The One Decision That Let Us Retire Early in Our 50s

What if the difference between retiring in your 60s and retiring in your 50s wasn’t income — but one decision?

My husband and I retired early at 53 and 55, and in this video we break down the single decision that mattered more than raises, market returns, or luck.

This isn’t a motivational FIRE video or a get-rich-quick strategy. It’s the real, practical choice that allowed us to stop working earlier — and the trade-offs most people don’t realize they’re making until it’s too late.

We cover:

Why savings rate matters more than income for early retirement

How lifestyle decisions quietly accelerate or delay retirement

The mistakes that slow progress even for high earners

What actually moved the timeline for us — using real numbers

If you’re thinking about retiring early, already living on savings, or wondering whether your plan is strong enough to last, this video will help you see the decision that makes the biggest difference.

👇 Let us know in the comments:
What age do you want work to become optional?

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00:00- Intro
02:00 -If I Earn More i Can Retire Sooner
02:41- Your Savings Rate Is Important
05:54 -How To Grow your Savings
06:27- Investment Fees
07:36 -Is Your Money Growing Fast Enough
08:57 Lifestyle Choices Matter
10:08 Optional Income Gives Your Margin
11:09 Men Tend to Move the Goal Post
12:00 How Much Do I need To Retire
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⚠️ This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always do your own research.