How This Ex Military Retired In His 30s And Is Now Living in Thailand

[@mmfong297]

The key isn't all about his investment only.. This guy didn't get himself baby mama(s), kids, wives or such in his 20/30s like everyone else did

[@Ben-yp9nh]

@@fjackson4382 Or I don’t know? Just get a woman who has her own career and doesn’t spend your money? 🤣

[@MrDobberdude]

@@Ben-yp9nh nah

[@oreospeedwaggindoesamerica6078]

Very true

[@mctransportation9831]

@@Ben-yp9nh I've never been able to attract anything but losers. I.e. cashiers and other minimum wagers.

[@ttdenadaabba2149]

Ecxactly!

[@CryptoNerd91]

Such a calm and composed guy. Shows he has the discipline to pursue things in life that he wants

[@genericdeveloper3966]

To me it comes across as more of a "I've seen some shit and it changed me" kind of calm. Could be my bias though. Either way congrats to him for getting to where he is now.

[@aborne7]

Great interview, Evan sounds like a very interesting guy/lifestyle! Any chance you could do this once a year at least to talk about investing, how is new life is in Dubai

[@MyBelch]

In 2006, I retired from the Air Force with full pension at age 42. I moved to Thailand and haven't worked a day since. My monthly investment income is 2-3 x my monthly pension -- held primarily in mutual funds. I continue to reinvest fully half of my income every month. The key is not how much you make, it's how much you keep.

[@ewstuber]

Nice! And I'll bet you are living like a king!

[@AiJaiDeeSaMer]

@@ewstuber and with a young Thai chick too. LOL

[@carlyndolphin]

Any regrets retiring early? Do you ever get bored? I’m 42 and I’m thinking of taking early retirement.

[@MyBelch]

@@carlyndolphin nope

[@marius1300]

yeah same really Ive been retired from military for 9 years since being 25 and I don't get bored. Maintaining financial discipline with even just 50k p/a I live as well as people with double that and have a nest egg investment. Just time to finally leave the west and Thailand is looking pretty good these days.

[@BradSabako]

Great content! Smart guy who didn’t get weighed down with things, family…. Now has the world at his feet!

[@PJ33333]

The hardest part of expat living for me was how to manage boredom. How to understand that everyday is not vacation and learning how to develop a daily routine. Once I became content with coffee shops, malls, gyms, etc, I had the time of my life meeting new people and planning spontaneous trips to other countries.

[@jparsit]

if you have boredom then throw away your schedule and time. I never get bore being by myself. Such a wonderful life.

[@PJ33333]

@@jparsit I think I’m getting used to that method. Thx!

[@calbear20.]

You def need to find activities/part time work/teaching/volunteering to teach English...I can only do coffee shops, beaches, and parks for maybe 3-4 weeks before I am ready to get back to work as the boredom kicks in...

[@PJ33333]

@@calbear20. Didn’t think of teaching English. Thanks!

[@XxTournaquetxX]

I was recently medically retired from the Navy and am very well off at only 29. I was thinking about moving to Thailand and came across your videos, thank you for the tips.

[@ianpatrick23]

What a great example of hard work, sound planning, and delayed gratification. Well done!

[@cddc9310]

When I was young met a couple guys that loved to talk about investing and they seemed to be knowledgeable. But as the years went by, come to find out their real safety net was momma and daddy. I did the real estate thing, rented and managed the property myself. Sold everything and retired 17 years ago. My best guidance is, start young, see your goal and go for it. Ignore the naysayers, they don't have your vision.

[@FinancialFreedomLifestyle]

Just came across your channel and this was great to hear. My wife and I were able to leave our 9-5 jobs at 28 and are excited to explore Europe and south east asian over the next year. Keep up the good content.

[@aileen8492]

By investing?

[@FinancialFreedomLifestyle]

@@aileen8492 Yes.

[@kpgrubb1]

Kind of the same as me. I never wanted to be anything "higher" than a Master Sergeant because it would put me behind a desk, and I wanted to run operations! I used my military housing allowance to buy, not rent. Then when I would get reassigned I had a property management company rent the property out for me. Did that twice, wish I did it more. Volunteered for assignments where I got hostile fire pay. Did lots of long hours. 12 hours? On deployments it was working from after you had breakfast until you went to sleep. You were so busy you didn't even notice it. Also while Stateside I sacrificed, living cheap, paying off those mortgages. I had some great adventures! After the military, I worked as a military contractor doing the same things, still paying down those mortgages. I ended up retiring as a Master Sergeant with the income of a Colonel. Life is good and I'm in Turkey now, but should be permanently located to Chiang Mai, Thailand, next month. I just wish I could explain my strategy to young soldiers today!

[@ewstuber]

Awesome story! When I was an E-2 stationed in Monterey the guy who ran the gym was a retired enlisted guy. He had bought a house or two at every duty station and was loaded. Get rich slowly but surely. Also, I LOVE Turkey. Best food in the world, IMO.

[@method341]

How many years were you in the military? Do you have a family now?

[@joshtr04]

Thank you Forrest and Evan for this great video! I have found your channel to be extremely helpful when I was in the military and continue to find it extremely helpful now that I am out of the military. You cover a wide range of topics that are so great for service members and veterans alike and I really like how you're bringing in different people to share their experiences as well. I look forward to learning more from your videos!

[@ggg1815]

This video honestly sparked something in me. Thank you Evan for showing me that such a life is possible.

[@e-o-1085]

I've been deployed multiple times to Middle East, Africa and to Asia in uniform (26yrs) and as a contractor. Yes, you can make a lot of tax-free money. I've met many people have done it and still doing it. Some of them retired in Thailand and Philippines at a very young age. They have passive income and drawing from their military retirement from 38-40yrs old as Senior Enlisted and a Warrant. Travel all over Asia living the life. I chose not to due to family commitments. There are so much OCONUS jobs that is out there as you know. Hope to come out and meet you in Thailand later in the year.

[@keithoutdoors7337]

Great Video! Love to see people who can retire earlier in life. I retired at 45, wish I would have moved to Thailand sooner.

[@tamimcdonald]

Thank you Forest and Evan ❤. I learned a lot from this interview, it was very informative and inspirational!

[@MrTony1200]

Good, solid interview Forrest. I only understood about 35% of the financial chatter. But I suppose that's the point, isn't it? This interview made me sit up and pay attention to the fact that (even as a grey beard) there are investment opportunities out there. And it doesn't even require hard physical effort to take advantage of them; just the time, attention and discipline to sit down and learn basic principles and strategies. Evan, dispensed more beneficial and practical information than my freshmen year Econ 101 professor. This may sound a little bit like apple polishing, my brother, but this interview should be required viewing for every male (and female) between the ages of 18-24 who's wondering what the heck they're going to do with their life. Take a bow, my brother. You too, Evan. P.S. Now that we've got the arcane 'bean-counting' out of the way I would have been interested in a five-minute trailer about Evan's life in Thailand and why he chose Thailand as a place to finally settle down. More of the 'day in the life' stuff that you do in your videos.

[@dyuan3298]

Excellent interviews. Two great guys having a good conversation. 👍👍👍👍👍👋👋👋👋👋

[@ryanjamesr_]

This is great, I’m ex navy, working overseas for the government on a contract, rents paid for, I don’t pay taxes and I have no debt, I’m so fortunate! Looking to do this for 5-6 more years and then doing what this guy did. Great video!

[@kaym7704]

Hi, Im a tax payer…glad you’re enjoying my money.

[@k9companion231]

@@kaym7704 don’t hate… duplicate. Get some skills, serve your country for 20 years and go work in a combat zone. Easy Peezy! NOT!!!

[@Literarycat8]

I have never done this before, but you and I have the same name. My 'RJ' is Ryan James. Cool. Also, I'm Air Force but in the Philippines.

[@JF-xq6fr]

It is so nice to have vets (I'm former 11M) talk what I understand and how they went about getting it done to find what seems nirvana to me; living in Thailand. I did not give up on the US, it gave up on me and these videos have me STRONGLY considering a move to Thailand. I retired at 47 ten years ago because I was always an investor and now with a few $MM+ in cash/stocks/mutual funds, I am thinking why the hell am I living in a country I don't even recognize anymore, that hates who I am and what I believe and practice. It seems as if living in an insane asylum without hope, in a 'culture' on a terminal glide-slope with the ground rapidly approaching and the folks seem to like it that way. I want true peace and tranquility, to be a part of a real community that is polite, kind and happy simply because that is how humans should behave. I don't seek 'luxury', or wish to exploit the people; I simply want to enjoy what time I have left in a place that feels like home and to be a good neighbor and friend. Thank you Forrest for your work and wonderful videos... You have no idea how inspiring they are for an American vet who is America weary, and for the first time in a long time feels the spark and hope that an entirely new life can be at hand and a reality.

[@harryclarke3217]

A very assured, confident guy who knew what he wanted at an early age and worked hard to achieve that...... Well done Sir 👏

[@festidaho1218]

Great video very generous this friend of yours. Thanks for another great video

[@waylinnelson]

Awesome video! I appreciate videos with real people not trying to sell crap!

[@billyjohnson9166]

Exactly. Forests best video.

[@planecrazyish]

Excellent video , you asked some great questions and got some great answers . That is a very wise and smart guy 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@method341]

I really enjoyed this video because he's not really selling you dreams; he basically worked his butt off and through smart saving & investing, he's retired. And he's not even that old!

[@tonyn9522]

Love it.. I glad you started to talk more about finances!!

[@30AndAWakeUp]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing his story.

[@ewstuber]

Hey, I heard you on a podcast and love YOUR story! Let me know if you're ever in Bangkok! - Evan

[@30AndAWakeUp]

@@ewstuber Will do

[@taliathompson8853]

Yup! I met a few guys while on deployment that were contractors in the middle east. I met one guy who had the same MOS as this guy (HUMINT) and he made 158K a year (he named his price) but he worked 12hrs hell or high water. He would have to go to Dubai sometimes within the year because of visa stuff. Not many people get into HUMINT while in the military, however, a lot of the other contractors were Special Forces so it was a combo of former HUMINTS and Green Berets.

[@stocktrend839]

This interview is so inspirational and motivating. Thank you for this.

[@JohnLadda]

Nicely done. Been living here 4.5 years and still go back and forth Europe every month for work...hopefully can retire early here as well in 10 years. Great video 🙏

[@supercheesy107]

Than you Forrest and Evan. Listening to the interview has reinvigorated my aspirations for financial freedom. I will take your advice and listen to it again and take notes! :)

[@juliamonahan530]

This guy is so smart and humble really unique situation but shows it is completely possible to retire early without beating the market

[@stevetimmermans5311]

That was great Forest. Love these types of videos. Keep them coming.

[@nofood1]

Forrest a pro at these interviews damn

[@MyLifeThai371]

Nice! I found out about Dave Ramsey and the F.I.R.E. MOVEMENT when I was 31 years old. I am so thankful and changed the way I lived my life.

[@Bangkokguitar]

Very nice interview. You have a new fan. Thanks.

[@TheThaiLife]

This is really valuable info and you both seem like interesting people. I went to Thailand when I was 38 for a 3-month trip, that was 4.5 years ago (I went back to Dallas once in November for a work conference) and I just kept doing my recruiter job. I work nights now, even as I type this I'm working. There are so many ways to do this and I'm excited to see the way Evan did it. Great content and info.

[@johnmacfarlane2224]

This is an Excellent Story man I love hearing stories from smart people . Awesome stuff way to go man .

[@HotCarTrack]

Very interesting, thanks for the time to do this.

[@naechamchot3430]

Excellent info guys. Thanks! Will be joining you guys in a couple years.

[@Phucket24]

Thank you Forrest to you and your guest this kind of content has this magnetic appeal to it can we have more just like this one

[@darrenchan1083]

Thanks for this interview Forrest! So valuable 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheListPlanet]

I retired early in Thailand also but I sell off 4%, but dividends is a great way to go. Also, Charles Schwab is great for this lifestyle, no ATM fees or trading fees.

[@jamies6534]

The 4% rule looks solid by my calcs. Is this what you've found also?

[@TheListPlanet]

@@jamies6534 Yes, but there are people who would debate you can go higher. There are calculators online that will show you about how long your investments will last. Of course, you can always lengthen that time by not selling when the market is down.

[@jamies6534]

@@TheListPlanet Agreed. Have been playing with the calculators.

[@ewstuber]

Yeah, I too believe the 4% strategy works. Probably the easiest for most people. If I had done that, would have a greater net worth now. Live and learn!

[@michaelfrancis2749]

Great questions!

[@masajo928]

Your videos and stuff keep randomly coming in to my feed... Nice video. :)

[@Ginrinotsuba]

This is another good one! Thanks.

[@jc2426]

Great insightful talk on building passive income. The one thing I would add to the talk track is that the 6000 dollar monthly passive income goal has a 24000 dollar net effect in Thailand as cost of living is 4x to 5x lower than the US.

[@dynamics9000]

How come I missed this great channel so far, awesome and very educational channel, thanks for sharing great videos. subbed and liked !

[@jillianday2935]

Thank you for sharing. It was very interesting.

[@esportseric]

I'm an Air Force Vet, 32 currently. Just traveled there last January. I will open a business there with the Amity treaty. Evan has the right idea! I'll be there soon again!

[@viniciussrs100]

good video mate

[@muubie]

At about the 19:35 mark he mentions if he invested in a total market index he would have been a bit richer. The Vanguard total market index (VTI) 10 year return is probably around 15%. Which is on the high side. To be safe I’d assume a 7-9% return. I’d say for the average person who doesn’t want to spend too much time this is probably the “easiest” way to invest.

[@ewstuber]

Agreed. Especially if you have a long time horizon. I have no idea what the markets are going to do in a month, year, or five years. But ten years from now, probably up. Twenty years from now, yeah, probably will average 8-10% annual returns. Most of the money I'm investing now goes into VTI.

[@AG-so4gl]

VOO

[@billyjohnson9166]

VTI, VYM, VOO are some of the best ETFs out there.

[@RealSerie26]

I agree. Returns from 2010-2021 were not typical. A downside of dividend stocks is that they offer lower returns.

[@may-maytanymaytany_s3417]

Definitely your best video,I started investing in the stockmarket and plan to retire in Thailand in a few years. Excellent insight, awesome video 🙏👍💕

[@nvtonerchew6760]

First off guys, Thank You for your Service. Great postive and informative interview.

[@Traveler-bw1jj]

Great video. Wonderful information!!!!

[@toddsellars4694]

Excellent video brother Lee - one of your best. And a great interview - this is why I subscribe to you channel. Information, knowledge and insight.

[@rodtheplanter]

I lived in that shipping container as a soldier in Iraq and contractor in Afghanistan. I know that life well and mad respect because most guys over there never use their income made this wisely 👏🏽

[@frankhernandez9305]

Great interview!

[@AG-so4gl]

I'm now FI too, heading to Thailand in next few months - Expat abroad

[@chrislinn64]

This was a really helpful video. Enjoyed the candid information on what is possible in layman terms. Many thanks!

[@strongjaymusicgroup]

Than you

[@frankcalandra6676]

excellent video … i live between CM and Phuket and have a similar story if you are in CM happy to share my story too just to help and inspire people to find freedom … keep up the great work

[@gabe8641]

Valuable information.

[@johnnyt1817]

Excellent interview!!!!

[@mevans3291]

Great interview. Basically plan early and work hard and reap afterwards.

[@AlvoLong]

Love this type of interviews. Investments /Trading - options, etf, stocks, are essential skills that are not taught in our education system. Wish I found out sooner, would be well retired by now.

[@SpitFireintheUK]

Great video!

[@tshering2003]

Amazing, thank you so much.

[@ajaygorevlogs2446]

The most fantastic and informative video loved this guy honestly need more kind of this video

[@jiffyjeff1205]

Congratulation Evan!

[@michaelmmcintyre]

Army for the win! I consistently tell people that one enlistment in any branch is a good way for an already stable individual to hone their untapped skills. At the very least, it sets you up with an understanding of your personal limits and desired life direction.

[@michaelmmcintyre]

@@robertnew4568 cool, cool…enjoy your day.

[@ewstuber]

Agreed. Learn valuable skills, get job experience, get paid, earn college benefits...best decision I ever made.

[@mctransportation9831]

I hated the Navy. They sent me to six months of avionics school and then had me work in the galley and wash planes for a couple of years before I touched anything technical. It wasnt because I was a shitbag. This is how they treated everyone. It was full of low lifes. I had a motorcycle stolen out of the barracks parking lot and could not leave the washing machine unattended or my clothes would be stolen. Alot of enlistees are doing it as a deal to stay out of jail. It works out for some people, but most just dream about the day they get out. The pay was far below minimum wage. Most people would be better off to take a loan out for community college technical program. They don't cost that much and you don't have to commit 4 years of your life to be a slave. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, unless they go into it with the intention of making a carreer out of it.

[@method341]

@@mctransportation9831 how is everyone making so much money in the military? Are they full of it?

[@surysatha26]

I am in the military , about to retired cant wait to live as an expa

[@theevanpyle]

Thanks for this video forest! Cheers 🍻

[@okboomer6817]

Great informative vid!

[@cliffordhussey8549]

Good show.

[@MrMC2112]

Great interview and appreciate how Evan points out that people should do what they want to be happy. Investing and savings require some level of sacrifice or trade off unless you are just making crazy money. If you want to buy a big ticket item, just remember the cost incurred is not just money but also the trade off of not investing or saving that money. Not everyone can work overseas and live rent free but no matter where you work, the sooner you start and the more you save/invest, the quicker your money can start working for you. Again great conversation from the two of you.

[@floridashawn7317]

I’ve got some commercial rental income and it looks like I could easily live off this income in many countries. Just not here, the US is just so expensive.

[@blobtv7444]

This guy is an example of being in the right place at the right time, plus he was making good money so all he had to do was pull the trigger, the stock market crashed and so did the RE market just before he started. The market today is not really great, so someone trying to do the same today wont get the same benefits in the same time.

[@craigross341]

For a young person in the UK the Royal Navy (especially submarines) is an interesting idea. If you don't keep a home and just a room in the parental home, and try to spend all your time on a warship, you could retire by 30. Ten to twelve years of hard saving would easily do it, with a useful service pension to supplement your state pension when you're old.

[@Ben-yp9nh]

You could do this.. another option is join at 18, do your full 22 and retire at 40 on a full pension. You’re looking at around a grand every month, for the rest of your life.

[@craigross341]

@@Ben-yp9nh They didn't use to index-link it, which (with 1970s inflation) meant it was worthless really quickly. I think they do index-link it now, which is vital given the inflation.

[@method341]

@@Ben-yp9nh you cannot retire on a grand every month. Or is that just the pension and you would have your own dividend income stream on top of that?

[@Ben-yp9nh]

@@method341 I meant retire from the military, not from working at all. Of course you’d need another source of income, to live in the U.K. anyway.

[@method341]

@@Ben-yp9nh even in Thailand that's not even 30,000 baht a month. That's enough to pay the rent and food but not much more than that.

[@artienye2094]

i worked for dept of defense for 31 yrs....i was married at age 32 and divorced in the yr 2000,no children...i had 9 yrs to get my shit together to save my money and retire at age 55 and live in thailand ...i did it and im living very comfortable here in prachuap khiri kan thailand i have my u s gov pension and an agent range pension that pays out combined about 5000 dollars a month take home almost 4400 u s dollars every month

[@S2marone]

Thanks guys. Evan is a steady hand and mind. Exactly what you need to invest wisely.

[@JJMA52]

any examples of such jobs for non military/intelligence folks? how can one research or learn more about this? thanks

[@ewstuber]

Pretty much any normal job you do in the US is available in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, etc. The pay is usually a bit higher, comes with huge tax dedications, and includes housing. Often better schools for your kids too. If I were straight out of high school, I would look for something in oil and gas. Go live somewhere most people don't want to live, put in 70+ hours per week, live for free, and invest all that cash.

[@78bollox]

Very composed , both dudes 👍🏻

[@masterleec]

I love the story. That’s my path forward also - selling yearly cash secure puts on a high conviction stock and leaving the other half in the stock market.

[@ewstuber]

Nice! Yeah, I never outright buy any ETFs...I just sell cash-secured puts for the yield and am happy to take delivery at a lower price. Speaking of which...today is going to be a great day to sell more puts!

[@b4bmm]

These strategies are all well and good for your guest but most people dont have the option/skills to get paid $200k+ net for 6 years with another 5 years on top from army where spending is also negligible. This is really what people need to be able to achieve to get this type of lifestyle. For me it was a similar story except I worked in O+G, 4 weeks on 1 week off 12 hour days, no bills while at work but sacrificing a lot over a 10 year period (not including 5 years of training prior to that) to get to this point. Great interview, two savvy guys, your guest sounds like he has done a lot of research and knows what he is doing.

[@ewstuber]

Nice! I love your story. Yeah, my path might not be easily repeatable, so thanks for letting people know about the oil and gas industry. That sounds like an excellent option for people looking to escape student loans, avoid the cubicle, and live an exceptional life.

[@doggydude4123]

This guy did it right. Even without his real estate investments (REITs not included), he will still do very nice.

[@chuck1011212]

I did the same thing as Evan, except with computer skills and working as a contractor in Kuwait. (Where there is no real danger and I lived in nice apartments paid for by the company and drove a brand new Mazda 6 provided by the company) This was also an hourly job and I socked away all of my paychecks to put me sitting pretty with life changing money and investments. I did 3 years and would highly recommend it to others. These jobs are available in Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar and other places where the pay is outstanding and the lifestyle is good. I have a tour of my Kuwait apartment on my channel if you want to see what life looks like there.

[@Ben-yp9nh]

Hi chuck, what sites advertise these times of jobs? I’m ex military and currently a network engineer, so would love to get a job like that.

[@ewstuber]

Nice! Yeah, I've known electricians, nurses, pilots, teachers, engineers, plumbers, security guards, etc., who all do the same thing: work overseas, live super cheaply, get that tax deduction, and invest all that money.

[@dac8939]

How much did they pay and what type of job and experience did they require

[@chuck1011212]

@@dac8939 Depends on the job. Google contractor jobs in whatever country you are considering and look at a few that are listed to get ideas.

[@dac8939]

@@chuck1011212 thanks

[@nikkian9254]

Really appreciate this interview! 🙏 Super inspiring, thanks y'all for taking the time to share~ I'm curious if he sold all his real-estate and invested it before moving to Thailand? or if he decided to keep it for rental income? (Also curious how he chose $6k monthly dividend as a goal for retirement?)

[@primelivingmedia]

thanks for this, Thailand is great!

[@khailinn432]

Thanks a lot man.

[@freddielogan9739]

How long does it take to learn and make money after you get going? I might to try it out in the future maybe? Still kinda hesitant about it because i don't know all the ends and outs pros and cons.

[@coolworl]

Although I can retire today and live like you guys but I like my stuff and life style too much. I guess I’ll be stuck in the rat race for a little longer. However, great advice for my children. Good job, guys!

[@michaelorfanos7416]

I'm like you. Three kids and single, mom left and took half of all I had and now blew it in 5 years 1/2 mil. I brought the three up now for ten years, youngest will be 18 in 20 months. I could retire today as I made it all back and more. I have the kids and so I stay. It's life but I choose! Great advice Forrest!

[@tonydominic8165]

Great interview, I am doing the exact same thing. Investing in old boring companies that has had a long history of paying dividends and selling naked put options and covered calls to grow my investment portfolio since I can still live off my employment income. Unfortunately what we do and how we invest is not taught in schools. Kudos!

[@ewstuber]

Nice! Glad I'm not the only one out there doing this. Options are great, right? Pretty easy to juice out a couple extra percentage points every year.

[@doright8355]

@@ewstuber I'm juicing out 2 to 10% a week in options. Sell secured put. And doing the wheel strategy. I'm ready to move to Thailand next year at age 53.

[@ewstuber]

@@doright8355 That's awesome! I've got a couple underlyings I like wheeling in and out of. But I just target 1% per month on puts and .5-.75% per month on covered calls. This year most of my cash-flow has been from naked SPX short strangles. Love the volatility. Glad I'm not going to be the only nerd out here living the good life off options premiums! Thanks for sharing!

[@ewstuber]

Sorry I didn't respond to this earlier...not sure how I missed it. But that's awesome! We are doing the same thing! Dividends + option premium = great cash-flow. We never have bad days in the market. Market down means higher yield and more options premium. Market up means net worth increasing. Every day is a good day :)

[@method341]

@@ewstuber there has to be a catch or everyone would be doing it

[@Ironhorsejailer]

Fantastic interview, appears honest and reliable. I wish I had that advice and knowledge 35 years ago. I’ve never been afraid of putting the hours in, just never been savvy enough to make the best of it (despite advice), I’ll be looking to both save and invest my meagre funds to improve my financial situation. Forest: best vid I’ve watched of yours.

[@randymullins3555]

Much respect! We have similar personalities as I worked a respectable paying job for 5 years and saved over 80% of my annual net to achieve financial security, however I married because of loneliness and had my ex deplete my savings grotesquely! I'm working again and building it back, but it's not the same as I have a distrust of people and can't find balance!

[@spookyblack7526]

How were you able to save 80%? Living with parents?

[@randymullins3555]

@@spookyblack7526 sarcasm yes?

[@spookyblack7526]

@@randymullins3555 no answer the question

[@randymullins3555]

@@spookyblack7526 My mother asked me to move back home and reside 'rent free' if I could help with my younger sibling who had a drug problem. I didn't have the rent, or mortgage, electric, cable, sewer/garbage that deplete many. I worked for a company so I didn't have a commercial trk payment. The company actually allowed me to bobtail the tractor home because I was on call 24/7. The company also paid for my meals when out! Anyway, my personal vehicle was paid for so all I had was cellphone, auto insurance, and gas for personal trk!

[@michaelorfanos7416]

GREAT info, it's the way to security.

[@kev14609]

Question: is interactive brokers an actual company or is he referring to companies that are considered / acting as interactive brokers ? Great stuff, really smart man.

[@ewstuber]

"Interactive Brokers" is the online brokerage firm I use. Like Schwab, TD, or Robinhood. But way better.

[@muubie]

Forrest, how about a follow up video? How is he doing now that the market has fallen so much?

[@ewstuber]

Thanks for asking! YTD the S&P is down 13.89%. My brokerage account is down 3.98%, but real estate holdings are doing great. Rents and property values are up. I'm trying to embed a screenshot of my account but guess I can't.

[@muubie]

@@ewstuber how did you manage to fare so much better? If you don’t mind sharing, what does your allocation look like? I was basically just investing in the S&P 500 and hoping that would be enough but recently I was told it’s better to have a more balanced allocation ie bonds, some international and a cash account to cover a couple year’s expenses.

[@ewstuber]

@@muubie In my brokerage account I'm about 50% big-dividend-payers and 50% VTI. But all I'll be buying in the future is VTI. The outperformance is thanks to several options strategies I'm running. Primarily hedging using SPX time spreads and selling premium (strangles, covered calls, naked puts, occasional vertical credit spreads). I highly recommend people learn how to sell options to boost investment income.

[@Traveler-PKK]

Yep, you can make bank if working as a contractor. I knew a little old lady who managed the laundry for military and civilian contractors and made $250K in 2.5 years and was able to save because everything was paid for. She paid off her house so she can retire.

[@exas4791]

Americans who've worked overseas seem so sane and shrewd, compared to stereotypes formed partially by the media.

[@ewstuber]

Thanks! We all need to try to be good ambassadors for our country :)