How we Retired at 40..💰7 tips to succeed for Early Retirement💰

[@mickhua9113]

I bought my first house at 22 for $220,000 AUS. Rented it out and during that time, joined the Army for 10 years as a electrician apprentice. After 10 years I payed off the house using the tenant's rent money and military income. By this time, the house had gone up to $750,000 AUS. Started my electrical business at 33 soon after I returned home. Now that the house is paid off and I have a good income from the business. I am bored shit-less watching fishing videos on KZbin. Good to hear your story. All the best.

[@live.life.simple.]

Congrats Mick! Well Done that's a great upside on your investment.

[@lifeisgood070]

Let me send you my paypal account. I'll give you the pleasure of donating it to me and starting over. It'll go to a good cause. Help me have kids and maybe start a trust fund at my high school for scholarships.

[@whoguy4231]

Well, you can always get married and let her take 50% after the divorce.

[@mickhua9113]

@@whoguy4231 so many talks about divorce. Very cynical thinking. Most people get married because they love and trust the person. Why even bother getting married? Even if my wife leaves me- I will be fine. I will take half, move to Thailand, buy a vila, smoke weed and become a vegan. Life will still be sweet.

[@whoguy4231]

That's Great Mick... Glad to hear you've made it at such a young age. Congratz

[@TheDiomio]

I pray that god sends me a wife like this! Everything could have gone south quick if you married the wrong person

[@live.life.simple.]

You have to have the same mindset.

[@jethro888l8]

You nailed it if someone gets sick your done

[@live.life.simple.]

I am retiring in 2020 when i turn 40

[@jungleninja-tropic5690]

right? i was dreading the sound of hearing him say and then my wife left me for another man etc resultng in bitter divorce.

[@mathisrobinson9042]

facts

[@TheresaCarpenter76]

Love your story! I'm active duty in the Navy and as a field grade officer, I live like a junior enlisted person. I shop at thrift stores, my husband and I share discounted meals, we maximize rewards credit cards, etc. He’s also handy like you, so once I'm more settled at my next duty station, we’ll look into property to flip. For now, we live on less than $1200/month in an RV. My friends think I'm crazy, but I'm looking at less than five years left of a ”normal” job and thankfully my rank/chosen career in the military now gives me more work/life flexibility than most. Once I'm retired from the Navy, I'm never going to work a conventional job again. Your video really rang true for me.

[@live.life.simple.]

That's great Theresa. You are leagues ahead of most because you have a plan that is laid out. It's much easier to achieve a goal if you have one set. I wish you well!

[@harryjose4145]

Hello dear how are you doing today??

[@resourcefulgirl]

Love your story! I'm not retired yet but have a similar story and unfortunately, a similar back injury that was a game changer (no surgery but lumbar decompressions and a good chiropractor keep me moving great). I liquidated multiple properties during this last peak and built a home on nearly 20 acres. As a matter of fact, my Harvest Right was delivered about 10 days ago. I'm debt free except for a small mortgage because I put 80% down. I'm going to be semiretired in a few years to live life simple :). The views from the back of the house are stunning and I'm feeling very blessed. I've been a single mom since my daughter was 2 years old and worked so much that I never got married again. Every bit of free time was spent with my beautiful daughter, learning, working, and investing. I'm glad I sold my rentals so I can have more free time to do what I love which includes starting a small organic family farm with chickens, bees, and goats. I moved to the new house about 3 weeks ago so this next chapter is just beginning.

[@live.life.simple.]

Great to hear you have reached your goals. Many folks never have the chance to live out their aspirations. I wish you luck on your journey and have a prosperous 2023!

[@chidi8415]

I was so sad when you said you couldn't have kids, then when you said you had 2 boys I was filled with joy. I'm so happy for you, cool story. And congratulations.

[@live.life.simple.]

Thank you. It was quite a roller coaster for a few years.

[@marthaadams8326]

@@live.life.simple. God has his own plan for families. He blessed you when the time was right.

[@30AndAWakeUp]

I retired at 40 as well....just found your channel! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@victorvictoriano9211]

Now this is inspirational, I am just 18 but been dreaming about retiring at 40 or earlier as well. I’m a chef and make little money got a daughter on the way and I feel like this is something I should do and would like to see more videos on how to, thank you.

[@raebird2662]

I'm 28 and my husband is 33. We have only a house payment and 0 other debt of any other kind. We have our 3rd baby on the way so we needed to upsize and found a used Ford expedition that was a steal of a deal and negotiated 3k off their price. We are saving for retirement at a great rate and with me being a nurse and him in IT we are making all the headway we can! Watching your freeze drying videos has convinced me this is an important step in frugal living. We throw out SO much food because of how quick it goes bad! We spend a majority of our money on groceries so we will save a crap ton of money with freeze drying! Hoping to be set to retire at 40 ish too! We are already 5 years ahead on our mortgage after only a year and a half! Thanks for your content!

[@live.life.simple.]

That is impressive! If you go into freeze drying with the right mentality, it will save you $. Food is also going to keep going up at a rapid rate. All of the major food manufacturers just announced price hikes😬

[@raebird2662]

@@live.life.simple. yes as much as my kids love freeze dried fruit it's expensive to keep buying those packages and fresh fruit goes bad so fast. Not sure why but it isn't lasting like it was. Also freezing our deer meet would be great! Glad you offer practical ways of living to live frugal and don't try to just sell it as winning on the stock market. So many people lose money that way but practical frugal living is possible and way more doable than trying to learn and gamble on stocks.

[@binbalebardac4156]

Thanks for telling your story! The best part of FIRE is that there are so many ways to get there. I will be 48 when I retire this year!

[@live.life.simple.]

Congrats!

[@Kinghunter182]

So 1 year passed. Did you retire ?

[@binbalebardac4156]

@@Kinghunter182 My company made me an offer I could not refuse. I signed on for another year. I have been working from home since 2018, with no commute and and a very light work load ( 3 to 4 hours per day of actual work) I accepted. At full pay and a reduced workload, I consider it semi-retirement, lol.

[@footballfan8989]

Must be nice to have a wife who was an actual business partner

[@live.life.simple.]

She's amazing, and smarter than i

[@thomaskurtz1400]

@@live.life.simple. Footballfan8989 your handle says it all. I know more than retired but knowledge is useless without my partner in crime. Maybe you should find yours first before trying.

[@stover954rr]

The good news is we all get to pick our spouses. Choose wisely!

[@joje1118]

I'm sure you are no brighter than your wife...

[@footballfan8989]

@@joje1118 Due to hypergamy I had to settle for what I could impress. We are divorced now.

[@dagconst1]

Thanks for video , I’m a builder and I’m kicking myself for not keeping a few house as rentals . This video actually is giving me motivation to keep the next duplex I build and rent it . Also I forwarded this video to my 3 kids 23 , 20 , 17 to show them you can be successful without having a 6 figure job . Thanks again for sharing , Dave

[@live.life.simple.]

You're in a great spot Al. If you are a builder you are saving lots just by doing the work yourself. You also know where to spend money and where to not spend money if it's going to be a rental. Wish you well!

[@peacefulprevailer412]

I got there in my 50's, but having a couple husbands along the way that "didn't get it"..that long term goal, made it so much harder and longer to do. They were scared and lived in the moment. I'm single now and it has been so much easier. Make sure you are well matched in this. In the late 80's, as a single parent working several jobs to avoid "entitlement programs" to be a role model for my children, I volunteered at a real estate office to learn the ropes. Got my license and after three years got into property management. In the trade organization - the Realtor's, I learned in their investment real estate training, that 90% of the millionaires make it OWNING real estate, not selling real estate. It always amazed me how many real estate licensees didn't become a product of their own product!!!! Anyone can do this. No real estate license required, but helps alot. BTW, all four of my children own real estate and one is a millionaire by 40. Be grateful for the country we live in to able to have the freedom and opportunities everywhere to do this.

[@marthaadams8326]

Smart woman - God blessed you and there are very few good men out there - we never know what is coming in the future and so glad that your children are doing good.

[@martinherbert3039]

The only remedy to a comfortable early retirement is through investing... For instance you will need to create an avenue for more income if you are planning to retire early and you can only achieve this buy setting up a stable investment. Investment like Bond, Forex, Real Estate, Mutual Funds. etc

[@live.life.simple.]

Rentals for passive income and a small amount in a fund and a good chunk liquid for opportunities that come up.

[@adamford6116]

Hello Martin am 43yrs and will like to start up an investment. I won't say am poor neither will i claim to be financially stabled. I have seen a lot of testimony with regards to this Forex. Please Can someone really get rich by trading forex?

[@muscleman6779]

Exactly!! you stay ahead of Inflation by investing

[@martinherbert3039]

*Adam* forèx tradîng may make you rîch if you are a hedge fund with deep pockèts or an unusually skiIIed currency tradèr but as a retaiI tradèr it can be a tough job especially if you have no better knowIedge on the basîc tradîng procèdure

[@adamford6116]

i appreciate your response but am barely new to all this. perhaps you can help me in trading and you get a percentage from every profit made

[@sheckyfeinstein]

Glad to see your plan come to fruition. It’s nice to have time to do the things you’ve always wanted to do.

[@DinizEngland]

What an incredible couple and story! The simple lifestyle is what I love most.

[@live.life.simple.]

Appreciate your comment!

[@SteveV1960]

I retired a year ago at age 57. I lived like I was on a camping trip at my home next to the forest, saving most of my income for many years . My co-workers at the factory made jokes about me and laughed at me. Now I laugh at them because they have to work and I don't.

[@live.life.simple.]

That's awesome! Congrats! I have never understood why people spend and spend and spend and collect debt so they can work until they are 75. There are people that are retired that still have mortgages, car payments etc. I say no thanks

[@meghanmarquez3065]

Girls made fun of me for always wearing the same thing every time they saw me. Now they sit there bewildered as my husband and I prepare to retire in our 30’s.

[@SteveV1960]

@@meghanmarquez3065 yeah, I bought most of my clothes at Goodwill and almost all of the furniture in my house is what my tenants left behind from the rental properties that I own.

[@hanbulban3131]

You wasted all your young years now you live like a broken old man with some money in the bank

[@SteveV1960]

@@hanbulban3131 That's an interesting comment, . You think living a plane simple lifestyle is wasting your life away and you think 57 is old? That's funny. On most days I walk about 5 miles in forests and along streams with a camera taking pictures of wildlife and nature. My savings is invested in rental properties and stocks. I am a much smarter person than you are .

[@christophdenner8878]

You did everything right, awesome! I worked my ass off as a scientist when I was young for very little money and all I achieved was a burnout. Only in my early 30ies I could finally start saving. Would never repeat my life decisions again. I even feel ashamed when I see how smart you and your wife were compared to me.

[@joshkettelkamp8766]

Loved to hear your story! I just graduated from Iowa State University this Spring! I got my first real job this summer. I'm excited to get on my FIRE journey.

[@miltonmiller]

I will buy a travel machine and will go back to when I was 18 and will do just as you say. Thanks for the advice.

[@dcos5]

I got a such a sick feeling when I think about all the dumb shit I wasted money on. Now I'm 33 although there's some time but I just wish I had the saving and investing bug in my early twenties.

[@joeshmoe9978]

@@dcos5 Society just promotes spend, spend, spend and go into debt.

[@sheckyfeinstein]

Time travel machines are unlawful for non-retirees.

[@ohwhatelse]

@@angelaa3745 ... i hate to say it but... if anything "teached" you something the lesson you need to "learn" is: get an education 1st, like brian did! you can blunder into success once in a great while but most ppl blunder into disaster! for every good investment there must be 2,100 bad ones- where someone ELSE ends up with your $$$$$. brian & his wife were not "teached", they "learned" from successful ppl, not from their own mistakes!

[@rwilko9525]

Let me know when you find that time machine, I want to go back as well.

[@MrSpolaR]

After working for years as a registered nurse, I’m back in school full time studying medicine at the age of 35 with a wife and two young kids, I won’t be done until I’m 37. Piling up student debt at the same time. I won’t be retiring until very late in life but I’ll be doing something enjoyable and meaningful. My wife (who’s also an RN) and I spent our 20s before we had kids living in a place on the beach, taking vacations, going out, and basically just enjoying our youth and our lives. We didn’t gruel away and pinch pennies. Will I be retired at 40? Far from it. I just hope to be out of student debt and own a nice home by then. But I’ll have a great career, be able to provide for my family well and spend my years doing something I enjoy and helping people in a respected profession I can be proud of. Sometimes I think back and say we should have saved everything and invested etc etc, but then I never would’ve been motivated to go back to school and ultimately I’m glad we “wasted” money and enjoyed our lives when we were young; doing things we won’t be doing when we’re older with children. If you’re doing something you hate I suppose retirement is the priority, if not, enjoying the money you make while you can seems appropriate. Never know when ur gonna bite the proverbial bullet. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

[@MrBillFold]

I agree. People simply think that they are retired because they don't have to go to work for someone. But in reality they are still working to keep a source of income coming in.

[@rm709]

THIS. I used my 20s to enjoy my life and explore. I traveled and saw things I could never have, had I saved and pinched. I know my situation is different and I will have a home to inherit being that I’m an only child, but realizing that youth is wasted on the young was an eye-opening experience that now, with limited physical capabilities only years later, I cherish. I wish you the best in your career and life journey friend!

[@arminass1681]

Truly inspired this 22 year old Thanks man. Love your freezedry videos

[@BrendaBodwin]

This is almost exactly what I did. Not quite. I was 31, my hubby died, and I had 19 sons, 3 biologicals and 16 adopted. Only my income. I started a buy sell business & saved. Bought real estate, fix & flip. Kept a few rentals, & my job. Kept going & switch from rentals to land contracts. My little buy sell business grew in to import/export, wholesale merchandising & retail Liquidation. I still kept my job. Long & short, I could have retired at 40, but, waited. I let my sons take over the company, this put them through college. I just continued doing the buying. My primary focus was on the fix and flip property. Primarily on land contract. I still kept my job. By 43 I stopped flipping had bought my 4000 acres in NW Wyoming. Built my home, and, was debt free. The sons went to college or the military, but, all ran the company. They worked and earned and paid their own way. After the youngest graduated, I sold the company to Wally World. I gave each of my sons an eaqual split. I bought 3 more properties after that, but, those are for me. I could have retired for sure, a long time ago. I no longer fix and flip. I no longer have the company. But.... I've still kept my job. I love my job. Every year I say, this is my last year, but, I really love what I do, abd, I only work May 1st to November 15th. Sometimes less. So, I have my winters off. Maybe one day. I'll actually retire. But, like you, I like the simple things. I don't beed the money. Maybe next year. In the meanwhile, I've been watching your freeze dry videos. I really think I want to buy one. Right now, Im trying to decide between canning, cans, & mylar. Im going to have to find info on the cans. I know nothing about it. I can can alnost everything. I also need to learn a bit more about mylar. Right now, my 5 acre garden serves my neighbors. Lol

[@live.life.simple.]

Congrats! Great story.

[@clinclin1240]

Multiple income streams is a HUGE key too, well done.

[@live.life.simple.]

agreed. trends come and go. real estate goes up and down. so does the stock market.

[@Gary65437]

Wow, you and your wife did an amazing job of handling life and business at such a young age. And your parents must be proud and have a ton of confidence in you by now.... Well done

[@live.life.simple.]

Our parents taught us well

[@MalieeimaL]

you don't know how happy I was when you said we "later had two boys". elated.bless!

[@harryjose4145]

Hello dear how are you doing today??

[@r.w.3897]

Congratulations! Happy New Year! This is your year!!! Thank you for sharing. It’s never too late to watch a video and become inspired!

[@EllisAidan]

Inspiring, im currently 29 and have 3 properties, now looking for a 4th and starting to take it seriously. Working a job I hate and want to be at home with my kids, watch this space!

[@live.life.simple.]

I wish you all the luck. Let your hate for that job be your fuel!

[@JK-gi3ew]

Love this!!!! People who think outside the box like you are the real definition of success. Very well done, guys. Glad I found this channel.

[@live.life.simple.]

Thanks so much!!

[@fit4ya1975]

I just retired, 44 years old. Im healthy, in great shape, full pension and medical. Im VERY lucky but I earned every penny. Everyone tells me 2 things: 1. "your going to have to work, your gonna be bored". 2. They try to tell me what I should do with my time or what I should buy or go do. I am gathering everyone is an expert at retirement but me? So many haters.

[@live.life.simple.]

haha. I don't think anyone even believes me that i am retiring. I can tell you that if you are an interesting person you won't get bored.😀 Glad to hear you are healthy, most important aspect of retiring young in my opinion. Congrats, you are a small percentage!🙌

[@fit4ya1975]

@@live.life.simple. No doubt, I am very lucky. We both are.

[@GuitarSamurai17]

You should find a part time passion project, something that really drives and inspires you, without a goal, man withereth away

[@fit4ya1975]

@@GuitarSamurai17 very true!

[@Darkswordz]

You are my new hero. :)

[@RetirementTravelers]

Great story and channel. Thanks for sharing. We retired at 55, not 40, but we share some similar tips. We just put out a video on our tips and always appreciate hearing how others have done it. Hope you have a wonderful 2021 and keep up the great content. John and Bev

[@kmaynor16]

That's a great story! Thanks for sharing it, and I'm glad that things are working out well so that the two of you can retire at 40. Learning a lot from your channel - please keep up the videos!

[@live.life.simple.]

Thank you so much.

[@howtoinvest4yourself241]

That is exactly what I am teaching my son… I am 44 today. I wanted help but at the end of the day I came glad I went through the struggles I did in life otherwise I wouldn’t be in the place I am now in life

[@janetroyal6009]

Your story is so inspiring. I will share it with my son who is 28 and actually left NJ after college to move to Colorado.

[@harryjose4145]

Hello dear how are you doing??

[@susanshafer735]

you are Blessed! We did the house flip but waited too long to sell. Lost out but saved our home. You have inspired us to save & build a dome. Thanks for the ideas & info.

[@live.life.simple.]

Glad I could help!

[@AbandonComfort]

Love your story and principles you live your life by. My partner and I are currently in the works of rehabbing our first rental.

[@live.life.simple.]

Awesome! Congrats! Keep up the hard work

[@madrigal1462]

You can do it!! 💪👍 congratulations 🍾🎉 !! Don’t stop until it’s complete!

[@madrigal1462]

Loved your story. We have a similar story as well. Only ours just began 2013. Its been tough. We’ve moved from nice house to crappy house just like you 4 times. Still not financially free but will get there sooner than later. People call us crazy. Why all the moving they say!? But regardless of the stress, body aches, and sleepless nights, its all worth it in the end. I only hope someday soon we can climb even half way up the mountain you’ve climbed. Thank you so much for making this video. Working a 9-5 for this system is not living. Its just being not dead.

[@live.life.simple.]

I wish you luck. It takes a certain type of person to sacrifice so much. Ignore friends or family that discount what you are doing, we certainly did. Even as we reach retirement, many still don;t get it and most likely never will. You can sacrifice here and there to achieve your goal and most will sacrifice their entire healthy life to get two weeks of vacation and a "sort of" guaranteed paycheck. You are awesome!👌

[@madrigal1462]

Retired at 40- Live.Life.Simple. Thank you 🙏 will do! I didn’t think you would reply ☺️. Your awesome!

[@Cs-pv2mx]

I love this its like those books you buy for Dummies. We can title this one How to retire at 40 for dummies. Thank you this really inspiring👍🏻

[@yington]

The biggest market for buying these books will be 39 year olds 😆

[@marthaadams8326]

@@yington It might become 45, 50, etc etc

[@pedrogarces6876]

Thank you for sharing the wisdom of your experiences! I find your focus on the goal remarkable. I have been working on living with very little expenses and been fortunate to work in a fast growing field that pays well. Many times I wish I had the guts to take more risk as you have. Taking a leap into the unknown with strong work ethic and little bit of luck can go a long way into building a future. I am 35 now and have the aspiration to retire early, but I know the next 5 years will be crucial towards making this dream a reality. I have only bought 1 home and it has appreciated over 35% in five years. Real state is a great wealth builder. Great content! I am now a new follower.

[@live.life.simple.]

sounds like you have the right mindset. that's half the battle!

[@pedrogarces6876]

Retired at 40- Live.Life.Simple. This is a good time to pick up some property for pennies on a dollar as the market will likely cause in a drop in real state prices. I am looking to buy fixer upper, but not being handy will have to hire the labor. Is there any advice you have to screen contractors ? I had good and bad experiences hiring people to do home projects for me.

[@live.life.simple.]

@@pedrogarces6876 it's tough to find good ones. Most of the time you get what you pay for. As far as buying property pay attention to inventory of homes. Once that starts to rise you can get an idea where the bottom of the market is. If there is one. Supply vs. Demand

[@pedrogarces6876]

Retired at 40- Live.Life.Simple. Thank you for the advice! I will take my time as this downturn will last a while

[@live.life.simple.]

sounds like you are in the right mindset! real estate is much easier to predict and measure than any other investment but most shy away because the financial and time investment can be huge. tax benefits and the return are pretty tough to beat.

[@lilrog0909]

So I'm 31 years old my profession is State Correctional SGT and staff sargeant in the US Army Reserves for the past 12 yrs. I've been able to take my bonus, tdy, deployments and correctional overtime money to create 7 single family home real estate profiolo. I have a beautiful wife that is a school teacher and private tutor. She makes almost 6 figures with her streams of income. We've decided to push through and keep investing and retire 8-10 years from our jobs so we can collect our pensions. The goal is to generate 25k-30k without working for someone else. Also the goal is to retire in a condo in sizeable thriving city preferably Raleigh, NC.

[@live.life.simple.]

That's amazing man! Congrats! Sounds like you have a great plan.

[@paddydowney6269]

You vid dropped into my recommendations here in Dublin, Ireland tonight. I also loaded up on rental property during the recession and retired from my tech job 3 years ago (Feb 2017) age 38 to raise my 3 kids. Never looked back and indeed I’m better off financially too. Living within your means is the key. Congrats and roll on June 2020 for you and your family! 👍. Paddy.

[@chess747]

The system is designed to keep people poor, not many people make it like you’ve done, so well done.

[@live.life.simple.]

I suppose to a certain extent, but if you use that as your excuse, you will never overcome it. I wish you well.

[@chess747]

Retired at 40- Live.Life.Simple. No I agree with you, but facts are facts, and let’s be honest about this.

[@keithc6370]

Me and my work partner were saying this very thing the other day. We also discussed how to get out of it (or as I always say "unplug from the Matrix"). Just as many here are saying, it can be done.

[@marthaadams8326]

@@chess747 Yes, went into car dealer and everything was how much can you pay a month. And, I said, how much is the car - much more discount if you pay, but they lose money because they make money off of you charging the car and it loses value every day.

[@ginkhoba]

Thx 4 your story, what impressed me the most is that you never lost sight of your goal, very inspiring. My goals were very different, but followed them true, now living in south america, chilled life here, easy going. Keep it up

[@timbrogan9066]

Wow dude, so many nuggets of wisdom in here! Thank you.

[@raleighsistrunk7123]

Well done! God is good! Give Him the Glory!!

[@EdnaGarciamylife]

Subscribed liked and inspired!!! Wow what a story y’all are goals 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@tclodfelter8789]

I'm glad ...and happy to see you doing so well for yourself & your family!

[@ronnienichols7645]

Good for you bro..I moved back to the Midwest as well(Nebraska) after living in Georgia in 17 years...Love the Midwest and the people! I'll never leave again.

[@ollieandson]

From my Iowa boy to another. Congratulations on your success. I didn't plan as well as you did early in life. However my mom was in the mortgage business and in my early thirties right around 2000-2001 after hearing horror stories of people having full-time and part-time jobs just get qualified to move into a house that from the beginning had already set them up for failure instead of a life time of happiness. With the knowledge and wisdom from my mom and my militiary training that taught me to be prepared and live with little as possible. I took that approach to my own living experience and my approach to a new career. I switch from a carrer in foodservice/nutrition that would see me working to at least 65 since I had planned poorly with my 401K to a career in law enforcement that guaranteed me a retirement at 55. I admit it not 40 but 55 at age 33 looked pretty good back than. Unfortunately one years into a new career my marriage didn't survive my new career and I was left raising two beautiful boys myself as well. Fast forward a few years I meet a wonderful women who had two boys herself and we later would become a family of four. My wife being a nurse any myself being a police officer we made a comfortable income but nothing spectacular. However this is 2006 and right before the house bubble hits and the mortgage companies are handing out loans with good credit like free samples at the grocery store. For example we filled out our credit application with a large mortgage company online at 9am by1qa 11am we had a loan officer call back and tell us we could qualify for a 350k house with no down payment. I'm like how. Now taking advice from my mom and my training I discussed with my wife in finding a house that we could afford and that would accommodate us. The only catch. We would have to be able to afford it on one salary. Now this is not to say we didn't take the responsibility of making sure we had adequate life insurance, disability insurance. We just didn't want any disruptions or have to put our faith in money that we weren't 100% sure we were going get. Stuff can happen. Insurance companies can figure ways in denying you coverage. We wanted to take the age old saying. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. So we bought a three bedroom ranch with a bedroom finished basement that included a full bath and basement. Perfect for our family and affordable for one income Than in 2008 we sold the house and wanted to move to another community after I was considered a job change. So in the meantime we are renting. However God had other plans and I ended up staying and six months later we found a house that by luck was being flipped and the person who was going buy it was unable to and now the person selling it needed to move it since he was counting on that income. The only hitch. This house was much smaller the plus side. Much cheaper and we could put a large amount down and have this house paid off in ten years. Just in time for me to retire. So all six of us squeeze into the house. Knowing in a few years we would have one graduating and a few years one more and so on. Fast forward to 2015. Eight years before retirement and I crash, my body goes into a free fall. The doctors don't know what's wrong. In and out of hospitals. Seen at Mayo. It takes four years before I'm identified with traumatic brain injuries also known as Chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The cause. From flash bangs and explosions. From my military/Law days. Now we have diagnoses. We do therapy and I'm on the mend. It's been a long road to recovery. Which brings me to why it's so important even if you don't plan on retiring early or maybe you just can't. It's never too late to start saving for those rainy days. Look at cutting back. Theres always places to cut back. Yes it might suck. You may have to give up that motorcycle, gym, cable Netflix, subscription. Take sack lunches to work. Every little bit helps. It might be inconvenient for the two girls or two boys to share a bedroom. Whatever it takes is better than being homeless or never seeing retirement at all. I had a wrench thrown in my retirement plan. I had to retire early on a disability plan that was not deemed work related. Remember back when I said even with a disability plan you never know. So with my plan. I only get half my income at a tax rate. If I had retired I would of had 65%. I basically lost about 2K a month by retiring 8 years early. I'm fortunate to have something. Some people have zero to fall back on and I have a wife working still. We also still have kids in college and some bills. Honestly mostly medical. Remember me saying how important it is to stay within your means. We applied that straight across our finances. Really other than medical and our house. We have few bills. I'm not hear to make you feel bad or brag either. I made plenty mistakes over a life time and I'm far from rich. What I'm wanting to do is tell my story and hope it helps other before they makes financial choices that can effect them. Thankyou and Godbless you.

[@live.life.simple.]

Thanks for sharing your story. Life is all about successes and failures and hopefully not too many unforeseen misfortunes. I wish you well!

[@ralphramirez3671]

Your lucky the investor was a super honest guy. And held up is end of the deal. I got screwed by a dishonest builder.

[@live.life.simple.]

That's for sure. A handshake still means something to some people.

[@AlumniQuad]

I'm guessing Mr. Investor Guy made better than the $16K profit implied by the amount in the envelope...

[@live.life.simple.]

@@AlumniQuad Doesn't matter to me even if he did. What i learned from the experience was worth far more than $8000, $16000 or more. It set the ball rolling and sparked my education in real estate and finances.

[@AlumniQuad]

@@live.life.simple. I'm not arguing that, I'm disputing the "super honest guy" characterization.

[@jim7smith]

@@AlumniQuad Remember that not only did the owner pay for the fixing up to the tune of 8K, but he also paid for all the materials to get it done, too, and we have no idea how much that cost for someone to use a whole 3 months getting the work done. I suspect there was a lot of expense involved in refurbishing the property.

[@micheletanis9973]

Which is very similar. We purchased a house that had 2 1/2 acres. It had a downstairs it wasn’t being used. We converted into apartments. Rented it out later parents needed to move onto the property. They brought on a mobile home and a metal building when they died we took the metal building probably 20 which was a 20 x 60 and converted half of it into an apartment rented it out. Also took mom‘s Home when she died moved into it and rented out the upstairs of the big house. we are now retired. We make more money off of Those rentals then we do with my Social Security, my husband, Social Security, and his pension, and we know play snowbird and go from Arizona to Washington and enjoy every bit of it. If I was going to encourage anybody it would be exactly what you just said buy a home, rent it out take your equity out of that house and buy another home. I wish somebody could’ve told us years ago.

[@flawns]

Right on man! Congrats on your success. I learned something about myself ...I can't retire I'll go crazy. I have to work. I recently meet this 78 year old who opened up his own biochemical filtering company. It's so interesting how people are different.

[@live.life.simple.]

Yep some people are not cut out to retire. As for me, my definition of retirement is knowing that i don't HAVE to do something, not saying that i won't. I love the things i do!

[@marthaadams8326]

retirement he is referring to is not working for someone else - and he IS working.

[@t.h.nguyen5193]

Wow, congrats! You're very blessed-with a beautiful family, freedom, and a great life!

[@live.life.simple.]

Thank you so much!

[@patriotpioneer]

Got You by Two Years... Step 1, Join The Military at age 18 Step2, Don't Die while in the military Step3, Retire at age 38

[@OldWizard-tt5lt]

patriotpioneer but not all of us can join the military ☹️

[@patriotpioneer]

@@OldWizard-tt5lt What keeps you from doing so...?

[@OldWizard-tt5lt]

patriotpioneer the lungs of death asthma

[@BeyMaster85]

Type 1 diabetics are unable to enlist in any form of the military.

[@anthonyx6618]

Bad idea

[@raspillade6027]

I retired at 99, took 10 years off, was bored and then went back to work for another 10 years. It keeps you young

[@live.life.simple.]

If you don't find enjoyment in it, it keeps you miserable. I have enjoyed my "work" for lots of years. I still "work" i suppose, but the difference is not having to anymore. If you make an income at something you enjoy, it's a double whammy

[@sheckyfeinstein]

I retired when my IQ was 99. I figured I had topped out, so the time was right.

[@silverroots3519]

Just happened to see your video. I'm so happy for you...thank you for sharing!

[@twosongs7396]

We found out about Real Estate too late in life. Too bad too cos I fell in love with the field.

[@walter.dlawson2580]

Real retire by 40: Get high paying job, live at home, don't have kids, don't get divorced, drive old used cars. Retiring early is pretty easy, but that is a boring life, no kids, no fun spending. which is why i use a financial adviser who handles. my investment portfolio. That’s definitely the only other realistic way to retire early. Goodluck!

[@serenewhopperman2924]

impressive. I myself am pretty much focused on building my dividend portfolio

[@chrisanthony3560]

hi i'm new to this please any advice for a retiree who would like to make huge ROI from a business?

[@walter.dlawson2580]

@@chrisanthony3560 well i have two advices1) Read The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J Stephen. 2) Use a professional investment strategist/ Financial adviser. you can use mine i found her on a webinar on the F.I.R.E movement, you can look her up, her name is Lucy Maria Koss

[@jeanpauljeanpaul2530]

Retiring early is over rated. Just work part time, it gives you income, and you have enough free time to do the things you love. I switched to this model at 40 and am probably happier then just full retirement.

[@lisastarling6944]

Love this!! I sold my 4 rentals within the past 4 years. They were a little too demanding for me to deal with but I did have them for about 15 years. I did keep one that just keeps bringing some money in every month! One is enough for me!! LOL. But I do have a full time job (for health insurance purposes only). And we are beginning a new business venture very soon!!

[@leylamamat215]

I like the part, 'i don need ferrari!', good one.

[@josephotunga9608]

I love that you give the info as a matter of fact way,no pride nor arrogance at all.Congrats on your two boys sir.Good advice

[@live.life.simple.]

I appreciate that, thanks for watching

[@marcusesteves3120]

Dude you should totally call Dave Ramseys millionaire hour!

[@TheChillje]

Not denying that this guy worked hard for what he has, however this is a classic example of "right place right time" and keep your "credit" in good standing. We need to teach financial literacy starting young! I wish I had more education on credit in high school and college. I fell for that "free money" scam that all the banks were promising on college campuses back in 2001. Still building my credit back up. Still rent but oh-so-close to buying. I too live in Colorado and own my own business working on the very same houses in Littleton. Thanks for sharing "Retired at 40". You the man and surely inspired me! If only I could get my wife working with a real estate company...:)

[@live.life.simple.]

Good to hear from you Chad! Wish you well on a home purchase!

[@jasongass764]

Love the story brother, i've been retired for 3 years now and living the similar dream in Arvada CO! Cheers to ya, stay simple!

[@live.life.simple.]

Congrats Jason. What did you do to retire?

[@jasongass764]

Retired at 40- Live.Life.Simple. I sold all my businesses, simplified finances and convinced the wife it would be awesome! So far it’s been great!

[@live.life.simple.]

Amazing. We have been simplifying in every way and find that the simpler we live, the happier we are.

[@jurezibert]

Holy shit man, that’s a really touching story.. It resonates very much with me - one year ago I moved to suburbs in a small homestead, i also don’t need to work, never been growing food before and I feel like that’s the way for me too. I don’t have a family, I do have an amazing group of friends though to help me grow into this kind of lifestyle. Keep up with the good work, love your freezedrying videos and take care!

[@live.life.simple.]

That's amazing man. Good friends or family can make life much better!

[@rondadofeighttired6094]

Do we ever really “retire”I think really we find a passion that we love to make money at,good tips,great story,God bless

[@live.life.simple.]

I think you are right Ron. Retirement is in the eye of the beholder

[@apollo_1238]

Great story. Hard work and smart money management pays off.

[@Roger-fq7em]

Good video. I retired at 45. Also bought 8 rentals and still look for deals when they come along. Also a disabled veteran so I do receive income from them also..stay humble

[@live.life.simple.]

Congrats Roger...and thanks for serving👍

[@theinvisiblechurch1607]

Do you own any of them outright?

[@Roger-fq7em]

@@theinvisiblechurch1607 yes 5 are paid for.

[@dcdude81]

Well done, 39 now...no retirement in sight, I need a plan. Thanks for sharing

[@live.life.simple.]

You can do it!

[@serenewhopperman2924]

Impressive, i feel the key to early retirement is making sacrifices, you don’t need that new Tesla or that new vacation house in Cabo, instead why not set up an investment plan with your financial advisor. I did the same and I’m rounding a million currently, I’m sure in the next 5 years I’d have 2 million in my portfolio🤞🏻

[@chrisanthony3560]

Great work, I myself invested in warren’s BRK-A. Quite pricey but will be worth it in a while

[@vanhall9513]

Wow please do you do referrals I would like to start trading with her? Can I drop my info or how do we go about this

[@serenewhopperman2924]

Van Hall Certainly, but i can’t leave her details here look her up her name is Lucy Maria Koss. she has a website and everything

[@AaronHernandez-xv4qh]

I feel like I’m in the same situation as you were. Graduated/working and thinking of steps to be financially free. Great video .

[@live.life.simple.]

Find your path whatever it is and do it better than everyone else and success will find you.

[@willa.3416]

I want to get into rentals. I've been trying so hard. Thank you for the inspiration I know I can do it. This last year I've just been so fed up not working for myself. I have a son and a daughter that I just want to be with all the time. I want to secure they're future as well as my own retirement. Wish me luck. I'm going house hunting this weekend. *New Sub*

[@live.life.simple.]

Good luck to you on your endeavours

[@Wendy-xe4gk]

We're in our sixties, and did much the same. My husband is a contractor and we're just now retiring to our dreamhome which is smaller and more practical than all the beautiful homes we've lived in over the years. We'll be doing a bit of freeze drying.:) Good for you and your family. Now, your challenge is to teach your boys the same things your partents taught you. . . in this era it will be a new test. Good luck!

[@live.life.simple.]

Each generation tends to lose some of the skills and values from the previous generation. I try to give our kids a balance of old ways and new ways.

[@zeroturn7091]

I’m not sure how this ended up in my recommendations. I work 9 to 5, although I also have passive income. I think that I am closer to being fired than retiring from my job. Thanks, I guess

[@tysanders68]

ZeroTurn That’s funny 😂

[@JoseGarcia-ni2lq]

Lmfao

[@ChooseTech]

It's the law of attraction. I have a dream and goal to become financially free through becoming a youtube tech reviewer. I want to break free from working the traditionally 9-5, (well I work 3-11pm which is the same difference). This is what happens when you focus on your goals through something in your brain called the reticular activating system, which allows you to focus on what you want.

[@milesesprit7601]

Keep at it man. I'm trying to be free from being a slave working 8 days at 24hrs per day before getting 5 days off for only 2500

[@beyoutiful257]

Love your realness!!! Haha.

[@JanuaryLisa]

That was quite the roller-coaster ride! So glad it worked out for your family. ❤

[@Garciaventuras]

Awesome, love the story very motivated, amazing adventure you had, as for me I'm about to be 40 and just got started on investing and my wife and I are getting ready to buy our first property. Keep up the great videos.

[@live.life.simple.]

That's great congrats.

[@kilroy2517]

Hm. So, the key is to graduate college debt-free (thanks mom and dad), while somehow accumulating all the skills needed to be able to successfully refurbish a home all by yourself by the time you're 22, latch on a to a rich guy that flips homes that gives you such opportunities, then be willing to work "10 hours a day, 6-7 days a week" for three months (~720 hours) for $8000, which is about $11 an hour (about $16 now). Then somehow, despite being "broke" and having only one income, own a condo, then use that $8000 to buy a second property. There's a lot of what he's saying that are good life lessons, but a lot that also either doesn't add up or doesn't take into account luck (right place at the right time).

[@live.life.simple.]

You are making ALOT of assumptions. Most of which are false. I had school debt $22000 when I got out of college. My parents paid for 1 year at community college. I wouldn't reccomend that most people go to college these days. Unless you are going to be something very specialized. Most of my construction skills were taught by hanging around with the right people and learning. You should try it, every day. Learn something new. The financial part that is not adding up for you is the 20 something properties I have flipped in the last 18 years. Things dont happen overnight.

[@kilroy2517]

@@live.life.simple. I did make a lot of assumptions, because you left a lot of information out. That was my point. I (we) have no right to that information - it's your personal life - but you're the one putting out there the keys to your success, and most of these success stories tend to make it sound like all that is required is for a person to make up their mind to do it and then just work hard, but it's rarely that easy. Congrats to you, enjoy your retirement.

[@MatthewSmith-cp3hu]

Well done, I liked hearing your story, thanks.

[@corinnabruce3857]

Property is the way to go! I am 34 and currently own 4 houses (1 I live in and 3 I rent out). I am hoping to buy 4 more houses over the next 4 years, then pay off most of my own mortgage in the 2 years after that then to retire at 40. A lot of people do seem jealous of what I am doing but the thing is that I am happy to work 12 hour days at the moment to make this happen, and to make other sacrifices along the way to achieve this. Others might be jealous but then they have the option of living the FIRE lifestyle too!

[@live.life.simple.]

That's awesome! Congrats!

[@tominator3]

I wish I would have been thinking about retiring early 10 years earlier than I did

[@tarat26]

Much respect. Thank you for sharing. When you said you couldn't have kids I shed a tear as I'd heard that new as well. I was so happy when you said you then had 2 sons. Huge congratulations. I have a son as well, after spending most of the money I had saved for retirement on doctors and treatment etc. Wishing you every happiness with your future for all of you x

[@live.life.simple.]

Glad you were able to have a child. It's a rough thing to go through, but such a reward when it finally happens.

[@bulcub]

BEST LINE! Buy property when there is a recession/depression for pennies on a dollar and also stock that has tanked. It shows that if you save your dollars and live simple, you can live/ the lifestyle you enjoy and retire early without pressure. Good video bro!

[@live.life.simple.]

many thanks!

[@compoundingloonies]

This video has changed my life. I want to leave this comment to say thank you to you. I have achieved financial freedom myself through real estate. This video was one of my mental foundation. So thanks again. It's so cool how you transitioned to a different genre, gonna have to learn how to freeze dry!

[@live.life.simple.]

Very good to hear. There is no greater weight lifted from life than being financially free. I wish you luck on your journey!

[@compoundingloonies]

@@live.life.simple. Thank you sir

[@dcheetham8603]

They key to all of this is the ability to do the work yourself. Not everyone learns how to frame, electrical, plumbing, drywall, etc. Self-reliance is everything and allows you to create value to others, and your pocketbook.

[@live.life.simple.]

Absolutely. I am always trying to broaden my skills. I like to have the ability to do things and know how things work. Knowledge and know how are powerful.

[@dnorman21]

Not true.

[@live.life.simple.]

Yep. I spent the last 17 years fabricating a story and then it came true.

[@belavet]

That said, there are tools today that we have that he didn't at the time. And we are actually using one of those tools as we speak; KZbin. I build a brick paver path addition to my house For a total of about $800 invested. It would've cost me $4-5k to have a contractor do it for us. All with free KZbin advice and tutorials. We plan to partially finish the basement here in the next year as well.

[@itsthecanadian2491]

You’re an inspiration for an 18 year old university student

[@1596angel]

I'm loving this you my friend just made me rethink my priorities thank you so much

[@live.life.simple.]

😃

[@MikeKincaid79]

Love what you're doing. Thanks for the motivation. subbed

[@live.life.simple.]

My pleasure Mike!

[@marks-0-0]

Great story thanks for sharing! Yes as someone said, the system is designed to keep us working til we drop. Why should we have to work til we are 70 or older and not 40 to 50! I've done well for myself and plan to downsize to live a minimal lifestyle with a passive income.

[@live.life.simple.]

That's great Mark. The older i get i realize that in many cases less is more.

[@PortableKonfidence]

This story is very genuine. Bless you and your family.

[@live.life.simple.]

Thanks for your kind words. have a great 2023

[@MASTEROFSAND]

I really appreciate your story, man. Its honest, and very heartfelt. I'm earnestly happy for you, and plan to do a similar path as well for financial comfort, taking your rules into account. Good luck, and enjoy the years, YOU EARNED IT!!! haha

[@live.life.simple.]

I appreciate that. We just settled into our "retired" life. It's going to take some getting used to. I wish you well on your journey!

[@wiseguy6620]

Good story you definetly deserve it. I myself am 31 omw to a coasting status. @ about 500k NW RN. It seems though your timeline worked out very good. It would be hard to replicate the investments with how housing has gone. Most of my investments are all in stock though. The price of housing has gotten tough and cash on hand doesnt give me much power or advantage with rates where they are. I cant lie with how bad housing has gone and the current status of the middleclass i feel weird being a landlord. Most of the younger generations been priced out or taking out enough debt to enslave themselves to try to start lives at a normal age. Keep up the good work though. Subscribed.

[@martinjirik3501]

Loved the video! It is nice to see that not everybody is after money! Greetings from Czech Republic

[@live.life.simple.]

Being able to be happy in life is much more valuable than material things. Appreciate your comment!👌

[@marthaadams8326]

@@live.life.simple. Amen to that

[@stepg4164]

Wow what a great source of inspiration and information!

[@isajthereable]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing this!

[@chrisn.4136]

Great plan, good job! That's why America is great

[@live.life.simple.]

👌🇱🇷

[@DougZ73]

Nice video and great story. Its great that you had the foresight in your twenties, to see the big picture. You two should certainly be proud of all you have done. Hindsight...I wish I was that smart in my twenties. I enviously say congratulations.

[@DebtToDollars]

My personal strategy: 1. pay off debts 2. start an emergency fund 3. start your business (or monetize your hobby) 4. start an individual retirement account (IRA) 5. start your life (quit your 9-5)

[@live.life.simple.]

6) passive income source

[@zigggyyyc7342]

Too late for me, I'm already 40 :(... but I am planning on retiring at 50!

[@live.life.simple.]

That's awesome! You're still way ahead.

[@Colts88]

I'm 41 now and 50 is my goal as well!!

[@leylamamat215]

Me too...50 is my retiring age..but i doubt i will retire at 50..i need to do somethimg to fill in my time.

[@marksoberay2318]

This is gold...i did the same thing, retired at 41

[@live.life.simple.]

Congrats Mark!👌

[@paulhill8957]

Love it, praying I'll attract the right woman and have similar goals and lifestyle. Thank you.

[@connorm.6253]

Just remember that it’s the man’s job to pursue the woman! Not the other way around. Find a woman who has what you are looking for and pursue her with all the strength you can.

[@marthaadams8326]

@@connorm.6253 Biblical - YES!

[@BradleyRamsammy]

Respectable video. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with the public. This is how I’ve learned throughout my life and I thank you. The information you share is valuable and people willing to listen, learn and apply those lessons to their lives will reap the benefits.

[@live.life.simple.]

👍