Sunshine and Pearls

The world has changed.  In many ways, today, people are no longer focused on creating an abundance of financial wealth through working in an office, all hours, for all but a few weeks a year – where there only respite is planning a summer vacation.  Today, people are more focused on having an emotionally rich and abundant life where they have the freedom to be, have and do all the things they desire.

Money is, of course, a vital component of freedom but people today are mostly into the notion of living life on their terms rather than a hamster on a wheel, trapped in the rat race, where they make plenty of money but in the process sacrifice the best years of their life.

Today, there’s much emphasis on something known as a “freedom lifestyle” where the idea of mini retirements (first introduced by Tim Ferriss in The Four Hour Work Week) are promoted as a better way to squeeze the most out of life than working all your life then retiring.

Indeed, people today want the freedom to enjoy the spontaneity of jumping on a flight and staying in the Zurich Marriott Hotel for a few nights, or hopping on a cruise for a couple of weeks, just because they fancy it.

See, in the “old world”, it was only at the point of retirement people would start having the time freedom to enjoy their life on their terms and pursue their plans to travel the world.  In the “new world”, however, people are embracing the idea of having mini retirements throughout one’s life, whilst they’re still young and in their prime.

This article therefore encourages you to make the most of your time on earth, particularly when you are young, and consider the possibility of taking a mini retirement in order to squeeze the most out of life; so that you are working to live rather than living just to work.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A MINI RETIREMENT?

A mini retirement recognises the fact life is unpredictable and that taking some time out, now, whilst you’re still young is a great way to live a more rich and fulfilled life.

A mini retirement could, in some ways, be viewed as a gap year – the difference however, is that most people aim to put mechanisms in place to still earn money; whether this is through setting up a blog, creating an automated online business, or doing freelance work; where they earn in a strong currency such as the US dollar but live somewhere that offers a higher standard of living – meaning you get more bang for your buck.

For instance, did you know that you could rent a beautiful four bedroom house right on the ocean, with pristine water, freshly picked fruit, the most succulent seafood, and an entire staff of cleaners, cooks and drivers in a country like the Philippines or Thailand for way less than a small apartment in some parts of California!!

In summary, it’s less about making tons of money; it’s about squeezing the most out of the money you have in order to squeeze the most out of life.

If you want to go on vacation this summer, then you best start planning on how you’re going to do that now so you have enough time to save up!

Here are some of the best ideas to be able to get away somewhere nice this year.

Create a budget

First, you will want to have a general idea as to how much money you will need for your holiday. This means creating a budget. Work out (around about) the cost of the transport, the accommodation, the meals, the activities, the spending money, and an emergency fund just in case something happens. By doing this, you can work out how much you’ll need for the overall vacation.

Take out a loan

If you’re struggling with money and think that borrowing some is the best route to go down, then you may want to take out a personal loan. One way that you can be sure of keeping out of debt when taking out a loan is by getting yourself a cosigner. This is someone that you trust, usually with a good credit score, that is willing to pay off your debt if you become unable to. So consider looking at some personal loans with cosigner online to get a better idea as to whether it’s something you think works for you.

Have a clear out

If you have a spare room, an attic, or a basement that is full of things you no longer use, rather than being sentimental and keeping it all even though you never look at it – sell it! There are plenty of different ways you can do this, whether you go online and use sites like eBay, Amazon, or even your own personal social media account. Or word of mouth which is effective in itself as long as you have a big enough social circle. Depending on how much stuff you have and how many things are of value, will determine the outcome. But even a few extra bucks is better than nothing.

An extra income

If you are able to, why not think about taking on an extra job to bring in more money. This works well because any income you are getting can be put directly into a separate ”holiday” account, and not be touched or even looked at until it’s time to book the holiday. You can find a job that’s flexible and fits in with your everyday routine. So maybe something that requires a bit of evening work during the weekday, or putting in a few hours on the weekend. It may not be the fanciest of jobs, but if you’re capable of doing it then why not? – Think of the bigger picture.

So as you can see, there are many different options out there. If anything, you can put all of them into action. Some people are lucky enough to put money down straight away and jet off somewhere exotic – but a lot of us have to do a little more before that day comes. So keep your eyes on the prize – it’ll all be worth it once you’re sipping cocktails on the beach.

Ellie Kemper

ML Monique Lhuillier Navy Tulle To Lace Gown – $50.00
from: Rent The Runway

Thandie Newton

Marchesa Notte Eden Gown – $130.00
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Gillian Anderson

Halston Heritage Dahlia Cape Gown – $70.00
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Nicole Kidman

allison parris Red Dark Charm Gown – $95.00
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Laverne Cox

Halston Heritage Antique Silver Lucy Gown – $55.00
from: Rent The Runway

Jane Fonda

Badgley Mischka Red Forbidden Territory Gown – $80.00
from: Rent The Runway

Issa Rae

Carmen Marc Valvo All Eyes On You Gown – $105.00
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Millie Bobby Brown

allison parris Sugar Coat Dress – $70.00
from: Rent The Runway