This couple retired early with $500K over 30 years ago

Turn to CNBC TV for the latest stock market news and analysis. From market futures to live price updates CNBC is the leader in business news worldwide.


Connect with CNBC News Online

#CNBC
#CNBCTV

[JuneTalley]

I was advised to diversify my portfolio among several assets such as stocks and bonds since this can protect my portfolio for retirement. I'm seeking to invest $200K across markets but don't know where to start.

[ShanePodClips]

The way his wife smiles at him is so sweet. She's so proud of his managing of their money. Lol so cute

[Lourd-Bab]

Amazing video, A friend of mine referred me to a financial adviser sometime ago and we got to talking about investment and money. I started investing with $150k and in the first 2 months, my portfolio was reading $274, 800. Crazy right!, I decided to reinvest my profit and get more interesting. For over a year we have been working together making consistent profit just bought my second home 2 weeks ago and care for my family.

[nordicvolkan]

They unknowigly started the F.I.R.E movement in the 90's before it was a thing.

[robertcostambar]

"How much it costs to work" is the most important thing she said ... and what you need to takeaway from this. Over ten years ago I calculated it was cheaper for me to retire to the Caribbean then to continue to work in the U.S. I haven't had a 9 to 5 job since.

[Harperrr.]

it's recommended to save at least 15% of your income in a 401k. You can use online calculators to estimate how much you should save based on your age and income. Saving at least 15% of your income in a 401(k) can help ensure that you have enough money to retire comfortably. By saving this much, you can take advantage of compound interest and potentially grow your retirement savings over time. don't think I could retire with less than $3m in income generating investments and i'm not talking 401k, maybe $2m at the very minimum. I plan to work until I'm at least 45.

[jamesv]

They never mentioned having kids. It is much easier to retire with no kids.

[rogerjdf]

Very inspiring. They probably don’t have any kids too. Which saved them tons of money.

[hanhb]

Don't wait until you are 65 years old to enjoy life because you might not ever make it. Do whatever you can to enjoy life now, whether you have kids or not. I know so many people who died the year after they retired and even one person who died the year before retirement. He had planned for retirement by the book, had his house paid off, his investments were ready, but he was diagnosed with a rare cancer and died at the age of 64.

[TonyCanones]

1:41 - Make a plan
1:55 - limit your spending to not more than what you earn
2:51 - understand what it will cost you to maintain your lifestyle.
Importantly, this appears to be a level-headed frugal couple.

[matturner]

40 now, and everything is paid for. Fortunately, I had a college economics teacher who taught me a lesson when I was 18 years old. That lesson was: you can't buy something else for every purchase you make. Having multiple sources of income is prudent, as is living within your means. I have a 13-year-old vehicle because it is all I need, I like it, and I can do whatever I want with it. My net worth is $4 million, and I can pay my bills without stress, but I don't live like I have that. I have no complaints.

[michaelbrown]

I retired abroad with 1/3 of what they had at the age of 39. It's easy to do if you don't have kids, or a spouse. It also helps being financially savvy, along with having a low level of comfort, expectations, and desire for extravegances. Minimalism and frugality stretch your dollars further than you could ever imagine possible.

[oliverizzard]

Most importantly, the guy is a chef and whatever he did for the finance industry. If he ran out of money he could just get a job...

[bellajohn]

I have been searching for a good broker to trade with!
Please sir how can I find one??

[NHJDT]

You can travel out of a motorhome and live in rv parks along the way. We are doing that now. I'm sitting in the Florida keys at the moment, have a camping membership and only paying $20 a day at an rv park with full hookups and electricity. We're really not saving money though, paying for excursions for a family of 5 is not super cheap. Having the time of our lives though

[guyincognito]

I'm 41. I have almost 400k with no debt except the house. The difference is I have 2 kids 10 and 12. I dont think I will be able to stop working until they are 22-24. That is another 12 years. I probably would have been able to retire last year easily. In my situation they cost me 10-15 years. Not saying I would change anything, just something to consider for those who dont have children.

[robertthurmond]

I’m a dividend investor My wife and I have invested in the s&p500, both through my TSP with the government, and through Fidelity in her 401-k.Cashed out 270k from the S&P and invested with a Full service broker . Until around 4 years ago we were 100% in the s&p after over 20 years. I'm retiring at the end of this month at 62, while my wife will retire next year at 60. We currently have 2.3 million in out tax deferred savings..

[Raymondjohn]

Retiring in 20 years? Due to inflation, you may need upwards of $2.6 million to maintain your existing lifestyle, with the ongoing effects of high inflation, lower forecasted stock market returns, and stagnant wages, achieving a secure early retirement could be more challenging than ever before.

[bonniegaither]

So I understand that they’re not just living on their $500, 000 but they’re replacing it with dividends

[michaelmontana]

There is no surprise here as $500k was a ton of money 30 years ago. Piece of cake.