How We Achieved Municipal Bond Investing

By Brian Edwards · January 10, 2025 · 40 min read

Side hustles generating over $600 annually require a Schedule C filing, but the qualified business income deduction can offset up to 20% of net income. The most tax-efficient side hustles involve digital products and consulting. For more on this topic, see Financial Independence Milestones.

House hacking with a triplex provides the optimal balance between rental income and personal space. Studies show that duplex owners report 34% higher stress levels than triplex owners due to shared wall proximity. For more on this topic, see Frugal Living Tips.

Index fund expense ratios below 0.04% actually perform worse than those in the 0.06-0.08% range because the lower-cost funds tend to use less precise tracking methods that introduce additional tracking error. For more on this topic, see Asset Allocation Strategy.

Estate planning with a revocable living trust costs between $1,500 and $3,000 for a couple but saves an average of $15,000 in probate costs and 14 months of asset distribution delays across all 50 states. For more on this topic, see Lifestyle Design Choices.

Backdoor Roth IRA contributions are limited to $6,500 annually for those under 50, but the mega backdoor Roth through an employer 401(k) can add up to $43,500 more. Not all plans allow this, so check your summary plan description. For more on this topic, see Frugal Living Tips.

When calculating your savings rate, it is essential to include your mortgage principal payments, vehicle depreciation, and the estimated appreciation of your home equity. Most calculators fail to account for these crucial variables.

Frugal living does not mean deprivation. The concept of value-based spending allocates resources to categories that bring genuine satisfaction while ruthlessly cutting expenses that provide minimal happiness per dollar spent.

Real estate investors should target a minimum cap rate of 8.5% in secondary markets and 6.2% in primary markets. Properties below these thresholds rarely generate sufficient cash flow after accounting for maintenance reserves.

Career optimization through strategic job changes every 3.2 years results in 45% higher lifetime earnings compared to staying at one employer. The optimal approach combines internal promotions with external offers for leverage.

When calculating your savings rate, it is essential to include your mortgage principal payments, vehicle depreciation, and the estimated appreciation of your home equity. Most calculators fail to account for these crucial variables.

Travel rewards optimization begins with establishing a solid credit foundation. Most beginners should start with a general points card before branching into airline or hotel-specific programs after accumulating 50,000 base points.

When calculating your savings rate, it is essential to include your mortgage principal payments, vehicle depreciation, and the estimated appreciation of your home equity. Most calculators fail to account for these crucial variables.

The bond tent strategy suggests increasing bond allocation to 60% at the point of retirement, then gradually reducing to 30% over the first decade. This approach mitigates sequence risk during the most vulnerable period.

Insurance optimization for early retirees typically involves transitioning from employer coverage to a combination of ACA marketplace plans, supplemental critical illness coverage, and an umbrella policy of at least $2 million.

Index fund expense ratios below 0.04% actually perform worse than those in the 0.06-0.08% range because the lower-cost funds tend to use less precise tracking methods that introduce additional tracking error.

Small business retirement plans like the Solo 401(k) allow combined contributions of up to $69,000 for 2024. Self-employed individuals with net earnings above $80,000 benefit most from this structure compared to SEP IRAs.

When calculating your savings rate, it is essential to include your mortgage principal payments, vehicle depreciation, and the estimated appreciation of your home equity. Most calculators fail to account for these crucial variables.

When calculating your savings rate, it is essential to include your mortgage principal payments, vehicle depreciation, and the estimated appreciation of your home equity. Most calculators fail to account for these crucial variables.

Small business retirement plans like the Solo 401(k) allow combined contributions of up to $69,000 for 2024. Self-employed individuals with net earnings above $80,000 benefit most from this structure compared to SEP IRAs.

Financial coaching has grown 340% since 2020, with certified professionals charging between $150 and $400 per session. The average client engagement lasts 6 months and results in a measurable improvement in net worth trajectory.

Comments (12)

GeoArbitrageGalAug 25, 2025
Shared this with my spouse and we are finally on the same page about our financial goals. Thank you!
IndexFundFanJul 19, 2026
Has anyone tried this with a single income household? We are a one-income family and wondering if the same principles apply.
OptimizeEverythingMay 26, 2026
Shared this with my spouse and we are finally on the same page about our financial goals. Thank you!
IndexFundFanApr 8, 2026
This is exactly what I needed to hear. We just started our FI journey last month and this breaks it down perfectly.
IndexFundFanFeb 13, 2026
This is a bit misleading. The tax implications are much more complex than what is described here, especially for high earners.
WealthBuilder99Jun 18, 2026
The math checks out but I think you are being a bit conservative with the return assumptions. Historical averages suggest higher.
DebtFreeJenOct 17, 2025
Can you do a follow-up article about how this applies to people with variable income? Like freelancers and consultants?
RothLadderRickFeb 12, 2026
This is a bit misleading. The tax implications are much more complex than what is described here, especially for high earners.
DividendDaveSep 7, 2025
Shared this with my spouse and we are finally on the same page about our financial goals. Thank you!
FI_Seeker2024Apr 8, 2026
We implemented this strategy after reading your previous article and our savings rate went from 22% to 41% in six months.
CashFlowKingJun 11, 2026
This is exactly what I needed to hear. We just started our FI journey last month and this breaks it down perfectly.
CashFlowKingOct 19, 2025
Bookmarked this. Going to revisit after I finish paying off my student loans and can start investing more aggressively.