by Hey there, fellow dreamers and future early retirees! It’s José and Tatiana here, your friendly neighborhood FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) enthusiasts. If you’re new to our little corner of the internet, welcome! We’re a multicultural couple living in Pennsylvania who started this blog on Valentine’s Day 2015 to share our journey towards financial independence and early retirement.
The Spark That Lit Our FIRE
Picture this: It’s 2011, and I’m nose-deep in finance books while Tatiana is rolling her eyes at me (lovingly, of course). Little did we know that this seemingly mundane moment would change the course of our lives forever.
We stumbled upon this mind-blowing concept: if we could squirrel away 25 times our annual expenses in income-producing assets, we could kiss our corporate jobs goodbye and retire decades earlier than most people. Talk about a lightbulb moment!
With excitement bubbling in our veins, we sat down with a calculator and a dream. Our conservative projections showed we could reach this magical “FIRE number” by 2020. Spoiler alert: we’re now on track to hit it even sooner. How’s that for a plot twist?
Living Large on Less
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “José, did you guys live on ramen noodles and give up all fun?” Not at all! Well, okay, there was that one tiny apartment that wasn’t exactly up to code. Let’s just say our cat, Pushok, wasn’t thrilled about the lack of windowsills to sunbathe on.
But here’s the kicker: we’ve been gradually reducing our spending without feeling deprived. We’ve learned to focus on experiences that truly bring us joy rather than mindless consumption. And you know what? Our lives are richer for it.
Early Retirement: Not Just for the Gray-Haired Set
When we tell people about our early retirement plans, we often get looks that say, “Did you guys join a cult or something?” People seem to think retirement is a golden ticket reserved for those with gray hair and a penchant for early bird specials.
But here’s the thing: early retirement isn’t about sitting in a rocking chair and watching the world go by. It’s about having the freedom to pursue our passions without the constraints of a 9-to-5 job.
For Tatiana, that means finally having the time to save all the kittens and babies (her words, not mine). For me, it’s about exploring new cultures and maybe even learning to salsa dance without embarrassing myself (a man can dream, right?).
Our FIRE Game Plan
So, how are we making this early retirement dream a reality? Here’s a peek into our playbook:
- Maxing Out Our 401(k)s: We started small and gradually increased our contributions. Now we’re front-loading these bad boys like there’s no tomorrow.
- Living Below Our Means: We’ve embraced frugality without feeling like we’re missing out. It’s amazing how creative you can get when you’re motivated by a dream.
- Investing in Taxable Accounts: Because retiring at 35 means we need to get creative with accessing our funds before the traditional retirement age.
- Renting Instead of Buying: We’re keeping our options open for a potential move abroad when we reach FIRE. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about when we’re globetrotting.
- Planning for the Future: We’re researching healthcare options, looking into the Roth conversion ladder, and even planning for a mini-FIRE (aka a baby).
The Road Ahead
As we approach our FIRE date, we’re filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Will everything go according to plan? Who knows! But that’s part of the adventure.
We’re grateful for the FIRE community that’s supported us along the way. It’s amazing how a shared goal can bring people together from all walks of life.
So, whether you’re just starting your FIRE journey or you’re a seasoned pro, remember this: it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about creating a life that lights you up from the inside out.
Are we nervous about retiring in our 30s? Sure. But we’re even more excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Because at the end of the day, isn’t that what life is all about?
Yes I agree people look at me with 3 heads when I tell them I want to retire too. I’m 38 so I am a bit late to the FI party. But in due time I will get there in my late 40s. Still better than 65. I have to do a bit more work with the wife to get her on board, she still doesnt have a full FI mindset. Well good luck reaching the big Goal.
Hi EL,
You’re not late at all and you’ll probably get there earlier than anticipated. I’m fortunate that wifey and I are both on the same page when it comes to FIRE. Keep selling her FIRE and the true happiness that comes with it and you’ll get her there eventually. Thanks for stopping by. I checked out your recent article about your mom passing away. Been there myself this year, I know the feeling. Again, sorry for your loss.
So glad you guys are on the path to FI. I can feel your joie de vivre, the desire to be enchumbao in happiness.
Best of luck in reaching your goals – you’re so close that it’s inevitable at this point!
Hi Justin,
Yes, it’s pure joy and sometimes a little desperation since we’re so close to the finish line. But we keep our eyes on the ball and it’s great to have this venue to express ourselves. You learned something new today: how to use enchumbao in a sentence! Awesome!!!
I really enjoy your blog and will be adding it to the blog roll. You’re doing great work there. Thanks for dropping by!
I’m glad you highlighted the team effort to get there sooner. Me and the new wifey are on the same page and turbocharging our strategy to get to FI even faster.
One thing you might want to write about later is how HSAs and High Deductible Plans combined with Obamacare subsidies can help early retirees cover their healthcare needs very easily.
Of course, we couldn’t have gotten there as fast without the team effort. And it’s not only in the finance department, wifey and I team up on the rest of the responsibilities and feel comfort that we can rely on one another to get us to the finish line when needed. Congratulations on your wedding! That sure is an enchumbao moment! I’m sure you’re going to become a strong couple on this FI journey!
Great idea about the health care choices, we’ll definitely cover those topics. Keep the ideas coming and thanks for dropping by.