by Greetings from sunny Florida! It’s hard to believe that nearly two years have passed since our last blog update. Our early retirement journey has been nothing short of fascinating, and we’re excited to share our experiences with you. We hope our story continues to inspire others to pursue their best lives!
From Pennsylvania to Florida: Our Unexpected Move
When we retired from our corporate jobs in the summer of 2019, we had a loose plan: spend some time in Europe, return to Pennsylvania, and eventually make our way to Florida. Little did we know how quickly that timeline would accelerate.
After a beautiful European adventure through Belarus, Lithuania, and Spain, we settled back in Pennsylvania for the winter of 2019. Our initial plan was to stay there long-term, using it as a home base for extended travel. However, the events of early 2020 prompted us to reconsider.
As the world changed around us, we realized that Florida aligned better with our values and desired lifestyle. By October 2020, we had purchased a home and settled into our new life in the Sunshine State.
Finding Our Dream Home in North Port
Our house-hunting journey was a whirlwind. The real estate market was moving quickly, and we knew we had to act fast. After missing out on our first choice, we found a perfect 3-bedroom home built in 2016 on a quarter-acre lot.
With the help of my mother-in-law’s video tour, we made an offer sight unseen. After some negotiation, we secured the property for $249,900. It was a leap of faith that paid off beautifully.
Making Our House a Home
While our new Florida home was nearly perfect, we made a few upgrades to truly make it our own:
| Improvement | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Replaced carpet with vinyl planks | Easier maintenance, modern look |
| Lanai | Expanded and enclosed with bug screen | Increased living space, bug-free outdoor area |
| Garden | Created vegetable garden with raised beds | Fresh produce, hobby, self-sufficiency |
| Fruit Trees | Planted various fruit trees | Long-term food source, improved landscaping |
| Irrigation | Installed automatic irrigation system | Time-saving, consistent plant care |
These improvements have transformed our house into a haven that perfectly suits our lifestyle.
One of eight raised beds we have in our garden.
Embracing the Florida Lifestyle
Living in Florida has exceeded our expectations. The laid-back Gulf Coast vibe, friendly neighbors, and abundance of outdoor activities have made our transition seamless. We’ve made numerous friends and found a welcoming community that aligns with our values.
Our daughter, Yuna, is thriving here too. She’s made many friends and is growing up in an environment that fosters independence and creativity. We’re committed to providing her with an education that meets her unique needs and interests, emphasizing self-sufficiency and critical thinking.
Our Evolving Investment Strategy
As we settle into our early retirement, we’re continually refining our investment approach. In future posts, we’ll dive deeper into some unconventional vehicles we’re exploring—strategies that many early retiree bloggers aren’t discussing.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Crucial Wealth
Crucial Wealth is more than just a blog—it’s our bridge to a global community of like-minded individuals seeking financial independence and a fulfilling life. As we continue to grow and evolve, we’ll be sharing more articles, insights, and personal experiences.
We’re excited to nurture Crucial Wealth like we do our garden, allowing it to flourish and take on its own unique personality. Our goal remains the same: to inspire and motivate others to live their best lives, achieve financial independence, and embrace the journey of personal growth.
Thank you for being part of our community. We can’t wait to share more of our early retirement adventures with you!
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How wonderful to see you writing again!!! I love the update and can’t wait to see what will happen next.
Thanks! It feels good to be writing again. The break served me well. I also now feel free to write about anything without the constraint of a corporate job. I no longer have to worry about my employer finding the blog. 🙂