Origin Story

I have claimed before that I don’t have an adequate origin story. This is not exactly true. The winding path that lead me to the financial independence blogosphere is neither winding nor a path per se. It was a chance encounter with a giant in our community. It was unexpected, it was random, and it changed my life.

Although I was well on the path to financial independence on my own, my encounter with this visionary helped me consolidate a thousand disparate ideas and notions about managing my money. If I hadn’t met him, DiverseFi would not likely exist. My assets would still be managed by my financial advisor, and I would have missed out on all the knowledge and collegiality that I enjoy today.

It All Started With A Simple Request

It was the dead of winter, 2014, and I was packing up my computer to leave the office. As I climbed into my winter jacket, my personal assistant stepped into the doorway.

Some guy left a message about reading his book. He wants you to put up a review on your blog.

The medical blog I was writing at the time, had been around since 2008, and had a moderately successful number of viewings per day. Being that I had just finished my own book (a compilation of previous blog posts), I was feeling quite amiable towards the request, and gave my assistant the consent to have the book sent over to the office.

The manuscript was about personal finance. It was 160 pages and well-organized, clearly written, and packed full of great actionable information. It was the beginning of my origin story.

The White Coat Investor

The guy was Jim Dahle. After reading his book, I sprinted through many years of blog posts in just one night. It was like suddenly the veil of confusion was torn from my face.

How to invest
The why of insurance
Living like a resident
Retirement savings
Budgeting

It was all there. He laid out confusing topics in a clear and concise manner.

The book and the blog are must reads for high income professionals as well as your average Joe.

There is just so much great information there.

Spread My Wings

It was only a matter of time before I found Physician on Fire, Mr. Money Mustache, Retire by 40, Mr. Tako Escapes, and the list goes on. It was not only that I was fascinated by all the great content, It actually spurred me into action.

My life is radically different now. No, I have not quit work. The fact is, I enjoy work all the more. Since discovering this great community, I have had the courage to cut out all the parts of my job that I don’t enjoy. I am now captain of my own financial ship and fired my financial advisor.

And of course, I started this blog. This wonderful, frightening, maddening, awesome creation that I am thinking about all the time. After 10 years of writing about medicine, it was time to fill my cup with something else. Something important.

Although you may still see some medicine peek through, I figure there is at least 10 more years of writing financial content to come!

So If you like this blog, and I sure hope you do, head over to The White Coat Investor and tell Jim I said thanks!