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Saketh's avatar

Hey Andrew, my notes got so long :D

FIRE is not for everyone since it takes a kind of mentality/personality but it is not inaccessible. There are several reddit threads of people having achieved it at different income levels. I give 3 references that are math and research oriented.

1. Spx investing returns. If you started during the top of dotcom bubble saving $1000 a month today you should have $1.2 million

https://dqydj.com/sp-500-periodic-reinvestment-calculator-dividends/

2. There are many bloggers in this space but Mr. MM is patient and calm:

https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/13/the-shockingly-simple-math-behind-early-retirement/

https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2018/10/05/the-fire-movement/

https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2018/04/10/hacking-hedonic-adaptation/

Important to know - Hedonistic adaption and law of diminishing marginal utility are real and not easy to be conscious about.

3. An old classic written by an economics professor and a good read

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy https://g.co/kgs/9Yur77E

Also easy read

Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, Or Trust Fund Required https://g.co/kgs/kTps8FY

P.S. - 1. what do you do after FI? if job's your purpose continue it - coastFI.

Or America is built on innovation, take a risk now, knowing your family will be fine financially.

2. Taxes become less important- remember there are 401k, HSA, FSA, home, childcare deductions maxing out would do at least $30,000 ($2500 per month) savings tax free every year. From the calculator above it says if you started at the peak of 2007 recession you still would have $1.6 million now.

And during withdrawal there is Roth conversions.

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Andrew's avatar

Thanks for your comments Saketh! I appreciate your blog and book suggestions.

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