br />
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These blunders were a gift to us that helped us learn some skills that are benefiting us to this day. Does <b>THE.CoNTeNDeR</b> have a chance against <b>THE.FuTuRe</b> after his scrapes with <b>THE.PaST</b>? They will all be documented here on this blog.<br />
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Peace and prosperity and I hope to see you soon,</div>
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<a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">THE CONTENDER</a><br />
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Kindly share this post >>>></div>
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Get In The Ring?

FISH | Financial Independence and Seeking Happiness CoNTeNDeR : "Who is next in the ring?" PLAN...

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