How the Path to Financial Independence Changed My Life

(This page may contain affiliate links and we may earn fees from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. See our Disclosure for more info.)

Financial independence commonly creates an image of work-free leisure in people’s golden years.

But in recent years, the concept of FIRE (Financial Independence/Retire Early) has inspired people to pursue the goal of financial independence before traditional retirement age.

Yet early retirement isn’t necessarily the goal for everyone striving for financial independence (FI).

Some folks retire when they reach FI, but others continue in their careers or choose to do work they find more meaningful.

So, people of all ages, stages, and backgrounds pursue financial independence for more time freedom and options.

As a result, work becomes optional, leaving more time for relationships, focusing on health, hobbies, volunteering, and other areas of life.

Below, I share my discovery of financial independence and how the path to FI changed my life.

Discovering Financial Independence (FI)

My penchant for personal finance began after I quit my job to become a stay-at-home parent (20+ years…