5 ways to increase your savings rate

When you are on the path to FIRE (if you do not know what FIRE is, here is a link) or on the path to financial independence, having a higher than normal savings rate can help kick start it. Zero-dollar based savings – This one is my all-time favorite. It is the easiest to keep Read More

5 things I do not buy since moving to Sweden

Clothes, not including outerwear. I do not buy most types of clothes here, aside from coats and jackets. I am from a warm climate, so the availability of a heavy winter coat is very low. Unless I order from Amazon and to be honest, I decided to wait until I got here to at least Read More

The importance of financial literacy – 5 reasons

April is ‘Financial Literacy’ month. This is to spread awareness of the importance of this issue. It is the possession of a set of skills and knowledge that will allow an individual to make effective decisions on their fiances. Some of you might be thinking – ‘Well, why is it important?’ You are right, why Read More

You should study in Europe. Knowledge from someone pursuing a Ph.D.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, some of which might help you study in Europe, by making life easier. I am an American. I am pursuing my Ph. D. in Sweden. Why did I decide to study in Europe? It came down to two things: finding a university that would help me reach my research Read More

Robeston Wathen and Llwhaden Castle

There is a fairly profitable market in the U.S. for the search of family history. Several websites exist to help those in their search. I relied on these websites to see if I could determine where some of my own ancestors were from originally. I ended up in Wales where we found this gorgeous castle Read More

Savings rates – Sweden vs. USA

I will be somewhat focusing on Stockholm, Sweden since this is where I am currently living. The average income for someone living in Stockholm is about 22000 SEK after taxes, which is about 2100 USD as of today (April 8 2019). Sweden does have a high cost of living, which deters people from eating out Read More

5 financial habits of early retirees

Have you ever wondered what it takes to retire early? Remember, retiring early does not mean 30 years old. Even retiring at 50 is retiring early. Since the retirement age is sometime after 60. Since any age before 60 is retiring early, anyone on just about any income can do it. Have little to no Read More

If there is not a WILL, there is a way

Disclaimer: This topic depends on the country or state you live in. So, I would first talk to an estate lawyer and a tax lawyer. I am neither but as a banker I was often given ‘free’ advice as to how to go around the necessity of a will if you do not have enough Read More