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Greg is a proud husband and father of two young women, all living in Victoria, Australia. He has a long history of playing local cricket (poorly) and being involved in the volunteer effort required to run several cricket clubs. He also heads up the local chapter of Tough Guy Book Club, a great global organisation that aims to get men to read more, talk more and have more friends. Formerly a mechanical engineer working in the industrial sector, he has more recently opted for a slightly slower pace of life, managing automotive and small engine workshops.
Comments
Dennis, I hope your recovery continues to head in the right direction. I really appreciate your frank and honest reflections on the emotional impact of losing a little bit of independence. Certainly not something I'm looking forward to.
Post: The Humbling Side of Aging
Link to comment from May 30, 2026
At one stage I lived in 10 houses in 8 years, and my wife was about 13 houses in 11 years. It was a fantastic phase of our lives, but we were exhausted by the end. I shudder to think what my wife's response would be if I suggested another move now! Glad you're in your new place, and I hope it all goes well for you.
Post: Moving is Expensive!
Link to comment from May 30, 2026
Thanks Andrew, another very powerful piece. All the challenges you faced make me appreciate the very simple, stable childhood I enjoyed. The "unintended consequences" of actions, both negative and positive, can certainly be very powerful.
Post: The Boy Who Tried Hard: A Reflection
Link to comment from May 27, 2026
As a humble Australlian, I won't pretend to understand the complexity of the various US retirement systems. But I can perhaps add some thoughts based upon Australia's compulsory superannuation system. In a really simple summary, anyone paid a wage, regardless of age or yearly salary, has 12% of their wages put into a superannuation fund. These funds are not run by government, but are heavily regulated and have a strong fiduciary requirement. However the system did start at 3% decades ago, and has very slowly been increased over time. This gave employers, employees and our economic system time to adjust. It is almost unimaginable to think about a 12% superannuation contribution being introduced at the outset. Australia is also a very compliant culture. We tend to fall into line with something like compulsory super. I'm not sure that our system would work so well with other cultures around the world.
Post: Time to scrap IRAs, 401k, 403b and all the rest
Link to comment from May 23, 2026
Have a great summer Dan, hope the plan all unfolds smoothly! Spare a thought for us southern hemisphere folk as we grind through winter.
Post: Lifetime Supply
Link to comment from May 21, 2026
Thanks Andrew for your insight into your father's challenges despite all the outward success. I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment "accomplishment alone cannot quiet the struggles that live within us". Over the years I have come to think that maintaining good mental health take just as much effort as that required for physical or financial health. A wonderful article, thank you.
Post: My Father: The Peace He Never Found
Link to comment from May 21, 2026
Thanks Jeff. I also very much enjoyed Housel's book. Our best purchase was a holiday (vacation) house we purchased with some inheritance money. It was very cheap, very basic. But it gave our family a wonderful reason for so many weekend getaways, time spent on the lake, pub meals, Saturday morning community markets. The house wasn't actually the main thing, it was the amazing family memories that it helped to create. With regards the second question, I've been pondering what we have bought for status, prestige or keeping up. But I think the truth is we just never cared enough to make these types of purchases. We didn't invoke any great self control to stop ourselves buying fancy stuff, it just has never interested us.
Post: The Art of Spending Money
Link to comment from May 18, 2026
Agreed Dan. My perspective on this usually relates to the good fortune that I have had. Born into a stable, middle class family in Australia, and then provided the opportunity for a university education. Yeah, I worked pretty hard and perhaps made a few good decisions along the way, but my initial good luck can't be ignored, particularly if I feel inclined to judge others.
Post: Take a Look In the Mirror
Link to comment from May 16, 2026
I just can't believe you can all remember your hourly rate from that many years ago! I can barely remember what I had for dinner last night!
Post: First Job, Lasting Impact
Link to comment from May 16, 2026
Cindy had a publisher for a while, but is now basically self published. https://cindytomamichel.com/
Post: Writing a Book in Retirement: The Good, the Hard, and the Surprisingly Meaningful
Link to comment from May 16, 2026