Race to 100% FI

[rockstache]

I'm inspired by the 'Race to' threads but not comfortable sharing actual numbers, so I was given the idea* to start my own thread with percentages instead of dollars.

Personally, I am only going to be counting % of investments, but feel free to define it however you would like. I hope you'll join in!




*Credit to @MonkeyJengaTM

[rockstache]

2020:

January: 36.77%
February: 34.26%
March: 30.40%
April: 34.37%
May: 36.31%
June: 36.92%
July: 40.18%

Over 40% feels big, although I expect a dip eventually. I'm still happy to see it for now!
 

[Bird In Hand]

40% is great!  Depending on the size of the stash and your yearly savings, you may soon reach a point where your savings are just noise compared to market gains/losses.  Maybe you're already there.

I find that our target FI number changes quite a bit as circumstances in life change.  It's a bit frustrating to try hitting a moving target.  Our 'stache is 100% of what we estimated we would need a few years ago.  Right now I feel like 75% is closer to the mark, but a good year in the market + a bad year at work would make it much closer to 100%.  Then the battle becomes OMY.

[rockstache]

40% is great!  Depending on the size of the stash and your yearly savings, you may soon reach a point where your savings are just noise compared to market gains/losses.  Maybe you're already there.

I find that our target FI number changes quite a bit as circumstances in life change.  It's a bit frustrating to try hitting a moving target.  Our 'stache is 100% of what we estimated we would need a few years ago.  Right now I feel like 75% is closer to the mark, but a good year in the market + a bad year at work would make it much closer to 100%.  Then the battle becomes OMY.

Thank you! Our gains are definitely putting in quite a bit at this point.

I totally agree with the bolded. We're definitely not at our personal 'target' investment number yet but there are certainly people on this board who have retired with less than our current stash. Like everyone, we have a host of specific life circumstances that make it particularly hard to calculate what will happen, or when we'll pull the plug. I guess the number I'm using as a target is my I really cannot imagine working a single day beyond this number. We selected it because it had a big buffer included, and 7 years later we still spend quite a bit less than the drawdown would be, and that includes some lifestyle inflation. If we were more mustachian, we could just quit now, but we're not quite happy with that idea yet.

Congratulations to you for hitting what you thought would be 100% and is now 75%-ish!

[SwordGuy]

I agree that the %FI is the single measure we can all race to.

Here are two threads for just that purpose!  :)

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/race-to-100-fi!/

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/race-to-100-fi-(only-if-below-median-household-income!!!)/

[rockstache]

I agree that the %FI is the single measure we can all race to.

Here are two threads for just that purpose!  :)

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/race-to-100-fi!/

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/race-to-100-fi-(only-if-below-median-household-income!!!)/

Thanks for posting. I did actually see those polls and respond. It seems like people are mostly just checking in year by year on those threads (which is great and possibly I will add my number there yearly), but I think I'm going to use this thread as my monthly check in spot so I don't take over the thread. Even if it goes up and down a lot with the markets I think it will be fun to see the needle moving.


ETA: Mistakes from typing too fast

[alcon835]

I really like this!

I'm in the race to 250K and plan to change hour I track my FI numbers once I hit 250K in investments. Debating if I'll jump over to the Race to 500K thread or if it would be better to track it all here.

Decisions, decisions.

[rockstache]

Welcome! I follow a lot of the race threads and it looks like you’ve made some great progress. It’s amazing how much faster things go once you cross $100k. Depending on how things continue, I feel like you could graduate from that thread by year end, or early next year. After that it’s just set it and (try to) forget it!

[SwordGuy]

I really like this!

I'm in the race to 250K and plan to change hour I track my FI numbers once I hit 250K in investments. Debating if I'll jump over to the Race to 500K thread or if it would be better to track it all here.

Decisions, decisions.

I'm glad you like this race.    It's one we can all participate in because we all have the same goal (even though we define how to reach that goal differently).    I like it because % of FI can simply ignore the different definitions of what it takes to be FI.

[rockstache]

2020:

January: 36.77%
February: 34.26%
March: 30.40%
April: 34.37%
May: 36.31%
June: 36.92%
July: 40.18%
August: 43.33%

What a month! We saved a lot, but the market did most of it.

[Mmm_Donuts]

2014: 16%
2015: 22%
2016: 37%
2017: 52%
2018: 60%
2019: 67%

2020:

Jan: 83%
Feb: 78%
Mar: 64%
Apr: 72%
May: 78%
Jun: 84%
Jul: 88%
Aug: 93%

Things should move slower now that I'm in Coast FIRE mode (savings rate is now ~0%.) But hoping to fully fire sometime within the next couple of years.

[rockstache]

2014: 16%
2015: 22%
2016: 37%
2017: 52%
2018: 60%
2019: 67%

2020:

Jan: 83%
Feb: 78%
Mar: 64%
Apr: 72%
May: 78%
Jun: 84%
Jul: 88%
Aug: 93%

Things should move slower now that I'm in Coast FIRE mode (savings rate is now ~0%.) But hoping to fully fire sometime within the next couple of years.

Wow, that’s some impressive progress you made each year! Congratulations on hitting coast FI! I’m really interested in doing that myself at some point semi-soon. What does your flavor of coasting look like?

[Mmm_Donuts]

Wow, that’s some impressive progress you made each year! Congratulations on hitting coast FI! I’m really interested in doing that myself at some point semi-soon. What does your flavor of coasting look like?

I wrote about it a little in the post FIRE section here:

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/anyone-else-having-problems-with-coast-fire/

I'm working at the same job as pre-FIRE, but just part time, average 2-3 days per week. It's a bit tough to stay in the same job and not be able to travel as I had planned (quitting during Covid), but I like the flexible work arrangement so will probably stay on until I either hit my number or am able to travel more.

[rockstache]

Wow, that’s some impressive progress you made each year! Congratulations on hitting coast FI! I’m really interested in doing that myself at some point semi-soon. What does your flavor of coasting look like?

I wrote about it a little in the post FIRE section here:

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/anyone-else-having-problems-with-coast-fire/

I'm working at the same job as pre-FIRE, but just part time, average 2-3 days per week. It's a bit tough to stay in the same job and not be able to travel as I had planned (quitting during Covid), but I like the flexible work arrangement so will probably stay on until I either hit my number or am able to travel more.

Ah yes, I'm sorry! I read that thread but didn't put it together with your username and post here. Covid has definitely thrown a wrench in things for a lot of FIREes. I'm sorry you're not getting to do the traveling you wanted to. We also had to cancel a big trip this year and it was very disappointing. I'm trying to just focus on adding to the stash since even if I FIREd right now we couldn't exactly do what we would want. It's hard though, especially with no real end in sight.

[SunniD]

Joining.

 dec 2014    21%
 dec 2015    24%
 dec 2016    31%
 dec 2017    42%
aug 2018    51%
 dec 2018    45%
 dec 2019    66%

2020:
 jan        69%
feb 19    72%
 feb        64%
 mar       61%
 apr        67%
 may       71%
 jun        74%
 jly          77%
 aug         84%
sept 2      86%
 sept 18     79%

I like to include my annual highs. Being able to easily see that each dip will eventually be followed by a recovery allows me to ride the market ups and downs with some perspective.

[rockstache]

Joining.

I like to include my annual highs. Being able to easily see that each dip will eventually be followed by a recovery allows me to ride the market ups and downs with some perspective.

Welcome! That’s a great idea and some amazing progress. You’re getting close!

[Manchester]

I'm around 5.6% of the way to what I think my FI figure will be.  :')

[SunniD]

 dec 2014    21%
 dec 2015    24%
 dec 2016    31%
 dec 2017    42%
aug 2018    51%
 dec 2018    45%
 dec 2019    66%

2020:
 jan        69%
feb 19    72%
 feb        64%
 mar       61%
 apr        67%
 may       71%
 jun        74%
 jly          77%
 aug         84%
sept 2      86%
 sept        81%

Had to keep reminding myself this month a pull back is not a bad thing if I'm buying more shares.

[rockstache]

Thanks for bumping the thread Sunni D. Your progress is still fantastic, and a good reminder that a pullback is ok (and helpful!) when we're still contributing.



2020:

January: 36.77%
February: 34.26%
March: 30.40%
April: 34.37%
May: 36.31%
June: 36.92%
July: 40.18%
August: 43.33%
September: 45.02%

The markets went down, but we had an unexpected infusion of cash that kept us positive. Now we're talking about going down to one income which would slow progress but hopefully make family life more pleasant. Lots of exciting discussions happening in the rockstache home.

[SunniD]

Welcome! That’s a great idea and some amazing progress. You’re getting close!
[/quote]

Thanks! Have to admit, I'm getting real antsy as I enter this last leg.

[SunniD]

The markets went down, but we had an unexpected infusion of cash that kept us positive. Now we're talking about going down to one income which would slow progress but hopefully make family life more pleasant. Lots of exciting discussions happening in the rockstache home.

Congrats Rockstache! That's a really exciting development! Are you going to rock paper scissor it to see who gets to pull the trigger?  I find that's the best way to make the tough decisions in life ;-)

[rockstache]

The markets went down, but we had an unexpected infusion of cash that kept us positive. Now we're talking about going down to one income which would slow progress but hopefully make family life more pleasant. Lots of exciting discussions happening in the rockstache home.

Congrats Rockstache! That's a really exciting development! Are you going to rock paper scissor it to see who gets to pull the trigger?  I find that's the best way to make the tough decisions in life ;-)

Thanks!
Haha, it’s even more simple than that. I make more and he’s way more patient and active with the toddler (and the baby on the way). Now that we’re starting to talk about it, he’s getting excited. Since I’ll be working remotely anyway, my job isn’t bad, so I don’t mind it being him that quits.

[Mmm_Donuts]

2014: 16%
2015: 22%
2016: 37%
2017: 52%
2018: 60%
2019: 67%

2020:

Jan: 83%
Feb: 78%
Mar: 64%
Apr: 72%
May: 78%
Jun: 84%
Jul: 88%
Aug: 93%
Sep: 91%

Will I get to 100%? Hopefully! Still doing the Coast FIRE thing. A while ago I had some mild regrets about quitting a job just before a pandemic, but now I am more comfortable with it, and am really learning to be comfortable with uncertainty (though at 91% to FIRE we do have a pretty great cushion.) I'm thinking less and less about money these days, and more about what I want to do with my life.

Ideas so far are: taking online courses, gardening, fixing up the house, cooking - the usual pandemic FIRE things. Last week I went camping, this week I have some work and coursework to do, and will get started on painting the house. It's all good!

Since quitting I've had 2 job offers (contract). So I'm no longer worried that the work will dry up, if I do end up needing it. I have turned both down for various reasons and am staying with my part time gig because for now, it's easy and drama- and stress-free.

[alcon835]

Donuts, I fully expect a pick-up going into the end of year. The election will breathe some life into certain segments (either way) and a vaccine is potentially very close. Both of those things should have a significant impact on the market as a whole.

Here is hoping you blow past 100% in time for Christmas and the new year!

[rockstache]

Since quitting I've had 2 job offers (contract). So I'm no longer worried that the work will dry up, if I do end up needing it. I have turned both down for various reasons and am staying with my part time gig because for now, it's easy and drama- and stress-free.

This is great! I'm glad to hear your job is low drama and stress. That is a fantastic way to coast out of the workforce!

[SunniD]

2020:   
 jan    69%
 feb 19 72%
 feb    64%
 mar   61%
 apr    67%
 may   71%
 jun    74%
 jly    77%
 aug    84%
 sept 2 86%
 sept   81%
 oct    79%

Down despite my contributions.

[SwordGuy]

2020:   
 jan    69%
 feb 19 72%
 feb    64%
 mar   61%
 apr    67%
 may   71%
 jun    74%
 jly    77%
 aug    84%
 sept 2 86%
 sept   81%
 oct    79%

Down despite my contributions.

That just means when the market goes back up your % will go up even faster.   Buying stocks on sale for the win!  :)

[rockstache]

Found MMM/2013: 2.78%
2014: 4.91%
2015: 8.50%
2016: 14.06%
2017: 21.90%
2018: 25.97%
2019: 32.52%


2020:

January: 36.77%
February: 34.26%
March: 30.40%
April: 34.37%
May: 36.31%
June: 36.92%
July: 40.18%
August: 43.33%
September: 45.02%
October: 44.85%

Welp, our contributions couldn't make up for the market swings either, but as Swordguy says, stocks on sale! Seems like November could be an interesting month. I'm glad I followed the plan and invested the lump sum we received instead of DCA or waiting until after the election. Onward!



ETA: I found some year end percentages from way back, so I added them in the way that MMM_Donuts did. Great idea!

[SwordGuy]

Found MMM/2013: 2.78%
2014: 4.91%
2015: 8.50%
2016: 14.06%
2017: 21.90%
2018: 25.97%
2019: 32.52%
2020ytd: 44.85%

That's some solid progress to be proud of!   

45% FI provides a really solid financial cushion to soften most of life's blows.   And as you've noticed, it goes faster with time!

[SunniD]

Down despite my contributions.

That just means when the market goes back up your % will go up even faster.  Buying stocks on sale for the win!  :)

YES! Thanks for the reminder. Sometimes I get too caught up (impatient) for the numbers to keep climbing I lose sight of it. 

[rockstache]

Found MMM/2013: 2.78%
2014: 4.91%
2015: 8.50%
2016: 14.06%
2017: 21.90%
2018: 25.97%
2019: 32.52%


2020:

January: 36.77%
February: 34.26%
March: 30.40%
April: 34.37%
May: 36.31%
June: 36.92%
July: 40.18%
August: 43.33%
September: 45.02%
October: 44.85%
November: 50.22%

Goodness, this crazy market! It has pushed us right up to 50% FI.

It's fun to see that these days, our monthly progress % is as much or more than what our yearly progress % was when we first started.

[alcon835]

November was a bonkers months. Here's hoping the FDA has some good news for us in a few weeks and maybe we'll get another amazing bump!

[SunniD]

 dec 2014    21%
 dec 2015    24%
 dec 2016    31%
 dec 2017    42%
 aug 2018    51%
 dec 2018    45%
 dec 2019    66%
2020:   
 jan 31    69.1%
feb 19    72.0%
 feb 28    64.5%
 mar 31    60.6%
 apr 31    67.4%
 may 31    71.0%
 jun 30    73.8%
 july 31    77.3%
 aug 31    84.3%
sept 2    85.8%
 sept 30    80.9%
 oct 31    79.1%
 nov 30    87.3%

Once I hit the 90%+ I'm going to be really tempted to just pull the trigger!

[SwordGuy]

Great news!

[Mmm_Donuts]

Donuts, I fully expect a pick-up going into the end of year. The election will breathe some life into certain segments (either way) and a vaccine is potentially very close. Both of those things should have a significant impact on the market as a whole.

Here is hoping you blow past 100% in time for Christmas and the new year!

Thanks alcon835! And rockstache for the encouraging comments :)

So here's where it's at today - it's a little surreal:

2014: 16%
2015: 22%
2016: 37%
2017: 52%
2018: 60%
2019: 67%

2020:

Jan: 83%
Feb: 78%
Mar: 64%
Apr: 72%
May: 78%
Jun: 84%
Jul: 88%
Aug: 93%
Sep: 91%
Oct: 89%
Nov: 97%

Maybe I WILL blow past 100% before the new year? Who knows. It's exciting but at the same time, not much is changing. Still punching the clock.

ETA: the most exciting part of this is that since our spend has been a bit lower this past year, we're now officially FI!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[SunniD]

November was a bonkers months. Here's hoping the FDA has some good news for us in a few weeks and maybe we'll get another amazing bump!

Dec is starting off nicely. I'm up 1.1% in one day! ....Not to turn this into a daily progress report :)                                                                                                                   

[Much Fishing to Do]

Donuts, I fully expect a pick-up going into the end of year. The election will breathe some life into certain segments (either way) and a vaccine is potentially very close. Both of those things should have a significant impact on the market as a whole.

Here is hoping you blow past 100% in time for Christmas and the new year!

Thanks alcon835! And rockstache for the encouraging comments :)

So here's where it's at today - it's a little surreal:

2014: 16%
2015: 22%
2016: 37%
2017: 52%
2018: 60%
2019: 67%

2020:

Jan: 83%
Feb: 78%
Mar: 64%
Apr: 72%
May: 78%
Jun: 84%
Jul: 88%
Aug: 93%
Sep: 91%
Oct: 89%
Nov: 97%

Maybe I WILL blow past 100% before the new year? Who knows. It's exciting but at the same time, not much is changing. Still punching the clock.

ETA: the most exciting part of this is that since our spend has been a bit lower this past year, we're now officially FI!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Wow, thats pretty nuts you were at 64% in March and gonna break 100% by the end of the year.... (would have never thought about being 2/3rds FI as being just months from FI)

my dip and recover happened across the FI line which was interesting (and yes, by that I mean very disappointing at the time)..... (103% in Feb, 79% in Mar/April, 110% today).. what a year....

[rockstache]

Found MMM/2013: 2.78%
2014: 4.91%
2015: 8.50%
2016: 14.06%
2017: 21.90%
2018: 25.97%
2019: 32.52%


2020:

January: 36.77%
February: 34.26%
March: 30.40%
April: 34.37%
May: 36.31%
June: 36.92%
July: 40.18%
August: 43.33%
September: 45.02%
October: 44.85%
November: 50.22%
December: 52.40%

Closing out this disturbing year over 50% to fat FI feels really amazing, and also very eerie. I wish all of you the very best in life, love, health, and finances in 2021!

[SunniD]

 dec 2014    21%
 dec 2015    24%
 dec 2016    31%
 dec 2017    42%
 aug 2018    51%
 dec 2018    45%
 dec 2019    66%

2020:   
 jan    69.1%
 feb 19    72.0%
 feb    64.5%
 mar   60.6%
 apr    67.4%
 may   71.0%
 jun    73.8%
 july    77.3%
 aug    84.3%
 sept 2    85.8%
 sept  80.9%
 oct    79.1%
 nov    87.3%
 dec    91.0%

91%! That's after taking 1% to start paying down the mortgage on an investment property. Also diverted Dec (and future) paychecks to pay off the remaining balance. While I understand that might not be the smartest/optimal path, emotionally and mentally I NEED TO SIMPLIFY before I pull THE TRIGGER. So the market will have to carry me to 100%!  Happy 2021!

[friedmmj]

Donuts, I fully expect a pick-up going into the end of year. The election will breathe some life into certain segments (either way) and a vaccine is potentially very close. Both of those things should have a significant impact on the market as a whole.

Here is hoping you blow past 100% in time for Christmas and the new year!

Thanks alcon835! And rockstache for the encouraging comments :)

So here's where it's at today - it's a little surreal:

2014: 16%
2015: 22%
2016: 37%
2017: 52%
2018: 60%
2019: 67%

2020:

Jan: 83%
Feb: 78%
Mar: 64%
Apr: 72%
May: 78%
Jun: 84%
Jul: 88%
Aug: 93%
Sep: 91%
Oct: 89%
Nov: 97%

Maybe I WILL blow past 100% before the new year? Who knows. It's exciting but at the same time, not much is changing. Still punching the clock.

ETA: the most exciting part of this is that since our spend has been a bit lower this past year, we're now officially FI!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Amazing and congratulations Donuts!!  How are you liking the PT work?  How many hours are you generally logging?

[rockstache]

Found MMM/2013: 2.78%
2014: 4.91%
2015: 8.50%
2016: 14.06%
2017: 21.90%
2018: 25.97%
2019: 32.52%
2020: 52.40%



2021:

January: 54.18%
February: 55.69%

I forgot to update the thread last month, so here are two months at once. It's creeping up! We're adding a second kid very soon, so I don't know what the next months will bring. We'll both be taking some parental leave which will slow things down a bit, and DH may decide to quit working and stay home. At more than 50% of the way there, we have options which is amazing.

[SunniD]

dec 2014    21%
 dec 2015    24%
 dec 2016    31%
 dec 2017    42%
 aug 2018    51%
 dec 2018    45%
 dec 2019    66%

2020:   
 jan    69.1%
 feb 19    72.0%
 feb    64.5%
 mar   60.6%
 apr    67.4%
 may   71.0%
 jun    73.8%
 july    77.3%
 aug    84.3%
 sept 2    85.8%
 sept  80.9%
 oct    79.1%
 nov    87.3%
 dec    91.0%

2021:
jan   94.0%
feb   96.3%

I started the year with the goal of FIRE in June, but the closer I get to my number the more impatient I get, eyeing May now! 

[SunniD]

I forgot to update the thread last month, so here are two months at once. It's creeping up! We're adding a second kid very soon, so I don't know what the next months will bring. We'll both be taking some parental leave which will slow things down a bit, and DH may decide to quit working and stay home. At more than 50% of the way there, we have options which is amazing.

Congrats on 2nd kiddo and on options! Having options are the best!

[Mmm_Donuts]

Amazing and congratulations Donuts!!  How are you liking the PT work?  How many hours are you generally logging?

Thank you @friedmmj ! It's all over the place, generally I'm averaging about 2-3 days / week. BUT I am doing a trial run at FIRE and am currently taking a longer sabbatical. I've asked for 6 months off but TBH I am leaning towards not going back. At least I have some time to figure it out - I need to clear my head first and try to de-stress. I wrote a bit elsewhere here about PT work - I'm not sure it's the best compromise in some situations. For me, I found that it didn't fully eliminate the stresses of FT work (though don't get me wrong - being in control of my schedule is priceless in terms of stress reduction). But the stuff that bothered me about the job (mostly politics) is still there and still bothering me. And I get paid less :/ So not totally a win-win.

Here's my update!

2014: 16%
2015: 22%
2016: 37%
2017: 52%
2018: 60%
2019: 67%
2020: 83%

2021:

Jan: 107%
Feb: 113%

Going from the ups and downs of 2020 to outright quitting is tough. And I'm not one to make any sudden leaps. So I'm going to ease into FIRE gradually. Hopefully it doesn't turn into a string of OMYs but at least that is within my control.

[rockstache]

dec 2014    21%
 dec 2015    24%
 dec 2016    31%
 dec 2017    42%
 aug 2018    51%
 dec 2018    45%
 dec 2019    66%

2020:   
 jan    69.1%
 feb 19    72.0%
 feb    64.5%
 mar   60.6%
 apr    67.4%
 may   71.0%
 jun    73.8%
 july    77.3%
 aug    84.3%
 sept 2    85.8%
 sept  80.9%
 oct    79.1%
 nov    87.3%
 dec    91.0%

2021:
jan   94.0%
feb   96.3%

I started the year with the goal of FIRE in June, but the closer I get to my number the more impatient I get, eyeing May now!

So close, congratulations!!

Congrats on 2nd kiddo and on options! Having options are the best!

Thank you! The options are pretty fantastic. The number I'm tracking is really our Very Secure Should the World End FI number, but through a string of wild events, we've already hit our Most Likely Good Enough number. It makes it very hard to keep cranking away, but it's also hard to quit! I think once Covid is mostly behind us we can determine more about how to structure retired life and that will help decide where to pull the plug. Right now, it seems foolish to walk away from two flexible, stress free, fully remote jobs, even while juggling the toddler. The baby might change that though!

[SwordGuy]

I love seeing all this great progress!

[SunniD]

dec 2014    21%
 dec 2015    24%
 dec 2016    31%
 dec 2017    42%
 aug 2018    51%
 dec 2018    45%
 dec 2019    66%

2020:   
 jan    69.1%
 feb 19    72.0%
 feb    64.5%
 mar   60.6%
 apr    67.4%
 may   71.0%
 jun    73.8%
 july    77.3%
 aug    84.3%
 sept 2    85.8%
 sept  80.9%
 oct    79.1%
 nov    87.3%
 dec    91.0%

2021:
jan   94.0% 90.3%
feb   96.3% 94.0%

I started the year with the goal of FIRE in June, but the closer I get to my number the more impatient I get, eyeing May now!

Oops. Fixed typo in my formula.
Not as close as I thought but I'll take it and still feel June is just too far away!

[alcon835]

Tracking total Net Worth. Yearly numbers are from December 31st of that year. Monthly numbers are from the first of that month.

2017: 3.75%
2018: 9.14%
2019: 11.77%
2020: 21.82%

2021	FIRE	Lean FIRE
April:	25.00%	29.02%

I made it! The race to $250k was a lot of fun (and I plan to keep following it and the later races!) but I've only been tracking my index/stock investments and not my total net worth (which is a much more realistic number toward my eventual FIRE). I want to start tracking those things, but I'm not comfortable sharing that number with the internet. Additionally, I have some stock at my start-up and we are looking at a potential exit in the next 18 months, which I suspect will come with a very large increase in my net worth.

I really started tracking numbers in 2018, but that's the year I bought my house. In 2019 there were a few large purchases for the home (furnishing it, fixing the fixer-upper, etc.) that slowed me down and a few tragedies that had me not as focused as I otherwise would be. So 2020 is the first year I really focused on investing aggressively towards FIRE. For all the terrible things that happened last year, I had the best year of my life financially...and I suspect 2021 will be an even better year. My goal is to FIRE in 2026, and at the moment I think I'm on track to do so.

All-in-all, I'm really excited to be joining you as we race to FIRE together! Here's to us all hitting 100% way early!!!

[rockstache]

Welcome alcon! That is some excellent year over year progress that you have made.


Who me? As for me:

Found MMM/2013: 2.78%
2014: 4.91%
2015: 8.50%
2016: 14.06%
2017: 21.90%
2018: 25.97%
2019: 32.52%
2020: 52.40%

2021:

January: 54.18%
February: 55.69%
March: 56.96%

If we keep up the trend of 1% per month, we should be there in a little over 3.5 years. January-March have been super spendy, low savings months for us though, so I'm hopeful we will rein it in a bit for the rest of the year. Then again we have a baby coming this month and the market does as it pleases, so who the hell knows.

[alcon835]

Yeah, if there's one thing we can be sure of for the rest of 2021, it's that we can't really be sure of anything...haha.