What if you could retire right now? In this episode of The Personal Finance Project, Scott Bartosch and Hannah Gowdy dive into the fascinating world of FIRE — Financial Independence, Retire Early — and unpack what it takes to make early retirement work (and when it doesn't). From "lean FIRE" minimalism to "barista FIRE" side gigs, Scott and Hannah explore how people are redefining work, wealth, and freedom. They discuss the math behind sustaining a 50-year retirement, the tradeoffs between aggressive saving and quality of life, and the practical realities of insurance, taxes, and long-term fulfillment. Topics covered include: The origins and popularity of the FIRE movement "Lean FIRE" vs. "Barista FIRE" and which might fit your lifestyle The risks of speculative investing and running out of money too soon What early retirees often get wrong — and how to plan smarter How to find purpose after financial independence Whether you're dreaming of quitting the 9-to-5 or just curious about the hype, this episode offers a grounded look at what "retiring early" really means — and why fulfillment might matter more than freedom itself. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, and subscribe for more thoughtful conversations about money, meaning, and retirement.

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