Table of Contents:
- Intro
- The Financial Independence Retire Early Roadmap
- Mr. Money Mustache
- Fire Fortuna
- The Mad Fientist
- ChooseFI
- Early Retirement Now
- Go Curry Cracker
- Millennial Revolution
- Our Next Life
- Root of Good
- Retire by 40
- Financial Samurai
- 1500 Days to Freedom
- Frugalwoods
- The Fioneers
- Rich & REGULAR
- Playing with FIRE
- JL Collins’ Stock Series
Intro
We’ve all had those moments, staring out the office window, daydreaming of a life where our time truly belongs to us. Maybe it’s a serene beach, a quiet cabin in the woods, or simply more time with loved ones. That dream? It’s closer to reality than you might think, thanks to the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement. Across cafes, dinner tables, and online forums worldwide, people are buzzing about this new approach to life and money. And guess what? It’s not just for finance whizzes or lottery winners. Everyday folks are redefining success, ditching the 9-to-5 grind, and forging their paths to early retirement!
My name is Fortuna and back in 2015 I launched my very own online supplement brand, It Really Works Vitamins. It was a struggle at the beginning, I honestly felt as if I was pushing a boulder up a hill. But around six months later, I cracked the marketing, and the following year, the business started turning over at least £1000 per day. ( I share the full story of How to Set Up A Million Dollar Supplement Brand here) Seven years later I sold my startup (to tech entrepreneur Callam Delaney: I interview him here!)
I really believe in the power of turning your side hustle into a business: this is what this blog is all about!
Today I’m sharing 17 of the very best FIRE blogs are penned by real people who have been in your shoes. They’re sharing their stories, mistakes, victories, and invaluable tips. So, whether you’re just starting to toy with the idea of financial freedom or you’re deep into your savings journey, these bloggers will feel like friends guiding you along the path!
Picture this: Waking up every morning, not to the shrill sound of an alarm forcing you to rush off to work, but to the gentle rhythms of life, guided only by what you truly desire to do that day. This dreamy state? It’s what we call Financial Independence. It’s when your savings, investments, or other income streams cover your living expenses, freeing you from the need to actively work for money. The best part? It’s not a fairy tale; it’s achievable.
Now, add a dash of ambition to that financial freedom, and you get Early Retirement. It’s not about lazing on a couch (unless you want to!). It’s about choosing to retire way before the conventional age of 65, giving you the gift of time. Time to travel, learn, volunteer, or even start that quirky project you’ve always thought of.
How does one embark on this tantalizing journey?
The Financial Independence Retire Early Roadmap
1. Self-awareness: Start by understanding your financial habits. Track your income, expenses, and see where that money goes (yes, even that sneaky coffee splurge).
2. Dream Big, Plan Smart: Define what financial independence means for you. Do you want a beach hut in Bali or a cottage in the Cotswolds? Or perhaps you simply want the freedom to live without financial stress. Either way, set clear goals.
3. Savings and More Savings: Cultivate a savings mindset. Remember, every penny saved is a step closer to your dream.
4. Invest, Don’t Just Save: Let your money work for you. Delve into the world of investing – be it stocks, real estate, or bonds. If you’re unsure, seek advice or devour books and blogs on the topic.
5. Slash Debt: Debt is the anchor weighing down your financial ship. Pay off high-interest debts first and avoid accumulating new ones.
6. Life’s Curveballs: Prepare for emergencies by setting aside funds. Because life, with its quirks, often throws us unexpected challenges.
7. Celebrate & Adjust: Celebrate milestones, however small. And remember, it’s okay to adjust your plans based on life’s changes.
Remember, it’s a journey, not a sprint. Along the way, you’ll find a community of fellow dreamers and doers, all chasing that beautiful horizon of financial freedom and early retirement. So, lace up, take that first step, and let the adventure begin!
Let’s dive into my favourite Financial Independence Early Retirement blogs!
17 of The Best Financial Independence Early Retirement blogs!
Mr. Money Mustache
Launched by Pete Adeney in 2011, MMM isn’t just about money; it’s a cultural critique. Adeney’s philosophy revolves around living a meaningful, efficient, and community-driven life. His posts often mix financial wisdom with life philosophy, presenting an integrated approach to early retirement.
Fire Fortuna
I couldn’t have this list without mentioning our very own FireFortuna. Here on this blog, we have a three-pillar approach: start a side hustle (no matter how small), scale it into a legit business, and thrive! I break down the journey into actionable steps, guiding readers from starting a side hustle to scaling it into a million-dollar enterprise.
The Mad Fientist
Brandon’s site is a synthesis of meticulous research. He dissects tax laws, compounding benefits, and financial strategies. Notably, his podcast interviews with other FIRE figures give a 360-degree view of the movement.
ChooseFI
Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett’s brainchild, ChooseFI, is more than a website; it’s a hub. Their comprehensive repository of content ranges from the basics of FIRE to advanced topics, frequently emphasizing the community’s personal experiences.
Early Retirement Now
With a PhD in Economics, Big ERN dives into the mathematics of retirement. His Safe Withdrawal Rate Series is especially notable, critically examining the age-old 4% rule, and suggesting alternative withdrawal strategies.
Go Curry Cracker
Jeremy and Winnie provide readers a glimpse into a life where early retirement and world travel merge. Their transparency about tax hacks and geo-arbitrage is commendable, enabling many to envision a life beyond the 9-to-5.
Millennial Revolution
Kristy and Bryce challenge mainstream financial advice, particularly homeownership. Their “Workshop” section is a hands-on guide for those looking to start their FIRE journey, covering everything from budgeting to investing.
Our Next Life
Tanja doesn’t just focus on the numbers. Her posts delve deep into the heart of retirement: identity shifts, community involvement, and crafting a purpose-driven post-retirement life.
Root of Good
Justin’s monthly financial updates are a goldmine. They provide insights into how a retiree’s financial picture can change month-to-month and year-to-year, giving readers a candid view of post-FIRE life.
Retire by 40
Joe Udo’s journey from an engineer to a stay-at-home dad and blogger is relatable to many. His articles on passive income sources and maintaining a work-life balance post-retirement resonate with a broad audience.
Financial Samurai
Sam Dogen’s take on finance is holistic. Covering topics from real estate to the gig economy, his detailed posts are backed by over 20 years of investing experience. The site offers a refined perspective on maintaining and growing wealth.
1500 Days to Freedom
Mr. 1500’s journey is both educational and entertaining. 1500 Days to Freedom chronicles Mr. 1500’s inspiring journey to early retirement, blending personal anecdotes with insightful financial strategies, all while promoting a life of purpose and contentment.
Frugalwoods
Liz and Nate’s journey from city dwellers to homesteaders is captivating. Their “Uber Frugal Month Challenge” has been especially influential, prompting readers to reevaluate their spending habits.
The Fioneers
Their concept of “Slow FI” is a breath of fresh air. Corey and Jess argue for a balanced approach to financial independence, advocating for lifestyle changes that provide immediate benefits.
Rich & REGULAR
This couple’s narrative beautifully intertwines finance with social issues, offering readers a deep-dive into topics like racial wealth gaps and the socio-economic implications of FIRE.
Playing with FIRE
Scott Rieckens, through his website and documentary, provides a raw view of the struggles, sacrifices, and rewards of the FIRE movement. It’s a captivating look at the emotional aspects of the journey.
JL Collins’ Stock Series
Jim Collins demystifies stock investment, making it accessible for beginners. His insights on the power of index funds are invaluable for those unsure about navigating the stock market.
These websites, collectively, offer a wealth of knowledge, ensuring that anyone, regardless of where they are in their FIRE journey, can find guidance, inspiration, and a sense of community.
As we wrap up this enlightening journey through the world of FIRE blogs, it’s evident that the path to financial independence and early retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Each of these 17 voices offers a unique perspective, a different story, and a wealth of lessons that come straight from the heart. Whether it’s a shared struggle, a celebrated milestone, or a nifty financial hack, there’s a genuine connection waiting to be made with every reader. As you forge ahead on your own personal journey to financial freedom, remember that these bloggers are more than just virtual guides—they’re a testament to the possibility and promise of a life lived on one’s own terms. So bookmark these sites, revisit them often, and let their stories inspire, challenge, and comfort you. After all, the dream of financial freedom isn’t a solitary one—it’s a shared aspiration, and together, we make the journey all the more enriching. Here’s to new beginnings, smart decisions, and the pursuit of a life rich in experiences and choices!
Comment below! Which is your favourite blog? Also, do you have a crazy FIRE story to tell?
Ping me a message, I would love to have you on the blog!
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