Financial Independence

Articles about lifestyle design and the financial independence movement.

The Skeptic's Guide to FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)

The Skeptic's Guide to FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)

The FI movement has inspired millions to rethink their life goals. Here's an editor's perspective on the good, bad, and ugly of FIRE culture.

What Is Coast FIRE? Coast FI, Explained

What Is Coast FIRE? Coast FI, Explained

Coast FIRE and Coast FI refer to a wealth benchmark in financial independence culture. Here's what they are and how they work.

Barista FIRE: For Many, a Better Lifestyle Design Target

Barista FIRE: For Many, a Better Lifestyle Design Target

Barista FI is a wealth benchmark in which you can downshift in your career, but are not yet fully retired. Here's how it works.

Lean FIRE: The Fast Track to Early Retirement – If You Can Stomach a Small Budget

Lean FIRE: The Fast Track to Early Retirement – If You Can Stomach a Small Budget

Lean FIRE is a slimmed-down version of “financial independence, retire early” that leverages tight budgets for time freedom. Here's how it works.

Fat FIRE: A Wealth-Building Mentality That Leaves Frugality at the Door

Fat FIRE: A Wealth-Building Mentality That Leaves Frugality at the Door

The Venti version of “financial independence, retire early” is for people who want big cash flow when they stop working. Here's how it works.

The Roth Conversion Ladder: A Crucial Tax Strategy If Retiring Early

The Roth Conversion Ladder: A Crucial Tax Strategy If Retiring Early

A Roth conversion ladder helps you ensure you avoid tax penalties when you partially or fully retire. Here's how it works and what to do now.

The Mega Backdoor Roth IRA: Dramatic Name, Equally Dramatic Gains. How It Works

The Mega Backdoor Roth IRA: Dramatic Name, Equally Dramatic Gains. How It Works

If you're making good money, this retirement strategy lets you make big contributions to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Here's how the mega backdoor Roth works.

HENRYs (High Earners Not Rich Yet): Financially Blessed, But Also Stressed. What to Know

HENRYs (High Earners Not Rich Yet): Financially Blessed, But Also Stressed. What to Know

HENRYs are a specific subset of consumers who make a healthy income, but also still in the trenches of their wealth-building journey.

Personal Savings Rate (PSAVERT): Why It Leads to Better, More Sustainable Money Goals

Personal Savings Rate (PSAVERT): Why It Leads to Better, More Sustainable Money Goals

Your personal saving rate determines how quickly you can build wealth based on your current resources. Here's how to calculate it.

Financial Freedom: A Low-Hype Introduction to Financial Independence (FI) Culture

Financial Freedom: A Low-Hype Introduction to Financial Independence (FI) Culture

Financial independence is sexy and alluring. But is it still achievable in our current economy?

Move to Portugal? Don’t Mind If I Do. How a Golden Visa Works

Move to Portugal? Don’t Mind If I Do. How a Golden Visa Works

A golden visa lets you purchase residency or even citizenship in another country. Here's how it works and which countries participate.

7 Writing Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money in 2024 (And Any Other Time, Too)

7 Writing Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money in 2024 (And Any Other Time, Too)

A side hustle can help you close the gap in your money or savings goals. Here's a roundup of popular options and approaches to consider.

The Last Half Decade of My Career, Explained in P&Ls

The Last Half Decade of My Career, Explained in P&Ls

I downsized my LLC to take a full-time job and shift my career. Here's how the numbers changed.