Review of 2004 La Rioja Alta Rioja Vina Ardanza Reserva
BY Ms. Vine
Thursday May 17, 2018 0 Comments Blog, Lifestyle, Wine Review
As I've mentioned, I occasionally buy wine via online auctions. Most often, I do this to add to our stockpile of anniversary wines. When we open one of these special bottles, I'll write a review to post. I'll do the same for other, non anniversary wines that might otherwise be notable. I bought this 2004... Read More
Ignoring Conventional Wisdom: The Vines buy new cars
BY Ms. Vine
Tuesday May 15, 2018 0 Comments Blog, Lifestyle, Personal Finance
We've added a subscription link to receive an email when there is a new post. If you're viewing the full site (i.e. not mobile), click to the left of our title to see the widgets menu and complete the requested fields. Thanks for reading! Conventional wisdom among the financially savvy says “buy used cars, pay... Read More
Hog Heaven: The Vines order bulk pork
BY Ms. Vine
Sunday May 13, 2018 3 Comments Blog, Cooking, Lifestyle
We decided to take the plunge and ordered a half pork from a local farmer early this year. It has been an incredible--and delicious--experience. One of the primary reasons I wanted pork specifically is that it is much gentler on the environment than beef. Neither of us was raised on pork, so we had concerns... Read More
April 2018 Progress Update
BY Ms. Vine
Wednesday May 2, 2018 0 Comments Personal Finance, Progress Update
In April 2018, our nest egg finished at 33.9% of goal. Our goal is a conservative 33x our current expenses, less a 0% interest car loan that will be paid off in January 2019. This goal anticipates a 3% withdrawal rate, as opposed to the 4% rate cited in the Trinity Study. Our mortgage is... Read More
What advice would I give myself 10 years ago?
BY Ms. Vine
Tuesday May 1, 2018 0 Comments Blog, Lifestyle, Personal Finance
With the benefit of hindsight, what would I tell myself ten years ago? There are many ways to approach an answer. Knowing what I know now, I’ll give Ms. Vine in April 2008 some advice. This is a somewhat silly exercise because many experiences along the way were valuable and shaped the me I would... Read More
Three ways a long layover can improve a vacation
BY Ms. Vine
Thursday April 19, 2018 0 Comments Blog, Travel
A layover that allows a traveler to escape the airport and explore a city can enhance a trip. First, a layover can help fight jet lag. Second, it is the perfect way to preview a city. Third, it might add to your country count! We’ve seen a few cities on layovers to other destinations. How... Read More
Three reasons we hired a financial planner
BY Ms. Vine
Sunday April 15, 2018 0 Comments Blog, Personal Finance
The words “financial advisor” are almost profanity in the FIRE community. I understand why. For years, I believed we were absolutely capable of managing our investment portfolio and getting exactly where we wanted to go without paying someone else. That actually hasn’t changed. We did not hire a financial advising firm in hopes of beating... Read More
Five tips that help economy air travel feel like first class
BY Ms. Vine
Saturday April 14, 2018 0 Comments Blog, Travel
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details. Travel upgrades are one of my favorite things. Our one experience in transatlantic business class was such a delight! But I'm also a travel cheapskate. Even when it comes to points, I choose frequency over luxury. Although first class travel is more... Read More