Is It Too Late to Start Investing at 35? Absolutely Not.

Why Financial Independence Isn’t About “Getting Rich” (And What It’s Really About)

When I tell people I write about financial independence, their eyes either light up with dollar signs or glaze over like I just said I collect historical spreadsheets. Let’s be honest: the phrase “financial independence” has been over-glamorized by influencers posing in Bali with laptops that are clearly not turned on. But here’s the thing—financial independence has little to do with being rich.

Yes, money is involved. No, it’s not about yachts or champagne on Tuesdays. It’s about freedom, control, and never again having to say “yes” to a toxic boss just to pay rent. So, before you dismiss it as another pipe dream, let’s break down what financial independence really means—and why it might be more achievable than you think.

Forget Ferraris: Financial Independence Is About Options

Let’s redefine the terms. Financial independence (FI) isn’t a single destination with a confetti cannon that goes off when you hit $1 million. Instead, it’s a journey toward getting your life back—from your time to your goals to your mental health.

A Shift in Perspective

In the finance world, we’re taught to associate wealth with net worth and material possessions. But for those of us in the Personal Investing & Financial Independence space, wealth is autonomy. Here’s what that can look like:

• Being able to leave a soul-crushing job without panicking over your next paycheck
• Taking a sabbatical because you’re burned out, not because your manager approved it
• Pivoting to a passion project, regardless of whether it immediately pays
• Living below your means not out of deprivation—but by design

In short, FI isn’t about becoming a millionaire who lights cigars with hundred-dollar bills. It’s about being a person who sleeps well because your bank account aligns with your values—not someone else’s expectations.

The Core Principles of Financial Independence

You don’t need lottery luck or Silicon Valley stock options to pursue FI. But you do need a few key habits that allow your money to work as hard as you do (or harder—money doesn’t need coffee breaks).

1. Spend Less Than You Earn—Radically

Yeah, I know it’s the financial equivalent of “eat your vegetables.” But if you’re not saving a significant portion of your income—aim for at least 30–50% if you’re serious about FI—then you’re just treading water. This doesn’t mean living on oatmeal and skipping dental insurance. It means intentional spending: only paying for what directly adds value to your life and cutting out the rest without apology.

2. Invest Early and Automatically

Saving is defensive—it protects you. Investing? That’s your offense. That’s where the compounding magic happens. Automate your investments before the money ever hits your checking account. Max out retirement accounts where possible, like 401(k)s, IRAs, or their local equivalents, and don’t sleep on index funds for their low fees and high efficiency.

3. Embrace “Enough”

In a culture constantly pushing us to level up, embracing “enough” is a financial rebellion. Figure out what level of income, lifestyle, and savings allows you to feel content, and make that your watermark. More isn’t always better; it’s just more expensive.

Stages of Financial Independence: Pick Your Stop

You don’t have to reach full-on retirement in your 30s to benefit from pursuing FI. There are multiple stops on the way, and each one comes with meaningful freedom:

1. Debt Freedom: No more high-interest lenders draining your future. This is usually Step One—and it’s life-changing.
2. FU Money: A cushion that lets you walk away from toxic environments because you’ve got a financial parachute.
3. Coast FI: You’ve invested enough that your money will grow to cover retirement—now you just have to cover your present.
4. Barista FI: You could quit the 9-to-5 and work part-time for healthcare or extra income while your savings marinate.
5. Lean FI: You’ve reached full independence, provided your expenses remain minimalist.
6. Fat FI: You’re fully covered—and can upgrade the wine without thinking twice.

Wherever you are, each stage of FI gives you more power over your time. That’s the real reward—not the net worth badge.

Why “Getting Rich” Is the Wrong Goal

Let’s talk mindset for a minute. Chasing wealth with no boundaries often leads to burnout, greed, or just being a jerk with a portfolio. Chasing independence, however, centers your values. It acts as a filter through which you make life choices—not just financial ones.

Financial independence is a tool to design the life you want. It’s not about money for the sake of money—it’s about money as the fuel for freedom.

The Problems with the “Get Rich” Mentality

• It’s never enough. Once you hit one benchmark, there’s always another. You’ll dismiss your own milestones as inadequate.
• It’s often performative. Many pursue wealth to impress—or outpace—others. Not exactly fulfilling.
• It delays living. Everything’s “later,” “someday,” “after I sell the company or win the market.” Spoiler: later isn’t promised.

In contrast, FI encourages balance. It invites you to live within your means now so you can live on your own terms later (or sooner!).

But Rachel, Isn’t FI Just for High Earners?

I get this question a lot—and I get it. It’s easy to assume that only engineers making $200K can quit work at 35. But that’s not the whole picture. While it’s true that a higher income provides more runway, the most important factor is your savings rate.

Someone earning $60,000 a year and saving 40% is on their FI path just like someone earning $150K and saving 10%—in fact, maybe faster. Why? Because your lifestyle costs define how much you need to be independent. Lower expenses mean less required capital, which means less time working toward independence.

Start Where You Are—and Stay Curious

You don’t need to sell everything and live in a van to start this journey. You just need a willingness to question norms, track your numbers, and make choices in alignment with your values—not society’s Instagram feed.

Quick Ways to Get Moving Today

• Track your spending for one month. Know exactly where your money goes.
• Begin building an emergency fund—aim for 3–6 months of expenses.
• Start investing in a tax-advantaged account, even if it’s $50/month.
• Find community—learn more about us and connect with others pursuing FI.

Financial independence isn’t a gimmick. It’s not reserved for the ultra-disciplined or the ultra-rich. It’s for anyone who wants their life back—from their calendar to their commitments. And trust me: nothing feels wealthier than that.

Want to talk more about your journey or ask a question? Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here, calculator in hand, cheering you on.