Achieving FIRE as a family

What’s it really like to pursue FIRE when you have a family?

One reader, Steve, shared his story a few years ago.

Now that the kids are older, he and his wife have learned even more.

They live a semi-FI lifestyle, enjoy their freedom, and have built a low stress schedule without having a ton of wealth.

This follow-up explores their updated approach – balancing finances, freedom, and family life.

If you have kids (or plan to) while aiming for FIRE, or just curious how others are doing it, this post is full of practical ideas and insights.

Here’s what you’ll get:

How they manage schooling without breaking the bank
Why living close to school is a game-changer (without spending a fortune on housing)
Their secret weapon that helped them avoid the expense of a second car
Keeping tech use low while still preparing kids for the future
Lessons on cutting expenses, scaling back work, and prioritising family

👉 Read: FI with a Family (Part Two)

STRONG MONEY PODCAST

In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest debates in personal finance: should you focus on earning more or spending less?

Both sides have strong arguments, so I break down the merits of each strategy and share how I personally approach it.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or on my website

📄 Read the article version here

AUSSIE FIRE PODCAST

In this episode, Hayden and I tackle two real listener case studies, exploring the emotional and practical trade-offs of selling and renting instead of paying a big mortgage.

We also help a listener contemplating moving their wealth into shares to maximise their cashflow.

You’ll hear about:

Escaping “Mortgage Prison” – is selling the right move?
What if you sell and home prices keep rising?
Practical scenarios for transitioning into shares

🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple

THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK

The truth is, most of us are totally replaceable at work. The building doesn’t fall down, work continues and 6 months later people barely remember us as new faces arrive. Choose to see this as freeing: you aren’t obligated to stay there any longer than you need to.

I’ve never understood why some people are impressed by new or expensive cars. You could literally work at McDonalds and get a car loan for a brand new Mercedes. All you need is income for the repayments – making it all relatively meaningless. It could be an achievement, but more likely, it’s just a loan application.

Most people worry about running out of money in retirement. But nobody seems worried about running out of time. Even if you don’t end up with zero dollars, you’re guaranteed to end up with zero time.

PERSONAL UPDATES

Two things I’m excited about right now:

1- My mortgage refinancing is now booked in and will happen in a couple of days. We’ll now have close to $3,000 in cashflow per month!

We switched all 3 loans to interest-only (including our PPOR) while also getting a lower rate! I’m especially happy since we just have a part-time job, investment income, and me as a sole trader (not the banks favourite setup!).

If you’re interested in refinancing, debt recycling or getting a new loan, check out my superstar broker who made this happen.

2- The new book is nearing completion. I’ve just finished recording the audiobook at home, which is getting edited now. And if you follow me on social media, you’ll have seen me post the book cover ideas I’m choosing from.

It’s gonna look a little something like this…

The book is now in its final stages, with a few more last-minute edits and various formatting and design processes before it’s all ready.

Expected release – November!

My book Strong Money Australia has now sold over 35,000 copies! 🔥

Available in paper, audio and ebook. Find out more here.