At 53 years old, the best is yet to come

No birthday party for me this year

Birthday party at the park My birthday was on May 25th (two weeks ago).

Usually, I have a big party with friends. This year, due to Covid-19, I didn’t have a party. I promise to myself and to my friends that as soon as the risk of Covid-19 disappears, we will have a party.

How I built my savings

I created a dance school

As a newly landed immigrant, I worked my butt off. I created a dance school where I used to work 10 hours per day 7 days a week for 6 years. I saved enough to create a solid foundation for my retirement.

I Airbnb my way into real estate

I heard about Airbnb right from the beginning. Without much knowledge about real estate, I bought one condo, then another, and finally one more. I rode the Airbnb wave until it became too competitive and my revenues were not as attractive as at the beginning. I sold most of my properties while the market was still high. This Airbnb venture also added additional padding into my retirement.

My journey into photography

About 4 years ago, I started a photography business. This business has never been a moneymaker for me, but it has allowed me to nourish the artist in me. It has paid for my bills and It has allowed me to live with little responsibilities.

The Alain Guillot Podcast and blogging

In an effort to grow as a person, and with the personal ambition to speak to people who inspire me, I started my podcast almost 3 years ago. I admit it. In the back of my mind, I also had the hope of making a bit of money along the way. And I have. I make some money with sponsored posts on my website.

I am poor but I live like a king

Now, I am in the second half of my life ( assuming I live until 100). During my previous years in Canada, I have always been a saver. Little by little I built a nest egg that allows me to live with more security.

I am also a frugal person. I don’t care about fashion, I don’t care about cars, I don’t care about fancy restaurants. The one thing I care about is about having plenty of leisure time.

My monthly expenses are about $1,500 per month. At that low level, I don’t have to work much to make a living.

If I value my time at $20/hour. I only have to work 75 hours per month to make a living. That’s 18.75 hours per week.

For the past two years. I have been working about 25 hours per week. This allows me to live and to continue saving for retirement.

I am declaring myself Financially Independent starting January 1st

If the stock market doesn’t drop from here to January 2021, I will have saved enough to declare myself financially independent.

Yes, I will continue working, but the priority will not be making money, the priority will be on feeling fulfilled.

The best is yet to come

What will I do with all that leisure time?

Blogging and podcasting

I will continue producing my podcast. I get so much from having conversations with amazing people.

Yes, I will continue accepting money from advertisers to sponsor the podcast and/or the blog.

Public speaking

I will continue participating in Toastmasters meetings, learning how to speak in public. If I have the opportunity to speak in front of a bigger audience, I will take that opportunity. If I get paid, even better.

Other hobbies or learning opportunities

I am thinking about taking writing classes, acting classes, improv comedy, and traveling more.

Conclusion

I am in the second half of my life, but I have this strong feeling that the best is yet to come. I hope you continue joining me on my journey.

Connect with me

I would love it if you connect with me via social. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.