ABANDON ALL FATE YE WHO FIRE

In conversation with self-styled “FIRE aethernaut,” Mr. Fate on the launch of FatesOnFire.com, a personal finance project focused on “eschewing mundanity and exploring the magic of financial independence.”

WHAT, EXACTLY, IS FATES ON FIRE?

Fates on Fire is a unique financial independence and early retirement (FIRE) project that attempts to address the topic from a slightly different angle. While there is a ton of great content on how to, technically and mechanically, become financially independent, there is very little on exploring the “Okay, so now what?” side of things in the post-FIRE landscape.

I think it’s a huge part of the equation that deserves more attention. For example, if the goal is independence and freedom, what are people really doing with this rare and powerful privilege? Fates On Fire is about exploring the potential of the financially free individual – the possibilities and impact beyond just ourselves. What would we risk? What and who could we become, if anything?

Neil Gaiman once said, “The price of getting what you want is having something you once wanted” and that is the fundamental idea we intend to explore. It should be a fun and interesting ride.

SO, FATES ON FIRE WON’T BE YOUR TYPICAL FI BLOG?

No. There are a number of excellent early retirement & financial independence blogs out there. The amazing folks behind the well-known Mr. Money Mustache, Early Retirement Extreme, JL Collins, Mad Fientist, Frugalwoods, Millennial Revolution & Financial Samurai, to name my favorites, have expertly colonized the market and provide a fantastic toolbox for the “pre-FIRE” aspirant – this ground is exceptionally well covered. However, I’m more focused on the “what and the why” as opposed to the “how (to)” of most blogs.

Will we discuss hard finance, efficiency strategies, market impact and the like? Of course, as these things have a direct impact on the journey and whatever outcome may occur, but they will be a related tangent rather than a focal point.

TELL ME ABOUT THE NAME

The name Fates on Fire plays with the Greek mythology of The Fates – the Moirai. I like the idea of setting the notion of fate, of a predetermined life, ablaze by completely embracing free-will. It gets to the idea of self-actualization, of being what you truly can be – of being who you know you really are. Of course, the use of the word “fire” is intentional as this project is directed to those interested in the concept. In addition, it sounds like a killer band name as well.

WHAT DOES “ESCHEWING MUNDANITY & EXPLORING MAGIC” MEAN?

Eschewing mundanity speaks to deliberately walking away from the tired-old script; abandoning the playbook for life that most of us use. It means leaving the safety, security and protection those very things provide. Venturing out past the comfort and warmth of the communal fire is certainly a frightening and dangerous prospect – but it’s also where the magic is. It is the place where new and exciting things can occur; where secrets may be learned by those intrepid enough to discover them. I get that sounds a bit fanciful, but that’s what we’re about around here.

WHAT THE HELL IS A “FIRE AETHERNAUT?”

25 years ago someone gave me a card with an old black and white picture of man, his back to the camera, walking down a long, cobble-stoned path with walls on either side. Below, the caption reads, “Some people will say you are going the wrong way, when it is simply a way of your own.” This image was the genesis of my “Aethernaut” idea. Basically, it’s all about the road less traveled; the validity of such an endeavor and the hint of magic and adventure. Going bravely into the unknown – the amorphous aether – and then reporting back.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU

I retired in my 40s after a decades-long career as a Fortune 500 executive to lead a more exciting life as a “FIRE aethernaut” that includes Fates on Fire and all my other my other pursuits such as a cat butler, social entrepreneur, outdoorsman, mad hot dog creator, & pop-up restaurateur. I’m also a huge reader and rock n’ roller, so I’m telling you in advance, and unapologetically, there’s a shit-ton of literary and music references embedded in the posts.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Fates on Fire launches on my dad’s 80^th birthday which also happens to be Valentine’s Day. Starting the following week, we’ll put up the next post and go from there. I plan on posting a couple-few times per month which may fly in the face of blog pedantry, but Fates on Fire is about passion, not money, so we’ll do it punk-rock style. I hope the concept resonates with folks and we can build a bit of a community. I’d really like to hear from previous “FIRE Aethernauts” and highlight their stories. Stories are magic as you know.

We’d love to hear your comments and reactions to the Fates on Fire concept and site. If you’d like to “Embrace the Magic,” be sure to sign up below so you never miss our posts.