We got partially scammed in Bangkok, spent Christmas with fellow retirees, and learned our biggest lesson of the year. Here’s what we’re taking into 2026.
We’ve been in Bangkok for a bit now — long enough to move around, settle in, and even learn a lesson the hard way. At some point along the way, we managed to get partially scammed. Nothing dramatic, just one of those moments where you laugh, shake your head, and add it to the long list of travel stories.
We spent Christmas with a small group of fellow early retirees, sharing meals, stories, and conversations about how life changes once work is no longer the center of everything. It was a good reminder that this chapter doesn’t happen all at once — it’s something many people move toward, one step at a time.
As the year comes to an end, we’re grateful. Grateful for the journey so far, grateful for the people we’ve met along the way, and grateful for the chance to keep learning.
The biggest lesson we’re taking into 2026
At the start of the year, we thought we had a solid plan. We knew where we wanted to go, how much we wanted to spend, and what we thought the year would look like. But as the months passed, things changed. Some plans worked. Others didn’t. And more than once, we had to stop, reassess, and adjust.
The biggest lesson: a flexible plan is better than a perfect one. When we gave ourselves room to adapt, the stress dropped and the journey felt more sustainable.
If you’re planning for the year ahead, start simple — and leave space to adjust. Small changes along the way can make a big difference.
How are your investments actually doing?
As the year comes to an end, a lot of people start asking a simple question: how are my investments actually doing?
One of the most downloaded tools we’ve shared is the Investment Portfolio Tracker. It helps you see everything in one place — dividends, ETFs, and growth investments — without jumping between apps or spreadsheets.
- Track dividends and investment income in one place
- See how your portfolio is growing over time
- Compare passive income with total growth
- Get a clearer picture of diversification
If you’re heading into the new year wanting clarity instead of complexity, this is a good place to start.