How Do I: FIRE myself?

It’s probably not what you think. We’re talking about the FIRE movement: Financial Independence, Retire Early.

Okay, for a lot of us, the chance for “early” is long past. We’ll be lucky to retire, period. But if you can get beyond that, some pieces of wisdom emerge from the practice and this article: “How to Retire in Your 30s with $1 Million in the Bank.”

 1)  Retirement is really about having personal agency. If you find the R word scary, try thinking of it as having control over your own life and not being a slave to your job. Who doesn’t want that?

 2) Live where it’s cheap. So often we want bigger, more expensive, more luxurious. But do you really need that burden? Better to envision a future without a mortgage.

 3)  Live beneath your means. Radical concept. Avoid expensive treats and take care of more on your own. People in the movement seek fulfillment in cutting corners. You know, kinda like making your own Pear Cosmo at home, rather than paying $10 at happy hour.

Yes, all common sense. Do I do it every day? Hell, no. But maybe I should. Want to know more about FIRE? Check out this link to Mr. Money Mustache (one of the originators of the Retire Early movement — his frugality and independence are inspiring. Or at least, enviable.