I spent a month in the Dominican Republic to think about life, work, and what true wealth means, and I realized that friends, family, and giving back matter far more than saving taxes or chasing money. This trip helped me reset my priorities, and I now want to live with more balance, focus on what truly makes me happy, and keep building Compounding Quality with intention for many years to come.
You are very fortunate (and richer) for having gained such wisdom at a young age Pieter. I believe it takes many years for others to reach the same/similar conclusions, if indeed they are lucky enough to figure it out at all! Well done.
Congratulations on your inner look and finding real purpose with life. Love and knowing Enough is an excellent start on you new journey in this life. God Bless!
And thanks for sharing your investment knowledge as well!
You are fortunate to see now at 29 what many and most people see at 49. Consider yourself ahead of the curve!
I recently visited several islands in the Caribbean during a cruise with my wife. Like you, I saw and swam in the warm waters, lounged on the beautiful beaches, and drank the freshest of coconut water. It sounds like paradise ... and, in a way it is. There is a dark side though. Imagine you suddenly pass away while visiting or if you suddenly disappear. Will anyone notice? Will anyone care? You are a stranger in a strange world. I would day say you are nobody over there.
Is it worth moving to a strange land to be a nobody so you can save on taxes?
The Caribbean islands have a halo around them as vacation spots because of their natural beauty. It's easy for many people to develop a fantasy life in their heads that combines the best of their current life with the best the islands have to offer. Wouldn't it be great to move in with your euros or dollars and live like royalty on a tropical island? What many people don't consider is the price of that life. The roads and infrastructure are beat up. There is not the same food security, Hurricanes and storms roar through the islands every year. You'll stand out as a foreigner and you may never fully speak the native languages.
Is it worth moving to paradise where you will never really fit in so you can save on taxes?
These ideas are amplified when you have your own family. After holding your children in your arms and looking into their eyes, you realize that nothing else but them matters. No paradise or vacation or adventure can hold a candle up to your family. Then you understand your real motivation. It's them!
Why will you suffer through long work hours and heads? You do it for your children.
Why will you do what you don't want to do? You do it for your children.
What I mean by that is you will pour your life energy into your work to build a foundation of security and safety for your family. You want your family to wake up every day with a secure roof over their head, in a warm bed, with comfortable clothes in the closet, and nutritious food in the kitchen.
So, move? To the Caribbean? Where I don't know anyone and nobody knows me? Where my family isn't? Where I can't provide value to those I care about?
No thanks.
It's a great place to visit but home is home ... and that is where I belong.
Likewise, I'm sure there are many in the Caribbean that will look at America, Europe, Australia and say the same things about those areas. No problem. I totally understand! Your home is the Caribbean where you have your loved ones and your life.
Parting thought ... this question came to be from an interview Morgan Housel did on "Animal Spirits" a little while ago. Ask yourself this question.
"What is the ultimate trophy you could have that represents everything you had to overcome in your life?"
That trophy will be different for everyone. For someone it could be a Ferrari because they had to overcome extreme poverty. Another person may claim a full pantry of food because they grew up with hunger. Someone else may say it's a business they started because they were broke and unemployed.
Whatever it is for you, whenever you discover it, you should pursue it. Everything else will be a distraction.
Family,health,and helping others is key to a life of meaning. Having a sense of your deep spiritual essence is also key. Financial success simply gives you one of the tools to accomplish this. A famous book shared that if you gained every material thing available in the world, but lost your soul, what have you accomplished. Poor Charlie was right. PS Charlie’s Almanac is an excellent read ! Hats off to you Pieter.
A lesson we are told over and over again in martial arts class by our Instructor. Important message as we navigate the challenges of life. There are many ways to give back and help others. Find your path. Thank you for sharing.
Pieter, the realizations you gained during your time away are true and enduring. Thank you for sharing in such an open and honest way. As you stated, the perspectives you came away with will enrich not only your life and lives of your spouse and family members, but all of us Partners. I wish you continued success - in all areas of life - and will stay with you as one small part of your subscriber/Partner base.
Pieter, I’m happy that you discovered what’s important. We lived abroad for 20 years, and it was life changing. Moving back to our home country was/ is very strange. We were 20+ years older than you when we left our country, and had an enriching, life changing experience which included learning Spanish. Not for everybody, but the return because of the pandemic didn’t leave us feeling at home. We retired in our early 50’s from corporate jobs, so our experience was very different, of course. Having your own company is vastly different than a corporation. Just saying our experience was an adventure that allowed us to retire early, and enjoy a far better quality of life. There may come a time when you’re ready for a change. A month is more like a vacation, that provides a taste perhaps, but not a full immersion into another culture plus, learning a new language. It was very rewarding, we miss our adopted home, friends, and speaking Spanish.
We appreciate your work, and yes finding joy seems to be the most important thing, so try to make it a priority!
Thoughtful and poignant relection, Pieter! We all run in life, often not knowing the destination, or what it entails. Speaking of Charlie, he would be proud of the clarity of thought in this post. Every Daily Journal meeting, he would dutifully remind us, "take a simple idea but take it seriously" as you have done here.
They say, "Wisdom is wasted on the old, and youth is wasted on the young," but you are challenging that with your wisdom at such a young age.. Kudos!
Thoughtful, intentional, and conscious, your post. Not everyone who grows old, grows wisdom. But everyone who agrees, matures. I applaud 👏your creating time and space to meditate, to reflect on balance, a meaningful life, and your path, Pieter. Thank you for sharing your reflections .... your courage, and your vulnerability. I echo the sentiments of many who have already posted, and deeply appreciate all you've invested of your skills, and self, on our behalf. Wishing you peace, and joy..... 😊 🤗
You are very fortunate (and richer) for having gained such wisdom at a young age Pieter. I believe it takes many years for others to reach the same/similar conclusions, if indeed they are lucky enough to figure it out at all! Well done.
Dear Aidan,
Touching words. I appreciate it!
Beautiful. You’re indeed fortunate to have gained this much wisdom at such a young age!
I appreciate it, Jody! Let's keep compounding together!
Congratulations on your inner look and finding real purpose with life. Love and knowing Enough is an excellent start on you new journey in this life. God Bless!
And thanks for sharing your investment knowledge as well!
I appreciate it, Todd.
The best is yet to come!
Wise Words Pieter
Bedankt, Julian!
Pieter,
You are fortunate to see now at 29 what many and most people see at 49. Consider yourself ahead of the curve!
I recently visited several islands in the Caribbean during a cruise with my wife. Like you, I saw and swam in the warm waters, lounged on the beautiful beaches, and drank the freshest of coconut water. It sounds like paradise ... and, in a way it is. There is a dark side though. Imagine you suddenly pass away while visiting or if you suddenly disappear. Will anyone notice? Will anyone care? You are a stranger in a strange world. I would day say you are nobody over there.
Is it worth moving to a strange land to be a nobody so you can save on taxes?
The Caribbean islands have a halo around them as vacation spots because of their natural beauty. It's easy for many people to develop a fantasy life in their heads that combines the best of their current life with the best the islands have to offer. Wouldn't it be great to move in with your euros or dollars and live like royalty on a tropical island? What many people don't consider is the price of that life. The roads and infrastructure are beat up. There is not the same food security, Hurricanes and storms roar through the islands every year. You'll stand out as a foreigner and you may never fully speak the native languages.
Is it worth moving to paradise where you will never really fit in so you can save on taxes?
These ideas are amplified when you have your own family. After holding your children in your arms and looking into their eyes, you realize that nothing else but them matters. No paradise or vacation or adventure can hold a candle up to your family. Then you understand your real motivation. It's them!
Why will you suffer through long work hours and heads? You do it for your children.
Why will you do what you don't want to do? You do it for your children.
What I mean by that is you will pour your life energy into your work to build a foundation of security and safety for your family. You want your family to wake up every day with a secure roof over their head, in a warm bed, with comfortable clothes in the closet, and nutritious food in the kitchen.
So, move? To the Caribbean? Where I don't know anyone and nobody knows me? Where my family isn't? Where I can't provide value to those I care about?
No thanks.
It's a great place to visit but home is home ... and that is where I belong.
Likewise, I'm sure there are many in the Caribbean that will look at America, Europe, Australia and say the same things about those areas. No problem. I totally understand! Your home is the Caribbean where you have your loved ones and your life.
Parting thought ... this question came to be from an interview Morgan Housel did on "Animal Spirits" a little while ago. Ask yourself this question.
"What is the ultimate trophy you could have that represents everything you had to overcome in your life?"
That trophy will be different for everyone. For someone it could be a Ferrari because they had to overcome extreme poverty. Another person may claim a full pantry of food because they grew up with hunger. Someone else may say it's a business they started because they were broke and unemployed.
Whatever it is for you, whenever you discover it, you should pursue it. Everything else will be a distraction.
💖
Thanks for sharing this story, Boris. I truly touches me!
Family,health,and helping others is key to a life of meaning. Having a sense of your deep spiritual essence is also key. Financial success simply gives you one of the tools to accomplish this. A famous book shared that if you gained every material thing available in the world, but lost your soul, what have you accomplished. Poor Charlie was right. PS Charlie’s Almanac is an excellent read ! Hats off to you Pieter.
Hats of to you, DrV! We're definitely in this together!
Well said Pieter! Of course the real challenge is the reality of living it rather than saying it. I believe you can do it.
Absolutely. And writing it down helps to actually make it happen :)
Great writing. Ty. Btw learning Spanish can be fun and challenging, it’s a beautiful language. Ty for your insights
Learning Spanish would be cool, indeed! However... I prefer to focus on the investments instead. :)
A lesson we are told over and over again in martial arts class by our Instructor. Important message as we navigate the challenges of life. There are many ways to give back and help others. Find your path. Thank you for sharing.
Giving back is some of the greatest things a human being can do for sure
Pieter, the realizations you gained during your time away are true and enduring. Thank you for sharing in such an open and honest way. As you stated, the perspectives you came away with will enrich not only your life and lives of your spouse and family members, but all of us Partners. I wish you continued success - in all areas of life - and will stay with you as one small part of your subscriber/Partner base.
I truly appreciate it, Dave!
Can't wait to compound together for a very long time
👌
Agreed. Some people figure this out late in life, and some people never figure it out at all. It was a lovely note.
I appreciate it, Bill!
Will try to write more similar articles in the future
Pieter, I’m happy that you discovered what’s important. We lived abroad for 20 years, and it was life changing. Moving back to our home country was/ is very strange. We were 20+ years older than you when we left our country, and had an enriching, life changing experience which included learning Spanish. Not for everybody, but the return because of the pandemic didn’t leave us feeling at home. We retired in our early 50’s from corporate jobs, so our experience was very different, of course. Having your own company is vastly different than a corporation. Just saying our experience was an adventure that allowed us to retire early, and enjoy a far better quality of life. There may come a time when you’re ready for a change. A month is more like a vacation, that provides a taste perhaps, but not a full immersion into another culture plus, learning a new language. It was very rewarding, we miss our adopted home, friends, and speaking Spanish.
We appreciate your work, and yes finding joy seems to be the most important thing, so try to make it a priority!
Thank you for this, William. Very insightful!
I also don't think there is a right question regarding whether you should live abroad or not. It's very personal!
Thoughtful and poignant relection, Pieter! We all run in life, often not knowing the destination, or what it entails. Speaking of Charlie, he would be proud of the clarity of thought in this post. Every Daily Journal meeting, he would dutifully remind us, "take a simple idea but take it seriously" as you have done here.
They say, "Wisdom is wasted on the old, and youth is wasted on the young," but you are challenging that with your wisdom at such a young age.. Kudos!
I appreciate it Murali. Let's keep learning & growing together!
Love this!
Thoughtful, intentional, and conscious, your post. Not everyone who grows old, grows wisdom. But everyone who agrees, matures. I applaud 👏your creating time and space to meditate, to reflect on balance, a meaningful life, and your path, Pieter. Thank you for sharing your reflections .... your courage, and your vulnerability. I echo the sentiments of many who have already posted, and deeply appreciate all you've invested of your skills, and self, on our behalf. Wishing you peace, and joy..... 😊 🤗
It’s a true honor. Let’s keep learning & growing together!
Indeed! I made an error but there's no way to edit it. Apologies. One sentence should read, "Not everyone who ages, matures."
Those quotes you put in the article are so good! I"ll be saving this article to read again.
I appreciate it, Thomas!