Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early 57. FI case study: Renee might be closer to financial independence than she thinks
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Jan 16, 2026 Hayden and Dave dive into a fascinating financial case study with Renee, revealing her income, investments, and dreams of semi-retirement. They explore whether she should focus on ETFs, another property, or current investments. Surprises unfold as they assess how close she is to financial independence and the impact of compounding on her future wealth. The discussion also touches on balancing family time with financial goals, the pros and cons of property versus shares, and the potential of solar energy for cutting costs. A treasure trove of practical insights!
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Snapshot Of Renee's Financials
- Renee describes household finances: combined income ~$210k, $500/week into shares, $640/week into sinking funds, and primary mortgage fully offset.
- They own one Sydney rental ($550k value, $300k loan) and hold ~$28k in A200/NDQ after selling shares.
Car Lease As Forced Savings
- Renee uses a salary-sacrificed car lease for stress-free forced savings and included servicing costs.
- She values the predictable cashflow management despite accepting it may not be the cheapest option.
Consider Solar And Batteries For Big Bills
- Investigate replacing old solar panels and adding a battery if electricity bills are very high.
- Use solar+battery when household usage or bills justify the upfront cost to reduce ongoing expenses.