For more nuanced personal finance content, join 55,000+ others and sign up for the free Financial Samurai newsletter and posts via e-mail. Financial Samurai is one of the largest independently-owned personal finance sites that started in 2009.  As one of the pioneers of the modern-day FIRE movement, I’ve witnessed many changes since 2009. In the good old days, the goal was to simply generate enough passive income to cover your living expenses. You could then retire early because you were financially independent. Post-pandemic, however, I’ve come to realize early retirement / FIRE is now becoming obsolete. We no longer have to invent new definitions of financial independence. We no longer have to retire early either! Let me explain why. See post: Why FIRE Is Becoming Obsolete Resources For Greater Wealth Check out Personal Capital, the best free tool to help you track your money. With Personal Capital, you can track your investments, see your asset allocation, x-ray your portfolios for excessive fees, and more. Also check out NewRetirement, software specifically built to help you achieve the best retirement possible. NewRetirement’s retirement features are the most comprehensive on the market today. Pick up a copy of Buy This, Not That, my instant Wall Street Journal bestseller. The book helps you make more optimal investment decisions so you can live a better, more fulfilling life. Thanks for all your positive reviews! - Sam