Written By Paula Pant
Greetings from Rio de Janeiro!
I’m writing this from an apartment in Brazil, where I’m in the middle of a whirlwind 10-day trip with around a half-dozen friends. I’d love it if you follow the adventure on Instagram.
Today on Afford Anything, though, I want to share a reader story I find inspiring:
Neal […]
Written By Paula Pant
“I only earn enough to make the minimum payment on my loans.”
“My boss doesn’t pay me enough, so I can’t save a dime.”
“I’d love to quit my job, but I don’t think that’s realistic.”
The Naysayer Brigade makes statements like the examples above — statements that give power to their bosses and the economy, […]
Written By Paula Pant
This article is Part 4 of The Airbnb Series. Before you read this, check out Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
Almost one year ago, I took the crazy leap into becoming an Airbnb and VRBO host.
Since then, I’ve earned $28,268.35. I’ve met some fascinating people from around this world. And yes, I […]
Written By Paula Pant
Five years ago, a Canadian woman named Sarah embarked on a series of life-changing steps.
She moved 215 miles away from her hometown. She returned to college (after initially failing a few courses) to finish her degree. After graduation, she landed a cushy job with a pension and plenty of benefits. She got engaged. They bought a house.
[…]
Written By Paula Pant
This recent reader email struck a chord:
I’m a software engineer trying to plan my plunge [into freedom]. I’m young, so I figured I would grind it out, save a lot, and retire early.
But after a health scare, I realize mini-retirements might trump early retirements, and I want to […]
Written By Paula Pant
This article is Part 3 of The Airbnb Series. Before you read this, check out Part 1 and Part 2, and when you’re done, visit Part 4.
Well, it’s happened.
Eight crazy months, 42 guests, one police incident, and $19,000 in gross income.
I’ve packaged the adventures, ideas and full disclosure of the numbers […]
Written By Paula Pant
This article is Part 2 of The Airbnb Series. Start by reading Part 1 here, and when you’re done, visit Part 3 and Part 4.
Three months ago, I launched The AirBnb Experiment.
I’m trying to satisfy a long-held curiosity: How much more (or less) could I earn by running an Airbnb vacation rental, as compared […]
Written By Paula Pant
What’s the purpose of money?
That’s not a rhetorical question. I’m inviting you to sit with this question for a moment. Ponder it. Pray / meditate / reflect on it.
Why do you want to create wealth on your life? What’s the ultimate purpose?
I’ve thought about this on a near-daily basis for the […]
Written By Paula Pant
This article is Part 1 of The Airbnb Series. When you’re done, check out Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.
“I wonder if …”
The greatest adventures of my life usually begin with that phrase.
When I say “greatest,” I don’t necessarily mean “best.” Sometimes I mean “weirdest-smelling” or “insanely-profitable” or “almost-gave-me-malaria.”
“I […]
Written By Paula Pant
At first glance, Forest doesn’t seem to fit the profile of a successful entrepreneur and world traveler.
He grew up in a working-class neighborhood. He dropped out of school at age 16. He endured a tragedy in his early 20’s.
But our early life doesn’t determine our future. Forest is living proof.
He’s been […]
