In this solo episode, I'm revisiting a blog post I wrote eight years ago—one where I boldly declared that I wanted to retire by 40. You'll hear me read the post out loud and reflect on what actually came true, what's changed since then, and the parts I didn't expect.

If you've ever thought about what your life could look like beyond the 9–5 or you're just starting to dream about a different path, remember that it's okay for your definition of success to evolve—and that you're never too late to start.

In This Episode, I Share:

• The blog post I wrote when I first dreamed of retiring early and what I actually made happen—like quitting my job and turning Journey to Launch into a business
• How my view of retirement has shifted and what I didn't expect emotionally and mentally about entrepreneurship
• Why I've become more flexible with money and life goals over time
• How I used my FIRE Calculator to model my exit strategy—before I felt "fully ready"

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• Read my early retirement goals blog post here: journeytolaunch.com/blog/my-early-retirement-goals
• Get the FIRE Calc Tool and join us for the next LIVE class here.
• Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here!
• Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom!
• Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more!
• Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!
• Get The Budget Bootcamp
• Check out my personal website here.
• Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!
• YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.
• What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here!

Connect with me:

• Instagram: @Journeytolaunch
• Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch
• Facebook: @Journey To Launch
• Join the Private Facebook Group
• Join the Waitlist for My FI Course
• Get The Free Jumpstart Guide