When we started this little blog a few years ago, my intention was to document our travels and share other Iowan’s travels in this space to create inspiration. I’ve found that every micro or major trip has given me a new outlook. On life, on city development, on ideas that matter, on new foods I want to eat all the time, and on humanity.
So I wanted to share it! 😍
However, what I realized after writing some post-travel blog posts is that a) I have an awful memory when it comes to details of where we ate what we did, b) there are far better resources when it comes to best foods to eat in certain locations, and c) I didn’t want to write about that and neither did Zach. 😂
If I’m honest with myself… I love talking most about the journey.
How did we make it work to leave for SE Asia for a month? What have we done in our personal + professional lives to allow for mini vacations every month? How will we save to follow Afford Anything Podcast host, Paula Pant, and her message to “retire early and often.” It’s the savvy ability to be wise with investments and live with a little YOLO in ya. 😉
WHAT NOW
As I started to accept that I wasn’t about to create a hundred different city guides for readers, I took a pause with this space on the internet to reflect and gain some new skillsets I’ve been eager to share right here on the IOWANDERERS platform.
Over the last several years, I’ve poured hundreds of hours into books, courses, blogs, webinars, email series, and so much more so I could offer high quality digital marketing services to clients from wherever.
From doubling down on my freelance client base to building a “local influencer” service that can be operated from anywhere to finding unique opportunities to lead digital classes for my FemCity Des Moines community, I’ve been able to create revenue streams that pay the bills and allow us location independence.
As I’ve learned from dozens of others who live this type of life, I’ve been equally amazed at their ability to simultaneously slash debt and save for retirement (or what I like to call financial independence), all while building a business that grants them freedom and extra cash to invest in whatever they desire (fancy cars or clean water for a community, who really cares?).
Location independence + financial independence + Iowa roots = the perfect combination for our nomadic + curious souls.
If the purpose of life is to simply enjoy it, then I want to find a way to enjoy it to the fullest and contribute in a way that is incredibly meaningful for both of us.
HERE’S WHAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT
I want to talk about the reality of tens of thousands of student loan dollars and how we’re taking massive steps (like refinancing through Credible) to get rid of it quickly.
I want to talk about how we get creative with making money and traveling at the same time and how you can too. From sponsored posts to affiliate marketing to running brands’ social platforms, I believe anyone is capable of creating income for themselves online with focus + consistency + a curiosity to learn tactics.
I want to dive into investment strategies and other hacks that allow us to escape the 9-5 life and work less (because who the hell says 40 hours a week is the best way?).
Or what about this? I want to talk about how I want to be able to retire by 40 (Zach 45). Isn’t it crazy to think of these things and ask yourself… what if it is possible?
SO HERE WE ARE
The journey so far with both of us being self-employed has simultaneously been the best and the worst. Paying your own healthcare for two individuals is no joke and the uncertainty of taxes come April makes my head want to explode at times, no matter how diligent we are on the front-end. 😅
What does life look like when you question everything you know or have been taught?
What is “right” when it comes to adulthood, having kids, raising them, and everything in-between?
One of my favorite podcasters, Jess Lively from The Lively Show, helps me wonder what life would be like if we treated it more like a game? It doesn’t have to be so serious, so rigid and planned. It can be fun and messy and spontaneous.
So this is our platform to dive into the nitty gritty of it all. It’s not a place where I post gorgeous photos from a DSLR or where you get the top 10 coffee shops in Prague. It’s about possibility and opportunity and living the life we dream about.
If we can do it, so can you. Let’s release our limiting beliefs together and take a journey of a lifetime. ✨