Interview: Catie T. @millenialmoneyhoney
What do you do?
I’m a visual designer working at a big tech company by day and spreading the concept of Financial Independence through my platform, Millennial Money Honey, by night.
What’s your age?
29 years old
Where do you live?
Los Angeles, California
Salary?
$65/hour, annualized that’s about $125K/year
When did you learn about FIRE? (If you don’t know what FIRE is, read more here)
In December 2019, when a friend sent me an article to Mr. Money Mustache’s blog
Why do you want to reach financial independence?
I’d love to spend more meaningful, quality time with my last remaining grandparent, my parents, and friends who I never get to see. I’d rather live more frugally to be able to buy time ASAP with the people I love.
How do you currently have your money allocated?
I’m almost all in on stocks, mostly through low-cost total market index funds. 80% US stocks, 5% International Stocks, 5% Cash, 5% Fun (crypto)
Average savings rate?
For 2021, my average monthly savings rate is 79%.
What has been the most difficult part in this journey?
The hardest part, once you’ve automated everything and your systems are in place, is having the patience to wait YEARS before you can retire early. I can almost taste it but I do not.
At what age do you expect to hit FI and have the option to retire?
In about 6 years, I’d like to be retired by 35.
If you could offer someone a piece of advice to help them on their path to FI, what it would be?
Everyone’s path to FI looks different, try not to compare, it’s the thief of joy! Just start. Track your money, figure out your own numbers and what you need to do to get there. Even if you didn’t start investing until now, if you can retire at 60, that is still early!
If others want to follow your FIRE journey, where can they find you?
You can visit me on my website Millennial Money Honey or on social media: Instagram • Youtube • TikTok
