About a year ago, I discovered the financial independence/early retirement (FI/RE) movement and got really excited. I dove into my finances, calculating how to maximize my savings, cut back on spending, and increase my income to reach financial independence as soon as possible.
As you know, I’m a big fan of automating savings and investments by paying myself first. Once I set that up, I started tracking everything with my beloved spreadsheets. Now, I’m just waiting to reach financial independence, which, according to my plan, will take another 10 years and 11 months. Yay for me…
So, what now? My finances are in order, I’m working my job, and I’m working on my blog, which I love. But there’s a lot of waiting involved. I feel like Donkey from Shrek, constantly asking, “Are we there yet?”
I’ve already done a lot of work. I know there’s more to learn and more lessons to come, but the basics are covered. I’m grateful that I have only 11 years left to work instead of 47. Writing this down helps put things in perspective, which is great! But I still don’t feel it in my soul.
Now, it’s a waiting game—waiting for paychecks, salary increases, and investments to grow. Meanwhile, I still want to enjoy life! We live in a fast-paced world where delaying gratification is tough. It’s hard enough to resist a donut in front of me, let alone strive for a goal for 11 years. I know time will pass, but it feels long.
The challenge is balancing low spending to reach FI faster while still enjoying life. How much faster is “faster”? I still want to do fun things like festivals and hanging out with friends. I’m determined to enjoy the journey to financial independence, even if it means achieving it a few months later. I’m not missing out on concerts or festivals.
Waiting is hard for me. I’m usually proactive—asking for raises, investing, and negotiating mini-retirements. Many of us pursuing financial independence like to take action, solve problems, and figure things out as we go.
Now I’m sitting here, waiting. But don’t think I don’t enjoy it—I do! I love striving for a goal that seems crazy to others, only for them to ask how I did it later. It’s fun helping and inspiring people along the way.
It’s not just about financial independence; it’s about teaching people they can achieve their dreams. If something triggers you, cut it out of your life. For me, seeing full-time travelers on Instagram triggers wanderlust and impatience. So, I’ve cut back on Instagram and travel blogs, focusing instead on FI blogs.
Eliminate your triggers. If promotional emails make you spend, unsubscribe. If sales tempt you, avoid them. It’s easier to avoid temptation than resist it. Not buying cookies in the first place is better than telling yourself not to eat them.
Striving for financial goals can be tough. You need to know how much money you need, how much to save, and how much your income should increase. Mapping everything out helps you pace yourself. Knowing what you want and how much you need is crucial.
Set short-term goals to feel like you’re making progress. Celebrate small wins like salary increases, debt decreases, or savings milestones. These little victories remind you that you’re getting closer to your goal and keep you motivated.
When I started, I focused on every cent. Now, I make a general overview of my monthly spending without obsessing over every detail. Neither should you. Focus on your overall progress and short-term goals. Checking your bank account less frequently will reduce stress.
Focus on the positive. If you’re having a tough time at work, remember it will pass. Be present, support your colleagues, and remind yourself that one day, you won’t have to work anymore. That thought can help reduce stress.
It’s okay not to save every penny for the future. Enjoy life now because you never know what tomorrow will bring. Do you feel the same way? How do you handle impatience?