There aren’t just two paths…

Most people only ever get shown two paths for money and work:
❌ The societal script: Save 10–15% a year, work until 65, then retire. Dependence until the very end.
❌ The extreme FIRE stereotype: Save 70%, sacrifice joy now, retire as young as possible so you can “finally” be free.

And if you thought those were your only options, that makes sense. It’s what we were all taught. No one tells you there’s another way. But both of those paths miss the point.

The end goal = Independence. Fueled by Financial Independence.
Not being dependent on a paycheck.
Having options. Choice. The ability to decide what you do and when.

And the path to get there? That’s the part most people never see.

It’s not a formula. It’s not all-or-nothing.
It’s the third path — one built around your values, your energy, and your real life.

Here’s the truth:
Financial clarity fuels energy clarity — they reinforce each other.
Peace comes from options, not just income.
Purpose doesn’t wait until retirement; it’s built into today’s choices.
I like to think of it in three stages:
Security = bills covered.
Comfort = lifestyle maintained.
Freedom = independence, choice on your terms.
Morgan Housel says it best in The Psychology of Money:

“The highest form of wealth is the ability to wake up every morning and say, ‘I can do whatever I want today.’”

That’s what FI is really about.

🦋 What this looks like IRL
When I first discovered the FI movement, I’ll admit — the loudest voices almost turned me off. They were extreme. People saving 75% of their income, retiring at 35, living lives that didn’t look anything like ours.

It didn’t match the goals or vision I had for my family’s life. What did resonate was closer to home: the plan my husband Charlie and I talked about.

After 20 years in the fire service, he plans to retire at 51. Not to quit forever, but so he doesn’t have to push his body into his 60s in a physically demanding job just to “maximize” retirement money.

He wants freedom to pursue his life goals outside of work.

One of those goals? Hiking the Appalachian Trail — a 5–7 month trek he wants to do while he’s still young, strong, and not worn down from decades more of physical labor. And after that, he has a vision of stepping back into the fire service in a new way. The point isn’t leaving work behind. The point is having the freedom to choose what comes next.

That’s FI in action. Not sacrifice today for escape tomorrow. Not waiting until 65. But building independence one decision at a time, so you can actually live free along the way.

💡So let me ask you……
What script are you following with your money — and is it yours? How do your plans support (or not support) your independence and ability to chase your goals?

Reply and let me know!