Six millionaires explain the lifestyles and philosophies that helped them grow their net worths from nothing.
Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez grew his net worth through investing heavily in retirement accounts, buying a rental property, and creating tight budgets.
Geary Bartmess III retired at age 60 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, after a career as a lawyer in Texas. He likes the easy and calm lifestyle.
Nina and James, a boomer couple, face financial struggles after unexpected emergency expenses despite retiring with pensions in 2012.
Andrea Wallace and her husband became millionaires by 28 through frugality and house-hacking. They're on pace to both retire by 35.
Sam Dogen retired early at 34 and returned to work after a decade, but the micromanagement and stress led him to retire again after four months.
Amber Smith quit a tech job in favor of her flexible side hustles. She no longer has to stress over corporate work.
Disha Spath and her husband went from $750,000 in debt to an over $1 million net worth in a few years by embracing the FIRE movement.
Julie Berninger, 35, hit financial independence but now spends over $25,000 a month so she can spend more time with her kids and on her businesses.
Many Gen Z Americans are prioritizing financial savviness, aiming for financial independence and early retirement. BI spoke with four who are on track.
Steven and Lauren Keys retired early with a high net worth thanks to the FIRE movement. They shared their favorite and least favorite national parks.
Those of us can't join the FIRE movement may at least reap some health benefits.
Mai-lan Phan and her husband Ryan Wagoner achieved financial independence with a net worth over $4 million, but they chose not to retire early.
BI spoke to late starters who started to save and invest in their 40s and 50s and set themselves up for financial independence and early retirement.
Chris Elle Dove, who for a few years relied on Social Security survivor benefits, is set to retire early with over $1.5 million net worth.
Sam Dogen and his wife, both of whom retired in their mid-30s, share how they budget their money to afford raising two kids in San Francisco.
Sam Dogen retired at 34 in San Francisco with over $3 million after 13 years of saving and investing, while his wife retired at 35.
Jace Mattinson returned to an executive role in the lumber industry after finding early retirement unfulfilling and repetitive.
Sabina Horrocks plans to re-enter the workforce after her mini-retirement, even though she and her husband have a $2 million net worth.
Jim White shared how he reached FIRE — Financial Independence, Retire Early — and retired at 43.