Category Archives: Mortgage & Real Estate

Book Review: “Rent vs. Own”

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Doug Nordman

When you’re striving for financial independence, does it really make sense to rent instead of owning your own home? One of the hidden costs of serving your country is relocating all over the world. The moving process is hard enough: … Continue reading →

Posted in Mortgage & Real Estate, Reviews | 10 Comments

Save Money by Fixing Your Own Plumbing

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Doug Nordman

Everybody wants to save money to reach financial independence, but it’s even more challenging to avoid unnecessary expenses. Sometimes “spending avoidance” requires sweat equity, training, and experience. Other times you can avoid expenses with a little knowledge and good habits. … Continue reading →

Posted in Mortgage & Real Estate | 3 Comments

Covering a Mortgage in Retirement – How Not Paying Off Your Mortgage Can Lead to More Financial Flexibility and a Larger Investment Portfolio

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Doug Nordman

(This post has been updated with 2021 data!) Conventional wisdom claims that retirees shouldn’t carry debt. If you’re going to enjoy retirement then you want to minimize your non-discretionary expenses and maximize your entertainment!, er, I mean, discretionary spending. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in Mortgage & Real Estate | 4 Comments

DIY home improvement

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Doug Nordman

It’s Monday and many of you are probably at work wishing you were out surfing.  If you’re stuck in a quiet air-conditioned office, then let me put up an eye-candy post that’ll make you glad to be sitting there.  Sorry, … Continue reading →

Posted in Mortgage & Real Estate | Leave a comment

DIY home maintenance

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Doug Nordman

      I was ready to wax our old toilet. But before I explain that teaser, let me talk about a critical aspect of financial independence: DIY– doing it yourself. When you’re working 60 hours a week (or deployed … Continue reading →

Posted in Mortgage & Real Estate | 2 Comments