Intro

This chapter explores the origins and progression of the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement, mentioning key figures and various iterations like barista fire and fat fire. The hosts challenge the notion that the movement is no longer relevant, emphasizing that financial independence is attainable regardless of economic circumstances.

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Episode notes

Is the FIRE movement dead? In 2024, more people are catching on to the huge downsides of pursuing financial independence, retire early. Strict frugality, massive sacrifice, working harder than ever…is it really worth it to retire decades before everyone else? If you’re internally screaming, “Yes! Of course it is!” you’re in good company. Today, we’re talking about why FIRE is NOT dead in 2024 but why most Americans won’t achieve it.

It’s easy to claim that the FIRE movement is dead in 2024 when inflation has been high, savings rates are low, and there’s economic uncertainty all around. The problem? Almost all of that can be easily factored into your FIRE plan, and with some sacrifices, you could easily retire early in five, ten, or fifteen years. So, if FIRE is still possible, what must the average person do to achieve it?

We’ll discuss the mindset shift you must undergo to reach financial independence, the sacrifices you must prepare for, and what we would have done differently on our own paths to FIRE. Achieving financial freedom doesn’t need to be an all-out grind with zero enjoyment. Even if you make minor money moves today, you could be retiring YEARS earlier than you thought possible!

In This Episode We Cover

An update on the FIRE movement and whether or not FIRE is possible in 2024

The 4% rule explained, and why it works EVEN during high inflation

The sacrifice that most Americans will NEVER make to retire early

How to achieve FIRE even if you have an average income

The “grind” that gets you RICH and how to tell you’re on the right track for FIRE

How frequently to check your investments/accounts (and whether it really matters)

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums

Finance Review Guest Onboarding