5 Things I Gave Up to Retire Early (Financial Independence at 30)

[@jackbillings5112]

One thing I always tell myself is to treat everything in life as a luxury. And I mean EVERYTHING. A car, a cell phone, a home, water that comes out of the sink... All considered luxury. Not everyone in the world has a home. Some have to travel miles by foot just to get water. I consider myself very privileged to live in America, live in a safe home with running water, have a car that I can transport with, and a job that pays me a lot more than what I really need for life. There's always somebody in this world that would kill to be in a position that I'm in. I've grown more into this mindset for about a year now, and it changed my lifestyle in what is truly a necessity in life and a luxury. I don't need anything in life except for food in my belly and water to stay hydrated. 🙂

[@nicholasandheather9488]

I love this!

[@gojereme]

Jack, you explained and put into words beautifully how we try to think/live our lives as well. I think I want to make a video on this very topic!

[@jackbillings5112]

@@gojereme There's this one verse in the Bible that really reflects on the way that I live my life. 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. I'm often very careful with the things that I buy or participate in, because I do not want to become obsessed with worldly things. I've given up things that what I felt controlled me, like smartphones, and I'm in the process of giving up more things🙂

[@clarissaturcios2346]

We did the same thing...we moved to a small town in Texas from Houston and bought a 30,000 dollar home... No mortgage and each of our cars cost no more than 6000 dollars. We have been able to save alot more money so we can invest...once we are invested enough we can always buy our dream home later ... I have friends with dream homes and cars that can not afford a trip with the family or more than a day off because they have so many things they need to pay off.

[@gojereme]

wow, 30k home? So cool that you are debt free and can invest so much!

[@living4thekingdom170]

Awesome!!!

[@itsjosephwells]

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12: “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your two hands, just as we instructed you before. [12] Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others” Thought this scripture tied in perfectly. Nice video. 🙏🏼

[@gojereme]

Love it, Joseph!

[@Abmarp]

Being a stay-at-home wife is my dream job as well. But with no man in sight. So, my goal is to pay off my debt by this year so that I can be that ASAP for whenever marriage is in sight.

[@frenchfruga4851]

Good evening , i'm 39 years old , i live in south of France as a single man without family , i wanna be on retirement as soon as possible , this is how i do it : Next october , i will have closed the reimbursement of my apartment purchased in january 2014 , 12 years money earn back thanks to my savings on transport-food-accomodation , i decided to give up those importants things : - no car because of inflation , just a bike to go working , then no insurance , no more expensive repairs before the technical control to pay - no fast food , no restaurant - no subscriptions channels sport and movies - no new clothes and objects to buy - no charcuterie or superfluous food - no problems with smoke and alcohol , i hate it Next year , time to invest in real estates , i started phoning privacy agencies , i hope to find something beautiful , congrats on your journey , god bless america and vive la France 😉

[@samanthatalley2367]

Love love every point. Thank y’all for this. My husband and I are 24 and we are trying to straighten out our finances and our TIME. Time is so precious.

[@gojereme]

Awesome, Samantha! If you are doing your best to straighten out your finances so young, I have no doubt everything will work out great for you :) Also, nothing quite as powerful as a united marriage!

[@manningviralmedia]

You guys are doing it right. I have been alive a lot longer than you, so I can tell you that the dream job, dream home is an illusion sooner or later you feel trapped and start to resent the things in your life. Keep doing exactly what you are doing, trust me you are better offer for it.

[@thruitallauto2538]

True I’m older than they are, an I’m down size ing my life now ,getting out of this payment life ,it’s miserable an it will make a slave out of you, to hold a job ya hate

[@cosondra9430]

Exodus 19-5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a perculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine. Stay the course y’all are doing a great work Amen

[@MsBoHo]

such an excellent video, so true most people don’t get it, family, friends etc. So many good points! and truely what a home and lifestyle should be. I love what your values, your priorities are! God bless ya

[@MB38417]

It’s sad to hear about some of your relationship losses. I’ve always heard the more you grow the more people you may lose. I would say the flip side to that is the new relationships you are able to build. You both are an inspiration to many of if not all of your viewers. You are using your life experience to help many and give insight to what the journey may look like for us. Thank you both for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@gojereme]

Appreciate your kind words, Mr. Brown! Thank you!

[@awediomusic2137]

I'm joining KPMG in 2 weeks as a school leaver (I didn't go to college), and in 5 years I'll qualify as a chartered accountant. However, since I'm just 18, I'm going to be living on a rock bottom budget coupled with living with my parents for the first few years. I'll be investing £15,000 GBP per year which will rise as I grow my salary and other income sources -- I really want to pursue KZbin and help others with this. My thinking is that in pursuing a career in finance, not only will I be learning every day and building wealth in order to fast-track to financial independence (I'm aiming for the 10 year horizon) which will open up freedom, security and *time* for my future family, but if I do choose to continue to pursue a corporate career my 10 years will have been put to the best use in this regard. Basically, I'm building the option to step out of that world by the time I'd like to start a family should I need to, whilst keeping the door open on a fulfilling corporate career throughout and not limiting my options. I think that's what financial independence is truly about. And I have to thank you Jereme for your inspiring content. It was you who over a year and a half ago changed my perspective on financial independence in terms of owning a home outright and maximising your control over your time. I used to be afraid of "career" and "9-5", but now I can sleep well in the confidence that I am always building towards my own freedom, and that working a 9-5 will be a choice rather than a requirement.

[@GrowthBeyondSelfLimits]

I love when people tell me what they do like financial freedom or living the life they want. I'm always inspired and what to know and how can I do the same thing. Loving following your home journey and learning from you guys as my husband and and i pursue financial freedom. God bless

[@gojereme]

Hey PandaLee, thanks so for watching! God bless you!

[@ralphswanson9171]

dude im blessed that i found your channel. of course glory to God alone but man your channel resonates so close to home. God bless. Thank you.

[@mockingbird274]

Thank you! Needed that. Currently trying to buy a home and everyone I talk to tries to convince me to spend more then I want. It’s easy to get sucked in!

[@gojereme]

super easy to get sucked in, but you have to do what's best for you/your family!

[@blessedbygod3430]

Thanks 😊 for this video. I became debt free then purchased a small old house ( for cash) which needed LOTS of work ( foundation, electrical etc.) I didn't tell my family prior to purchasing it because they believe in pursuing a "dream house". My friends and family thought I was NUTS!! But I was SOOO grateful as the years have gone by. I have not been as impacted by inflation. I am able to work part-time and my stress level has considerably decreased.

[@mosesporras1902]

Really enjoyed th comment on feeling guilt or shame of not working. Or not doing the normal working thing. Along with living with freedom of your time. Last, the “dream lifestyle” perspective is great!

[@hebrews110]

You can keep this lifestyle by homeschooling! It keeps you free! Your lake story reminded me of how all the homeschoolers go to museums and zoos and things in the beginning of the school year because they are empty, no field trips yet. I have a complete, free homeschool curriculum that I run as a ministry (no paywalls, no ad revenue). You can check it out in a couple of years, Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool.

[@scottmcleod1470]

First comment! You guys are a great inspiration. I always come back to your video where your father-in-law told you to “just be happy.” Reality and practicality is much more peaceful and easing than striving for the ideal or unsatisfied dream. You guys do an excellent job of bringing us back to the perspective of reality, practicality, or necessity over excessive fantasy.

[@gojereme]

haha...Love it! Til this day, he continues to tells me "Jereme, don't worry - be happy".

[@scottmcleod1470]

@@gojereme Heart of gratitude. It's amazing how much lighter one's perspective on a day can be when you start with the right heart.

[@Lmichi09]

I seem to always land on one of y’alls videos when I’m feeling overwhelmed! Grace is so right, it’s these dream houses! But I just never really sat and thought, will this still be my dream house in 10 years!? Thanks for the reset yet again!

[@soyninapena]

Hi Jereme! New to your channel! I was just wondering if Grace has considered having her own YT channel! I would love to hear her more in depth about the life and struggles we wives go through on our day to day path, debt free or not. There's so much knowledge on her side, it'd be a tremendous blessing. ❤️

[@pete3261]

Love those thoughts you guys shared. I would love to live a life like that.

[@kevinfestner6126]

I bought my potential dream home after the last crash at a bargain basement price. Now I want to improve it into my dream home. It has good bones.

[@sparksfamilyhomestead]

Loved every detailed you both made. We became debt free officially in 2019 and paid cash for our simple beautiful home here near the Smokey mountains of North Eastern Tennessee. I'm in my 60s and hopefully our children in their mid 20s heed what we did and you guys did. We followed the Dave Ramsey baby steps and so thankful for your ministry and Dave's ministry. We also can relate in a sense what you shared in the video as we have gotten away from the 501c3 churches and stepped into freedom from those 4 walled buildings and now enjoy our Ekklesia. But many do not comprehend why we do not want to be in a church that is a 501c3 since the IRS becomes the OVERSEER and not the pastor. Much of your input and family situations my wife and I totally relate with you both on the debt free and our love in Christ Jesus. Blessings, Wayne and Aida

[@gojereme]

wow, you live a beautiful area Wayne and Aida! I hear so many good things about the smokeys, I still have yet to check it out! What a blessing to be able to pay cash for your home!

[@sparksfamilyhomestead]

@@gojereme What we love is the beauty and affordability here. We get all 4 seasons and I love it! My son,daughter in law and the grand kids ages 2 and 3 are moving here and residing with us until they can get their own place. Here in Tennessee it is an incredible inviroment to raise your children in. I love Gods majestic beauty here. The creeks, rivers, mountains, hiking, fishing, boating, river rafting and all within minutes from our front door. The best part is being mostly debt free no matter what age bracket your in. Hope you can discover a little bit of North Eastern Tennessee. Come visit, Gatlinberg and Dollywood here in the Smokey’s. Blessings, Wayne & Aida

[@DaveM-FFB]

I feel like you guys are wise beyond your years. I was on the hamster wheel for many years before I realized I was chasing all the wrong things. Great message!

[@gojereme]

Appreciate your comment David! I feel like the best way to learn is to ask/observe/listen to others who have lived before me. Good to hear from you!

[@jayc4715]

I'm financially free..only took buying 3 fixer upper properties for rentals..and a used Toyota in cash...but now I want more..I still want the dream home..and dream vehicle(s)

[@A.S2400]

The west sides the best side !! I was in Battle Creek over the weekend, we used to live there. Now I’m in metro Detroit, and I miss the west side ! My adult child lives in Grand Rapids and absolutely loves it. More snow over there though.

[@gojereme]

The westside is awesome! Have yet to check out Battle Creek.

[@codyleeser392]

Good points about letting go of folks who don't get it. You have to do what works for you. I am trying to instill in my granddaughters not to incur debt but sometimes I feel they think I am an alien. They have no concept(neither did I at their age). On a side note... you can play a drinking game on how many times you say like. Not putting you down- because this is a regional thing , just want you to be aware.

[@drewo6388]

Great video, guys! The one I definitely am working on is my own insecurity and expectations. I'm not really concerned with what others expect/think BUT I personally am still stuck in the programming of, "if I'm not working a full-time, stressful job, I must be doing something wrong! The only way to provide for your family and be 'successful' is to have a full-time, demanding, stressful job!" Watching your content is helping me to break away from that programming. Thank you! PS. I also love Holland, Michigan. My wife and I went there from Wisconsin just back in May for their annual "Tulip Time" festival. you should check that out some year. There's a big parade downtown and there are beautiful tulips growing all around town.

[@gojereme]

Thanks for opening up, Drew! I get it. For me, I think it stemmed deeper - I think that programming was a symptom of anxiety and the deep fear of "losing it all" or "failing". It's something I still struggle with 3 years later. But through the process, I am learning to exercise my faith and actually trust in God, instead of just saying I will.

[@gojereme]

Also, Holland is definitely one of our favorite spots in Michigan - okay we'll have to check out the tulip festival next year, because you aren't the only one who has told us about it!

[@drewo6388]

@@gojereme Amen! Trusting in Him is key and I'm continuing to work on exercising my faith as well. Definitely a continued work in progress for me.

[@dustinmelissahill7156]

It’s nice to hear someone else think the focus on dream homes is a little strange. I’ve never spent time dreaming about a perfect home 🤷🏻‍♀️ I do, however, dream about where I want to travel and have memorable experiences with my family and having a paid off house. We’re getting close to the last part 🎉

[@gojereme]

Excited that you're so close to paying off your home. How awesome is that!

[@tectonicshiftfitness2586]

Hey, im from Holland. Glad you both had fun here!!! I love your channel

[@cindycrawford657]

As I’ve changed my financial mindset and the way we intentionally live our life and build our dream life, I have found that those who have a hard time supporting and encouraging those who live a life outside of rat race struggle not because they don’t understand what you’re doing, but feel insecure about themselves and do not have the mental capacity to embrace how to do so. Most want to live life to the fullest, not work 60-80 hours a week for an unfulfilling job where you’re dreams and family are ignored. I celebrate having the courage and resources to define and live an intentional lifestyle! Congrats!

[@gojereme]

Thanks Cindy, I appreciate your insight on this!

[@jdogg402]

We’re at ramsey baby step 7 and had to deal with the exact same trust/relationship issue you did along the path.

[@gojereme]

Sorry Jason. I know it's hard. But congrats on baby step 7!

[@living4thekingdom170]

I love this! Simple is the way to go!

[@betinakoellreutter9803]

Have overcome most of the things you have mentioned except the guilt, still feeling guilty for having a whole friday for myself sometimes, even my family sometimes makes me feel guilty of it, it can be really difficult, do you have more videos on this specific subject? thanks for sharing, loving your content!

[@veronicas8315]

Listening to you guys say that you weren’t going to walk miles to get to the lake etc., made me laugh. My husband and I are exactly the same. We like off season adventures and avoid crowds like the plague lol. We like people, just no longer care to be in overly crowded places.

[@gojereme]

haha...yes! I get it!

[@VALLYKINGS]

You got my subscription. Am binge watching your videos…

[@andrewt9434]

Everything comes down to a number at the end of the day, to me a certain emblem on a vehicle or 1,000 extra square footage in a home that will never be used is not worth working a job you hate love the content. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@kathy12024]

Thank you for sharing. You all are just awesome! My husband and I always look forward to watching your videos. Blessings to your family!

[@gojereme]

Thank you so much, Kathy! God bless!

[@FanTexon4-Runner]

Stay blessed you two!

[@DieselFreak17]

I just stumbled across your channel and I’m so glad I did! Love hearing other Christian’s stories! Me and my wife are pursuing this lifestyle, the financial freedom/living small so we can do the things we want to do and what god wants us to do! I’m just now checking into your channel, so if you’ve made this video already forgive me, but I would love to know more about your passive income and your idea on how to start in real estate. Thank you and god bless you and your family!

[@Ouiyoginamaste]

Friends and family are so triggered when you don’t live like them lol let them hate! My dad has a big 2millions house, 2 luxury cars and he has zero money aside his paid home. This is a scary lifestyle. I do the total opposite!! I am a frugal yoga teacher living my best life lol . Thanks guys love your content

[@ChristineChannelandFamily]

Que Dios les continúe bendiciendo por poner la opinión de Dios sobre todo. Son un ejemplo para los jóvenes ♥️😊🙏

[@Imhere12345]

33 years old here. We just shift the way we think. Hope we can honor your level at 40.

[@musicdiva9365]

I’m 59, been married to my high school sweetheart for 39 plus years, I’m Hispanic and we are both Christians. You two are so smart! From experience let me say that unfortunately your family will probably hurt you the most but it’s jealousy. We always stayed in church, raised our kids in church and we are blessed even though our lives are not always a walk in the park. As a couple you have to pray and let the Lord lead YOU! Which is exactly what you’re doing. I worked for a doctor who made millions of dollars every year as he should because he worked hard and went to college for 10 years! But his life with his second wife was miserable. His kids from his first wife hated his second wife and her daughter. Every holiday was such a stressful situation for all involved. All he really looked forward to was his skiing trip he took every February and hiking trips that he took once or twice a year WITHOUT his second wife. The Lord let me see, through their very sad home life that I was the one who was really living and I was so blessed. I just love your channel and I think you two are the cutest couple and just keep up the good work.😊

[@imdee9024]

This is like a motivational mindset video. Love catching up with your content. You guys are helping so many. Well done on your wins to date.

[@gojereme]

Thanks so much, DEE!!

[@annjean8709]

Great video and content!👍🏽 Thank you for sharing.

[@gojereme]

Thanks for watching!

[@LS-ii3fy]

THANK the LORD and you for your godly work and sharing it with us. I really appreciate it. May CHRIST bless you.

[@gojereme]

Wow, thank you! God Bless!

[@mosesporras1902]

Could you reference one of your videos on how to make passive income. Or make a new one. Thanks.

[@lifeplantips]

These are all genuine things to give up to attain financial freedom, especially a dream job.

[@LCtravelntures]

When you do what others don’t do people distance themselves keep doing your passion, society want you to live in their expectations. Debt is discouraged in the Bible.

[@bernardSIG]

Thank you, Jeremy, May the Good Lord Jesus Christ, Keep blessing you to continue to brake this The Matrix code, that everybody wants to live by and fail to see the bigger picture.

[@jasonwece2528]

God bless you all.

[@YR-vz9ew]

Great video! Gbu both!

[@dailydriver5942]

You guys are awesome! Love your videos!

[@gojereme]

Glad you like them!

[@phillips9932]

I would pin the comment about non lazy people because this is the mindset created by watching television and movies and becoming a lemming which are everywhere why are people so fooled by striving after nothing

[@dinagalall]

10:39 YES YES YES! 🥲

[@WisdomToAll]

just dont leave dream job butdo more dream job if possible same time and save ...

[@kellyiannone]

Oh, Michigan roads 🤣 I don’t miss those.

[@nicosavedbygrace2721]

My girlfriend and I have a question about the topic of insurances. We both live in Germany and there are so many insurances available to pursue safety, but real safety only comes from God. So how do you handle such things, especially when you don’t have as much income as when you have a normal 9 to 5 job…?

[@gojereme]

Insurance is great if you can get it! Life happens sometimes. I just have term life and healthcare insurance. Germany has free healthcare right?

[@nicosavedbygrace2721]

@@gojereme yes you can always go to a doctor. But we have to pay more taxes for that than other countries. And not every issue and every sickness can be addressed without paying for it. There are still a lot of diseases that we have to pay extra:) But the healthcare system is still very good in Germany :)

[@southernjulip2403]

Amen! Read the Bible. "The gospel changes everything."

[@gojereme]

everything!

[@thruitallauto2538]

I have felt guilty for all the things you spoke of down sizing my life now

[@gojereme]

Do it, Kevin! Have you ever remolded a home before? If not, you'll learn so much! KZbin is my best friend when it comes to diy projects.

[@alyannaespina]

#dreamlifestyle goals!

[@GadjetGotGame]

Why does she always say “my child” in this video, and Jereme said “our son”??

[@DG-mk7kd]

I could have FIREd at 40 if I had not gone to law school