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You are here: Home / Chautauqua / Chautauqua 2014: Lightning strikes again!

Chautauqua 2014: Lightning strikes again!

by jlcollinsnh 45 Comments

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Well, this was a rare delight.

Photo courtesy of Kate

Last year’s Chautauqua was so much fun, attracted such cool people and was just so damn epic it seemed unlikely to repeat. But it did, and this year we got coffee! Let’s start with that.

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Our hosts: Coffee grower Cheryl and her husband Rich

Photo courtesy of Gouri

Cheryl, who owns and operates Above the Clouds Retreats, splits her time between Texas and her finca (farm) in Ecuador. On that finca she grows coffee and this year’s Chautauqua convened just after the coffee harvest. Lucky timing! At our opening session each attendee found a small burlap sack in front of them filled with coffee beans from her land, and a coffee mug emblazoned with: Ecuador!

I love coffee. I’ve been drinking it now for over half a century. I’ve had none better and, for a couple of short weeks after my return, I enjoyed a rich aroma and robust flavor that briefly returned me each morning to this year’s magical week. But now it’s gone. One more reason I’m already dreaming of next year!

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Hacienda Cusin

Photo courtesy of Nick

As before, and hopefully again for 2015, this year’s Chautauqua was held at Hacienda Cusin, a gorgeous old estate and monastery built in the Andes mountains in 1602. It is about 2 hours north of Quito and near the famous market town of Otavalo. It is built of stone and wood and many of the rooms, including mine this year, have fireplaces. It can get chill in the evenings up in those mountains and it is a warm pleasure to return to your room to find the fire the staff has got roaring. Not to mention the hot water bottle they’ve placed in your bed, toasting the sheets.

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As before, the speakers’ presentations were the center piece of the week.

Photo courtesy of Geraint

Cheryl, one of the most relentlessly happy people I’ve ever met, had the group hanging on her every word as she described her sometimes difficult journey and the techniques of happiness she’s acquired along the way.  Mr. Money Mustache focused on how developing a ruggedness in your approach to life creates greater satisfaction and less need for money.

This, in turn, allows you to live on less than you earn, freeing up the capital to invest in building your financial freedom. My role was then to discuss exactly how to invest this money. Our new speaker this year, Jesse Mecham, wrapped up the week with his engaging talk on the sheer joy of starting something entrepreneurial and the pursuit of knowledge with reckless abandon.

In short we talked about:

  • How to bring happiness into your life.
  • How to develop the courage to be free and to live life on your own terms.
  • How to arrange your life in such a way as to have an abundance of what is important, while shedding what is not.
  • How to invest your excess funds so that they grow to support you, allowing you to turn your full attention to Happiness, Freedom and Abundance.
  • How to strike out on your own.

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Of course the conversation didn’t end with the presentations

Photo courtesy of Kate

As with last year, each speaker had a schedule of one-on-one sessions with those attendees who had chosen them. In my case, the original seven scheduled grew to twenty by week’s end as more people asked for time after my talk. It was exhausting, but exhilarating. These sessions are my favorite part of the week.

We also created an extra two-hour financial Q&A session one morning. It was a lively discussion and about 18 or 20 chose to attend. The rest went on the optional hike in the mountains. Both were great successes and we’ll offer each again next year.

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Financial Q&A in the Monastery courtyard

Photo courtesy of Geraint

When we weren’t engaged in presentations, conversations and general hanging about, we were off exploring a bit of Ecuador. Everything from Otavalo and its famous markets to the Equator to the stunning beautiful Lake Cuicocha where we had lunch and a boat ride in the crater of a volcano.

Sometimes Ecuador came in to visit us:

P8100185This year’s kinder and gentler shaman.

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Dancing on the Hacienda lawn

Photos courtesy of Kate

There was also our now traditional day of community service:

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Construction was done…

Photo courtesy of Gouri

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Kids were played with…

Photo courtesy of Susan

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Pinatas were broken..

Photo courtesy of Mr. Money Mustache

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Treats were gathered…

Photo courtesy of Kate

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…and rides were given in Cheryl’s “Ecu-truck”

Photo courtesy of Nick

The cost of this building project was funded from the Chautauqua revenues, and the commitment to help improve local lives continues long after our departure. 10% of the profits go back into Project One, Cheryl’s local Ecuadorian charity. Thanks to those who have attended, she is no longer funding it alone.

All thru the week participants continued the discussions, sharing their hopes, dreams and plans. Encouraging and reinforcing each-others efforts and commitment. As one person said, “I have found my tribe.”

And what an amazingly diverse tribe it was. Not just in race, religion (and lack of the same) and sexual orientation, although we enjoyed all three. But in:

  • Age – Ranging from geezers like me to folks in their twenties.
  • Occupations – Crossing the spectrum from high tech to international aid. People working for organizations ranging from the Canadian Red Cross to Google to USAid to FranklinCovey to Trout Unlimited; to name but a few. Entrepreneurs, engineers, sales people, a fellow blogger and a woman now back in war-torn Sudan doing her part to make life there a little better. Even a finance professor. To my surprise and great honor, she teaches my Stock Series in her class. Kinda blows me away.
  • Wealth – Ranging from multi-millionaires to people who’ve heroically shattered the grip of debt. Some already FI, some on their way.
  • Geography – They came from all over the US and Canada, Europe and Australia. A German, two Brits, a Scot and an Argentinian. The two Aussies get the award for furtherest distance traveled, but then, don’t they always? Coming in from the Sudan, by way of Canada, was only good for second place. Although, for spiritual distance, it gets my vote.

You might think such a wide-ranging group would be a recipe for conflict. You would be wrong.

Indeed, just as with last year, the single thing folks enjoyed most from their experience in Ecuador, was the chance to be with like minded people. The path of freedom, independence and financial security is surpassingly rare. Most of us are surrounded by family, friends and co-workers who not only don’t get it, they don’t believe it is possible. The chance to spend a week with people who do is the greatest, and most unexpected, value attendees take away.

If this sounds like your tribe too, maybe you’ll join us in 2015.

Finally, those of you who have read my post on how to travel know I don’t carry a camera. I lack the skill and interest. Fortunately, it doesn’t matter. There were attendees present who take far better pictures than I ever could, and I’ve been pleased to have already scattered this post with their work. Let’s end it with sharing still more:

Photos courtesy of Kate, Susan, Gouri, Nick, Mr. Money Mustache and Pamela.

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Another take:

Chautauqua 2014: Higher elevation and new insights

A comic that captures the ethic:

itchy feet

Here’s an interview with the author.

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Comments

  1. EarlyFI says

    September 15, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    Jim,

    Great article, it brought back so many wonderful memories of Ecuador. I feel fortunate to have met you and the others on this trip. The best part was meeting people who are like minded, and supportive. Friendships to last a lifetime. I look forward to seeing you again for that fly fishing trip!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 11:51 am

      Thanks EFI!

      Salt Lake City, right? I’m looking forward to the fly fishing, class and the reader meet-up.

      Maybe next spring when the weather turns nice out that way?

      Reply
  2. Pura Vida Nick says

    September 15, 2014 at 8:43 pm

    Looks like you guys had a great time! Love the pictures!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 11:53 am

      Indeed we did!

      The pictures are a combo of some of the photographers’ choices and some I selected from their work.

      I love ’em all!

      Reply
  3. Kevin says

    September 15, 2014 at 9:37 pm

    It looks and sounds like it was an amazing trip…. Last year’s sounded amazing as well. I can only hope you guys are still doing this trip in 2016 when my youngest is a bit older. Tanks for the photos and summary so that those of us who couldn’t go can live vicariously.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 11:55 am

      Hi Kevin…

      Yep, we’re 2-for-2 so far and all four of us are eager to do it again in 2015. My guess is ’16 will be a go as well.

      When it works for you, we’d love to have you join us!

      Reply
  4. Carlos says

    September 15, 2014 at 10:27 pm

    What a nice surprise to see a post summarizing how the Chautauqua was this year. I was just about to send you an email to see how it went. Looks like it was a blast.

    Last year I left so inspired I was tempted to go again.

    Saludos Jim!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 11:57 am

      Hola Carlos!

      Great to hear from you. It would have been great to have you join us again, but I gather you’ve been doing some other extensive travel.

      Maybe next year?

      In any event, I hope our paths cross again soon.

      Reply
  5. Shilpan says

    September 15, 2014 at 11:37 pm

    Incredible pictures! I am mesmerized by the beauty of Ecuador — simple yet stunning.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 11:58 am

      Thanks Shilpan!

      The beauty, and the people, are why I keep going back!

      Reply
  6. DraggonFIRE says

    September 16, 2014 at 7:54 am

    Great post, Jim – and the pictures, even if not yours, really helped “sell” it. I discovered you too late to even consider C’qua2014, but your article ratcheted up my interest for 2015!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 12:00 pm

      Thanks D-FIRE…

      We really had some fine photographers on this trip.

      If it works out for you, it would be great to have you with us in ’15!

      Reply
  7. Jon says

    September 16, 2014 at 12:14 pm

    Great stuff, Jim!

    As the former ( some could argue current ) magazine publisher that you are, I find this post to be equal parts Life Magazine and National Geographic. Simply stunning…..bravo!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 1:57 pm

      Thanks Jon…

      That’s high praise indeed!

      Reply
  8. The Roamer says

    September 16, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    Wow!

    I can’t really discern the emotions I’m feeling! When I saw the post about the 2 opening I couldn’t help but dream of how great that would be. But the price was too steep specially since it didnt include airfair still I put it on my calendar and have been anxiously waiting for the report out. Thanks so much Jim I am really starting to convince myself that next year I will be there.

    I actually have family that lives there aunts,uncles cousins some that I’ve never met so in my mind i could kill 2 birds.

    It would be great to meet you and MMM in person I’ve almost read all your stock series and I’ve caught up with all mmm’s post too.

    Seriously thanks so much for the stock info.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 2:03 pm

      Hi Roamer…

      Glad to hear you have it on your radar, but you were smart to wait. Anything that seems too expensive probably is, at least at that moment.

      As you keep saving and investing, time will come when this cost will seem like pocket change. Hopefully, we’ll still be doing Chautauquas then but, if not, there will be equally cool things around.

      Plus you don’t have to go to Ecuador to meet me. Make your way to NH and I’ll even buy lunch. I’ll bet Mr. MM would do the same if you make your way out to CO.

      All that said, if and when Chautauqua works for you, we’d love to have you join us!

      Reply
      • The Roamer says

        September 23, 2014 at 3:02 pm

        Thanks for the reply.

        Yup I hope that one day it will seem like pocket change. It wasn’t in the cards this year but I am putting it on the map for sure.

        Thanks for the invitation I’ve never been there. Haha I did try to see if I could catch MMM on out vacation to Colorado but it was during his trip. darn.

        Maybe I’ll be able to meet you all at Fincon next year.

        Thanks again Jim

        Reply
  9. Amanda says

    September 16, 2014 at 1:46 pm

    Wonderful post!

    I’m reliving the joy of the Chautauqua looking over the pictures. This was one of my all-time favorite trips and I cannot recommend it highly enough to any potential future attendees. Some really powerful and uplifting information, exceptional people and cultural fun all set in a breathtakingly beautiful slice of Ecuador.

    Jim, thank you SO much for squeezing me in for an “unofficial” session! I really got a lot out of it and am grateful to have met you!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 2:05 pm

      Hi Amanda…

      Thanks for checking in!

      I very much enjoyed our time together and am grateful to have met you as well. When else would I ever come across an artichoke tattoo? 😉

      Reply
  10. Dianne says

    September 16, 2014 at 4:53 pm

    Hi Jim,

    What a wonderful week in Ecuador! To spend quality time with like-minded people was truly well worth the trip. I especially enjoyed the one-on-one sessions and the thoughtful presentations. To learn about investments first hand! Jim, you truly are a giving soul, meeting with so many of us individually, as well as presenting the Q & A group session we had, learning from each other as well.

    What did I take-away? I finally gave myself permission to live life on my own terms. I have left a stagnant job (for me) and am in the process of starting a new venture on my own that truly fits my personality. Oh, and about that investing!

    Best to you and your readers…

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 10:50 pm

      Hi Dianne…

      Thanks for checking in and your very kind words.

      Congratulations on your new venture. Very exciting! Please keep me posted on your progress!

      Reply
  11. Mike says

    September 16, 2014 at 6:10 pm

    I’m sure fresh harvested coffee is great…but how did it compare to “cold brew.” HA!

    Glad to see you had a nice trip.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 10:51 pm

      Well, I’ve only been privileged to have your cold brew once, and it was mightily fine. But this was better. 🙂

      Mmmm…. Maybe these beans cold brewed…. 😉

      Reply
  12. Kate says

    September 16, 2014 at 10:17 pm

    The Chatauqua, for me, leading up to the start was equal parts, “YEAH, I can’t wait” to “Oh my gosh what did I sign up for?”. All I can say is that I never should have doubted my decision for one minute.

    The content was amazing but even better was the giving nature of all of our presenters and the transparency and care they brought to the space. Having access to the minds of Jim, Pete, Cheryl and Jesse really helped me gain confidence in not only what I have accomplished to date but also for future actions I need to take.

    Thank you, Jim, especially for the generosity of your time.
    Thanks!
    Kate

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 16, 2014 at 10:54 pm

      Hi Kate…

      I can imagine the concerns. Flying to a far-off land to hand out with some crazy blog writers and other assorted lunatics…

      But you fit right in… 🙂

      Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your story and plans. Please keep me posted!

      Reply
  13. Ian says

    September 17, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    Wow Jim…..you nailed it!

    The beautiful surroundings, the group dynamic and the friendships forged made for an unforgettable week. Like Kate, I was wondering just what group of “tree huggers” I’d signed up for. All I can say afterwards, to anyone else wondering, ….just do it!

    It is one of the better experiences in life.

    Thanks for your words of wisdom at the time….I’m busily converting them into an Aussie context…just needed that lil extra push…:))

    Thank you
    Ian

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 17, 2014 at 3:07 pm

      Hey Ian…

      Great to hear from you and good to know you made it safely back down under.

      How was the rest of your SA adventure? Machu Picchu, Galapagos and Easter Island as I recall?

      It was great having you with us. As an American commentator I just heard says: “Why is it Aussies always seem to be having more fun than anyone else?!”

      Cheers mate!

      Reply
  14. TheFrugalHumanist says

    September 18, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Truly enjoyed this post, Jim and all the beautiful pictures and comments from our inspiring fellow “Ecuadorians”! Transporting me right back to a wonderful week of life changing experiences!

    The discussions with yourself and the entire amazing Chautauqua gang gave me the confidence to accelerate changes I had been pondering about for a while. Saying, I am glad I went, totally would be an understatement!

    Thank you for the reference as well!

    To anyone reading this months from now, wondering if you should sign up for the 2015 Chautauqua…JUST DO IT!! You will NOT regret it, I promise!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 24, 2014 at 11:27 pm

      It was great having you there, and hanging out with you in the airport lounges on the way back. 🙂

      Very nice write-up you did on your own blog as well. (Linked to above in mine)

      Reply
  15. Allan Rudd says

    September 18, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    Hi Jim

    WOW! Your blog really summed up my experiences of The Chatauqua…..an adventure that I was intimidated about going to but opened so many new doors of ideas and friendships….what an amazing group of people and the facilitators sharing and giving so much of themselves… goes down with my great travel experiences….I had no idea of the beauty of Ecuador!

    Thank you also of giving so freely of yourself and going the ‘extra mile’ for me….was really appreciated.

    Warm regards
    Allan

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 24, 2014 at 11:28 pm

      Thanks Allan…

      It was great meeting you there and I enjoyed our session together. Glad we finally made it happen. 🙂

      Hope the rest of your journeys were great fun as well?

      Reply
  16. Anders says

    September 19, 2014 at 2:30 am

    Hi. What a life-affirming post. Looks great from the pictures. I would love to hear more on Cheryl and Mr. Mustaches presentation about happiness and ruggedness. I guess by being a regular reading of your blog, I already know what your presentation was about.

    This would be my first comment, and I have read everything on your blog; it’s a really good blog!

    Cheers from Denmark.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 24, 2014 at 11:31 pm

      “Life-affirming”

      Wow. I rather like that. Never thought of it in those terms, but it feels spot on.

      Thanks Anders!

      Reply
  17. Matt says

    September 19, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    Hi Jim,

    How and when does registration for this annual trip start up? My wife and I would love to be involved in the future. We’re self-proclaimed “Mustachians” and I swear by your Stock Series to anyone willing to hear me preach about Financial Independence. Thanks for your efforts!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 24, 2014 at 11:37 pm

      Hi Matt….

      I’m usually the first to write a post announcing it and usually in February. So if you haven’t already you might want to subscribe. This year it sold out in two weeks, although spots did open up for some on the waiting list as a few had to cancel.

      Here’s the registration page: http://www.abovethecloudsretreats.com/registration.html

      Hope to see you next year. 🙂

      Thanks for spreading the word on the Stock Series!

      Reply
  18. Trisha Ray says

    September 23, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    This looks like SO much fun! And Jim, you’re looking great.

    This comic – so true – makes me think of you guys, Big Jim, Money Mustache, and the gang who is truly learning how to live:

    http://www.itchyfeetcomic.com/2014/09/a-penny-saved.html#.VCGz1fldW4M

    I met Jim many years ago, when he wouldn’t have considered owning a car. He was riding his bicycle thru Ireland. I can vouch that he not only talks the talk, but he has walked the walk during his life, too.

    I have used both his blog (and MM) for all my new employees, and during numerous sales rep meetings. Required reading.

    A few lives have been changed for the better. A few totally transformed. And some – may still be working on it.
    Super advice, and free. Wow.

    You guys may not realize what a difference you’ve made.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 24, 2014 at 11:43 pm

      Awe…

      You are making me blush… 😉

      That is an awesome comic you linked to. In fact, I’m a subscriber to Itchy Feet and I passed that one on to several of my blogger friends. I’ve been getting emails raving about it and I suspect it will be popping up in this little FI blogging universe.

      My pal, Arebelspy, already put it up on the MMM forums: http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/mustachian-(or-anti-mustachian)-comics/100/

      I’ll be using it an upcoming post myself. It EXACTLY captures the ethic of the Chautauqua. 🙂

      In fact, I just made it an addendum to this one! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Mark A. says

    September 24, 2014 at 9:39 am

    Hi Jim,  I feel like I attended an International Executive MBA and High Altitude Boot Camp with Nice and Very Interesting People titled: “Learning from Others and Being Inspired to Get Your #%^+* Together – with Breakfast, the Occasional Tremor and Loose Llama.”

    Hearty thanks to you and Cheryl for your vision and to everyone else who led, took care of us and participated.  I miss our tribe! It was a terrific group and I am so glad I attended.  Mark

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 24, 2014 at 11:55 pm

      “an International Executive MBA and High Altitude Boot Camp with Nice and Very Interesting People titled: “Learning from Others and Being Inspired to Get Your #%^+* Together – with Breakfast, the Occasional Tremor and Loose Llama.””
      or, as we like to call it, a Chautauqua! 🙂 🙂

      Great having you there, Mark!

      Reply
  20. Yabusame says

    September 27, 2014 at 4:33 am

    One day I’ll make it there but not before FI ;-). Going to be several years though as I am back to square one returning to college to pursue a new career after I really felt like my first one was slowly killing me.

    Sounds like you all had a fantastic time together. I really liked the pictures where you were building stuff for the locals and I loved the comic strip at the end too.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      September 27, 2014 at 10:54 pm

      Welcome Yabusame…

      Indeed we did.

      And while it would be great to have you join us, you are wise to wait until the time that works best for you.

      Good luck in your new ventures!

      Reply
  21. Tom Erceg says

    October 22, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    Jim — I’m so glad that the 2nd Chautauqua was also a success! I learned so much from last year’s trip, and I continue to apply those lessons on a seemingly daily basis. I’ve passed your stock series on to my son and several friends. I also, just recently, was able to downsize my career to 3 1/2 days a week thanks to taking your investing advice last year.

    If anyone is on the fence about attending next year, please pull the trigger and go. You won’t regret it.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      October 22, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      Hey Tom…

      Thanks for checking in. Great to hear you’ve downshifted!

      Give my best to Amy!

      Reply
  22. Mark A. says

    February 25, 2015 at 11:07 am

    Jim, it is approximately six months after our Chautauqua, and I thought I’d report on my evolution since the trip in hopes that other fellow participants will too. I was troubled in Ecuador about my challenging management job and manic boss, but I’m now feeling better. A significant part of my satisfaction of late comes from the realization that I don’t actually need to put up with any headaches at work, and am instead choosing to do it because the benefits outweigh the costs. On good days, I enjoy my work and contribution. On bad days, I remember that “this SH*T is now optional: I could walk today, thanks to 22 years of saving and investing my FU Money.” My wife wouldn’t be thrilled, which is an altogether different challenge, and must be engaged sensitively with her.

    One day, you said, “A lot of people in our group know in their heads that they are free but not in their guts yet.” That’s me, and that comment of yours really made the trip for me. Similarly, I read elsewhere that working people can be like prisoners who, when freed, sometimes prefer the certainty of their cells and routines to the uncertainty of walking away and creating a new life. Wow.

    You also showed me in Ecuador how we (quite surprisingly to me) have a 50% savings rate! In sum, my takeaway is that we increasingly have OPTIONS, which puts a song in my heart and spring in my step because when the unpleasant parts of my often-enjoyable work rear their toxic little heads, I know that I am freaking bullet-proof. I just needed to hear a little validation from you and others who are further down the same path.

    Once again, Jim, I appreciate your unique education efforts, sharing your example freely, your vision in organizing the Chautauqua, and in sharing a beer or three there talking about my own personal possibilities. The trip was a very worthwhile investment. I consider you a friend and mentor, as I know the other participants do, and I’d love to hear others’ updated insights thanks to the 2015 trip.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      February 26, 2015 at 12:25 pm

      Hi Mark…

      Thank you so much for taking the time to report back.

      Based on our one-on-one conversation and those we had just hanging out, I’m not surprised to hear how well you’ve re-envisioned your job.

      I very much appreciate your effort to stay in touch and hopefully we’ll have a chance to share another beer or three down the road!

      Reply

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  • When Your Country Becomes a Global Outcast When Your Country Becomes a Global Outcast
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  • Pathfinders update from Hh Pathfinders update from Hh
  • A New Chapter for Chautauqua A New Chapter for Chautauqua
  • Season’s Greetings!! Season’s Greetings!!
  • Fun with numbers: Historic Stock Market Returns Fun with numbers: Historic Stock Market Returns
  • Let’s talk about what’s up with Bonds, and what ever else you’d like to ask me Let’s talk about what’s up with Bonds, and what ever else you’d like to ask me
  • Today Week Month All
  • Stocks — Part 1:  There’s a major market crash coming!!!!  and Dr. Lo can’t save you. Stocks -- Part 1: There's a major market crash coming!!!! and Dr. Lo can't save you.
  • Why your house is a terrible investment Why your house is a terrible investment
  • How I failed my daughter and a simple path to wealth How I failed my daughter and a simple path to wealth
  • Stocks — Part VI:  Portfolio ideas to build and keep your wealth Stocks -- Part VI: Portfolio ideas to build and keep your wealth
  • Stocks — Part II:  The Market Always Goes Up Stocks -- Part II: The Market Always Goes Up
  • Why you need F-you money Why you need F-you money
  • Stocks — Part V:    Keeping it simple, considerations and tools Stocks -- Part V: Keeping it simple, considerations and tools
  • Today Week Month All
  • When Your Country Becomes a Global Outcast When Your Country Becomes a Global Outcast
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Archives

  • ► 2023 (3)
    • ► January (3)
      • When Your Country Becomes a Global Outcast
      • Staying the Course in War-Time
      • Pathfinders update from Hh
  • ► 2022 (12)
    • ► December (3)
      • A New Chapter for Chautauqua
      • Season's Greetings!!
      • Fun with numbers: Historic Stock Market Returns
    • ► October (1)
      • Let’s talk about what’s up with Bonds, and what ever else you’d like to ask me
    • ► August (1)
      • The Price of Security
    • ► July (1)
      • Case Study #17: Buying into the market right before a Bear
    • ► June (1)
      • Case Study #16: Helping dad with an inheritance
    • ► May (1)
      • Just inked a contract for my next book, and I want you to be a part of it!
    • ► April (1)
      • The Dinky Diner
    • ► March (1)
      • Chautauqua: A terrible business model
    • ► February (2)
      • Chautauqua is back for 2022!
      • JLCollinsnh.com Enters New Era
  • ► 2021 (14)
    • ► December (1)
      • Season's Greetings!!
    • ► November (2)
      • The new book is out!
      • Are bonds done?
    • ► October (1)
      • Guess what I just finally read for the first time...
    • ► September (1)
      • The negligence that led me to DIY investing
    • ► August (3)
      • Chainsaws and Credit Cards
      • Part XXXVI: Estate Planning 101 -- The Simple Path to an Estate Plan
      • The Simple Path to a Lucrative Career
    • ► July (1)
      • Help Wanted: a new book
    • ► June (1)
      • The Top 9 (Bad) Arguments Against Bitcoin
    • ► May (2)
      • Collins on Crypto
      • The Alfred Hitchcock Path to FI
    • ► April (1)
      • Time to sell?
    • ► February (1)
      • Mariah International: All that glitters…
  • ► 2020 (11)
    • ► December (1)
      • Season's Greetings!!
    • ► June (1)
      • How to give when you have a business
    • ► April (4)
      • Investing with Vanguard for Europeans: 2020 update
      • Part XVII-B: ETF vs. Mutual Fund -- What's the difference?
      • Reviewing the comments on my post of April 1st
      • Why I will no longer be writing this blog
    • ► March (4)
      • My move from VMMXX to VBTLX
      • COVID-19: The unvarnished truth from Doc G.
      • Chautauqua sits out 2020
      • Taking advantage of Mr. Bear
    • ► February (1)
      • Mr. Bear, Podcasts, a good book and why I should be in 100% stocks
  • ► 2019 (11)
    • ► November (4)
      • How we bought our new car
      • The House Hacking Strategy
      • What does buying a new car really cost over the years?
      • Why we bought a brand new car
    • ► August (1)
      • A Guided Meditation for When the Stock Market Is Dropping
    • ► June (2)
      • 7 Days in Heaven: or Why Slowing Down Will Get You There Sooner
      • Quit Like a Millionaire
    • ► March (1)
      • Stocks -- Part XXXV: Investing for Seven Generations
    • ► February (1)
      • Chautauqua 2019 - UK & Portugal - Tickets Now Available
    • ► January (2)
      • Mr. Bogle passes
      • "I wanted the unreasonable"
  • ► 2018 (16)
    • ► December (1)
      • Happy Holidays! and a bit on Mr. Market
    • ► November (3)
      • Truly Passive Real Estate Investing
      • Car Talk: An update on Steve and looking at Leafs
      • Chautauqua 2018 Greece: A week for the gods!
    • ► October (1)
      • On Twitter, gone for Chautauqua and dark on comments till November
    • ► September (2)
      • What we own and why we own it: 2018
      • Tuft & Needle: Our Walnut Frame and Mint Mattress
    • ► August (1)
      • Kibanda Part 5: Pretty, and pretty much done
    • ► June (3)
      • Stocks--Part XXXIV: How to unload your unwanted stocks and funds
      • Tracking your holdings
      • Stocks -- Part XXXIII: Optimism
    • ► May (2)
      • Kibanda Part 4: Quicksand!
      • My Talk at Google, Playing with FIRE and other Chautauqua connections
    • ► March (1)
      • Stocks -- Part XXXII: Why you should not be in the stock market
    • ► February (1)
      • Chautauqua 2018: Mt. Olympus, Greece
    • ► January (1)
      • An International Portfolio from The Escape Artist
  • ► 2017 (15)
    • ► December (2)
      • The Bond Experiment: Return to VBTLX
      • How to Invest in Bitcoin like Benjamin Graham
    • ► October (1)
      • Kibanda Part 3: Running the numbers
    • ► September (1)
      • Sleeping soundly thru a market crash: The Wasting Asset Retirement Model
    • ► August (2)
      • Stocks -- Part XXXI: Too hot. Too cold. Not pure enough.
      • Kibanda, Part 2: Negotiating the deal
    • ► July (2)
      • Time Machine and the future returns for stocks
      • Kibanda: Mr. Anti-house buys his dream house
    • ► June (2)
      • Is there an interior designer in the house?
      • The Simple Path to Wealth goes Audio!
    • ► May (1)
      • Life on the Beach
    • ► April (1)
      • Sell! Sell!! Sell!!! Sell?
    • ► March (1)
      • Vicki comes to Chautauqua: United Kingdom
    • ► January (2)
      • Chautauqua - Ecuador 2017 open for reservations
      • Chautauqua - United Kingdom: August 2017
  • ► 2016 (22)
    • ► December (3)
      • Season's Greetings and other cool stuff
      • Angel Investing, or Angel Philanthropy?
      • Mr. Bogle and me
    • ► November (1)
      • Where did you learn about money?
    • ► October (2)
      • Buy Your Freedom; Rent the Rest
      • So, what do you drive?
    • ► September (2)
      • Stocks -- Part XXX: jlcollinsnh vs. Vanguard
      • A visit to the Frugalwoods
    • ► August (1)
      • What the naysayers are missing
    • ► July (1)
      • Reviews of The Simple Path to Wealth; gone for summer
    • ► June (2)
      • The Simple Path to Wealth is now Published!
      • A peek into The Simple Path to Wealth
    • ► May (1)
      • It's better in the wind. Still.
    • ► April (3)
      • Cool things to check out while I'm gone
      • Stocks — Part XXIX: How to save money for college. Or not.
      • Help Wanted: The Book
    • ► March (1)
      • F-You Money: John Goodman v. jlcollinsnh
    • ► February (2)
      • Q&A - V: The Women of Amphissa
      • jlcollinsnh gets a new suit
    • ► January (3)
      • Chautauqua 2015 Reviews, 2016 registration open
      • Case Study #15: The Scavenger Life -- Freedom first, then Financial Independence
      • 3rd Annual (2015) Louis Rukeyser Memorial Market Prediction Contest results, and my forecast for 2016
  • ► 2015 (18)
    • ► December (2)
      • Q&A - IV: Strawberry Patch
      • Seasons Greetings! and other cool stuff
    • ► October (2)
      • Personal Capital; and how to unload your unwanted stocks and funds
      • Stockchoker: A look back at what your investment might have been
    • ► September (2)
      • Case Study #14: To Dream the Impossible Dream (and then realize it)
      • Hotel Living
    • ► August (1)
      • Mr. Market's Wild Ride
    • ► June (4)
      • Gone for Summer, an important note on comments and random cool stuff that caught my eye
      • Around the world with an Aussie Biker
      • Case Study #13: The Power of Flexibility
      • Stocks — Part VIII: The 401(k), 403(b), TSP, IRA & Roth Buckets
    • ► March (2)
      • Stocks -- Part XXVIII: Debt - The Unacceptable Burden
      • Chautauqua October 2015: Times Two!
    • ► February (2)
      • YNAB: Best Place to Work Ever?
      • Case Study #12: Escaping a soul-crushing job before you're 70
    • ► January (3)
      • Case Study #11: John, a small business owner in transition
      • Trish and Stan take an Intrepid Sailing Voyage
      • 2014 Annual Louis Rukeyser Memorial Market Prediction Contest results, and my forecast for 2015
  • ► 2014 (29)
    • ► December (2)
      • Diamonds and Happy Holidays!
      • Micro-Lending with Kiva
    • ► November (3)
      • Chautauqua February 7-14, 2015: Escape from Winter
      • Stocks -- Part XXVII: Why I Don’t Like Dollar Cost Averaging
      • Jack Bogle and the Presidential Medal of Freedom
    • ► October (3)
      • Tuft & Needle: A better path to sleep
      • Nightmare on Wall Street: Will the Blood Bath Continue?
      • Help Wanted
    • ► September (1)
      • Chautauqua 2014: Lightning strikes again!
    • ► August (2)
      • Stocks -- Part XXVI: Pulling the 4%
      • Stocks -- Part XXV: HSAs, more than just a way to pay your medical bills.
    • ► July (3)
      • Stocks -- Part XXIV: RMDs, the ugly surprise at the end of the tax-deferred rainbow
      • Summer travels, writing, reading and other amusements
      • Moto X, my new Republic Wireless Phone
    • ► June (1)
      • Stocks -- Part XXIII: Selecting your asset allocation
    • ► May (1)
      • Stocks -- Part XXII: Stepping away from REITs
    • ► April (3)
      • Q&A III: Vamos
      • Q&A II: Salamat
      • Q&A I: Gaijin Shogun
    • ► March (2)
      • Top 10 posts
      • Cafe No Se
    • ► February (4)
      • Chautauqua 2014 preview, closing up for travel and other random cool things that caught my eye of late.
      • Case Study #10: Should Josiah buy his parents a house?
      • Case Study #9: Lars -- maximizing some good fortune and considering "dollar cost averaging"
      • Case Study #8: Ron's mother - she's doin' all right!
    • ► January (4)
      • roundup: Some random cool things
      • Stocks — Part XXI: Investing with Vanguard for Europeans
      • Case Study #7: What it looks like when everything financial goes wrong
      • 1st Annual Louis Rukeyser Memorial Market Prediction Contest 2013 results, and my forecast for 2014
  • ► 2013 (41)
    • ► December (4)
      • Closing up for the Holidays, see you in 2014
      • Betterment: a simpler path to wealth
      • Case Study 6: Helping an ill and elderly parent
      • Stocks -- Part XX: Early Retirement Withdrawal Strategies and Roth Conversion Ladders from a Mad Fientist
    • ► November (3)
      • Death, Taxes, Estate Plans, Probate and Prob8
      • Case Study #5: Zero to 2.6 million in 25 years
      • Case Study #4: Using the 4% rule and asset allocations.
    • ► October (3)
      • Republic Wireless and my $19 per month phone plan
      • Case Study #3: Let's get Tom to Latin America!
      • The Stock Series gets its own page
    • ► September (2)
      • Case Study #2: Joe -- off to a fast start!
      • Chautauqua 2013: A Week of Dreams
    • ► August (1)
      • Closing up shop plus an opening at Chautauqua, my new podcast, phone, book and other random cool stuff
    • ► July (1)
      • They Will Kill You For Your Shoes!
    • ► June (4)
      • Stocks -- Part VIII-b: Should you avoid your company's 401k?
      • Shilpan's Seven Habits to Live More with Less
      • Stocks -- Part XIX: How to think about money
      • My path for my kid -- the first 10 years
    • ► May (5)
      • Why your house is a terrible investment
      • Stocks — Part XVIII: Investing in a raging bull
      • Dining with the Ghosts of Sarah Bernhardt and Alfons Mucha
      • How we finally got the house sold
      • Stocks — Part XVII: What if you can't buy VTSAX? Or even Vanguard?
    • ► April (4)
      • Greetings from Prague & a computer question
      • Swimming with Tigers, a 2nd chance on the Chautauqua, a financial article gets it wrong and I'm off to Prague
      • Storage, Moving and Movers
      • Homeless, and a bit on the strategy of dollar cost averaging
    • ► March (4)
      • Wild Turkeys, Motorcycles, Dining Room Sets & Greed
      • Roots v. Wings: considering home ownership
      • How about that stock market?!
      • The Blog has New Clothes
    • ► February (5)
      • Meet Mr. Money Mustache, JD Roth, Cheryl Reed & me for a Chautauqua in Ecuador
      • High School Poetry, Carnival, cool ads and random pictures that caught my eye
      • Consignment Shops: Best business model ever?
      • Cafes
      • Stocks -- Part XVI: Index Funds are really just for lazy people, right?
    • ► January (5)
      • Social Security: How secure and when to take it
      • Fighting giraffes, surreal landscapes, dancing with unicorns and restoring a Vanagon
      • My plan for 2013
      • VITA, income taxes and the IRS
      • How to be a stock market guru and get on MSNBC
  • ► 2012 (53)
    • ► December (6)
      • See you next year....until then: The Origin of Life, Life on Other Worlds, Mechanical Graveyards, Great Art, Alternative Lifestyles and Finding Freedom
      • Stocks -- Part XV: Target Retirement Funds, the simplest path to wealth of all
      • Stocks -- Part XIV: Deflation, the ugly escort of Depressions.
      • Stocks Part XIV: Deflation, the ugly escort of Depressions.
      • Stocks -- Part XIII: The 4% rule, withdrawal rates and how much can I spend anyway?
      • How I learned to stop worrying about the Fiscal Cliff and you can too.
    • ► November (2)
      • Rent v. owning: A couple of case studies in Ecuador
      • So, what does a month in Ecuador cost anyway?
    • ► October (4)
      • See you in December....
      • Meet me in Ecuador?
      • The Podcast: You can hear me now.
      • Stocks -- Part XII: Bonds
    • ► September (6)
      • Stocks -- Part XI: International Funds
      • The Smoother Path to Wealth
      • Case Study #I: Putting the Simple Path to Wealth into Action
      • Tales of Bolivia: Calle de las Brujas
      • Stocks -- Part X: What if Vanguard gets Nuked?
      • Travels in South America: It was the best of times....
    • ► August (1)
      • Home again
    • ► June (4)
      • Yellow Fever, closing up shop for the summer and heading to Peru y Bolivia
      • I could not have said it better myself...
      • Stocks -- Part IX: Why I don't like investment advisors
      • Happy Birthday, jlcollinsnh; and thanks for the gift Mr. MM!
    • ► May (6)
      • Stocks -- Part VIII: The 401K, 403b, TSP, IRA & Roth Buckets
      • Mr. Money Mustache
      • The College Conundrum
      • Stocks -- Part VII: Can everyone really retire a millionaire?
      • Stocks -- Part VI: Portfolio ideas to build and keep your wealth
      • Stocks -- Part V: Keeping it simple, considerations and tools
    • ► April (6)
      • Stocks -- Part IV: The Big Ugly Event, Deflation and a bit on Inflation
      • Stocks -- Part III: Most people lose money in the market.
      • Stocks -- Part II: The Market Always Goes Up
      • Stocks -- Part 1: There's a major market crash coming!!!! and Dr. Lo can't save you.
      • You can eat my Vindaloo, mega lottery, Blondie, Noa, Israel Kamakawiwo 'Ole, art, film and a ride on the Space Shuttle
      • Where in the world are you?
    • ► March (7)
      • How I lost money in real estate before it was fashionable, Part V: Sold! and the taxman cometh.
      • How I lost money in real estate before it was fashionable, Part IV: I become a Landlord.
      • How I lost money in real estate before it was fashionable, Part III: The Battle is Joined.
      • How I lost money in real estate before it was fashionable, Part II: The Limits of the Law.
      • How I lost money in real estate before it was fashionable, Part I: Impossibly Naive.
      • You, too, can be conned
      • Armageddon and the value of practical skills
    • ► February (6)
      • Rent v. Owning Your Home, opportunity cost and running some numbers
      • The Casanova Kid, a Shit Knife, a Good Book, Having No Regrets, Dark Matter and a bit of Magic
      • What Poker, Basketball and Mike Whitaker taught me about Luck
      • How to Give like a Billionaire
      • Go ahead, make my day
      • Muk Finds Success in Tahiti
    • ► January (5)
      • Travels with "Esperando un Camino"
      • Beanie Babies, Naked Barbie, American Pickers and Old Coots
      • Selling the House and Adventures in Staging
      • The bashing of Index Funds, Jack Bogle and a Jedi dog trick
      • Magic Beans
  • ► 2011 (22)
    • ► December (1)
      • Dividend Growth Investing
    • ► November (2)
      • The Mummy's head, Particle Physics and "Knocking on Heaven's Door"
      • "It's Better in the Wind" or why I ride a motorcycle
    • ► October (1)
      • Lazy Days and School Days
    • ► July (2)
      • The road to Zanzibar sometimes goes thru Ecuador...
      • Johnny wins the lotto and heads to Paris
    • ► June (16)
      • Chainsaws, Elm Trees and paying for College
      • Stuff I’ve failed at: the early years
      • Snatching Victory from the Jaws of Defeat
      • The. Worst. Used. Car. Ever.
      • Top Ten reasons your future is so bright it hurts my eyes to look at it
      • The Most Dangerous Words Your Customer Can Say
      • How not to drown in The Sea of Assholes
      • What we own and why we own it
      • The Ten Sales Commandments
      • My ever so formal and oh so dry CV
      • How I failed my daughter and a simple path to wealth
      • The Myth of Motivation
      • Why you need F-you money
      • My short attention span
      • Why I can’t pick winning stocks, and you can’t either
      • The Monk and the Minister

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