What if you didn’t have to decide between working full-time until retirement and quitting your job entirely? By the age of 40, Andy Hill and his wife had amassed a portfolio of $500,000 and paid off their mortgage. Rather than rushing into early retirement, they opted for a different approach: reducing their work hours to part-time, sharing parenting responsibilities equally, and taking back control of their time.
In this episode, recorded live at FinCon, Andy outlines his 10-step framework for achieving a “Coast FIRE” lifestyle—where your investments can grow steadily while you focus on enjoying life today.
The Middle Path Beyond FIRE Most envision retirement as a sharp transition: one moment you’re employed, the next you’re not. Andy questions this binary view. He and his wife organized their professional lives to work 20–25 hours per week each, establishing a routine that afforded them more quality time with their kids, one another, and their well-being.
He details the mindset changes and practical steps—such as eliminating debt, securing your family with insurance, saving FU money, and designing a three-day workweek. He also discusses how adopting Coast FIRE can liberate you from compulsory retirement contributions, thus paving the way for a flexible and fulfilling life.
Key Takeaways Balance is preferable to extremes. Neither a full-time job nor staying home full-time felt right; creating a flexible, part-time working environment provided the balance their family required.
Cash reserves alter behavior. Maintaining a 3–6 month emergency fund alleviates stress and scarcity mindset, which in turn fosters calmer parenting and wiser financial choices.
Value time over material possessions. Luxury upgrades aren’t worth sacrificing family presence; prioritizing time with loved ones is more important than lifestyle enhancements.
Resources Mentioned: Andy Hill’s "Own Your Time"
Marriage, Kids and Money podcast
marriagekidsandmoney.com
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Explore methods for handling finances while working part-time. Maintain a balance between cash flow, debt, and savings, all while providing for your family.