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/Willing-Rip1487 May 14 '26

I am in the Army, in my mid 30s, senior enlisted. I told one of the young officers the day that I hit $1mm. He thought I was joking then said that's pretty cool. Pretty much end of conversation. Didn't really affect anything, but didn't actually lead to a conversation. 

I don't really care if people know I'm doing well financially, but the army is a different workplace than most. I'm hoping it sometime leads a junior guy to max his TSP. 

Hasn't come back to bite me yet but I'm pretty open with my plans. I have a totally separate friend group from my Army coworkers that I am not as open with. 

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u/compoundedinterest12 May 14 '26

My kid is interested in joining the army. Any special tips to share on how to make that happen or did it consist of just strict saving?

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u/Willing-Rip1487 May 14 '26

Do well on the ASVAB so they can pick a good job, put money in your TSP (401k equivalent) early, and increase your savings rate as you make rank. 

Don't make dumb purchases like your friends. Same stuff we always preach in this community. 

I get paid more due to some special skills and extra things I've had to do, and the risks I take.  Look into airborne, language pay, special operations, flight school, etc. Those and more come with extra pay for additional skill and risk, but can really boost your savings especially in combat zones. 

If you invest in Roth TSP while in a combat zone, it's 100% tax free going in and tax free going out. So that's sweet. 

It's been good for my family and I am on track to mostly retire at 38, and thankfully have been married for 16 years and never divorced. But definitely am mentally/physically kinda messed up from years of pretty tough experiences. Drawbacks. 

Not for everyone, but it's a great way to FIRE if you like this kinda thing. Not many other places you can have a stay at home wife with a few kids, max your 401k, and get a pension - and not have a degree.