Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

The Three Hundred Dollar Mistake

Billy Kaderli

My well used cutting board in Chapala

I’ve written that I am making mistakes. Apparently that is continuing from not thinking as clearly as I normally would.

While in the States I realized I needed to make some adjustments to my kitchen, the first of which was a custom wooden cutting board. Yes, I do have a cutting board—one of those plastic things I’m not keen on. I like the look and feel of natural wood.

I took the measurements and started looking on Amazon and elsewhere. 25 x 20.75 inches is not a common size. Plus, they all have those grooves that I find to be a hassle. As I wipe the board, food gets stuck in that channel and goes everywhere. Sure, it’s only on one side, but I want to use both sides.

More searching on the web for a custom hardwood cutting board turned up insane prices. $700.00… no way.

In Chapala I have a very good carpenter who has done a great job making me a couple of custom-sized boards. He tells me they are made from teak wood, and I love it.. I am very happy with his work and what he’s done for me in the past on projects. I sent him the request via WhatsApp, including measurements and thickness. He got back to me with a quote of 1,400 pesos—approximately $83.00. Done.

From start to finish it took about one week, and he delivered it.

I am planning on flying to the U.S. in three to four weeks, but this is where my logic was tossed out the window.

Normally I fly carry-on only, so the thought of checking a bag with this in it was not appealing to me.

I went online to the local private mail service here—apparently it’s not some mom-and-pop shop. I entered all of the dimensions and weight, which I purposefully added 20 pounds to, knowing there is a lot of added weight from shipping materials. The estimate was 3,000 pesos. The actual weight was one-third of that, so I was confident the shipping cost would reflect the lighter package.

No way, José.

The nice girl at the counter was confused as to why I wanted to ship a piece of wood to the U.S. As she was filling out the online form, she told me she had to make a call to see if they would even take it. Now I was confused. It’s a cutting board. She returned with a yes and continued filling out the form.

The cost to ship via DHL was 3,700 pesos—$222.00. Wow. I told her I wasn’t in a rush, hoping she could find a cheaper option, but she said that was the price.

Well, I was there and a taxi was waiting for me outside, so I gave her the shipping address and paid. This was a Monday. She said, “It will be there Friday.”

A lot quicker than necessary, but it was done. Remember, I am still reeling from the loss of my wife and just trying to move things along.

Thursday I received a notice that it was hung up in customs in the U.S. Not long after, I received a text from my lovely and gracious secretary, Scarlett, to whom it is being shipped so it isn’t sitting outside in the Arizona heat drying out.

She informed me of the same thing and sent a link for payment.

Meanwhile, I called the local shop, and Maria verified that there were customs duties to be paid. All of this at 9:00 a.m.

Scarlett, with my instruction, went ahead and paid the $80.00 fee, and the package should arrive promptly.

Looking back, the airline ticket I purchase includes one checked bag so that I can have two bags in the cabin. As I mentioned, I fly with carry-on, so I’ve never used the check bag option.

The cost of the ticket is less than what it cost to ship this hunk of wood, and we both would have ended up in Phoenix.

Instead I blew another $300.00, and I still don’t have a ticket.

But I have a nice cutting board—if it can handle the low humidity of Arizona.

Billy  

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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