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As many of you know, we went to Thailand in December.
We spent 1 week in Phuket, 1 week in Bangkok.
It was our first trip overseas in more than 10 years!
In my latest article, I share what we did, how much things cost, and my thoughts on retiring in Thailand.
But you won’t just hear from me – you’ll hear from two people who’ve actually done it!
The trip itself was great. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And as the pictures show, we got to experience quite a bit.
Read: Our Thailand Adventure – A Great Place to Retire?
STRONG MONEY PODCAST
My new podcast is up and running!
I’ve released 3 episodes so far, so I hope you’ll check ’em out.
In Episode 1, I give a brief rundown of my journey to financial independence – where I came from, the ups and downs along the way, and what life looks like these days, as someone who’s basically retired or semi-retired in their 30s.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or on the website.
In Episode 2, I share my personal framework for making smarter money decisions. Instead of just giving you random instructions, I’ll walk you through the way I think about spending money – it’s essentially like an operating framework that helped me get to where I am today.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or on the website.
In Episode 3, we dive into the myth that achieving financial independence means you miss out enjoying life. I share a few examples of FIRE stories in the media which try to point out how ‘extreme’ this approach is, and why they’re wrong.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or on the website.
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AUSSIE FIRE PODCAST
For those wondering, yes I’m still continuing with the Aussie FIRE collab – nothing has changed there 🙂
In the latest episode, we unpack another FI Case Study.
This time, from a single person in their 40s who’s struggling with One More Year Syndrome.
Their job is taking a toll on their health and they’re wondering if they have enough to retire.
We also tackle a couple of questions on ETFs and managed funds.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple.
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THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK
You can have the highest paying job, the best lifestyle and lots of nice stuff. But if you have no real savings or investments, you’re only a couple of missed paychecks from being broke.
Money is a tool that gives you options. Having money is far better than not having it. Spending it is the fastest way to not have it. And investing is the best way to have more of it.
After you’ve been investing for long enough, you can end up earning far more doing nothing than you can working. Our share portfolio went up $50k in January. Properties and super likely went up too. If that isn’t motivation to invest as much as possible, as soon as possible, I don’t know what is. (Obviously not every month is like that, but it’s an example.)
STRONG MONEY MEETUP
I’m holding the first Perth meetup for 2025 in the next couple of weeks 🙂
Here’s the details:
22nd February, 9am, at Koorak Cafe, Kings Park.
As usual, we’ll meet on the big open grass area just outside the cafe.
Come say g’day if you haven’t been before – we get a great bunch of motivated and thoughtful folks of all ages – from 18-60+. See you there!
