• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Start Here
  • Our YouTube Channel
  • Mile High FI Podcast
  • About Me
  • I ♥ Longmont
    • Cowork In Longmont
    • Live In Longmont
  • Stuff We Like
    • Tesla In Ten Years
  • Best Credit Card Offers
  • Contact
    • Media
    • Guest Post

1500 Days to Freedom

Think different and escape the rat race.

1500 Days to Freedom
  • My Investments! (REAL TIME!)
  • Bucket List
    • Anti Bucket List
  • All Posts
  • Best Posts
  • Guest Post Policy
  • 10 Questions
  • Tesla In Ten Years

Nothing lasts Forever

August 24, 2015 by Mr. 1500 Days 72 Comments

He could no longer control his own trembling. It was not, after all, so easy to die. –Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. –Steve Jobs 

You know things going to be serious when I open with quotes like that.

Summer is over

Last Tuesday morning, I noted two things:

  • It was cold: One of the first things I do in the morning is go outside and gaze at the sky. I look East to the sunrise and West to the Rocky Mountains. It’s been hot here in Colorado, but this morning, it was in the 50’s. It felt great.
  • School: It was the first day of school for our children. Big C is in 3rd grade now and Little D is in kindergarten.

Both of these events let me know that it was time for the cycle of the seasons to move once again.

First day of school
First day of school

The end of 1500 Days (not quite yet)

It jumped into my mind on Saturday. Like most of my better posts, it came at the most unexpected moment. I was building a playhouse with my children and BOOM!, it hit me.

I was going to publish it today, but as the words flowed from my mind onto the screen, I thought it better to save it for last. I’m not leaving any time soon, so you’ll have to listen to my bleating for just a bit longer*.

Just like the demise of summer, the end of the blog will be a new beginning for something else. I don’t know what that something else will be quite yet, but it’s fun to think about.

Screen Shot 2015-06-22 at 11.09.59 PM

And the stock market

The stock market decline last week showed us another great example of a cycle**. On the surface, perhaps the decline put some fear into you. However, dig a little deeper and you’ll see that declines aren’t bad or abnormal. They are actually quite the opposite – healthy and part of the cycle. We can even take it a step further and acknowledge that markets must fall.

The cyclical nature of the markets and the economies that drive them doesn’t mean that the long term investor won’t be rewarded. Over time, markets go up. Population growth, lengthening lifespans, increases in productivity, technological breakthroughs and other advancements will propel the world economies ever bigger and the markets will follow. The ride will be bumpy at times, but act rationally, be patient and you’ll get to your destination. Think in decades, not days.

Chart courtesy of IndexView
Chart courtesy of IndexView

It’s all cyclical

Cycles are a part of the natural state of the world. We see them all around us. The seasons cycle as our planet circles the Sun. There are water and nitrogen cycles. If you have XX chromosomes and are of age, you experience the estrogen cycle monthly. We sleep and wake up. Over and over, round and round.

To go in one direction constantly without correction is unhealthy and unnatural. The ebb and flow of biological systems, markets and life is part of the natural state of the world.

Acknowledging that time is finite is powerful

It’s a strange feeling to have the last post that I’ll ever publish here completely done. However, it’s also empowering. Knowing that I have an end, I must apply a filter and publish only what I really want to say. Since I have over 150 posts in that Drafts folder, much of what I’ve written won’t see the light of day. And it’s better that way.

Now, I can pick and choose. Only the posts that I feel really good about will be published. Everything else will go into the virtual Trash bin. The ones and zeros that comprise that prose will be dismissed, never to see the light of day.

Apply the same lessons  to life

I have a big problem; my days are numbered. As a 41 year old, I look forward to decades of good health, but that isn’t enough:

  • I must raise my children to be the best people they can be. I must give them my time. Lots of it.
  • The world is huge, mysterious and full of beauty. I want to see it all.
  • There are hundreds of books that I want to read. I’d even like to write some of my own.
  • I have a seemingly endless list of software that I want to write and things I want to build. I’m the neighbor that’s always tinkering in the garage.
  • I’d like to volunteer time to those less fortunate and spur others to do the same.

So much to do, so little time.

Half Dome from Glacier Point
Half Dome from Glacier Point

When we’re young, we act like we’ll live forever. It’s OK to watch hours of TV. It’s OK to do that project later. It’s OK to start saving next year.

Not acknowledging the value of time is a wasteful way to live. Every day is precious and should be treated as such.

Trim the fat. Evaluate what you’re doing constantly. Spend more time participating in activities that make you a better person. Watch less TV and read more. Have more dinners with friends and family. Nothing lasts forever.

Money limits, but money also empowers

Money is the great limiter. As long as you need it, you must trade your time to get more of it. Never forget that time is the most valuable of all resources. I encourage you to save and live frugally so that selling your time becomes an option, not a mandate.

With some hard work and rational investing, the tide will turn and money will set you free. And with a little luck, you’ll still have lots of sleep/wake cycles left in the bank.

 

He could no longer control his own trembling. It was not, after all, so easy to die. Every second he breathed, the smell of the grass, the cool air on his face, was so precious: To think that people had years and years, time to waste, so much time it dragged, and he was clinging to each second…

 

 

*I will not quit on you before I reach my goal of Financial Independence and leaving my job. That is a promise.

**I’m greatly amused by all of the people losing their minds over the market declines last week. As of this writing (8/23/2015, the S&P 500 isn’t even down 10%. So far, this is a blip.

This is scary? I think not.
This is scary? I think not.

Most important, the fundamentals of the US economy aren’t in bad shape. Benjamin Graham once said this:

In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run, it is a weighing machine.

Ignore the voting, embrace the weighing. Stay long my friends.

Join the 10s who have signed up already!

Subscribing will improve your life in incredible ways*.

*Only if your life is pretty bad to begin with.

Thank you!! Please check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Powered by ConvertKit

Filed Under: Saving and Investing Money, Something Completely Different Tagged With: Benjamin Graham, Nothing lasts forever

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Thias @It Pays Dividends says

    August 24, 2015 at 4:30 am

    You are exactly right that we need to evaluate and make sure we take the time for the things that truly matter. While I am glad to hear that you are shifting your time to things that are more important, I am sad to know that there is an end point for your blog. I look forward to see what you have left for us and I wish you luck as you begin transitioning towards the items you listed above.
    Thias @It Pays Dividends recently posted…The Weekly Dividend Payout #5 – Creating a Life VisionMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:35 pm

      I’m addicted to writing. I’ve considered quitting before and just can’t pull the trigger. Lately, I’ve realized that writing is one of the core things I enjoy in life. When I’m at my real job, I think about writing throughout the day. The reverse does not happen.

      Reply
  2. Cowboy says

    August 24, 2015 at 4:34 am

    This is a sad day for by blog reading schedule 🙂

    Goodbye and good luck guys, you’ve been an inspiration and a joy to read.

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 7:05 am

      No no, read it again! Not yet!

      Reply
      • BackNColo says

        August 24, 2015 at 3:49 pm

        Too late, we can’t hear you anymore 😉

        Reply
    • theFIREstarter says

      September 1, 2015 at 11:45 am

      This news is so devastating I couldn’t read the rest of the post and will now post one final comment never to grace your blog pages again as a sign of respect! 😉

      Seriously though, a nice thoughtful post with some choice quotes there.

      I’ll be sad to see the final post on here but also very intrigued, and glad to hear you’ll be keeping up the writing elsewhere, with all those ideas and more free time to write it would just be plain silly to give up entirely!

      Cheers to another 300 or so days (depending on what the market does) 🙂

      Reply
      • 1500 says

        September 1, 2015 at 3:01 pm

        Hey FIREstarter, thanks for the kind comments! It will take a lot to get rid of me. I think my stuff is yet to come…

        Reply
  3. Sue says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:44 am

    You will be missed! You inspired my husband to get our butts in gear and get to the seven figure investment mark. For that, I say thank you. Good luck on your next adventure!

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 7:10 am

      Hey Sue- I’m thrilled I inspired you. And the good (or bad news) is that the blog is not yet over. I have final post written, but I have to finish my journey first.

      Reply
  4. TheMoneyMine says

    August 24, 2015 at 6:20 am

    If the stock market goes down, does that mean we get to read on 1500days a little longer? 🙂
    You seem to be very much at peace with all this, if this is how it feels to reach Financial Independence, or being so close as to be able to touch it, that must be an awesome feeling.
    Looking forward to reading all those great posts until the last one!
    TheMoneyMine recently posted…Sunshine Blogger AwardMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:36 pm

      “If the stock market goes down, does that mean we get to read on 1500days a little longer?”

      If today is any indication, 1500 Days may become 3200 Days!

      Reply
  5. Ali @ Anything You Want says

    August 24, 2015 at 6:39 am

    Wow, that is crazy and impressive that you have 150 draft posts written. I thought I was doing well with a backlog of about 10 posts! Gotta up my game 🙂
    Ali @ Anything You Want recently posted…7 Easy Steps to Build a Budget  My Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:36 pm

      I have no shortage of ideas and creativity. Time is my limiter. For now.

      Reply
  6. Norm says

    August 24, 2015 at 6:58 am

    That’s cool. There’s definitely more important things than blogging. I also like the idea of a blog with a definite planned beginning and an ending, like a storybook.

    This is the first I’m hearing about the dip in the stock market. That must demonstrate how little I’m aware of the financial markets. Ignorance is bliss.
    Norm recently posted…Building The Patio, Part 1: Garage DemolitionMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Adrian says

    August 24, 2015 at 7:15 am

    1500days is easily my favorite FI blog. I guess the very name of the blog implies an end game but it is still a bummer to think about. I’ll be reaching for FI for much, much longer than the run of this blog and it has been a good companion thus far. Glad to hear it will continue for a while yet. Best wishes on the playhouse (and share the plans for it if you get a chance.)

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:38 pm

      Hi Adrian- I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to accompany you on your journey. I’ll probably still be around after this, probably just in a different form. Maybe it would be fun to document life after I cross the threshold? Don’t know yet…

      Oh, and playhouse update coming soon…

      Reply
  8. Kate @ Cashville Skyline says

    August 24, 2015 at 7:15 am

    The end of an era! I’m really sad to see you go, but hope you’ll keep writing about money. Clearly you’ve got a gift and your story has resonated with people. And 150 draft posts? I’m really impressed.
    Kate @ Cashville Skyline recently posted…If We’re So Fascinated by Frugality, Why Aren’t We Saving?My Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:39 pm

      Thanks Kate, very kind of you to say. Will you still play dinosaurs with me post 1500 Days?

      Reply
  9. Fervent Finance says

    August 24, 2015 at 7:21 am

    Anddddddd the Dow is down another 500 points 🙂 I watched CNBC this morning just to giggle. All the talk already about if the correction will be quick or take four years. Also can’t wait to see what you have in store once you hit FI!
    Fervent Finance recently posted…Why CPAs Are Terrible With Their FinancesMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:39 pm

      Bring it down! Come on down another 500 or 1000 and we’ll be in business! Come on correction!!

      Reply
  10. Mrs. Crackin' the Whip says

    August 24, 2015 at 7:22 am

    That final post? Just keep that sh*t to yourself for awhile longer. I don’t care how epic it is. 🙂 I know nothing last forever, but we need more time! I always look forward to your posts 1500 days!
    Mrs. Crackin’ the Whip recently posted…My Expensive Makeup RoutineMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 7:25 am

      I never said that I wouldn’t write elsewhere! I enjoy this too much to quit completely…

      Reply
  11. Maggie @ Northern Expenditure says

    August 24, 2015 at 8:02 am

    I hope writing elsewhere is a promise. As someone looking to you as a model for early retirement with two little girls (add a son to mine), I can’t wait to see the things you’re able to do with them and for them once you hit financial independence! I want to hear all about it!
    Maggie @ Northern Expenditure recently posted…Darkness Cannot Drive Out DarknessMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:40 pm

      Hi Maggie- Thanks for the kind words! I have a hard time resting my keyboard, so you’ll have to hear from me for a bit longer, one way or another.

      Reply
  12. Leigh says

    August 24, 2015 at 8:11 am

    Heh, I’ve tried to quit blogging many times now and it has never stuck! I just post less frequently and don’t feel bad about it.
    Leigh recently posted…Budgeting: always stay a month aheadMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:41 pm

      I know just how you feel.

      Reply
  13. Claudia @ Two Cup House says

    August 24, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Glad to see you’ll keep writing until the end! You’ve inspired us to commit to our own 1500 day journey to financial independence. In short, our end goal is the same: gain the time to pursue other interests.
    Claudia @ Two Cup House recently posted…Weekly Recap of Inspiration and Knowledge Gained from the Blogosphere, #5My Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:41 pm

      Thanks Claudia!

      Reply
  14. Jason says

    August 24, 2015 at 8:37 am

    You could’ve also added the quotation from the Shawshank Redemption, “it comes down to a choice get busy living or get busy dying” or Dave Ramsey “live like no one else so you can live like no one else.”

    I hope the end of the blog isn’t too soon. Until then well I look forward to more inspiration.
    Jason recently posted…Pay No Attention to the Doomsday Stock Market HeadlinesMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:33 pm

      Those are both pretty great quotes! I’m addicted to writing, so when this place shuts down, I’ll probably open up somewhere else. Thanks for the kind compliments.

      Reply
      • Bryan @ Just One More Year says

        August 25, 2015 at 11:27 am

        @Jason – those are some favorite quotes I mention to people often. I love them!

        That is a bummer about the end coming for 1500 days. However, we should not be surprised since you stated that from the beginning with your financial goals and journey.

        For me, that means I have just one more year!

        I do suspect the writing won’t stop. We just need to know where to find you! 🙂
        Bryan @ Just One More Year recently posted…4 Significant Lifestyle Changes in the Past 40 YearsMy Profile

        Reply
        • Jason says

          August 26, 2015 at 7:34 pm

          If you ever decide to write a book or something I could hook you up with a publisher or two. My first couple of books were with an academic publisher, but they have connections to other venues. If you ever decide to go there.
          Jason recently posted…An Investing RantMy Profile

          Reply
          • 1500 says

            August 26, 2015 at 9:05 pm

            Jason, that is so awesome of you! I already have the book outlined and I’m super excited to write it. I just have to find the time. I think we’ll be in touch.

            This is what The Community is all about, isn’t it? Together, we are stronger. We help each other out and build off of our successes. That is what it should all be about. Onward!!

  15. Wayne says

    August 24, 2015 at 8:50 am

    Seems like only yesterday it was just me and you.
    Never watch my holdings, just drop by Vanguard periodically to rebalance…….Gotta go ride my bike. Beautiful day here in the Midwest! And yes FI IS all it’s cracked up to be. Retired 3+ years and loving every precious minute.

    Reply
    • Laura aka Mrs. Nickels says

      August 25, 2015 at 7:38 pm

      “And yes, FI IS all it’s cracked up to be. Retired 3+ years and loving every precious minute.”
      I was so happy to read this. I had a reader on my blog recently tell me not to try so hard for retirement, that it wasn’t all that great. I let that bother me more than it should have, so your comment was just what I needed to hear…
      Laura aka Mrs. Nickels recently posted…Laundromats Change Lives. Said No One Ever. Until Now.My Profile

      Reply
      • Wayne says

        August 25, 2015 at 8:42 pm

        I find that people that don’t like retirement are those that have there entire life worth directly associated with their “work” lives. A healthy life much like a healthy financial status relies upon diversification. I am retired from paid compensation, not from life.

        Reply
        • Wayne says

          August 25, 2015 at 8:43 pm

          Excuse my there for their. 😉

          Reply
  16. Kyle says

    August 24, 2015 at 9:49 am

    I had a big life change recently and I thought I had re-evaluated my life. Recently I realized I really had not and that I need to take some time off and figure out what I want out of life. Seems like a fitting post for me as I haven’t been reading or writing much. As an introspective person I’ve never really figured out what I want, I only know that I want to experience as much as I can I guess. I do know that I want financial freedom and I can now change my life more drastically to attain that goal much more quickly.
    Kyle recently posted…Unexpected ChangeMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:32 pm

      Oh bummer. And I’m sorry you won’t be making it out here. You’re welcome anytime.

      Chin up and move forward at full speed.

      Reply
  17. Tawcan says

    August 24, 2015 at 10:34 am

    Always enjoyed reading your humorous writing and you sharing your knowledge. Definitely keep writing and we’ll keep reading.
    Tawcan recently posted…Living life to the fullestMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:30 pm

      Thanks Tawcan!

      Reply
  18. Amber tree says

    August 24, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    life is full of surprises and challenges! None of them last forever, they come and go. Just like the stock market. Judt like may e one day this blog, or my blog or any other blog.

    Focus on family and life is what matters! You give good insight thzt are time is limited and to zchieve some goals we need time…

    Thx for the quote of graham… I needed it
    Amber tree recently posted…Sunshine questionsMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:30 pm

      Graham was a pretty smart dude and Buffett’s first mentor. Munger would later steer Buffett away from Graham, but he is still a worthwhile person to study.

      Reply
  19. Adam @ AdamChudy.com says

    August 24, 2015 at 2:06 pm

    Fantastic Post. I feel the same way. There’s so much to do and see, I don’t know how anybody can be bored or want to stay in their cubicle for life.

    I hope the blog doesn’t end though!
    Adam @ AdamChudy.com recently posted…Paribus – The Cash SaverMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:29 pm

      Thanks Adam!

      Reply
  20. Steve Miller says

    August 24, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    It’s funny, I connected with lots of people today that were freaking out about the market correction so I ended up blogging about why they shouldn’t freak out. But I hope don’t quit your blogging anytime soon, I really enjoy what you are doing.
    Steve Miller recently posted…Market Correction: Don’t Freak Out!My Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 4:28 pm

      I love the freaking out! I’ll happily purchase the equities from those that wish to sell low!

      Reply
  21. Amanda S @ Passionately Simple Life says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    Oh no! I’m going to miss your posts and all of your rants and your dinosaurs and just everything! Honestly though you are probably one of the best blogs about financial independence from a real life stand point and it will be sad to see you go. But I understand that there are greater things besides blogging. It happens to me all the time.
    Amanda S @ Passionately Simple Life recently posted…Saturday Review 2…A Day LateMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 8:14 pm

      Hey, thanks so much for the kind comments Amanda! I’m a bit addicted to writing though. I said 1500 Days would end, but not…

      Reply
  22. Chris @ Flipping a Dollar says

    August 24, 2015 at 6:05 pm

    I can’t wait for you to say the words “I’ve worked enough.” I’m sure you’ll keep creating but not having to… That really would be freedom!
    Chris @ Flipping a Dollar recently posted…How I Paid for New Doors using Part-Time eBay Money!My Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 8:14 pm

      Yeah, no sh*t! Almost there. Home stretch now…

      Reply
  23. SusieQ says

    August 24, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    You can’t put a price on the memories you create with your girls in their childhood. They will forever remember the fun times with mom & dad – not how much crap you buy (or didn’t) for them. Memories, dude! Keep making them! 🙂

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 24, 2015 at 8:15 pm

      Yep, that is whole idea, isn’t it? 🙂

      Reply
  24. Thomas says

    August 25, 2015 at 5:47 am

    I was just glad to read that it was not really your final post. (Although I got a little shaky after the opening quotes.) You are by far my favorite blog.

    I always found it inspiring to see that somebody can reach FI/RE with two children. A lot of the early FI bloggers I read seemed to stay away from the idea of having children or having more than one child.

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:45 pm

      Thanks Thomas for the kind comments! Really appreciate them!

      Reply
  25. Thegoblinchief says

    August 25, 2015 at 7:11 am

    I hate endings, even happy ones!

    I wish I could say I’m addicted to writing but not lately.

    Be sure to hit me up next time you’re back in WI 🙂 Would love to meet up!
    Thegoblinchief recently posted…Serendipity DaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Hey GC!

      I’ll be in the Midwest in a couple weeks, but won’t have time for Wisconsin. Let’s plan for 2016…

      Reply
  26. Michelle says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    This might be one of my favorite posts by you! Though I’m sad to think that your journey with us will end, I am glad that you will take us along the ride a little while longer.
    Michelle recently posted…My Epic Kitchenaid Soda Stream Hack-I Love This Machine!My Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:47 pm

      One journey’s end is the start of another…

      Reply
  27. Dane Hinson says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:13 pm

    There was definitely quite a bit of panic on Monday due to the stock market decline. In the grand scheme of things, I would be more worried if there weren’t periodic dips. I always think it’s best not to look at your portfolio day to day or even year to year. Have a long-term mindset and the market will always work in your favor.
    Dane Hinson recently posted…Investing is a Long-Term GameMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      Wise words Dane! I check mine daily, but very rarely take action. I just enjoy watching the numbers change.

      Reply
      • Thomas says

        August 27, 2015 at 1:20 am

        Finally – someone in the FI/RE movement that admits he is checking his holdings every day!

        Thank you very much for that!

        I was already feeling like a freak for meticulously following my numbers nearly every day, since all other bloggers seemed to state: “I do not care for the daily changes in my financial worth. I check them maybe once a week, month, year.”

        Mr. 1500 – I like your blog even more now.

        Reply
        • 1500 says

          August 27, 2015 at 6:51 am

          Ha, thanks Thomas! And I admit to peeking at the markets several times per day too. Again, it doesn’t cause me to take action. I guess it’s my version of entertainment. My TV.

          Reply
  28. Harmony says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:02 pm

    I always find it refreshing to read about people who are living in the now. They are not waiting around in a type of purgatory for some ambiguous destination in the future. I agree that it’s upsetting to see so many people hasten the passing of time by doing things like watching too much television, absorbed in manufactured drama. We too are working hard to achieve our goals, but not at the expense of doing our best to appreciate the little things and make the most of every day that we have on this earth. Great, true post.
    Harmony recently posted…Monday Medley: Frugal Weekends And School SuppliesMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Even Steven says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    I was a little scared reading this post, but I have had similar thoughts in the past, especially as it relates to reaching FI. Do you continue, write once a week or month, do you try to stay away from a computer that sometimes you are chained to for more than half of your day voluntarily or otherwise.

    On a positive note, I’m thinking about putting together a small beer list to bring with, any specific requests that I can try to get my hands on?
    Even Steven recently posted…DIY Crazy: How to Fix a WasherMy Profile

    Reply
  30. Alexader @ Cash Flow Diaries says

    August 26, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    Im so confused right now! Its funny reading all the comments, half the people think youre done and the other half dont.
    Alexader @ Cash Flow Diaries recently posted…DraftKings is my kryptonite! (NFL)My Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      August 26, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      Not done! Yet! And after 1500 Days, there will be life. Not just at 1500days.com

      I like writing and you all too much to quit.

      Reply
      • Thomas says

        August 28, 2015 at 12:26 am

        And concerning the 150 drafts – please at least give us all the prepared “Rants”.
        We all like them – Maybe there is another project after FI for you? 1500Rants.com

        Reply
  31. Mom @ Three is Plenty says

    August 27, 2015 at 7:50 am

    Your writing will definitely be missed once it stops. I hope to continue reading your wise words elsewhere!
    Mom @ Three is Plenty recently posted…First DIY Building – Ever – Starting Our Swing SetMy Profile

    Reply
  32. Steve @ Think Save Retire says

    August 28, 2015 at 8:42 am

    Really, it’s not the end of a blog. Rather, it’s the mark of a completed mission. You’ll most likely start something else next, continue writing through the lens of a different topic or perspective, and life will continue to move forward. Bigger and better things always mean moving on from others. It’s the spice of life, and something that keeps us all active, energetic and focused on new and different things.

    Congrats, my friend!
    Steve @ Think Save Retire recently posted…The Friday Feast ~ the 28th of AugustMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Tim says

    September 6, 2015 at 11:35 am

    Appreciate your site. Another book you might add to that long list is Seneca’s ‘On the Shortness of Life’. I think you would like it:

    “People are frugal in guarding their personal property; but as soon as it comes to squandering time they are most wasteful of the one thing in which it is right to be stingy.”

    “It’s not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.”

    “putting things off is the biggest waste of life: it snatches away each day as it comes, and denies us the present by promising the future. The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today. You are arranging what lies in Fortune’s control, and abandoning what lies in yours.”

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      September 6, 2015 at 11:41 am

      Those are some wonderful quotes. Lots to chew on there.

      I’ve added the book to my list. Thank you for the recommendation!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us!

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on RSSFollow Us on Instagram

Freedom!

My goal was to build a portfolio of $1,000,000 by February of 2017; 1500 days from the birth of this blog (January 1, 2013). And hey look, I’ve since retired!

Investments only (primary home excluded)
1/1/13 (The Start): $586,043
1/1/14 (1 Yr Later): $869,635
1/1/15 (2 Yrs Later): $987,351
1/1/16 (3 Yrs Later): $1,057,961
1/1/17 (4 Yrs Later): $1,257,128
1/1/18 (5 Yrs Later): $1,527,701
1/1/19 (6 Yrs Later): $1,549,440
1/1/20 (7 Yrs Later): $2,035,040*
1/1/21 (8 Yrs Later): $3,379,746**
1/1/22 (9 Yrs Later): $4,762,642
1/1/23 (10 Yrs Later): $3,112,821

2023: Investments only
1/1: $3,112,821
2/1: $3,582,368
3/1: $3,716,852

Overall
2023 investment gains: $604,031
Investment gains since 1/1/2013: $3,130,809
Net worth***: $3,946,852

* The big jump between 2019 and 2020 was partly because we bought another home, but kept the previous (much more expensive) one as a rental. We have since sold it.

** Tesla.

*** Includes our primary home equity in addition to our investment portfolio.

Finally, we still have about $290,000 in mortgage debt (which I love!). No regrets about the debts!

Featured in

Smiley face

Disclaimer

Investing is risky business. The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only. As with all matters financial, proceed with caution. Do your research and seek professional advice.

Get my annoying emails!

Join 1500 Days! (now 27% less annoying)

Subscribe to get great good pretty ok content by email.

Thanks so much! Check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Powered by ConvertKit

All Posts

Read all the posts ever published to 1500 Days of Freedom.

© 2023 1500 Days to Freedom · Privacy Policy · Contact