Happy 3rd Birthday, EyesOnTheGoal blog!
Happy 3 Years of the Financial Independence (FI) in 5years Goal!
Happy 8th Year living in Berlin, Germany!
Gimme numbers
Net Worth
The upwards curve talks about itself. I’ve continued with the automated savings plan which buys ETFs for me every month.
Asset Allocation
For the first time in my investment history, I put the numbers together and I got the idea what my asset allocation is. As I suspected, the stock market and especially my DAX investment is taking a big part.
I started putting some money into P2P investing as a way to diversify.
- Stock Market: 55.6%
- Cash: 22.4%
- Real Estate: 20.6%
- P2P: 1.3%
- Crypto: 0.2%
Numbers since FI Goal start (3years)
– 79% net worth growth
– 48% saving rate*
Numbers all times (since 2015, 4years)
– 190% net worth growth
– 49% saving rate*
– 44% stock investment growth
*measured with the Toshl app – a great tool to keep everything in place.
What was great this year
So many things to be grateful for! Here they are in no particular order:
Work-life balance
First of all, I completed the Camino de Santiago, the epic 850km trail I started in 2017, continued in 2018 and I completed on my birthday in April 2019.
After that, I took another (mini) sabbatical – 2 months between jobs (July and August). I swear summer is the best time to take time off. I used the time to level up my German language skills and to visit my family in Bulgaria.
New job
I started a new job in September after 7+ years in my old company. This was a big change, but it was long due. I am super energized and interested in the new domain, new environment and in the overall company strategy. I love the hands-on, get-it-done culture of the new company.
I’m working now full-time again, so my income is at 100%. However, I don’t have so much brain space left for the blog and other creative endeavours.
Community
I attended the game-changing Financial Independence Conference FIWE in Budapest. The numerous European-based FIRE people shared an inspiration, resources and impulses to explore furthermore.
As a result, even after the conference, I am part of a couple of mastermind groups with other members of the community and this helps me keep my eyes on the goal!
Creative life
In terms of my goal of living a life I don’t need a vacation from, I reminded myself of one crucial element – Creativity. I can live this ideal life even if I haven’t reached FI, only if I sprinkle in small creative explosions. One of them is this blog.
This year I discovered another creative outlet – public speaking at Toastmasters International. Giving speeches and taking an active part in the organisation of the club as a Sergeant of Arms gives me this extra thrill that I miss in everyday life. Check out here my first speeches:
- Toastmasters Icebreaker Speech: The Universe Has Your Back
- Toastmasters Speech 2: Ready, Steady, FIRE!
- Toastmasters Speech 3: He Broke Me Into Pieces
Finances
There were no big expenses this year. The stock market is going up, and my net worth as well. Additionally, it takes me almost no time to invest and track because of the automatic saving and investing plan I’ve set up.
I had a realization that I’m heavily invested in the German stock index DAX, so I’ve been doing some research on Gold/Silver and P2P lending. As a result, I started to transfer some of my investments in P2P – more on that in future posts.
Personal growth
I had 2 cycles with an amazing consciousness coach which opened new exciting horizons. I am a big fan of coaching – everyone should work with a personal coach – it’s empowering beyond measures.
What is (still) to improve
Still, my main income comes from employment. I do get dividends from my investments but they’re reinvested so I don’t count them as an income.
I’m heavily invested in DAX, I need to finalize my diversification strategy.
I do need to create more time for side projects. Going back to full-time work on one side increased my income, but on the other side is taking up a lot of my time and energy.
Conclusion
88 posts down the road, I am still standing and although I haven’t been writing a whole lot, I have my eyes steadily on the goal(s):
Goal N1
Early retirement means having my basic monthly expenses of €1000 covered for the rest of my life.
I am a bit behind on Goal 1 – achieving financial independence with 1000Eur passive income a month. I’m at 57% of my goal (projected milestone end of Year 3 – 60%).
Goal N2
I am waaaay ahead on Goal 2 – creating a life I don’t need a vacation from.
My 5-year goal is to design a life I don’t need a vacation from, to feel fulfillment and enthusiasm every day, to let my creativity flow, to be in touch with nature and to be part of a bigger purpose.
I’m not tortured by the desperate desire to find purpose and meaningful life. I experience flow in my daily activities much more often. I keep a healthy sports routine, and I’m much more chilled about travelling as a way to ‘escape everyday reality’ (good for the climate, as well 😉
Additionally, I know myself and my goals much better so I can continue the journey in the next 2 years and beyond.
Upwards and onwards!
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Head photo by Amy Shamblen on Unsplash
