I’m a fraud.
Why? Because I plan to work after I retire early. Scandalous!
If you’ve read this blog, you know I hate cubicle life. Getting out of the cubicle is my top priority. Staying productive with creative work comes second.
We also have five rental properties to manage. Some might say I can’t keep those running without stressful work. Sure, I earn a decent paycheck now, but when I retire early that paycheck disappears. This blog doesn’t bring in six figures yet…
I’ve dropped hints about our finances here and there. Sometimes I spell out the big plan and the details. But unlike many bloggers, I won’t share every dollar we spend, earn, or every traffic stat.
My Monday post was one of those “let it all hang out” pieces. It’s not hard to see we make good money. I’m in my mid-40s, and Mrs. Cubert is more than ten years into her career — we’ve paid our dues.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of about earning well, but I remember how hard it was at the start. My first real salaried job out of college in 1995 paid $27,500. Raises didn’t shoot sky-high after that.
For fun: 8% of $27,500 is $2,200. With a 50% employer match on the first 6%, that came to $3,025 total. The start of the snowball…
Fraud or not, I hope some of my experiences and real estate side-hustle tips help you save money so you can focus on what matters — people and personal growth. That would be worth it.
But what if I’m misleading you? What if you follow my advice and it turns out to be a trap?
That line makes me think of Admiral Ackbar’s “It’s a trap!” from Return of the Jedi. Seriously though, what if we don’t have healthcare at 75? How would we pay huge medical bills if something awful happens — like getting attacked by wolves on the way to the garage?
Or worse, a third Death Star powered by Tesla appears? Maybe you’re safer staying in your cubicle to avoid medical bills and wolves…
I genuinely think working after retirement can be fine. I don’t want to be idle. I could spend days skiing, snorkeling, or playing slots, but I love writing and managing rentals — it’s work I enjoy and it keeps me engaged.
As for my frugal streak, it’s been weak lately. This week I’ve bought three coffees at the campus shop and had one (maybe two) cafeteria lunches. Guilty as charged.
Still, I’ve kept making smart big-picture moves. The Airbnb experiment is doing well — I’m about 60% toward the first-year return goal. I’m also on my second bonus travel card of 2018. Small victories.
I try not to shove my enthusiasm for saving down everyone’s throat. Many people will say the world is falling apart, but I’m an optimist.
I’ve shared a lot about what’s worked for us, using real examples, and I’m not shy about failures. I’ve nearly hit my word limit for today, so I’m tired.
This blog isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix for everyone’s finances. I’m not saying early retirement solves everything for parents of kids with special needs or families with tough circumstances. It might not help everyone.
But some of the tips here can improve general financial health, whether you quit your job early or not.
What I write is aimed at people with few excuses — those who could make changes but don’t, who should but won’t, who end up stuck in a cubicle at 60 counting down to Saturday golf.
So don’t worry if you plan to work after you leave your cubicle. This philosophy isn’t about giving up productivity. It’s about finding the best, most enjoyable ways to do your work in places that bring joy, not stress.