Investing our Mortgage – 2 year update

by Go Curry Cracker | Jan 2, 2024 | Finances | 17 comments

A couple years ago we bought a house, paid in full with cash. Then I got a small mortgage as an inflation hedge and to invest for fun and profit.

We used a chunk of the mortgage to fund moving expenses and to acquire all of the typical home accoutrements, put solar on our roof, and pay the medium-sized tax bill that comes with selling enough stock to pay cash for a house. The remainder I put back into the market as a lump sum.

It has now been two years out of thirty. Let’s check in on how this investment is doing.

(more…)

Getting Lucky

by Go Curry Cracker | Jul 28, 2023 | Finances | 51 comments

Luck.

What is it exactly? Per the Oxford Languages Dictionary, luck is “success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions.”

It was recently suggested that we may have been the beneficiaries of luck, which is why we are able to enjoy the lifestyle to which we have become accustomed. And given that this is the product of chance, it is irresponsible or misleading to suggest that others could do the same if only they made similar choices.

Is that an accurate statement? Let’s explore.

(more…)

GCC Asset Allocation 2023

by Go Curry Cracker | Jun 28, 2023 | Finances | 29 comments

We have been living off our portfolio since late 2012 (~11 years.)

Life has evolved substantially in that time – we started as 2 carefree kids exploring the globe. Now we have 2 carefree kids and live in the suburbs.

Our core portfolio, on the other hand, has remained largely consistent… with the exception of adding a significant real-estate component (our house.)

I’ve updated some charts and created some new ones so we can all see what happened.

(more…)

Big Spending, Little Income

by Go Curry Cracker | Jun 21, 2023 | Finances | 21 comments

When you work for a living it is important to live within your means. Every budget and finance tool available will scream at you if spending exceeds income.

In retirement, it is also important to live within your means. But your means is no longer tied to income. In fact, there is zero relationship between income and spending when you are living off assets.

(more…)