If the idea of retiring at 35 with millions in the bank sounds more stressful than inspiring, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Enter Slow FI, the chill cousin of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. Instead of racing to financial independence, Slow FI is like taking the scenic route, enjoying life along the way (without extreme austerity), and finding a balance between financial freedom and everyday happiness. Think of it as FIRE without the risk of flaming out.

Here’s why Slow FI could be the perfect fit for you—and how to get started on your leisurely path to financial independence.

What is Slow FI?

At its core, Slow FI embraces the idea that life isn’t just about reaching a finish line—it’s about making the most of every step. Unlike traditional FIRE, which often involves extreme saving and aggressive timelines, Slow FI focuses on:

  • Flexibility: Reach financial independence at your own pace.
  • Enjoyment: Have meaningful experiences now, not just in retirement.
  • Balance: Prioritize your mental health, relationships, and hobbies alongside your financial goals.

Why Slow FI is the coolest kid in the FIRE family

  1. No more extreme sacrificing
    You don’t have to live on ramen or skip vacations to make Slow FI work. It’s about intentional spending, not total deprivation.
  2. Work becomes a choice, not a chore
    With Slow FI, you might still work for years—but you prioritize jobs you love or ones that let you downshift to part-time as your savings grow.
  3. Life happens now
    Why wait until retirement to travel, take that pottery class, or spend time with your kids? Slow FI makes room for living in the moment. Carpe diem!
  4. It’s less stressful
    Saving 70% of your income for traditional FIRE can feel like a race. It’s sort of IronMan level. Slow FI is more like a relaxed Sunday drive—you’ll get there eventually, and you’ll actually enjoy the ride.

How to Slow FI like a pro

1. Define your why
You’ve gotta have a why. Ask yourself: Why do I want financial independence? Whether you’re looking for freedom to travel, more time with loved ones, or starting a passion project, it’s that goal that’ll keep you motivated.

2. Find the right balance
Slow FI isn’t about saving every penny, but it’s also not a spending spree. Strike a balance by:

  • Tracking your spending to see where your money goes. (The Brigit app is great for this.)
  • Cutting back on things that don’t bring you joy.
  • Redirecting those savings into investments or experiences that match up with your goals.

3. Invest strategically
Slow FI doesn’t skip on building wealth—it just doesn’t rush it. Focus on long-term strategies like:

  • Contributing to retirement accounts (401(k), IRA).
  • Investing in index funds for steady growth.
  • Automating your savings to make it easy.

4. Explore semi-retirement options
Who says you need to wait until you’re completely financially independent to enjoy more freedom? Check out these Slow FI-approved moves:

  • Downshifting: Move to a lower-stress job with flexible hours.
  • Freelancing or consulting: Use your skills to work on your terms.
  • Part-time work: Cover your expenses while giving yourself more free time.

5. Prioritize experiences over stuff
Slow FI is all about quality of life. Spend money on what truly matters to you—whether that’s traveling, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

6. Set mini milestones
Instead of focusing solely on the big FI number, set smaller goals along the way—things like:

  • Paying off your high-interest debt.
  • Saving for a 3-6 month emergency fund.
  • Hitting $100k in investments (and then celebrating!).

7. Embrace geo-arbitrage
Move to a lower-cost area to stretch your dollars further. Whether it’s relocating to a smaller city or living abroad, reducing your expenses can fast-track your Slow FI goals while even improving your quality of life.

8. Stay open to change
Slow FI is a flexible approach, so it’s okay to adjust your plans. Life happens—priorities shift, opportunities arise, and Slow FI gives you the freedom to adapt without feeling like you’re failing.

What slow FI looks like in real life

Imagine this:

  • You’re 40 years old, working 20 hours a week at a job you actually like.
  • You’ve got investments growing steadily in the background.
  • You take a long weekend every month for road trips or family time.
  • You’re pursuing that hobby you always said you’d start ‘someday.’
    That’s the beauty of Slow FI—it’s not about someday; it’s about making the most of today while still getting yourself set up for tomorrow.

The Slow FI mindset

Slow FI isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s a mindset shift. It’s about being intentional with your money, your time, and your life. By mixing smart financial habits with a focus on the present, you can create a life that’s rich in experiences and free from financial stress.

So take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and start mapping out your Slow FI journey. After all, life doesn’t have to be a race—it can be a road trip.