I figured this could be an interesting thread where we each write out a brief summary of what we personally imagine to be the tangible benefits for reaching each of these milestones for years of living expenses saved/invested. I'd be curious to read what others think about the status/potential/benefits at each level. I'll start:
5x - You've developed a consistent habit of saving and financial discipline that the majority of your peers likely has not acquired. While you're nowhere near FI, you have proven to yourself you can build wealth and reach bigger goals.
10x - You did it again, doubling what you did when you reached 5x. You still aren't FI, but you feel more at ease at work knowing your options are opening up a little more. You've maybe even considered whether it could be worth it to try cutting your hours a bit. Maybe you do it, or maybe you focus on the next step.
15x - At this point, you're well on your way to partial FI. You are getting borderline Lean FIRE, and you know you could definitely permanently switch to part-time work if you wanted. You might do this, or you might just push forward.
20x - You are way more relaxed knowing that your investments are likely outpacing your spending more often than not. You might explore cutting back to part-time work or otherwise might start planning out those bigger FIRE plans because the next step will be here in no time.
25x - FI by many people's standards. Your work is optional. You might play around with the numbers to determine if you want to build further buffer for some unnecessary additional adventures/experiences that might cost a little more. You're no longer bound to a job out of any major necessity though anymore.
