BiggerPockets Money Podcast The Proven Path to Financial Independence by 44
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Jan 23, 2026 Explore the intriguing journey of a man who reached financial independence at 40 and decided to work four more years, adding $1 million to his net worth. Discover his strategic approach to retirement planning, including flexible spending strategies of $120K-$180K annually. Learn about his investment tactics, navigating health insurance subsidies, and tax optimization using Roth conversions. Plus, get insights into his daily life in early retirement, balancing leisure with supplemental income from personal ventures.
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Surprising Discovery Of FI At 40
- Steven discovered he had reached financial independence at age 40 after researching a pension lump sum vs annuity.
- He realized his saved assets totaled $2.5 million across accounts and 529 plans and was surprised by the result.
Prepare Financially, Physically, And Mentally
- Prepare financially, physically, and mentally before leaving work and use a full year to pad savings and secure housing.
- Get health screenings while still employed to avoid unexpected medical issues after losing employer insurance.
Cash Runway Over Rigid 4% Rule
- Steven held a large cash buffer in his taxable account to provide a multi-year runway and avoid selling equities in down markets.
- He intentionally prioritized a dollars-and-miles spending approach over strictly following the 4% rule.