Barista FIRE at 36 with ONLY $500K by Trading “Stuff” for Substance

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Apr 1, 2025

Julie Rose, who achieved Barista FIRE at just 36, shares her journey from corporate burnout to a fulfilling nomadic lifestyle with only $500K. She explains how trading the 9-to-5 grind for adventure like sunrise safaris and beach walks can lead to true happiness. Julie emphasizes the importance of minimizing consumerism and leveraging side hustles to boost savings. Her inspiring story proves that financial independence isn't just a dream—it's attainable through smart planning and a bit of creativity!

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ANECDOTE

Layoffs and Realizations

Julie Rose was laid off twice, once during the Great Recession and again later.
These experiences made her realize job security is an illusion and inspired her FIRE journey.

INSIGHT

Consumerism Trap

Consumerism traps people in a cycle of spending and seeking validation through material possessions.
This hinders financial freedom by diverting resources away from investments.

ANECDOTE

Backpacking Epiphany

A month-long backpacking trip across Europe changed Julie's perspective on material possessions.
It showed her how little she truly needed and sparked a desire for a more fulfilling life.

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Julie Rose “semi-retired” at just 36 years old with only $500K, trading her corporate job for sunrise safaris in Africa, beach walks in Bali, and mid-day hikes in Mexico.

With “Barista FIRE,” you can retire with a lower FIRE number, still work (minimally) doing what you love, and have almost complete time freedom over your life. Why have FIRE when you can “semi-retire” decades earlier? Plus, your retirement nest egg will be growing in the background, all while you do what you want, when you want, with who you want. Sounds like a dream life, right? Well, you’re not far from it already!

After barely scraping by (even with a good job), Julie knew something needed to change, but she wasn’t ready for it. It wasn’t until she got laid off multiple times that she realized it was time to put her financial future in her own hands. This led her down the FIRE movement rabbit hole, getting almost addicted to saving and investing, and finding herself in a position to quit her job and do what she really loves: travel and get PAID to plan trips for others.

Now, she’s Barista FIRE (FIRE with the help of a side hustle), living nomadically for a fraction of the cost of a basic life in the United States!

In This Episode We Cover

“Barista FIRE” and the faster way to semi-retire early with a lower FIRE number

Why consumerism WON’T fulfill you, but it will make you broke

Using side hustles to supercharge your savings rate and investing goals

Building your Barista FIRE income stream BEFORE you quit your job

Early retirement healthcare and how Julie pays just $40/month for coverage

Living your best life abroad for a fraction of the cost of living in the States

And So Much More!

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