2014

2014 was certainly a year of changes for me.  My job changed from a drudge to a delight, as I shifted from teaching junior high school to high school.  The GF and I visited Dubai, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and South Korea, all for the first time ever.  We made a major life decision to move back to the USA, and leave the teaching industry.  And, we started, and continue to, decompress our lives, only hanging onto things we really need.

In the midst of all of this I'm still marching towards FI.  The funny thing is, I don't really think about it much anymore.  Saving and investing are just natural reactions to me now.

Having said that, and now that the Kechi One's fiscal year (January 15-January 14) is over I can report that I saved 49% of my income from 2014!  This is shy of my goal which was at least 50%, and I'd have been happier with 55%, but again this was with taking trips, eating out, giving presents, etc.

My portfolio is now fluctuates around $80,000 and puts out over $2,000 a year in dividends.  I've got a ways to go, but I'd say I've made huge strides.  I started investing in 2012, and in three years I feel I've built a solid foundation to spring forward from.

I haven't invested in any new positions since November, as I'm saving my money for the move coming up in March/April.  Depending on the job situation, I'm not sure if I'll be able to initiate anything new till June or July.  I'm very excited for the future and can't wait to make more progress in 2015.

I hope you all had a great 2014, and best of luck in 2015!