The Proven Path to Achieving Coast FI in Your 30s (Median Income!) | Bigger Pockets Video

Episode #665
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Coast FI is a fascinating concept that's gaining traction in the financial independence community. And no, to Mindy's disappointment, it doesn't involve having enough money to live beachside (though the lifestyle can be just as relaxing). Unlike the extreme FIRE approach that dominates personal finance blogs—where you're told to save every penny, never eat out, and forget about vacations—Coast FI offers a more sustainable path to early retirement.

Enter Jessica and Corey from The Fioneers, who've proven this gentler approach actually works. When they discovered the FI movement, they were earning just $30,000 combined—hardly a six-figure head start. As their income grew, so did their savings rate, but Jessica quickly realized that climbing the corporate ladder came with a hidden cost. The stress became so overwhelming that she needed a six-month mental health break from work.

That break changed everything. Jessica never returned to traditional employment, instead building her own business. Today, she and Corey have achieved what they call "slow FI"—they're Coast FI with complete time autonomy, still enjoying travel and comfortable living, while on track to retire in their early 50s. They're living proof that financial independence doesn't require sacrificing your mental health, relationships, or joy along the way.

Their story challenges the narrative that you must choose between financial freedom and actually living your life. Sometimes, the scenic route gets you exactly where you need to go.

00:00 Intro
00:07 Meet the Pioneers of Coast FI
01:44 Discovering Financial Independence
03:03 Mental Health and Financial Decisions
05:01 Making the Financial Journey Enjoyable
08:19 Part-Time Work, Full-Time FI
14:36 Enjoying Work at Coast-FI Levels
26:56 The Concept of Coast FI
33:28 Ready to Hit Slow FI?