I read an article by Mark Hulbert titled Why retirees are better off safe than sorry. Mark explains that you could put $100,000 into an annuity and receive $501 per month guaranteed for your lifetime. This equates to $6,012 per year or a 6% return. Here’s the problem that I have with this.

Since the surviving of the 1987 crash when the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell over 20% in one day, there have been other downturns including the recent ones of 2007-2008 and the Covid meltdown in March of 2021. We have learned from each of them.

Billy and Akaisha - How We Afford Our Lifestyle

It’s no secret that we have been living on around $35,000 per year. Now into our 33rd year of financial independence we see no need to lower our spending. In fact, we are trying to increase it. Some people do not believe we can have such a fulfilling lifestyle on this small annual amount, so in this article, we thought to explain how we do it.

Feeling Insecure about Retiring?

Retirement can be a daunting thought for many people, especially if they feel insecure about their financial future. The fear of not having enough money to support themselves or their loved ones can be overwhelming and cause significant stress. Here are some tips to help you be more at ease about retiring.   

Could the Dow Jones Industrial Average, DJIA, Hit 200,000 by 2041?

Here's a question for you: Could the Dow Jones hit 200,000 by 2041? Some say it's not wise to be investing now, while others let their political views obscure their financial risks. For the past 100 years, the DJIA has averaged 10 percent per year with dividends reinvested.

Money Never Sleeps

Just because you retire, your money doesn’t have to. In the words of Gordon Gecko from the 1987 movie Wall Street, “money never sleeps.” And your money definitely won’t once you leave your job.

How to Fail at Early Retirement

First, let me say Billy and I don’t really use the word “fail.” We believe every situation offers learning opportunities, and calling that experience a failure just doesn’t jibe with who we are. In our lives, we want to move forward with the knowledge and wisdom we’ve gained - not benchmark it emotionally by calling it a failure.

The Cost of Working

you've probably asked yourself, "Do I have enough to retire?" But perhaps you should be asking, "How much am I paying to work?" After all, maintaining a career -- and the lifestyle that often accompanies it -- isn't free.

Men, Women, and Their Comparative Saving for Financial Independence

Why do women lag in retirement savings as compared to men? Are women at a disadvantage for reasons too numerous to list? Is it sexism? Are females not good savers? Big spenders? Is it really true that women get paid less for the same work performed? Is the world financially stacked up against women?

11 Best FIRE Bloggers to Inspire Your Retirement Plan

Want to know how you can be a part of the FIRE movement? Find out how these 11 bloggers retired early, and see how you can too.

We found ourselves in a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house that belonged to the Mayor’s brother. Painted white on the outside, the front terrace was a blistering orange. When I walked up the steps and turned around, I had a view of 3 islands. So, Why was I complaining?

Should You Be Taking More Risks in Your Life?

When the word “Risk” is mentioned in conversations, many people emotionally step back. “I’ve never been one for danger” I was told just last week. “I’m not much of a gambler” another said. Why is the idea of risk so challenging?

Many times, it has occurred to me that the challenges I face in expressing myself artistically are really Lessons of Life. It’s that old question “Is art imitating life or vice versa?” In this article, I share some of these lessons, and hope you find them both fun and useful.

You Are Stronger than You Think

Lately, on several shows we have noticed that the talking heads are saying “It’s only going to get worse.” This is one of those phrases that takes away the idea that we, as humans, can solve our problems. These talking heads are in an influential position and instead of feeding us a steady diet of fear, their place of responsibility demands that they rise to the occasion and give us solutions - ways to get out of our labyrinth of confusion.

We Do Not Know the Future

Depending on where one stands, the idea of "The Future" can be invigorating or terrifying. The thing is, The Future is going to come anyway, and regardless of our best efforts, we can never guarantee the outcome.

Living Our Lives at Our Chosen Pace, Always Dreaming

Curiosity still has the magic to pull us forward, and this adds sparkle to our eyes and vitality to our lives. Today we want more comfort in general and are willing to pay for it. Our focus is to maximize these years, and still emphasize value for money spent.

Relax, Breathe and Enjoy the Moment

Once in our travels around the world, Billy and I made a trip to Laos. There was a day when we were walking along the Mekong River and taking in the scenery. Basically, full of wonder, we meandered along until we got to this bend in the road. It was here that I felt a strange tug at my heart and looked to my left away from the river. I practically whispered to Billy, “Something is over there. I’m curious, let’s go see.”

There Are Two Paths to FIRE

As the years have gone by, we have received many questions about FIRE. We’ve spoken to those who wish to retire early, and to those who have already done so. What has emerged as a theme, is that there are two paths to FIRE: the monetary, measurable path -- and the emotional, immeasurable path. Let us explain.

Lessons We Learned in 2022

We have heard from friends and family how happy they were to see the year 2022 in their rearview mirror. Can’t argue with that. Yet, in my opinion, 2022 brought us great lessons, from which we can benefit. We share them here.

How Do You Contribute to the World?

Sometimes there is an idea that those who FIRE are living an egoistic lifestyle, jet-setting around the world without thought to those who are less fortunate. In our experience, we have not found that to be true. In fact, we think becoming Financially Independent is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for the world.

How Travel Prepares You for the Unexpected

When we left the traditional work force in 1991, we sold everything and began to travel the world. These experiences forced us to be flexible even when we didn’t want to. We share some FUN examples here.

Creative Day of Cooking - Our Christmas Day Bash

As you might already know, Billy is a trained French Chef and we owned a restaurant for a decade in Santa Cruz, California. Billy and I love to cook and entertain in our home, and we still do it from time to time. This Christmas was one of those times. Take a here at how we entertained friends all day long with breakfast brunch and a GREAT dinner!

How to Fail at Early Retirement

First, let me say Billy and I don’t really use the word “fail.” We believe every situation offers learning opportunities, and calling that experience a failure just doesn’t jibe with who we are. In our lives, we want to move forward with the knowledge and wisdom we’ve gained - not benchmark it emotionally by calling it a failure.

Creative Cuisine at Home

As you may (or may not) know, Billy is a trained French Chef. He and I owned a restaurant for a decade in Santa Cruz, California, before his career in finance. We love to cook at home and both of us have a great time coming up with tasty combinations. It's a core value and interest that we share in our relationship. Recently, we spent some home time in Mexico making fabulous meals.

We have a choice. We can live a life of fear, or one of hope and optimism. Dwelling on fears clouds the mind. It creates anxiety, emotional contraction, judgment of others and it becomes difficult to make a clear decision about anything. When we consider our abilities, good fortunes, and the possibilities of the future, we are able to see windows instead of walls. It’s the place where we have ideas, dreams, solutions to existing problems, and we create new inventions.

A Sophisticated Guide to Drinking Tequila

For most people in the United States and Canada, Tequila is a very misunderstood drink. However, let me help you with this, because there is so much to enjoy about this beverage. If you decide that you want to try tequila gently and possibly include it in your cabinet of fine liquors, take advantage of our simple guide.

Beef Wellington a la Mexicana

A classic French Meal with a Mexican It started with the search for the bakery in Chapala that produces the wonderful bolillos sold throughout the village. Upon finding the source, I inquired about buying a ball of raw dough. I wanted to make a Beef Wellington using local ingredients, so instead of puff pastry, I used local bolillo dough. Take a look here!

How to Make Your Retirement Richer: Could You Volunteer for One Day?

Giving back: volunteering for one day while traveling - Volunteering while traveling serves local communities and connects people in a powerful way. There are many wonderful nonprofit organizations around the world doing life-changing work in their communities. Giving back to these organizations through volunteering and donations help amplify their mission and impact. Not only that, the volunteers themselves often have a life-changing experience that inspires future giving and general happiness.

VIDEO - Create Your Favorite Lifestyle - Why Not?

Live the life of your dreams. Why not? This is YOUR life and it's one time around. Let us help you get there. We have lots of experience and proven techniques that can give you the freedom to enjoy your retirement.

Money Isn't What Makes You Rich

Some of the best financial minds in the business cannot predict volatile market swings. Personally, we've been through tough financial storms and without trying to sound like Pollyanna, it is during these drops in the markets that we find ourselves to be the most grateful. Before you reject this idea out of hand, hear us out.

First, we want to say that there is no one right way to travel, and as long as you know your particular style, you should be able to make the most of the challenges that come your way.

A Quick Cultural Guide for Expats

Recently, the media has been covering the influx of Expats into countries such as Portugal, Thailand, Mexico, Guatemala or Panama. Apparently, this rise of foreigners relocating in these cities and towns have the locals annoyed. On occasion we even have Readers expressing concern about moving from their own country and the possible attitude of the locals that might greet them when they arrive. That's why we put together this Quick Cultural Guide for Expats.

How to Budget for Wanderlust in Retirement - Q and A with a Reader

It is just my wanderlust that I am unable to estimate the budget for as I really want to see all continents as a traveler/retiree. Rajat. -- You mentioned that you were unable to estimate your travel costs while in retirement - I understand that some retirees have a special budget for that. For Billy and me, we travel as a lifestyle and we keep a running average of expenses, both daily and annually. We don't have a separate stash of money set aside for travel. Read more...

Street Beggars, Part of an Expat Lifestyle

For your new retirement lifestyle, perhaps you decided to move to a different country. Then, all of a sudden, you become aware of the beggars on the street. It’s an uncomfortable moment because in your home country these people are institutionalized and not to be seen. Yet in many foreign countries, street people - or beggars - appear “everywhere." How do we deal with this new paradigm? Let me share some stories with you.

International Travel in the Days of COVID

I did not want to book a ticket only to receive a voucher for a cancelled flight, so for weeks beforehand, I did my homework and had been tracking arrivals and departures from both Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL) and Phoenix Skyharbor Airport (PHX) in Arizona. While other airlines were no longer flying this route, American Airlines had been dependable, with daily flights on time and arriving in one piece. I made my reservations online, and signed up for text alerts on my flight. The day of the departure...

How Travel Prepares You for the Unexpected

When we left the traditional work force in 1991, we sold everything and began to travel the world. These experiences forced us to be flexible even when we didn’t want to. We share some FUN examples here.

After enjoying a couple of days at Lake Atitlan, the world began changing rapidly due to the COVID-19 virus, and travel plans needed to be adjusted hourly. Then the government of Guatemala shut down all public transportation and closed their borders. Contacting a coyote, getting into tuk-tuks, two days and $1,000USD later, I found myself back in Chapala, Mexico where Akaisha was waiting. Read more...

Our Adventures in Paradise, Nevis, West Indies

In 1991 when we first left the working world, our plan was to go to the tiny island of Nevis, West Indies, a 36 sq. mile rock in the Caribbean ocean. On various barefoot cruises in the past, we had visited Nevis and thought it would be a good place to slow down from our over-scheduled lives. Life moves slow in de islands, Mon, and Billy likes to say that we wanted to hit a wall. Just. Stop. And enjoy life.

The Benefits of Globe Trotting

Globe Trotting is also known as slow travel - and in our case, very slow travel. Wanderlust is in our blood. We enjoy learning about and experiencing uniquely unusual locations around the globe. You know, like that little cafe apart from the tourists that you found in the alleyway which served the best tortellini you have ever eaten. Or that French bakery you discovered with... Read more.

Akaisha meets up with an angelic child in Panajachel, Guatemala who wants to sell her trinkets. As much as she doesn't need these things, the child is irresistible. His name is Jesus (Hay-SOOS), and before Akaisha knows it, they begin the "bargaining game."

CNBC Interviews Billy and Akaisha Kaderli - This couple retired at 38 in 1991. Here's how their investments have lasted over the years

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli feel like they have seen it all. The couple retired in 1991 at the age of 38 after saving $500,000. The former restaurateurs, now both 70, have watched as their money survived a series of booms and busts. After 30+ years of retirement, their nest egg currently sits at $1 million.

CNBC Interviews Billy and Akaisha Kaderli - Here are 5 ways this retired couple saved an extra $500,000 over 30 years

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired in 1991 with $500,000 in savings. Now they have $1 million. Watch this video to learn how the couple budgets their money.

VIDEO - How to Achieve Financial Independence - An Interview with Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Interview with Idy Tanndy of Investitin.com - Long before FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) was a common idea, Billy and Akaisha retired in 1991 at the age of 38. Surviving market crashes, world travel challenges, and health events overseas, this remarkable couple explain how YOU TOO can become Financially Independent and THRIVE!

Q and A with A Reader - Modular Homes

Hi Akaisha – Was reading about your modular home - I am wondering which company you bought with or which community? I'm looking at the options and am overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Donna  Read More.

How to Choose a Retirement Location

So you and your spouse have decided to retire. At some point in your retirement planning you must ask yourself where you would like to spend your Golden Years. The following questions and insight should place you on the right path for finding just the location that suits your needs.