Running. Shoes every six months or so is the main equipment expense, but where it really adds up are breakfasts after group runs and organized races. I estimate at least a couple thousand over the last five years for at least sixty events - 5K, 10K, half and a couple of full marathons. Some races are $150. The race proceeds go to a good cause and there is a big social aspect.
Thanks for the story Dan. Glad it has a happy ending. Some would say lucked out, but that was hard work. Someone once said “the harder I work, the luckier I get”
I think it’s wise to to make the decision whether or not to have children based on factors other than purely finances. I have no regrets, but yes, some things were costly that reminds me of an idea for a post that I’ve been thinking about writing about getting a second job.
Comments
Seems like common advice from an advisor - don’t pay cash for a house, get a mortgage and invest the money (with me) instead.
Post: Hidden Conflicts
Link to comment from August 15, 2026
Running. Shoes every six months or so is the main equipment expense, but where it really adds up are breakfasts after group runs and organized races. I estimate at least a couple thousand over the last five years for at least sixty events - 5K, 10K, half and a couple of full marathons. Some races are $150. The race proceeds go to a good cause and there is a big social aspect.
Post: One Person’s Luxury, Another’s Necessity
Link to comment from July 25, 2026
Thanks for the tip. I had no idea the IRS did this.
Post: Don’t Let a Roth Conversion Trigger a Penalty
Link to comment from July 11, 2026
40% each in FSPGX and FXAIX, 20 percent caps in SPAXX. Oh and I got 10 shares of SpaceX for fun. I had never participated in an IPO before.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
As a runner, I appreciate the analogy
Post: Don’t Kick The Can Down The Road
Link to comment from May 30, 2026
Dennis, thanks for sharing and reminding us that it’s good to be humble.
Post: The Humbling Side of Aging
Link to comment from May 30, 2026
Thanks for the story Dan. Glad it has a happy ending. Some would say lucked out, but that was hard work. Someone once said “the harder I work, the luckier I get”
Post: Around the Obstacles
Link to comment from April 25, 2026
Good for you for tackling that yourself, Mark. I probably would have tried it too. I’ve taken on hard tasks, but not any that messy.
Post: Scent of a Cheapskate: Frugality Gone Wrong
Link to comment from April 18, 2026
I think it’s wise to to make the decision whether or not to have children based on factors other than purely finances. I have no regrets, but yes, some things were costly that reminds me of an idea for a post that I’ve been thinking about writing about getting a second job.
Post: Financial regrets about parenthood?
Link to comment from April 11, 2026
I plan to take as little as possible. I’m hoping it’s less than 4%. That way the calculations using 4% give me some buffer.
Post: Forget the 4% rule.
Link to comment from March 14, 2026