Niki, i admire your honesty. I always try to remind myself it's a marathon not a sprint when things went downhills! with over 110 k morgage wife and kid in a small 2 room 58 sq meters apartment, about 1k in cash and 1k in investment, about 23k/year net income (not too bad for slovakia, but still just copro employee), living paycheck to paycheck, your videos truly inspire me to cut my lifestyle inflation. of course avg income and living cost is different here in Slovakia compared to Canada, but surprisingly cost of housing is not that far away from you, simply because our city is overcrowded. at the end of the day the only priblem i face is that worthless spending is like addictio, very hard to overcome. you make yourself feel better by purchasing stuff you may not be able to afford. the same goes for eating out. through your videos i am constantly trying to remind myself of what truly matters in life :). you often advocate for people not to buy into food delivery :) , for some it is about convenience and for others like me it is currently a way to increase their income with amazing flexibility and some small net income at the end of a day. anyways keep up the great work! you kinda remind me of a friend (girl)here in Slovakia who is a huge dog lover with 2 adopted crossbreeds
This is turning into a philosophical channel and I'm here for it. I can learn from this... I have been known to be rigid towards achieving a goal... But you're right, there are always other ways to get through it and achieve it.
Retiring at 48 isn't always the best. No ambitions is a fast way to an early grave. Look at the richest people in the world, they still work for a reason.
So, do you live in your car? You said you have no rent or mortgage, but you still have utility bills, and if you own your own home free and clear, you still have property taxes to pay. Also, even if your car is paid off, you still have insurance, and things will eventually break down on it, so expect some pretty expensive repair bills in the future. The same goes with your house. Roofs cost money to repair. Plumbing and furnace issues are expensive. Are you sure retiring at 48 was a good idea. Are you really earning enough from your investments to live off of it for the rest of your life? 🤔🧐
@@AK-47ISTHEWAY I live in Puerto Rico. Nobody pays property taxes on their first home/property here. Only on second property and above so no, I and thousands of others do not pay property taxes. I only pay what is required by law for car insurance. This is a no-fault state. Most only pay the minimum which is liability. For me, that's $89 per year. Or was it $69? I forget. But it's well under $100 per year for my car. I live in P.R. No furnace issues. I drive a 2003 Toyota Corolla. Parts are very abundant for that car. Labor is pretty low on this island. I just replaced the front and back end struts plus new tires on front plus new plates for front end plus alignment and oil change for under $1,200 to include labor. I have more than enough to live on. We only have two credit cards and those belong to my wife, JC Penney and Macys. She owes $20 on the Penney and $120 on hher Macys. She just got an offer from American Express. She tossed it in the trash. I got rid of my 11 credit cards. All gone. I am now a strictly on a cash purchase basis only. The way I see it, if I cannot buy something with cash then I don't need it. I do my own plumbing and roof repairs as needed. Really, I do it myself. As a former helicopter mechanic and crewchief, I have mad skills at repairing stuff. Yes, retiring at 48 was amazing. My wife retired with me at the gender age of 35. Just a guess but based on your comment, it must really suck to be you.
Hi Nicole, been listening over a year now. You have changed the way I play with my finances. Much good has come from that. Thanks. I’m 77 and not ashamed to admit I’m learning from a 30 to old. I’m saving and investing for the first time. I feel I still have enough future to plan things and live my best life. Thanks Nicole❤ 17:26
I always like to ask myself "What would you do if you just won $1 million dollars?" . Besides the obvious of paying of any debts, buying a nicer car, upgrade my living standards and travel. Many of the other things don't actually require winning $1 million dollars and are ultimately more of a change in state of mind, learning new things and just reaching towards what makes you happy.
I tell young people who are just starting work and college kids I know the same thing. Ask yourself what you'd do if you won 5 million dollars? After the handful of useful and fun physical things you can buy, most of the things you really want take far less money than they do time, creativity, problem solving, and just commitment.
What would you do if you were expecting to get $1 million but instead were told by the trust that you would be getting $2000 a month and you have to pay tax on it.
Honey, you are doing AMAZING! I am son inspired by your videos an honest transparency. I wish i was 20 yrs younger and making the strong life choices you are making, I am with you, "work" is misery for most people, real estate, sickness, these are all normal life changes. However life is preparing you for BIGGER things! you had to go through Tough situations to learn and prioritize your life choices. Keep up your honesty which we LOVE. I believe in you and will be praying for all your dreams come true 💖
I love watching your videos so much! This is probably going to be a long comment but this video really gave me a lot to say! Lol. I have been working since i was 15, ive always lived a pretty low cost lifestyle and when I work, I work HARD. This lead to me always saving a bunch of money. When I was 17-19 I traveled the country multiple times by van, camper etc and worked a part time job whenever I was back in my hometown. Then I worked steady for a few years and then covid hit. Got a small break for about 2 months there and then work culture was never the same. I worked from April 2020-January 2023 pretty much non stop. Saved a lot in that time, but was completely burnt out having multiple mental breakdowns along the way. Decided to up and quit my last job in January and have lived off of savings since. I will soon be looking for a job again, but no rush yet. People have always told me Im crazy for not having a steady career, for not "saving for the future". My response is very similar to that of the fisherman, but geared more towards life itself. Having worked in the deathcare industry, retirement age is never guaranteed. I had to help families bury young people around my age, and all they had to say for their accomplishments is that they were a hard worker. I dont want that to be me, tomorrow is not a given. I live life while I have it, my ego will never stop me from working at walmart, cleaning houses etc if I need it to pay my bills. Life is meant to be lived, not worked. I believe in taking mini retirements along the way to enjoy life, career culture will never be what it once was. Sorry for the ramble but basically, live life while you're able to. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, make sure you love the lifetime you live.
I have personally started reaching this point in my financial journey as well. In roughly 24-30 months I will hit COAST FI (unless the market takes another tumble which it might) and my home will be 33% paid off at age 29. And, as much as I love those goals I do feel the need to enjoy the now as well even if it moves my goals out by 6 more months (age 30). Video suggestion - It would be interesting to learn about the different types of financial accounts available in Canada (I live in the USA but it is always cool to learn about other countries).
Congrats! You're doing amazing! Our version of a ROTH IRA is called a TFSA (tax free savings account). There is a capped amount you can contribute each year but gains are tax free and can be withdrawn at any time. Our 401k is called an RRSP (registered retirement savings plan) Pre-tax money goes in and employers often offer a match. Other than that I think everything's mostly the same.
@@AccordingtoNicole That's awesome that the TFSA doesn't have a minimum age or time that the money has to be in the account (like the money has to be present in the account for '×' years before being withdrawn). I have an IRA, 401k, 529, regular brokerage account, and savings. The brokerage account is mostly because of minimum age to withdrawal without penalty from the 401k and IRA (59 and a half). If there wasn't a minimum I would probably try to max out the 401k. But I go with 401k till match, max out IRA, max out FSA, max out 529 to the MN tax benefit, get the regular brokerage to one years salary, then continue with the 401k.
Girl, i feel you. I just spent $1,500 on my A/C today and that was just a bandaid to give me time to get estimates to replace it. It will cost $10k+ and this one only lasted 15 years with several costly repairs. I don't know how anyone is supposed to replace an A/C system every decade when the price goes up more than your salary does in that time. And like you, my net worth has stagnated despite continuing to invest $2k/month. It feels like dumping the money into a black hole. I'm 50 so really need to start seeing a recovery. Just have to hang in there. It's a balancing act to enjoy some now while saving a good amount to make your future easier. Tomorrow is not guaranteed so you have to enjoy a little today. Even if you don't reach your goal, you have still put yourself in a better position relative to most. I'm sorry about your dog's diagnosis. We went through that with our first dog. It was not easy.
I am literally bingeing my way through your channel, I love watching your videos. You seem to be pragmatic and to the point. The Simpsons snippets are hilarious. While I'm at it I'd suggest for you to have a look into French existentialism as opposed to nihilism (which you mentioned in one of your previous videos) as I think existentialist ideas might also correspond to the views on life you described. Just in case you haven't done so already. Makes for some interesting reading and conversation (I recommend Albert Camus' “The Stranger”, this book changed my life and I never say that about anything). Sending love from Germany, keep it up!
I love your little added clips! It shows your personality. You are relatable and enjoyable to watch and listen to. Looking forward to your updated RUclips income video.
I feel like I could've said all of the exact same things in this video that you said regarding your relationship to work, FIRE, stress, enjoying life, and RUclips. I recently changed my work schedule to only work 32 hours as week down from 40 to have Friday's off to do RUclips (or whatever I want) and I can say it was the best thing I've done by far. I don't think i'll ever go back to a full work week and now I have time to play around with my sidehustles or spend time with family without having to use PTO. I'm still technically full time with benefits so it works out pretty nicely. Highly recommend to anyone that can pull it off!
I had the same experience Nicole. A breakdown that has resulted in a very new, long-time-coming detachment from worldly anxieties, fears, worries. It was a blessing.
Hiya. Have you read Die With Zero? The author talks about how some experiences are enjoyed at earlier stages in your life when you can get the most out of them. You mentioned going to see gigs. I think that’s a great one where they are best enjoyed today. So many bands that I like just aren’t together any longer.
I am so enjoying this journey with you👍so interesting and entertaining. Your ability to articulate All the events you have experienced is awesome 🙂 Dear Nicole always remember to be kind to yourself 😍you can’t pour from an empty pitcher Loving thoughts to you and your fur baby. Looking forward to the next visit🥰
I loved buying and selling my homes. I loved having my own. Owner financial offered homes and property give the best chance for the poor and broke to get a leg up :-) work my way to doing what I want. I have and life is nice. Work on being ok. Then good and great comes along.
You are such an inspiration. I totally identify with your opinions about work. I retired at 52. I was lucky. I had a civil service pension. The house has been long paid off. I still drive old vehicles. My '04 Accord has under 100k miles. I plan on collecting social security at 62. Our property taxes are waived because my spouse is disabled. It would be waived once I reach 65, anyway. You have your $hit together. I was goofing off at your age and thank God I finally saw the light. BTW, love your choice in a turntable. I have one as well.
My journey to retirement was very choppy -- lots of ups and downs. It never went all in the upwards direction but I got here! I would love to see a video where you take a trip somewhere and talk about the planning stages (financial & otherwise) and frugal tips you learn along the way. Great video!
4:23 Amen to this. Making boat loads of money for someone else who does little to no work will always be soul sucking. If I had my own business, I wouldn't mind working long hours, though.
The lawn mowing got me. All the homes in my neighborhood have landscapers that I swear come very day and I hear mowers and leaf blowers (enemy #1) every day, including on weekends. I do not know how anyone finds this a relaxing home environment. And, all the constructions! Almost makes me wish I worked in an office again.
Wonderful update! As with all things the key is to find what brings us balance into our life, and our priorities may shift and change with the times. We just have to be open to the changes
Nicole’s adventure with the sale of her townhouse and purchase of her detached home is nothing like the real estate market in the San Francisco Area!! I recently saw a realtor put a “home for sale” sign on a home in our neighborhood. Within 60 minutes of putting up the “for sale” sign, I saw her put up the “SOLD” sign for this house!!
Ideally, I’d also like more freedom and to fit work in around my life instead of the other way around. I take lots of short breaks to get through but I’m also working towards the F.I.R.E movement 💪🏾
Oh 😮 I know the struggles too well of summer with lawn mowers starting every time you want to record. And for me I eve have the aggravation of having 8 people living in my house, so there is always someone making noise, using the kitchen, flushing toilets, opening and closing… it’s a struggle…
I'm proud of you Nicole you're doing a good job good videos you're a hard worker just discovered your channel 2 weeks ago and I've been watching all your videos you remind me of my girlfriend of 18 years who passed away almost a year ago and I am just stuck on you
You’re just the best! 😊 I love and appreciate you and your videos so much! 🤗 I love the story about the fisherman, the realizations you’ve been having, and the ways you’re going about enjoying your hard work TODAY and EVERY DAY rather than waiting until retirement. ❤ I recently watched an amazing video from Austin Williams that I think you’d really resonate with; it’s titled: “Retirement is a huge scam”. 😊
Hope you update this again a year or so later, which maybe around now (the video says it is a year old). Volatility is a factor for sure that you need to learn to live with. Good to hear that you are hanging in there since unless we have WW3 the markets will bounce back.
As I watched your video, your neighbors must of sent a message telepathically to my neighbors to cut their grass as well 🙂. I know I can retire now which is 10 years earlier than my projected date but I am not in the mindset to do so. This is something I may have to ease into. Yes at times I hate getting up and driving to work and making all the CEOs rich. Keep working towards your goals and purchasing a few pick me ups along the way doesn't hurt. Stereo equipment is always a good choice.
Love your videos. I’ve been sharing them with others. You are so relatable. It took us about 10 years from being in a rough financial place to lean FI. You will get there. You are well on your way. It seems so slow and it’s kind of jarring when you realize you are there. Look forward to keeping up with your videos.
Finding your videos very inspirational, I have two children and currently renting so my life is not frugal by any means, but definitely using your videos to adapt my life to make it as enjoyable as possible with more freedoms!
Your great Nicole love your videos I’m much much older than you and perhaps stupidly purchased a larger home , traded up from a three bedroom terraced to a four bed detached . I’m still worried really about it all and making it work .Now retired but I do Airbnb as to supplement my income . Good luck with your new home , enjoy it and make it work , it’s a lovely home you have .
It's so very true that life has a tendency to work out in ways you don't expect. Like for me, when I bought my flat at 28, early repayment was really not on my mind. It was just too monumental of a task to even consider, so I didn't. It actually wasn't until like 5 years later when I got a bunch of expenses in my lap in rapid succession and was forced to really take a look at my spending that the idea of getting out of debt early really got into my head. I eliminated some unnecessary expenses, started putting a little bit extra towards my student loans (not a bad debt in my country, we have a lot of protections - but still, a debt is a debt). I managed to pay off my student loans less than two years later, which had me start paying extra towards my morgage. At the time I started paying extra towards my morgage, I figured perhaps I could be done in my mid-40s instead of 50+. Then the pandemic happened, and that really changed things for me. I know a lot of people struggled a lot financially during the pandemic, but I wound up not being one of them, as my job was considered essential - in fact the extra shifts, and the bonus pay structure they implemented to entice us to work more combined with having fewer avenues to spend money due to lockdowns and social restrictions just naturally had me put most of it towards the morgage. By the time society got back to normal, I was close enough to see the light at the end of the tunnel, so I kept the momentum going, putting almost every bit of money possible towards early repayment. And I actually paid off the last 15% of it in just a 12 month period. It was insane (I am NOT a high earner, even now with significant pay raises in the past 2 years, I earn way below median wage in my country), and had someone told me ahead of time that I would be morgage free by my 39th birthday, I would have thought they were crazy, but here I am. You never know what will come your way in the coming years. Wish you all the luck with your plans :)
Hey Nicole. I’m not sure how I found your RUclips channel. I’m only subscribe to to others but let me tell you. I’m so glad I did. You were so full of wisdom and I look forward to your videos every Sunday. I have learned a lot from the amazing tips you give in your videos. Thank you so much, my only request is more close-ups of your dog. He’s just the cutest.
Personally I’m not that confident in stocks at the moment. I listen to Ed Dowd ex Blackrock who took a fund from 3 to 14 billion over ten years. I’m stashing cash til there’s ’blood in the streets’ as the expression goes. I’m debt free including house which I paid off ten years early when the Covid shit show first started. Not easy but in this climate worthwhile not to have stress.
So glad to hear your going to enjoy a bit more now rather than waiting on your goals. The thing is not everything is in our control as this last couple of years have shown and when that’s the case you can’t guarantee your results. You could stick to your goals and vision and it could get pushed again and again by one thing or another by which time maybe the concerns you’d really want to see the bands have stopped touring or the activities you want to do aren’t available to you, the destinations you want to travel to cost way more than expected. All sorts could happen so definitely love that you do more of that now and totally agree enjoying life a bit more when you understand your job is giving you that enjoyment can make it more tolerable. ❤
What a thinker! Fab, thankyou for putting your thoughts out there. Have you thought about bout using your home for income, for example a house-share or something? London
I have experienced big saving losses, Two events when I was much younger caused my investments in mutual funds lose $120,000.00 in value. It took me 12 years to recover from those 2 events. I didn’t sell any of the funds, once I recovered I transferred 1/2 to lower risk funds, The last two years my reduced risk mutual funds has lost $42,000.00. As I result of current losses I had to revise my goals. Based on what I am currently seeing, I believe we are going to be experiencing another recession.
I am 76 and still working as a medical director for a large health insurance company headquartered in Oakland, California. I choose to work because I never thought about retirement and because my gross income is $700,000.00 per year. What’s not to like???? I like making money!!!
I live well within investment returns now. My lifestyle is quite cheap. I'm doing a lightweight part time job I enjoy because I enjoy working. I didn't enjoy my real heavyweight job. Financial independence let's me do work I enjoy. I don't own a lawn but maybe I should buy one so I can start mowing it.
I'm glad you are finding some life balance. Yes work is a bummer...but it is a means that contributes to an end. I love your honesty and transparency don't change...please don't do the whole 'what I eat in a day' or 'let's go to Costco' 😣
You have the same mindset about employment that I do. I never really found a job that I was in love with. So if I had to work I wanted to make good money and do what you are doing. I did just that. I saved and invested and I always paid myself first. Investing became my side hustle and business. I enjoyed watching my investment income grow and over time It over took my job income. I retired early and never looked back. It ain't an easy thing to do as you know. Your money is something a lot of us work awful hard for and so many fail to manage it to their best interest, like it's just too much trouble. It's a lot less trouble than a crap job and jerk boss.
So true, have more fun now. My FIL worked a corporate career and retired a millionaire. Then came a heart surgery and complications, his wife a foot surgery with complications, COVID and 2 knee replacements. They always wanted to visit the Amazon together. They have the money, money is not an issue for them. But now in life near 70 they simply can't. FYI the medical issues started late 50s right after retirement. Financially they are an inspiration and worked decades saving, sacrificing, and made their perfect retirement a priority. This vid reenforces that we have to have fun while we can, reasonably, bc life is short
I'd agree one should not postpone the things they want to do too much. We never know how much time we have left. Adding to this, I really wanted to live in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city. Istanbul is quite hilly with many super steep hills. So glad I got to do this, because I probably won't be able to climb these hills later in life.
I want to move to rural areas with some land but easier said than done. Oh well for the most part I am retired but work a little just to be sure I get out and about a little.
I didn’t realized by quitting my job at 30/31, i effectively retired. I was broke still. That’s one way to do it! 😅 been 10 years not working for the man. Or at all.
I retired early by ...becoming a licensed engineer ...which helped a little, ...and then I listened to good men that advised me of specific gaps in the fencing around the "employees". I began to buy "the worst home in the best neighborhood" ...fixing it up with raw materials and my own labor, then selling at 2x. I went from $500k debt (2023 dollars) to Zero Debt retired with home on 1/3rd acre, and good retirement savings ...in just 8 years. Salaried or hourly wage earner ...forget it - ITSA TRAP. Only by logically understanding the structure of slavery and the gaps in its system can you ever escape. "Employees" ...yep ..."the ones that are being used". yep. The economy is always changing, so there is no stable formula except "rational attention + accurate understanding of current system". Nicole is a good example of clarity of thought. She is punching through.
One of many epiphanies for me. I was a Senior Engineer. My "Manager" heard that a young engineer was getting married and was buying a newly built tract home. Mgr rejoiced, saying, "Now I've GOT HIM!" He meant it. Grotesque. Helped my clarity, though.
I'm 35 now, started saving last year. I wish I would've realized how to do this at 20 when I got my first good job. Oh, well. I can still retire by 60 at the latest which is still at least 7 years before my earliest government retirement age so that's good :)
LATE NIGHT. COME HOME.
WORK SUCKS. I KNOW. 🎶😄
WORK SUCKS.
@@mothertarantula I know :(
Niki, i admire your honesty. I always try to remind myself it's a marathon not a sprint when things went downhills! with over 110 k morgage wife and kid in a small 2 room 58 sq meters apartment, about 1k in cash and 1k in investment, about 23k/year net income (not too bad for slovakia, but still just copro employee), living paycheck to paycheck, your videos truly inspire me to cut my lifestyle inflation. of course avg income and living cost is different here in Slovakia compared to Canada, but surprisingly cost of housing is not that far away from you, simply because our city is overcrowded. at the end of the day the only priblem i face is that worthless spending is like addictio, very hard to overcome. you make yourself feel better by purchasing stuff you may not be able to afford. the same goes for eating out. through your videos i am constantly trying to remind myself of what truly matters in life :). you often advocate for people not to buy into food delivery :) , for some it is about convenience and for others like me it is currently a way to increase their income with amazing flexibility and some small net income at the end of a day.
anyways keep up the great work! you kinda remind me of a friend (girl)here in Slovakia who is a huge dog lover with 2 adopted crossbreeds
Your ability to speak so well extemporaneously and with zero fat and no bs in your words is amazing. An uncommon skill.
This is turning into a philosophical channel and I'm here for it. I can learn from this... I have been known to be rigid towards achieving a goal... But you're right, there are always other ways to get through it and achieve it.
I retired at 48. No rent, no mortgage and the car is paid off. I live in a low cost of living area. Life is good. I hope you reach your goal.
How? Did the retirement fairly visit you?
Retiring at 48 isn't always the best. No ambitions is a fast way to an early grave. Look at the richest people in the world, they still work for a reason.
So, do you live in your car? You said you have no rent or mortgage, but you still have utility bills, and if you own your own home free and clear, you still have property taxes to pay. Also, even if your car is paid off, you still have insurance, and things will eventually break down on it, so expect some pretty expensive repair bills in the future. The same goes with your house. Roofs cost money to repair. Plumbing and furnace issues are expensive. Are you sure retiring at 48 was a good idea. Are you really earning enough from your investments to live off of it for the rest of your life? 🤔🧐
@@AK-47ISTHEWAY I live in Puerto Rico. Nobody pays property taxes on their first home/property here. Only on second property and above so no, I and thousands of others do not pay property taxes. I only pay what is required by law for car insurance. This is a no-fault state. Most only pay the minimum which is liability. For me, that's $89 per year. Or was it $69? I forget. But it's well under $100 per year for my car. I live in P.R. No furnace issues. I drive a 2003 Toyota Corolla. Parts are very abundant for that car. Labor is pretty low on this island. I just replaced the front and back end struts plus new tires on front plus new plates for front end plus alignment and oil change for under $1,200 to include labor. I have more than enough to live on. We only have two credit cards and those belong to my wife, JC Penney and Macys. She owes $20 on the Penney and $120 on hher Macys. She just got an offer from American Express. She tossed it in the trash. I got rid of my 11 credit cards. All gone. I am now a strictly on a cash purchase basis only. The way I see it, if I cannot buy something with cash then I don't need it. I do my own plumbing and roof repairs as needed. Really, I do it myself. As a former helicopter mechanic and crewchief, I have mad skills at repairing stuff. Yes, retiring at 48 was amazing. My wife retired with me at the gender age of 35. Just a guess but based on your comment, it must really suck to be you.
You’re so relatable and easy to listen to. Thank you
I love your transparency. May your RUclips subscribers double by year’s end.😊
Ditto to this entire sentiment!
You're one of 3 RUclipsrs I enjoy watching on Sundays :)
Who are the other 2? 🤔
@@AccordingtoNicole I'm from Sydney, 2 Aussie channels - The Aussie Flipper (reselling channel) and Janice Fung (food channel)
Hi. My other two are Amber from Prepper Princess and of course Caleb H. :)
Hi Nicole, been listening over a year now. You have changed the way I play with my finances. Much good has come from that. Thanks. I’m 77 and not ashamed to admit I’m learning from a 30 to old. I’m saving and investing for the first time. I feel I still have enough future to plan things and live my best life. Thanks Nicole❤ 17:26
I look forward to seeing more of your journey and goals. Great update. 😊
I always like to ask myself "What would you do if you just won $1 million dollars?" . Besides the obvious of paying of any debts, buying a nicer car, upgrade my living standards and travel. Many of the other things don't actually require winning $1 million dollars and are ultimately more of a change in state of mind, learning new things and just reaching towards what makes you happy.
I tell young people who are just starting work and college kids I know the same thing. Ask yourself what you'd do if you won 5 million dollars? After the handful of useful and fun physical things you can buy, most of the things you really want take far less money than they do time, creativity, problem solving, and just commitment.
What would you do if you were expecting to get $1 million but instead were told by the trust that you would be getting $2000 a month and you have to pay tax on it.
@@smolville That 24k a year sounds terrible. $1 million at 5% is 50k a year. Rates are even paying higher than that.
@@smolville for how long?
With my health, maybe another 10 years.
Honey, you are doing AMAZING! I am son inspired by your videos an honest transparency. I wish i was 20 yrs younger and making the strong life choices you are making, I am with you, "work" is misery for most people, real estate, sickness, these are all normal life changes. However life is preparing you for BIGGER things! you had to go through Tough situations to learn and prioritize your life choices. Keep up your honesty which we LOVE. I believe in you and will be praying for all your dreams come true 💖
great video, love the honesty and Levi is SOOOOO worth it lol hes so cute!!!
Your story is so compelling. Keep believing. Each day you are a step closer to realizing your dream. Blessings to you.
Life is definitely a journey and as long as you’re moving forward, you’re doing well❤.
I was on track to retire at age 40. Then I got married...and that plan went down the tubes.
Married, and especially kids, is the surefire way to destroy any chance of an early retirement....or possibly any retirement.
Oops. Now you need four times as much money to live.
Nicole is probably the most realistic YT’er I have seen!! Life has ups and downs and she highlights both her lows and her highs!!
She’s great. I’m glad I found her.
I love watching your videos so much! This is probably going to be a long comment but this video really gave me a lot to say! Lol. I have been working since i was 15, ive always lived a pretty low cost lifestyle and when I work, I work HARD. This lead to me always saving a bunch of money. When I was 17-19 I traveled the country multiple times by van, camper etc and worked a part time job whenever I was back in my hometown. Then I worked steady for a few years and then covid hit. Got a small break for about 2 months there and then work culture was never the same. I worked from April 2020-January 2023 pretty much non stop. Saved a lot in that time, but was completely burnt out having multiple mental breakdowns along the way. Decided to up and quit my last job in January and have lived off of savings since. I will soon be looking for a job again, but no rush yet. People have always told me Im crazy for not having a steady career, for not "saving for the future". My response is very similar to that of the fisherman, but geared more towards life itself. Having worked in the deathcare industry, retirement age is never guaranteed. I had to help families bury young people around my age, and all they had to say for their accomplishments is that they were a hard worker. I dont want that to be me, tomorrow is not a given. I live life while I have it, my ego will never stop me from working at walmart, cleaning houses etc if I need it to pay my bills. Life is meant to be lived, not worked. I believe in taking mini retirements along the way to enjoy life, career culture will never be what it once was. Sorry for the ramble but basically, live life while you're able to. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, make sure you love the lifetime you live.
I am here Miss Nicole. Watching and loving and learning and changing many things in my life. Thanks to you 😊😊
Hi..It's Natalie. Your awesome , keep up the good work! Thanks Natalie
I have personally started reaching this point in my financial journey as well. In roughly 24-30 months I will hit COAST FI (unless the market takes another tumble which it might) and my home will be 33% paid off at age 29. And, as much as I love those goals I do feel the need to enjoy the now as well even if it moves my goals out by 6 more months (age 30). Video suggestion - It would be interesting to learn about the different types of financial accounts available in Canada (I live in the USA but it is always cool to learn about other countries).
Also, love your content! I forgot to mention that.
Congrats! You're doing amazing!
Our version of a ROTH IRA is called a TFSA (tax free savings account). There is a capped amount you can contribute each year but gains are tax free and can be withdrawn at any time.
Our 401k is called an RRSP (registered retirement savings plan) Pre-tax money goes in and employers often offer a match.
Other than that I think everything's mostly the same.
@@AccordingtoNicole That's awesome that the TFSA doesn't have a minimum age or time that the money has to be in the account (like the money has to be present in the account for '×' years before being withdrawn). I have an IRA, 401k, 529, regular brokerage account, and savings. The brokerage account is mostly because of minimum age to withdrawal without penalty from the 401k and IRA (59 and a half). If there wasn't a minimum I would probably try to max out the 401k. But I go with 401k till match, max out IRA, max out FSA, max out 529 to the MN tax benefit, get the regular brokerage to one years salary, then continue with the 401k.
Girl, i feel you. I just spent $1,500 on my A/C today and that was just a bandaid to give me time to get estimates to replace it. It will cost $10k+ and this one only lasted 15 years with several costly repairs. I don't know how anyone is supposed to replace an A/C system every decade when the price goes up more than your salary does in that time.
And like you, my net worth has stagnated despite continuing to invest $2k/month. It feels like dumping the money into a black hole. I'm 50 so really need to start seeing a recovery.
Just have to hang in there.
It's a balancing act to enjoy some now while saving a good amount to make your future easier. Tomorrow is not guaranteed so you have to enjoy a little today.
Even if you don't reach your goal, you have still put yourself in a better position relative to most.
I'm sorry about your dog's diagnosis. We went through that with our first dog. It was not easy.
I am literally bingeing my way through your channel, I love watching your videos. You seem to be pragmatic and to the point. The Simpsons snippets are hilarious. While I'm at it I'd suggest for you to have a look into French existentialism as opposed to nihilism (which you mentioned in one of your previous videos) as I think existentialist ideas might also correspond to the views on life you described. Just in case you haven't done so already. Makes for some interesting reading and conversation (I recommend Albert Camus' “The Stranger”, this book changed my life and I never say that about anything).
Sending love from Germany, keep it up!
I love your little added clips! It shows your personality. You are relatable and enjoyable to watch and listen to. Looking forward to your updated RUclips income video.
I feel like I could've said all of the exact same things in this video that you said regarding your relationship to work, FIRE, stress, enjoying life, and RUclips. I recently changed my work schedule to only work 32 hours as week down from 40 to have Friday's off to do RUclips (or whatever I want) and I can say it was the best thing I've done by far. I don't think i'll ever go back to a full work week and now I have time to play around with my sidehustles or spend time with family without having to use PTO. I'm still technically full time with benefits so it works out pretty nicely. Highly recommend to anyone that can pull it off!
Merci!
Thanks so much!
I had the same experience Nicole. A breakdown that has resulted in a very new, long-time-coming detachment from worldly anxieties, fears, worries. It was a blessing.
Yet another great video. I expect that your YT channel will continue to steadily grow & certainly hope that it will.
Hiya. Have you read Die With Zero? The author talks about how some experiences are enjoyed at earlier stages in your life when you can get the most out of them. You mentioned going to see gigs. I think that’s a great one where they are best enjoyed today. So many bands that I like just aren’t together any longer.
That's a super wise approach!
I am so enjoying this journey with you👍so interesting and entertaining. Your ability to articulate
All the events you have experienced is awesome 🙂
Dear Nicole always remember to be kind to yourself 😍you can’t pour from an empty pitcher
Loving thoughts to you and your fur baby. Looking forward to the next visit🥰
Best wishes...life is all about adapting to the situation...you are doing well 👍🏽❤
I loved buying and selling my homes. I loved having my own. Owner financial offered homes and property give the best chance for the poor and broke to get a leg up :-) work my way to doing what I want. I have and life is nice. Work on being ok. Then good and great comes along.
You are such an inspiration. I totally identify with your opinions about work. I retired at 52. I was lucky. I had a civil service pension. The house has been long paid off. I still drive old vehicles. My '04 Accord has under 100k miles. I plan on collecting social security at 62. Our property taxes are waived because my spouse is disabled. It would be waived once I reach 65, anyway. You have your $hit together. I was goofing off at your age and thank God I finally saw the light. BTW, love your choice in a turntable. I have one as well.
My journey to retirement was very choppy -- lots of ups and downs. It never went all in the upwards direction but I got here! I would love to see a video where you take a trip somewhere and talk about the planning stages (financial & otherwise) and frugal tips you learn along the way. Great video!
Good stuff. I’m going through all you videos
Thanks!
I appreciate your videos. Thank you!
Great video! I always look forward to watching you on Sunday. Poor Kermit!
Kermit found out he's never going to retire. He did what he had to do.
@@AccordingtoNicole 🤣
4:23 Amen to this. Making boat loads of money for someone else who does little to no work will always be soul sucking. If I had my own business, I wouldn't mind working long hours, though.
Excellent thoughts and ideas…you’re on the right track. It’s wonderful to be open to change as you go.🎉
Thanks for your videos and your honesty!
The lawn mowing got me. All the homes in my neighborhood have landscapers that I swear come very day and I hear mowers and leaf blowers (enemy #1) every day, including on weekends. I do not know how anyone finds this a relaxing home environment. And, all the constructions! Almost makes me wish I worked in an office again.
Why don't you talk to the owners, or contractors, and negotiate with them? All come on the same day! 😂
Really inspirational stuff! I live your positive energy and your videos ❤
Wonderful update! As with all things the key is to find what brings us balance into our life, and our priorities may shift and change with the times. We just have to be open to the changes
Nicole’s adventure with the sale of her townhouse and purchase of her detached home is nothing like the real estate market in the San Francisco Area!! I recently saw a realtor put a “home for sale” sign on a home in our neighborhood. Within 60 minutes of putting up the “for sale” sign, I saw her put up the “SOLD” sign for this house!!
Ideally, I’d also like more freedom and to fit work in around my life instead of the other way around. I take lots of short breaks to get through but I’m also working towards the F.I.R.E movement 💪🏾
Thanks for your honesty:) and keep the videos coming they’re great 🙌
It's very enjoyable to listen to you talk about your topic. I can sit back and relax and don't skip a second like on most other videos. Good work.
So sorry to hear about Levi. Dogs are awesome. Hugs.😊
Oh 😮 I know the struggles too well of summer with lawn mowers starting every time you want to record. And for me I eve have the aggravation of having 8 people living in my house, so there is always someone making noise, using the kitchen, flushing toilets, opening and closing… it’s a struggle…
At 11:40 reminds me of the song by kenny chesney -the life. one of my favorites.
I'm proud of you Nicole you're doing a good job good videos you're a hard worker just discovered your channel 2 weeks ago and I've been watching all your videos you remind me of my girlfriend of 18 years who passed away almost a year ago and I am just stuck on you
It is important to be able to adapt to changing circumstances.
Watching this and my neighbour is mowing her lawn too. I have an old fashioned push-along mower that makes hardly any noise.
Yes yes 🙌🏻 that is how I look at work. The fisherman has it right.
You’re just the best! 😊 I love and appreciate you and your videos so much! 🤗 I love the story about the fisherman, the realizations you’ve been having, and the ways you’re going about enjoying your hard work TODAY and EVERY DAY rather than waiting until retirement. ❤ I recently watched an amazing video from Austin Williams that I think you’d really resonate with; it’s titled: “Retirement is a huge scam”. 😊
Hope you update this again a year or so later, which maybe around now (the video says it is a year old). Volatility is a factor for sure that you need to learn to live with. Good to hear that you are hanging in there since unless we have WW3 the markets will bounce back.
Great video, hope you are enjoying the recent stock market situation 🙏
I think you are just growing and adapting which is what life is. I applauded you. Life is not a straight line, it is a crazy road map. Enjoy.
Just love the insight, Thank you for sharing !
As I watched your video, your neighbors must of sent a message telepathically to my neighbors to cut their grass as well 🙂. I know I can retire now which is 10 years earlier than my projected date but I am not in the mindset to do so. This is something I may have to ease into. Yes at times I hate getting up and driving to work and making all the CEOs rich. Keep working towards your goals and purchasing a few pick me ups along the way doesn't hurt. Stereo equipment is always a good choice.
Love your content, please keep going.
Great video, very interesting update, you're doing brilliantly ❤
Really glad youre also able to have more fun as well as work towards your goals x😊
Thank you Nicole,
I feel all of this!
Appreciate your honesty.
Love your videos. I’ve been sharing them with others. You are so relatable.
It took us about 10 years from being in a rough financial place to lean FI. You will get there. You are well on your way. It seems so slow and it’s kind of jarring when you realize you are there. Look forward to keeping up with your videos.
This is realistic. Hopefully the market turns around and your investments go up in value (I hope mine so too).
Finding your videos very inspirational, I have two children and currently renting so my life is not frugal by any means, but definitely using your videos to adapt my life to make it as enjoyable as possible with more freedoms!
great video, I enjoyed it. People like to see the human quality in all this money business, it makes it more relateable.
Good for you. I don't need an elaborate life but I do spend a lot on good food. I don't own a car and I keep my life simple.
Thank you, Nicole. I feel So understood. It's so good to hear some honest words ♡
Your great Nicole love your videos I’m much much older than you and perhaps stupidly purchased a larger home , traded up from a three bedroom terraced to a four bed detached . I’m still worried really about it all and making it work .Now retired but I do Airbnb as to supplement my income . Good luck with your new home , enjoy it and make it work , it’s a lovely home you have .
I hate working, too......working toward retirement as soon as I can.
It's so very true that life has a tendency to work out in ways you don't expect. Like for me, when I bought my flat at 28, early repayment was really not on my mind. It was just too monumental of a task to even consider, so I didn't. It actually wasn't until like 5 years later when I got a bunch of expenses in my lap in rapid succession and was forced to really take a look at my spending that the idea of getting out of debt early really got into my head. I eliminated some unnecessary expenses, started putting a little bit extra towards my student loans (not a bad debt in my country, we have a lot of protections - but still, a debt is a debt). I managed to pay off my student loans less than two years later, which had me start paying extra towards my morgage.
At the time I started paying extra towards my morgage, I figured perhaps I could be done in my mid-40s instead of 50+. Then the pandemic happened, and that really changed things for me. I know a lot of people struggled a lot financially during the pandemic, but I wound up not being one of them, as my job was considered essential - in fact the extra shifts, and the bonus pay structure they implemented to entice us to work more combined with having fewer avenues to spend money due to lockdowns and social restrictions just naturally had me put most of it towards the morgage. By the time society got back to normal, I was close enough to see the light at the end of the tunnel, so I kept the momentum going, putting almost every bit of money possible towards early repayment. And I actually paid off the last 15% of it in just a 12 month period. It was insane (I am NOT a high earner, even now with significant pay raises in the past 2 years, I earn way below median wage in my country), and had someone told me ahead of time that I would be morgage free by my 39th birthday, I would have thought they were crazy, but here I am. You never know what will come your way in the coming years. Wish you all the luck with your plans :)
Hey Nicole. I’m not sure how I found your RUclips channel. I’m only subscribe to to others but let me tell you. I’m so glad I did. You were so full of wisdom and I look forward to your videos every Sunday. I have learned a lot from the amazing tips you give in your videos. Thank you so much, my only request is more close-ups of your dog. He’s just the cutest.
Personally I’m not that confident in stocks at the moment. I listen to Ed Dowd ex Blackrock who took a fund from 3 to 14 billion over ten years. I’m stashing cash til there’s ’blood in the streets’ as the expression goes. I’m debt free including house which I paid off ten years early when the Covid shit show first started. Not easy but in this climate worthwhile not to have stress.
thanks for posting
So glad to hear your going to enjoy a bit more now rather than waiting on your goals. The thing is not everything is in our control as this last couple of years have shown and when that’s the case you can’t guarantee your results. You could stick to your goals and vision and it could get pushed again and again by one thing or another by which time maybe the concerns you’d really want to see the bands have stopped touring or the activities you want to do aren’t available to you, the destinations you want to travel to cost way more than expected. All sorts could happen so definitely love that you do more of that now and totally agree enjoying life a bit more when you understand your job is giving you that enjoyment can make it more tolerable. ❤
Awesome video ❤
Your wise beyond your years! 40 is the new 35!
What a thinker! Fab, thankyou for putting your thoughts out there. Have you thought about bout using your home for income, for example a house-share or something? London
Hell yeah Rise Against!!!🤘🏻👊🏼
I have experienced big saving losses, Two events when I was much younger caused my investments in mutual funds lose $120,000.00 in value. It took me 12 years to recover from those 2 events. I didn’t sell any of the funds, once I recovered I transferred 1/2 to lower risk funds, The last two years my reduced risk mutual funds has lost $42,000.00. As I result of current losses I had to revise my goals. Based on what I am currently seeing, I believe we are going to be experiencing another recession.
Awesome video Nicole
I am 76 and still working as a medical director for a large health insurance company headquartered in Oakland, California. I choose to work because I never thought about retirement and because my gross income is $700,000.00 per year. What’s not to like???? I like making money!!!
I live well within investment returns now. My lifestyle is quite cheap. I'm doing a lightweight part time job I enjoy because I enjoy working. I didn't enjoy my real heavyweight job. Financial independence let's me do work I enjoy. I don't own a lawn but maybe I should buy one so I can start mowing it.
I'm glad you are finding some life balance. Yes work is a bummer...but it is a means that contributes to an end.
I love your honesty and transparency don't change...please don't do the whole 'what I eat in a day' or 'let's go to Costco' 😣
You have the same mindset about employment that I do. I never really found a job that I was in love with. So if I had to work I wanted to make good money and do what you are doing. I did just that. I saved and invested and I always paid myself first. Investing became my side hustle and business. I enjoyed watching my investment income grow and over time It over took my job income. I retired early and never looked back. It ain't an easy thing to do as you know. Your money is something a lot of us work awful hard for and so many fail to manage it to their best interest, like it's just too much trouble. It's a lot less trouble than a crap job and jerk boss.
I am 35 years old now I achieve my fire movement 2 years ago at the age of 33 years old. I bought new home build 2 months before I retired. 😊
So true, have more fun now. My FIL worked a corporate career and retired a millionaire. Then came a heart surgery and complications, his wife a foot surgery with complications, COVID and 2 knee replacements. They always wanted to visit the Amazon together. They have the money, money is not an issue for them. But now in life near 70 they simply can't. FYI the medical issues started late 50s right after retirement. Financially they are an inspiration and worked decades saving, sacrificing, and made their perfect retirement a priority. This vid reenforces that we have to have fun while we can, reasonably, bc life is short
I'd agree one should not postpone the things they want to do too much. We never know how much time we have left.
Adding to this, I really wanted to live in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city. Istanbul is quite hilly with many super steep hills. So glad I got to do this, because I probably won't be able to climb these hills later in life.
I want to move to rural areas with some land but easier said than done. Oh well for the most part I am retired but work a little just to be sure I get out and about a little.
I'm trying to buy a house. It's a head ache
it sure is
I didn’t realized by quitting my job at 30/31, i effectively retired. I was broke still. That’s one way to do it! 😅 been 10 years not working for the man. Or at all.
Extra Snicky Snacks for Levi !!!! I just lost my fur baby to heart disease. Vet bills are insane !!
I am also feeling the same as you
I retired early by ...becoming a licensed engineer ...which helped a little, ...and then I listened to good men that advised me of specific gaps in the fencing around the "employees". I began to buy "the worst home in the best neighborhood" ...fixing it up with raw materials and my own labor, then selling at 2x. I went from $500k debt (2023 dollars) to Zero Debt retired with home on 1/3rd acre, and good retirement savings ...in just 8 years. Salaried or hourly wage earner ...forget it - ITSA TRAP. Only by logically understanding the structure of slavery and the gaps in its system can you ever escape. "Employees" ...yep ..."the ones that are being used". yep. The economy is always changing, so there is no stable formula except "rational attention + accurate understanding of current system". Nicole is a good example of clarity of thought. She is punching through.
One of many epiphanies for me. I was a Senior Engineer. My "Manager" heard that a young engineer was getting married and was buying a newly built tract home. Mgr rejoiced, saying, "Now I've GOT HIM!" He meant it. Grotesque. Helped my clarity, though.
I'm 35 now, started saving last year. I wish I would've realized how to do this at 20 when I got my first good job. Oh, well. I can still retire by 60 at the latest which is still at least 7 years before my earliest government retirement age so that's good :)
Was that Rise Against on Vinyl? Cool 😎