OMG. We think we may have reached Coast FI.

In this episode, we revisit the Coast FI calculator from The Fioneers and compare where we are now versus just 8 months ago when we believed we were still 1–5 years away from this milestone. After double checking the formulas (twice 😅), we realized something wild: depending on the assumptions, we may already be there. 

We break down:
• What Coast FI actually means (and why it’s different from traditional FIRE)
• Strategies we used that accelerated our timeline
• How small changes in assumptions (retirement age, average rate of return) make a huge difference in the Coast FI threshold number
• How maxing pre-tax retirement accounts before brokerage accounts reshaped our approach
• The emotional whiplash of realizing “we made it”… and not fully trusting it

We also talk honestly about:
• Our “One more year” syndrome
• Fear around market swings and job transitions
• Why financial milestones don’t magically erase anxiety
• How our recent financial calamities shaped our preference for safety and cash reserves

This episode became less about spreadsheets and more about the emotional threshold; noticing our disbelief and skepticism while still allowing ourselves to imagine a different life, one with more spaciousness, family time, health, creativity, and less hustle.

Plus, Rascal shares excitement about attending the Slow FI Retreat hosted by The Fioneers — at what feels like the exact right moment in our journey.

🔗 Coast FI Calculator by The Fioneers:
 https://thefioneers.com/coast-fi-calculator

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• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing

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