Joyful New 12 months everybody! I hope you’re having fun with the day off and performing some reflecting. I’ve returned to San Francisco and am able to chill out some extra!
Now that I’ve shared my 2024 year in review, I needed to share my objectives and resolutions for 2025. Though 2024 was an amazing yr, I nonetheless have many areas of enchancment.
My theme for 2024 was “One final yr of intense focus.” I wrote in my 2024 goals post:
Fatigue has set in, paying homage to 2011 after I contemplated leaving funding banking for good. That burnout prompted a much-needed change of tempo. Paradoxically, a day job is far simpler than being a stay-at-home mum or dad!
Maybe it is a mid-life disaster at 46, the place I sense my physique slowing down, and time is slipping away sooner than ever. The urgency to maximise the remaining years of strong well being is palpable. I am unsure how for much longer I can hold this tempo, therefore my theme.
I executed most of my 2024 objectives, however didn’t do the next:
- Produce 36 podcasts (I solely produced 30)
- Assist my spouse get a job (I could not as a result of she did not need one, so I went out and received one)
- Write a brand new lullaby for my daughter after writing Cutie Baby for my son (forgot about this one, however I nonetheless can do it)
Theme for 2025: Return to Easy Dwelling
I need to return to the fundamentals of residing a easy, early retirement lifestyle. Sitting on a seaside in Laie, Oahu, reflecting on the yr, I used to be reminded of what a very good life means to me: well being, freedom, household, and associates. Riches, fame, or standing weren’t high of thoughts.
One of many nice issues about Hawaii is that each one seashores are public. Even the poorest individual can take pleasure in the identical shoreline as a billionaire with an oceanfront mansion. As I walked alongside the seaside at 8 a.m. in December, sporting simply shorts, I thought of how unimaginable it was to bask within the free heat of the solar.
Sharing the expertise with excited youngsters dancing round and a loving spouse made it all of the extra particular. I didn’t want some huge cash to be comfortable.
Nevertheless, returning to a easy life gained’t come with out effort. To dwell by my theme for 2025, my #1 aim is the next:
Major 2025 Aim: Stay Unemployed / Semi-Retired
After making an attempt part-time consulting for four months, I spotted how a lot I dislike conferences, commuting, and being advised what to do. Whereas it was invaluable to see firsthand how onerous individuals within the startup world work, I’ve confirmed that it’s not the best match for me at this stage in my life.
The one means I might return to work is that if I received an distinctive supply from a promising AI firm, with important autonomy and large upside. However I assign solely a 1% likelihood of that occuring since unicorns aren’t actual. To get one thing nice, you have to exit and take it.
With my liquidity again to snug ranges, I’ve determined to cease trying to find employment altogether. Staying unemployed / semi-retired simplifies my life. The one conferences I’ll attend are those I select—maybe one or two calls every week at most.
Sure, incomes some huge cash and gaining status in society will be interesting. Nevertheless, I’m decided to beat again these needs so I will be as free as potential. With out the obligations of labor, I’ll have extra time to write down, play sports activities, train, and spend uninterrupted moments with my household.
Household Objectives for 2025
Household will at all times be my high precedence for so long as I dwell. Fatherhood, which started for me in 2017, continues to be a comparatively new journey and essentially the most difficult roles to navigate. I’m dedicated to doing my greatest to foster a robust, wholesome relationship with my youngsters as they develop.
I’ve come to see that a number of the most troubled individuals I’ve encountered skilled above-average ranges of childhood trauma, which incorporates neglect, emotional and bodily abuse, accidents, rancorous divorces, loss of life of a mum or dad, and habit. I do know this as a result of I’ve had the privilege of getting tens of 1000’s of oldsters from all walks of life touch upon Monetary Samurai since 2009. And a few of them have opened up about their backgrounds.
My aim is to reduce such wounds for my youngsters whereas maximizing unconditional love, studying, and pleasure of their lives.
1) Spend extra time touring now that each youngsters are over 5
I’ve at all times disliked flying, particularly with younger youngsters who’re unruly and gained’t bear in mind their travels. However now that each of my youngsters are over 5, they’re potty-trained and principally self-sufficient. Better of all, they’re at an age the place they’ll truly bear in mind the journeys we take, making the expertise way more rewarding.
For 2025, I plan to do not less than two of those journeys:
- Spend a month in Honolulu whereas they attend summer season college.
- Keep in Taipei for a month throughout summer season college, and if that goes nicely, take an journey to Beijing for a few weeks.
- Go to Tahoe for not less than 5 nights through the winter so the youngsters can get higher at snowboarding
I grew up residing in Zambia, the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia earlier than coming to America for highschool. Later, I spent 13 years working in worldwide equities, which had me always touring.
I’d like my youngsters to journey to allow them to expertise totally different cultures, develop a higher appreciation for what they’ve, and develop into higher communicators.
2) Learn with the youngsters for not less than quarter-hour a day, 5 days every week
Considered one of my objectives is to domesticate a love of studying in my youngsters. Step one is studying to them persistently, not less than 5 days every week. Subsequent, I’d like them to learn to me for quarter-hour every day, 5 days every week. Lastly, I need to discover books they genuinely take pleasure in, in order that they’ll need to learn independently.
Rising up, I liked studying Hardy Boys and The Nice Mind sequence. However after I transitioned to Select Your Personal Journey books, my mother wouldn’t let me learn them. That restriction killed my pleasure for studying; I rebelled by refusing to learn a lot in any respect.
To encourage my youngsters to take pleasure in studying, I’ll lead by instance and browse extra myself. As soon as they take pleasure in studying on their very own, they will study an countless quantity of issues.
3) Educate the youngsters easy methods to play pickleball
The aftercare pickleball classes at their college crammed up shortly, and personal classes price $140 per hour. As a 4.5-level pickleball participant, I’ve determined to show them myself. I’ve already taught them easy methods to bike and swim, so this shall be one other enjoyable talent so as to add.
Pickleball is simpler for younger youngsters to choose up than tennis and must be extra enjoyable. As soon as they’ve discovered the fundamentals, I’ll educate them tennis as nicely. I don’t anticipate them to develop into great athletes or win college scholarships. Nevertheless, realizing easy methods to play a sport could make life extra pleasing and social. I plan to spend 30–60 minutes each weekend working towards pickleball with my youngsters.
Taking part in softball through the pandemic for 3 years lifted my spirits. It additionally launched me to new associates, together with some I now play poker with frequently.
4) Volunteer six occasions at my youngsters’ college
Being a part of a neighborhood is fantastic. In 2024, I totally loved volunteering at my youngsters’s college. It was rewarding to see my youngsters through the day, join with different mother and father, and get to know the employees. I believe my youngsters will admire seeing their dad shock them now and again as nicely, and maybe instill in them the spirit of volunteering sooner or later.
In 2025, I plan to volunteer not less than six occasions all year long. This college shall be our neighborhood till hopefully 2033, and I’m desirous to contribute frequently.
Private Objectives for 2025
If I can do two or three issues nicely a yr, I really feel it is a good yr. I made essentially the most of my ultimate yr as a stay-at-home father in 2024, whereas specializing in strengthening our funds. Now that each youngsters are at school full-time, I not establish as a stay-at-home mum or dad. Transferring ahead, I’ll embrace my identification as a author.
1) Market my new ebook—and take a look at to not stress about its efficiency
After over two years of onerous work, I’m thrilled to launch my second ebook with Portfolio Penguin in Could 2025. Like my first ebook, Purchase This Not That, it focuses on private finance. I’ll share all the small print by March 2025.
With Buy This Not That, I poured numerous power into making it a bestseller—and succeeded. It’s satisfying to know I’ll at all times be a nationwide bestselling writer. Nevertheless, the relentless advertising and marketing took a toll on my happiness, as I a lot favor writing to selling.
This time, I’ll nonetheless take part in podcasts and interviews to debate the ebook, however my most important focus shall be having fun with the method. Making a nationwide bestseller listing is not a aim.
I’ve discovered peace within the mindset of: “If you wish to learn the ebook to enhance your monetary life, incredible! If not, that’s effective too.” This method has labored nicely for Monetary Samurai, the place I keep away from heavy social media or advertising and marketing and write just because I take pleasure in it.
Nevertheless, selling a ebook whereas sustaining a low-key way of life is a contradictory act. Threading this needle shall be a troublesome problem as my writer will need me to be as on the market as potential.
2) Defend my 1:30 PM–3 PM nap window
Few issues deliver me extra pleasure than a correct nap after lunch. Whether or not it’s half-hour or an excellent hour-long snooze, naps recharge me. For them to be really efficient, I would like not less than a 1.5-hour window—this eliminates stress about oversleeping or speeding to go to sleep.
In 2024, I overbooked this time slot with actions like tennis, pickleball, and lengthy lunches. Whereas pleasing, they usually left me squeezing in brief naps after 3:30 PM, which threw off my evenings and bedtime.
Naps enhance my power for the afternoon and night with my youngsters, increase my temper, and improve creativity. Plus, research recommend napping lowers blood strain, reduces coronary heart illness threat, and slows mind getting older. Who wouldn’t need these advantages?
In 2025, except I’ve slept in or it’s an unmissable reunion, my 1:30 PM–3 PM window shall be sacred nap time.
3) Elevate weights not less than as soon as every week for 45 minutes
Energy coaching must develop into a constant a part of my routine. My aim is to elevate weights not less than as soon as every week for 45 minutes, specializing in constructing my shoulders, chest, and again.
Though I’d prefer to elevate two or 3 times every week, I believe I’ll be too drained after classes to completely have interaction with my youngsters or play sports activities. For now, as soon as every week is a manageable start line alongside my common tennis and pickleball schedule. If I succeed, lifting weights 52 occasions in 2025 shall be eight occasions greater than I did in 2024.
4) Be OK with the occasional tardiness
Considered one of my largest pet peeves is being late. It’s disrespectful to the individual ready and sometimes results in pointless stress and hazard, particularly when speeding by site visitors to make up for misplaced time. It will also be a waste of cash if you happen to’re paying for a time-limited exercise or lesson.
I believe this aversion to tardiness is hardwired into me. My father, possible influenced by his army background, was at all times punctual. Throughout my 13 years in finance, internet hosting numerous analyst, administration, and shopper conferences strengthened the behavior—being late was merely not an possibility when so many individuals relied on me. If I ever was late, it felt deeply embarrassing.
Sadly, this obsession with punctuality has prompted some pressure with my spouse. My aim now could be to be extra relaxed about occasional tardiness. I’ll additionally step as much as assist get the youngsters prepared, so we will keep away from speeding as a lot as potential.
As an example, I initially aimed to get the youngsters to high school on time 100% of the yr. I drive 95% of the time so the final mile accountability is on me. This aim mirrors my decade-long obsession with writing three posts every week on Monetary Samurai—a stretch aim that, in hindsight, isn’t essential.
After studying that some households have 20–40 tardies yearly with none penalties, I’ve determined to ease up. Permitting for a late day as soon as a month serves as a wholesome pressure-release valve for all of us. And if we occur to be late a second time in a month, no huge deal!
5) Write shorter, extra lifestyle-focused posts on Monetary Samurai
I tend to dive deep into matters, usually writing posts exceeding 2,000 phrases (this put up is 3,350 phrases). Whereas I take pleasure in being thorough, I acknowledge that spotlight spans are shrinking. Readers admire concise, punchy content material that will get to the purpose. Plus, longer articles take extra time, which works in opposition to my theme for the yr of enjoyable extra.
In 2025, my aim is to write down posts averaging 1,250 phrases. This shift will enable me to ship worth extra shortly whereas nonetheless sustaining my voice. Shorter posts will even be simpler for readers to digest, making the content material extra participating total.
I’m additionally dropping my inflexible dedication to publishing three posts every week. As an alternative, I’ll write each time I would like, to ease the strain I placed on myself.
Particular Monetary Objectives for 2025
Since Monetary Samurai is a private finance web site, let me share three key private finance objectives that align with my want to simplify life.
1) Promote a Rental Property
Earlier than 2023, I promised myself I wouldn’t purchase one other rental property—and technically, I saved that promise. Nevertheless, as a substitute of promoting my earlier dwelling, I selected to hire it out for money stream, dwelling value appreciation, and expectations fee charges would come down. I stay bullish on San Francisco real estate, due to the tech and AI increase producing immense wealth for tens of 1000’s of individuals.
Nevertheless, after a yr of renting out the property, the tenants have given discover, and I’ve determined to not seek for new ones. With the NASDAQ up 30% in 2024, I’m optimistic that the Spring 2025 Bay Space housing market shall be sturdy. Moreover, I’ve seen extra flexibility from actual property brokers providing performance-based fee constructions.
Consequently, I plan to promote this beautiful ocean-view property, which I bought in mid-2020, in 2025. The timing feels proper to simplify my life. Promoting the property additionally offers a possibility to earn as much as $500,000 in tax-free income, as I’ve lived in it for not less than two out of the previous 5 years.
Paradoxically, proudly owning a fourth rental property in San Francisco for a yr was comparatively hassle-free. The one challenge was a kitchen faucet restore—possible brought on by the tenant yanking out the nozzle and breaking the hose. Nonetheless, I had envisioned maintaining this dwelling, which we loved through the pandemic, till my youngsters had been grown.
That dream, nonetheless, doesn’t outweigh the continued property taxes, upkeep prices, and the hassle required to search out tenants. The older I get, the much less I need to handle properties.
2) Reinvest 80% of on-line “humorous cash” into threat belongings
My love affair with actual property began in 2003 after I reinvested 100% of my dot-com bubble positive aspects right into a San Francisco rental. Whereas the primary web bubble popped, my rental’s worth held regular and even grew.
Equally, I view on-line earnings as “funny money” as a result of I’d fortunately write free of charge,. Additional, I’m unsure the earnings will final. This mindset motivates me to reinvest most of this income into belongings that generate passive earnings. I am additionally comfortable take extra threat with this earnings as a result of it would not appear actual, in contrast to my arduous day job earnings in banking.
Nevertheless, I additionally need to take pleasure in life over the following three years. That’s why I plan to allocate 20% of this earnings to cowl the hole between my bills and current passive income. The remaining 80% shall be reinvested.
With some luck and disciplined investing, I hope to hit my goal of a further $80,000 in passive earnings or a further $2 million in investments by December 31, 2027.
3) Make investments $100,000 every in business actual property and AI corporations
I don’t need to rely solely on luck to get me to my objectives. Strategic allocation is essential.
If I efficiently promote my San Francisco rental, I anticipate to web between $1.2M–$1.6M after taxes, commissions, charges, prep work, and mortgage payoff. With these proceeds, I plan to reinvest:
- $100,000 in business actual property: This aligns with the asset class I’m exiting however permits me to diversify into fully passive real estate investments. Industrial actual property has lagged shares since 2023, however traditionally, the 2 asset courses are correlated. I consider it’s due for a rebound.
- $100,000 in non-public AI corporations: I consider within the AI motion and wish publicity to its potential development. My time working at a startup confirmed me how onerous and quick these corporations transfer. Since non-public corporations keep non-public longer now, investing early presents the possibility to seize important upside. The extra I invest in artificial intelligence, the much less concern I’ve for my youngsters’s futures.
With $1M –$1.4M remaining, I’ll possible:
- Allocate a 70% to the S&P 500 and tech shares I’ve held for over a decade. My reasoning: If I’m not keen to promote these holdings, I must be keen to purchase them. Ideally, I’ll make investments after a market dip as soon as the home sale closes.
- Make investments 30% in Treasury bonds, particularly if the 10-year yield stays above 4.5%.
As soon as the sale is finalized, I’ll write an in depth put up on how I plan to allocate the proceeds.
4) Construct My Kids’s Funding Accounts
Investing for my youngsters seems like beginning a brand new sport with the benefit of a long time of expertise and information. Past their UGMA accounts, I need to concentrate on building their Roth IRAs as nicely. Their 529 accounts are at ranges the place I not need to aggressively contribute tot hem.
Since their earnings are minimal, their earnings will fall nicely beneath the usual deduction for 2025, which is $15,000. This implies their earned earnings gained’t be topic to taxes. A sensible earnings goal can be $7,000, matching the Roth IRA contribution restrict for 2025. What a profit to have the ability to contribute tax-free earnings and let it develop tax-free and be withdrawn tax-free.
The aim isn’t simply to assist them earn cash in a tax-efficient means for future monetary safety. Extra importantly, it’s about instilling a sturdy work ethic and instructing them how saving and investing work. These classes will lay the muse for good private finance habits, making them self-sufficient adults. When that day comes, their mom and I can breathe a little bit simpler!
A Return to Simple Dwelling in 2025 For Certain
I’ll flip 48 in June 2025, which is beginning to really feel previous. It’s a very good reminder to decelerate and savor life, particularly now that we’ve “run up the rating” throughout this unimaginable bull market.
My hope is that the great occasions proceed, permitting me to achieve my monetary goal by December 31, 2027, whereas additionally spending and giving extra freely. Nevertheless, even when the market doesn’t cooperate, I plan to remain unemployed. At this stage, making an attempt to offset investment losses with active income feels futile.
I’ve simply 11 and 13 extra years, respectively, till my son and daughter might depart the home doubtlessly for good. I do know this time will fly by, so I’m decided to take advantage of it.
Right here’s to a satisfying and affluent 2025!
Readers, what are a few of your objectives and resolutions for the yr? Be a part of 60,000+ others reaching monetary freedom sooner and join my free weekly e-newsletter here.
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