A Couple's Quest for Financial Independence and Early Retirement
We’re Alex and Jamie, a couple in our early 30s who decided to take control of our financial future. Tired of the 9-to-5 grind, we set out on a mission to achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE). This blog is our journal—sharing the ups, downs, and lessons learned as we work toward freedom from the paycheck-to-paycheck life. Join us as we document our progress, from slashing debt to building a portfolio that’ll let us retire decades ahead of schedule!
It’s been a wild ride so far, and today we’re reflecting on how small habits have made a big difference. Sticking to a budget, automating investments, and saying “no” to lifestyle creep have been game-changers. Last month, we added $5,000 to our portfolio despite a surprise car repair. It’s proof that consistency—not perfection—keeps us on track. Next up: tackling our mortgage faster. Stay tuned!
People ask us all the time: “Why retire early?” For us, it’s not about quitting work forever—it’s about options. We want time to travel, volunteer, and maybe even start a passion project. The 9-to-5 wasn’t cutting it, so we ran the numbers. With a 4% withdrawal rate and a $1 million portfolio, we could live on $40,000 a year indefinitely. That’s our target, and we’re 25% there! It's that simple!