2026 "Great Life" - Mid-Year Friendship Goal Check-in
I’m tracking how my actions align with my valuesThe content on Surprising Wealth reflects my own experiences and opinions. It is not intended as financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a professional for advice tailored to your situation.
Building A Great Life: Friendship Goals: Mid-Year Check-in (2026)
Hello FIRE community!
One of my favorite med-year todo’s is checking in on the goals that have nothing to do with net worth.
While I enjoy tracking our progress toward financial independence, I’ve found just as much value in measuring whether my life actually reflects the values I’m working so hard to support. More time with family. More afternoons with friends. More walks outside. More conversations that leave me energized. More memories.
Friendship Is Compounding Faster Than Ever
At this point last year, I had logged 46 visits with friends.
This year, I’m already at 79.
That number surprised me. Over the past year we’ve welcomed several new neighbors into our lives. Evening walks have become one of our favorite parts of the day, and it’s amazing how often a quick walk turns into a half-hour conversation in someone’s driveway or front yard. Those repeated, casual interactions have slowly grown into genuine friendships.
We’ve also expanded our FI community by attendng several new FI Bookclub meetups. There’s something special about gathering with people who share similar values while bringing completely different life experiences to the conversation. Every meeting leaves us with new ideas, new perspectives, and often plans to get together again.
Continuing last years theme into this year, we’ve become even more intentional about reaching out. Instead of waiting for someone else to organize something, we’ve been texting friends with simple ideas:
“Want to grab lunch?”
“Feel like taking a walk?”
“Want to come over for snacks?”
So many people are just waiting for someone to make the first move.
Relationship Wealth Grows Through Small Actions
Last year I wrote about “memory dividends.” I still love that phrase because it’s exactly how these experiences feel. Relationships grow through consistent contributions rather than occasional grand gestures. A neighborhood conversation. A shared meal. Helping with a project. Suggesting a casual meetup. An invitation to join a favorite hike. Showing kindness or sharing a vulnerable thought.
None of these moments feel particularly significant on their own, but together they create something incredibly valuable… a community of people who celebrate your successes, help carry your burdens, and make ordinary weeks feel a little more extraordinary.
Let’s Get Curious…
- What small habits could help you spend more time with the people who matter most?
- Are there neighbors, coworkers, or acquaintances you’d enjoy getting to know a little better?
- Is there a club, volunteer opportunity, or community group you’ve been meaning to try?
- Who could you text this week with a simple invitation to grab coffee, take a walk, or share a meal?
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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.
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