Quit Like a Millionaire
Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung
A FIRE story that starts from very little, with practical ideas for making a portfolio last while you travel. Honest about money and fear.
By uFIRE ·
What the book is about
One of the authors grew up in deep poverty, and that experience runs through the book: a healthy fear of losing money sits alongside a determination to never be trapped by it. The couple built high savings by keeping big costs low, chose not to buy a home in an expensive city, invested in index funds, and left their jobs young.
The second half focuses on the drawdown years. The authors describe their approaches to keeping a portfolio steady through bad markets, using a cash buffer and income-producing investments, and explain how living in lower-cost countries while travelling helped their money go further.
Who it's for
Couples, people who dream of travel, and anyone who worries that FIRE is only for people who started with advantages.
Maybe skip it if: Readers who want a US-specific guide. The authors are Canadian, so accounts and taxes differ, and you'll need to translate.
What we liked
- The personal story is moving and gives the numbers real meaning.
- It spends real time on the years after you quit, which many FIRE books rush through.
- Its case for questioning whether buying a home is right for you is thoughtful, even if you end up buying anyway.
What we'd push back on
- Their careers paid well, which made a fast timeline possible. The method works on smaller incomes too, just more slowly.
- The portfolio tactics for early retirement add complexity. Make sure you understand them before you adopt them.
- Advice on choosing a field of study for its earning potential is practical, but not the only valid way to choose a life.
Takeaways
- Big fixed costs, especially housing, matter more than small daily ones.
- Plan for the drawdown years as carefully as the saving years.
- Where you live in retirement can change how much you need.
Want to read it?
Check your local library first. Many lend e-books and audiobooks you can borrow from home. If you'd like your own copy, it's easy to find.
Affiliate linkuFIRE earns a commission if you buy.
Education only. These are our opinions about a book, not advice. uFIRE is for education only. Nothing here is financial, investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. uFIRE does not sell insurance or investments. Please check any money, tax or insurance decision with a licensed professional.