BiggerPockets Money Podcast The FIRE Movement Is Dead! (What You Need to Know)
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Oct 17, 2025 Is the FIRE movement really dead? Discussion revolves around the evolving nature of financial independence, weighing extreme frugality against enjoying the journey. The hosts explore diverse FIRE approaches like lean and barista FI, emphasizing a more personalized pathway to financial freedom. They highlight the importance of redefining retirement as purposeful activity rather than an end goal. Despite economic uncertainty, the idea of early retirement remains alive, with potential adjustments to strategies and a balanced mindset being key to success.
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FIRE Debate Versus Data
- The FIRE debate spikes in headlines but often lacks hard data and context.
- Scott and Mindy ask if FIRE is extinct or simply evolved into new forms.
Origins: Early Influential Books
- Mindy traces FIRE origins to Your Money or Your Life and its idea that you don't have to work until 65.
- Scott adds The Millionaire Next Door and historical retirement concepts as foundations.
Extreme Frugality Examples
- Mindy recalls Jacob Lundfisker's extreme frugality living on roughly $7k–$10k per year.
- Scott contrasts that with Mr. Money Mustache's modest spending and frugality as a community hallmark.
