In the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) world, the 4% rule is treated like gospel. But what if that rule doesn’t fit your life? In this episode, I share why I’m choosing to challenge the conventional wisdom and take a more flexible approach to early retirement.

I break down what the 4% rule is, why it was created, and why I’ve decided it doesn’t serve me. From my plans to retire at 41 to my belief in balancing time, energy, and money — this episode dives into how I’m shaping my financial path based on my life, not someone else’s model.

Whether you're planning to follow the rule to the letter, tweak it like I do, or throw it out completely, this episode is a reminder that personal finance should be personal. You’ll also hear how I’m building optionality into my life through a low-cost lifestyle, flexible work plans, and keeping an eye on the market.

If you’ve ever questioned the “rules” of FIRE, or you’re dreaming of a life with more freedom, less pressure, and a bit of barista work mixed in — this is for you.

Are you stuck in a cycle of work, spend, repeat? In this episode of One Step Wealthier, I reflect on a conversation with coworkers that sparked a powerful reminder — you don’t have to stay on the hamster wheel forever. I share my personal journey of investing, saving, and designing a life that buys freedom instead of things.

We’ll explore:

• Why earning more won’t free you if you spend it all
• How investing small amounts with consistency changes everything
• Why freedom, not lifestyle, is my ultimate flex
• The power of walking your own trail — literally and financially

If you're tired of spinning in place, this episode is for you. It's not about how much you earn. It’s about what you do with it.

In this episode, I explore the quiet but powerful idea that no one is living wrong — we’re all just living according to our values. I share how discovering that freedom is my top value helped me shape a life that’s simple, intentional, and happily single — even if it goes against what others expect.

I also talk about the trap of chasing someone else’s dreams, the importance of aligning your work and money with what truly matters to you, and why I believe investing is how I buy my future freedom.

This one’s honest and personal. If you’ve ever felt like you’re living a life that doesn’t quite fit, this episode might help you pause and ask: Whose values am I really living by?