Playing with FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early): How Far Would You Go for Financial Freedom?

I really wanted to like this book. I'm a big fan of the FIRE movement. I've been following it for years. I have read from almost all the blogs and resources cited in the book.This book is supposed to be for people of all income levels. There are few good examples of lower-income FIRE people (p. 45, p.69) and the author does address: "Is Fire Only For Rich People?" (p. 6). But I just personally couldn't relate to the author at all.At the beginning of his journey, he and his wife are in their mid-thirties, making $142,000 annually AFTER taxes (p. 8), they have gone to college, left school with minimal debt, and avoided credit card debt (p. 9), and already had $190,000 in savings (p. 54). They leased two cars, including a BMW, and belonged to a boat club. Even after they "cut back" and are on their journey to FIRE, they are still living a kind of life that I could only dream about!In their journey to FIRE, they also seem to have a ridiculous amount of freedom. For example, they leave home and go on a yearlong trip to "see family and friends, explore new cities, and have fun" which includes stops at Spokane, Seattle, Boise, Bend, Fort Collins, and Hawaii (p. 83) They also go to Ecuador and spend $5,000 to go to a FIRE conference (p. 121)Frankly, I can't relate to this at all. I'm not sure how many other people can, either. And the funny thing, is I'm not that different from the author. I'm in late-30's, which is comparable to, if not a little older than, the author. I live in a very similar HCOL area, also in California, like the author.But that's where the similarities end. The author had an amazing job - "my job consisted of being flown around the West Coast to support events like the NBA and MLB All-Star games, the Sundance Film Festival, music festivals, and so on." (p. 13) On the other hand, I have a Master's degree and I am working in my chosen field, which mostly involves sitting at a desk all day behind a computer and doing a lot of paperwork. I earn 7 hours of vacation a month and I don't have the option to telework; there's no way I could just take off for a year like the author did. My after-tax income is $37,000 a year. My rent and utilities for a standard (not a luxury) one-bedroom apartment are $22,000 a year. Then there's my car payment, student loan payment, and all the usual cost of living expenses.I love the FIRE movement, but I'm not sure it works for most people. When you can only save, at best, a few thousand dollars a year, it's hard not to get resentful at books like these. For those who are of more modest means, I recommend "How to Retire Early: Your Guide to Getting Rich Slowly and Retiring on Less" by Robert and Robin Charlton. Their book lays out some 15 and 20-year plans for retirement.

I have been following this Playing with FIRE mostly for it's upcoming Documentary and decided to get the book too. It was a really quick and fun read. Like a mini financial memoir covering this guy Scott and his family jumping into this whole FIRE financial independence retire early thing. I learned that FIRE is really quite a massive movement of folks like Scott who are chopping expenses aggressively but with care and savvy to live more minimalist lifestyles toward achieving financial independence in their 30s and 40s. What was cool was that it was a nice flowing story, an interesting and sometimes fascinating one, that layers in the "how to" logistics quite organically. It's much more of the story of the journey - introducing the reader to what the experience is like- the ups, downs, feelings, etc. It also introduces us to the variety of characters who serve as the ambassadors of this FIRE movement, as Scott met a bunch of them and got counsel from them (again the story takes place while he's both doing FIRE and producing a documentary on that experience). He also goes to some of the camps, festivals and conferences where these folks cluster around the country and even one in remote Ecuador...that was a cool off shoot I wasn't expecting! I must say the book has changed me a bit. While I don't foresee myself chopping my own expenses in half, I have already begun doing some chopping. And it's not that the book was preachy AT ALL. It was a genuine, "this was my experience" type angle. It's just that it inspired me a little. Made the practices that Scott and these other under take seem not too harsh sounding at all. On the contrary it makes a lot of common sense to me: drive a used Honda instead of leasing a new BMW and retire 3 years sooner. Live in a 1,000 square foot home instead of a 1,500 sq ft home and cut 4 years off my retirement date. Wise, simple living. I'm already digging into some of the blogs and podcasts that Scott used to guide him. Thanks Scott for sharing this story. I think it will help a lot of people and it is already helping me. Most importantly, much like your entry experience, it's happening very organically without any sense of sacrifice. I think these FIRE folks are truly onto something special. Can't wait for the documentary and to steep myself further in this genre. Highly recommend the book. It's a one day easy fun read.

I first encountered (and loved) the concept of financial independence back in 2012, but have found this reintroduction a delightfully new animal. Scott provides an “in” to this world through the powerful fulcrum of his own life, sharing the narrative of he and his wife’s journey from hearing about FIRE to the pursuit of it with warmth, intelligence and honesty. Unlike other memoirs I’ve read, however, he doesn’t lapse into excessive self-reflection OR assume a prior level of knowledge in his readers. He also harbors no condescension or arrogance towards fledglings in this world, even as he praises and introduces advanced individuals in the FIRE community with ease. Such a balance indicates a gifted writer, experienced communicator and—let’s not forget!—a skilled editor. :)Coming from my own background as someone feverishly paying down debt after struggling in a daze for years, I found it the perfect mix of story and facts, and more than anything, both encouraging and hopeful. I don’t know where I’ll end up on my own journey, but Scott’s words definitely gave me the boost I needed as I climb out of my own financial hole to work towards something bigger, more secure, and life-giving.Needless to say, I cannot wait for the documentary.(From Frugal Fuyanger on IG)

This is a relatable story about a middle-class American family spending too much money on stuff society was telling them they needed. Once the changed their mindsets and their habits, they see how little funds it takes to get a lot of happiness and free time. Recommending for anyone who is burnt out from working too much and not knowing where they are headed financially. A quick read for how FIRE can fit your life.

The author comes across as living in a different world to an average person. Repeated references to $200 dollar sushi meals are scattered through out the book. If you cant save money from a post tax yearly income of $132,000 like the author you need help and this book might be it. The author also appears genuinely surprised to find he can live on $50,000 a year exluding rent and to believe this has entailed real sacrifices.

If you are loking for a 'how to' book for financial independence than this isnt the one. It follows the authors decision to follow FIRE and his ups and downs including trying to get his wife on board, dealing with friends and family views on FIRE. It discusses how he and his wife felt like quitting and regrets when they splurged to feel like they used to when they didnt think of how they spent their money. A very worthwhile read for anyone thinking of going down the path of FIRE.

A bit disappointed with the book. After reading the reviews I thought it was going to be full of more tips and insight but is more a story of their adventure. Not a bad read, but a bit of a let down after building it up

Rather than just focus on the financial independence/early retirement theory, Scott’s book insert to the reader a practical and psychological aspect of the search for a meaningful life, illustrating the benefits of reduction of consumerism and a minimalist life. For those that are engaging in the financial independence journey the book is a fantastic source of inspiration.

A nice read to keep you motivated on your path to financial Independence.