Whenever I'm sick of my PhD (which is always), I think about what I'm gonna do when it's over. All of the free time and fewer worries, what a luxury that will be! I have lots and lots of plans and dreams.
One of my main goals when I have free time is identify and take action on my main Rich Life focuses (foci?). No better time than now to figure out what those should be...
Financially, my biggest pain points (other than buying a house, which has been taken off of the table for the near future for many reasons) are:
- I'm pretty worried about the low value of my investments with respect to retirement. I've previously explained that I can't really legally invest without incurring wild tax bills and having to fill out complicated tax forms requiring hiring a tax accountant for thousands of dollars a year. But I do have a few options, one of which is to invest in non-dividend paying stocks in the US up to $50K NZD cost basis. I can invest about $30K NZD more before hitting that threshold, so I'll immediately concentrate on doing that. I have $60K in savings for a house down payment fund that is just sitting there with no real purpose or home. It's going to be annoying because of the NZD-USD conversion rate, but I guess I don't have much of a choice if I want to remove worries about my taxes.
- Sigh. Speaking of, I need to hire a tax accountant and financial planner to see what the damage is. I will probably have to pay tons of money to learn how I've screwed up my returns (both US and NZ) so far. Then I'll get advice about how to handle everything going forward, and likely have to pay fines and back taxes. Craigs NZ apparently offers US domiciled individual stocks to invest in within my Kiwisaver that will save me from having to pay an accountant large sums of money every year in the future. Saving up ~$5K to hire someone and make a decent dent in the fines is my next financial goal. This task - hiring a tax accountant and financial advisor - is probably the first thing I should do before making any big financial moves, including moving money to the US (described in #1).
- I need to update my will and trust documents based on the financial planner's advice. How do financials work across borders?! I have no idea, but I should really figure it out.
Outside of the financial realm, my biggest worries are around my health. I am currently saving up $10K to spend on medical expenses post-PhD. This could be used towards:
- gym membership at a gym I actually look forward to going to
- premium and specialty work out classes: tennis, pilates, SUP rentals, fun one-off classes for sports I've been meaning to try
- trainer fees
- dermatology appointments: mole checks and removals, create a skincare regimen
- dentist appointments and surgeries (I may need this soon if my gums don't stop receding!)
- medical appointments
- psychiatry and psychology appointments to treat my ADHD
- therapy
- nutritionist hire
- optometry appointments (check ups, new glasses, treatment for dry eyes and convergence insufficiency, LASIK to treat far-sightedness?)
- mammogram (I've been putting it off! BAD)
- nose job to fix sinus issues (and do some cosmetic stuff, why not)
- shingles vax
- physio appointments to treat my posture, back, ankle, shoulders, neck, etc.
- medical insurance
Other than the medical and tax planner funds, I feel like I've saved up for all of my short- and medium-term goals. Once those are filled, any "extra" money can go towards investments or increasing my standard of living.
I've been thinking a lot and if anything, my quality of life has shrunk instead of inflated since moving to NZ. My income has decreased as costs of living have inflated, meaning I both earn less and can buy less with the income I do receive now as compared to 2008.
The key to lifestyle inflation, I think, is to do it very carefully and mindfully. What do I value most? Where would my money make the most difference to the enjoyment of my life?
In rough priority order, having these are important to me:
- my own large furnished bedroom in a spacious, sunny, quiet, peaceful, affordable home with outside/garden access, bonus if the bedroom has a window and the apartment has nice views and huge bonuses if the complex has a spa, outside pool, and tennis court
- easy, affordable access to car (Mevo, Cityhop)
- a gym membership w/ premium classes, bonus if it is a luxury gym with spa pool and outside pool
- access to full health check ups and appointments with doctors who listen and care
- access to healthy, delicious food (emphasize local, organic, unprocessed) and a satisfying meal rotation
- plenty of opportunities for social activities, art, music, and athletic classes and events with friends
- a place to dance with friends (NOT a club)
- the time and funds to travel - esp more frequent local trips (around NZ, Aus, South Pacific islands)
- ability to go hiking and spend time outside with friends - paddleboarding, beach
- a free "third place" to hang out: library? work out classes? park? museum? where could this be in NZ?
- satisfaction with my appearance and social attitude: wardrobe, hairstyle, makeup, posture, demeanor
- digital security: computer back ups, VPN, security, and media update - music, movies, tv. could get a firestick and/or projector?
- a comfortable home office: could upgrade my desk, chair, monitors
- up to date phone and laptop: I have funds to upgrade these post-PhD
- clean air: could get an air purifyer?
- a clean house: could hire a periodic deep cleaning maid service
I could probably think of more, but I think that's enough for now! I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to finally be able to do these things.
