Matt Viera, Esq.
@TheMattViera
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Daily insight into investing in life experiences | Mini-retirements, off-grid getaways, & cross-country road trips | Experienced 4 mini-retirements since 2018.
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Joined January 2023
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Pinned Tweet
I won't lie, I:
• Am not a millionaire
• Don't invest in Bitcoin
• Don't own investment RE
• Spend ~$3-5K/year traveling
• Drink & dine out in expensive NYC restaurants
But, I'll retire better than 99% of people. Here are 7 reasons why: ↓
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@BornTaLEAD
So true.
I didn't start law school until I was 33. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
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According to a recent survey:
49% - 51% of people making over $100,000 per year are living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Using only ONE word:
What does it take to stop living paycheck-to-paycheck?
2K
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European cities are ideal destinations for a mini-retirement.
I’ve been on 4 (month-long+) mini-retirements since 2018 and they’ve all been in European cities.
Of all the European cities I traveled to, here are my top 5 recommendations for your first mini-retirement:
↓
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I won’t lie: I’m not a millionaire.
I live in one of the most expensive cities in the world: New York City.
I only earn a little over $100K a year.
My flex: I live like a millionaire.
Here’s my 7-point framework for living like a millionaire:
↓
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You wake up. You pour a cup of coffee. You log into your financial account(s).
You discover that, with all the financial moves you've been making, you finally achieved your goal:
Your total balance: $1,052,689.
How are you going to live the rest of your life?
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According to a recent survey, 34% of Americans want to leave the US & move abroad.
One possible reason: the avg cost of living in the US.
According to Nerdwallet, the avg COL for an individual was ~$3,700/month in 2023!
Here are 15 destinations with a more affordable COL:
↓
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Since 2018, I've been on 4 month-long European mini-retirements.
What exactly is a mini-retirement?
Here's everything you need to know:
↓
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I won’t lie: I’m not a millionaire.
I live in the most expensive city in the world: New York City.
I only earn a little over $100K a year.
My flex: I live like a millionaire.
Here’s my 7-point framework for living like a millionaire:
↓
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Caught up with a friend over coffee yesterday.
She's a millionaire, debt-free, and on the partner track at a big law firm (with a hefty salary of ~$285,000+).
But, she's contemplating a big change.
She wants to travel the world.
Full-time.
What advice would you give her?
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I asked the X community:
"What's one destination you've traveled to that you believe everyone should visit at least once in their life?"
~300 people answered.
Here are the Top 15 recommended destinations you should visit at least once in your life:
↓
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I won’t lie: I’m not a millionaire.
I live in the most expensive city in the world: New York City.
But I only earn a little over $100K a year.
My flex: I live like a millionaire.
Here’s my 7-point framework for living like a millionaire:
↓
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I suffered a career setback at 32.
I dusted myself off. Analyzed my options. Then picked one and doubled-down.
I started law school at 33, became licensed to practice law at 36, argued my first case in court at 37.
Don’t let setbacks (or age) get in the way of any your goals.
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You wake up. You pour a cup of coffee. You log into your financial account(s).
You discover that, with all the financial moves you've been making, you finally achieved your goal:
Your total balance: $2,526,089.
How are you going to live the rest of your life?
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I have a friend from Spain who always reminds me, "Spainards have the art of living down to a science."
Having traveled to Spain multiple times, my key takeaway from this reminder is: Work less. Live more.
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Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 world cities to travel to for 2024.
How can you not love a city where the beer is cheaper than water?
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Barcelona, Spain
If there is one city I'd love to live in for the rest of my life, it would be Barcelona.
I spent a month in Barcelona in 2022 and it was a great experience.
Barcelona has everything: beaches, diverse restaurants, and places to explore off the beaten path.
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Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a chill city, even in the summer.
It never felt crowded, chaotic, or rushed (like it does in NYC).
Vienna is walkable, public transportation is easy to navigate, and there’s a restaurant for every palate.
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@Invested_In_You
Wow, 7-figures. I'm no expert but the first thing I'd suggest is to speak with a financial planner (fee only fiduciary) and maybe an attorney.
The goal is to come up with a comprehensive financial plan to deal with that windfall effectively and for the long term.
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You have 1 month of PTO. Would you rather:
1. Spend a month in Asia
2. Spend a month in Europe
3. Spend a month in South America
Where specifically in your continent of choice and why?
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Here's the scenario:
Attorney wins a big case & is expecting a windfall of ~$1.3M.
She and her husband are mid 40s. No mortgage, no debt, & ~$700K saved/invested.
She wants to retire & travel. He wants to work 2 - 3 more years to increase their nest egg.
What's your advice?
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I asked the X community:
"What's the most beautiful island you've ever vacationed on?"
Over 250 people answered (with plenty of unique answers).
Here are the most beautiful islands they shared:
↓
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Yes or No:
Is working 60-80+ hours per week as ridiculous as it sounds?
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NYC is the most expensive city in the world.
Everything from rent & groceries to dining out & coffee (~$5.75/cup) all costs more.
It's challenging to get ahead financially.
Here are 5 costly money mistakes NY’ers make you NEED to avoid (no matter where you live):
↓
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I am so selfish about my time that I’d rather work a career that pays a lower salary but offers a ridiculous amount of PTO than a career making $200,000+ but working 60-80+ hours/week.
Be selfish with your time. Life’s too short.
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Beaches are ideal destinations for a relaxing vacation.
I've spent hundreds of hours on different beaches in different countries.
Of all the beaches I've been to, here are 7 of my favorite:
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According to a recent survey “almost half (44%) of global travelers were looking for an off-grid-style [vacation] in 2023.”
I spent hundreds of hours off-grid (and get off-grid as often as I can).
Here are 7 of my favorite off-grid getaways in the US:
↓
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In 2017, I was ~$250,000 in debt.
Today, my current net worth is $200,000+.
I’ve been working in a NYC public sector job for 11+ years.
Here are the 6 things I did to grow my net worth:
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What's one thing people buy that you believe is a complete waste of money?
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Some of my "rich" friends:
Drive Audis, BMWs, Range Rovers. I drive a Honda.
Eat out 4-6x/week. I eat out 2x/week (if that).
Work 60-80 hours/week. I work ~40/week.
Are unable to travel.
I regularly get off-grid, take road trips, and spend my summers on a mini-retirement.
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I recently made a down payment on an RV/Camper.
Is buying an RV a good investment?
Logically speaking, it’s not, and I’ll be the first to admit it.
It’s a depreciable asset with additional costs, e.g., insurance, storage, etc.
But, one thing I’m adamant about is that one of
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If you can go anywhere in the world for a month with:
• No stress
• No alarm clock
• No meetings or emails
• No day-to-day responsibilities
• Full control over what you want to do daily
• You can do as much (or as little) as you want
Where would you go?
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My top 5 recommendations in Europe for your first mini-retirement:
• Vienna, Austria
• Berlin, Germany
• Barcelona, Spain
• Budapest, Hungary
• Prague, Czech Republic
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Have you ever dreamed of moving to another country?
According to a recent survey, more than a third of Americans (34%) want to move abroad.
But, what's a good country to move to?
According to the Expat Insider 2024 survey, these are the 15 best countries for living abroad:
↓
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You don't have to be a millionaire to take a "mini-retirement."
I'm not a millionaire and I've taken:
Four, international, mini-retirements since 2018.
Ever wonder how much an int'l mini-retirement costs?
Let's dive into the numbers:
↓
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You wake up. You pour a cup of coffee. You log into your financial account(s).
You discover that, with all the financial moves you've been making, you finally achieved your goal:
Your total balance: $5,268,917.
How are you going to live the rest of your life?
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I’m not rich because I eliminated ~$220K debt while building my net worth to 6-figures in 5 years.
I’m rich because:
• I get off-grid as often as I can
• I spend my summers in Europe
• I’ve lived on 4 continents (including Africa)
It's all about life experiences.
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Budapest, Hungary
I’ll be honest: I didn’t know what to make of Budapest when I first arrived.
After a week I felt completely at home.
Budapest has a lot to offer (outside the touristy center).
My favorite experience: wine tasting in the Faust Wine Cellar in Buda Castle.
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The more time I spend off-grid...
...the happier I am.
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A few years ago, I was struggling with credit card debt on multiple credit cards.
I used a powerful method (I didn’t even know had a name) to pay off this debt. I haven’t carried a balance since.
The powerful method: The Debt Snowball Method.
This is how it works:
↓
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What's one destination you've traveled to that you believe everyone should visit at least once in their life?
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European cities are ideal destinations for a mini-retirement.
I’ve been on 4 (month-long+) mini-retirements since 2018 and they’ve all been in European cities.
Of all the European cities I traveled to, here are 5 (more) recommendations for your first mini-retirement:
↓
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What's one place you traveled to in the past that you'd love to return to and spend at least one month in?
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I asked the X community:
"What's the most beautiful beach you've ever traveled to?"
Over 150 people answered.
Here are 15+ beautiful beaches the community shared:
↓
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What's the one thing I love to do while traveling?
Finding a bar, pub, or café to enjoy a drink (or two).
It's the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Here are some of my absolute favorite places to enjoy a drink:
↓
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7 reasons why I'll retire better than 99% of people:
• I have a plan "B"
• I invest regularly
• I invest in life experiences
• I have an emergency fund
• I don't have credit card debt
• I budget (loosely) & track my spending
• I was intentional with the career I chose
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You have 30 days of PTO.
You saved $3000 to travel.
You have enough credit card reward points for round-trip airfare (up to $2000).
Where are you traveling to for those 30 days?
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@famandfire
My buddy from Spain is always quick to remind, "Spainards have the art of living down to a science."
I would start off in Spain.
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Two things I am passionate about:
Off-grid getaways & cross-country road trips.
So, I purchased a camper to enhance both.
I'll be entirely off-grid this week:
Electricity via solar, connectivity via cell phone, & hydration via full water tank (and beer).
Yeah, life is good.
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Are you working 60-80 hours per week and dreaming of a better work-life balance?
I quit practicing law for a career with a better work-life balance.
And I've never been happier.
Here are 5 reasons why you need to consider a career with a better work-life balance:
↓
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I am humbled.
Today, I will be speaking at a local NYC high school to share my experience serving 8 years in the US Army.
What will I emphasize?
• The opportunities I took advantage of
• The rewarding experiences I've had
• The person I've become
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Berlin, Germany
Time Out magazine recently named Berlin as one of the best cities in the world and the best city in Europe (beating out London, Rome, and Porto).
Enough said.
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What would you do today if you didn't have to work?
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You wake up.
You pour a cup of coffee.
You log into your bank account.
You discover your balance is currently: $100,000,000.
You double (and triple) check.
It's not an error.
Your balance is currently: $100,000,000.
How would you live the rest of your life?
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Think you can't take a mini-retirement?
I used to too. Until I did it. 4 times.
Fact: You don't need to be a millionaire.
You just need a plan and the courage to step outside of your comfort zone.
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Yes or No:
Is working 60-80+ hours per week as ridiculous as it sounds?
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Unpopular opinion:
Married couples do not need joint financial accounts.
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12 years ago I was a burned out attorney with 1 week of vacation/year.
I enjoyed arguing in NYC courtrooms. I didn't enjoy the 60-80+ work weeks.
So I quit.
Now I enjoy cross-country road trips, travel internationally, & get off-grid. As often as I can.
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I’m 51 years old.
I made every possible financial mistake you can make.
In 2017, I was ~$250,000 in debt.
Today, I have a 6-figure positive net worth.
If you're in 20s, here are 9 easy actions you need to take:
↓
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I'm meeting one of my best friends for brunch this weekend.
He's retired, single, and financially independent.
He loves to travel, has traveled extensively, and wants to travel some more.
He just doesn't want to travel alone.
How would you encourage him?
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The 4-Hour Workweek is a book that had an impact on my life.
It taught me the importance of stepping back, slowing down, & re-analyzing my life goals via mini-retirements.
I've taken 4 mini-retirements since 2018.
What's 1 book that's had an impact on your life?
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Why do I decline promotions at work (and the higher salary)?
I don't want to give up the PTO I am currently afforded only to work more.
I'd much rather invest in life experiences, spend time with my SO, and explore the world.
Much better than spending more time in the office.
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I was intentional with the career I chose
I chose a career that provides:
• A pension
• Health benefits
• Job security (tenure)
• Regular salary increases
• A ridiculous amount of PTO
• A generous retirement account
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I am "anti-vacation."
Why?
Daily itineraries. The rush to see & do as much as you can. You end up just as tired as you do working.
But, mini-retirements: wake up without an alarm clock. Let your days develop organically. Explore.
Some life experiences are simply worth it.
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Had a recent conversation with a colleague.
With kids now in college and ample PTO, he's finally got time for himself.
Armed with a passport (and the travel bug), he's seeking summer travel recommendations after years of putting others first.
Any suggestions?
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I don't have credit card debt
Credit card debt will destroy your hopes for building wealth.
There's nothing worse than paying credit card debt with money you know can be used for something more meaningful.
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I won’t lie: I’m not a millionaire.
I live in the most expensive city in the world: New York City.
But I only earn a little over $100K a year.
My flex: I live like a millionaire.
Here’s my 7-point framework for living like a millionaire:
↓
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You don't have to be a millionaire to take a month-long "mini-retirement."
I'm not a millionaire and I've taken 4, month-long, int'l mini-retirements since 2018.
Ever wonder how much an int'l mini-retirement costs?
Let's dive into the numbers:
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Since 2018, I’ve been on 3 month-long, international “mini-retirements.”
I'm currently in Budapest on my 4th (after spending 2 weeks in Vienna).
Ever wonder how much an international mini-retirement costs?
Let’s dive into the numbers:
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Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a European city for 1 month?
It may be easier than you think.
I live in NYC on a modest (low) 6-figure salary.
I’ve taken 4 month-long European mini-retirements since 2018.
Here’s the exact (simple) blueprint I use in planning one:
↓
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Yesterday was a gorgeous day in NYC.
Blue skies, picture perfect clouds, & the temp was just right.
But, I was frustrated. Frustrated I was in my office. Frustrated I have to work a 9-5. Frustrated I have to trade my time for money.
If I only managed money better in my 20s...
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According to a recent survey:
"46% of U.S. workers who receive paid time off from their employer take less time than they are offered."
That's sad because no one on their death bed ever said:
"I wish spent more time in the office away from my loved ones."
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The first job (career) I ever had and loved: I was paid to jump out of airplanes.
What was the first job (career) you had and loved?
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I have a friend from Spain who always reminds me, "Spainards have the art of living down to a science."
Having traveled to Spain multiple times, my key takeaway from this reminder is: Live more.
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Imagine the life you actually want to live.
Are you living it?
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I’m not a millionaire. I don’t make a huge salary. And I live in NYC.
But, I have zero credit card debt.
And, I have no problem traveling 2-3 times/year (to include spending a month or more in Europe).
Stop blaming your financial situation.
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I became an attorney.
I practiced full-time for 3 years.
Then decided to pursue a different path for one reason & one reason only:
Time.
I wanted more time away from work.
I followed my path & now have plenty of time away from work.
Live the life you actually want to live.
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In 2013, I asked her to meet me for a drink at my favorite Brooklyn bar.
To my surprised, she said "yes."
We met for drinks on January 24, 2013 (our first date).
We've been inseperable (and traveling the world) ever since.
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When was the last time you spent some time alone, in a cabin, in the middle of nowhere?
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Since 2018, I’ve been on 4 different, month-long, international “mini-retirements.”
Ever wonder how much an international mini-retirement costs?
It may less expensive than you think.
Let’s dive into the numbers:
↓
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The 7-point framework for living like a millionaire:
• Invest
• Income strategy
• Mini-retirements
• Don’t carry “bad” debt
• Healthy work-life balance
• Annual solo cross-country road trips
• Look for income producing opportunities
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This account exists to inspire you to slow down, step back, & explore the world.
I used to practice law, work 60-80+ hours/week, & “enjoy” 1 week of vacation/year.
Now, I regularly spend time off-grid, take cross-country road trips, & travel the world.
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I definitely want to retire (sooner rather than later).
But, until I do, I will continue to take mini-retirements.
Spending a month in Europe every summer doing what I want, when I want.
Without waking up to an alarm clock.
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Every morning my SO and I say good-bye to each other as we leave for work.
But, the one thing we always do as soon as we get to our respective work places is:
Text each other.
A simple act of love we've been doing every work day for the past 11+ years.
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I invest regularly
I invest ~25% of my pre- and post-tax income into:
• A Roth IRA
• My retirement account
• A HYSA (for life experiences)
• 2 different investment accounts
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Most people think budgeting is hard.
I'll let you in on a little secret:
Millionaires budget.
Millionaires stick to a budget.
Here are 6 dead-simple tips to help you budget like a millionaire:
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European cities are ideal destinations for a mini-retirement.
I’ve been on 4 (month-long+) mini-retirements since 2018 and they’ve all been in European cities.
Of all the European cities I traveled to, here are 10 recommendations for your first mini-retirement:
↓
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In 2019, I traveled to Barcelona during my second mini-retirement.
I loved it so much that in 2022, I returned to spend a month there for my third mini-retirement.
Here are 9 reasons why you need to consider traveling to Barcelona for a mini-retirement:
↓
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I'm convinced there are 3 types of people in the world:
• People who invest in life experiences
• People who don't invest in life experiences
• People who are waiting to invest in life experiences
It's those people who are waiting that I want to ask:
"Why are you waiting?"
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Most people want to:
• Retire
• Buy a home
• Escape the 9-5
• Become debt free
• Become a millionaire
The truth is most people don’t have a simple plan to achieve these goals.
Here are 5 dead-simple tips to help you develop a goal-crushing plan:
👇
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According to a recent survey “almost half (44%) of global travelers were looking for an off-grid-style [vacation] in 2023.”
I spent hundreds of hours over weekends and week-long vacations off-grid.
Here are 7 of my favorite off-grid getaways in the US:
↓
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Best way to spend a rainy day in Brooklyn: with a hazy IPA in a local bar.
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It's amazing how much more fun you'll have in life when you stop working 60-80+ hour weeks and start investing in life experiences.
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I've had many realizations since I took my 1st Mini-Retirement.
My favorite: the realization that life's entirely too short to spend decades working in an office.
I'd much rather spend the day sailing the Mediterrean (with a beer in my hand) than sitting in an office all day.
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A few years ago, I was struggling with credit card debt on multiple credit cards.
I used a powerful method (I didn’t even know had a name) to pay off this debt. I haven’t carried a balance since.
The powerful method: The Debt Snowball Method.
This is how it works:
↓
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11
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Curious:
What was your first job?
I enlisted in the Army when I was 19 and became a paratrooper.
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12 years ago I was a burned out attorney with 1 week of vacation/year.
I enjoyed arguing in NYC courtrooms (but not the 60-80+ hour weeks). I quit for a career with a lot of PTO to:
• Experience 4 mini-retirements
• Take cross-country road trips
• Get off-grid
• Live
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