Author: Dad is FIRE

Reflecting on My Journey to Financial Independence: What I’d Do Different
/ /

Reflecting on My Journey to Financial Independence: What I’d Do Different

I run a lot. My core group of friends get together and run. It’s a very successful group dominated by financial experts and leaders in the finance space. One of the guys in the group is a professor at a very prestigious university. I’ll call him Professor Peter for this article. Professor Peter always has…

How I Teach My Kids About Money: By Taking Their Candy

How I Teach My Kids About Money: By Taking Their Candy

Raising financially savvy kids starts with little lessons that help them understand value, patience, and sharing. This year, Halloween brought us the perfect opportunity to have fun while teaching some financial basics. With my 7-year-old son and 5-year-old twins, we had more candy than we could handle after several trunk-or-treats and Halloween night itself. Here’s…

The Truth About Boredom During Early Retirement (and How to Avoid It)

The Truth About Boredom During Early Retirement (and How to Avoid It)

I retired at 42. One of the biggest challenges of early retirement is figuring out what to do with your time. Free time is only fun when you know what to do with it. Once the novelty wears off, the calendar starts looking like a blank wall. Here’s what early retirement boredom really looks like,…

My Relationship with Money: The Hoarder Mentality That Led to Early Retirement
/

My Relationship with Money: The Hoarder Mentality That Led to Early Retirement

Growing up, I developed a relationship with money that some might call obsessive, others might call smart, but I’ve come to see it as a blend of emotional discipline and a bit of a hoarder mentality. I don’t part with my money easily. In fact, the act of spending, even on things I need, causes…

Dave Ramsey Explains His 12% Returns Recommendation

Dave Ramsey Explains His 12% Returns Recommendation

Dave Ramsey likes to throw out one of his favorite lines: you can earn 12% returns on your investments. It’s catchy, motivating, and it grabs attention because 12% sounds like the express lane to wealth. Ramsey Solutions recently published an article explaining why Dave Ramsey often cites this 12% figure and where it comes from….

Teaching My 5-Year-Old Twins About Money: Opening Their First Bank Accounts
/

Teaching My 5-Year-Old Twins About Money: Opening Their First Bank Accounts

Financial literacy is a cornerstone of independence and success. As a father committed to the principles of Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE), I believe it’s never too early to start teaching our kids about money. When my son was just 2 years old, I took him to open his first bank account. It was a…

26 Mistakes Many First-Time Homebuyers Regret (And How to Avoid Them)
/

26 Mistakes Many First-Time Homebuyers Regret (And How to Avoid Them)

Buying your first home is an exciting journey filled with big dreams and new possibilities. It’s a major step towards building your future and creating a space that truly feels like your own.  But let’s face it, this adventure can also be pretty scary and overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn, and making mistakes can…

My Roadmap to Retiring Early: Achieve Financial Freedom on Your Terms

When I retired at 42, it wasn’t a sudden decision or a stroke of luck. It was the result of over two decades of careful planning, intentional living, and a commitment to financial independence.  Retiring early wasn’t just a goal, it was a way of reclaiming my time and shaping a life centered on what…

Why I Decided to Retire Young and Be an Engaged Dad
/

Why I Decided to Retire Young and Be an Engaged Dad

When I was a teenager, I made a life-changing decision. I decided I wanted to retire young, not because I dreamed of lounging on beaches or traveling the world, but because I wanted to be an engaged dad. My motivation came from my childhood and the complicated relationship I had with my own father. My…

What is Coast FIRE? A Balanced Way to Retire (With Video)

What is Coast FIRE? A Balanced Way to Retire (With Video)

Ever wondered how you could achieve financial freedom without waiting until you’re 65? Or how you could work less now, but still retire comfortably later? That’s exactly the kind of balance Coast FIRE offers.  Unlike traditional financial independence plans that demand strict savings and intense frugality, Coast FIRE invites you to save with intention early…

Unexpected Ways Inflation Impacts Your Life: What You Should Know 

Unexpected Ways Inflation Impacts Your Life: What You Should Know 

Inflation might sound like a dry economic term or a mere financial concept, but it sneaks into our everyday lives in surprising ways. You may think it only affects big-ticket items or the stock market, but the truth is, inflation can change how we shop, save, and even socialize.  It doesn’t announce itself with bold…

How to Teach a Kid About Stocks: Easiest Way To Explain Stocks to A Kid
/

How to Teach a Kid About Stocks: Easiest Way To Explain Stocks to A Kid

When my 7-year-old son Jonathan asked how large companies operate, I saw an opportunity to teach him about stocks using his own business experiences. By relating investing concepts to his entrepreneurial ventures, I made the topic engaging and understandable for him. This is the story of how I introduced my son to the world of…