Recent Developments in Employment Benefits and Financial Workshops for the FIRE Community

Time flies! It’s been two full months since I took over this blog, and so far, I haven’t received any death threats. The feedback I get leans positive, and the engagement from the community has been encouraging. Notably, my employer has extended my contract and even awarded me a modest pay increase.

Looking ahead, I’ve been considering the idea of sharing a detailed overview of my financial accounts and assets, including my IRA and rental property holdings. By providing a "partial net worth" snapshot, I could illustrate my financial progress over time, while excluding some real estate assets and partnerships. This approach would allow readers to follow my journey toward financial independence, even if the growth may appear slow given my limited salary contributions. Would this be beneficial for you?

What’s J. Money Been Up To?!

J. Money plans to post his own updates soon, but here’s a sneak peek of what he’s working on. One exciting project is a curated finance website set to launch in collaboration with the Motley Fool team. This site will feature original video content created by J. Money himself. Stay tuned, as you'll be among the first to know when it goes live!

In the meantime, J. has also opened an online apparel store focused on personal finance, supporting various finance bloggers who advocate for financial independence, retire early (FIRE) principles, and financial literacy. If you’re interested, check out the site at PFSwagger.com.

Elevate Influencer 2020 Conference

For finance professionals and bloggers, the upcoming Elevate Influencer virtual conference could be particularly insightful. This conference focuses on personal finance influencers who communicate directly with People of Color. I plan to attend the opening day on August 13th, which is free for anyone interested, thanks to sponsorship from the Motley Fool. I’m eager to learn more about the unique financial challenges faced by this community and how I can better support them through my blog.

Take Control of Your Finances Course

I've recently enrolled in Alan Donegan’s Take Control of Your Finances course, which is currently being offered at no cost. Alan, known for his work with Popup Business School, has crafted an eight-week beginner-friendly course aimed at enhancing financial independence. Although the course started earlier this month, new participants can still join. Here's a breakdown of the weekly topics:

• Week 1: Net Worth - August 3rd, 8 PM BST
• Week 2: Cashflow - August 10th, 8 PM BST
• Week 3: Money Beliefs - August 17th, 8 PM BST
• Week 4: Debt - August 24th, 8 PM BST
• Week 5: Couples and Family Finance - August 31st, 8 PM BST
• Week 6: Investing - September 7th, 8 PM BST
• Week 7: FIRE Principles - September 14th, 8 PM BST
• Week 8: Planning for the Future - September 21st, 8 PM BST

(Note that 8 PM BST translates to 3 PM EDT in the U.S.) While the course is designed for beginners, revisiting the foundational principles of financial independence can offer valuable perspectives, even to those seasoned in the field—an opportunity I’m taking advantage of!

Life Design Course with Jillian Johnsrud

Currently, I’m participating in a Life Design course hosted by Jillian Johnsrud, who is known for her insightful contributions through the Everyday Courage Podcast. Every interaction with Jillian inspires new reflections and insights about life’s complexities, encompassing finances, relationships, and overall happiness.

Jillian plans to roll out additional courses in the fall, covering topics such as Life Design, Mastering Your Money, and Boundaries. For those interested in personal development, these workshops can represent a worthwhile investment. You can find more details and register at Jillian’s events page.

Job Benefits Offerings

On a personal front, I’ve received some great news—my employer is offering me a long-term contract, complete with employee benefits! This opportunity is quite rare for part-time positions, and I’m grateful for the inclusion of healthcare and a 401(k) plan, two areas of significant interest for anyone aiming for financial security.

Previously, I had no health insurance, which posed a considerable challenge. With the new benefits, I will have access to a healthcare option after a 30-day waiting period—providing time to evaluate what might work best for my family. The most affordable high-deductible health plan is listed at $8,400 annually. While it may not be the cheapest option, it could be more beneficial to go through Covered California, which I plan to explore.

In addition, I meticulously reviewed the 17-page 401(k) brochure and, unusually, called the plan administrator to express my interest. Upon doing so, it became clear that my proactive approach was a bit out of the ordinary since I had yet to officially start my employment! I’ll provide updates on both healthcare and 401(k) options as I navigate this onboarding process.

Wishing everyone a productive week ahead!

– Joel

*Image credit for the typewriter: Markus Winkler.

[This post was originally published by 5am Joel at Budgets Are Sexy]