Keeping Up With Election Proposals – Taxing 401Ks

During the Democratic National Convention two weeks ago, news slipped out that Joe Biden was developing a new tax plan that would rollback benefits for 401K plans. He even had his Economic Advisor speak to it at a panel event at the convention. Like many ‘progressive’ initiatives, this one involves reducing or eliminating 401K tax benefits from higher income households and transferring that benefit to … Continue reading Keeping Up With Election Proposals – Taxing 401Ks

MrFireStation08.31.202008.30.20207 Comments

FIRE Observations, Lifestyle Change

Big Breakfast

I made a big stack of buckwheat pancakes for myself yesterday, topped it with real maple syrup & berries, and added a glass of orange juice. It’s a repeat of the breakfast that I had the morning I walked away from working and into the wonderful world of FIRE (financial independence & retired early). Related: FIRE Milestone – Final Day: Blasting Into Retirement It only took … Continue reading Big Breakfast

MrFireStation08.27.202008.17.20204 Comments

Invest Effectively

Cashing In Before The Election

After seeing the details of Biden’s big tax increase proposal and reading that there is a legitimate chance that Democrats will win the White House and both houses of Congress this November, I figured it would be a good time to accelerate some MegaCorp stock option sales that I could otherwise stretch out to July 2022. I made my big stock move of the decade … Continue reading Cashing In Before The Election

MrFireStation08.24.202008.06.20204 Comments

FIRE Observations

Anniversary Memories

This past Tuesday, my wife and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary with a getaway to Minnesota’s scenic North Shore on Lake Superior. Over dinner on the deck of a lakefront restaurant, we were sharing memories of our wedding rehearsal, ceremony, and reception. They are all distant memories now, but many stick with you from the time they happen. I recalled my Dad’s reaction to the … Continue reading Anniversary Memories

MrFireStation08.20.202008.18.202011 Comments

Invest Effectively

Amazing Rebound

There it is … the S&P 500 is just 6 points short of record territory, despite the CV-19 pandemic. I was chatting about the amazing rebound in the market yesterday with an old MegaCorp colleague and we were both astounded that it could jump back so quickly. He asked what I thought about the stock market right now and what I would do in his … Continue reading Amazing Rebound

MrFireStation08.13.202008.12.202011 Comments

Fitness Counts

Battery Boosted Biking

Exactly, five years ago this week, I bought the first new bike that I had bought in 25 years. I felt like a kid again. My plan was that it would be my FIRE escape to great fitness in my new no-work lifestyle. It’s been a good bike, but I haven’t used it very much. I’ve learned that like most people, I like to ride … Continue reading Battery Boosted Biking

MrFireStation08.06.202008.05.20205 Comments

Lifestyle Change

Business Casual vs Living Casual

I’ve never been directly accused of being a show off by anyone, but I also don’t hide the fact that I’m a successful early retiree. This past week I had lunch with a MegaCorp friend and he commented on my cool, casual appearance – and what a relaxed existence I seemed to be enjoying. Sure, everyone is more casual these days as they work from … Continue reading Business Casual vs Living Casual

MrFireStation07.31.202007.30.20206 Comments

Spend Less Than You Make

What Are You Wasting Money on?

We are blessed to be able to live a comfortable lifestyle in early retirement, by almost anyone’s standards. Our son thinks we are sometimes too frugal, but we’ve enjoyed many vacations, entertainment experiences, and everyday luxuries over the last 4 years. In general, our spending is still in line or even slightly below what we planned for our FIRE escape. Still, like most people, we … Continue reading What Are You Wasting Money on?

MrFireStation07.27.202007.26.202015 Comments

Terrific Travel

Minnesota Getaway

For the most part, we are living our lives during the CV19 ‘Lockdown’ without a lot of issues. We are blessed. Fortunately, most of the activities that we enjoy this time of year are outside and that’s about the best place you can be to stay safe and keep others safe. Everyday, in my Facebook ‘History’ feed, I see pictures pop up from great trips … Continue reading Minnesota Getaway

MrFireStation07.24.202007.23.20206 Comments

Celebrate Success

A Different Type of Retirement

Our son’s college graduation ceremony was cancelled in May due to CV-19. They had a simple online video acknowledgement of the occasion with a few speakers, which was the best they could do during the global pandemic. Our son wasn’t too disappointed, but Mrs. Fire Station was not happy at all. She was really looking forward to seeing him walk across the stage and get … Continue reading A Different Type of Retirement

MrFireStation07.20.202007.19.20207 Comments

MrFireStation

Financial / Lifestyle Help to Achieve "FIRE" – Financially Independent & Retired Early

Tag: early retirement