It’s that time of year where we stop, take a breather and assess what was good and bad about the year. As I’m sure everyone on the planet is aware, 2020 was an exceptional year for many reasons. 2020 saw … Continue reading 2020 review

I just had Covid 19 and thought I’d tell you how it went. I felt pretty ill for a while and, I felt after reading various comments on various sites that people still regard this illness as a “little flu”. … Continue reading COVID 19 – It’s not very nice.

Have you got, or are you considering getting the Platinum Card? Here I give you my American Express Platinum Card review looking at the benefits it gives for the fee, and whether, overall, it’s worth getting the card. American Express … Continue reading American Express Platinum card review: is it a cut above?

November was always going to be a quiet month in the UK after the second nationwide lockdown was announced. We’d been there before, but this time it felt less intimidating. I felt a bit low after the second week, but otherwise perked up and got on with working. I learned how to solve a Rubix cube, brushed up on my French, and worked very hard. We also had a new bathroom installed, during the lockdown. That was quite tricky as it required us to have no available toilet for long periods. We were able to book a hotel nearby when … Continue reading November 2020 – the month of lockdown and financial progress.

October has been a relatively busy month for us as we caught up with friends and tried to enjoy the autumn before the country lurched into early nights and lockdown. As the political battle between the North and the South played out, and ended pointlessly, with a national lock down, it left me wondering what the hell is going on in our country. Added to that the PM, under Dominic Cumming’s instructions, threatening to walk away from the Brexit negotiations, refused to pay for some poor children’s lunches, before disappearing for a weeks or so, did not instil confidence in … Continue reading October 2020 Update – And here we go into lockdown again and I reveal a cure for COVID 19.

September came and went. We had a nice Indian summer here in London, with some hot and sunny days, followed by a plunge back into Autumn. Autumn is my favourtie season. Mainly because of the colours, the temperate weather, which suits my Scottish body’s ability to deal with heat, and it’s a great time to drink lots of beer. With Oktoberfest cancelled due to Covid 19, my plans to go back to Munich this year were scuppered, so I’ve had a few boozy days in London instead. Its been great catching up with mates and not worrying about spending thanks … Continue reading September 2020 – big spending alert!

As someone who wants to be financially independent, I have done many things throughout my life to help get me there (whether I knew it or not!). I am not from a wealthy family, so all that I have has been earned by yours truly. However, I want to share what could be the biggest life hack to getting you to FIRE: Live and work abroad. Working abroad At the moment, making a move to live and work abroad is anrather tricky affair with COVID 19. However, this is a time to think and reflect, and let’s face it, moving … Continue reading Live and work abroad: Discover if it can you get to FIRE sooner?

One of the most common cliches we hear in personal finance and FIRE is we can save money by skipping that morning coffee hit from your local coffee shop. I’m going to look at how much you can save and … Continue reading Sage Bambino: Discover if it could help you save you money!

It’s that time again! The Playing with Fire monthly update that no one asked to see! I have some special news for you, so keep reading until the end! August has been a great month. Firstly, it was my birthday on the 4th, so that was good. Secondly, the same week, I got a job, my girlfriend got a job, and so did my sister. I’ve started my job and its great. Very different, but essentially I’m reviewing construction projects in dispute. The firm offered me the same money I was on before (£80k), but I have the opportunity for … Continue reading August update – some very good news!