by Life has a way of reminding us why we chose the path to financial independence. September 2022 was one of those months that started with the joy of family celebrations in the Dominican Republic and ended with us huddled inside as Hurricane Ian unleashed its fury on our city. Through it all, our FIRE journey proved its worth not just in numbers, but in the peace of mind it provided during both the planned adventures and unexpected challenges.
For those new to our monthly reports, we typically aim to spend no more than $4,425 monthly while pursuing our financial independence goals. This September pushed those boundaries, but for reasons that reinforce why we’re on this path. So grab your favorite beverage, and let’s dive into a month that taught us as much about resilience as it did about budgeting.
The Journey Through September
Our September started with the warmth of family and ended with nature’s fury. As FIRE practitioners, we’ve learned that financial independence isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about being prepared for life’s unexpected turns. This month proved that principle in ways we never anticipated.
Family Time in the Dominican Republic
The month began with a special father-daughter journey to Santiago, Dominican Republic. While Tatiana stayed behind (a story we’ll share in an upcoming post), Yuna and I embarked on a different kind of vacation. Instead of our usual tourist-focused trips, we immersed ourselves in family time, celebrating my father’s 85th birthday and creating memories that money can’t buy.
Living like locals presented unique challenges and opportunities. Safety considerations meant getting creative with activities, but this led to discovering hidden gems like La Antillana Pizzeria’s playground and the fascinating El Centro Cultural Eduardo Leon Jimenez. Our daughter’s trilingual education flourished naturally through daily interactions and bedtime stories with new Spanish books, proving that sometimes the best investments in our children’s future don’t follow conventional paths.
Cultural Gems: El Centro Cultural Eduardo Leon Jimenez
Seeking an enriching indoor activity, we visited the Centro Cultural Eduardo León Jimenes (Centro León), a world-class museum showcasing Dominican heritage. At just $3 for adults and free for children under 12, this modern facility houses everything from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary art exhibitions. The air-conditioned galleries provided a welcome escape from Santiago’s heat, making it an ideal afternoon activity.
I was particularly fascinated by the historical exhibits dating back to Columbus’s time. The interactive displays kept Yuna engaged throughout our visit, proving that educational experiences don’t need to be expensive to be effective. For FIRE families visiting Santiago, Centro León offers an impressive return on investment, combining cultural enrichment with practical comforts like modern facilities and reasonable admission prices.
Cultural Heritage: El Monumento
No trip to Santiago is complete without multiple visits to El Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración, or simply “El Monumento” as we locals call it. This iconic marble monument, standing proudly atop a hill overlooking Santiago, has been a constant through my years of visits home. This time, I had the joy of sharing one of my favorite spots with my daughter.
What makes El Monumento special for families is its perfect blend of culture, exercise, and cost-effectiveness (it’s free!). The grand staircase that I’ve climbed countless times became my daughter’s favorite place to burn energy. Watching her run up and down the steps, just as I did in my younger years, brought back wonderful memories while creating new ones.
For visiting FIRE families, here’s what makes El Monumento a must-visit:
- Free admission makes it a budget-friendly cultural experience
- The stairs provide natural exercise opportunities (who needs a hotel gym?)
- Sweeping views of Santiago make for memorable family photos
- The grounds offer plenty of space for children to move freely
- Historical significance adds educational value to physical activity
Pro tips from years of visits:
- Early morning or late afternoon visits help avoid Santiago’s peak heat
- Bring water and snacks; vendors aren’t always present
- Plan for 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the experience
- Sunset offers spectacular photo opportunities of the city
The Puerto Plata Interlude
Our journey included a peaceful respite at the Iberostar Costa Dorada, our wedding venue from 2014. At $151 per night for two, this all-inclusive stay represented both value and cherished memories. Our daughter’s excitement over the flamingos showed how the simplest pleasures often create the strongest connections.
Local Flavors: A Foodie’s Guide to Santiago
One of the benefits of pursuing FIRE is the ability to travel deeply, not just briefly. Our extended stay in Santiago allowed us to explore local eateries that tourist guides often miss. Here’s where our food budget went:
La Terraza D Justin emerged as our top discovery for authentic Dominican cuisine. Their longaniza (Dominican pork sausage) deserves special mention; at $8-10 per serving with tostones (fried plantains), it’s not just delicious but also budget-friendly. The portion sizes were generous enough to share, making it an excellent value for FIRE travelers.
La Antillana Pizzeria surprised us by combining two priorities: entertaining our daughter and satisfying our culinary interests. This long-standing Santiago institution offers wood-fired pizzas starting at $12, with a playground that kept our little one entertained. Pro tip for families: restaurants with playgrounds mean longer, more relaxed meals without additional entertainment costs.
For those planning similar trips, we discovered that Santiago’s local restaurants generally offer better value than tourist areas, with meals ranging from $5 to $15 per person. This aligns well with FIRE principles of maximizing experiences while optimizing costs.
September By The Numbers
Our total spending reached $5,042, exceeding our monthly target of $4,425. Here’s the breakdown:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Travel | $1,632 |
| Home | $1,138 |
| Food & Dining | $1,074 |
| Health & Fitness | $397 |
| Bills & Utilities | $250 |
| Gifts & Donations | $148 |
| Auto & Transport | $146 |
| Shopping | $135 |
| Other | $122 |
| Total | $5,042 |
Looking Forward: Lessons from a Transformative Month
September 2022 exceeded our typical monthly budget of $4,425, landing at $5,042. However, our year-to-date average of $4,249 per month keeps us on track for our annual goals. This buffer proved crucial as Hurricane Ian approached—a stark reminder of why the FIRE community emphasizes emergency funds and financial flexibility.
Key takeaways from this month:
- Cultural experiences can be both enriching and economical when you have time to explore like locals
- Having strong financial foundations helps weather literal storms
- Building margins into your budget provides peace of mind when unexpected expenses arise
We’d love to hear your travel hacks and emergency preparation strategies! How do you balance enjoying the present while preparing for uncertain futures? Share your thoughts below, and let’s learn from each other’s experiences.
Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? Drop your questions in the comments; we’re happy to share more detailed cost breakdowns and recommendations.
