A Confession
My Confession
I have a confession to make. It’s actually hard to admit here on the blog. But it’s true, it’s absolutely true.I didn’t start reading FIRE blogs because financial independence eluded me. I didn’t have a pile of debt or a dead-end job. I didn’t have a career that I couldn’t stand or a boss riding me all day.
Now don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t that I wasn’t learning. Before reading the MadFientist or listening to the ChooseFi podcast, I didn’t have the vocabulary. I didn’t have the tools to understand my situation nor had I heard of such things as 25X, SWR, or the Roth ladder.
Yet there I was.
Earning my 5X, saving fifty percent, running my real estate side hustle. Conquering the world but yet feeling lonely. Because there was no one to talk to about it. No one to strategize with. In fact, I had become an outcast. My peers were too busy building debt or chasing the stock market, overspending on homes and cars.
And they really didn’t want to talk with me about it. They didn’t want to hear my thoughts on the three fund portfolio. They didn’t want me wagging my finger at their expensive lifestyle . Even if they originally asked for some type of help, their eyes would glaze over and the subject would quickly change.
So, it was out of desperation that I came to this magical place
The FIRE community. And in it I found people like me. People who aren’t afraid to talk about money and it’s consequences. People who want control over their lives and refuse to be victims of our backwards system of personal economics.
I ended up here because the thing I craved most was not Financial Independence, though it is very important to me, but rather Community. Friendship. I want to be part of something bigger, composed of like-minded individuals. I want to grow and expand.
Money is great, but it can’t buy happiness.
This blog is a product of my fervent hope to engage this community. My confession. To add my little stitch in the fabric of this vibrant and friendly social media sphere.
To become one of you.
So tell me,
what brings you here?
Yep. Working towards FI with the goal of helping as many people as possible in my circle of influence learn about what FI is and how to get to it is what bring me here! Keep grinding!
Hey Life of FI. Thanks for stopping in. Learn and grind! I like that.
This – “I want to be part of something bigger, composed of like-minded individuals. I want to grow and expand.” I fell in love with the community and hope to give back as I’ve learned much and developed some great relationships. Glad you’ve joined, and look forward to hearing more from you.
Thanks Amy! I’ve found everyone to be so kind. Seems like people lift each other up.
Well said:)
Thanks Caroline and thanks for the tweet!
Yes me too! After understanding the basics of FIRE and personal finance, there’s not much need to hang around on the FIRE blog world. So, I took a couple years off. Then I realized that I craved that community, started my blog, and now devour so much more content (especially the stuff about living a full life). Great confession!
Thanks Mrs. Kiwi. I agree, once you start reading it is hard to stop!
That glazed look – I know it too well! The FIRE community offers ideas and the enforcement of those ideas as well as motivation. Everyone has a different story and everyone can relate differently.
Very true. We are a varied community, each with our own stories.