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?

In today’s episode, I challenge the idea that routine is boring or rigid. For me, routine is the exact opposite—it’s freedom. It’s the tool that helps me stay consistent with investing, exercising, eating well, and even waking up early, all without willpower or decision fatigue.

Routine isn’t about being disciplined. It’s about removing friction from the habits that matter most. I share how building structure into my day has made everything easier—and how it might do the same for you. If you feel stuck or drained by daily decisions, this one’s for you.

This isn’t a motivational pep talk. It’s an honest look into what it feels like when you're doing everything right—early mornings, consistency, discipline—and still, nothing seems to move. No recognition, no growth, no signs of progress.

In this episode, I talk about being in the “valley of despair”—that painful middle space between starting and succeeding—and choosing to keep going anyway. If you’ve ever questioned whether your hard work matters, or whether you should just give up... this one’s for you.

🎧 Plus, I share a free guide for anyone wanting to start investing but not knowing where to begin.

On Instagram, it can feel like everyone’s blowing up overnight — but real, lasting growth often looks a lot quieter.

In this episode, I talk about:

🌳 Why fast success isn’t always strong success

🎋 The Chinese bamboo tree (and what it taught me about patience)

📉 Why my podcast growing slowly doesn’t mean it’s failing

📈 How I apply the same mindset to my money and investments

👟 And why we don’t need to sprint — just keep walking

If you’re working on something that’s growing slowly, this one’s for you.

📩 Want my free investing guide? You can grab it from my Instagram bio or here

If this resonated with you — share it, DM me, or just keep going. We’re building something real here. Step by step.

During the pandemic, I almost bought a flat. I had the cash, the pressure, the “get on the ladder” advice from everyone around me… and I nearly said yes.

But something stopped me — and I’m so glad it did.

In this episode, I share:

• Why I was convinced property was the way to build wealth
• What changed my mind about home ownership
• The freedom renting has given me
• The hidden costs of buying that no one talks about
• And the big lesson I learned from my mortgage certification

If you’ve ever wondered whether renting is “throwing money away” or if buying is always the smarter choice — this one’s for you.

✨ Mentioned in this episode:

• Ramit Sethi’s I Will Teach You to Be Rich
• The power of compound interest
• My free guide: Start Investing Without Freaking Out → Grab it via the link in my Instagram bio @onestepwealthier or onestepwealthier.carrd.co

💬 Like the episode? Share it with a friend or DM me — I’d love to hear your thoughts. And remember: the best time to invest was yesterday. The second best is today.

Do you ever feel like you're doing everything right — working hard, earning more — yet still struggling to get ahead? This episode is a wake-up call about the hidden trap of trying to "act rich" while sacrificing your actual future wealth.

I talk about:

• Why relying on a state pension is risky at best
• The difference between spending money and having money
• What real wealth actually looks like (hint: it’s what you don’t see)
• How to enjoy your life now without sabotaging your 70s, 80s, or 90s
• The power of small, consistent investing — even if you're starting late

If you're ready to stop drifting and start steering your financial future, this one’s for you. 🎁 Grab my free guide Start Investing Without Freaking Out via the link in my Instagram bio @onestepwealthier.

📩 Want to chat about your money journey? I’m opening up a few free money coaching spots. DM me on Instagram @onestepwealthier or email onestepwealthier@gmail.com. No pressure—just a chat.