— and you'll quickly understand that this lifestyle was occasionally trying for the young couple.
Ultimately, the couple didn't retire — not yet anyway. Having a large stash of savings gives them financial stability and flexibility, but as their lives have changed, so have their goals. And reaching FIRE as quickly as possible is no longer a priority. One is a focus on tamping down on the expenses that have the biggest impact on their budget. When the couple first looked where they could cut back, they focused on what Rieckens calls the"big three": housing, cars and food.
It's a mindset that persists today."We drive a sensible car and scrutinize big purchases, being mindful of smaller expenses, too. For us, FIRE gave us a framework to help us filter our spending decisions," Rieckens says.When the couple first embarked on their journey, they each made a list of the things that brought them joy. As it turned out, the things they valued — family, friends, time together and time outdoors — didn't come at a cost.