Blog / Projects / Minafi

Welcome to my blog! Since 2001 I've written 663 posts about software/personal development, technology, minimalism, FIRE, movies, startups and my life. These span three separate blogs, with all articles linked from here.

This blog Focuses on exploring the intersection of minimalism, mindfulness and technology + my journal.

Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Minafi Financial indepenence, investing and my journey to retire early (or at least a sabatical from 36-42).

Hardcover Building a social network for readers

Check out some highlights and stay in touch by following me on Bluesky , subscribing to my newsletter or RSS feed .

2025 3 articles
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Why I Went Back to Work After 6 Years of Early Retirement
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. The Four-Year Ripple Effect of a Simple Theme
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Why We Traded Stocks for a House Seven Years Into FIRE

Time for a major life change.

2021 10 articles
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Three Years of Early Retirement – Mindset Changes and Realizations

A look into what's stood out from 3 years of early retirement life.

Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Minafi Summer Break, Life & Goals Updates for Q2 2021
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Here’s Why You Feel Exhausted: A Look at Thinking vs Doing
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Calculate Your FI Number With State and Federal Taxes (It’s More Than You Think)

Your FIRE number is often calculated by multiplying your expenses by 25. That's the amount of after-tax money you need. But how much extra do you need in taxes?

Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Investing for Beginners: From Your First $1 to $10k and Beyond
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. 5 Steps to Embrace Lifestyle Deflation Without Deprivation
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. My Financial Spreadsheet: 5 Metrics to Track for Financial Independence
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. How Many Stocks Should You Own In Your Portfolio?
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Financial Independence Groups: Meetups, Forums, Events and How To Find Likeminded People
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Why You Should Plant a (Symbolic) Garden For Early Retirement

Whether physical, symbolic or digital, a garden helps you focus on one thing: growth.

2020 9 articles
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Seven Takeaways from My Second Year of FIRE
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Which Accounts Should You Use to Invest for Retirement? [Interactive]
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. “Won’t You be Bored?” Why Creatives Thrive in Financial Independence

Some people claim they'd be bored if they retired. Others have enough activities to be content for a lifetime. What have some people figured out?

Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. 7 Mindsets to Thrive in Financial Independence
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. The Complete Guide to Withdrawing Funds Early From Your 401(k), IRA and Roth IRA
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Does This Mean the End of the FIRE Movement? [Answer: No]
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. 21 Activities To Keep You Focused On Your Future [or to help during social distancing]
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Stoicism In the Time of a Market Virus
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Where Are You On the Financial Independence + Retirement Matrix?
2019 3 articles
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. A Look Back at My First Year of FIRE

A look at what's worked, what hasn't and what I'd do differently from my first year retired.

Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Why I Don’t Care About Free Stock Trades (And You Shouldn’t Either)
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Minafi 2019 Q3 Fall Investment Report