Personal Strategies for Saving and Growing Your Finances

Carter W.
2 min readMar 26, 2024

Money is an undeniable driving force in our lives, shaping our decisions from an early age. Whether it’s earning, saving, or spending, financial matters are deeply ingrained in our American consciousness. As someone who retired at 38 and transitioned into a fulfilling life on a farm, I’ve learned a thing or two about managing finances effectively. Here are some strategies I’ve employed to save and invest wisely:

Taking Charge of Household Cleaning: Instead of hiring cleaners, I take pride in maintaining my own home. Not only does it save money, but it also gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Investing in Low-Cost Mutual Funds: Following the footsteps of successful investors like Warren Buffett, I’ve found success in low-cost mutual funds such as VOO, QQQ, MOAT, and FXAIX. These investments have yielded significant returns over time.

Harnessing the Power of Compound Interest: With interest rates averaging around 4–5%, I actively seek out high-yield savings options like Apple Savings, currently offering 4.50% interest. It’s a simple yet effective way to grow savings effortlessly.

Automated Investing with Acorns: Utilizing apps like Acorns, I automate my investments by rounding up spare change from credit card purchases. It’s an excellent tool for both personal finance management and introducing younger generations to investing.

Strategic Use of Credit Cards: By using credit cards for purchases and promptly paying…

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Carter W.

I retired at 38, divorced at 41, and have been searching for self-fulfillment since. I have two incredible kids, a great running dog, and one awesome girlfriend