Early Starters/Financially Independent Retire Early
Build financial independence by investing early, paying yourself first, and making smart decisions on big-ticket items like homes and vehicles.
Topics
This topic explains how service members can build long-term wealth by starting early, using the TSP effectively, and avoiding common lifestyle traps. It shows how discipline and compounding, not rank or pay, are the key drivers of financial independence in the military.
This topic explains why paying yourself first is the foundation of long-term wealth, especially when paired with employer or military matching contributions. It shows how starting early, using Roth options, and gradually increasing savings can turn small, consistent contributions into a strong retirement outcome.
This topic shows why saving early matters more than saving a lot, using simple math and real-world scenarios to demonstrate the power of compound growth. It compares early, mid-career, and late savers to show how small decisions made early can dramatically increase long-term financial options.
This topic breaks down the rent-versus-buy decision for military members facing PCS moves, including how long you need to stay for buying to make sense. It explains flexibility, hidden ownership costs, and how to align housing choices with long-term financial goals, whether renting or using a VA loan.
This topic shows how early car-buying decisions can dramatically impact long-term wealth, comparing a modest used car plus investing versus buying new and upgrading frequently. Using real numbers, it illustrates how avoiding depreciation and letting compounding work can add millions to retirement over a career.