April 11, 2018

My Favourite Posts of 2017

April 11, 2018/ F2P

I'm so pleased to again bring you my favourite posts of the previous year, in this case my favourites of 2017. How do I make my selections? Ultimately, three post characteristics drive my top picks:

How much I enjoyed writing them.
How much they resonated with others.
How top-of-mind they are for me when I'm chatting with readers/friends and other bloggers/podcasters (which means they resonated with me too :).

The ten posts below are presented in order of preference. And, as I've done previously, I'm also including five honourable mentions that you might also enjoy perusing.

April 09, 2018

My 2017-2018 Reading List

April 09, 2018/ F2P

Another year of reading has come and gone. From April 2017 to March 2018 I've read and learned something from a total of 34 books. That's 321 in total since becoming truly free to pursue, but it's far from my usual 60-70 books per year.

March 07, 2018

Financial Independence — The Great Equalizer

March 07, 2018/ F2P

There’s reality, and then there’s the lie that perpetuates it.

The reality is that it costs more to be a woman in this world.

Let me count the ways...

February 27, 2018

Relating Over Investing - Why “Networking” Is NOT a Useful Verb

February 27, 2018/ F2P

I can’t stand the term “networking.” Never have, and hopefully never will. It’s a term and verb that makes me shudder. It carries with it connotations of using others for the sole purpose of getting ahead. It makes me think of little other than selfishness and self importance.

Do I think we need to meet new people? Of course! But...

February 22, 2018

The Joy Of Spending - Thoughts On Mindful Consumption

February 22, 2018/ F2P

I’ve had some feedback lately about my post titled More Is Less. The intention with that post is not to punish myself for my consumption, far from it.

The point of the "No Buy" challenge is to get in touch with what is far more satisfying than standard consumerism:

Mindful Consumption

February 14, 2018

My Heart Longs for What’s Priceless

February 14, 2018/ F2P

The shiny hearts are everywhere. They’re hung as decorations in the stores, they’re printed on product packaging, they’re stamped right on limited edition perfumes, cosmetics and flower vases; and they’re even part of the product itself when it comes to jewellery and confectionary.

Hearts and Valentine’s Day offers even appear on typical everyday items. This “special day” is indeed the apex of what is known as the consumerization of love and affection.

And the pressure to participate can be oppressive.

February 13, 2018

On Delivering Bad News

February 13, 2018/ F2P

I deliver bad news today. I knew in early December that I needed to do it. Yet, I waited another two months before communicating with the two recipients.

I worried about it. I lost sleep over it, even cried over it because I understood it could cost me some friendships.

February 12, 2018

Wanna Talk Money? Me too.

February 12, 2018/ F2P

There’s been a great deal of discussion on all online and offline platforms about the power dynamics in the workplace and, to a certain extent, in the home.

It’s a touchy subject for all involved, with many of us feeling like we’re walking on egg shells any time we broach the subject.

February 08, 2018

I Hate Budgets (and Diets)

February 08, 2018/ F2P

There. I said it. Though I’ve written about it before more diplomatically, I’m declaring it here and now as bluntly as I possibly can:

I hate budgets!

Why? Let me count the ways...

February 01, 2018

More Is Less - Why I'm Going On A "No Buy"

February 01, 2018/ F2P

As it became clear to me that Mr. F2P and I were finally reaching a significant financial milestone last year, I started taking my foot off the saving gas for a bit and ramped up my consumption.

I won't deny that it was fun at first. You know that feeling that comes from being a more reckless version of yourself, of throwing caution to the wind? Of course, my version of this wasn't so extreme but you get the idea.

Free to Pursue