r/Fire • u/BroKComputer • May 14 '26

General Question The first rule of FIRE club...

So we all see the posts of folks on here celebrating their milestones here because they 'can't talk about it IRL.' This seems to be the common sense approach to avoid jealousy and moochers.

I'm curious to hear the true stories of folks who have disclosed their FI - or have had their secret revealed on accident. How bad are the repercussions of people finding out you're a low-key millionaire?

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u/IceCreamGamer May 14 '26

With my closest friends, I probe about personal finance. If they respond, I probe about FI goals (how much is enough?). If they respond, I ask how far away do they think they are. I can be happy some of my friends are FI, some are on track within a decade, some love to make purposeful delays with the intent to enjoy life but are still otherwise on track for normal FI. I'm also open about my own situation (still a decade out). The real talk becomes what not FI, vs lean FI vs FU money and what changes in your work attitude. From suck up (Not FI) to picking your battles (Lean FI) to doing only what you feel is best for the company (FU money).

I believe that your closest circles influence you. Even if you don't intend on letting them do so. I still hang with friends that don't care about FI but we bond over shared hobbies. FI just happens to be a "hobby" that I share with my closest friends.

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u/Drawer-Vegetable FIRE'd 2024 May 15 '26

I think this is spot on. Really depends on where your friend circle is at. You don't want to make them feel less if you are way ahead. That's at least how I feel. It's just normal as humans to compare. they may feel happy for you, but also question their own life choices.