Category Archives: Money Management & Personal Finance

Yet Another Decade In Review Post


My spouse and I enjoyed a heck of a year. The end of 2019 marks 20 years of our financial independence and over 17 years of my military retirement. I’ve written about military personal finance for over 15 years and … Continue reading

Posted in Financial Independence, Money Management & Personal Finance, Travel | 6 Comments

Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence


It’s coming in spring on 8 September 2020: the book you’ve asked for about teaching your kids how to manage their money. My daughter Carol and I recently signed a book contract with ChooseFI Media to publish “Raising Your Money-Savvy … Continue reading

Posted in Financial Independence, Military Life & Family, Money Management & Personal Finance, Reviews | 2 Comments

From The Mail Buoy: Staying For 20 And Hacking The High Cost Of Living in Hawaii


A reader writes: “Nords, I’m an avid reader of your website and love your Reddit replies. I’m active duty with 14 years of service.  I’m saving a considerable amount of my paycheck and investing in dividend growth stocks with a … Continue reading

Posted in Financial Independence, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance, Travel | 4 Comments

The 1980s-2000s: How I Wish I’d Invested Back Then


My spouse and I were not brilliant investors. We made the typical dumb mistakes of our 20s and 30s and we paid ridiculously large fees along the way to financial independence, but a high savings rate overcame all of those errors. … Continue reading

Posted in Financial Independence, Investing & TSP | 12 Comments

Our Retirement – The Spending Smile Of Financial Independence


Disclosure: This article is part of the Life Uninterrupted campaign sponsored by USAA. The #LifeUninterrupted campaign is designed to help future retirees learn how they can transition into retirement without worrying about financial interruptions. You can receive a free, no-obligation retirement review … Continue reading

Posted in Financial Independence, Military Retirement, USAA | 5 Comments