Discover how this couple retired early at 40 with FIRE – You won’t believe their secret!

Summer transitioned into a cooler, more manageable September here in the Pacific Northwest. With RB40Jr starting 8th grade and life falling back into a comfortable routine after a hectic summer, we embraced what the month had to offer. From RB40Jr joining the Ultimate Frisbee league and resuming Wushu, to me enrolling in a ceramics class and dedicating an hour daily to my side hustle, we made the most of September. We even explored the beautiful Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, wrapping up the month on a high note.

Reflecting on September, it wasn’t just busy but fulfilling, both personally and financially. We enjoyed ourselves without breaking the bank, and we were able to maintain a positive cash flow. Our net worth also saw some impressive growth, giving us a sense of financial security as we moved into October.

2024 Goals
Let’s dive into my 2024 goals and see how we’re progressing:

1. Financial Goals
   • FI ratio > 100%: Tracking our passive income against our expenses, I set the goal at 100% for this year. Surpassing expectations, our FI ratio stands at 116%, showcasing our financial stability.
   • 3% Rule: With the aim to spend less than 3% of our net worth annually, we’re using this as a litmus test for our retirement readiness.
   • Track net worth and hope for +10%: Monitoring our net worth since 2006, we’re anticipating a 10% increase this year, largely depending on market performance.
2. Health Goals
   • Exercise 3x per week: Keeping health a top priority post turning 50, I’m ensuring regular exercise is a part of my routine. September saw decent progress on this front.
   • Health checks: With important check-ups scheduled for colonoscopy, physicals, dental exams, etc., prospective health maintenance looks promising.
3. Fun Goals
   • International trip: Our memorable 3-week trip to Japan marked Mrs. RB40’s 50th birthday celebrations. Plans for another visit are already in the pipeline.
   • Happiness level > 8: Aimed at sustaining a happiness threshold of at least 8, September contributed positively to this goal.
   • Help RB40Jr start a YouTube channel: While this goal had to be abandoned due to RB40Jr’s dwindling interest, we’re pivoting and focusing on other pursuits.

Net Worth (+16.7%)
Monitoring our net worth since 2006 has been a motivational journey. With our net worth seeing a significant 16.7% increase this year, we’re witnessing the power of compounding in action. Looking ahead, the advice is clear – stay the course, keep investing, and focus on long-term financial independence.

September 2024 FIRE Cash Flow
Our September FIRE income stood at $5,703, with a notable list of sources contributing. While our expenses for the month were around $3,639, we’re on track to meet our yearly spending goal of $65,000.

As we wrap up September, it’s evidently clear that the month has been kind to us. From personal accomplishments to financial gains, we’re heading into the rest of the year with optimism and gratitude. Remember, passive income is a crucial component of early retirement planning, and investing wisely now can pave the way for a financially secure future. Shimmy up and check out CrowdStreet for investing opportunities – you might just find your next financial milestone there!