Thoughts and Reflections of a Life in FIRE

Thoughts and Reflections of a LifeInFIRE by Kevin Sebesta

Our story seems quite different than most. However, anyone can use the lessons (or mistakes) from our life to better themselves.

Lessons:

My LifeInFIRE started out when I was 12-years-old. I grew up in a middle-class home, and in many ways I was lucky. I was taught how to save and how bonds and high-interest rates worked. That year Alaskans each received checks of $1000. My dad made me save mine, while all my friends bought new stuff. Because I saved, a few years later I had enough to buy a car. But I was told to buy an older car. I worked a part-time job in the summer. My dad told me he would match any of the money I saved from that job. I saved all of my paychecks and spent his contribution. These lessons were tough for a kid, but they were a solid foundation for learning how to manage my money.

Spending:

I watched my parents log their spending in a multi-column budget book each evening. They could quickly and easily track their expenses over time. I’ve done this in a few different ways since high school. It helps me stay aware of my current and historical spending. Note: we spend almost the same amount decade after decade as some items rise in price and other categories drop.

Delayed gratification:

I learned that I can get what I want. First I make sure it’s what I really want and that I can pay for it, rather than buying on credit and paying the bank back with interest. I was a lucky child because I received a gift for Christmas and my birthday each year. Usually, I received what I asked for over the previous months. I learned that I could to wait to get what I wanted, it became normal to wait. 30 years later, I still plan for what I want. I research, validate and then make the purchase decision at a later time. It helps to stay out of stores. If I need to go to the store, I bring a shopping list for some structure.

Investing Oops:

Don’t follow my mistakes. I learned about investing in bonds with 12-15% interest rates in the 80s. At the time a stock trade could be hundreds of dollars. Now I know about low-cost index funds. I wish my MBA had taught me three little words: Total Market Index. I had no clue. If you are reading this, you already know about this. Remember, you can overcome lower investment returns by saving well. However, it’s very hard to use investment returns to overcome low savings.

FIRE/Not working:

It was never my intent to retire at 43. I originally planned to leave corporate America in my early 50’s to teach at a community college. To prepare for the change, I taught night classes for over 20 years, while working a busy day job (side hustle wasn’t even a thing yet). I saved every dollar from my teaching side hustle in what I termed my “playcheck.”

Some differences:

We do not have children. We took out manageable student loans for our undergraduate and graduate degree. We did have some assistance with this cost (parents and employers helped to fund some of the education) and we paid these loans down aggressively for a few years (at 90’s tuition rates). We were both working professionals. We lived off one salary and saved the second. That allowed less stress from daily work—even the possibility of a layoff. Financial Independence has many levels, but they all give you control, power, freedom.

Great markers

These basic principles helped in our journey to FI: same spouse, same house, same cars over time, save early and continually for the future. That’s the best advice I can offer you. If most of these items work out, you will have a stronger, less stressful financial life and possibly (much) more freedom into the future. (Yes, that was worth repeating from above)

For us: we’ve had the same spouse (25+yrs together), same house (27yrs, 1026 sq ft), same cars (10+ yrs, purchased used), saved early (live on one paycheck * 20yrs) and continually (we still have a little part-time work for “playchecks”).

Thoughts and Reflections of a LifeInFIRE - Kevin Sebesta

Thoughts and Reflections of a LifeInFIRE

Giving:

A big part of my life entails giving back in my own way. There is rarely a five-foot-giant-check handed to someone in need, but rather lots of small efforts combined to make their life better. Giving back can look like this; teaching, presenting, writing, having a conversation, listening to someone, performing an action to help (carry something, pick something up for someone, smile) in the smallest of ways. If you give out positivity, you will soon be surrounded by positivity. (Even grumbling old(er) men can give, I prove that).

Health:

It is vital that you put effort into your health and wellbeing. A strong, happy body will carry you throughout your day much easier than a broken down one. I lost 140 pounds before I turned 30. That is why I believe that anything is possible. Move, get some sunlight, smile to others and fuel your body with the vitamins and nutrients you need.

My wife and I live normal lives, you might say that we have “stealth wealth.” But we do what we enjoy and lead a great life. Thousands of smart little decisions over time created this for us, and it may multiply into your greatness or really goodness.

By Kevin Sebesta of LifeInFIRE.com

David Baughier

My passion for helping others led to the curation Fiology. Help me spread the message of Financial Independence by clicking a colorful link above and sharing this post on your favorite social platform. Thank you!

10 Comments

  1. Cody | Fly to FI on January 28, 2019 at 3:05 pm

    I can definitely relate to how much a solid financial foundation at a young age can accelerate your FI journey. Similar to you, my parents taught me the basics of saving and managing money, but nothing even close to the FI arena that we operate in today. However, these early money lessons gave me the flexibility and bandwidth to make my money work for me.

    • Kevin LifeInFIRE on January 29, 2019 at 11:28 am

      Cody, I enjoy your work at FlytoFI.com. You are right, the level of awareness and useful information from peers available right now will help (hundreds) of thousands of people gain the upper hand and control their FInancial destiny. It just takes little changes over time. Keep spreading the world!

  2. Steven on January 28, 2019 at 2:38 pm

    I was reading through and felt like I was being given insights into the Millionaire Next Door.

    • Kevin LifeInFIRE on January 29, 2019 at 11:34 am

      That’s funny. I only wish.
      Your story and articles are excellent. Break ’em down and build them up stronger. You’re crushing it.

  3. Kelsa Dickey on January 29, 2019 at 9:43 am

    Kevin, I’ve truly enjoyed our conversations at our local meetups. You are such an inspiration and share so freely. I would love a follow up post re: your mortgage and paying off your house, since I know that’s something you & I have discussed as well. And you make me question my own strategy every day! 🙂 And I Loooove your gifting strategy – that is something my husband and I do as well… giving of time, money, efforts, counsel, etc. We will still often times write a check to a charity – there’s something about writing it out that feels more impactful for us. Congrats on your FI journey Kevin!! And thank you for inspiring the rest of us!!

    • Kevin LifeInFIRE on January 29, 2019 at 11:45 am

      Oh Kelsa, you’re wise as always. Yes, the “mistake” of paying off my house early instead of investing that money. The “mistake” I don’t regret at all but was (in hindsight) financially/compoundably incorrect, but feels amazing. It’s like the debt snowball or avalanche; feels great vs mathematical equation. Deep down (and money is deep rooted), making small, smart decisions, repeatedly over time add up to amazing. You share and help others learn that every day, just as the whole FI community knows and feels that every single day. That’s why we’re all so happy.

  4. Gwen @ Fiery Millennials on January 29, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    I love the idea of “playchecks”! Congratulations on your early retirement!

    • Kevin LifeInFIRE on January 31, 2019 at 6:39 pm

      Gwen, thank you for reading my thoughts. Playchecks and Schetchle are just my random musings. I enjoy your blog and think your ability to remain flexible, shift gears and enjoy life is a great example of the power of a FI lifestyle.

  5. Daniel Lee on February 25, 2019 at 12:14 am

    I love that you state how important giving is. Many of us are so caught up in saving that we forget to give back. I believe we who are blessed are called to bless others and that can look like many different things. Time, money, lending a hand, baking, serving, etc. We didn’t get where we are by ourselves, why not help someone get a little closer to their goals. Wonderfully written, keep spreading the positivity my friend!

    • http://www.lifeinfire.com/ on May 31, 2023 at 3:20 pm

      I was listening to a podcast the other day about “giving” and while writing a check is good, many organizations/people really need help in the form of “time” or “assistance.” If you think about it–years laters into life–you may have money (becoming less useful), and less time (our most valuable resource). If you can make someone else’s day a little better, that’s an amazing opportunity.

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