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If you absurdly reduce it down to that point then, yes, anyone can live cheaply in a rural area. But that's not the point. Financial independence is about the a

If you absurdly reduce it down to that point then, yes, anyone can live cheaply in a rural area. But that's not the point. Financial independence is about the ability to live a good life without having to worry about next's day food.

gkop 4y ago
Agreed. Also there’s an in-between. I think parent’s point is worth reminding us of, because in our consumer-driven economy, there’s no economic incentive to teach people that reducing their consumption may be a reasonable and “happier” alternative to earning more income. (Above a certain line of course)
- TheCoelacanth 4y ago
  There are a lot of FIRE people who focus on cutting expenses over raising income. I would say it's more common, which is why people invented the term "Fat FIRE" to distinguish people who want to retire early without seriously cutting expenses.
PragmaticPulp 4y ago
> Financial independence is about the ability to live a good life without having to worry about next's day food. Worrying about paying for food day to day isn’t why people seek out high-stress, high-pay jobs that are often in expensive cities. If people just want enough financial security to reliably put food on the table there are a million ways to do that without getting a demanding career. The people throwing themselves into demanding jobs and chasing promotions to maximize their salary aren’t doing it just to put food on the table.
- jmathai 4y ago
  > The people throwing themselves into demanding jobs and chasing promotions to maximize their salary aren’t doing it just to put food on the table. It is in order to put food on the table. Not today but for the next 20 years after you're no longer earning an income. Also, other hobbies that cost money. Early retirement is very expensive. Even if you reduce your expenses. In theory, the higher your income the sooner you can get there. Financial Independence / Early Retirement is not about having a low stress job.

gkop 4y ago

Agreed. Also there’s an in-between. I think parent’s point is worth reminding us of, because in our consumer-driven economy, there’s no economic incentive to teach people that reducing their consumption may be a reasonable and “happier” alternative to earning more income. (Above a certain line of course)

TheCoelacanth 4y ago
There are a lot of FIRE people who focus on cutting expenses over raising income. I would say it's more common, which is why people invented the term "Fat FIRE" to distinguish people who want to retire early without seriously cutting expenses.

PragmaticPulp 4y ago

> Financial independence is about the ability to live a good life without having to worry about next's day food. Worrying about paying for food day to day isn’t why people seek out high-stress, high-pay jobs that are often in expensive cities. If people just want enough financial security to reliably put food on the table there are a million ways to do that without getting a demanding career. The people throwing themselves into demanding jobs and chasing promotions to maximize their salary aren’t doing it just to put food on the table.

jmathai 4y ago
> The people throwing themselves into demanding jobs and chasing promotions to maximize their salary aren’t doing it just to put food on the table. It is in order to put food on the table. Not today but for the next 20 years after you're no longer earning an income. Also, other hobbies that cost money. Early retirement is very expensive. Even if you reduce your expenses. In theory, the higher your income the sooner you can get there. Financial Independence / Early Retirement is not about having a low stress job.