Financial Independence Isn’t All or Nothing—Here’s Why Every Step Matters

87 Months to FI! 🎉 The countdown continues! We’re now 87 months away from reaching our goal of Financial Independence (FI). Each month brings us closer to a future where we have complete control over how we spend our time, our energy, and, of course, our money. But what I’m realizing more and more on this journey is that it’s not just about the finish line—it’s about what we gain along the way.

This month, I was reminded just how valuable that incremental freedom can be. In ways I didn’t expect, this month became a challenging one for me, not just financially, but emotionally. Some unwelcome surprises stirred up old emotions, wounds that connect back to my childhood. It’s surprising how easily past hurts can reappear, especially when we think we’ve worked through them. Sometimes life touches a tender spot that reminds us of deeper, unresolved pain, and that kind of invisible hurt can have very real consequences. It affects not only our minds and hearts but often shows up physically, too.

To be honest, this is heavier than I had planned to share. But it feels important to talk about.

The silver lining in all of this? The freedom that FI has already given me, even though we’re still on the journey. Because we live below our means, have built up emergency funds, and have already taken care of our future retirement, I’ve been able to take some much-needed time for myself. I reduced my workload, focused on self-care, and didn’t have to stress about our short-term finances.

It was a powerful reminder of why FI matters, not just as a future goal, but for what it offers us right now.

Financial Independence Isn’t All or Nothing

When we talk about Financial Independence, it’s easy to think of it as an “all or nothing” destination—you’re either FI or you’re not. But that’s not really true. Each step forward in the journey gives you a little more freedom, a little more control over how you live your life today.

This month, for example, that incremental freedom gave me the ability to pause. Because of the financial choices we’ve made over the years (living below our means, prioritizing investments, and creating a financial safety net) I don’t feel pressured to keep hustling through tough times. I have space to heal, to work less, and to focus on what matters most: my health and well-being.

And that’s the real power of FI. It’s not just about hitting a magic number or quitting your job at 50. It’s about creating options for yourself along the way. Options to slow down, to change course, to take care of your mental and physical health, and to make decisions that aren’t based on financial fear.

Actionable Tip: Start Using Your Incremental Freedom Now

So, what does this mean for you? If you’re working toward FI, you don’t have to wait until the finish line to start reaping the rewards. Every small step forward gives you more financial space and freedom to make choices from a place of strength. Here are a few ways you can start using your incremental freedom now:

1. Build an Emergency Fund: Even a small emergency fund can give you peace of mind and the ability to handle unexpected life events without dipping into debt.
2. Reduce Financial Stress: As you save and invest, try to reduce your financial stress by focusing on what’s within your control, like minimizing debt and prioritizing savings.
3. Take Time for Self-Care: Whether it’s cutting back on work or taking a mental health day, incremental freedom can give you the space to take care of yourself without worrying about your finances.
4. Make Values-Based Decisions: As your financial situation strengthens, think about how you can make more decisions based on what truly matters to you, whether that’s spending more time with loved ones, focusing on a passion project, or simply having the flexibility to say “no” to things that drain you.

Surprising Wealth: More Than Just Numbers

At Surprising Wealth, our goal has always been to share our story, tips, and strategies to help others, especially those with lower to median incomes, build wealth and create a life they love. But it’s not just about money. It’s about what that money represents: freedom, choice, and control over your life.

As we continue our countdown to FI, we’re reminded that the journey itself is full of surprising moments of growth and opportunity. FI is about much more than just retiring early, it’s about having the financial and emotional space to live fully along the way.

Let’s Get Curious…

Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on what the journey to FI could mean for you, beyond the numbers:

• Have you ever thought about what incremental financial freedom could give you right now—before you hit your ultimate FI goal? What would that space allow you to do?
• What’s one area of your life where having financial stability would offer you more peace, more options, or even just a little more breathing room?
• Can you imagine a future where you have the flexibility to step away from work, even for a short time, to focus on something that deeply matters to you? What would that look like?
• How are you currently preparing for life’s unexpected challenges? Could a stronger financial foundation help you handle those moments from a place of strength?
• What’s a small action you can take today to build the “space” in your financial life that gives you more control and freedom?

Let’s get curious about how we can shape our financial journeys to not only reach our goals but to live richer, fuller lives along the way.

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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!

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.