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You are here: Home / Chautauqua / Chautauqua October 2015: Times Two!

Chautauqua October 2015: Times Two!

by jlcollinsnh 36 Comments

Ecuador, mi lindo

Mi Lindo Ecuador

If you have read this blog for long, or any of my Chautauqua posts, you know that for the last couple of years we have taken small groups to Ecuador for a week of adventure and conversation surrounding life, freedom, happiness and investing.

We call it a Chautauqua, an old Native American word Robert M. Pirsig, the author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, translates loosely as

“…an old-time series of popular talks intended to edify and entertain, improve the mind and bring culture and enlightenment to the ears and thoughts of the hearer.”

Each time now we’ve attracted an incredibly diverse and fascinating group of people. Almost everyone has described it as one of the (if not the) best weeks of their lives. To give you a flavor of what goes on, here’s my recap of last Fall’s: Lighting Strikes Again.

We all know that, in reading blogs like this one, we are walking the path less traveled and frequently not understood by those in our daily lives. But for this one week we get to be surrounded by others who “get it.”

el encanto buildings

The fact we get to do this in a stunning beautiful country while staying at the majestically situated El Encanto (The Enchanted) Hosteria built into foothills of the Andes mountains, still leaves me a bit slack-jawed.

I first stayed at El Encanto in 2012 during my trip to Ecuador to meet Cheryl and to discuss the creation of these Chautauquas. While she hosted me the first few days at her farm (a remarkable experience in itself), I also wanted to have first hand experience with one of the places we were considering for these events. I was, well, enchanted and have been wanting to return ever since. This is the year!

El encanto

Clouds at Birth

El Encanto has been carved out of a hillside overlooking a lush subtropical valley. The view is spectacular and you can actually look down to see clouds being born from the river below.

Moreover, this place is exactly on the Equator! It runs right though it.

Each morning I’d take my coffee out and decide: Shall I have it today in the Northern Hemisphere? No, wait. Let me step over here to the Southern! Sip. Ah! That’s good! But let’s step back and have a bit more in the Northern. There we go. Sip. Oh, that’s good too! Wait, wait! I know. Let’s put one foot here in the North and this foot here in the South….

In addition to going to El Encanto, the other thing that is new this year is that we will be offering two Chautauquas back-to-back. As before, each will have four speakers:

October 17-24, 2015

  • Mr. Money Mustache
  • Paula Pant from Afford Anything
  • Cheryl Reed from Above the Clouds Retreats
  • Jim Collins from jlcollinsnh

October 24-31, 2015

  • Brandon from The Mad Fientist
  • Jeremy from Go Curry Cracker
  • Cheryl Reed from Above the Clouds Retreats
  • Jim Collins from jlcollinsnh
  • And a guest appearance by Mr. Money Mustache

So, who are these people?

Cheryl Reed

Cheryl Reed is the owner and founder of Above the Clouds Retreats and one of the most relentlessly happy people I’ve ever met. Here’s a story:

The son of her farm worker borrows her truck and promptly rolls it. Her response to this very poor young man: “There are three responsible parties for this. You, who rolled the truck. I, for letting you take it. God, for permitting it to happen. You will pay a third of the cost (bartered in his labor as he had no money), I will pay for a third and I will see what I can do about getting the final third from God.”

This delivered with a smile, a wink and a laugh. Clearly, Cheryl is someone I can learn from. Maybe you can, too. Her talk is Following Your Bliss and she’ll be the first speaker at both events.

paula pant

Paula Pant is a journalist, globetrotter, entrepreneur and investor who has traveled to 32 countries. She’s her own boss and lives on her own terms, and she’s figured out how to live and work anytime, anywhere in the world. She writes the wonderful and wonderfully named blog Afford Anything.

Her talk is Three Rebellious Roads to Financial Independence. If you’re ready, Paula can teach you how to shatter limits and maximize your life.

I’m proud to call her a friend.

Mr. Money Mustache - Above the Clouds Retreats

Mr. Money Mustache is a master of many things: Software (formerly), family life, carpentry, building, writing and finance. But most of all, in my opinion, effective life-style design.

In his talk he’ll dismantle the false connection between spending and happiness, and show you how to craft a deeply rewarding approach based on fostering your own inner badassity. You’ll learn to eliminate weakness and dependency while developing your personal ruggedness in all areas of life. Fear will slip away, replaced by an inner peace built on confidence and a powerful appreciation of “enough.”

You’ll see first hand why the Mustachianism has become the cult phenomenon it is today. Plus he’s just plain fun to hang out with!

Mad FI, Brandon

That’s the Mad Fientist in the picture above looking relaxed and tropical. He should. He’s hanging out in Thailand at the moment, having quit his job last Spring immediately after getting his free Ivy League Graduate degree. At least he tried to quit his job. When he did, they said “No, no. We can’t have that. Of course you can work from wherever in the world you happen to be. Oh, and how about some more money?”

His talk will be The Shortest Path to Financial Independence. It is not often these days I find a writer who truly expands my financial horizons. Someone so clear and insightful that when we disagree I find myself re-evaluating my thinking. But what a thrill when I do.

Thrilling enough that I asked him to write the first (of only two) guest post on my Stock Series. It has proven to be one of the most popular and if you want to know what I really think about this guy, you’ll find it in my introduction there.

By the time Chautauqua rolls around, he’ll be traveling from Scotland to join us. But that doesn’t qualify him as our furthest flung speaker….

Go Curry Cracker pic

That international man of mystery above is none other than Jeremy, one half of the Go Curry Cracker team. He’ll be coming to us from ( “I’m going to sit in a flying tube of aluminum for 36 hours each way just to participate…”) Taiwan, where Winnie will be better occupied with their newest team member — the soon-to-be-born GCCjr.

I came across GCC about two years ago and was drawn in by what, to me, is the perfect international life. I couldn’t get enough of his travel posts and in my own journeys I just missed him in Mexico and then again in Guatemala.

Then, occasionally, he started including some financial ones. They blew me away! How about: Never Pay Taxes Again? Or reaching total financial freedom in 10 Years and a Day?

Would you like to travel the world financially carefree? Or sit on your porch sipping coffee and leisurely deciding what this day will bring?

In this session on becoming your own International Person of Mystery, Jeremy will show you exactly how team GCC uses the investing strategies of jlcollinsnh (aw, shucks) and the tax minimization strategies of the Mad Fientist to live a luxurious itinerant lifestyle for less than you might think.

This is theory put into action. And along those lines, later in the week and after our talks, MF, GCC and I will host a panel discussion to further explore with you how this all works together.

JLC

Then, of course, there’s me.

Here at jlcollinsnh we discuss mostly why you need F-you money and how to grow yours. In our conversations, Cheryl and I agree that money for the sake of money is almost completely uninteresting. But it is a wonderful tool, as AA, MMM, MF and GCC each illustrate everyday.

Financial independence allows for far greater freedom and range in the pursuit of happiness. That’s why my topic at both Chautauquas will be How to Harness the World’s Most Powerful Wealth Building Tool.

So these are your speakers and hosts. But unlike many events, we won’t be just getting up, giving our talks and disappearing. We’ll be hanging out with you all week, sharing meals and adventures. This is part of what makes these Chautauquas so special for us and for the attendees.

You’ll also have a chance to select one of us for a private one-on-one-session. Each will be an hour-long and you’ll have a chance to discuss whatever issues are most pressing for you.

To have time for these is one key reason why we limit attendance. While we’ll try to accommodate everybody’s first choice, slots will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. So if you want me, or if you want to be sure not to get stuck with me, you’ll want to sign up early.

Of course we’re not going to bring you to Ecuador and not explore a bit of it. Together we’ll:

  • Witness an authentic Shamanic Cleansing
  • Lunch at the stunning Pululauhua Crater
  • Visit Cheryl’s Finca
  • Travel to Mindo to visit a Butterfly Farm, zipline over the cloud forest, and indulge in a chocolate tour followed by dinner.
  • Enjoy a beautiful presentation of Folkloric Dance
  • And work together on a community service project giving back a bit to the local people
  • There will also be an optional Cable Car Quito Tour at the end of the week for those whose flight schedules allow.

Plus you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy the pool, sauna, jacuzzi, hike or nap. If past Chautauquas are any guide, my guess is you’ll be doing all this hanging with your new friends. People who, like you, “get it.”

Speaking of giving back, as with every Chautauqua, a full 10% of all profits will go to the The Project One Corner.

Should you decide to join us, and I hope you do, here is the…

  • registration page for October 17-24: Mr. Money Mustache, Afford Anything, jlcollinsnh and Cheryl
  • registration page for October 24-31: Mad Fientist, Go Curry Cracker, jlcollinsnh and Cheryl

As before, attendance is limited. If the event you chose is filled, you’ll have the option to select the other or go on the wait list in case of cancellations.

Want to know more about what this adventure feels like?

  • Chautauqua 2014–Lightning Strikes Again
  • Chautauqua 2013– A Week of Dreams

Both posts also have links to what the other speakers and attendees have written.

And check out these posts from the other Chautauqua 2015 speakers:

  • Go Curry Cracker – Una Fiesta Ecuatoriana
  • The Mad Fientist — Adventures Abroad

–

Addendum 1: March 19, 2015

Exactly one week after this post went up, I have just received word both Chautauquas have sold out. We are thrilled and humbled at this incredible response. Last year it took two weeks.

But we also regret now having to turn people away. However, Cheryl will be compiling a “wait list” and if you are interested I strongly urge you to go to the registration pages (see links in the post) and put in your name. Life being life, it is not unusual for some to have to cancel as the time grows closer. No guarantees, but having your name on this list gets you a step closer.

And if not this year, hopefully we will see you in 2016!

Addendum 2:

How to travel to Ecuador for Free!

Or close to it. My pal Brad operates the blog Richmond Savers. He is a master at travel hacking and provides personal coaching in the art. He just emailed me generously offering to personally guide each Chautauqua attendee thru the process of hacking their travel to Ecuador for little or no cash outlay.

Plus, he is doing this for Free!

Not only will this potentially save you ~$1000 in airfare (depending on where you’re coming from), you’ll pick up valuable $$ saving skills for future travel.

If you are interested, after you register send Brad an email with “Chautauqua” in the subject line: brad@richmondsavers.com

–

Note: Chautauqua 2016:

Dates, locations and speakers are set: Above the Clouds Retreats

Not sure when registration will open. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, and unrelated to the Chautauquas, recently…

  • Responding to my post on Dollar Cost Averaging, Mike & Lauren explore the emotional side of the question in this video: What is your emotional threshold?
  • Over on 1500 Days:
    • 10 Questions with jlcollinsnh
    • Interview, Part I
    • Interview, Part II
    • Interview, Part III
  • And, if that’s not enough, you’ll find even more on my As Seen On… page.

I hope you’ll check ’em out!

Related

Important Resources

  • Talent Stacker is a resource that I learned about through my work with Jonathan and Brad at ChooseFI, and first heard about Salesforce as a career option in an episode where we featured Bradley Rice on the Podcast. In that episode, Bradley shared how he reached FI quickly thanks to his huge paychecks and discipline in keeping his expenses low. Jonathan teamed up with Bradley to build Talent Stacker, and they have helped more than 1,000 students from all walks of life complete the program and land jobs like clockwork, earning double or even triple their old salaries using a Salesforce certification to break into a no-code tech career.
  • Credit Cards are like chain saws. Incredibly useful. Incredibly dangerous. Resolve to pay in full each month and never carry a balance. Do that and they can be great tools. Here are some of the very best for travel hacking, cash back and small business rewards.
  • Personal Capital is a free tool to manage and evaluate your investments. With great visuals you can track your net worth, asset allocation, and portfolio performance, including costs. At a glance you'll see what's working and what you might want to change. Here's my full review.
  • Betterment is my recommendation for hands-off investors who prefer a DIFM (Do It For Me) approach. It is also a great tool for reaching short-term savings goals. Here is my Betterment Review
  • NewRetirement offers cool tools to help guide you in answering the question: Do I have enough money to retire? And getting started is free. Sign up and you will be offered two paths into their retirement planner. I was also on their podcast and you can check that out here:Video version, Podcast version.
  • Tuft & Needle (T&N) helps me sleep at night. They are a very cool company with a great product. Here’s my review of what we are currently sleeping on: Our Walnut Frame and Mint Mattress.
  • Vanguard.com

Filed Under: Chautauqua

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Comments

  1. Jamie V says

    March 12, 2015 at 8:57 am

    I wish I could go! It sounds so amazing, right up my alley. I don’t think I’m in the right place yet to be able to go, yet I think going would help get me to that place. A feeling of being “trapped” might be a good word to use here. Maybe in another few years, if this program is still going strong and I’m in a better position.

    It sounds like it’s going to be a great time, there are awesome people going whose blogs I love reading, and to all those who are fortunate enough to go, have a great time!!!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      March 12, 2015 at 10:26 am

      I agree! I hope to see the Chautauquas continue for several years, so that eventually I’ll be in a place to attend. One more motivation to keep following the path!

      Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 12, 2015 at 6:55 pm

      Hi Cindy & Jamie…

      We’ll keep doing them as long as people want to come and we’re having fun!

      I applaud you for knowing this doesn’t quite work for you at the moment.

      When it does, it will be great to have you there!

      Reply
  2. Mark says

    March 12, 2015 at 9:00 am

    Wow, this sounds like a great time to be had. From the pictures alone, it looks like an amazing event, and I’ve never been to Ecuador. How many guests does it accomodate for each week? Thanks!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 12, 2015 at 6:59 pm

      Hi Mark…

      El Encanto is a bit smaller venue so we’ll only be able to handle ~20 at each, maybe a bit more if we get more couples. In the past we capped it at 25, but that was mostly so there would be a better (smaller) attendee to speaker ratio. This time it will be even better!

      Reply
      • Mark says

        March 13, 2015 at 4:19 pm

        Thank you, Jim–that’s a fantastic ratio of Padawans to Jedis!

        Reply
  3. Lucas says

    March 12, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    Good job putting this together, Jim and Cheryl.

    What a lineup! Choosing between week one and week two seems impossible! Considering that, it’s probably a good thing I’m not yet in the financial position to pay for a retreat (or two) like this 😉 I do have more than enough miles to be able to fly to Quito for pocket change, though (and it’s a low season ticket).

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 13, 2015 at 3:15 am

      Thanks Lucas…

      That’s why I’ll be at both!

      When the time comes, we’ll look forward to having you join us!

      Reply
  4. Fervent Finance says

    March 12, 2015 at 8:04 pm

    What a roster! And Ecuador looks beautiful. Hope it is another memorable experience.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 13, 2015 at 3:16 am

      Thanks FF!

      Just last night I had trouble sleeping just thinking about how lucky I am to get to hang out with people like this.

      And I do love Ecuador. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Becky says

    March 13, 2015 at 10:55 am

    Hi! I’m a recent blog reader and as soon as I saw you mention Chautauqua, I wanted to share this little bit of information. You may already know about it, but the University of North Carolina Wilmington publishes a literary journal in conjunction with the Chautauqua institute in New York. You can find it here if you think it would be something you’re interested in: http://uncw.edu/writers/publab/chautauqua.html. I had the opportunity to work on the editing staff for a year and a half and it’s a really great group of staff and students that put the journal together. Just throwing it out there 🙂 And now back to perusing your financial advice to prepare for my impending graduation!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 13, 2015 at 12:24 pm

      Thanks Becky…

      and welcome to the blog!

      While I’ve never been, I am familiar with the Chautauqua institute in New York. In fact, it is where I first heard the term.

      When I was living and working in Cleveland in the 1980s, a business mentor of mine was deeply involved with the institute. He frequency encouraged me to go and I, stupidly, just never made the time.

      I’m not surprised you had a great experience working with them!

      Reply
  6. Carlos says

    March 13, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    Hey Jim!

    I’ve registered for week two and have convinced David to join me! I think it will be a great way to open our collective minds as to the possibilities now that we’re FI.

    Saludos!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 13, 2015 at 12:54 pm

      That is awesome, Carlos!

      I believe this makes you our first returning alum!

      And it’s great to hear David will be joining you.

      You also picked a good year for it: New venue and new adventures in Ecuador.

      Very much looking forward to seeing you again and to meeting David.

      Reply
  7. Colleen says

    March 13, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    I’m a bit envious!

    And…. what a dilemma you all have. Which week!?!

    I went to the first Chautauqua and loved every minute of it. I was tempted to go back the next year. But thought maybe people would think I’m weird. And now… two back to back!

    I’ll bet money you’ll enjoy it.

    Missing Cheryl, Pete, J.D., Jim, and all who made it out to the first one!

    Colleen

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 13, 2015 at 10:12 pm

      Hey Colleen…

      Great to hear from you! I’m surprised you’re still talking to us after your Shamanic Cleansing. 🙂

      Hope to have you back one of these times, if not this year, soon!

      Reply
    • Cheryl says

      March 14, 2015 at 8:51 am

      Miss you too Colleen!!! Thank you for the kind words. It warms my heart!! This years Shaman is much more tranquil and everyone partakes. It is very relaxing and Zen like……no spitting! Hope to see you again some day at another Chautauqua or at my guest house!!!

      Reply
  8. King says

    March 13, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    We’d like to come as a family with 2 small children. Will they be welcome there?

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 14, 2015 at 1:09 am

      Sorry, we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 18.

      Reply
  9. Ellen G says

    March 14, 2015 at 2:17 am

    this intrigues me – have followed MM’s advice for 1-1/2 hr. So helpful, as I’m 63y/0 and lost my retirement svgs -sad story sigh – haha. My only income is medicare, and my svgs are less than 10G. Not a good situation, but I’m trying every day! so, this sounds good for the soul as well as educational. I can only walk about 1 mile, would I be able to make it, or would that disqualify me in that region.
    I’d love to meet everyone!I definitely need advice!

    Reply
    • Cheryl says

      March 14, 2015 at 8:48 am

      Hi Ellen! This is Cheryl from Above the Clouds Retreats. You should be fine with all the activities except the zip-line which has some strenuous walking between cables. Hikes at the Hosteria are optional and everything else you need is close by. Hope to see you there!

      Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 14, 2015 at 5:03 pm

      Hi Ellen…

      Like Cheryl, I think you’ll be able to handle the physical part just fine, as you are free to pick and chose what you want/are able to do. Of course, we are assuming you don’t have any health issues you haven’t mentioned.

      Your financial situation, however, gives me pause.

      Just to clarify, you say your “only income is medicare.” Medicare is the US health care system for those over 65 and the disabled. I assume you mean you are on Social Security?

      You also say that your savings are “less than 10G.” 10K = $10,000 and I assume that’s what you meant?

      Assuming my assumptions are correct, I’m guessing financial needs lead you to begin taking reduced SS payments at 62 or 63 and that your assets total 10K. You don’t mention any other investments or home ownership.

      Of course, I don’t know what your SS payments are or how well they cover your expenses. But it looks like you are retired and in a very lean financial situation at a time of life where replacing your assets would be very difficult.

      If you chose to come to Chautauqua, we would be delighted to have you and you will be most welcome. But if my understand is correct, in good conscience it is not something I can financially recommend.

      Reply
  10. Ellen G says

    March 15, 2015 at 3:17 am

    jlcollinsnh –
    you gave me the answer I was looking for – brutal honesty!
    As you deduced, you so very correct, I retired early due to disability and Social Security is now my only income. Every effort to return to work has failed! I keep trying but my health trips me up…I do have a condo worth 72K, balance of 51K, and a car I love, only 80K mile and its a 99 Buick Park Ave with brand new tires, great maintenance, no accidents, no it should last a long time.
    Well, I’m a happy person, I was taught hatha yoga by a good master for 2 years til I could go it alone. I stil practice. I practice meditation throughout the day whenever little irritations arise or just recall a teaching from Buddha or perhaps some other wise person.
    Wise people abound, and your gathering will be full of them.
    One question, right now, my 10 K is invested is split between 2 moderate risk mututal funds a shirt-tail relative recommended. He works for Franklin Templeton.
    Would it help me to pay a person for a sit down town for just plain old financial advice who does not sell a product?
    I just feel lost, and want that money to work right for me. All my family is gone, I do laugh, we were all kind of genetic failures – that was the family joke. No one had kids. But we laughed a lot when we got together.
    I do have great back up insurance from my former job – I got that going for me. So I am pretty lucky!

    Reply
  11. Ellen G says

    March 15, 2015 at 3:37 am

    jlcollinsnh –

    This is the corrected post – sorry about the first one, the Comment Editor wasn’t working –

    you gave me the answer I was looking for – brutal honesty!
    As you deduced, you so very correct, I retired early due to disability and Social Security is now my only income. Every effort to return to work has failed! I keep trying but my health trips me up…I do have a condo worth 72K, balance of 51K, and a car I love, only 80K mile and its a 99 Buick Park Ave with brand new tires, great maintenance, no accidents, no it should last a long time.
    Well, I’m a happy person, I was taught hatha yoga by a good master for 2 years til I could go it alone. I still practice. I practice meditation throughout the day whenever little irritations arise or just recall a teaching from Buddha or perhaps some other wise person.

    One question, right now, my 10 K is invested is split between 2 moderate risk mututal funds a young relative recommended and he works for Franklin Templeton.

    Would it help me to pay a person for a sit down town for just plain old financial advice who does not sell a product?

    I just feel lost, and want that money to work right for me.
    I don’t have family to advise me.

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 15, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      Hi Ellen…

      You remind me ( a good thing) of my pal Tom: Not much money but a great joy filled life — https://jlcollinsnh.com/2014/01/14/case-study-7-what-it-looks-like-when-everything-financial-goes-wrong/

      I’ll bet you cut a fine figure in that Park Avenue! 🙂

      With 10k, most financial advisors wouldn’t be interested and if you found one that was you should be extra cautious: https://jlcollinsnh.com/2012/06/06/why-i-dont-like-investment-advisors/

      But this is certainly something you can do yourself. To help you along:

      https://jlcollinsnh.com/2012/05/12/stocks-part-vi-portfolio-ideas-to-build-and-keep-your-wealth/
      https://jlcollinsnh.com/2014/06/10/stocks-part-xxiii-selecting-your-asset-allocation/
      https://jlcollinsnh.com/2012/12/18/stocks-part-xv-target-retirement-funds-the-simplest-path-to-wealth-of-all/

      When you are ready, give Vanguard a call and they’ll help you with process of setting up your account, transferring the money and buying your selected funds.

      Hope this helps!

      Reply
  12. Andrew says

    March 16, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    I have to admit, I’m somewhat confused. I thought this year’s trip already happened in February? Is this the first time you are introducing a fall edition of the trip as well? I’m very interested!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      March 16, 2015 at 1:58 pm

      Hi Andrew…

      It is the other way around.

      Traditionally we’ve held one Chautauqua in the Fall. So February is the outlier.

      This is the first year we’ve done two back-to-back

      Great that you are interested!

      #1 is almost sold out and #2 is filling quickly….

      MF just put up his post on it: http://www.madfientist.com/adventures-abroad/

      Reply
  13. Mihai says

    March 22, 2015 at 8:35 am

    It got to be a great journey not only to Ecuador and Equator but also to the inner side. Congrats for the initiative!

    Reply
  14. The Bob's says

    November 27, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    Jim, I have to tell you that Bob and I had a great time at Chautauqua 2015 this year. As you know, it was the first time out of the country for us and hanging out with like minded folks concerning FU and FI made it all the better.

    It was truly a pleasure meeting you, Jeremy and Brandon and all the other attendees. I feel we made some long lasting friendships while getting different perspectives on Financial Independence and retirement as well. Also, compliments to Cheryl Reed for putting the event together. Thanks again and 33. 😉

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      November 28, 2015 at 2:34 pm

      Hi Bob…

      Glad to hear you, and Bob, both had a fine time. I wasn’t sure we’d ever see you again as we left you stranded on the dock in the Galapagos. 😉

      I think there are a lot of elements that go into making these Chautauquas the awesome events they are: Ecuador, the exotic resort, the cool excursions, the speakers, the one-on-one sessions. But mostly, it is….

      …meeting and hanging out with the great people who chose to come. Like you guys! 🙂

      33?

      Reply
      • The Bob's says

        November 28, 2015 at 4:11 pm

        33 days left until I walk out of work forever. 12/31

        Thanks in part to the words of wisdom from you and others to be known the “Bloggers 3” for which I’m eternally grateful.

        Now, lets travel!

        Reply
  15. G-dog says

    January 6, 2016 at 12:18 am

    When will details for 2016 be available and registration open?

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      January 6, 2016 at 1:33 am

      Hi G-dog…

      Dates, locations and speakers are set: http://www.abovethecloudsretreats.com

      Not sure when registration will open. Stay tuned!

      Reply
  16. Andrea says

    November 25, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    Can we book 2017 already? We don’t want to miss it next year!

    Reply
    • jlcollinsnh says

      November 25, 2016 at 6:12 pm

      Not yet!

      This has become the problem with Chautauqua these days, not enough spots. 😉

      Best idea is to keep checking the Above the Clouds Retreats website.

      Good luck, and hope to see you there!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 26, 2016 at 8:49 am

        Thank you! We will keep an eye 🙂

        Reply

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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • Stocks — Part V:    Keeping it simple, considerations and tools Stocks -- Part V: Keeping it simple, considerations and tools
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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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