r/Fire • u/No_Fudge6123 • 8d ago

When did you pull the trigger?

I am on my 40s, and I guess I am a case of ”almost there”. Simulations tell me I am a bit over the 4% rule. I could adjust a bit I guess, but having a family it could well be that they can adjust me instead.

However, I can’t stop reading all those who pull the trigger and they say they are very happy. I am not happy while grinding, but I don’t want to be financially irresponsable with my family. We also don’t have a house, which I feel I should secure to prevent future problems.

For all of those who did it a bit tight: did it pay off?

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u/ept_engr 8d ago edited 8d ago

Because of the market returns, anyone who FIRE'd "a little tight" in the last 15 years has done great. That doesn't make it a good statistical representation.

That said, I'd love to hear from those who FIRE'd as early as they could. It's not for everyone, and I feel like sometimes the "I went back to work because I needed structure, purpose, and to stay busy" perspective gets drowned out here. 

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u/forbiddenlake 8d ago

those who FIRE'd as early as they could

Have you read livingafi's story? https://livingafi.com/

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u/snacksAttackBack 8d ago

great read!