The financial stars have aligned ladies and gentlemen and you are in for a real treat today. A story to be passed down from generation to generation. I, Mr. Simple FI, am honored to interview the one, the only, Mr. Simple FI!
Who is Mr. Simple FI?
I am just an average family man trying to weave my way through the twists and turns life will throw my way. I say average because like many average families with a single income, I fall under that category. But I wouldn’t let that stop me from working towards my financial ambitions.
How did you come up with the name Mr. Simple FI?
With hundreds of ways to achieve FI, I wanted a more simpler approach. Something where even a single income family, like myself, could pursue. Oh and since I’m married, I figured throwing in the “Mister” would make perfect financial sense.
Do you do anything other than just strive for FI?
I enjoy hitting the gym for a kettlebell workout while listening to soundtrack instrumentals, jogging around the neighborhood with my mini FI’ers, or just having a nice cold beer while chatting with Mrs. Simple FI. If not I’m usually shooting sports photos of my 3 Little Simple FI’ers.
Who will benefit from reading Mr. Simple FI?
The person reading this question to themself. No, seriously all jokes aside, anyone willing to look deeper into their financial situation and make a change. I was just like them at one time. All my mishaps, some bad and most of them worse, will be shared here for your reading humor. Just make sure you learn from my mistakes and not repeat them.
How long have you been pursuing FI?
Actually I started back in 2008 when my older brother gave me a book to read. “The Automatic Millionaire” opened the door for my financial world. A buddy of mine almost turned me into an accidental investor in 2008 but I declined his offer (*slams head on the desk*). It wasn’t until 2013 that I actively began to align with achieving FI although I didn’t know what it was called back then. I just wanted to increase my income and eliminate debt.
Do you consider yourself an expert in personal finance?
Yes! What? I’m not lying. Ok maybe I’m partially not lying. I consider myself to be an expert in my OWN personal finance. But I am not an expert of YOUR personal finance nor should anyone else be except for you. We each know our personal situation thus we should be in driver’s seat, not some “guru”.
If you achieved FI, what would you spend your money on?
Experiences. Hands down this would be a priority for me. My family and I want to travel to different countries, envelop with diverse cultures, eat 100 yen sushi (heard that’s a thing), visit all the theme parks, and simply create memories.
What is your fondest financial memory?
The day I checked my net worth. Oblivious to where I was financially, I sat at my computer and listed every asset and my one liability (take me back to this time of my life). The number isn’t significant to me. It’s the fact that I was taking control of my financial path. I could assess my progress by looking at where I was to where I was planning to head to. Now, I update my net worth every single month to let me know how I’m doing.
Mr. Simple FI is over and out!