Building A Great Life: July Update

Hello FIRE community!

One of my objectives this year was to track how often I’m taking actions that reflect my values. When I think about how I most want to spend my time and energy, I dream about more time with my extended family, having more gatherings with friends, spending time near the ocean, taking more trips and adventures, and spending regular time outdoors and moving my body. I wanted to set goals that are about celebrating having more of the things I love in my life. My thought was that if I measure these things, they will be more top of mind and I will make more active decisions to pursue my Great Life values.

This month, it influenced me to say yes to planning a game night with friends, prompted me fit in daily walks during cooler hours despite the heat wave, and influenced me to aspirationally buy a new piece of luggage (Osprey Fairview 36 if you’re curious, purchased gently used and much cheaper on eBay, of course). We spent a much-anticipated long weekend with my brother’s family at the beach. I also scheduled time on a weekday afternoon to drive to my grandfather’s house so I could sit around the table at my grandfather’s house, enjoying a home-cooked meal, listening to my father, step-mom, aunt, and uncle tell so many stories from their life that I’ve never heard before.

Tracking these moments has not only kept me accountable but has also enriched my life with beautiful memories and deeper connections. I’m excited to continue this journey and see how many more “memory dividend” moments I can create by the end of the year.
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#SurprisingWealth #GreatLife #LivingWithIntention #GreatLifeGoals #LiveALifeYouLove

Let’s get curious….

What small changes can you make in your daily routine to align more closely with your values and passions?

Who in your life do you wish you could spend more time with, and what steps can you take to make that happen?

How can you incorporate more of the outdoors into your weekly schedule, even in small ways?

What upcoming events or gatherings can you plan or attend to foster deeper connections with friends and family?

By exploring these questions, you can gain deeper insights into your financial journey and identify actionable steps to move closer to your goals. Financial independence is a personal and unique journey for everyone, and we hope these questions inspire you to take meaningful steps towards your own financial freedom.

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A Bit About Us

Our journey began with humble beginnings. We’ve navigated through the challenges of creating a life and a living we love, while earing low to median incomes. What started as a modest dream of being able to retire someday has turned into a concrete plan. We’ve been on the SlowFI path, consistently saving and investing for 20+ years. Our income over time has stayed roughly in the 50th percentile, so we are truely everyday Americans. We’ve achieved remarkable results through living below our means and consistently investing the difference. Now in our mid-40s, we are in the top 20% for U.S. household wealth for our age group. This has been possible through conscious spending, consistent saving, strategic investing, and a commitment to lifestyle design where we spend generously on things that bring us value and contentment, while cuting back on things we are ambivalent about. It can be daunting when you hear the stories of tech workers or doctors or other people with large income shovels. We want to share how an everyday couple with median US income has built wealth for the future, while also creating a life we love today.

Why Financial Independence?

Financial Independence means having the freedom to make choices that aren’t dictated only by the need for a paycheck. It’s about gaining control over your time and energy, and being able to pursue what truly matters to you. For us, it’s about creating time for friend & family, travel, and the experiences that bring joy and fulfillment.

Join Us on the Journey

In January 2021, I ran some calculations, projected our investment growth, and analyzed our current spending levels. After adjusting our spending assumptions for future inflation, I realized we could replace our earned income (trading time for money) with investment income (our money making money for us) in approximately 10 years. With 90 months left to go, we’re solidly on that path and we want you to join us. Whether you’re just starting out or well on your way to financial independence, Surprising Wealth is here to support and inspire you. Together, we can make every month count and turn dreams into reality.

Thank you for being a part of our community. Let’s embark on this journey to financial independence together!

Disclaimer: All the tips and stories here are from my own journey toward financial independence. Remember, what worked for me might not work for everyone. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult with a professional before making any significant financial decisions.