When I first discovered FIRE blogs, I had never read a blog besides a recipe post. And I certainly had no concept of following someone. Sounds a bit stalker(ish), doesn’t it? Haha. Now I follow others and appreciate others following me.
Initially, all the FIRE blogs I read were written by young men who were, for want of a better word, very gung-ho about the concept. I wanted to read other perspectives, namely from someone other than a white male with an enormous income.
So when I discovered Meet The Women Of The Financial Independence Movement by Tread Lightly, Retire Early, I was ecstatic! Here was a community of women blogging about their FI journey and with whom I could relate to, even though the majority had started on their journey much earlier than I did.
Angela wrote it in response to a blog post in which the blogger cited one female blogger and replied to a comment that he didn’t know any other female finance bloggers. She came up with more than 100. And that was in January 2018. There are literally thousands now.
And as the movement has expanded across the world, there are also more non US centric blogs providing another point of view. I love reading all the different perspectives, strategies, eventual outcomes from people of all walks of life and from around the world.
A huge congratulations on being nominated for the #Awesome Blogger Award!!
Great to hear more about your motivation (and love of cooking too!)
Some quick answers to your questions:
1. So I could help other people to stop stressing about money and instead feel empowered by it. I’ve also always enjoyed reading and writing, so blogging felt like a good fit.
2. Connecting with other people online. Being able to share stories and learn lots along the way.
3. Starting from scratch. Figuring out what to focus on and how to grow.
4. Not so much yet (still very new), but have discovered some awesome bloggers as a result.
5. Almost. Blogging feels a bit like having a pet – you need to give it regular care and attention. Sometimes other things in life come up and distract me.
6. 24 hours of deep happiness 🙂
7. Chocolate, but both are great. Tough choice!
8. I’d love to do another thru-hike – maybe the Continental Divide Trail (I get bored lying on a beach)
9. Everyone who has a dream and gives it their all to chase it.
10. Start saving and investing early. Study hard and pick a degree with the highest starting salary. Or start side hustling ASAP.
Thanks, Jordan!
Love your answers especially – “Blogging feels a bit like having a pet” – hahaha! And you are right, there are a lot of distractions. Keep going, you are doing great!
Such a fun post! I enjoyed reading it and getting to know you a little better. What a great point about enjoying life along the way, rather than saving all the fun stuff until retirement. There are no guarantees in life! Before the COVID-19 pandemic, hubby & I had been going on 2 – 3 big trips per year. It’s been fantastic to enjoy these trips together, but also served as a compromise since I wanted to keep working a little longer to build up a bigger nest egg.
I love your Late Starter to FI series, btw. It’s so important to share these stories – it’s not too late to catch up retirement savings, even after a late start. Your series gives people hope!
Thank you, BBSS!
When I first discovered FIRE, I thought back to all my holidays and travels, started to think – Gee, I could have FIRE’ed by now if I hadn’t spent all that money. But now I am glad that I did – I treasure those experiences and who knows when we can explore the world again?
Awesome post! Nice getting to know you better. I love that you enjoy baking and the measuring involved. I never thought about it before but I think that’s part of why I enjoy it, too.
You’re doing inspiring work with your blog. And helping many others find their way. Congratulations on the well-deserved award and thank you for passing on the challenge. I’m honored.
Thanks, Ana! I love reading your blog so more than happy to pass it on to you 🙂 And happy baking!
1. I started blogging because I wanted to share my journey and hold myself accountable as I continue, particularly as I’m looking at 20ish year time horizon and I know the middle part is likely to result in more slacking than the initial enthusiasm! Plus I wanted to offer another perspective from someone who isn’t necessarily looking to retire quickly, but wants to set myself up for a high income and financial freedom when I *do* retire.
2. I enjoy the community and reading everyone else’s blogs! And also the little endorphin rush when my site gets a visit 😛
3. I’m at the very beginning of blogging so haven’t had many of the usual hiccups yet. Honestly, at the moment my main issue is having too many ideas but not wanting to publish everything at once, finding myself content-less at the end of the year!
4. No new paths discovered yet!
5. No desire to stop yet.
6. Having spent the day exploring a new city, and then returning back to my hotel room – with a nice clean balcony with a view – to sit outside and read while it is still light out and the weather is still warm. Knowing that I have nowhere else I have to be and nothing else I have to do.
7. CHOCOLATE
8. I really want to do a Europe trip. Someday, someday.
9. One of my mentors when I was in university, who cemented my dreams of becoming a specialist in general practice.
10. Save money, use credit cards wisely, and invest in shares early rather than jumping on the property bandwagon.
Great answers, Chasing Fire Down Under!
Blogging certainly keeps me accountable – and I started blogging too, knowing that I will be tempted to be slack in the middle part of my journey.
Your ideal day is quite similar to mine although I confess I tend to squeeze in too many activities when I’m in a a new city 🙂
Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself here! Looking forward to reading more on your blog