Financial independence
Stories, how-tos, and calculators related to the financial independence, retire early (FIRE) culture and methodology.
The beginner's guide to FIRE (financial independence, retire early)
The FI movement has inspired millions to rethink their life goals. Here's a primer on the good, bad, and ugly of FIRE culture.
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Flavors of FI
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Savings goal calculator: Scratchpad your next money goal
Whether you're saving for a home down payment, vacation, or emergency fund, this calculator shows exactly how much to set aside each month.
Hot take: Saving rate is what matters most. How it works
Your personal saving rate determines how quickly you can build wealth based on your current resources. Here's how to calculate it.
‘Your Money or Your Life’ book report: The book that supercharged the FIRE movement
First published in 1992, the financial independence classic brought a stylish POV to frugality culture.
Debt payoff calculator: Make a plan to banish ‘debt drag’ for good
See how long it'll take to pay off your debt, along with how extra payments will adjust your timeline.
50/30/20 budget calculator: Make the breakdown really simple
This approach splits your take-home pay into needs, wants, and savings to keep things dead-simple.
The Roth conversion ladder: How to avoid steep taxes when retiring early
A Roth conversion ladder helps you ensure you avoid tax penalties when you partially or fully retire. Here's how it works and what to do now.
Why Social Security is an LGBTQ+ right
Threats to the federal program endanger queer elders — and are part of the hard-won victory of marriage equality.
Fat FIRE calculator: Plan your fatfire fantasy
The supersized version of Financial Independence, Retire Early requires even more money, but accounts for higher monthly expenses post-work.
HENRYs (High Earners, Not Rich Yet): Financially blessed, but also stressed
HENRYs are a specific subset of consumers who make a healthy income, but also still in the trenches of their wealth-building journey.
7 writing side hustle ideas to make extra money in 2024
A side hustle can help you close the gap in your money or savings goals. Here's a roundup of popular options and approaches to consider.
Financial Freedom: A low-hype introduction to financial independence (FI) culture
Financial independence is sexy and alluring. But is it still achievable in our current economy?
A golden visa lets you buy a fast track to foreign residency. How it works
A golden visa lets you purchase residency or even citizenship in another country. Here's how it works and which countries participate.
The mega backdoor Roth IRA: dramatic name, equally dramatic gains. How it works
If you're making good money, this retirement strategy lets you make big contributions to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Here's how the mega backdoor Roth works.