Instead of asking, "Can we afford this?"
...we ask, "What are we giving up if we say yes?"The 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.
The Anti-Upgrade Mentality That Upgraded Our Entire Life
Why staying small in some areas creates surprising freedom in others.
Most people spend the majority of their income on housing, transportation, and food.
Early on, we realized that every upgrade came with an opportunity cost. A bigger house, a newer car, or a more expensive lifestyle didn’t just cost more money, it also reduced our future options.
So we made a different choice.
We lived in our “starter home” for more than a decade. We kept driving older, reliable vehicles long after we could have upgraded. Not because we wanted to spend as little as possible, but because those decisions freed up money for things that mattered more to us.
Those choices quietly made all kinds of other “yes” decisions possible.
- We invested more for our future.
- We could say yes to dinner with friends without stressing about the bill.
- We chose flexible work over chasing every higher-paying opportunity.
- We traveled to visit people we cared about.
- We bought assets that gradually purchased more free time.
The funny thing is, we never felt like we were sacrificing something important.
We were simply choosing a different kind of upgrade.
Not bigger cars or bigger houses.
A bigger life.
Read more about how one “boring” financial decision shaped our journey in our next blog post.
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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 were on track to replace our earned income (trading time for money) with investment income (our money making money for us) in approximately 10 years. With 75 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!
Disclaimer: All the tips and stories here are from my own journey toward financial independence. Remember, what worked for me might not work for everyone. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult with a professional before making any significant financial decisions.
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Recent Blog Posts
Discover the power of small actions and big dreams with Surprising Wealth. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, case studies, and actionable tips, we’ll show you how we’re navigating the complexities of money management, investment strategies, and lifestyle choices to achieve true financial freedom and fulfillment.
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