Time Value of Money (Inflation? Or the "T" word?)

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 I went to IKEA last weekend. I had a coupon that was going to expire and because I knew I wasn't going to get the chance to go on Sunday, I stopped by after going to the Japanese Festival . I almost went to Greekfest after but most of us decided to go home. I  decided I'd like to use the coupon now than have it wasted since IKEA was less than a couple miles away and on the way home. I spent $0.75 with tax for a set of dishes and a serving bowl . The dishes were $0.79. I got 11 of them and one serving bowl because I had already purchased one to try out. I wanted to try it out because it is white and I wanted to see if it will stain. It doesn't. So I went back to complete the set. I added the serving bowl because the coupon was $10 off a $10 or more purchase. The serving bowl was $1.99. I got the small bowl-like instead of the small plates because I thought that would be of more use to me. They look like the small plates but with the curve so I felt they would still work f...
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Happy New Year to the FI/RE'd life.

 The last month of 2024 was busy. I wanted to finish up work around the house. I wanted to get other things done. And I had events to attend. I was at a wedding last month when someone asked where I worked. I simply said I didn't. They thought I was lying. I simply turned it around to ask them where they worked and tried to ask more questions about what they did but the couple came in. 

That said, I thought I would've possibly FIRE'd this year or next year. Instead, I felt the call to leave in the Fall of 2023. I am grateful to God for getting me through the year. To be honest, leaving seems scary. Even if the numbers look like they would work, it's not easy to leave. For me, I was afraid I wouldn't have income coming in. I was wrong. I needed to trust God because he more than sustained me throughout the year. It took me about 6 months to leave because I wanted to be sure in the beginning and then I got greedy and wanted to use up benefits. I wouldn't advice that. Just get out and leave things behind. 

While I wasn't worried in the beginning, I had some things happen that me wonder how I'm going to get through. I'm talking of big expenses I had not anticipated. But thanks be to God for seeing me through. I'm glad I left. I think if the major issue that occurred shortly after I left had happened prior, I may have stayed behind in the name of making money to pay for it but it got taken care of in grand style. I think most of us are used to working and are so comfortable in it that we shudder at the thought of doing something other than what we've been doing. 

That said, if you are thinking of getting FI/RE'd this year, go ahead and do it. Whatever you fear you've not planned for, let it come and you will find that you have survived when it's long gone. It wasn't an easy year but it was a good year. Even with the sad news I got and the subsequent costs associated with it, I'm grateful to God for seeing me through. Life is meant to be lived. My goal is to do my best. 

I think if I had relied on what ifs and maybes, I would've still been working in a place that was quite toxic in its own way. So, my encouragement is dare. Dare to take that plunge and FI/RE. Dare to live that life that you want to live. If you come across this blog and are on a F.I.R.E journey, when do you hope to retire? Are you there and wondering if you should? What are your aspirations for the new year. And if you don't have any planned out now, the year is still young. I'm trying to work mine out myself. 

To all my fellow nurses and those hoping to FI/RE, Happy New Year!

Here's a verse to keep in mind as you ponder on your decision making regarding FIRE and life:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3: 5 - 6 (NIV)

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