If you’re new here, welcome! This is The FIRE Fastlane, and this is my first post. I figured there’s no better way to start than by telling you why I’m trying to retire by 40 with a net worth of $10 million. Not to flex. Not to sound crazy. But to show you what’s possible when you start asking better questions about money, freedom, and life.

Because let’s be real: most people don’t stop to ask what they actually want from life. They just follow the script. Work 9 to 5, retire at 65, and hope they have enough left in the tank to enjoy what little time is left.

I’m not trying to live like that. And maybe you aren’t either.

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What Does Financial Independence Really Mean?

For me, financial independence isn’t just about money, it’s about freedom.

• Freedom to spend time with the people I care about
• Freedom to travel, learn, and explore without asking for permission
• Freedom to wake up and choose how I want to spend my day
• Freedom from ever being stuck in a job I hate or tied to a paycheck

But most importantly: it’s about never letting essentials become luxuries.

Time with family shouldn’t be a reward. Feeling rested shouldn’t only happen once a year on vacation. Helping out people you care about shouldn’t require going into debt.

This is why I’m chasing $10 million by 40. It’s not a random number. It’s what I’ve calculated gives me enough, not just to survive, but to live well, help others, and never depend on anyone for my next move.

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Why $10 Million?

You might be thinking, “Isn’t that a bit much?”

And honestly, yeah, maybe it is for some people. But I didn’t choose this number just for fun. I chose it because it gives me margin. Room to breathe. Room to take care of future kids, an aging mother, or unexpected stuff life throws at you. It also lets me invest, give, travel, and live without stress.

I don’t want to cut corners just to say I’m “retired” I want to do it right.

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This Isn’t About Escaping Work

Let me be clear, I’m not trying to retire early just so I can lie around all day. I’ll probably always be working on something. A blog, a startup, mentoring others, whatever. The difference is, I’ll be doing it because I want to, not because I need to.

There’s a huge difference between working with purpose and working to survive.

And I want you to feel that difference too.

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How I’m Getting There

Right now, I’m stacking skills, saving aggressively, and investing every dollar I can into assets that grow over time. I use platforms like Robinhood for stocks and crypto, and Fundrise for real estate and startup investing. I’m focused on increasing income, keeping my expenses lean, and building multiple income streams early.

I’m documenting the entire journey here, not just the wins, but the mindset, tools, and lessons that have helped me level up.

If I can help you skip years of mistakes I made early on, it’s a win for both of us.

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Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, chasing FIRE, especially the fastlane version, isn’t about greed. It’s about taking ownership. Of your time, your money, and your life. It’s about designing a future where you make the rules.

If that sounds like something you want too, stick around. This is just the beginning.

Let’s build something real.