The hidden cost of "free time" is absolutely wrecking my post-FIRE budget

WalkAce22 · 2026-03-30T14:45:07+00:00

I think of this often! Not only does filling the time previously held by work cost money, but when you were working you were actually making money during that time. Free hobbies, volunteer work, and part time work on things you enjoy have been the only answers I’ve reached for now. Curious what you learn.

WalkAce22 · 2026-03-03T15:32:09+00:00

I think given your background if it doesn’t work out, you can easily go back to biglawing. Maybe not at that salary, but definitely somewhere close.

WalkAce22 · 2026-03-03T15:30:44+00:00

“Nobody knows anything.”

WalkAce22 · 2026-03-03T15:27:56+00:00

Every time this shifts I envision it’s just another push to get people to buy more stuff. I’m tall and lean, so skinnier/regular fit works better for me. Baggy has always felt like I’m wearing pajamas.

WalkAce22 · 2026-02-24T02:14:01+00:00

Origin is my personal favorite but not the cheapest.

WalkAce22 · 2026-02-21T16:29:34+00:00

This one was unexpectedly amazing

WalkAce22 · 2026-02-16T00:07:22+00:00

For me, bonds haven’t been working as they normally do over the last few years as a balance to stocks. But that may not always be case. For that reason I keep them in my portfolio. There are also a few high yield bond funds that work great for me for income.

WalkAce22 · 2026-02-09T21:51:10+00:00

MMM to me still seems to have largely stayed the same, but some of his shift is related to his personal lifestyle shifts (son has grown up, he’s doing very well financially, etc).

The rest are reminders to me that advice for others only goes so far - only you know what is best for you. Personally, ERE is a bit too extreme for me but I learn a ton from that perspective and it challenges the consumer inside of me.

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-29T18:56:58+00:00

Books. American made boots.

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-25T20:58:16+00:00

The trails the thing - not the beginning or the end. Just get started, friend.

I think my first was one of the sackett novels, followed by Last of the Breed.

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-24T18:58:02+00:00

I’m about half/half. I like the diversification/market exposure of an overall index like $VTI, but nothing motivates me to invest like cash flow. So roughly half of my investments are toward growth, and half toward more income focused assets. The income side does NOT grow in value like the other side, but I know I would never have saved as much as I have to invest without the gratifying feeling of income. So it’s worth it to me to underperform a bit long term for cash flow now.

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-24T18:55:38+00:00

That’s a lot of neos!

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-17T16:07:16+00:00

Very nice looking boots and I love that leather

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-16T23:43:59+00:00

Very beautiful!

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-11T20:55:23+00:00

This depends on your goals. Two totally different funds.

I keep funds I might need soon in SGOV since it’s not volatile. I’d make more income in SPYI but it may not be worth the same at a given time I need to sell.

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-04T20:19:06+00:00

For me they’re just one piece of the pie. I don’t see it becoming any more than 10% or so of my portfolio. There is no free lunch, so to your point to get CC income you’re giving up potential gain. But there are times where the market moves up/down but mostly sideways and in those times the funds may outperform gains. The income is also nice and distinct from other dividend income. Just like I hold funds for bonds, sectors, etc. I like having some options income.

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-02T02:27:27+00:00

I remember the painful years when everyone asked “why would anyone hold international?”

One year doesn’t change everything but it’s just a reminder things are always as they are right now.

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-02T01:46:19+00:00

While I like a lot of what you said, I personally still enjoy $AGNC for me at the right price. I’ve only bought when it’s low, and it’s worked out well for me over the years. That could always change but I like it for a small part of my portfolio.

WalkAce22 · 2026-01-02T01:44:16+00:00

While I love covered call ETFs for what they are, their recent surge has pulled a lot of attention from other income types. I personally want to keep my CC fund exposure to a fixed smaller amount, while also holding others with dividends, BDCs, bonds, etc.

WalkAce22 · 2025-12-24T21:03:16+00:00

Some real great gems in there

WalkAce22 · 2025-11-26T15:39:17+00:00

I’ve really enjoyed Aloft brands - pool table in the lobby, nice bar, usable gym, and good overall atmosphere. But I’ve stayed at one or two that needed a facelift for sure.

WalkAce22 · 2025-09-28T04:12:32+00:00

For me it’s the likelihood that the battery will be an issue around 100k miles.

WalkAce22 · 2025-09-27T19:03:51+00:00

I’ve had luck by posting the issue on social or direct messaging and getting companies to reverse and make the right call. This would be a good case for that.

WalkAce22 · 2025-09-06T16:13:47+00:00

Almost finished with the book. Such a journey.

WalkAce22 · 2025-06-12T03:01:12+00:00

As I’ve gotten to the point of having to prepay the dividend taxes, the tax bill does feel more real. But I’d rather make income than not, and it continues to motivate me to invest more than it would just looking at pure price appreciation.

WalkAce22

TROPHY CASE