How to Retire Early (The 4% Rule?)

I filmed this video before the COVID crisis hit. I still wanted to share it with you since I think the content is useful. Hope you enjoy.

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[mikegb]

I saved like crazy when I was working so I could retire early, which I did in late 2016 when I was 47. So far, I haven't made any withdrawals from my savings, which is 100% in stock index mutual funds. I've been able to live (frugally) off of my military retirement pay. I don't mind if I die with a large savings. I'll give it to my town school district or local community college.

I don't want high consumption in my retirement. I want low stress. I can get that without spending much money.

[sethspringer]

I just want to reach out to you and thank you for all that you do.

I have watched all of your videos, many of them multiple times.

I have never been able to find anyone who cites their work like you do. It is incredible.

Your channel has defined the way that I invest all of my money!

[tvelis]

This analysis is clearly flawed as it neglects to account for a relevant number of BINGO winnings.

[frisos]

Those are eyes that didn’t get much sleep Ben 😉. Congratulations!!

[tysak]

Congrats on the baby Ben! A question for some possible content: How do government bailouts and other similar government actions affect markets?

[HC-czxl]

Congrats Ben! Really liked that intro, connects you to your audience - would like to see more of that style in the future

[aquanoodle]

Ben,

Heartfelt congratulations with your new baby born. I wish you and your family all the best in health and happiness.

[nickb]

Very good and well balanced video. I stepped away from the corporate world at age 38 because of the 4% rule. My approach has always been to adjust my spending based on returns. A trade off I'm willing to make. Also, since "retiring' from the corporate world, i have used some of the portfolio to buy land and i do work on some projects that interest me. Thanks for the video

[millennialfire]

This is hands down one of the most in-depth videos that I've ever seen on this topic. My wife and I have started a channel documenting and teaching on how we plan to reach retirement by 40. There are many considerations in this video that we will definitely be taking into account. We invest in real estate as well which could mitigate some of the mentioned risks. Regardless, I truly believe that this 14mins has vastly increased our chances of success on our journey. Thank you! btw, you just gained another sub :)

[astralnut]

I retired at 60. Paid off the house and all the cars. I live modestly and my costs are about 1500 a month. My portfolio can earn over 2000 a month. I have a pension also at 65. Too many people want too much too fast. Too many people "put on airs" faking the image of being rich by charging everything.

[Grognon]

I'm in my mid thirties and considering an "early" (as in 50-55 year old) retirement. I've read a lot on the FIRE movement but am always left with a "sounds too simple to be true" taste in my mouth. The principle is simple, but thanks for finally putting into a video/words why it's not "THAT" simple either. Super helpful, as always .

[liamo]

Congratulations on the new addition to your family Ben!

[MotoMatsalleh]

Just realized that my favorite Youtubers are Canadian....

[akhalek]

Congratulations on the new baby. I rarely, if ever, comment on YouTube videos, but I wanted to thank you for your very informative channel. I follow many financial blogs written by respected professionals but I find your videos the most instructive and educational.

[rootstone]

What I like about the 4% rule is that it introduced me to the possibility of early retirement. While I'll tell people that I'll retire at 50, for numerous reasons I don't tell them that I'll probably start doing something part time that I enjoy. Also I don't have to rely on that fund to cover me from 50 until death, since my government guaranteed pension will kick in at 70 and it'll be enough for living expenses. The goal of my FIRE journey (or more realistically just FI journey) is to have options and freedom.

[acshreds]

Finally, a straightforward video on the topic of retiring early backed up by numbers. I appreciate that you make clear exactly what the risks are for believing in a dated formula. I'll stick to my personal "3%" rule, but who knows, that could change as well.


Earned a sub.

[Knowledge]

I didn't see you blink not even ONCE in that video! No matter, I appreciate the insight. I'm investing for my retirement as well and these tips are quite helpful. Thank you

[kajtek]

Would love to hear more about those "mathematicaly dense solutions"

[zacharyevans]

Congrats on your 4th child Ben! You are a legend in the FIRE movement all the way over here in Australia. Keep up the great work.

[JP-eewn]

First of all, congratulations to your newborn. Many thanks for your Videos Ben. They are just awesome. Keep going!