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Mr. Money Mustache Turns Six Years Old

Taking down the old sign at the future MMM HQ building last month. Much more has changed since then!

Taking down the old sign at the future MMM HQ building last month. Much more has changed since then!

In early April of 2011, I started a blog. Although I secretly hoped that lots of people would end up reading it, it was partly just a form of personal therapy – a place where I fight back against a world that had obviously lost its mind, by sharing some financial and living advice that should have already been obvious.

This weird hobby ended up being a pretty good idea, as it has blown up my life in many ways and made it even more satisfying. Early retirement is already a great thing, but enjoying a long, youthful retirement where you get to feel like you’re actually helping other people is far better.  This website has served about 25 million unique visitors, and even the regulars are now in the seven digits. On top of that, I’ve had the honor (and sometimes embarrassment) of showing up in several bigger bits of media (some of them listed on this Media page).

But it’s tough to have such a big opportunity and still maintain a mostly-retired life. When you do the math, even a small bit of extra research and work on my part to make these articles more accurate and less haphazard, would provide much more benefit to these people than any inconvenience it would cause me.

Side note: The most powerful media boosts were not those stories in The New Yorker, TV News shows, or the Wall Street Journal like you’d expect, but rather an unscripted and rambling conversation on the Tim Ferriss Podcast – a sign of how much the world is changing beneath the feet of the old establishment.

Logically, this means that I really should be working on MMM project full-time, and have a big team of dedicated helpers. An even bigger site could create plenty of money to allow this and the work is very rewarding. That extra money could benefit a whole lot of people.

But I really don’t like sitting down and typing indoors all day. So instead I constantly choose to slack off by indulging in low-wage DIY construction work and spending time with family and friends. In the time since my last blog article, we bought an old building downtown and embarked upon a major renovation of it. But this construction project has in turn been interrupted by several visiting guests, a four-day snowboarding trip, and a flurry of local meetings. This week, my son and I spent about 4 hours developing some homemade rifle scopes for Nerf guns. There’s just so much to do in life besides the most “important” work.

The self-imposed pressure to always do more is a nag, but it would be ridiculous for me to ever complain about a life like this. So instead, I will just say “Thanks” for this first amazing six years, and here’s to our next sixty years of changing the world together.

And by “together” I mean, “You doing all the hard work of shifting to a a more badass, efficient, wealthy lifestyle while also converting your friends, while I hang out here in Longmont and occasionally type some shit into the computer to egg you on.”

Useful Stuff and News:

1: How to Find Stuff on Mr. Money Mustache or Anywhere else:

Many people send me emails asking for advice, not knowing I’ve already written about the subject in the past. To find past articles, try typing stuff like the following into your web browser:

site:mrmoneymustache.com 401k
site:mrmoneymustache.com car clowns

and so on. You can do this with any web site and find useful information in their old stuff very easily. For example, let’s search the entire “forum” section of this blog (since it has about 1.4 million different posts from over 32,000 registered members) for conversations about scholarships:

site:forum.mrmoneymustache.com scholarships

Or search every city in the entire US and beyond (via Craigslist) for used Nissan Leafs:

site:craigslist.org nissan leaf

Tangential Pro Tip: you can buy a car from someone you trust in another state, negotiate the deal however you like, then then get it shipped directly to you via companies like Uship – typically for under $1000.  A great trick for casting a wider net!

2: Stuff I’ve been doing besides Writing Blog Posts:

Writing the Foreword to the upcoming “Your Money or Your Life”

Through good fortune and the Magic of the Internet, Vicki Robin, the author of the original book that brought Financial Independence into the consciousness of the modern world, has decided to write a new edition of the book and ended up joining forces with today’s happy circle of FI writers. She invited me to write the foreword to the new edition, which is obviously an amazing honor. I’ll let you know when the new version of Your Money Or Your Life comes out – it will surely become the new standard by which all other books on personal finance are judged. You can listen to Vicki’s moving story of a lifetime of activism in her interview on this podcast from our mutual friend The Mad Fientist.

Reading the Foreword to “The Simple Path to Wealth”

Yet another friend and all-around-good-guy Jim Collins wrote a great book on how simple stock investing is, and it turned out to be a stunning success. So successful that Jim told me he has been forced to massively increase his charitable giving program, which made me very happy. And so successful that the publishing industry came back to him to do an audio book version of The Simple Path, for use on Amazon’s Audible.com library.

Now, this book also happens to include a foreword from old Mr. Money Mustache. Since Jim is doing his own narration, they asked me to narrate my own foreword. I gladly agreed, and this has become yet another small but important task piled upon my Jenga tower of a life.

Pop-Up Business School Comes to America

On the last group Ecuador trip, I met a high-energy entrepreneurial British fellow named Alan Donegan who runs a school that trains people to start their own businesses – with very little money. He gave an impromptu session to the 25 or so of us on that trip, and we were all impressed and entertained.

So far, it has helped thousands of people in England, and he was thinking of trying it on this side of the pond. If we can get our act together quickly enough, we’ll host him here in Longmont this summer, and maybe in other cities as well. If you want to add your town to the list of stops, or support our effort here in Stashtown, you can find Alan through his Pop-up Business School website.

That’s it for the Birthday Edition. I’ll be back with new, better-than-ever articles just as soon as it’s time to take the next break from real life. I hope your Spring is going just as well.

Related Reading: How to Start a Blog

  • Neil April 11, 2017, 12:05 pm

    Congrats on the anniversary! This blog’s success is largely due to your hilarious face punching writing style. Love it.

    Reply
    • Heidi April 11, 2017, 9:22 pm

      +1 on appreciation for writing style. Nothing makes a personal finance / covert revolution blog more palatable than a bunch of swear words.

      Congratulations, MMM!

      Reply
      • Ms. Frugal Asian Finance April 12, 2017, 11:13 am

        Agreed! At first I was a bit taken aback by the swear words, but it grew upon me. It’s an essential part of Mr. Money Mustache’s style and coolness!

        Reply
        • lurker April 22, 2017, 11:09 am

          Hell yeah! I must concur.

          Reply
  • RHMM April 11, 2017, 12:05 pm

    WOW. 25 million visitors. Congratulations on positively influencing so many, and here’s to many more! Always enjoy reading your posts.

    Reply
  • FinancePatriot April 11, 2017, 12:14 pm

    Happy Anniversary. I believe I found you in 2012. I was looking in to bike commuting. I did a google search, and I found your blog. It was love at first sight. Not only were your bicycle articles well written and well informed, I also happen to be a CPA that’s very interested in early retirement. You will be happy to hear that since then, I have been bike commuting for 4 years straight.

    Fast forward five year, and here I am at age 40, getting ready to ER, FINALLY. I look forward to what the rest of my life has to bring me. I hope my blog does well, too, but I realize that takes time.

    For now, I am in the process of engineering my layoff, and discussing possible severance. It’s a great way to ER, in my opinion. Go out with a bang (I brought up the idea to my employer, not vice versa).

    Congratulations on six great years.

    Reply
    • Herman April 11, 2017, 9:49 pm

      Can you describe how you quit and get a severance? I’m in a position to retire early as well and was just planning to quit, but the only way to get a severance is to get fired for various reasons and then they pay you hush money.

      Reply
      • FinancePatriot April 12, 2017, 11:40 am

        I am not paid at all to say this, but I bought Financial Samurai’s book, “How to engineer your layoff.” I first noticed it years ago, and when I realized I wanted to get out soon, I bought it. Basically, had a meeting with my boss, after telling him this was no longer a fit for either of us, and asked him for voluntary severance “in exchange for a smooth transition.” He immediately liked the idea, and said it would be a quid pro quo. Hope that helps, I may write about it on my blog once it’s all over.

        Reply
  • Melanie April 11, 2017, 12:16 pm

    Happy Birthday! I sincerely thank you for this site. It is given me a lot to think about and has egged me on to action that has significantly improved my life!

    Reply
  • Peanuts April 11, 2017, 12:18 pm

    Great post Pete!
    You sound like you are in a really great place.
    This is the MMM blog post that I fell in love and changed my life.

    Thank you and looking forward to following you into your new adventures and successes.

    Reply
  • Stef April 11, 2017, 12:20 pm

    Congrats! Really happy I found this way of living! I saved up 7k+ Euro in just about 7/8months with just a 11euro /hour wage. After building a financial buffer I can up the savings rate even more :)

    greetings from The Netherlands, driving electric, minimizing monthly costs, solar panels now, all great!

    Reply
    • Mr FOB April 11, 2017, 10:52 pm

      Hi Stef, sounds like you might have an inspiring story to share. 1000 euro’s a month savings with your wage and going all electric! Drop me an email via my Dutch FIRE blog if you wish to inspire others with your experiences.

      And Pete, thanks for your inspiration as well, excellent writing as always!

      Reply
      • JJlmer April 14, 2017, 6:35 am

        I would like to read that as well. In het Nederlands natuurlijk dan.

        Thanks MMM for inspiring people all around the world.

        Reply
  • Mr Crazy Kicks April 11, 2017, 12:25 pm

    So you didn’t go with fancy fashion boutique? The sign was already there :)

    I though the number of articles you put out early on was insane.
    It’s getting nice here and I think it’s only going to get harder to keep writing instead of enjoying my freedom in the great outdoors :) But the writing is fun and I’m starting to hear from friends that they’re inspired to make changes.

    Just listened to Mad Fientist’s podcast with Vicki, it’s inspiring how much she has dedicated her life to helping others live better. Glad to see you teaming up with Vicki and others in the community who along with yourself have inspired a lot of us :)

    Enjoy the new HQ project!

    Reply
  • Readinglearner April 11, 2017, 12:43 pm

    Thanks for sharing your wisdom!!! Congrats to 6 years and looking forwards to the next 60! To a much better world with less consumption!

    Reply
  • Ben April 11, 2017, 12:47 pm

    MMM, I’m grateful that you feel something of an obligation to continue your work. I hope it stays fun for you.

    Reply
  • Dividend Growth Investor April 11, 2017, 1:04 pm

    Happy Blogoversary MMM!

    Reply
  • tom April 11, 2017, 1:05 pm

    thank you for 6 years of awesome articles!!! I have read them all several times and they serve as constant motivation.

    Reply
  • Gwen April 11, 2017, 1:20 pm

    Wahooo!!! Happy Blogiversary! Thanks for changing the entire course of my life. See you in a few months!

    Reply
    • The Vigilante April 12, 2017, 8:05 am

      I love the nonchalant dropping of “entire course of my life” in there, Gwen! Made me chuckle – and wonder how many thousands of readers who aren’t commenting could say the same. I bet it’s a big number.

      Reply
      • Monique April 12, 2017, 5:16 pm

        It’s a big number.

        Reply
  • Nick April 11, 2017, 1:30 pm

    Thank you for the time and work you put into this Blog and for expanding the early retirement community Pete. I’ve ranked MMM as the most valuable site on the web since I started reading your posts four years ago and I was already well on the way to FI. I can only imagine how valuable it is to people who learn all of these ideas for the first time here.

    Reply
  • Jwheeland April 11, 2017, 1:36 pm

    Congrats on the six years! This blog has been a wonderful source of fun, encouragement, inspiration (and face punches!). Ha! Hard to believe I’ve been reading for a little over half that time. Seems like yesterday…

    So will the commercial space become a mecca of mustachianism?

    Reply
  • Joe April 11, 2017, 2:36 pm

    What an amazing six years. Has totally changed my life. Not just at the simplistic level of retiring early, but all the friends met through the forum and in-person meetups, in addition to becoming more badass in various ways. Thanks for starting such a great blog, and hosting such a great community Pete!

    Reply
    • Mr. Money Mustache April 11, 2017, 5:13 pm

      Likewise Joe!

      (Aside from his website which you can find by clicking his name, Joe is the guy who forced me to start the forum in the first place, he teaches awesome real estate classes at Camp Mustache events, and he remains the lead (volunteer!?) moderator there, guiding the chitchat of thirty two thousand people and posting more than 24,000 posts himself).

      Reply
      • Fire_at_45 April 11, 2017, 9:13 pm

        For the members of the forum we very grateful to the both of you for creating such an awesome community. I only discovered MMM last year and it has been life changing!

        Thank you!

        Reply
      • PoF April 25, 2017, 4:02 pm

        Ahhh, yes. arebelspy. Kudos to Joe!

        Reply
    • The Wealthy Accountant April 11, 2017, 9:28 pm

      MMM has a way of changing your life in unexpected ways. He has changed not only me, but my family, friends, and clients. It still blows my mind the path life has taken after reading MMM.

      Reply
  • Max Your Freedom April 11, 2017, 2:50 pm

    Congratulations on the journey so far! I’ve been a reader for at least 4 of those years. You turned me unto the Simple Path to Wealth, which I agree is a fantastic book. You’ve built yourself a pretty nice platform with this site, should guarantee financial independence for years to come. Who knows….maybe little MMM can take over some day!

    Reply
    • Mr. Money Mustache April 11, 2017, 5:26 pm

      Thanks Max, but to avoid confusing other people, this site has nothing to do with my own financial independence.

      That was done with and set for life back in 2005, when my wife and I quit our tech-industry jobs to live off of a sustainable stream of dividends and rental income.

      That’s the idea behind early retirement, not “start a blog in the hope of making money so you can retire off of it!”

      Reply
      • Max Your Freedom April 11, 2017, 6:35 pm

        Peace…you’re one of the original FIRE trailblazers…what you guys pulled off was undeniably inspirational and impressive. It also went against all the norms peddled by the media, which also makes it brave. I didn’t mean to imply your early retirement accomplishments were tied to the blog, only that you’ve managed to turn your site into a significant asset as a result.

        Starting a blog is NOT a path to early retirement. Totally agree!

        Reply
  • Adventures with Poopsie April 11, 2017, 3:37 pm

    Happy Anniversary to the blog! Thank you for all that you do. You literally changed the trajectory of my life and I will forever appreciate it! Onwards and upwards!

    Reply
  • buschaot April 11, 2017, 3:46 pm

    Congratulations! I’m following your blog since 2013 after being mentioned on Spiegel online, and thanks to that my wife and me have set ourselves on the path to FIRE. Just 13 years to go…

    Cheers from Germany!

    Reply
  • Pepe Peseta Patilla April 11, 2017, 3:57 pm

    Congratulations for these six years spreading badassity through the world. I catch as much as I can from Spain.

    Pepe.

    Reply
  • Pat the Shuffler April 11, 2017, 5:09 pm

    Congrats.

    Your writing has really spurred me along and helped me to chart a path for financial independence in my life. Keep writing when it suits you, I’ll keep reading for the nuggets of motivation and advice.

    Thanks from Australia

    Reply
  • sam April 11, 2017, 5:56 pm

    I can’t believe you actually bought this building, as predicted in the May 15 2011 post “Mustache on the Move: the Evil Mister Money”.

    Totally looking forward to stopping by, asking you for a pay day loan, and getting punched in the face for not selling some shit. This is going to be epic!

    Reply
  • Linda April 11, 2017, 6:06 pm

    Congrats on six years! I think I stumbled upon your site about the same time Jacob from ERE handed over the reins to you. I don’t know where I’d be without either site. I learned so much over the years. Thanks for all that you do!

    Reply
  • Stockbeard April 11, 2017, 6:16 pm

    Happy anniversary!

    Reply
  • MrWoW April 11, 2017, 7:06 pm

    Happy Blogiversary!!! It’s amazing what comes out of typing some shit into a computer. Changes the course of many lives.

    Good on YA!!!

    Reply
  • Matt Leonard April 11, 2017, 7:07 pm

    Is it a coincidence that it’s located right next to a “Mister Money” shop, how’s that going to work? Hoping for some accidental foot traffic into the HQ? In all seriousness, his blog has been life changing for me. Since I drank the koolaid 4 years ago I’ve increased my biking, cut my spending on stupid luxuries, and bought a wreck of a house that I rebuilt myself (including a wonderful DIY in floor radiant heat system). Many thanks, you’ve been a true inspiration.

    Reply
  • Mr. 1500 April 11, 2017, 7:23 pm

    Another 60 years, eh? So, you’re planning on living to be 102. I think you’re being pessimistic there. If Buffett and Munger can eat like shit and live to be 90, I’m thinking that you’ve got at least 70 good years left.

    Onward and Upward!

    Reply
    • Chad Carson April 12, 2017, 9:39 pm

      Agreed. Here’s to the next 70!

      And I love Charlie Munger’s quote when I attended my one and only Berkshire Annual Meeting:

      “I want to be so old when I die that the mortician says ‘damn, this is the oldest dead guy I’ve ever seen!”

      Reply
      • Chad Carson April 12, 2017, 9:41 pm

        And congrats to MMM for 6 awesome years! I also find it amazing that the Tim Ferris podcast was so much more impactful than the New Yorker and other features. I think that bodes well for the future positive impact you’ll have with your own MMM platform. I can’t wait to be a part helping with that impact.

        Reply
  • wendy April 11, 2017, 7:25 pm

    Woot! Happy 6th! I’ll join the chorus of thank you’s! The Punch in the Face ‘duh’ moment has completely altered my outlook and actions over the last 14mo. Can’t wait to meet all of you in Ecuador.
    Cheers
    Wendy

    Reply
  • Martin April 11, 2017, 7:26 pm

    Happy anniversary to you Mr MM. You should take a bow for all of the work you’ve done converting, potentially, millions of people who would otherwise be working all their lives in the pursuit of retirement aged 65, into anti-consumerism, early retiree Mustacians, myself included.

    I am visiting the USA for the first time in late May and will be based in Denver. Would you have time to catch up with a visitor from down-under if I were to pop up to Mustache’ville?

    Reply
  • Amy April 11, 2017, 7:47 pm

    Just wanted to say congrats on 6 years and share how you have really been inspiring to me and now my family on when to understand ‘enough’ in our consumption driven society, what really gives us pleasure (spending time with people we love), and really think what we spend money on and to what end. I remain employed full time as I actually like what I do, but it has made me reassess the push to the next level – because to what end? To travel more, be away from people who I choose to be with? if we don’t given into the consumption society and really focus on what makes you happy, I believe I already have it all – just needed you to help me realize it. Simply thanks for your message

    Reply
  • RocDoc April 11, 2017, 7:57 pm

    Thank you for all you’ve done. I wonder how many lives have been touched and transformed by your words. And the word will continue to spread thanks to so many others being inspired.

    Reply
  • Ash April 11, 2017, 8:18 pm

    Happy Birthday!
    I’ve just finished reading my way through your entire blog archive after coming across your work while I was googling to find out how much money I was saving by bicycling to work rather than driving a few weeks ago. :)
    I just wish there was a similar blog looking at this stuff from an Australian perspective given the differences in our tax/retirement accounts/insurance/healthcare etc. systems. It would be cool to see some case studies from other places (like Aus!) for us international moustachians! (P.S. why no “o” in your blog title? I thought you were a Canadian with proper English spelling! ;) )

    Reply
  • Norm April 11, 2017, 8:26 pm

    Wow, I just started reading Your Money or Your Life in preparation for listening to that interview and thought how much the prologue sounded like it could be the original text of Mustachianism. You’re absolutely the person to be writing the new intro! Thanks for six years of inspiration!

    Reply
  • Ms Blaise April 11, 2017, 8:44 pm

    Firstly, happy birthday. Secondly, I really like how I can never predict what the new post will be about. In the last few months there have been thought provoking posts on urban planning, the realities of starting up an online business, giving away money, and now here are some excellent reading suggestions to add to my book list for the library. All great stuff.

    I am delighted to say that we are one month off meeting a major financial goal and that our lives (family of 4 here) have been transformed by your articles. I think the most provocative was happiness is the only logical pursuit – as we often got caught up in others. The one that still amazes me was the one about cleaning less and showering less etc. I literally had never considered doing this – I thought it was one of the 10 commandments that you had to change sheets weekly etc. Now I am much more relaxed and my doughtier loves not having to bath every night.

    One piece of constructive criticism: I have tried the forum many times but can not figure out how to navigate it easily. I belong to two other money forums but the MMM one has the vibe of 1980s computer programming for usability. I know you don’t work on this and others do – but it would be great if it could be more usable ( acknowledging I am a mac user who really likes pretty screens).

    Reply
    • Chris B April 12, 2017, 10:33 am

      Yea, but it’s fast. I come for the info, not the graphic design. Plus I have cheap internet speeds!

      Reply
  • Justin April 11, 2017, 8:48 pm

    Congrats Pete on starting and running what turned out to be a ridiculously successful enterprise! Any thoughts on turning MMM into a “real” business by hiring a full time editor/writer, staff/freelance writer(s), sales/advertising coordinator, etc? Like Biggerpockets? Not that MMM dot com the blog isn’t already real, just curious if you’ve considered that route before?

    Reply
    • Mr. Money Mustache April 12, 2017, 10:00 am

      Definitely not – I really don’t like personal finance sites that are mostly businesses, you can sense it in everything they do.

      Instead, I just like to collaborate with other people on projects that seem to be doing some good. If that person is a writer, they’d probably prefer to have their own blog rather than having me watching over the shoulder and potentially messing with their shit :-)

      Reply
      • Justin April 18, 2017, 9:39 pm

        I totally get it, and I think our philosophy on running/having a blog are pretty similar (though mine must get just a tenth of your traffic!). I love the community, love reaching out to people, and making connections that often lead to real life connections. It’s so refreshing to hang out with the frugal/MMM set of people – real, genuine, no need to spend big bucks.

        Reply
  • Alex April 11, 2017, 9:21 pm

    Just wanted to say I was one who discovered this site through the Tim Ferriss podcast a month or two ago. Been absolutely hooked and have been making a lot of changes financially. I wasn’t in a bad place to start, but there was definitely a lot of room for improvement. Thanks for the great articles!

    Reply
  • Mark April 11, 2017, 9:26 pm

    Congratulations on the anniversary!

    Your comment on the effectiveness of alternative channels was right on: I’m here because I heard you on Tim Ferriss’ show.

    Your attitude resonates with me, even though I’m 60. I am crawling my way from the early posts forward, as I’m one who likes new ideas and there are nuggets everywhere here.

    Might there be an Audible.com affiliate link here somewhere? I used your excellent search tips above and didn’t find one.

    Reply
  • C. Spicer April 11, 2017, 9:35 pm

    Happy six years from one fan you picked up from the Tim Ferris show!

    In the past few months since listening to the podcast, we’ve managed to pay off the car, I’ve switched to biking, and we should be able to put out the rest of our hair on fire debt with two years and be well on our way to FI. Amazing to finally feel in control of our finances! Thank you!

    Reply
  • Jake Smith April 11, 2017, 9:36 pm

    So excited you are involved in updating Your money or your life. That book changed my whole perspective on life in my early 20’s (I’m 30) eventually leading me to your blog. Having said that there investment strategy at the end of the book seemed pretty weak during the major stagnation we were in at the time. I’ll certainly be purchasing the new one, curious to see the updates! Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  • 4TheBi$cuit April 11, 2017, 9:55 pm

    I’ve read all your posts and for a long time I knew your writing and blog reminded me of someone/something else, but couldn’t think of who/what it was.

    The other sites have nothing to do with this blog but I think you might find the similarities amusing.

    The answer turned out to be twofold: a little of Tim Urban’s fascinating waitbutwhy.com and a little of this http://www.actionsquad.org (an older “urban exploring” website). Along with your site, each of these have been my favorite websites at different times in my life.

    Reply
  • Dads Dollars and Debts April 11, 2017, 10:05 pm

    Kicking A$$ and taking names. How quickly 6 years rolls by. I started reading this site 4 years ago and it has been motivating for a lot of lifestyle changes. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  • Jessica April 11, 2017, 10:08 pm

    Congratulations! I know your blog has been very helpful to me. I’m more into real estate investment than index funds. But I think of you and your blog regularly when walking my kids to school or busting butt towards early retirement! Caught your interview with Tim Ferriss the other day, you would be fun to chat with, I have this whole happiness oriented communal living idea I would love to throw at ya.

    Reply
  • pigman April 11, 2017, 10:39 pm

    OK dude so happy birthday, Love Ya but I think it might be time to set things straight.

    Something about your blog has not been sitting right and frankly is not adding up. You’re super talented at making your points and rather entertaining when blasting all things wasteful and superficial. In the past you have been open about your financial status. You have been all kind of braggy about how little you spend and you even back it up with actual numbers. You talk about your bike riding, doobie smoking laid back lifestyle and Im all in.

    All is cool and I’m ready to grab the Kool-Aid until I notice there are things that aren’t very clear and just don’t ring true.

    A few examples….

    In your yearly budget there are no numbers and no budget for your recreational pot smoking ways…whats that about?

    You are posting pictures of your sweet fancy pants house with paintings and furniture and then nothing showing up on your budget for house stuff?

    Then you are all on about home schooling and a while later the kid is back in the system without comment on why.

    Lastly construction/renovation is one of the biggest garbage strains on our environment and before we know it you have completed building what seems to be a superficial accessory structure on your property.

    What is going on man? ls the the MMM machine running amuck?

    Nothing wrong with a little discretion but just wondering if year 7 is the one you step out from behind the curtain and come clean on some of this stuff? Is this whole MMM thing a rouse to get rich and build an empire…whats that you say…now you’re buying commercial real estate…. huh…. has the MMM community created a demigod monster?? I want to trust your words but now Im kind of uneasy about the great MMM…just sayn’

    Reply
    • Mr. Money Mustache April 12, 2017, 7:16 am

      Hahaha.. questions welcome.

      1) Marijuana is free in Colorado, or if I were to buy it at the store I’d consume maybe $5 per year of the stuff.
      2) House renovation expenses are always included. Building the new house was separate, because I used a portion of the money I got from selling the previous house. We already had furniture.
      3) Kid stuff is personal, but in this case there happened to be a great teacher running 5th grade so we jumped back in. Our son has some special needs too around anxiety.
      4) I agree with you on construction waste. My justification is (a) – I’m far from perfect, and (b) – by renovating central city structures, we displace demand that would have gone to the suburbs, thus encouraging walkability. I also reclaim lots of materials, recycle everything I can, and make energy-efficient structures. And I don’t drive around in a clown truck while doing these projects!

      Reply
  • Ritchie April 11, 2017, 10:39 pm

    Is there a page here or on the forum to get updates about the MMM HQ and how your local ‘movement’ is going?

    Reply
    • Mr. Money Mustache April 12, 2017, 7:09 am

      Hey Ritchie, thanks for your interest!

      Not really much to share yet – the “headquarters” will be a workshop/gathering place/store on one side for my wife and her co-owner, and an entrepreneurial coworking space/gathering place/outdoor weight room/maker space on my side. I’ll definitely talk about it on this blog to share how it’s going, but it is intended to be a truly local thing in real life – encouraging only people who live within walk/bike distance to use it.

      Reply
      • Jake April 17, 2017, 8:51 am

        Sounds like a great pilot program for duplication through local “branch offices” or franchises in the future! MMM local community gathering place / workshops / CULTural centers in everyone’s town!

        Reply
  • Adam Kniedler April 11, 2017, 10:48 pm

    Is that a Mister Money cash advance store adjacent to your new store? Are you trying to take over the business by handing out MMM information via paper handouts and signs warning of the danger? I thought that was your plan a few years back.

    Reply
  • Team CF April 11, 2017, 11:56 pm

    Happy Birthday MMM, thanks for all the years of inspiration! Looking forward to many more years to come.

    Reply
  • Marissa April 11, 2017, 11:57 pm

    You think you’re so cool just because you get to sit at home and be financially independent while the rest of us go to work to pay off our debts and luxury expenses. Pssshh…

    Reply
    • Doug April 27, 2017, 1:04 pm

      I think the object of this blog is to show that YOU too can be financially independent and do what you want if you make wise choices in life. Who says we just sit at home? I’ve done a lot of travelling since becoming financially independent.

      Reply
  • Tuan April 12, 2017, 12:03 am

    Thank you MMM. I came across your blog in mid 2015. You have helped me make a sharp turn in my path, in early 2016. I am no longer confined to a (corner) office. I am much happier now, in my quest and practice of this new life style. Wished I have come across your blog in 2011!

    I agreed that you don’t need to type much”shit into the computer”. Just remain a shining beacon for us in this stupid consuming world.

    Reply
  • theFIREstarter April 12, 2017, 12:05 am

    Happy birthday MMM!

    Thanks for all the laughs and more importantly excellent information you dish out on here.

    You bought a Fancy Fashion Boutique, how fitting! I bet it was satisfying ripping that sign down :)

    Reply
  • katkins April 12, 2017, 12:39 am

    This blog has helped us wake up to how close we are to freedom if we just forgo buying unnecessary stuff. How could we have been so ignorant about our true needs and the impact of our choices?? Thanks for the inspiration to live the life that we wanted all along but just didn’t realize was actually possible!

    Reply
  • Kathy Abell April 12, 2017, 1:07 am

    Thank you Triple M for taking all that time over the past six years to type “stuff” into your computer!

    You helped me realize I didn’t need to base my retirement savings on providing “80% of my pre-retirement income” for the rest of my life as all the pundits at the time recommended, but rather on saving 25 (or 30) times my annual expenses. So I tracked my expenses and discovered I was on track for a comfortable (fairly early) retirement. Now if I could only hold the line on my post-retirement “expense creep” … LOL

    After I first retired, I loved it when people told me I looked too young to be retired. I guess they thought I must be 65. I had to explain to them I my company’s contributory retirement plan allowed “magic 75” (i.e., age + years of service) early retirement at age 55.

    Reply

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