August was the month where I would say that “this sh*t is getting real”.  With just 7 months left before my FIRE Escape date to early retirement on April Fool’s Day 2016, planning & preparation are definitely moving into full swing. 

August has been a quite eventful month for a few reasons and there has been a lot of volatility in the stock markets to add to the excitement:  Here’s my checklist of things I got done this month:

• Read Ernie Zelinski’s book “The Joy of Not Working”.  Good inspiration.
• Had my last annual physical at the MegaCorp medical center.  Good health.
• Had my second-to-last Dentist visit.  Good teeth.
• Started my new “side job” – a corporate board role.  Good meetings.
• Met with our tax advisor.  Good numbers.
• Continued to update my countdown flags.  Good fun.
• Watched the stock market rock & roll.  Good luck!

While the stock market fell -4.3% in August, our nest egg has remained pretty resilient at +1.9%.  The difference maker for us has been a sizable holding in my former MegaCorp employer’s stock, which has stayed strong through the Wall Street panic, remaining +4.4% for the year.  Since these shares are in stock options, they have positive leverage and a better than average impact on our total portfolio. Continue reading “Early Retirement FIRE Escape – 7 Month Countdown”