If you're new here, this blog will give you the tools to become financially independent in 5 years. Here is how I did it and here is how I currently do it. The method is robust and replicable (no need to win the lottery, start a blogging business, or win at real estate), but not easy; much in the same way that a diet results in weight loss but is hard to follow persistently unless you set your mind to it. The key is to save 75%+ of your net income and invest it in income producing assets (bonds and dividend stocks). There is a "21 day" step-by-step plan for how to get to 75% in the left side bar. I try not to be too trite, so if I cover a topic, you will probably not see it again for a very long time, thus you may want to read the older posts here and here. Also, check out my answers to frequently asked questions and while you're at it, don't forget to subscribe to the blog via google or RSS.

Since I started commuting I have put in 3800 miles. For those fitness nuts out there that is 171,000 kcal (figure 20mph corresponding to 900 kcal/hour) or the equivalent of 40 pounds of fat or about half a pound a week. How is that for weight loss? (*) No wonder I eat like a horse to stay at a constant weight. Horses eat oatmeal, right?

(*) Yes, you can get in shape, lose fat, and save on gas while not paying a dime all at the same time. Why not try it?

However, those miles are starting to take a toll on the equipment. First it was the pants! Today I noticed that my rear tire was starting to look frazzled. Rear tires tend to wear out three times as fast as front tires. Besides, I have not been keeping my tires fully inflated lately (stupid me). Now my old (very old) self would have considered this an excellent excuse to go and buy some new tires and discard the worn ones. However, this goes against the maximum use philosophy. There is still plenty of life in the front tire and the rear tire still hangs together, so I simply switched them around. At the same time I cleaned the bike and the drive train. It is almost like getting a new bike.

Now I have to go and cook dinner and then later work on the “secret project”. Today is a busy day.