Intro

This chapter explores the transformative journey of achieving financial independence through strategic planning and lifestyle changes. The speaker shares their experience of overcoming debt and the mindset shift that allowed them to invest and aim for early retirement.

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What if you could “retire” early, working only FOUR hours a week? Coast FIRE achiever Diania Merriam did just that! After a decade of hustle in corporate America, Diania found herself financially behind with $30,000 in debt. Dreaming of a life-changing adventure but lacking the funds, she decided to overhaul her finances. Fast forward, and now in her mid-thirties, she’s debt-free, successfully self-employed (or, as she puts it, happily “unemployed”), living life on her terms.

So, how did Diania save enough to walk away from her nine-to-five? The answer might surprise you. She didn’t need millions in the bank, and neither do YOU, to embrace early retirement. Diania asks, “Do you have enough to take a risk?” If you do, you could live the Coast FIRE lifestyle, just like her, working minimal hours and maximizing time freedom.

Ready to slash your workweek and dive into what you love? Stick around—by following Diania’s example, early retirement could be within your reach, EVEN if you’re just getting started on your FIRE journey!

In This Episode We Cover

Why you must be financially prepared to quit a soul-sucking job

Achieving Coast FIRE without millions in the bank and how to be happy living off of little

Why self-employed health insurance isn’t as big of an expense as most people think

Burning out before you hit FIRE and why being hyper-fixated on a financial goal could kill your drive

How starting your own business can save you a ton on taxes

How to “retire” early without replacing your full-time salary

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