Leaving the 9-5 Rat Race

Jon and I love to travel.  This is obvious to anyone who meets us.  It is obvious to anyone who scrolls through our Facebook photos, reads our blog, or walks through our home.  It isn't a secret.  We would rather be on a train, plane or in an automobile headed ANYWHERE than to be sitting at work. 

I don't think this makes us different or special.  I think a lot of people have those days.  There are a lot of people just like us.  I would venture to say that out of a group of 100 people, nearly 90% would say they would love to travel as often as possible. 

The difference between us, maybe the biggest thing that sets us apart, is that we plan to do just that.  No, we didn't start blogging in order to make that happen, although if blogging made it happen sooner we wouldn't be sad!  We started blogging to share our experiences and to hopefully inspire others to do what they love!

You see, by the time Heather turns 40, we plan to be completely financially free.  No debt, comfortable retirement and savings, and the ability to get up and go anytime we want.  We don't plan to win the lottery, we don't plan to inherit millions, and we don't plan to live in a shoe box.  We plan to be smart with our finances, eliminate all debt, and build a comfortable nest egg using retirement accounts and investing strategies.

Stop, don't go any further.  We want to make sure you understand that we are NOT planning to talk about our finances, how to handle your finances, or trying to sell you seminar materials.  None of that will be happening here.  Not now, not ever.  But, occasionally, we will share things with you that you may find helpful.  Ok, carry on.

Now, we are currently set to be debt free in 5 years.  That includes our mortgage.  Nooooo, we don't make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, although come on now wouldn't that be nice!  We actually bring in quite a bit less than that.  However, our house is small and modest.  Our cars are older and paid off.  We do not have expensive electronic equipment (unless you count that stupid tv Jon wanted...)  We tend to save money in every area and aspect of our lives so that we can enjoy our vacation time and so that we can move closer and closer to financial independence. 

If you want to know how we plan to do that, or maybe you want ideas on how you can too, I'll link to a couple of blogs and youtube channels that we follow for ideas. 

You may LOVE your job and never plan to leave!  We aren't saying that you have to retire early.  But, imagine how much more you would love your job if you knew you didn't HAVE to work there. 

Mr. Money Mustache (this man is funny and smart)

Mike and Lauren (a young couple doing amazing things)

Mad Fientist (great advice and tips!)

If you have questions, please feel free to drop a comment.  We would love to hear from you!