429 achieving F.I.R.E. at a young age (an interview with Dave Gow of Strong Money Australia)
Jul 30, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, guest Dave Gow, an expert in financial independence and investing from Strong Money Australia, shares his journey to early retirement by age 28. He emphasizes the importance of savings rates over high incomes and explores the benefits of property vs. share investing. Dave also dives into strategies like debt recycling and the vital role of superannuation for young investors. With insights on minimalist insurance practices and family financial planning, he advocates for balanced financial habits and delayed gratification for long-term wealth.
Dave Gow's journey to financial independence emphasizes a high savings rate, achieving up to 70% of income, over mere income levels.
Transitioning from a property-focused investment strategy to dividend-paying stocks enabled Dave to create a more sustainable income stream.
His approach redefines retirement as pursuing fulfilling work freely chosen, rather than being financially compelled to work long hours.
Deep dives
The Journey to Financial Independence
Dave from Strong Money Australia shares his transformative journey towards financial independence, which began at the age of 18 when he moved to Perth seeking better job opportunities. He quickly realized that working long hours for decades wasn't appealing, prompting a deep dive into learning about saving and investing. Over nearly a decade of aggressive saving and wealth-building, he reached a point in 2017 where he could sustain his living expenses through his investments. This journey, characterized by a focus on education and proactive financial management, helped him achieve financial independence at a remarkably young age.
Understanding Strong Money
The concept of 'Strong Money' stems from Dave's desire to empower others through financial strength, allowing for greater life choices and freedom. He founded his blog, Strong Money Australia, to share insights and experiences about wealth-building strategies that emphasize financial literacy. The name encapsulates the goal of achieving a robust financial position that enables individuals to live a life of their choosing without financial constraints. This unique approach highlights the importance of building a strong financial foundation as a pathway to personal freedom.
Transitioning from Property to Shares
Initially, Dave focused on real estate as the primary avenue for wealth accumulation, aligning with the prevalent Australian perspective that values property. As he diversified his investment strategy, he discovered the pitfalls of relying solely on property for income generation due to significant ongoing costs associated with ownership. Consequently, he shifted his focus towards the share market, particularly in dividend-paying stocks, which provided an income stream that was more sustainable. This transition was catalyzed by the realization that investing in shares could potentially accelerate his journey towards financial independence.
Savings Rate vs. Income
Throughout the discussion, Dave emphasizes the crucial role of savings rate over mere income levels in achieving financial goals. Early in his career, he managed to save upwards of 70% of his income by living modestly and prioritizing his financial growth. This focus on high savings allowed him to amass wealth more quickly than relying solely on a high income would have achieved. By controlling expenses and maintaining a disciplined approach to saving, he demonstrated that financial independence is accessible to many, regardless of income level.
The Philosophy of Optional Work
While Dave achieved financial independence, he highlights the joy of engaging in work that brings purpose rather than necessity. He openly discusses how all his current endeavors, including his blogging and podcasts, are chosen freely and are not driven by financial pressure. This perspective reflects a broader understanding of what retirement can mean, advocating for a model where individuals pursue fulfilling activities rather than adhering to traditional definitions of work. By establishing a mindset of optionality, he encourages others to redefine their relationship with work and money.
In today’s episode Dev interviews Dave Gow of Strong Money Australia, touching on:
👉🏾 savings rate?
👉🏿 property vs shares
👉🏻 financial independence retire early (F.I.R.E) principles
👉 debt and recycling
👉🏼 superannuation
👉🏽 children and financial independence
👉🏾 approach to investing
👉🏿 money wins
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