Heartland on FIRE

Blazing a Trail Towards Financial Independence

Blazing a Trail Towards Financial Independence

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Our DIY Spare Bathroom Remodel, Part I

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I don’t know about you, but we are addicted to home renovation shows.  One of the shows we particularly like is “Renovation Realities.” Basically, the show’s premise is to follow around people as they take on a renovation project.  Usually, hilarity ensues as the couple struggles through the project.  Wires are shorted, windows broken, spirits (and sometimes fingers) are crushed, and budgets are vaporized.

Well, it’s our turn in the spotlight now.  We’ve just kicked off a renovation of our kiddo’s bathroom.  We are self-performing all of the work.  Keep reading to follow along on our trials, tribulations, victories and setbacks.   [Read more…] about Our DIY Spare Bathroom Remodel, Part I

Thank You Notes from the Heart(land)

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

A year ago today, this blog did not exist.  November marks the end of my first year of blogging on this site.  It’s been a hell of a journey so far and I can’t wait to see where this whole thing goes.  So, to get into the Thanksgiving spirit, I thought it would be help to write out a list of Thank You notes for those that are responsible for the existence of this blog.

***Cracks Knuckles***

***Piano Softly Plays***

[Read more…] about Thank You Notes from the Heart(land)

Patience is the Smoldering Heart of the FIRE

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The flames of the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement can spread rapidly.  Just like a campfire stacked with kindling, the flames are tall, flickering, and bright at first, but over time, these flames subside leaving the dull glow of smoldering coals.

But you don’t cook on the flickering flames.  This short blast of high heat would scorch the outside, leaving the inside raw.  You do your cooking on the coals,  sustaining just the right level of heat over a longer time.

Having an open mind, self evaluation, and taking bold action are critical to igniting the FIRE and the bright dancing flames of the initial burn.

Patience is the Smoldering Heart of the FIRE [Read more…] about Patience is the Smoldering Heart of the FIRE

How FIRE Can Help Mitigate Disaster

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Photo by Dawn Armfield on Unsplash
“Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling!”
“Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes, volcanoes…”
“The dead rising from the grave!”
“Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together… mass hysteria!”
– The Ghostbusters

We all like to think glowingly about our future.  Raising our families, fun vacations, memorable meals, and retirement, of course!  We spend a great deal of time thinking and planning about what fun things we are going to do and how we will go about doing them.  In the Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) community, we use high savings rates to reach Financial Independence (FI) much quicker than our non-FIRE peers.

But unfortunately, S^&T happens, and our best-laid plans could go up in smoke.  However, the same skills you use to propel yourself on the path to FI can serve you well when everything that can go wrong, does go wrong.

[Read more…] about How FIRE Can Help Mitigate Disaster

Over 50% of Americans Don’t Use Their Vacation. Don’t be one of them!

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***Extremely Mickey Mouse voice*** – Hi Kids! Today’s Mousekatool is Paid Vacation

I am fresh off of our first full week vacation in 2 years.  While we’ve taken a few long weekend trips, we haven’t had a full week off during this time.  We took our daughters to Disney World (geez… could you tell?) and we all had a great time and created many memories that won’t soon be forgotten.

My wife and I have already started discussing our next vacation!  I think we can all get behind more vacation, right?

Well, the answer is apparently a big fat NO.

As I have been reflecting on the week gone by, I recalled an article I had read that stated that roughly 52% of Americans don’t use their paid vacation.

Let that sink in.

Your boss is willing to pay you money… to not show up for work.  And we say, “No Thanks” more than half the time!

[Read more…] about Over 50% of Americans Don’t Use Their Vacation. Don’t be one of them!