From the den
Plain-word guides to reaching financial independence in Europe, written to be read, not to rank.
practise investing wi…Apps to practise investing with friends without using real money: a European guide
Discover how to practise investing with friends without using real money. Learn about paper trading, virtual portfolios, and learning the market safely.
8 min read
fire number europeHow to calculate your FIRE number in Europe
Learn how to calculate your European FIRE number by adjusting the standard 25x rule for local inflation, capital gains taxes, and healthcare costs.
9 min read
practise investing wi…How to practise investing with friends using an index scored paper portfolio
Learn how to practise investing with friends using a paper portfolio, score your mock trades against a real index, and build your confidence in Europe.
8 min read
fire number europeHow much you need to retire in Europe: the 4% rule with EU taxes explained
Learn how to adapt the 4% rule for early retirement in Europe. We explain safe withdrawal rates, capital gains taxes, and calculating your real FIRE number.
11 min read
dca vs lump sum inves…Dollar cost averaging versus lump sum investing in Europe: what the evidence says
Lump sum investing usually beats dollar cost averaging mathematically, but spreading your investments out can reduce the fear of immediate market drops.
11 min read
accumulating vs distr…Accumulating versus distributing UCITS ETFs: European tax differences explained
Discover the critical tax differences between accumulating and distributing UCITS ETFs in Europe, and learn how dividend reinvestment impacts your FIRE journey.
15 min read
currency risk for eu…Currency risk for EU investors: euro salaries, dollar ETFs, and what actually matters
Discover how currency risk affects European retail investors buying US-dominated funds, the true costs of hedging, and how to plan for financial independence.
10 min read
barista fireBarista and Lean FIRE explained for European earners
Discover how Barista and Lean FIRE work for European investors. Learn to calculate your numbers, navigate local taxes, and reach financial independence.
10 min read
comparing eu brokersComparing EU brokers: the factors that matter most for long-term investors
When comparing EU brokers, learn how to balance low fees, regulatory safety, and tax efficiency to protect your long-term portfolio and reach FIRE.
8 min read
fire numberHow your FIRE number changes across the EU based on local taxes
Discover how moving across the European Union changes your FIRE number, with practical examples of local taxes, healthcare costs, and safe withdrawal rates.
6 min read
importing holdings fo…Importing holdings from IBKR, XTB and Revolut for net-worth tracking
Learn how to export your investment portfolio data from IBKR, XTB, and Revolut as CSV files to consolidate and track your total European net worth.
7 min read
etf investing in euro…How ETF investing works for beginners in Europe
A plain-English guide to ETF investing for EU beginners. Learn about UCITS funds, tax efficiency, and how to build a long-term portfolio without the stress.
12 min read
coast fire in europeHow to calculate your Coast FIRE number in Europe
Discover how to calculate your Coast FIRE number in Europe. We explain the maths, investment strategies, and local tax rules for your financial independence.
7 min read
CirclesPaper trading with friends: how a circle makes you sharper
Solo paper trading fizzles because nothing is at stake and nobody remembers. A small circle adds accountability, a written thesis, and a monthly scoreboard against the index.
4 min read
HabitsDCA vs. lump sum: the honest answer (and why it barely matters)
The data says lump sum usually wins. The honest answer is that for most people the question never comes up, and the variable that actually matters is not timing.
4 min read
FIRE · EUFIRE in Europe: why accumulating ETFs are your quiet superpower
Ireland-domiciled accumulating funds reinvest dividends inside the fund, cut US withholding tax, and defer your own tax bill until you sell. Here is why that quietly compounds.
4 min read