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I didn’t grow up with role models for financial independence.
Like a lot of people, personal finance just wasn’t something we talked about. The financial advice in my house was simple: “Get a government job so they can’t fire you.”
There was no talk of investing. No budgeting systems. No long-term planning beyond “be careful.” My mom used to say, “I don’t know what retirement would be like. I think we just have to work until we keel over.”
That was the model. And for a long time, I didn’t know there was another one.
Doing “all the right things” (but without a plan)
I did what I thought responsible adults were supposed to do:
- Get a good education
- Find a good job
- Pay my bills
- Try to be steady and sensible
But my parents worried about me. I worked in the private sector — even in “risky Silicon Valley companies.” They were proud when my brother joined the federal government. Proud when my sister became a school teacher. But me? I was taking “too much risk.”
The truth is, I didn’t know how to save for retirement. I didn’t know how to plan for it. I didn’t understand how retirement systems worked — and nobody in my family had experience with anything except government pensions.
So I saved haphazardly. I followed whatever the HR benefits department recommended. I checked the boxes. I hoped it would work out.
The moment everything changed
Around age 40, I stumbled across the FIRE movement — and voices like Mr. Money Mustache. It felt like someone turned on the lights.
For the first time, I could see a completely different path:
- Build wealth intentionally instead of saving by accident.
- Design a pathway out of corporate life and into a life I actually wanted.
- Retire on purpose — long before I “keel over.”
It wasn’t about escaping work. It was about building options — and breathing room.
Why “Late, but FIRE” exists
If you’re starting at 40… or 50… or beyond… you might feel behind. I did, too.
You may be wondering:
- Am I too late?
- Did I miss my window?
- What should I even be doing today?
Here’s what I’ve learned: It’s not about starting early. It’s about starting intentionally.
This site is where I share what I’m learning — the systems, the mindset shifts, and the practical steps — so you don’t have to wander in the dark like I did.
We may be late starters. But we are not too late.
We’re going to build wealth. Design freedom. And retire intentionally.
Together. 🔥