FI Progress

Progress Update 6: 529 Shuffling and Crazy Tenants

June 1, 2018 by Mr. Heartland on FIRE

Welp, it seems like Spring lasted about 2 days. In last month’s post Spring was just arriving, now we’ve gone straight to Summer in no time flat. It’s time for the monthly net worth update. Did our net worth number grow as fast in May as Spring changed to Summer?

Less than Twice My Salary Saved by 35? Am I doomed?

May 25, 2018 by Mr. Heartland on FIRE

By 30, you should have a decent chunk of change saved for your future self, experts say — in fact, ideally your account would look like a year’s worth of salary, according to Boston-based investment firm Fidelity Investments, so if you make $50,000 a year, you’d have $50,000 saved already. By 35, you should have twice your salary, the firm said. – Marketwatch article citing Fidelity Investments advice

There’s been quite a bit said and written in response to this article. Let’s take a closer look… [Read more…] about Less than Twice My Salary Saved by 35? Am I doomed?

The 401k Race: How We Placed Our Bet

May 18, 2018 by Mr. Heartland on FIRE

A 401k is a powerful tool for reaching financial independence. But there is a decision to make. Should we invest our 401ks using pre-tax dollars or using a Roth 401k? It’s kinda like betting on horses. [Read more…] about The 401k Race: How We Placed Our Bet

Progress Update 5: The Green is Back, HSAs & Dying Trees

May 4, 2018 by Mr. Heartland on FIRE

Hello May! Happy to see you. Spring has FINALLY Sprung! With the beginning of the growing season upon us has our net worth began to grow again? After a couple down months let’s take a look:

The Great Financial Migration Part II

April 27, 2018 by Mr. Heartland on FIRE

Back in March, we decided to bite the bullet and transfer our investments from Edward Jones to Vanguard. You can read Part I of this adventure HERE. At the time of that post, we had just initiated the transfers. I wanted to give an update on where things stand and what my thoughts are on the process. [Read more…] about The Great Financial Migration Part II

Progress Update 4: Backsliding, Caveats & Crazy Graphs

April 6, 2018 by Mr. Heartland on FIRE

So, it’s April now. Just like that a quarter of the year gone. Dayum! It is still freezing cold here with snows still expected, so it sure doesn’t feel like April. If this weather won’t change soon, I’ll be mowing the grass in the snow. But enough about the weather… Let’s review the interesting month of March that was.