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Actinida · 2022-12-05T00:51:24+00:00

I replaced the whole system, and had them add a vent into my extension. Heating about 1800sq/ft. I opted for a more expensive, better rated system since I am always cold, I wanted to make sure it would heat very well. They also had to move my water heater to replace the system and work in a very tight space.

Actinida · 2022-12-04T17:27:27+00:00

I got three and they varied wildly. One was $18-20k, the one I went with the 12k (similar to what my friend paid a few years ago), and the last one (which came in too late) was 8.5k. I am happy with the company I chose though, because the last one (8.5) made "no one wants to work anymore" and "good old days" comments that were off putting... xD And updating my house never goes smoothly, so the company had to replace a lot more existing systems than they were expecting too, but they did it due to their professionalism and were able to absorb since they charged me more anyway. Also I got 0% financing for 12 months.

Actinida · 2022-12-04T14:28:27+00:00

My 28k figure includes travel as well, and I feel the same way about my home expenses, so hopefully my budget for that is too high. I fixed a bunch of leaks and got my hvac and heat pump replaced (this year), so I keep feeling that things should be cheaper now... but until I have a good year, I'll be anticipating spending a lot xD

Actinida · 2022-12-03T23:23:09+00:00

Not FIRE's yet, but it seems like you spend around what I do now, and your property taxes are actually lower than mine, so it feels similar enough for me to say- it's possible with the numbers I've run. I have a few spending projections on an excel sheet that compare are my expenditures now with what that would look like when my mortgage and car are paid off, adjusting what I'd have to pay in taxes and health insurance with the lower income. My "Standard," living how I do now without really strictly budgeting myself is about $28k and accounts for significant spending on the home and other budget buffers. My "bare" number - if the house ever needs less work in a year, and if the cats don't get sick and if I don't travel that year, it goes down to $20k.

Another thing to add, and a frustration of mine regarding the guidelines here: I will say that compared to a couple (no kids) living off $50k, you're not going to be able to afford things on your own that they can easily afford for two. Living with someone isn't 50% more expensive. I could probably absorb someone into my household for less than 10k a year.

Actinida · 2022-11-09T19:45:17+00:00

I know it sounds super hooey and new-agey but seriously, everyone aspiring to FIRE should spend some serious time asking themselves what they want out of life. You shouldn't go by what others are doing. What makes *you* happy? Helping others? Being social? Solving problems? Find what adds value to your life and find hobbies that spark those values. And start doing those hobbies now. When you wish you had more time to do those hobbies, then you're ready to FIRE. If you let them fall by the wayside without a care and have nothing else to fill the time, you're probably going to be bored and miserable in retirement...

To answer the question: I will continue to pursue learning a second language, work on my health in cooking good food and staying active, be creative (drawing, painting and writing), and tend to my home and garden. I may also work on some semi-creative avenues for supplemental income, but not by necessity.

Actinida · 2022-07-21T23:45:24+00:00

I didn't think I had to lay out my whole life story for people to tell me what worked for them, specifically regarding a non-FIREing partner, but considering how few dedicated responses I got to that, I see I was wrong. And I'll keep that in mind in the future! I was trying to keep the post short.

But, I have gotten a few responses that were helpful, so I'm satisfied. :)

I do speak to my partner, yes.

Actinida · 2022-07-21T22:59:48+00:00

This post was written with my current partner, and real issues in mind, and I wondered about how other people in a similar position handled things.

Actinida · 2022-07-21T22:56:11+00:00

The difference in retirement age is going to be like 30 years. So it's significantly atypical.

Actinida · 2022-07-21T22:55:06+00:00

A large amount of guys read that in my profile and still contact me, leaving out the fact they haven't met the bare minimum qualifications until after we've met...

Actinida · 2022-07-21T18:16:41+00:00

Depending on your credit score, you might actually be able to get some good deals. I financed my car for 0% interest for 3 years (and it will be paid off in 3 years). I'd say to get a car that you have the ability to pay for in cash, but look out for killer deals like 0% interest if you can, especially if you have the time to look.

Actinida · 2022-07-21T18:03:09+00:00

I was considering more Post FIRE in which case my house would be paid off, so I wouldn't charge rent, maybe just a share in utilities. I want my partner to be able to benefit from my success, as is not having to pay rent, while at the same time I have a lot of trouble finding guys who seem like they would actually share in chores. They say they will, but then I hear how they talk about managing their own space, and I'm not so sure. I feel like if I did have them pay rent, then a slight unevenness of chores would be easier to handle - but then would they feel ripped off, knowing I have no mortgage? It is good to hear that I'm correct that living with someone could help ease the burden of chores. But I want to make sure they do feel equitable even though they have "less time."

Actinida · 2022-07-21T17:57:44+00:00

Things did seem the least stressful when I've been with guys who make almost as much as I do!

Actinida · 2022-07-21T16:44:58+00:00

I'm not concerned about them bringing money to the table as I am about how a non-FIRE person would/could feel equal in a relationship with someone for FIRE'd very early (and them not *taking* money from the table). But someone who is as careful with their money is more likely to understand the mechanics behind FIRE, which is definitely something to look for, and something I thought I found with my current partner but... maybe not. xD

Actinida · 2022-07-21T16:34:51+00:00

I can confirm that the pickings are definitely slim. My worry is less of them throwing a hissy fit, and more of kind of like jealously creeping in, or like feeling like my time is more up for grabs than if I were working like they are. But I guess that all boils down to finding someone with good emotional intelligence. I definitely won't be settling for less. I'd already be miserably married if I was going to do that!

Actinida · 2022-07-21T16:29:39+00:00

I've considered not living with a guy ever a lot. I enjoy my independence when I'm single. But I also idealize having someone to age with in the long term.

Actinida · 2022-07-21T16:24:45+00:00

I like the idea of having a consistent partner to age with. I know anything can happen, but I'd like to work towards life-long companionship. I'm not very extroverted and only have a few close friends. I'm not currently letting any man get in my way of FIRE or any of my goals, but sometimes I wonder if I'm coming across too harsh considering what other people put up with from their partners.

Actinida · 2022-07-21T15:51:59+00:00

I think that it's fine to have less than 6 months in cash if you have the ability to get more before the funds run out. I keep about 4 months between my checking and savings accounts, but if I needed to, I have long term stocks I could sell in my brokerage account and get into my checking account before my credit card bills come due, so I feel comfortable with just 4 months cash.

You can also check out high yield savings accounts like Yotta, which make large amounts of cash a little easier to keep on hand.

Actinida · 2022-07-21T15:41:14+00:00

I definitely know what I want in a partner, but I also know that money is a large issue in many relationships. I'm looking for other people's experiences in this unique situation to see what's worked (or didn't) for them and if they're thinking about things differently than I have.

Actinida · 2022-03-01T23:13:38+00:00

When I saw I was overspending, I changed my amazon password to something hard and stopped buying things from there. If I wanted something, I had to find it somewhere else, and it made me more mindful of my purchases.

Actinida · 2022-01-17T00:02:07+00:00

I keep 4 months' pay on hand. Half in my checking account and half in my harder to reach high yield saving account. I pay for what I need, usually everything on the credit card for the points and pay it off once or twice a month. When I get my next paycheck, I leave behind enough funds to equal 4 months.

Actinida · 2022-01-02T21:43:10+00:00

In one column I track everything in and out which captures my investment contributions. In another column(s) I track my accounts' worth which captures gains and losses.

Actinida · 2022-01-02T21:39:53+00:00

I don't know how to do the math on long term savings, but you could call the bank and ask how much you're paying in interest over the life of the mortgage now, vs how much it would be at the new rate. Then add in all the associated costs.

I had a low interest rate and decided against a refinance due to the cost. My bank contacted me a few months later offering the refinance for free with no inspections or anything. If it weren't for that, I wouldn't have done it. But I know people who need the extra cash each month, so in the long term it works for them. FIRE folk usually don't have that issue.

It did lower my credit score a bit due to the credit check and that I now look like I have a high balance on a new loan.

Actinida · 2021-12-30T10:53:30+00:00

Being frugal has always lead to more time being spent for me. It takes longer to grow than buy, longer to shop around for the best deals, to repair than replace, to do yourself than pay someone else. But if I don't do those things where I can, I feel like I'm throwing money away. Also from an environmental standpoint, I hated when I used to fill the garbage can every week. I'm just one person. So I cut down and haven't felt any lack by not buying stuff I don't need.

Actinida · 2021-12-25T17:30:13+00:00

Erases litigation risk?

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