• Home
  • Start Here
  • About
  • FIRE
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Season 1
    • Podcast Season 2
    • Stats and Feedback
  • Take Control of your Finances new
  • Blogs
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • About
  • FIRE
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Season 1
    • Podcast Season 2
    • Stats and Feedback
  • Take Control of your Finances new
  • Blogs
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
ALANDONEGAN.COM
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • About
  • FIRE
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Season 1
    • Podcast Season 2
    • Stats and Feedback
  • Take Control of your Finances new
  • Blogs
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer

Blog

Picture

    Author

    Alan Donegan: PopUp Business School Co-Founder, Entrepreneur, Financially Independent Pizza Lover, Marvel Movie fan and soon to be Script Writer

    Picture

    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018

    Categories

    All
    Entrepreneurship
    FIRE
    Follow Your Dreams
    Fun
    Project Hollywood
    Self Development
    Self-Development
    Seo-experiment

    RSS Feed

Back to Blog

What if you had to start again?

18/2/2021

 
After recording a podcast together Katie and I decided that we needed to get some energy. So we headed out for a walk in the forest on a grey August day in England. As we walked and talked about the podcast we had just recorded, the conversation turned to the question “how quickly could we get back to financial independence if we started again?"
Picture
If we lost everything, but kept the skills, the knowledge, the attitude we have today, how long would it take us to get back to financial independence?

With the skills that we have and the opportunities that we have created over the last few years we felt that it would only take us about five years to get back to Financial Independence from scratch! So why do most people never get there?

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Donegan Update: Feb 2021

9/2/2021

 
This blog post is all about the Donegans.  If you want advice about FIRE and entrepreneurship then you won't find it in this post!  Stop reading now!  If you are interested in the Donegan world then this is for you!
​
Currently I am sat on the deck overlooking the ocean in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  This is a LONG way from the cold of Leipzig, Germany where we spent the last 3 months!
Picture
How did you end up in Mexico? Aren't you worried about Covid? Isn't it illegal to leave the UK at the moment? Let's start from the begining..........

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Just start!  Get going! Investor Series

22/1/2021

 
In 2016 Katie and I were paralysed by choice and indecision.  We knew we wanted to invest.  We knew we wanted to buy index funds but we just didn't know what to buy.  
Picture
Every time I looked at the Key Investor Information Documents on the Vanguard website my brain would melt and I would go do something/anything else instead!
We were worried about Trump getting into office in November'16 because we thought the market would drop, we were worried about Brexit and potential currency risk.  We worried about investing and the market crashing immediately and loosing a fortune.  We worried about EVERYTHING!  This worry stopped us from investing.  The question we have only just asked ourselves is "What did this worry cost us?  What did we miss out on through our indecision?"

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Vanguard Developed World versus Global index fund.  Investor Series

3/1/2021

 
You have decided you want to start to invest.  Yay! You are on your way to financial independence!  You have decided Vanguard index funds are the way forward. Super!  You log on to their website ready to invest and you see the HUGE selection of funds available to you!  Which one do you buy?  Where do you start? â€‹ What does it all mean?
Picture
The clash of the titans! The FTSE Global All Cap Index Fund versus the Developed World ex. UK. Vanaguard!
For an overview of which Index Fund to choose start here.  This article is to help you decide whether to invest in the Vanguard Developed World Ex. UK Fund or the Vanguard FTSE Global All-Cap Index Fund and what the differences are!

​We are going to break down the differences between the two funds and, given that nearly all of our money in invested in the Developed world fund, whether we are going to change that going forwards. 

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

The impact of fees on investments. Investor Series

26/12/2020

 
Sometimes things are getting gradually worse but you just don't notice!  When I was in my late twenties I ruptured my Achilles tendon playing football and stopped playing sport. I was forced into being a couch potato.  What I forgot to do was stop eating.  Major error! 
Alan Donegan: Investor Series.  Fees on investments
1% can make all the difference! Compounded over time. Wow
I didn't notice the weight slowly piling on week by week. A year passed and I was obese!  I hadn't noticed the small change each week until it was too late. ​

Fees are very similar.  They are small enough that you don't really notice them at the time, they are hidden from you and they just gradually erode your wealth over time.  You wake up a decade or two later and you aren't worth what you thought you would be!  Fees are the hidden element in investing that makes everyone else wealthy apart from you! Let's tackle fees together

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Shit Happens

22/12/2020

 
Shit happens, things go wrong and problems keep coming at you! A successful life is not defined by a lack of problems. There is only one group of people in society that don’t have problems. And they are in the cemetery! Problems are one of the characteristics of being alive. 
Picture
Katie and I going to get a Coronavirus test last week.
Therefore success is determined not by the elimination of problems but by how you react to them.  This week I and Katie have had some problems.  The Donegans are human after all.  It is how we react that is important. 

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Decoding the Vanguard Website: Investor Series

13/12/2020

 
You are ready to buy into an index fund and invest your hard earned cash!  You log onto the website and you are all good to go but then you start to look at the different terms.  You open it up and it is filled with jargon and indecipherable charts! What is NAV? OCF? Risk rating? Portfolio data?  How do you make sense of all this!??
Picture
The language of finance can be complex when you're starting out! Katie and I are going to break it down and help you work out how to read the Vanguard website.
You panic, close the laptop and go back to watching Netflix! When Katie and I started to look at the Vanguard site to choose which fund we had several false starts and were nearly put off investing!  Open up the Vanguard site and let's go through it line by line together...... (this is the UK site but most of the terms are the same globally)

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Billionaire Librarians

29/11/2020

 
If the answer was more information then all librarians would be billionaires.  They have access to all the information you could ever need, books on sales, building businesses, health, biographies of the greatest minds in history.  They are surrounded by ground breaking thoughts, ideas and inspiration form all of humanity. 
Alan Donegan: Rebel Entrepreneur Podcast: Self Development books and building the courage to take action
Can you really tell a human's success in life by looking at their library? Or nowadays their playlist on YouTube?
In fact all of us have access to this knowledge.  We have YouTube, the internet, podcasts and a wealth of knowledge that our ancestors could only have wished they could have access to.  So why aren't we all millionaires with Lamborghinis and philanthropic foundations that cure diseases?  Is more information the answer?

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Which Index fund should I invest in? Investor Series

13/11/2020

 
It was lunch time and I was starving!  Katie and I had made our way to Wholefoods to buy some lunch. We headed straight to the prepared food. There were deli counters as far as the eye could see.  I was starving which means I was not in the most resourceful state!  I was immediately  overwhelmed by choice. 
Picture
There was fresh food as far as the eye could see!
I wandered around the counters in a trance, staring at an incredible selection of food.  I didn't know what to choose or even where to start!  After what seemed like 20 minutes of wandering I decided I needed to limit my options.  I decided to have soup and headed to the soup section.  There were 20 different soup flavours to choose from.  I nearly had a melt down.  I was just hungry and tired! I needed food!

This is the paradox of choice.  The more options there are the harder it is to make a decision. This was just deciding what to have for lunch!  Can you imagine how I felt looking at investment options for the first time?  Maybe you can?

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

What is an index fund? Investor Series

10/11/2020

 
Picture
What is an index fund? The language of investing can be hugely complex at the best of times! Even a simple term like index fund takes a lot to properly explain.  If you want to feel confident investing then the first step is to build your investing knowledge and financial vocabulary. The more you understand something the more confident you will feel starting!  Writing this article has double Katie and my knowledge about index funds!  We hope it does the same for you!
The short explanation: Index funds give you an easy and cost-effective route to diversify your investments across the globe and partake in the growth of the global economy. Sounds sexy; but what the hell does it mean! What is an index fund? What is contained in an index fund? Which index funds should I buy? Why do I care? Let's get geeky together!

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

What is diversification? Investor Series

9/11/2020

 
I was sat sipping a coffee with a new friend.  He was telling me that his strategy was to invest in stocks that he knew something about.  So he picked individual companies that he felt he understood and invested his money into them. 
Picture
He worked for a multi-national logistics company and specifically in aviation.  His area of expertise was airlines.  So he had taken his money and invested it into aviation and travel companies.  In March 2020 when Covid-19 knocked the stock market sideways his stocks plummeted.   When the stock market recovered in May; his stocks didn't.  He had the opposite of a diversified portfolio!  What is diversification?

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

What gets measured gets improved

7/11/2020

 
What are you measuring? 

Que smutty jokes!  

Seriously though what are you measuring each month? Each week? Each year? What are you tracking?
Alan Donegan: what gets measured gets improved
Alan Measuring something
One of the most interesting questions I have been exploring this year is "If things continue as they are am I happy with the direction?" 

To be able to answer that question you need to be able to know whether you are going in the right direction or not.  The only way to do this is to measure something...….

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Where are you heading?

20/10/2020

 
This morning I stepped on the scales, as normal, and measured my weight, body fat and muscle mass.  I've done this every week for the past 8 years.  It fluctuates daily and this doesn't bother me at all.  But the long term trend....  Where am I heading? That is something to pay attention to.  

Are you getting fatter over time?  Are you getting poorer over time? Is your business shrinking over time?

​Where are you heading?
Picture
My ever growing belly
The first thing I did was create a graph obviously.  Scroll down to see which way my belly is heading!  And FAR more importantly to start to think about where you are heading? Where's your destination is likely to be? Are you are going to like it or not!???

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

What if: independence first or finance first?

16/10/2020

 
What if you could find true independence next week – not next decade?

This is my first ever guest blog and I am so excited about it!  It's also the first blog about entrepreneurship for a while. Anyway Alan give William the stage! Welcome William Wadsworth. 
William Wadsworth
The road to freedom on a cold winter's day in North England... is it any wonder so many Brits aspire to retire to Spain?
This photo was taken on the exact spot where, in Spring 2018, and over the course of about 200-300ft or so of run, my life totally changed. The “a-ha” moment came while stumbling across Alan Donegan for the first time on a podcast.

Nine months later, I quit a 100k / year job, never to return.

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

How do I calculate my savings rate?

11/8/2020

 
Do you know how much you are saving of the money that you earn every month? Do you save any of the money that you earn each month?

The average savings rate in the United Kingdom is 6%. Only 6%!
Picture
Do you save more money than the average person? Do you save less money than the average person? Do you know how much you’re saving?

Your savings rate is one of the key indicators of when you can retire! Knowing this number you can predict how long you have to work in paid employment

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

How to live for free: FOREVER!

4/8/2020

 
Over your working lifetime how much money have you earnt? From the fruits of your labour how much of that money have you kept?  What are you left with at the end?

Katie and I were doing an exercise this week to see how much money we’ve actually made in our lifetime and how much money we have left. Interestingly we discovered that we have more money left at the end than we have actually made in our lifetime!
Alan Donegan writing
Alan sat working out his future
How can this be possible? How can we have more money than we earnt? Does that mean that we have lived for free for our entire life so far? Is this normal? Could you do the same? Do you have anything to show for your years of labour?

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

How much are you worth?

3/8/2020

 
I know; you are priceless.  Just like the rest of us!  That isn't quite what I meant.  Actually there are a lot of answers to this question.  When you start a business there is a decision of what to charge (your worth), there is a self-confidence answer (self-worth) and there is a personal finance answer of your net-worth.

Can you confidently tell me you net-worth in £GBP or $USD?
Alan Donegan pockets stuffed full of cash
Do you know your net-worth?
How do you calculate your net-worth?  The first step to change is to take a good look at where you are right now.  If you don't know your starting point it is difficult to know if the change you are creating is moving you in the right direction or not.  If you can't clearly give a £ or $ figure for your net-worth then this article will help you figure it out.

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Donegan Update: 2020 Part 1

25/7/2020

 
Where you expecting to be where you are today?  I am sat on the deck having a coffee in a beautiful English Garden in Sandhurst, Berkshire.    I have time to write my blog, work on my podcast and keep fit but this is not where I thought I would be.  This was not the plan......
Picture
Sat in a charming English Garden is not where the Donegan's expected to be in 2020!
As you know I like to write articles about Financial Independence, business and positivity.  But occasionally I write about what is going on with me to share the ups and downs and hopefully inspire you

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Take Control of your Finances!

5/7/2020

 
Where did you learn to manage your money? School? Books? Family?  Did you ever learn?

I don't remember learning anything particularly useful about finance at school.  I did economics at college but that didn't teach me anything I could particularly apply to my personal finances.
Alan Donegan burning £50. Personal finance. FIRE
How good are you at managing your finances? Does it feel like you just burn through money faster than it comes in?
I use supply and demand theory in my business to this day ​but no one taught me about personal finance. I learnt through books, courses that I paid to go on and through trial and error; the good old fashioned way.  I have paid a high price for the skills I have developed and I think it is time I gave it all away for free...…...

I have been doing that with entrepreneurship for the last decade now. Giving away the course I wish I had when I was launching my business.  Katie and I have decided to do this for personal finance next. 

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Financial Independence in uncertain times

20/6/2020

 
The market has crashed!  The Zombie apocalypse has happened!  Life is ending!  Who gives a #?@! about investing and financial independence? 

I would ask is there a better or more important time to take control of your finances? 
Picture
What do you do in uncertain times? You don't panic that is for sure!
If you finances weren't in a good state when Covid hit this situation probably did nothing to help.    So many business and families lost their income overnight and they weren't prepared for it!

The people that benefit the most from the opportunities arising from Covid19 are the ones that are in the best financial position.  

​Now is the time to take control of your finances and set yourself up for the future

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Self-care 101 - how to start looking after yourself

5/6/2020

 
Have you ever worked till you get ill? Have you ever been so stressed you lose sleep and feel sick? Do you stop and take time to look after yourself?

Historically self-care is something I have been epically bad at doing.   In my mid-30s it became more of a priority and I learnt a few painful lessons.
Alan Donegan
Alan passed out on the floor! Remember to rest before you fall over and can't see!
This is the first in a series of posts about self-care, what I have learnt that you can use and tips & tricks to keep you on tip top form.  

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

4% Rule Questions - Retirement

26/5/2020

 
A few weeks ago I wrote a post "How much does it take to retire?".  This particular post sparked a lot of questions and comments that needed addressing! 

There is so much mis-information and bad advice out there I wanted to give you my perspective!  And it is only my perspective! Read with a pinch of salt!
Picture
So here are all your questions about the 4% rule, early retirement and financial independence answered!  Let's jump straight into "How much does it take to retire? The Q&A" with Alan...…..

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Your relationship with money

8/5/2020

 
How is your relationship with money?  Do you have a relationship?  If money was personaified and sitting accross from you right now what would you want to say to her?

Money plays such a major role in all our lives but have you ever really considered the current state of your relationship with it?
Alan Donegan - Money Relationship
When you hold money how do you feel? How is your relationship with cash?
For many years I had a bad relationship with money and it took a lot of work to overcome that and find a new love for our friendship.  Read on to work through your relationship issues!  If this scares you then remember changing your relationship with money will change your results with it...……..

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

The Rebel Entrepreneur Podcast

29/3/2020

 
Announcing The Rebel Entrepreneur Podcast launching on the 4th of May in partnership with ChooseFI Radio. After months of planning and preparation we have a launch date and Season 1 Outline, we are ready to go!   This is it launch time!
Alan Donegan podcasting and preapring for the Rebel Entrepreneur Podcast
Alan recording an podcast and getting ready for the Rebel Entrepreneur Podcast
Why am I doing this?  Because I want to further the PopUp mission of giving away the very best entrepreneurial education for free for all of you.  I want to help you and everyone to build businesses and make your own income; without debt! I want to help you get going and this gives me a platform to share what I have learnt and help more people.  Taking the PopUp message globally.

Read More
Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Debt Warning

25/3/2020

 
How many companies have messaged you this week offering to extend your credit limit? Offering you free overdrafts for a month?  Offering to lend you money?

With the Coronavirus lock-down in full swing, flow of money slowing and businesses having to lay people off we are at our most vulnerable in many years!
Picture
This is a warning against unscrupulous companies that are going to try and take advantage of you during this time.  They are going to do it under the guise of helping you through the situation but in reality they are going to leave you far worse off in the long run than if they didn't help at all!

Update 25/08/2020: This  was written just as lock down was starting in March 2020 and this is still going on now and always will do.  Car dealerships make more money on the financing and insurance than they do the car itself.  Online catalogue companies offer you "anything you want" buy now, pay later at 39.9% APR. Companies that lend money make more, when you pay slower!  The debt warning isn't just for the height of a pandemic it is something you need to be wary of always! 

Read More
Comments
read more
<<Previous

Alan donegan

Home | About | Start Here | Podcast | FIRE | Contact | Podcast Season 1 | Podcast Season 2 | Stats & Feedback | Take Control of your Finances
Picture
Website Design by Developer Rocket
I built this website to share the life lessons I learn along the way, the cool stories, the adventures, the amazing people and everything I learn from all the stupid mistakes I make!  If you want to keep up to date then stick your email in below.  I promise to never share your email address or spam you!  Alan

SIGN UP FOR BLOG UPDATES AND TO FOLLOW ALAN ON HIS JOURNEY

Latest Blog's

Just start!  Get going! Investor Series

Vanguard Developed World versus Global index fund.  Investor Series​

The impact of fees on investments. Investor Series

* indicates required
Photos used under Creative Commons from Tone'o, bryan...