by Financial independence isn’t just about numbers—it’s about living a fulfilling life. Our “One Life To Live” series showcases how we’re optimizing for happiness while pursuing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). This quarter, we’re excited to share our adventures, including a memorable meetup with a FIRE community icon.
A Road Trip to Remember
This March, we embarked on a 10-day journey through Virginia and North Carolina. The trip’s highlight? Meeting Justin from Root of Good and his family in Raleigh. But before we dive into that, let’s set the scene.
Our adventure began in Roanoke, VA, wound through the charming streets of Asheville, NC, and included stops in picturesque towns like Culpeper, Lexington, and Abingdon. Each leg of the journey felt like a mini-adventure, making the drive both enjoyable and memorable.
Asheville: A Hippy Haven
Asheville quickly became our favorite stop. This town resonated with our values, boasting:
- Veggie-friendly organic restaurants
- Unique local businesses
- A welcoming atmosphere for people of all backgrounds
The diversity of ethnic stores and restaurants surprised and delighted us, especially given the town’s predominantly white downtown area.
Meeting Root of Good: When Internet Friends Become Real
The pinnacle of our trip was meeting Justin from Root of Good and his family in Raleigh. It’s not every day you meet someone whose financial journey you’ve followed online!
Here’s what made the meetup special:
- Genuine hospitality: Justin and Kaisorn graciously opened their home to us.
- Instant connection: Despite being “strangers,” we felt like old friends thanks to our shared FIRE community.
- Down-to-earth attitude: Despite their impressive $2 million portfolio and early retirement success, Justin and his family remained approachable and genuine.
Our three-hour gathering flew by as we discussed life events, early retirement strategies, and, of course, money. It was a testament to the strength and warmth of the FIRE community.
Exploring History and Culture
Our trip wasn’t all about FIRE meetups. We also took time to explore the rich history and culture of the region:
- In Raleigh, we visited the free Museum of Natural Sciences (thanks for the tip, Justin!).
- Montpelier, James Madison’s plantation house, offered a thought-provoking look at American history, including the harsh realities of slavery.
These experiences sparked meaningful conversations and deepened our understanding of the country we call home.
Q1 2018 Financial Update
Now, for the numbers that fuel our FIRE journey:
Passive Income
- Dividends: $5,659 (a 55% increase from last year!)
- Monthly average: $1,886
Bare-Bones Expenses
- Total for Q1: $2,765
- Monthly average: $921.80
Category | Quarter Amount | 2018 Monthly Average | Comments |
| *Net Rent | +$105.83 | +$35.28 | We have a surplus since we didn’t have to pay for any repairs or tax bills for the quarter on our rental property. |
| Bills & Utilities | $510.31 | $170.10 | |
| Debt Payments | $0 | $0 | |
| Groceries | $1,514.25 | $504.75 | |
| Auto & Transportation | $490.61 | $163.54 | A few repairs came up during an oil change visit. |
| Home Supplies | $356.05 | $118.69 | |
Total | $2,765 | $921.80 |
Our portfolio saw a slight dip of -2.37% this quarter, but we’re not worried. Market fluctuations are normal, and downturns can create buying opportunities.
Cooking Up Savings (and Deliciousness)
One of our favorite ways to save money and eat healthily is by cooking at home. Some of our culinary creations this quarter included:
- Russian potato pancakes (draniki)
- Vegan fettuccine with veggies and eggplant
- Salmon teriyaki with rice
Looking Ahead
We’re excited about upcoming trips and local ChooseFI meetups. These gatherings energize us and reinforce our FIRE goals.
How are you optimizing for happiness on your financial journey? Have you attended any inspiring meetups lately?
Remember, we have one life to live—let’s make it count!
Why put travel pics? People are interested in finance, not pics of food.
“One Life To Live is our quarterly recap on how financial independence plays an integral part in fueling our true happiness. We have one life to live, but are we making the best of it? Are we living it in the most fulfilling way possible? We hope that our lifestyle answers those questions as we continue to optimize for happiness. Carpe Diem!” 🙂