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Unlocking the Levels of Retirement Financial Self-Sufficiency — Which Level Are You Aiming For?
by Retirement Guru
As I work towards achieving retirement financial self-sufficiency, I realized that there are many levels and, unless we are clear on the level we are aiming for, we can unknowingly work longer than we need to.
Learning from the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early), self-sufficiency is not a one-size-fits-all blueprint. It’s a spectrum, and understanding where you are (and want to be) on that spectrum will shape not just your finances, but your lifestyle choices, career decisions, and even how you spend your free time.
As I’ve been planning (and working towards) my own retirement, I recognized how important it is to have a common language around these goals. A common language will allow for more nuanced conversations with our loved ones on how we intend to live, as each level represents a trade-off between security, comfort, and freedom. Let’s explore the four levels of retirement financial self-sufficiency as defined by the FIRE movement.
