I discovered Financial Independence around 2016, but didn’t really think seriously about it then because I didn’t think it was within reach for a family of six. We’ve rarely lived above our means, but life’s circumstances sometimes required it, or so I thought.
Mr. FIF just retired after 24 years serving in the Air Force. This gives us an incredible leg up on our FI journey because he has a military pension coming in every month. I’d like to say we could live on it, but we can’t.
I met Mr. FIF while also serving in the AF, but separated to have the babies… and babies we’ve had… 4 of them. I’ve been a stay-at-home wife and dedicated military spouse at times. I’ve worked at times. I’ve left jobs when every military assignment came to a close. We’ve always said that after he retired, it would be my turn to really focus on my career. But that ship has sailed. I don’t want to focus on a career anymore. I did when I was younger and I had some regret and disappointment when family and military came before that. But now I’m jealous he gets to be retired. I’m jealous that my parents get to be retired. I want to be retired!!!
So, now I’m serious. We aim to be financially independent in 3-5 years. I wanted to share my goals, experiences, and experiments with anyone out there and show that a big family doesn’t have to keep you from FIRE or financial independence/retire early.