OT: more time on less money

colby · Since 23 Apr 2005 613 Posts Celebrity Photographer

I've been working to change some beliefs about money and lifestyle this last year and inspired by a number of people in Hood River and around - living on $700 or less and more importantly having more choice in spending their time - guessing the NW and HR in particular has more people that figured this out because of the beauty of the place.

So, came across some quality blogs on the subject, but if you're into this kind of thing it's much easier to read these with Google Reader or its equivalent...

http://earlyretirementextreme.com - inspired!
http://fredx.livejournal.com - thirty something in high tech who gave it up to run ultramarathons
http://aworkingrachel.blogspot.com - 27 y/o woman
http://www.nomad4ever.com/ - full time travel & work
http://www.whywork.org/forum/

a few more since original posting:
http://www.fourhourworkweek.com - of the book fame
Your Money or Your Life - classic book
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1812048,00.html - 100 Thing Challenge
http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2006/07/10-reasons-you-should-never-get-a-job/ - most famous of his edgy posts on work/fulfillment

any stories or insights to share? my biggest change is to eat out less - didn't once make it to the farmers market this year. shame! Wink

wylieflyote · Mon Oct 19, 09 5:59 am

Wow, Thanks Colby,
We were looking at my retirement folder last night and it's not and big as we hoped lately. Turned 60 last week. Guess I'll have to figure out how not to buy 3 new kites, 2 new boards, 1 new wetsuit every year. Shocked

I really am tired of 9-5 (more like 0600-500). Dream of driving to LV every November 1st until I'm dead.
Kip

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

thats per weekend?

pauls · Since 20 Jun 2005 564 Posts Northern Portugal Addicted

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

living to be poor is not so bad
if your're rich in what makes you happy.
The "live simply so that others may simply live"
is a rejection of consumerisim
Over 15 years ago we sold our home and stuff
with the plan to live on a boat and cruise (so romantic) and fairly inexpensive comparativly.

Our youngest decided to go back to school and try a little harder after spending some time with us in the rv looking for boats.
So postponed a couple years for her to finish, (which she did very well).

Did some construction to pass the time
Fuked up my back while mtn biking and my wifes leg was broken
so couple more years
While taking a break from nursing my wife went to the lake to get in a windsurfing sess.
While there,Willy (who had been kiting for a couple years on the crazy early foils)
jumps over me on our usual race across the lake.
That was it, no brightwork polishing for me,.
KITES Razz

Big live aboard boats are a ton of maintenence and needy of $$$$ and time.
Plus hangin out and drinkin aren't exactly my cup of tea.

Last ten years Kiting ,Mtn. biking,snowboarding,traveling and in general just kickin it.
But on a fixed budget it's difficult for me (predatory Craigslister)
however for the most part very good!
While away a few more years,
The econ tanks which for us means time to move (finally I can afford stuff)
Things now are cheap enough for us to do some more construction.
To get some more rent.Our first project is paid down to the point if we take out a loan for the next project the payment is the same but more rent.

Living in a RV has got to be one of the cheapest ways to go,but gets old being the bus driver.
Opting out early is for sure better, but nothing beats a lifetime of work and the rewards it brings .
Being in business for 25 years is a lifetime of work and I really loved the work
sometimes Embarassed

Wouldn't trade it for anything! now
Having a job and making the best of it, is a challenge and a nessesary part of life.
building a retirement is one of the best things in life.
"Entrepanuer is another word for lazy" (someday quit).

I wouldn't want to have to go back to work at this age, 58
so make sure you have enough money you may live a long time

No regrets and a lot smaller boat Laughing

Mark · Mon Oct 19, 09 8:10 am

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

I like it

Recycle
Buy that Thule on craigs list, reuse what you can.

Don't buy into consumer culture. Cool

My brother has mastered the ' take what you need ' philosophy, and it has saved him a lot of money. Buying crap I don't need has cost me a lot.
I know VERY wealthy people that drive old hondas and toyotas.

Don't buy too many 10$ beers and 14$ margaritas Evil or Very Mad

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

want to know a nasty secret?

craiglook Cool

shop it to death Embarassed

shred_da_gorge · Mon Oct 19, 09 8:57 am

I have found the secret to independent wealth and true kiting freedom.

Do these things and you'll never have to work a day in your life!

It's a simple list - all it takes is to...

Oh shit! My boss is coming, I'll have to tell you later.

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

good thing jonas salk didn't get hip to this "don't work and use homemade toilet paper" nonsense, or we'd be trying to kiteboard on crutches.

forrest · Mon Oct 19, 09 10:33 am

My opinion maybe a little abrasive, but whatever...

Yeah, you can live here for $700 per month, but you have to be comfortable with giving up a few things about your potential future.

The tourism industry drives the cost of living here and that will never change. Everyone is a tourist whether you like it or not. If you were born here you're part of the problem too. You're just your parent's anti-tourist anchor baby (Don't hate on me for this one, I have my own anti-tourist anchor baby, born right here at Providence Hospital).

You have to accept a few things to live here:

Everything is going to cost more than it would otherwise simply because the economy is only fueled for 4 months out of the year. Better be a good cook, cause you're never going to eat out.

If you have kids here, expect that they're going to need to leave to get anything resembling real, social, life experience (Start saving now).

The prospect of buying property is delusional but if you can swing it, plan to rent it out one day when you get tired of all of the above.

So, my tip for making your money go further in Hood River... Hit Costco once a month and buy your groceries in The Dalles.

forrest · Mon Oct 19, 09 11:42 am

I just re-read your post, sorry to be so negative about your inspiration. Sad

I didn't quite get the whole "retirement" part of it.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Colby's new life is great, I am envious!

Though Colby I predict that in your travels you will meet someone special and all of a sudden your life will start getting a whole lot more expensive. Very Happy

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Oct 19, 09 3:52 pm

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

Nice subject. there is definitely a lot of food for thought here.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Oct 19, 09 7:44 pm

Bottom line wheather you like it or not is that money provides opportunity and opportunity opens the doorof experience and growth. While living the salt of the earth has it's merits so does helli boarding in Alaska, kiting all over the place and sleeping on combed egyption cotton sheets.

Bettyboarder · Mon Oct 19, 09 8:06 pm