I haven't met anyone who is really miserable trying to achieve FIRE but I understand they are out there. I have however met many who are steeped in student debt, buy two nice cars every few years etc. I even have a brother in-law that is a very successful sports announcer who at 48yo just asked me what a 401K is...... I think a little bit of what these FIRE people are espousing is needed. Of course, though in moderation. Remember, most of the people reading even this blog are abnormal compared to the majority. Anything that can help people think about saving/investing is worthwhile even if it is extreme at times.
I never understand knocking the FIRE movement. While we are not frugal (spent 144k last year) we have learned many things from the popular writers/bloggers. I was surprised at work recently when a young person mentioned buying rental real estate after following Mr Money Mustache. While I find him too crass, he has changed this young person’s life. I think in America we have a much greater problem than people saving too much, shouldn’t we be more focused on the 99% that are not doing the right things rather than this small group of extremists.. Criticizing the FIRE movement is like obese people knocking a new diet. Yes, the diet maybe extreme but isn’t there an elephant in the room? Sorry bad pun…..
Comments
I haven't met anyone who is really miserable trying to achieve FIRE but I understand they are out there. I have however met many who are steeped in student debt, buy two nice cars every few years etc. I even have a brother in-law that is a very successful sports announcer who at 48yo just asked me what a 401K is...... I think a little bit of what these FIRE people are espousing is needed. Of course, though in moderation. Remember, most of the people reading even this blog are abnormal compared to the majority. Anything that can help people think about saving/investing is worthwhile even if it is extreme at times.
Post: How to Retire at 38
Link to comment from February 2, 2023
I never understand knocking the FIRE movement. While we are not frugal (spent 144k last year) we have learned many things from the popular writers/bloggers. I was surprised at work recently when a young person mentioned buying rental real estate after following Mr Money Mustache. While I find him too crass, he has changed this young person’s life. I think in America we have a much greater problem than people saving too much, shouldn’t we be more focused on the 99% that are not doing the right things rather than this small group of extremists.. Criticizing the FIRE movement is like obese people knocking a new diet. Yes, the diet maybe extreme but isn’t there an elephant in the room? Sorry bad pun…..
Post: How to Retire at 38
Link to comment from February 2, 2023