I know I talked about this already in the context of another post, but I believe this concept needs its own post/title. This bucket of money is so important to a life with freedom.
I’ve talked about the Fun Bucket that Mark Trautman and I push each other on. We pushed each other to pull money from our investment accounts and put it aside to spend freely, funly, and in ways we may not allow ourselves to spend in our normal cash-flow lives.
Process
In April 2024 I created a new brokerage (sub) account and moved cash and treasuries into it. I moved enough to fund an aggressive amount (but not all, not even most) of our Fun Number into it. This account is now the FI Bucket (thank you, Emma!).
This was the best thing I’ve done in my DecaFIRE. I see the money in the account; its entire purpose is to spend. To just say “yes” if we’re interested. No wishy-washy, not sure if—just FI. It’s hard to see FI! FI !
I know the target (good Roaring 20’s/MoJo goal) to spend this decade, but there’s more if we want it this decade, and there will be enough for future FI/MoJo decades if the invested assets hold solid.
We spent more money in the month of May than we spent in many of our pre-FIREd YEARS. It felt perfectly fine. Yes, a little strange but definitely in control, in-the-plan. FI.
That spending surely is a strange change. I often think as I’m executing the purchase/payment “Is this how most people operate, just saying ‘yes?’” Such a foreign process in many ways. I did it with an ‘80s bumper sticker in Pueblo. It was easy, but it honestly took me 20-30 seconds to realize $9 was OK, fine, FI.
Others are Spending
This morning I was trail running in the mountains by Salida and I listened to podcasts from both Mark, and Mindy and Carl about spending money. I am on a trip spending money, AND spending my time freely. I’ll see all three of them on Friday at CampFI. Everything links together if done correctly, or at least intentionally—in a good way.
Don’t be like most common folks—everyday consumers who spend money they do not have. Instead, set aside some of your money (after savings, spending on core needs, and planning) and enjoy the success you have built or are building. Intentionality is critical.
As always (for now?) Health, Happiness, Helping.
*** Nothing in this article is to be construed as financial advice. I am not a financial planner, nor do I pretend to be. You should always consult your own professional when seeking advice. This post is not a piece of literary mastery, just a random thought I had.