How I Retired Early At 39 In Mexico City With $660,000

When Roshida Dowe was 39, she lost her job working as a consumer automotive finance lawyer in the California Bay Area. Instead of scrambling to find another job, she decided to take a year off to travel the world. Six months in, she was the happiest she had ever been and decided she was done with the workforce, so she decided to retire instead. With $660,000 saved up in investments and equity, it was just what she needed to start her FIRE journey and the next chapter of her life in Mexico City. Watch the video to learn more about how Roshida joined the FIRE — or “Financially Independent, Retire Early” — movement.

About CNBC Make It.: CNBC Make It. is a new section of CNBC dedicated to making you smarter about managing your business, career, and money.

Connect with CNBC Make It. Online

#CNBC
#cnbcmakeit
#fire

How I Retired Early At 39 In Mexico City With $660,000

[HodgeChris]

I initially planned to retire at 62, working part-time while saving money. But steep price increases have disrupted my plan. I wonder if those who experienced the 2008 financial crisis had it easier than my current situation. The declining stock market has lowered my income, and I'm worried that my reduced contributions will leave me with insufficient retirement savings.

[LexiDarcel]

The statement “I was the best version of myself when I traveled, ” really resonated!

[samrusoff]

This woman has lived so many lives. Struggling receptionist, higher Ed grad in massive debt, house flipper, attorney making well into 6 figures, FIRE hustle working to the bone, gap year after a layoff, retiring abroad, becoming a millionaire digital nomad. Really interesting to hear about someone who has tried so many things and has so many options for the future now. I hope I can attain the same

[nicolerobinson]

My daughter is 25 and I send her these type of videos all the time. So career driven. And focus. I want this for her.

[SankofaNYC]

I went to Mexico City when I was in my mid 20s by myself and let me just say... It's a shame how the media has negatively shaped most people's idea of Mexico City... Cause that city is AMAZING... I could totally see why she would choose it... It has sooo much deep history and is still a bubbling exciting city

[startuptrevor]

Her definition of retirement is spot on! Not necessarily not working, but financially free to do the work you love and are passionate about, and to do it when you want to do it. That's what we should all be striving for!

[jenniferives]

I’ve never seen such happiness radiating from a person, her smile says this is legit.

[Roshida]

Hey Peeps! Thanks for the positive comments. I appreciate your support and kindness 💛

[walteruwe]

Nobody can become financially successful over night. They put in background work but we tend to see the finished part. Fear is a dangerous component, hindering us from taking bold steps we need in other to reach our goals.

[doggydude]

She retired with $660k in the stock market and now it's worth around $1 million. She did this all while being retired and living in Mexico City. If the market hits a downturn, she can always cut down to $1k a month from $2k a month. This lady is very smart!

[eric_andrews]

This is what not being a slave to money looks like - your money helps you to have a life you want, not defines what life you have. Awesome work

[Riggsnic_co]

I think the retirement crisis will get even worse. A lot of people can’t save because of low paying jobs, inflation, and insane rental rates. And now that home ownership is out of reach for middle class Americans, they won’t have a house to retire with either.

[alwayscreatingio]

I definitely relate to her talking about how the work culture is different in America than the rest of the world

[leonidas]

Why does the US media portrait Mexico City as an undesirable place? It is one of the best cities in the world. Extremely rich in culture, history, cuisine, economy, etc. Anyone that actually comes, ends up loving it. There are trees everywhere, there are so many beautiful areas to WALK for hours, and the people are so nice. Before any American let itself fool by the media, please give the city a chance. You won't regret, I promise.

[makingretirementpossible]

"Don't get distracted by shiny things" Can't put it any better than that!!

[Angela-necy]

Ok, I'm officially obsessed with Roshida! I'm 43 and, although a few years behind, I'm on the same path in every way. Debts just paid off in Dec 2020, personal wealth growing, my big goal is to travel the world for at least a year then settle in a city overseas for my next chapter. So inspired watching this!!

[akin]

She has gained a lot of wisdom over the years. From going to law school, real estate, debt destruction, and to F.I.R.E. movement. Great story.

[SAnderson]

Roshida is phenomenal, but take notes ya'll!
She had a job paying $200K, no one she needs to support financially, created a system for saving and investing, and continues to do consulting work so she doesn't have to touch her investments. This model will not fit a majority of people. Do what what works best for you.

[lincolnjack]

My regret is that I depended on the government for my retirement, my financial security, for everything and got screwed. I will advice you invest.

[yomommastupid]

I retired at age 35 and also live in Mexico City...almost every day an American comes living in Mexico...what does that say about your country? USA is by far perfect, and if you are a person of color, you are better treated anywhere else on this planet. Straight facts. I lived in Asia, North America, Europe and now South America...people here are kind, open, and there is less stress if your income comes from abroad. You will be able to live a very good quality life. But Roshida said, Mexico City ain't cheap ! so don't come with a mentality that Mexico needs to obey to your life and rules...there are enough arrogant foreigners living here...learn Spanish first of all, integrate, mingle with locals ! Mexicans, not just expats ! Explore different neighborhoods/villages/cities outside the expat areas of Condesa, Polanco, Reforma and Roma...those areas are not a reflection of what Mexico stands for.