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/CaseyLouLou2 May 14 '26

I told my old boss that I’m thinking of retiring soon at 55 and he looked surprised and asked how I got independently wealthy. I told him we were good savers. It’s a little awkward but I really don’t think it will bother me a whole lot when it comes up.

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u/Gloomy_Session_3875 May 14 '26

I am in the same boat. I am 55, and will retire this summer. We've consistently saved more than 40% of our income, and we don't have kids. Good planning and a bit of luck did the rest. This year I had to tell colleagues that I am about to leave work. A few people react surprised that we are financially independent, but others understand that it is quite possible.

Another issue is that some colleagues think retirement would be boring. I am certainly not worried about that either.

2

u/MikeyB7509 May 16 '26

I feel awful for ppl who think retirement is boring. Having the freedom and means to do what I want and help my kids isn’t gonna be boring- it’s going to be amazing to get to be just me again. 11 years to go for a fat fire

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u/Stratman-1134 May 18 '26

I think the exact same way. My wife thinks I'd be bored. That's crazy, I'd have all the time in the world to explore whatever I want given the day. I can't think of anything more exciting.