Comments on Life on the High Wire: Financial Freedom in One (Not) Easy Step

Thanks for the kind words, Barbara, and welcome!

2009-08-05T06:09:05.715-04:00

Thanks for the kind words, Barbara, and welcome!

Thanks for sharing your advice and stories! Jtro...

2009-07-08T13:27:37.899-04:00

Thanks for sharing your advice and stories!

Jtron - I'll do a post about how to start freelancing/go self-employed soon.

Cindy - saving for retirement is important, and everyone has their own priorities and timing. In a perfect world you'd be able to throw an extra $100 at that (reasonable) mortgage AND save a bit every month. I still maintain that getting that house paid off, so at the very least you'll always have a place to live, is key.

Alena - I know that this harsh economy and providing for a family makes it tougher. But it sounds like you're chipping away at it, and my primary point is if you keep your eye on the goal, you'll get there. It's not a fast process, but at least you're pointed in the right direction.

Tusk - you've outed me. I am, in fact, 87. Viva Botox!

I don't believe it. I can't. I'm tota...

2009-07-07T10:29:27.773-04:00

I don't believe it. I can't. I'm totally in awe. Here I'm thinking, your 28 years old at best and from doing the math... Ummm let me see first house carry the one, second house.... Ohhh what women wants to hear her age guessed, and especially if it has nothing to do with the topic of no house payments and flipping your early property.

I added half round shingles on top of my existing shingles, just this past week. Now my little cottage by the sea has a little Gingerbread flare to it.

Part of my purchases over the years to accomplish this was a 24 foot extension ladder with leveling feet, two-tank 5 gallon Air Compressor, and a nail Gun. The labor was accomplished by myself saving, I'm guessing $4500.00 . My expenses were the Air Compressor at $300., Nail Gun from a retired carpenter tag sale in Brand New Condition, $19., The ladder at Sherwin Williams $149. The bonus and inspiration for the shingling effort lies in the fact that the shingles were given to me for free from my neighbors, who lived a bit down the street. They were taking up space in the garage and didn't have the heart to throw them out. Side note: our dogs play together.

I just can't believe your not 28, this seriously effects my view of Life on the
High Wire directly out of a Masters in college, you have years of Life Experience. Priceless.

Well, thats life on the surface. Another good way to save for those trips abroad or intercontinental: make things for yourself or have a local artisan give you lessons. I had a Local Metal sculpture let me borrow his drill press which allowed me to finish building a fence for my yard. His words to me were, I believe its all about Karma Rob, I help you, you may help someone else because of that. He went on to say he was on his yacht stuck on a sand barge in the Bahamas, and out of nowhere someone came and tugged him safely back out to deeper waters.

Moral: Deeper Waters are maybe where you want to be. Jump in feet first is always good advice.

We're working on it, Deonne. It's a littl...

2009-07-07T00:46:36.546-04:00

We're working on it, Deonne. It's a little difficult in the early years. We don't have a lot of extras, especially with 2 kids and the economy and jobs 'n such. And right now, we've actually lost equity in our home. But I agree with your line of thinking whole-heartedly. We will get there!

I agree that lowering your housing payment helps k...

2009-07-06T15:56:18.017-04:00

I agree that lowering your housing payment helps keep you living the high wire NOW, but I think it is ultra-important to remember that buying up and increasing the value of your house should not be just for the niceties you enjoy while you live in it. It is an investment- even with everything going on, it is STILL the best investment there is, and the break on your taxes adds in as well.

To me, part of living life on the high wire is making sure I don't have to live an anxious life worrying about retirement. If I have a home, the more I can sell it for at the end means the less I have to sock away for retirement now.

Wow. Buying a house! Very inspiring. Could you w...

2009-07-06T15:31:35.272-04:00

Wow. Buying a house! Very inspiring.

Could you write a post about starting your own business and freelancing? The starting seems so tough.

Excellent advice. Remember our first house in San...

2009-07-06T14:58:52.616-04:00

Excellent advice. Remember our first house in Santee? We really outgrew it before we even had kids, but it was in a decent neighborhood and cost considerably less than what we "qualified" for. We did that because we were scared we wouldn't be able to make the payments if we stretched ourselves too thin. Part of the beauty of being raised by Depression-era parents was the outlook on money, to wit: there could be another Depression someday, so don't be wasteful with the money you have. - Deb