Uncategorized

Financial Independence update: June 2020

Firelite

A breath of fresh air as lockdown lifts... The beautiful but burning sun of late, interspersed with shower after shower, is probably a fair analogy for something – maybe my mixed feelings over my work situation. But that aside, I’ve retained my high (82%) savings rate. Or if you like, 87% of take-home pay (this… Continue reading Financial Independence update: June 2020

Finances

Unlikely Topic of Conversation 1: Quantitative Easing

Firelite

That feeling you should or think you kinda know something, but you don’t really know it. This is what this new occasional series* tries to address: I deconstruct and untangle to provide digestible personal finance-related nuggets for the regular person, which let’s face it, rarely come up as a topic of dinnertime conversation! At least… Continue reading Unlikely Topic of Conversation 1: Quantitative Easing

Finances

Financial independence update: May 2020

Firelite

The sun is out, followed very closely by what feels like the near constant tune of the ice cream van, aaand lockdown is starting to relax. Consumer confidence may be sinking, but does that mean saving is on the rise? With Firelite Junior poised to return to nursery on Monday, change is certainly afoot. I’ve… Continue reading Financial independence update: May 2020

About me, Life, Work

Voluntary redundancy in the time of Corona

Firelite

Taking the plunge? So, the announcement was made this week. I didn’t expect it so soon and held my breath as I read the email. They’re offering 10 months’ salary to those who’ve been there as long as I have to take voluntary redundancy (VR). While less attractive than previously (12 months’ salary during the… Continue reading Voluntary redundancy in the time of Corona

Investment strategy, Just for fun

Which FI dinosaur are you?

Firelite

Dinosaurs were arguably the original financially free creatures to roam the planet! Each creature had its own niche. Since 2020 Lockdown is getting a bit weary now, let’s go back to pre-history to find out which FI dino you are*… Tyrannosaurus Rex Fast-track in high-paying city career, multiple passive income streams and throwing a tonne… Continue reading Which FI dinosaur are you?

Life, Lifestyle, mindset

Do you need as much as you think to be financially independent?

Firelite

Or another question I pose to myself this morning as I sit here with my coffee: If I had to live on what I have accumulated now, could I do so with some semblance of quality of life? Moments If you’re new to saving (or investing), then this may feel like a ludicrous question. But… Continue reading Do you need as much as you think to be financially independent?

Early retirement, Goal setting, Life, Personal development

The Four Burners Theory and the Why of FI

Firelite

What's the secret to success in life whatever that means to you? Well, I recently came across the four burners theory*, which in short, purports that each symbolic burner represents a specific important area of your life (see my stove representation below), and in order to excel in one area, you must cut off one… Continue reading The Four Burners Theory and the Why of FI

Investment strategy, Just for fun, Shares

The thrill of a free share: Starting my mini share portfolio

Firelite

So, I decided to set up a fun share portfolio. I'd read Weenie's recommendation a while back of Freetrade, a start-up company which offers free share dealing. With some form of lockdown likely to last a good while, I thought this was a good a time as any to explore the stockmarket directly. Plus, Freetrade… Continue reading The thrill of a free share: Starting my mini share portfolio