How We Retired Early In Portugal

In many ways, Amon and Christina are your average American couple—they raise two daughters, enjoy foodie adventures and trips to the beach. There’s just one thing that drastically sets them apart, they retired in Portugal at the ages of 39 and 41. And they did so off of their government jobs, each making less than six figures. Through house hacking, side hustles and DIY home renovations, they earned, saved and invested their way to retirement as part of the Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) movement.



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How We Retired Early In Portugal

[OurRichJourney]

Hi everyone! It's Amon & Christina! We're so happy that we were able to share our story with CNBC! We had a great time. We hope that it inspires more people to pursue financial independence and to retire early!❤️❤️❤️

[misshiggi]

The power of having the right partner and sharing dreams is invaluable! Beautiful Story!!!

[Mrwd]

Forget about FIRE, just being in a relationship with that kind of synergy and working towards a common goal is a win on life.

[YoutubeWatts]

These kids are absolutely enriched with their parent's undivided time and love. What a wonderful accomplishment.

[Whitney]

Forget financial goals, they are couple goals ❤️

[andresbard]

We experienced the pinnacle of our era, but it is now gone. Like what happened to Rome, the corrupt administration will bring this nation to an end. My condolences go out to anyone who is close to retiring and may be worried about whether their pension will be enough to pay the rising cost of living. Insane fiscal policy, poor regulatory policy, poor energy policy, and poor foreign policy

[nkrumansantos]

THIS is not a story about wealth.
This is a story about the real meaning of family and the real meaning of living life to the fullest.
Thanks for the inspiration.
You represent what most of us seek and need.
Inside and outside.

You made my heart smile.

[jellybellyfun]

They are SO IN-SYNC with each other. They are like one heart in 2 bodies. Love that.

[vk_]

The fact that they're united and happy together as a family is already enough for me.

[donaldlocher]

Joined the Navy at 18 with 7k in the bank. I did janitorial and smoked a lot of pot in high school. Left the Navy after months with 40k in the bank. Invested 30k in the S&P stocks. Started working at UPS, Exide Battery and did concrete on Saturdays. Invested 1k a month every month into it with my Financial advisor Susan Kay Mack, Cashed out 350k from the S&P Cashed out and Semi retired at 31. Took a year off. Traveled. Came home and started working part time just for the insurance, entertainment and pocket change and still investing in stocks with a 3 million net worth, Work isn't work when you don't have to work. Becoming wealthy can be done in few years. It feels like 60hr work weeks. Feel the pain of discipline early or feel the pain of regret later. I wish everyone well!

[toddboothbee]

Never underestimate the importance of having the right mate.

[fredrickconte]

Retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials — much to live on and much to live for. Invest wisely and get good returns.

[PotBellyPete]

A Friend told me Saving at least 15% of your income in a 401(k) can help ensure that you have enough money to retire comfortably. is this a good way to potentially grow my retirement savings to about $3M over time?

[markaustin]

Success doesn't happen overnight.
It's a marathon, not a sprint. You have to pace yourself, put in the work, and be consistent day in and day out if you want to achieve your goals.

[charliex]

I love Amon and Christina, they're a source of inspiration. My wife and I have been in the s&p500, both through my TSP and through Fidelity in her 401k. Until around 3 years ago we were 100% in the s&p for over 15 years. Cashed in $350k from the s&p and invested with a full service advisor. We currently have $2.3million in out tax deferred savings. I retired last year at 56, while my wife retires next year. Feels good to be in control of your like having made the best investment decision. Our Rich Journey, let's go!

[AparnaJain]

What a heart warming episode! This is truly a love story masquerading as a FIRE story. As a self made millionaire myself, I made a heartfelt reaction video to this. Spoiler alert- I was just smiling ear to ear and marveling at how amazingly compatible this couple is. Their kids are super lucky to have them!

[CharlieChang]

These two seem like the PERFECT team. Props to them :)

[mmeb]

Amon and Christina are so smart, sweet, and action-oriented. Love seeing them featured here - "our rich journey" is their youtube channel and such a great channel. They have included us in their journey, and tagging along with them has been enjoyable, informative, and inspiring. Highly recommend their channel and congrats to Amon and Christina on this well-deserved shout out from CNBC!

[jip]

These two have a great YouTube channel and the perfect attitude to make this work. I am a Financial Advisor and I am always skeptical of people who try to retire super early. But this couple has the right attitude, are willing to make sacrifices and are very cleaver in how they manage/grow their money. They actually have a great chance of hitting their goals

[rheathakker]

I feel this is the wealth that I would want rather than having a billion dollars. Spending time with family, no worries about retirement and being young enough to enjoy traveling and other experiences.