Ep. 87 - Steps to Create Financial Independence

Ep. 87 - Steps to Create Financial Independence

Creating Financial Independence (FIRE) for Any Age: What It Actually Takes

The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement is a strategy for achieving financial freedom, allowing individuals of any age to retire early, work optionally, or pursue passions without financial stress. FIRE involves accumulating enough wealth to cover living expenses indefinitely, typically through a combination of high savings rates, strategic investing, and intentional lifestyle choices.

FIRE Levels

• Lean FIRE: Minimalist lifestyle ($20,000–$40,000/year).

• Fat FIRE: Comfortable or luxurious lifestyle ($80,000+/year).

• Barista FIRE: Partial independence with part-time work to supplement income.

• Coast FIRE: Saving enough early to let investments grow without additional contributions.

FIRE is achievable at any age, though the approach varies. Younger individuals have time to leverage compounding, mid-career workers can accelerate savings with higher incomes, and older adults can refine plans to bridge to early retirement.

On this episode of Through The Pines we’ll cover steps to create financial independence or (FIRE - Financial Independence, Retire Early) including…

• FIRE Levels

• Calculating Your FIRE Number

• Maximizing Savings

• Investing Wisely

• Optimizing Costs

• Designing a Purposeful Lifestyle

• Protecting Your Plan (Risk Management)

let’s dive in!

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while asking AI how to cook an apple pie, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

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Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday’s Dollars to Finance Tomorrow’s Dreams.

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This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025