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Build a life rich in wealth, purpose, and freedom
About me
Hi, I’m David Landholm, a financial independence strategist and the founder of The Good Life Journey.
The Good Life Journey is an independent platform on financial independence, long-term investing, and early retirement, with 150+ articles, free planning tools, and one-on-one strategy sessions. It also explores work, health, life design, and practical philosophy, because how you work, live, and look after your health affects your finances as much as your investments do.
My background. I’m nearly 40, trained as an engineer and hold a PhD in environmental science. I spent over a decade as an academic researcher and consultant, specializing in data analysis, modeling and market-based systems, including carbon markets. I apply that same analytical, evidence-based approach to personal finance: saving and investing strategies, withdrawal rates, retirement planning, and making long-term decisions under uncertainty.
Why I started. I began writing in 2023, mostly to force myself to think more clearly about money and the kind of life I wanted it to support. Much of what I write comes from my own experience: tracking our numbers in spreadsheets, making real career trade-offs, and learning that freedom is something you build along the way rather than something that starts once you reach a portfolio target. I live in Germany with my wife and our three children.
Working with me. Besides the articles and free tools, I offer one-on-one strategy sessions for people working toward financial independence or early retirement. Using planning software and your real numbers, we map where you’re heading today, find the levers that would get you there sooner or more safely (spending, savings rate, fees, retirement age, withdrawal strategy), and stress-test your plan against a century of market history. I also help people who are considering retiring abroad compare countries and see what each would mean for their timeline.
For journalists. I’m happy to provide commentary, data, or worked examples on financial independence, early retirement, withdrawal strategies, and retiring abroad.
As featured in: MoneyLion (also on AOL), Islands, FedSmith
Contact: david@thegoodlifejourney.com
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Personal finance
So many of us struggle when it comes to talking about money, let alone managing it. This blog outlines strategies and personal finance habits that will allow you to take control of your finances and achieve financial independence.
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Health
A good life depends not only on financial independence, but on the health that sustains it. Here, we explore evidence-based habits, longevity insights, and mindful approaches to physical and mental well-being that support a long, active, and meaningful life.
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Philosophy
Are you ultimately interested in living a good life, one that pursues meaning but also contentment and tranquility? We distill the knowledge generated from philosophers, writers, and thinkers into actionable advice that you can incorporate into your day to day.
Our Latest Personal Finance and early retirement Articles
Our Latest Lifestyle Design and Philosophy Articles
Our Latest Health & Longevity Articles
financial independence tools
Dreaming of Early Retirement?
Use our free Financial Independence Calculator:
✅ Calculate your FI timeline — how far you are from early retirement?
✅ Run “what-if” scenarios by adjusting savings, spending, and location.
✅ Discover how small changes can fast-track your early retirement.
✅ See how relocating to lower-cost countries shortens your FI timeline.
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🌍 Dreaming of Retiring Somewhere Better?
Try our free Retirement Relocation Tool — find your best destinations for retirement in minutes.
🌍 Rank 100+ countries by cost of living, healthcare, safety, climate, and more.
🧭 Adjust sliders to personalize your search across 9 lifestyle and financial factors — see below.
💰 Compare destinations visually to see where your retirement savings stretch furthest.
📊 Filter by continent and instantly reveal top-ranked countries that fit your priorities.
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