A few months ago, Katie and I got sick of living in a flyover state. It no longer snows in the Rockies anyway, so all of the reasons we originally chose to live in Utah (skiing, rafting, and boating on reservoirs) have literally disappeared. All we were left with was a toxic dust bowl every time the wind blew across what used to be the Great Salt Lake. So, we decided to move.
California vs. New Jersey
We knew we wanted to be on the coast, but we weren't 100% sure on which coast we wanted to be. Our choices came down to California or New Jersey. We weighed the factors carefully, as you can see in the chart below.
It was a tough decision, but in the end, the lower corporate income taxes swayed us to go to California, even though we don't actually pay corporate income taxes. Maybe someday we might.
You Moved? Really?
We were a little worried that we would earn less, pay more in taxes, and generally endure a higher cost of living, but we consoled ourselves with the fact that we don't have any family in California, saving all kinds of time and uncomfortable situations.
What Does This Mean for WCI?
Half of the WCI staff members live in Utah, but we've all gotten used to working remotely. They'll get over it. We'll leave them our snowblower, just in case it ever snows again.
What Do the Kids Think?
We're halfway to being empty-nesters, with two of the four kids out of the house. Those kids are in college in Utah, but I don't see what they have to complain about. I moved 3,000 miles away to go to college. At least they can drive home in less than four days. Kiddo No. 3 will have to make some new friends just in time for his senior year. Since the new school district is not awesome, we're going to put No. 4 into a private school. We found a nice one, though: The Webb Schools in Claremont. It's only $84,000 per year.
Isn't It April 1?
So what?
More information here:
How Shorting Ethereum Helped Us Make Payroll
Why (and How) We're Disinheriting Our Kids
Why Are You So Mean to Those of Us in California?
Yes, this post is an April Fools' joke, but I am grateful for those of you willing to live, work, and practice in California and New Jersey. I know it's a tough place to practice medicine and build wealth, but the folks who live there need docs, too. Thank you for being willing to live in smaller houses and work a few more years than the rest of us to reach financial independence. Hopefully, all that sunshine and the ability to spend an evening at a Broadway show on Broadway make it all worth it.
What do you think? What other April Fools' Day plans do you have today?