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For nearly thirty years the stranger in the woods…
Took the same steps over and over, year after year, and left no trace—no footprints in the snow or the soil. Treaded carefully on rocks in the forest and took great pains to avoid leaving an impression.
Camouflaged all his belongings so that glints of sunlight or moonlight would not shine on his location and betray him.
Slept in a tent in the woods of Maine and never once lit a fire.
Only ventured out of his safety cocoon after dark.
Talked to no one except for the one time he said “hi” to a hiker whose path he inadvertently crossed.
Ate a lot of sweets and processed food. Never saw a dentist or a doctor.
Allowed his family to presume he was dead.
Had no idea what he looked like because he didn’t own a mirror.
Only had real relationships with the forest, chickadees, and a mushroom he watched grow larger from year to year (the mushroom gave him comfort).
“So, who is this character?” you might ask. He’s the subject of a recently published book, The Stranger in the Woods, by Michael Finkel. He is also referred to as Maine’s “North Pond Hermit.” He’s a legendary figure who eluded law enforcement and a community while living in the woods for twenty-seven years. The authorities apprehended him in 2013 and he admitted to conducting 1000+ burglaries during his time away from society. He stole food, clothing and supplies. His name is Christopher Knight (no, not the same CK who played Peter on the Brady Bunch).
Christopher Knight had an ostensibly normal childhood. He grew up in a stoic, but loving family that highly valued its privacy. He did fine in school and never got in trouble. But he never felt comfortable in social situations. As a high school student he didn’t join any clubs, played no sports and never went to a social event. He didn’t see the point of talking to people and felt invisible. He was happiest when he was alone.
And so one day, he drove his less than one-year old Subaru to the side of a road near the edge of a forest. Armed with a tent and a backpack he stepped into the woods and disappeared.
The Stranger in the Woods details Mr. Knight’s meticulous behavior during the twenty seven years he lived off the grid. It also discusses the somewhat trivial events leading up to his disappearance, and his acclimation (if you can call it that) back into society. It’s a fascinating story that compels you to read it in one sitting. And as I read further and further, a strange thought came to me. It was quite bizarre, actually. I couldn’t stop myself from making an analogy between Christopher Knight and those of us focused on financial independence.
Am I a financial hermit? Are you?
There’s a difference between being a financial hermit and a financial rockstar. A financial rockstar uses his financial story to enhance his life. A rockstar is energized by his financial story. It motivates him to do great things. A financial hermit, on the other hand, uses his financial story to hold himself back. A hermit is weakened by his financial story. It consumes and inhibits him, and makes him dull.
So how do you know if you’re a financial hermit? For starters, ask yourself if you exhibit any of the following behaviors:
- Talking ad nauseam about your student loans
- Wearing the same clothes so frequently they’re starting to sprout
- Squeezing every penny out of a dollar
- Cooking freezer meals until your fingers fall off
- Keeping your house or apartment hot as hell in the summer and frigid as an iceberg in the winter
- Obsessing over your mortgage or rent
- Walking everywhere to steer clear of the gas pump
- Talking about Dave Ramsey so often you speak his name in your sleep
- Checking your net worth every day
- Refusing to see a doctor even when you’re extremely sick because you fear the bill
- Avoiding friends because you’re tired of explaining your frugal ways to them
- Declining all social invitations because you don’t want to spend any money
Or are you guilty of constantly crunching the numbers and asking yourself:
- How much did I earn?
- How much did I spend?
- Did I save enough money this month?
- What is my savings rate?
- Why didn’t I start my Roth IRA sooner?
- How am I going to quit my job in X years if I keep going at this rate?
If you answered yes to four or more of these questions, you might be a financial hermit.
Is there hope for you? There sure is. But you need to take action right now. You need to put your financial story on pause. Do something different. Go see a friend. Swing your child in the park. Dip your toes in the lake. Dance in your living room. Go find some big magic. Eat a big, sloppy ice cream cone. Be still.
Begin to recognize that your financial story is just that—a story. It doesn’t define you. It doesn’t control you. It’s not the most important thing in your life. And your financial story will go on. Your student loan will still be waiting for you tomorrow. So will the house payment. The Dow will rise and it will fall. The kids will outgrow their clothing. The washing machine will break down. Sounds like life.
Sounds like life to me it ain’t no fantasy
It’s just a common case of everyday reality
Man I know it’s tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy
It sounds like life to me
There was a minimalist interviewed on the news once but he spent most of his time couch surfing. I don’t respect and I don’t respect this hermit either and I would never read his book.
Moocher is what comes to mind. I want to tell him, “Go to work like most of the world has to! What? Like it is hard? Get over it!!!”
I hear you, Lila. It crossed my mind frequently that the hermit could have pulled this off without stealing. He was very resourceful. He could have learned to hunt and fish and sustained himself without resorting to taking from others. No excuses but I think he just didn’t develop enough maturity or social skills to think it through properly.
I read about the hermit in the woods a few months back – fascinating story!
Thanks for the great reminder – it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the logistics of our finances that we do have a tendency to forget what it’s all for.
I always try to remind myself – the money (net worth, income, all of it) is a *tool* to help get me to my goals. It’s not a goal on its own.
I found it fascinating, too! It felt like a movie — and in fact, a documentary was made about it called “The Hermit.”
I think many of us forget to enjoy our money because we’re either too worried — or too excited by paying down debt and growing our net worth.
Thanks for your comment, Chris. Much appreciated.
Nice….always struggling to balance my financial focus, my family and my self. While it is imperative to me to educate myself and take action so my family and I can be financially free and have passive income that increases my time and ability to just enjoy them and life…….I realize it is important that I enjoy them, me and life right now as well. I cannot get any of today’s moments back tommorrow……so while I plan for tommorrow, I remind myself to laugh, live and love today :)…….
I walk the line between being goal-oriented/driven and wanting to enjoy the moment. I also need to remind myself to “laugh, live and love today” and not take myself too seriously. Thanks for the comment and for sharing your thoughts, Sunshine.
What a great inspiring song and thoughtful post! How many people miss the joy of the journey by being fixed only on the destination? Well, all of us probably do at times. We can’t be reminded enough of the things that really matter, and good on you for reminding me and all of us today that it isn’t being financially independent that makes us happy but for me it is my sweet spouse for 39 years, my grown kids, my friends and the opportunity to help other people that matters. The financial means are just a tool for living to that end.
Thank you, Steve! I really appreciate your kind comments and your generous attitude. Congrats on 39 years of marriage!
I was motivated to write this post because so many of us who concentrate on our finances are on a hamster wheel. As you said, many of us miss the joy of the journey — and not having your finances in order shouldn’t be a total joy-breaker.
Thanks for stopping by!
I wouldn’t answer ‘yes’ to four or more, but maybe three. 😉
Just got two ‘new’ (used from Amazon) books this week but I think I’ll add the one you’ve mentioned to my list and read it when I have time. It sounds interesting. I have occasional thoughts of how cool it would be to through-hike the Appalachian Trail. I wonder if this would scare me off from it.
I actually got the book from the library. I had it in my hands when I saw Miss Mazuma mention it on another blog (I believe it was Ms. Montana’s). She said she couldn’t put it down so I knew I was on to something.
I suppose you read Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods” about hiking the Appalachian Trail? We’ve been on parts of it. One time we got turned around while hiking and needed some directions back to where we started and parked our car. A hiker doing the entire trail pointed us in the right direction. Mr. G asked if he wanted a lift into town and he said he didn’t want to get in our car because he stank. Mr. G was trying to talk him into coming with us and I’m standing behind the guy waiving furiously NO, NO at Mr. G. All I could think of was the experiment on Myth Busters about trying to get the odor of a dead pig out of a car. I know I sound terrible, but the guy smelled that bad.
This hiker in the book, Christopher Knight, actually had a very peaceful existence in the park. For the entire AT you just need to be prepared. And there are plenty of spots to get on and off and grab a meal, supplies, etc.
Yep, my wife and I have read Walk in the Woods. She and I have also done a few week-long point-to-point treks on a couple of stretches. She’s actually done week-long treks in 5 different states over the years. Used to backpack a lot – not as much anymore, but I miss it. I did 25 miles with my men’s group last fall in the Pisgah Forest and it was a blast.
Wow – this book sounds fascinating!! We definitely lived as financial hermits for years. We were afraid of everything. In the last couple of years we’ve moved to the rockstar column, knowing that we are – and can continue – improving our situation.
It’s SO important to recognize the difference: great post, my friend.
Thank you, MY friend!
You and Rick put in the work to become rockstars. I’m so happy for you that you have peaceful feelings toward money.
So uh, uh, I got like 10 of the 12 in the first bullet set (10.5 if you give half points to Gordon Ramsey) and 4 of the 6 in the second set of bullets.
No no, it’s OK…no one feel for me…I know where my rock is (sob). What’s the bullet list for financial rockstars?
Here’s my off the cuff bullet list for rockstars, taken from our experience.
* Your don’t panic when you’re hit with an unexpected household expense.
* You pay off your credit cards every month.
* Do not talk ad nauseam about money, debt, and financial independence.
* You keep the temperature in your home at 76 in the summer and 72 in the winter.
* You check your net worth once a month.
* You stop belittling yourself when you realize you spent a few bucks more for something you could have found cheaper elsewhere.
Oh dear, I have 2/6. We do our net worth every 6 months compare to the never be. I need to work on this!!!
Every 6 months is better than once a month! You’re even less obsessed with it!
Very sane words! I spend a lot of time writing about money and thinking about money and, truth be told, complaining about money. But I just can’t get obsessive to the point of insanity. I can’t be perfect or close to it really. Will my goals take me a little longer, sure. But if ordering Chinese food at the end of a crazy week (and then immediately regretting it) is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
With all the responsibilities you carry, I’m surprised that money is not on your mind all the time. You’re doing fantastic!
I don’t know what’s worse. Regretting the money spent, or the salt and calories from Chinese food. I can hardly eat out without beating myself up for either. But I’m getting better.
Last night we finally went out for the celebratory dinner we’ve been talking about since April. We went to a small plate restaurant that serves farm to table food. They’re famous for their milk bread, which tastes a bit like challah bread, except they use more cream than egg. (I asked as I could tell there was egg in it). Speaking of which, I’m jealous because you live in the challah capital of the world!!!! When my brother visits he brings both egg bagels and challah rolls for me.
Haha- I definitely have a few checks in the “Financial Hermit” quality boxes, but I think overall, my husband and I are able to keep our financial life as a piece of our whole life. Plus, I find that when I take a break from my financial thinking/analysis, I end up accidentally more frugal because I am taking the time to go for a walk, hang out with my family/friends, cook a meal, etc. Great post!
That’s interesting, Mrs. AR, that when you take a break from your finances you end up being more frugal. I’m going to start paying attention to see if that holds true for me, too.
Sounds like you’ve got everything under control! Thanks for stopping by!
The ones I did do happened several years ago when we were just trying to get control of our finances. I do a couple of the things on the list occasionally, but not constantly, so I declare myself not-a-hermit. Life is too damn short to be a hermit, in my opinion.
I think you’re ahead of me on the hermit scale. You summed it up, Amanda. Life is too damn short!
Oh man I’m pushing the hermit boundaries…I’m such a financial nut that I pretty much live eat and breath finance (and personal finances) every day! I’ve been loosening up though over the years, life is good 🙂
Life is most certainly good in Swan Lake! I just left a comment on Lucy’s new post, LOL. It was great seeing you both and the kiddos. Maybe we caught you on a good day but you were not overflowing with financial conversation. So, yeah, you must have loosened up!
Love the correlation…and, yes, I am a financial hermit!! I feel like I have moments of taking the stage as a rockstar but then shrivel in front of the spotlight. There is something about the start of this journey, when you are finally awakened to the idea of FI, that makes you go a bit insane. After a couple years buckling down tight you start to loosen up and enjoy it more. Last year was way harder than this one so thank god I am coming out of the fog!
I love love love Christophers story. Such a complicated character…humble yet arrogant, kind yet deceiving, and sweet yet salty. I give him all the credit in the world for taking off at such a young age and knowing what he needed to make himself happy. Unfortunately, in order to accomplish his survival, he stole the idea of peace and safety from those around him. Financial hermiting has the potential to steal joy from your life or those around you so it is a tricky balance but one that hopefully comes in the end.
Ha! I think all of us on this journey are a bit insane! I’m glad to hear this year is easier for you than last year.
Christopher is so unfiltered. Even when he’s arrogant it’s hard to be angry with him because he never learned socialization skills. I tried not to judge him as I was reading and just follow along. But I can also empathize with those who felt victimized by him. Luckily, they seem to be in the minority and most people the author interviewed had a lot of compassion, and ever respect for Christopher.
What did you think of all the other hermits mentioned in the book? There’s quite a bit of good material to follow up on. I might check some of it out.
I agree! I was fascinated buy the story of the millennials in Japan (?) that are protesting life as they know it by staying in their bedrooms and only eating what their parents provide. What?! Also, my new life’s goal is to infiltrate the hermit website just to know what goes on in the chat room!!
By not buy 🙄
Yeah, I vomited a little when I read about those millennial hermits. I blame the parents. STARVE THEM!!! They’ll have to come out eventually.
I recall Finkel saying he was able to read everything on the hermit message boards. He just couldn’t post anything without joining and that’s when they check you out.
Sounds like an interesting read. I’m not sure how someone could just walk off the grid like that. Our finances are just part or who we are, but by your definition, I guess I am part financial hermit. I think I’d consider myself a financial rockstar too. Sharing our past mistakes to try and help others.
He had survival skills. But in some ways he was very ill-prepared when he walked off the grid. That’s one of the strangest aspects of the story.
You’re more rockstar than hermit, IMO, Brian.
Sounds like life to me, Mrs Groovy. And the importance of having good mates when you need them eh. Thanks for the reminder.
Agreed — surrounding yourself with good people makes all the difference. Thanks for stopping by, Martin!
Used to be a financial hermit. Counting pennies and dollars; but not anymore. I think my wife helped me moderate, and vice versa. We’ve brought each other more closer to the middle. As a household though, big picture stuff we’re still fairly frugal; but we’re spending a little more on the little stuff and not OCD’ing with every little thing. Getting to a point where we’re so financially stable has definitely helped us (mostly me), moderate my extremely frugal nature.
It sounds like you and your wife are perfect for each other, Tim! I agree with you on the financial stability. It sure makes it easier to stop sweating the smaller stuff.
Thanks for commenting!
Money is a tool to be used for a better life, not to be hoarded as a substitute for life.
Thanks for the reminder, Mrs. G., and have a fabulous week!
Thanks, Julie! I needed the reminder myself, like a good kick in the pants. You have a great week too!
I heard about the North Pond Hermit on public radio. Pretty interesting story and I hope he’s adjusting better. The story said he had a tough time coming back to civilization. Probably better to go back to live in the woods.
I’m obsessed about finance, but I’m not quite a financial hermit. I don’t worry about every penny anymore. I’d probably think about money less if I don’t have a blog. 🙂
I did a little searching to see if Christopher Knight is still alive. He made some veiled threats to the author about possibly killing himself, but I haven’t found an obituary.
The problem with going back to the woods would be that he’d need to rely on help from others since he could no longer steal. But he’s not the type to accept help. He didn’t even want leniency for his crimes.
Good news… We are not hermits!
We were before, than realised there is more to life than the FIRE goal. We now have a modified FIRE plan!
I like the idea of modifying the FIRE plan!
There aren’t too many things in life where there’s only one path or one decision. Most everything is revocable. Modify the goal if it no longer suits your purpose.
Nice post! I’d say I’m a moderate hermit, except that I also socialize and don’t let it take over my life. I got into some PF burnout last November and I’m still pulling out of that. It’s easy to let that stuff take over your life.
On the other hand, I talk finance, savings, investing, and more to most people at work if they’re interested. That’s the key, if they’re interested. 🙂
I heard someone go thru their life sob story to another person and their response was pretty classic. She looked at her, gave a knowing nod and said, “We’ve all got a story…” I did a spit take with my drink it caught me so off guard, but it’s true. Whether it’s good, bad, or ugly, it sounds like life to me.
I can relate to the burnout. What keeps me in balance is knowing that I can love this all to the heights one day, and just up and quit the next day if I don’t want to do it anymore. I’ve learned somehow not to feel too attached to anything.
Oh, I would have loved to hear that response and do a spit take with you! That story reminds me of my mother. When she no longer wanted to be bothered with anyone’s problems her signature phrase was, “Everybody’s got something.” And she’d tune you out.
Good points in this post. Frugalism and monitoring one’s financial net worth can go too far and take over a person’s life. We should also strive to do something of value and not just accumulate financial value. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
Exactly, RocDoc! Strive to be of value and not just accumulate value. And find joy. It SOUNDS easy but we humans tend to over-complicate things.
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh god, im a borderline hermit. Good thing my son actively keeps us doing things. He does love to play at the park and then go get ice cream 😀
Now that I started my blog I am obsessing about my own finances less and more motivated to reflect on how I got here so u can share the story with others.
That’s one thing we haven’t experienced — kids. But according to y’all who have them, they sure keep you focused on what’s important.
Sharing with others so that they can learn from your path is a great way to keep from obsessing. Thanks for commenting!
Oh Mrs. G I love this! Your last paragraph sums it up so well! Your financial story is just a part of your entire story but it doesn’t define us. It’s just a part of being human – Sounds like life!
Thanks for sharing the book and the song.
Thanks, Amy! I shared this as a reminder to myself as well. Our personal stories are constantly twisting and turning.
How interesting! I want to check out this book now for sure, sounds like quite a character. I’m not quiiiiiite a financial hermit, but definitely am a part-time hermit. I do obsess over purchases and prioritize planning/cooking for the future more than I probably need to. It’s easy to go overboard with this stuff once you get addicted to the feeling of accomplishment.
I admire your cooking and prepping acumen, Mrs. PP!
There’s probably a little part-time financial hermit in all of us. I obsess over the stupid stuff, like spending a buck on a soda in McDonald’s once in a while. The larger purchases don’t bother me as much. Weird, huh?