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Welcome to my blog! Since 2001 I've written 664 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 .

#journal: Just an old-fashioned journal. This includes things going on in my life, photos, personal discoveries, goals, and anything else that focuses on my own journey through life.

2019 19 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. Minafi 2019 Q3 Fall Investment Report
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. How A Basic Investing Mistake Cost Me $250,000 (and I Still Made it Twice)
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Why I’m Glad I Didn’t Learn About FIRE in My 20s
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. FinCon 2019 – Washington, D.C, Friends and Inspiration
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. June 2019 Goals, Investments & Spending – Running, Camping, Focusing, Sleep No More
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. My Four Phases of Financial Independence
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. 6 Thoughts After 6 Months of Early Retirement
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. May Goals, Investments and Spending – Running, Hiking and Enjoying Time Outside

May was a fantastic month with a focus on spending time outdoors, camping and hiking.

The Last Gift My Mom Ever Gave Me

My mom passed away when I was 23, yet through an odd series of events she gave me birthday present 9 months after her death that surprised me and delights me to this day.

Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. A Day of FIRE – Expectation vs Reality
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. April 2019 Investment, Goals and Spending Breakdown
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. March 2019 Investment, Goals and Spending Breakdown
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. How I’m Setting Goals During Early Retirement

How much should you challenge yourself – and does the answer to that question change after retirement? Here's a look at how I'm changing my answer to this question since I stopped working.

Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. 7 Lessons and 2 Mistakes From My First 3 Months of Early Retirement
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. 7 Things Learned in My First Month of Early Retirement
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Minafi 2018 Q4 Winter Investment Report
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Do You Need Luck to Reach Financial Independence and Retire Early?

The idea of "luck" when it comes to financials is a complicated topic. I do believe it has a role, but it's important to differentiate luck from action.

My Favorite 100 Books Read in 2018

I read 100 books in 2018. Here's a look at my overall favorites that you should check out along with a few tips on how to read more in 2019.

2018 6 articles
My 2018 Year in Review
It’s Official: I’m Leaving My Job. What’s Next?

December 14, 2018 was my last day working at my job of 8 years. Here's a look at why I left and what I'm planning do do with my time.

Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Minafi 2018 Q3 Fall Investment Report
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. My FinCon 2018: Friends, Inspiration and Motivation
Combined-Shape Created with Sketch. Our New $6,000 Car
My 52 Beliefs

My thoughts on everything from religion to politics, from education to finance and everything in between.