LifeInRealTerms

ARTICLES

Better questions for real financial decisions.

Worked examples show how income, spending, investments, time and location can change the choices available to you.

INCOME AND SAVING · 6 MIN

Why 10% more income can triple what you save

Your spending-to-income ratio explains why a modest rise in income can produce a much larger rise in saving.

SPENDING AND FREEDOM · 6 MIN

What does a purchase really cost you?

A price is only what leaves your account today. The full cost includes the growth and future freedom that money could otherwise buy.

FOUNDATIONS · 5 MIN

Financial independence is a range, not a finish line

A single retirement date hides uncertainty about markets, spending, taxes and the investments behind the result.

ASSUMPTIONS · 6 MIN

Why returns must account for inflation, fees and taxes

A portfolio’s headline return is not the increase in purchasing power that the investor can keep.

WORK · 5 MIN

What does your job really pay per hour?

Net pay, job costs and every hour the job requires can change the apparent value of work.

GEOGRAPHY · 6 MIN

Would moving country improve your financial future?

A useful country comparison includes the full household budget, transition costs and investment tax.

INVESTING · 6 MIN

Why a world stock index fund is hard to beat for passive investing

Broad world shares combine passive ownership, daily liquidity and diversification in a way few alternatives match.