2025 Mid-Year FIRE Goal Update
Our Progress and What It MeansThe content on Surprising Wealth reflects my own experiences and opinions. It is not intended as financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a professional for advice tailored to your situation.
SlowFI + Reflecting on Our 2025 Milestone Achievements & What It Means
Hello FIRE community!
It’s time for our 2025 mid-year update on our journey towards Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE). This year has been a challenging one, emotionally and operationally. I’m so grateful for the solid financial foundation we have laid, mitigating financial stress. And we’ve still made significant strides towards our goals. Let’s dive into the numbers and what they mean for our path to financial freedom.
100% CoastFI for Retirement
We’ve already reached 100% CoastFI for our retirement, which means that if we stopped contributing to our retirement accounts and real estate investments today, our existing investments would still grow to meet our retirement needs by the time we reach traditional retirement age. This milestone, which we hit a few years ago, still feels amazing and provides incredible peace of mind, knowing that we’ve already set up our senior selves to be able to have a comfortably funded retirement.
92% to LeanFI
We’re at 92% to LeanFI, the point where our investments can cover our essential living expenses. LeanFI focuses on a more minimalist lifestyle, ensuring that our basic needs are met without relying on a paycheck. Approaching LeanFI feels like a powerful safety net. For me, this is next-level peace of mind, knowing that we can financially survive if something happens to our ability to earn income. Being so close to this goal also means we have the flexibility going forward to consider part-time work, passion projects, or even taking a sabbatical, knowing our core expenses are covered.
76% to Our FIRE Number
Currently, we’ve reached 76% of our overall FIRE (Financial Independence, Recreational Employment) number, which is the total amount needed to sustain our current lifestyle indefinitely without needing to work. This includes both essential and discretionary spending. Watching our progression towards this milestone is a reminder of how far we’ve come and motivates us to keep pushing forward. Every contribution and investment brings us closer to complete financial freedom.
65% to Chubby FIRE Number
Based on our current trajectory, we think we may be able to added some spending cushion for our retirement years, while still meeting our goal of being work optional by our mid-50s. If we stay on track with our current yearly investing rate and are lucky enough to earn the long term average investment returns during those years, we will likely hit our Chubby FIRE number. This is my best guess of what our portfolio value with be if we keep inesting at our current rate for the next 77 months. It would be enough to cover our curent spending level, plus extra money each year for “nice to have” lifestyle upgrades that we dont currenly have. Imagine things such as additional money for travel, monthly massages, housecleaning, looser budgets for groceries or gifting or eating out. Maybe some home upgrades. If we hit Chubby FIRE, our spending ability in retirement will be higher than while were working. We are playing it by ear, letting the next few years pay out before we decide if we want to retire earlier or up our spending budget.
77 Months Until We Plan to Hit Our FIRE Number
With 77 months to go, we’re on track to hit our FIRE number in 6.5 years. It’s exciting to have a timeline and to see the goal line getting closer. Knowing we have a plan in place keeps us motivated and focused, making each month’s progress more meaningful. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about enjoying the journey and making every moment count.
Embracing SlowFI
Our FIRE approach of SlowFI allows us to enjoy life now while working towards financial independence. We prioritize experiences with family, travel, and spending on things that bring us joy. We’re also choosing to work fewer hours, creating a balance between our present enjoyment and future goals. It’s about making thoughtful choices that enhance our lives today and in the future.
Let’s get curious….Let’s
What does financial independence mean to you?
Where are you on your FI journey, and what milestones have you achieved or are aiming for next?
How can you embrace the principles of SlowFI and start enjoying life now while working towards financial independence? What trade-offs are worth it for a richer, more fulfilling life today?
What experiences or activities bring you joy, and how can you incorporate them into your life without delaying your financial goals?
By exploring these questions, you can gain deeper insights into your financial journey and identify actionable steps to move closer to your goals. Financial independence is a personal and unique journey for everyone, and we hope these questions inspire you to take meaningful steps towards your own financial freedom.
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A Bit About Us
Our journey began with humble beginnings. We’ve navigated through the challenges of creating a life and a living we love, while earing low to median incomes. What started as a modest dream of being able to retire someday has turned into a concrete plan. We’ve been on the SlowFI path, consistently saving and investing for 20+ years. Our income over time has stayed roughly in the 50th percentile, so we are truely everyday Americans. We’ve achieved remarkable results through living below our means and consistently investing the difference. Now in our mid-40s, we are in the top 20% for U.S. household wealth for our age group. This has been possible through conscious spending, consistent saving, strategic investing, and a commitment to lifestyle design where we spend generously on things that bring us value and contentment, while cuting back on things we are ambivalent about. It can be daunting when you hear the stories of tech workers or doctors or other people with large income shovels. We want to share how an everyday couple with median US income has built wealth for the future, while also creating a life we love today.
Why Financial Independence?
Financial Independence means having the freedom to make choices that aren’t dictated only by the need for a paycheck. It’s about gaining control over your time and energy, and being able to pursue what truly matters to you. For us, it’s about creating time for friend & family, travel, and the experiences that bring joy and fulfillment.
Join Us on the Journey
In January 2021, I ran some calculations, projected our investment growth, and analyzed our current spending levels. After adjusting our spending assumptions for future inflation, I realized we could replace our earned income (trading time for money) with investment income (our money making money for us) in approximately 10 years. With 90 months left to go, we’re solidly on that path and we want you to join us. Whether you’re just starting out or well on your way to financial independence, Surprising Wealth is here to support and inspire you. Together, we can make every month count and turn dreams into reality.
Thank you for being a part of our community. Let’s embark on this journey to financial independence together!
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CoastFI for Retirement
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To LeanFI
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To FIRE Number
Months To FI
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