Friday reads – volume 22

And here are the goodies for this week…

Is Early Retirement Keeping Millennials From Having Kids? (Abandoned Cubicle) 

The obvious advice from someone raising two kids of his own is not to let early retirement and financial independence come between you and having kids. If you are fortunate enough to have the option of bringing life into the world, you will find it a struggle and source of joy at the same time. (Just recognize that the mix of struggle and joy gets a bit uneven after two kids, depending on the situation…)

Things I will never do to become a millionaire (On My Way to Happiness) 

Money is a tool to enhance our lives, buy things and experiences to help us thrive. It is not meant to destroy relationships, make us unhealthy, or make us unhappy. In fact, I want to use it as a tool to enhance my relationships, health and happiness.

The Road To Burnout Helped Me Find My Purpose (The Physician Philosopher) 

In an attempt to improve our happiness, we buy the house, cars, and private school educations that are befitting of a doctor. Unfortunately, these things do not provide happiness – and often act more like water placed on a grease fire. We think it’ll help us, but it actually makes our problem worse!

Know This Before You Quit Your Job (Mr Free at 33) 

But if you’re only concentrating on the financial aspects of FIRE, by running away from your job, you’re likely going to find yourself very disappointed with what awaits you. Because what awaits you is nothing at all, if you’re not actually running toward something.

Finding Freedom And Happiness In A Materialistic World (Making Sense of Cents) 

Buying things to keep up with others is a dangerous financial behavior because many people aren’t being realistic with their financial situation and their spending. When you let material possessions control you, you may be holding yourself back from reaching meaningful financial goals, like having an emergency fund, paying down your debt, or one day reaching retirement.

And here’s the tip of the iceberg…