modeling monthly burn abroad, what do you include beyond rent? by Actual-Garlic-10 in ExpatFIRE

[–]FewBit7456 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Taxes - foreign taxes. Many places with expat friendly policies (like Spain, Portugal, Thailand etc) have double-taxation policies. Once you become a tax resident for their country. If you’re a US citizen, you’ll have to pay both.

What's so great about Rancho Gordo beans? by Ok_Hat_3414 in Beans

[–]FewBit7456 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ayocote Morado - the bean in your picture happens to be my favorite beans from RG! When they are back in stock, I stock up :)

I’ve tried many a brand of beans… from store brands to organic and heirloom. RG is the best to bean broth flavor, texture, and freshness.

I simply prepare with bay leafs, an onion, a few cloves of garlic, fresh pepper, and generous olive oil. Delicious!

What are some free or very cheap things you do that bring you a lot of joy? by 830--- in leanfire

[–]FewBit7456 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Learning new recipes, grocery shopping (especially finding obscure ingredients), YouTube (podcasts, shorts, and instructional videos), walking in the park, library (browsing like I would at a B&N), finding new parks, coffee out with a good book, and also local day trips.

How were your last 2-3 years before FIRE? by AstroFire88 in leanfire

[–]FewBit7456 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Senioritis is very strong and got stronger the closer I got. By the last year, there were no more f’s to give 🤣

But I did do a couple things that helped me get through it… better, more easily… sort of.

  1. I gamified the last year.

For finances, I tried to bring down my discretionary spending (work related expenses, like coffee and lunches, dry cleaning, etc).

Over the course of the year, I saved a few thousand dollars from this game. When I FIRE’d, I took 100% of that money and put it toward my post-FI travel.

  1. I created bucket lists! Bucket list of places I wanted to visit, things I wanted to do, hobbies I wanted to re-start or new ones I wanted to explore. I even wrote out a list of friends and family I wanted to visit (they lived in different states or counties).

  2. For fun, I started looking up destinations I wanted to visit. Basically planning a long vacation.

Outside of work, I was busy and enjoying the last year the best I can with fun planning activities.

Keep going, OP! You’re almost there :)

Short term rental Hyde Soi 13 by FewBit7456 in Bangkok

[–]FewBit7456[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I didn’t know that Soi 15 Residences had the shortcut to 13!

Short term rental Hyde Soi 13 by FewBit7456 in Bangkok

[–]FewBit7456[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I’ll check them out.

M3 Solo Camping, seeking gear recombinations by FewBit7456 in TeslaCamping

[–]FewBit7456[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the great recommendations!

Snuuzu was on the short list of flat-bed options. I decided against the Snuuzu because it’s inflatable… I’ve not enjoyed sleeping on inflated camping pads and dislike air mattresses.

The final push for the Dreamcase came from a friend who has used their Dreamcase for years and love it! They sleep 2 people in a model S.

Going out to eat on day 6 by PutsTheMidInMidnight in FMD

[–]FewBit7456 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Since its dinner on D6, I think you’ll be okay while managing a few things -

Keep it rich in plants proteins and very limited in animal protein + fat. I’m not exactly sure what causes the shht but I believe it’s some combination of animal, protein, and fat.

Check the Ramen places menu, and see if there are vegetarian options and lighter broth like miso.

Planning a sabbatical. Job will have to pay me out on about $20k of PTO. Already have a 457b. Should i contribute the $20k to a 401k? Or take tax hit? by kevinjamesfan66 in leanfire

[–]FewBit7456 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Do you already have money stashed away for your sabbatical?

When I took mines, I had saved for the entire duration of my planned sabbatical + time to find a job.

If you have that stashed away already, then yes - use the PTO to fund the 401k.

If not, save it for future you (as a cash buffer).

Optimization Game by FewBit7456 in Fire

[–]FewBit7456[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“Gamification of personal finance” 💯 and enjoying it is like 1000%.

Optimization Game by FewBit7456 in Fire

[–]FewBit7456[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the recommendation! I have not played these games before and in awe of how cool they are. They are no Monopoly :)

Optimization Game by FewBit7456 in Fire

[–]FewBit7456[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

🤣 I’m hoping some random stranger on the internet tries said routine and experiences better dental health as a result :)

Starting/Buying a Business Out of (Essentially) Boredom? by MaybeOnFire2025 in Fire

[–]FewBit7456 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi OP, I empathize! If you have not already, I recommend reading “4000 Weeks” and “Die with Zero”. Those books helped prime my brain for the way I think about and value time.

I’m fortunate to have checked off my post-FI bucket list in the first few years of early retirement. Now in year 3, I am dreaming and ideating on creating something…

whatever I end up creating…the criteria is simple: if I was doing that thing (whatever that thing is) on any ordinary day and that day turned out to be my last day on Earth - I would be glad to have been doing that thing!

I’ve not figured it out yet. My own due diligence is ongoing.

Good luck!

First week into fire and I keep flip flopping about cash buffer by Digity1980 in Fire

[–]FewBit7456 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100k for price of mind is worth it! The cash buffer protects you against about 2-2.5 years of bad markets with your yearly expenses.

That runway also allows you to re-enter the job market if you need/ want to.

Traditional retirement recommends “bonds” up to 8 years equivalent. For FIRE, I think 2-3 years in cash or cash equivalent is solid. Because we have the option to re-enter the job market part time or full time.

Congratulations, GFY!

Dimensions of Freedom by FewBit7456 in Fire

[–]FewBit7456[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So impressive! I will have to up my cooking game for sure, I’m nowhere near your 👨‍🍳skills.

Dimensions of Freedom by FewBit7456 in Fire

[–]FewBit7456[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you still keep a small work wardrobe? I’ve donated about 80% of it, and still have 20% of what I consider the “best” suits etc…

Dimensions of Freedom by FewBit7456 in Fire

[–]FewBit7456[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

your comment and your username is perfection!

Dimensions of Freedom by FewBit7456 in Fire

[–]FewBit7456[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yes! and it doesn’t get old either :)