BiggerPockets Money Podcast

Ditch Corporate! Start Taking the “Slow” Path to Retirement w/Tae Kim | Life After FIRE

Mar 12, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Tae Kim, a former finance director turned successful YouTube creator, shares his inspiring journey to financial independence. He reveals why he left behind a corporate climb just before reaching his goal of becoming a CFO. Tae details his shift towards entrepreneurship, building a financial runway, and the importance of reinvention at any stage in life. Listen in as he shares practical steps to find freedom and flexibility while traveling the world and enjoying the journey to FIRE.

39:29

Episode guests

Tae Kim

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Tae Kim's journey illustrates the importance of prioritizing personal freedom and flexibility over traditional career ambitions in achieving fulfillment.

The transition to financial independence requires a mindset shift, allowing individuals to redefine their identities and embrace new opportunities.

Deep dives

Transitioning to Financial Independence

The journey to financial independence often begins with a shift in personal values and life goals. A financial professional with aspirations to become a CFO, Tay Kim discovered that the desire for control and flexibility in life outweighed traditional career ambitions. As family dynamics evolved, he and his wife embraced financial independence principles, which included living below their means and saving aggressively. This commitment ultimately prompted Tay to explore YouTube content creation as a viable career path, illustrating how personal circumstances can reshape one’s vision for the future.

Intro

2min

From Corporate to Freedom

9min

Pursuing Financial Independence through YouTube

8min

Embracing Authenticity in Business Ventures

5min

Embracing Post-Career Freedom

14min

The “death march to FI” isn’t for everyone. If you’re tired of climbing the corporate ladder or lacking a sense of purpose at your W2 job, it’s not too late to escape the rat race and design the life you want, just like the “Financial Tortoise,” Tae Kim, did!

In this episode of “Life After FIRE,” Tae returns to the show to discuss his move from the corporate world to a job that gives him the freedom and flexibility to travel, spend more time with his family, and actually enjoy the journey to FIRE. For years, Tae was dead set on achieving his goal of becoming a chief financial officer (CFO), but as he approached the summit, he realized just how much freedom and control he was giving up. So, he started implementing a plan to quit and pursue entrepreneurship instead!

In four years, Tae went from making $0 on YouTube to over $250,000 per year. Today, he and his wife are comfortably coast FI, traveling the world, creating personal finance content, and continuing to save for retirement where they can. Stay tuned as Tae shares how he “reinvented” himself in his late 30s and the moment he realized he had “made it” on YouTube!

In This Episode We Cover

Why Tae quit the corporate grind right before reaching his lifelong goal

Building a financial runway that allows you to pursue entrepreneurship

Crucial financial steps to take before leaving your nine-to-five job

How to start an online business that gives you financial freedom

Why it’s never too late to “reinvent” yourself and design the life YOU want

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

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