This is a place for honest discussions about money and investing.

I hope you find it useful.

An honest exploration of money in our modern world. Seeking healthier personal finances and investing choices without losing our humanity.

Foundational Posts — Start Here

Time for a Reboot

I started this blog some time ago as a young professional with some inside-baseball knowledge of the fintech space, figuring I could write useful words while clawing my way toward financial independence. Candidly, maybe obviously, I figured I could make a buck or two hawking the tools that would help me along the way.   

As I write this now, I’m an older professional and a father of two. I’m not any closer to financial independence; in fact, I’m further away than I was when I started this, much further than I expected. If I’m not quite broken, I’m definitely broke (or at least more broke than in years past). READ MORE

Is a House an Investment?

The debate rages on. I’ve debated this question at backyard barbecues and on Reddit threads. There are various competing answers to the question “is a house a good investment” (or, as a next step, is a house a good investment). In my view neither opinion is wrong, per se. It’s a philosophical, almost ontological question. What is an “investment”… what is a “good investment”… hell, what is a “house”?

I’ll explain further below, but let’s take it the question “is a house an investment” at face value first.

Yes. Yes of course it is. I’ve heard it said that “owning a home is not an investment because it doesn’t pay you money.”

Bullshit! READ MORE

What is #fire, and do you want it?

The #FIRE movement is a (mostly) laudable new way to think about money, careers, retirement, and what really matters in this sideways, dollar-soaked society.

What strategies have we figured out? Are they right for you? How righteous are they?

READ MORE

Check back often for more random thoughts on money, investing, the economy, and more.