Leaving His Job at 36 to Give Back, NOT Get Rich During FI

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May 27, 2025

Ryan Brennan, founder of the FI Service Corps, shares his inspiring journey to achieve Coast FI by 36 and leave his corporate job for service work. He discusses the savvy money moves that propelled him to a seven-figure net worth and the emotional rewards of pursuing a purpose beyond wealth. Ryan highlights the essence of financial independence—using resources to give back to the community, including building homes for low-income families. His vision promotes a fulfilling life focused on altruism, community impact, and personal freedom.

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ANECDOTE

Live-In Flips Built Freedom

Ryan Brennan built financial freedom by leveraging live-in flips and house hacking in real estate.
He owns six rental units, including a four-unit multifamily house where he lives, covering his mortgage with rent.

ADVICE

House Hack to Boost Savings

Use live-in flips and house hacking to accelerate wealth by living mortgage-free.
Renting out extra rooms and finishing basements can generate significant untaxed income.

INSIGHT

Moving Is The Price of Wealth

House hacking and live-in flipping are repeatable strategies that require moving but provide great financial benefits.
The exhausting moves are worth it for tax-free profits and accelerating FI progress.

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For many of us, FI (financial independence) isn’t just about having the biggest bank account. Growing wealth is one thing, but getting rich isn’t the goal. Freedom, time with loved ones, and giving back to your community are. So, when he reached the millionaire mark and achieved Coast FI, Ryan Brennan knew it was time to leave his new director role and focus on something that fueled his FIRE in a non-financial way.

But, how did he get to a seven-figure net worth in his mid-30s anyway? A few very savvy (and repeatable) money moves catapulted Ryan’s net worth, allowing him to reach a level of financial freedom three decades before traditional retirement age. Through smart investing, unconventional living, and using his money to multiply his investments, Ryan secured the financial runway to enjoy a long sabbatical, doing what he truly loves—service work.

After multiple volunteering trips, Ryan started the FI Service Corps, a group for those on their way to (or at) FI to give back to the community and help others in less fortunate positions. Ryan and his FI Service friends have helped build houses for qualifying low-income families, laid floors, and painted for Habitat for Humanity, and done it all while staying on track for early retirement. Want to give back, too? Join Ryan on a FI Service Corps volunteer trip!

In This Episode We Cover

Repeatable money moves Ryan made to reach Coast FI by 36

Why financial independence is so much more than just growing your net worth (it’s about giving back!)

How to know you’re ready to take a sabbatical or quit your job

The live-in flip house hack strategy that will supercharge your FIRE progress

Why Slow FI may be even better than retiring as early as possible

How to join Ryan and other FI friends on a trip to help those in need

And So Much More!

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