Last week I attended a conference of 2200 people involved in personal finance and media called Fincon. I was slotted to speak alongside four other familiar faces in the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) community. JD Roth (Get Rich Slowly), Pete (Mr. Money Mustache), Carl (1500days) and Leif (Physician on FIRE). We were given an 8 am slot late in the conference when most goers are dragging and perhaps a bit hung over. When my alarm went off I thought, “If I wasn’t speaking at this thing, there is no way I’d get out of bed!” But when 8 am rolled around the room was packed out until people were standing in the back. We tackled all the common misconceptions of FIRE and shared our personal stories. I left the conference feeling great about the whole thing.
Until I sat down in my home church the following Sunday. I’ve been attending church there for 6 years. Little did I know that the pastor would be preaching the anti-FIRE sermon. He had seen the recent New York Times article featuring my fellow panelists and set aim. He spent over half the sermon taking pot shots at the FIRE community and perpetuating all the common myths.
I went from slightly amused, to concerned, to hurt.
When I’m featured in major news outlets, I never read the comments. Same for Youtube comments. I haven’t put my toe into Reddit. But sometimes the critics are closer to home. Sometimes you’re sitting at your home church on a Sunday morning. I sunk in my seat, being publically called out and criticized from the pulpit.
Any counter-cultural lifestyle opens you up to attack.
Even from people who you are on the same page with. If all the misconceptions about FIRE were taken out of the sermon, I agreed with most of the points. His same points were a lot of what I share on this site.
It’s easy to attack things instead of taking the time to understand. It’s easy to see anything different and throw stones.
Cue the Haters
Let’s say you do some odd stuff like…
- Maybe you aggressively pay off your house. (Or pay cash like we did!)
- Maybe you don’t drive a new car every four years.
- Maybe you eat dinner at home.
Or maybe you’re really weird.
- You don’t carry credit card debt.
- You ride a bike.
- You take family vacations to National Parks.
Someone won’t understand. Or even care to understand. Instead, they will just criticize.
Maybe it’s your friends, people you share the Thanksgiving table with or old coworkers. Someone will have opinions.
Others will be confused.
How do we deal with others confusion?
Do anything different. Create something. Say something that matters to you. Live the life you feel called to live.
And someone will be confused. By confused, I don’t mean take the time to ask good questions and understand you with empathy.
I mean they will criticize. Throw you under the bus. Try to shame you. Turn others against you. Not everyone of course. It just takes one person out of a 100 to shake us. Or make us doubt ourselves.
At Fincon this year, one author shared how the Amazon reviews for his book were 3.5 stars. He highlighted all the great reviews. And then showed us one that simply said, “Blah, Blah, Blah.”
It just takes one. One person’s confusion about our work or our value. You might get 500 glowing reviews on your financial plan, life plan, or choices. But one person comes at you with a “Blah, Blah, Blah” comment and our eyes and mind fixate there.
Never let someone else’s confusion become your confusion.
I drive a 20-year-old Honda Civic (ironically, driving this old car instead of upgrading to a $40,000 SUV enables us to give more generously above and beyond our tithe to our church).
Driving an old car confuses people. They pity me. They assume I’m poor. Occasionally they look down on me as though I have less value as a human being (like the old coworker who said I shouldn’t be allowed to park with the other employees because my car was so embarrassing).
They are confused. But I’m not.
- Our net worth is around a million.
- I hit financial independence at 32.
- I was able to foster and adopt 4 kids.
- We volunteer in our community and giving is our largest line item.
- I’ve started working part-time this fall and invoiced more in two months than I used to make in a year.
- My life, impact, and contribution is greater than it’s ever been.
And I drive a beater car.
I went to have snow tires put on my car last year. The young guy who went to pull my car into the garage gave me a look of pity that clearly said, “I’m so sorry that a pretty girl like you has to drive an ugly piece of crap like this.” The look on his face was so clear, I could read his thoughts word for word. I was tempted to reply, but that seemed weird. Instead I just telepathically responded, “Dude, it’s OK, really. I’m rich.”
When we know who we are, others confusion doesn’t need to shake us.
I could have easily, neurotically, started babbling about lifestyle inflation and passive income and living my best life. But I didn’t have to. It wasn’t my job to help him understand.
It’s not your job either.
Others confusion isn’t your job to fix.
My pastor can think I’m a lazy bum who will be ashamed when I get to Heaven. My parents might not understand why we travel so much with our kids. I might write things that other people think stinks. I might create things that others love to trash talk about.
That’s not my problem or my job. Life can’t be lived by a popular vote. If people want to understand, that’s wonderful. I’d love to explain it. But it’s not my job to chase people down and sell them on the value of my ideas and contributions, or my value as a human.
Fearing the Critics
I know so many people who are terrified to step out. To step into the area where others might criticize them or misunderstand them.
I really empathize with that. I spent most of my life in that space. And occasionally hang out there still. Wanting to create, wanting to live out my highest point of contribution, wanting to do something that mattered. But simply terrified of the critics.
- What if someone misunderstands?
- What if I fail and then everyone will KNOW. They will know I’m not good enough, or smart enough or talented enough. They will know that I’m not enough.
- What if I say the wrong thing? Or come across the wrong way?
- What if I step out and not every person loves me? What if it creates an opportunity for someone to be critical?
Friends, it will happen. Good people won’t always understand. People who love you won’t always understand. And then there are people who just love to tear the scared/brave soul in the arena down.
Brene Brown said that after her TED talk went viral her husband, friends and therapist told her NOT to read the comments. So naturally, she went and read every single one. And she said: They validated every single reason I ever had for staying small and not stepping out. Everything I was terrified someone might say about me was in the comments.
What’s the alternative?
The cost of a life lived without criticism is high. You have to give all your most important choices over to the majority. At the same time, you need to keep your life really, really small. If too many people see it, you’ll lose the consensus of approval.
Every time I stepped out and did something big, at least one person strongly disagreed with me. When I went to Bible college, married Adam, adopted Micah, when we had our first baby, moving to Europe, giving away 50% of our income one year, moving to Montana, adopting a sibling group of three from foster care, going back to work, leaving work, starting to write again….
Purpose Driven Life
I think our lives should be driven by our purpose. Our values and gifts should get center stage. Not social consumerism.
You might have to make some counter-cultural choices to get there. You might have to try things that might fail. There will be risk. Someone will be confused along the way.
Let’s tackle a few of the common FIRE misconceptions.
- We drink all day…on a beach.
- We don’t do anything./ We stare at ceiling fans.
- We aren’t taking new ground or having an impact.
- We hate work and are rebellious, entitled jerks
- We just want to travel all the time.
1. We drink all day…on a beach
This might be fair of normal retirees. The rise of alcoholism for people’s in their 60’s and 70’s is staggering. When their entire life, identity and purpose has been a 40-year career, it can be a hard transition.
Except, I know a lot of early retirees and this describes zero of them. (Although the obsession for craft beer is a real thing!)
What I do see is people thinking that when they retire early they will have ALL the time to do ALL the things. Then being painfully disappointed they can’t squeeze everything in. They overcommit. They get early retiree burnout because they take on too much.
2. We don’t do anything. We stare at ceiling fans all day.
This one might be my favorite. I’ve written about creating a Highlight Reel. Every early retiree warns that you need something to retire TO. I talked with Steve from Think Save Retire about it. Very few people actually think they will lead happy, fulfilled, meaningful lives staring at ceiling fans.
Most people view “retire early” not as a finish line but as a starting line. Now I get to fully lean in. Now I get to do the things that always mattered. Now I get to run faster towards my goals and dreams because I’m not spending all day earning money to pay my car payment. I want to be like Betty White and Eugen Peterson!
3. We aren’t taking new ground or having an impact.
I take it back. THIS is my favorite.
Folks, I use to sell furniture, and mattresses and coffee. I was OK at it. Did I try to do it “for the glory of God?” Sure, most days. Did it actually matter that I did it? No. Was it the best use of my skill? No. Was I amazing? Nope.
There are a few things I’m actually good at. I just rarely picked those things as professions. At the start of this mini-retirement I crafted a bold plan: Spend 90% of my time in things I’m actually good at. Areas I have a deep knowledge, passion, natural skill set and flow.
“Taking new ground” and “having an impact” is hard to quantify. But I’ll do my best for you. You can judge however you see fit.
- Every week someone reaches out to me because my story gave them hope/encouragement/motivation.
- Thousands of people read the words I write.
- I speak to audiences near and far.
- I mentor people through difficult transitions to creating a life full of purpose and meaning. (And I always have a 3 months wait list.) I make more money working part-time than I ever did working full time.
- I was able to adopt 4 kids.
- We are able to give more generously than we ever had. (Because our passive income covers 100% of our expenses, we could give 100% of our income to charity.)
Or I could go back to making an awesome cappuccino earning barely above minimum wage if that would make everyone more comfortable.
4. We just want to travel all the time.
Well, there might be a bit of truth here. For most people work ended up being their entire life, for a long time. After our three adopted kids moved in with us, Adam used every single sick day and vacation day to help take the kids to appointments, doctors, attend court dates and meet with caseworkers.
We were ready for our kids to have new adventures. Not courtroom adventures, or having a social worker drop them off at a new house adventure but outdoor adventures. We wanted to help them explore, learn and find wonder in this amazing world. So we do weekend adventures each week where we get out of the house. We travel around in our pop-up camper to National Parks. We try to make up for a few lost years.
5. We hate work and are rebellious, entitled jerks.
I’ll admit a lot of people stumble upon FIRE after a horrible day at work. They can’t imagine doing this for another 30 years. They think, “There HAS to be more to life than suffering through this job just to pay for all this stuff that is supposed to make life suck less.”
Sometimes people are burned out. Even the Bible talks about Sabbath years. God didn’t create a Sabbath year every 7 years because the Israelites were lazy and entitled. God knew we needed rest. Our best life is often a well-rested life.
The word Sabbath has fallen out of favor in lieu of the new term mini-retirement. It’s not that we are lazy, rebellious, entitled jerks. Sometimes we are just tired. Sometimes we miss our spouse, kids, extended family and friends. Sometimes we have kept our nose the grind for so long we have forgotten who we are. So we step away. For a month or a year. We take a Sabbath year.
FIRE makes that possible. FI gives us options and freedom to do the things we feel called to do.
I think financial independence is the perfect expression of faith.
It’s knowing your purpose, wanting to have an impact, wanting to live true to your values. And being willing to buck the trend and make some hard tradeoffs to do it.
I didn’t strive for FIRE so I could opt out of life. FIRE let me fully opt-in. My greatest work is still to come. The only difference is it doesn’t have to earn income anymore.
You would think the church being full of passionate, hard-working, disciplined, wealthy, purpose-driven folks who happen to have time and freedom would be a good thing! I think it is.
A note on comments: You all are amazing with comments! But sometimes when we feel attacked it’s easy to attack back. And it’s extra easy to trash talk church stuff when it seems out of touch or mean-spirited. Trust me, while writing this I had MANY sharp barbs I could have thrown. But during the Fincon FIRE panel, we were each asked how we respond to mean comments and critics. And my big fat mouth said, “with empathy.” Geesh. So I tried extra hard in this post to do that. And I hope your comments will be the same. Actually, it’s fine if they aren’t, I’ll just delete them. =)
I am so sorry this happened – and at church? It really magnifies the misunderstanding about what this movement is all about. Perhaps your pastor needs an introduction to PastorFI here in SanDiego? The AH-mazing thing about Financial Independence is exactly the thing you point out. It gives us the freedom to DO more. To GIVE more. To be emotionally available to LOVE and SERVE more. You do good work Jillian. Hopefully this allows a conversation in your church community. <3
I want to meet PastorFI! Next time I’m in San Diego! You make such a good point about being emotionally available. Having the rest and margin to really love people well. To show up for others. That is so hard to make happen when we are working to pay bills 12 hours a day.
I am sure he would love that!
Wendy, you couldn’t have said it better ❤️
Does he record/broadcast his sermons?
Very Honest Post. I loved it because I can relate.
I’m glad you loved it and sorry that you can relate. It’s such a universal struggle, but if nothing else, you know you’re not alone. I’m right there with you!
What a wonderful post, Jillian. It is so, so hard when someone we respect says things that hurt us. And I can’t imagine the pastor meant to make the sermon about you. (If he DID, then it’s time for a new church!) Kudos to you for showing grace. Just remember that what ultimately matters is that you’re accomplishing God’s purpose in your life – His approval is all that matters. I think you and your husband are doing amazing things, and that God’s looking down saying “you go, girl!”
I’m sure it wasn’t personal, it just felt like it at the moment. It’s a daily work to be grounded in our purpose and identity, no matter what circles we are in or what people are saying. That was really clear coming out of Fincon this year, then hit home at church.
Jillian, you are SO MUCH MORE than just enough! It’s very sad that so many people constantly have to compare themselves to and judge others. I am completely inspired by how you live your life and the amazing contributions that you are making in your world every single day. You exude a sense of purpose and true happiness. Isn’t that what life is all about?
Thanks so much Julia! It’s a work in progress but I think hitting FI really helped me lean into the things that matter to us. It’s been great to see that bear fruit in our family, marriage, work, and relationships.
Thanks for sharing your perspective, Jill! FIRE is about getting control of your financial life. Control of your financial life neither means that you are adhering to your faith nor means that you are failing to adhere to your faith.
Our faith should be much more important than FIRE. If you are doing something that does not adhere to your faith in the pursuit of FI(RE), you should not do it. So much of this is priorities – God should be way ahead of your portfolio – but that does not mean it is impossible to build up a strong portfolio and reduce your expenses.
Ideally, FI(RE) helps you adhere more fully to your faith because it helps you de-emphasize the pursuit of money and de-emphasize consumption.
Sorry to be rambling – this is a great topic – I’m sure I’m not alone among your readers in having all sorts of thoughts on this one.
Oh, I had a few days of all sorts of thoughts so I’m right there with you!
I love that you had the courage to write this. I’m sorry your pastor didn’t/doesn’t understand how much more we can give when we are living a life of intention and I really hope you have the chance to open eyes to see all the good that can be done when we aren’t living paycheck to paycheck. Your talk of sabbath years really resonated with me when I first started reading your work and was a light bulb moment for me. Thank you for the writings..
That’s great to hear Tracy! When we don’t have to worry about bills and keeping our heads above water financially, it really frees us up. Our time, our emotional energy and our ability to care for those around us. A lot of that comes out of rest. I’m a much kinder and loving person when I’m rested…to everyone!
As a pastor myself, I’m surprised (and appalled?) that your pastor would preach at you like that. Does he know what you do? Who you are? Did he know his sermon was aimed at you?
If so… that’s not cool. At all.
If not… well, it sounds like he still didn’t approach it well.
I’m hoping you’ll make an appointment to talk with him about it. Again, speaking as a pastor here, if I hurt someone in my congregation like that, I’d want to know so I could apologize, both personally/privately and publicly.
I’m also very curious now as to where you go to church and if I can catch this sermon online somewhere…?
I’m assuming he has no idea who I am or what I do. Just bad luck, I hope. I would love a chance to share this other perspective on FIRE because I think it could do amazing things in our church, and really we are on the same page with so many points. Honestly, I doubt that will happen. But love hopes, right?
Sorry for the delay in replying…
Yes, love hopes… So I hope you’ll reach out to your pastor to give him the chance to hear your take on this. It may make his life better and your church’s life better! Or he might not give you the time of day. No way to know which way it will go until you ask… 🙂
And I’m still curious which church it is. Maybe you could email it to me privately?
I did request to chat someone on staff a few times, but no word back. Shoot me an email and I’ll send you the info.
your situation may look odd to an outsider. i get it, being one myself in a different way. y’all seem very wholesome while we live a rock’n’roll lifestyle unapologetically. this one single life is the only one we get and we’re not hurting anyone (except maybe some liver damage). i’m sure you’re not hurting anyone either and probably helping, as you mention.
why in the hell can’t so many people disapprove silently?
I love my rock’n’roll friends! I grew up in a small rock’n’roll town and it’s build into my DNA. At Fincon, I appointed myself chief dance walker. =)
i know you did that without even being there. best dance walker i’ve seen, that jillian, i was just saying. the life works for us, but we let wholesome people into the house too. that’s the beauty of being judgement free.
“I think financial independence is the perfect expression of faith.” Thank you for writing this!! This perfectly captures what I’ve been trying to say for some time now. This article is so powerful. I completely agree that reaching FIRE allows one the ability to live out the life they were called to live. Be it volunteering, serving in ministry or missions or raising up the next generation through avenues that otherwise wouldn’t be available if work is required and not optional (like homeschooling), the freedom and flexibility this lever provides is truly outstanding.
Thanks Cody! I think FIRE is what heaven will be like. =) Working in our gifts and skill sets, doing things that are meaningful and enjoyable. With no worry of making car payments or compromising on our best work because it pays $2 more an hour.
Jillian! How devastating, I am so sorry you had to sit through that sermon. It’s so frustrating and sad to hear about church leadership using the lectern to shame, condemn, and comment on things they don’t understand or feel threatened by.
I’m so impressed with your empathy and grace! I would be writing a list of all my accomplishments and “take thats” to publish in the bulletin next week.
The fruit of you and Adam “being weird” for the last 15 years is unbelievable and doesn’t need to be defended. The proof is in your family, in your local community, in the blogosphere…everywhere you invest! The other day your name came up and (my) Adam said, “Jillian is a disruptor in a niche of disruptors. She is saying and doing things with FIRE that no one else is!”
Hugs, friend.
Sabbath years–what a good way to think about it.
What were the specific criticisms of the FIRE movement, if you don’t mind my asking? It seems like a stretch to call it unchristian when it allows you to A.) Devote more time/resource to service and B.) live your fullest life and therefore have more room for rejoicing and thanksgiving.
The biblical argument against was….well, he used the verse “Give us today are daily bread” as evidence that we are praying for people to be showing up in their 9-5 jobs in the bread industry. Normally, his scripture references are really strong. I might have found a different supporting one for anti-FIRE.
Love it Jillian! This post reminds me of WHY I want to pursue FIRE and to not lose heart due to an OPINION.
Thanks Nate! Hopefully it was easy to see the sermon was build on basic misunderstanding of FIRE and not the lives we are trying to build.
Wow, that would be a little unnerving to be called out like that so close to home. It does seem like the recent Suze Orman interview highlighted how most people that have heard of FIRE don’t actually understand it. When the majority of people don’t understand even saving a little for the future, I’m sure even more can’t wrap their heads around the freedom FI brings us.
Any resistance just means we’re making an impact, although it’s easier said than done when it’s right in your face like that. If only people understood the power they could harness though! Their lives could be so much more impactful and they could make a bigger difference than they could have otherwise.
Suze has done a great job of getting attention by playing out the misconceptions, in her case more math based. Someone will always be confused. We just can’t let their confusion be ours.
I just wanted to add in here that I, along with many others, continue to be inspired by the human being you are.Thank you, sweet friend!
August, I miss you. Call, text or stop by any time friend.
Thank you, Jillian for writing this. It is so hard to put ourselves out there. You read my mind when you said; “I think financial independence is the perfect expression of faith.” It really is. I have always been passionate about volunteering and helping others.
Seven years ago, I was looked down on for leaving my job to be a stay at home Mom. Even my husband wanted to be a stay at home Dad. There will always be critics. When I learned that some of the people in the FIRE movement had wives and husbands that stayed at home and that it is okay to do. I felt included! I have the ability to volunteer and help more people. This last year thanks to the other groups mentioning coaching and mentoring and I can now do more of my passion and teach what I know part-time.
Thank you!!! *hugs*
I’m so excited for you and all the new things that might grow in the next 10 years! Keep up living out your best life.
Oh Jillian! Of all of your posts I have read (and I think I’ve read them all) This was the post that resonated with me the most.
This is such a great response to the criticism you received. I wholeheartedly agree with what you have said. When I’ve brought FIRE up among fellow Christians I usually get the “the love of money is the roof of all evil” type of response. Sometimes they say it aloud, but often it is with a judgmental glance. And I totally get it and sometimes we can go overboard, but if we are generous along the journey and still pursue FIRE, then I believe we should.
“You would think the church being full of passionate, hard-working, disciplined, wealthy, purpose-driven folks who happen to have time and freedom would be a good thing!” I really like this quote. I think of a couple of missionaries right now that are struggling to raise their support. If they had pursued FIRE before then, they could be doing their best work now, not having to ask someone to support them at $50/month.
I would love to hear more about your thoughts on faith and FIRE and keep up the great work despite the critics.
Money in faith communities, especially Christians can be a really tricky topic. It can so easily get tangled into ideas of greed, generosity, pride and envy. But Jesus talked about it a lot. So I try to do the same.
Way to live (and write) courageously, friend! You are certainly making an impact. And this awesome article just gave a lot of people the extra boost they needed to live life on their terms and push through the criticism.
Our best life often generates a bit of confusion. Hopefully it encourages people that if nothing else, all people leading big, impact driven lives face a bit of this.
There’s much to comment on here. I’m very surprised at the perception of FIRE people – I would think to achieve such an exceptional goal they’d be exceptional people – no one could have achieved it with the “lazy” attitude suggested. That aside, I loved the point about how the only way to avoid criticism is to lead a small life. What a fear-based way to live. Live a big life, flourish and become who you were born to be and ignore the haters.
I think facing the fact that a small life is the only solution to criticism will be the motivation to face a bit of confusion. It’s doesn’t mean your doing anything wrong, but on the right path.
But what kind of Christianity is this that you heard? Did Christ measure value in mere hours of toil, money produced or objects purchased? No , that is certainly not the case.
Jesus taught that we should use our financial resources to help the poor and needy through benevolence (Luke 10:29-37; 18:18-25; compare James 2:15-17) and missions/ministry support (Luke 8:1-3; 10:1-9).
Jesus taught that we should use our material possessions to meet essential family needs (Matthew 7:7-12; Mark 7:9-13; compare 1 Timothy 5:8 and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10).
Jesus taught that we should exercise careful money management and exercise shrewd wisdom prior to making any purchase (Luke 14:28-30).
Jesus taught, particularly through his frequent illustrations of stewards (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1-13) and farming that it is appropriate, and even expected by the Lord, to invest our resources for long-term gain and/or financial security. Jesus also taught that, since we are merely stewards, we should invest ourselves into the lives of others, not hoard our resources to ourselves (Matthew 25:34-40; Luke 6:30-38; 10:25-37; 12:15-21).
There is nothing inconsistent with financial independence and faith. In fact, frugality is the fundamental moral virtue that leads you there. Moreover, it is consumerism that is the false idol or Baal of today upon which people sacrifice themselves and their children on hamster wheels for the sake of shiny objects and peer approval. You can do very much for anyone else if you are fixated on keeping up with the Joneses.
I am influenced in this regard by two aunts of mine who are Sisters of Mercy in Belize — vows of poverty, the whole nine yards, and still going strong in their 80s. Wealth itself is neutral, like a hammer or a saw — its just a tool. Remember its not money that supposed to be the root of all evil, but the love or worship of money to the exclusion of other values.
Many of the FIRE principles would be familiar to Jesuit thinking, especially the idea of developing the whole person (all kinds of skills) as one of life’s fundamental objectives. You can’t really develop your whole self if you are fixated on copying the way other people live.
Consider the deeper roots of what we are doing as expressed in this video, and the reference to St. Francis of Assisi, and corresponding Eastern roots:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npNc5P_66tQ
It’s an interesting connection to the Jesuit roots. When I lived in Germany, I studied them a bit along with European history.
Thank you for the video. It put into words something I believe in deeply.
Well… this was timely: https://www.marieforleo.com/2018/10/brene-brown-dare-to-lead-interview/#
People who live in a Spirit of Fear shouldn’t be teaching, but that’s my two cents and I’ll stop before I become a stumbling block (should note I no longer identify as Christian).
Oh, I love Brene! Thanks for sharing, Lauren. Anytime her and Marie hang out, I want to hear that! With not identifying as a Christian, if that was because of how horrible church or christians can be, or hurt, or being pushed out of the circle. I got you. I stand outside of the circle on purpose. Because some of the best people get pushed out of the circle. If that faith didn’t resonate, that’s cool. But if there was too much hurt, I’m so sorry. Church and chrstains should be known for love, but often it’s because of all the pain caused. Feel free to email me if you ever need to chat. [email protected]
So sorry to hear that you are getting negative vibes from your Christian community about Fire goals…
I am a pastor from small town montana and have been so encouraged by your parenting ideas and insight into your journey with money. (We are a getting close to our Fire goals as well using realestate)
My heart gets heavy when I hear Christians say that “money is the Root of all kinds of evil” thinking that they are quoting the Bible. But it says that the LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil. I agree with that one. When money is more important than our family, relationships and time, things are way outa wack in our life.
But that’s not what fire is all about! Fire isn’t about money… it’s about family, relationships and people!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks Joshua! Where in Montana are you?
Columbus, mt Just west of Billings about 40 miles… so like a 6 hours from you guys. (I hate that Montana is so dang big)
It is so darn big!
“Spend 90% of my time in things I’m actually good at. Areas I have a deep knowledge, passion, natural skill set and flow. ”
Best line in the whole piece! That’s exactly what I visualise my retirement being like.
It’s a wonderful goal for retirement! It’s amazing what can happen when we stay in our gifts. Most of my success post-career has been from avoiding things I’m just not awesome at. When all our time and energy go to our strengthens, we take so much more ground.
I’m so sorry you had to endure that experience, and at church no less! No one should have to experience a public shaming. I’m glad you have the wherewithal to see that people often attack things that are so different from their norm and that they do not understand.
I agree, if anything, FIRE allows followers of Christ pursue the things He has laid on our hearts without fear of financial insecurity.
Thank you so much for continuing to share your story.
I love that idea. Following our faith with out fear. And it frees up our bandwidth, no having to hustle to pay bills or stressed about putting food on the table. I grew up with that stress and it sucked up so much energy.
Can’t Waste Good used to be my favorite post.
Now it’s this one.
You channeled frustration with misperception into a beautiful manifesto.
Nice work. ☺️
Right??
Thanks Raina!
This is one of my favorite posts. I can only imagine how difficult it was to write such a gracious response. I wouldn’t have expected anything different from you. Well done!
I was trying to explain my FIRE plans the other day and got a bit of silence on the other end. It can be hard to explain but you captured the essence of FIRE well in this post. Thanks!
Thanks Valarie! It took a bit of editing to take out the snark and add in more love. =)
“I think financial independence is the perfect expression of faith.”
First off, my heart breaks for you having to sit through this in your home church. The grace you model in this article and in everything you do is refreshing and inspiring.
As a follower of Jesus, I hope you continue to share more about how your faith and FIRE align and help you live a purpose-driven life. You have shown how powerful FIRE is when it’s built on a foundation of the gospel. It’s so clear that you’ve grasped the unconditional grace we’ve been shown, and that the natural response is to extend that grace to others when they don’t deserve it.
This isn’t why you do it, but please know that your radical generosity, other-centered mindset, and the grace you model is noticed – it comes through in your posts, emails, and tweets and in the sea of everything on the internet, it’s just refreshing.
Thank you, Jillian! I hope my wife and I get a chance to meet you and your family someday! We’d especially love to talk about the fostering and adoption journey you have been on!
Thanks so much Kieran! Let me know if you ever make it to Montana. And if you have foster/adoption questions, feel free to email me!
Hey Jillian! I’m excited that you have a post with some more links to your faith, though sorry it had to be under these circumstances.
We recently had a study in our life group with multiple verses about people selling their extra belongings and sharing with each other; other verses on giving of our abundance from good stewardship, a very godly principle. We asked ourselves, “Do we think this is true today, that all believers should give up belongings & share it all?” We mostly answered no, and had various reasons for it. Mine was realizing the dispensations (“house law”) God put in place in the Bible to govern various seasons of man’s existence. For instance, in early Acts, the believers were sharing their abundance and none had need (awesome!) In late Acts, Paul was getting together collections for the Jews! (I have much more to say about that, but will keep it short here 😉 Anyway – I love that a balanced life allows for generosity – leftovers that we can give away that were not consumed by debt and poor choices!
Certainly the Bible has a lot of passages of interest on money (over 2000 verses). Luke 12:13-21 stands out to me when I think about possible FIRE criticism – the man who said “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”
This relates to your point #1 – people who would kick back and relax, but don’t do anything. The opposite of a “life well lived in financial freedom” that you propose in your blog articles! I agree, of the early retirees I know and most of the normal age retirees I know, they are all active in some way! Indeed, life goes through ebbs and flows of energy and capability in the workplace.
I have found many powerful Bible verses that would be for a “flexible FIRE” notion – mostly around the topic of being a good steward. In my mind, that’s the best answer in cases like these – the power of the Word readily accessible! 🙂 I’m curious if you’ve collected anything like that? Would love to see it if you do! (And, something I should do on my own blog!) BibleMoneyMatters has some good resources as well.
Cheers, Jillian! Looking forward to our next mentoring session 🙂
That Luke verse would have been a much better anti-FIRE verse. But your right, that most people aren’t doing that. Especially early retirees. I don’t know any who are sitting around, drinking and being merry. On the FIRE panel, we all talked about how FIRE people “like to do stuff” we just want to do better stuff and not worry about how much that stuff pays. FIRE gives us the option to do the stuff we feel most called to.
Hello there, I remember from scripture classes in school, over 40 years ago, and i believe this story is from the
Book of Parables, i apologise upfront if i’m incorrect in anyway. Briefly, the story involves an old,rich man who
plans to go on a 7 year journey, but at his age he is unsure if he will survive the rigours. Since he has no family
he offers his 3 servants a “deal”. he will split all his money equally between them, and if he returns from his travels
the servants will return the original sum of silver given to them, but he will allow them to keep any interest they
will have earned from using the money. If he fails to return, the 3 servants will keep all the money.
The old man does return home safely after the 7 years, and asks the first servant how much money he has made.
He replies that he buried the money safely away,and thus is able to return all the silver the old man gave him – but
he has not earned a penny interest/profit. The old man tells him he has done badly. The second servant informs
the old man that he used the silver, and has managed to increase it by Half, the old man tells him he has done
well, and he allows the servant to keep the interest/profit he made. The old man then asks the third servant
wether he made a profit from the original sum, the servant replies that he has doubled the money. The old man
congratulates him on his abilities, and allows him to keep the interest/ profit he made.
So – this story, in my view,
gives the bibles view of how you might make proper use of money. Out of interest, if you were to leave a sum
of money on deposit, and expected it to double in 7 years, how much interest, compounded up, would you need
to earn? i’ve worked it out to be just under 11% per annum, I am happy to be corrected on this story, feel free
to take it/me apart.
Hi James, thanks for sharing! It’s funny how those stories stick with us, even after 40 years. And I never have any interest in take people apart. I’m more in the “build people up” kind of writing. Thanks for sharing!
Great post. Have you talked to your pastor about it? It seems like a completely unbiblical way to rebuke you if that’s truly what he was going for.
I would love to chat with him about it, but that probably isn’t possible. I’m going to assume that he had no idea that someone in his congregation was a creator in the FIRE movement. I doubt it was personal, probably just poorly researched.
Since you drive a beater car and a “lazy bum”, you could probably get some discounts with some of the car services that you need. Ha ha. That helps the bottom line. Or you could drop off the money you got from the discount and give it to the pastor signed “Lazy Bum”. Ha ha.
I think we do get a few extra discounts when I drive our beater car because people pity us. Oh well.
I’m so sorry you’re getting flack from the church. Your record shows what a caring, competent, and giving human being you are. You and your husband are building people. You’re building worlds, not automatons. Keep doing what you’re doing and living your life on purpose.
For the greater good of all mankind.
Thanks so much Debbie!
I’m so sorry that this happened to you. But I’m sure it will happen to us all. We cannot expect others to agree with everything we do, right! I would recommend for you to talk with your paster if you are unable to move past it. FIRE can be selfish, glutenous and all consuming. It can also be generous, kind and selfless. I do sometimes worry that I may struggle with picking the right side of the coin. So I can see how others can see the pitfalls of FIRE. You my dear have not picked the wrong side of FIRE. Stand firm in your self and in God’s unique plan he has laid out for you.
Thanks Stefanie. I probably won’t be able to talk with the pastor, he doesn’t really have time for people. But I did talk with a volunteer. We shall see.
“He doesn’t have time for people “- now I’m confused!
It’s is a bit confusing. I’m afraid trying to explain it would just make it sound worst.
Good going, Jillian. I’m reminded that the apostles and Paul all were, technically, early retirees since they left their vocations (and pretty much gave up worrying about making a living) and went out to do the good work that Jesus called them to do. I hope you have talked with your pastor about his message and how it affected you–I’m betting he didn’t realize how short-sighted he was being.
That’s a good point about the apostles. Paul occasionally side hustled with the tent gig. =) I don’t this the pastor meant it personally. I like to think it was just lack of research due to a busy schedule.
Thanks for pointing to tent making! Great reference. Paul was all about the side hustle or “bi vocational missions” as it is often called.
My husband and I are church planters in northern Canada and we only get paid a part time salary for him to fill time pastor the growing congregation. The only reason we can serve our community in this way AND provide for our family is because we are FIRE’d. The Lord has blessed us abundantly and calls us all to be good stewards of his gifts.
Look at the parable of the talents. The master returned and chastised the servent who hid the talent out of fear. He said why didn’t you put it in the bank so I could have collected interest? We are called to invest wisely with what we have been given.
My heart is saddened when pastors use the pulpit to share political views and not the gospel. Idolizing money is sin but many people who don’t have money or mismanage it make money an idol.
One time I heard an interesting sermon on how having one partner in a family as a stay at home parent is a true gift to the church. That family is in turn better able to volunteer and serve the church and the mission of Christ. The same can be said about FIRE’d Christians. What a gift to your family and community! Keep fighting the good fight.
Jesus knows your name. That’s what truly matters.
That’s awesome that you have that option! And at times, our life feels like two stay at home parents. With 5 little kids, there is always a lot to do!
Hi Kaitlyn! I read your comment and I wanted to see if we could connect? I see that you and your husband plant churches and used FIRE in order to be able to do that! My husband is a youth pastor, and eventually when we have kids, I want to be able to stay home with them. We are doing this through real estate mainly, but I would love to hear what you guys are doing as far as investing goes!
Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to educate the pastor on what FIRE is all about. I would send him this entry not to confront but instead to help him learn more. Jesus and the Apostles quit working to do their calling and they changed the world. I know your blogs has helped me to see things differently and I am currently on a mini-retirement, and finding the best way I can contribute without living each day dreading going to work.
Financial Independence is simply a means to an end, and you have proven that on every level. Rather than having a love for money, you have something better, a respect for it and the good it can do, not only for others but also yourself, your husband and your children. I think if everyone’s understood and embraced that the world would be a much better place.
I would love if more FIRE concepts were taught in church!
We know how to play it, just turn the other cheek 😉
Does “write a blog post to help encourage others to be brave in living their best life” count as turning a cheek? Let’s hope so. =)
That would be disheartening. As a Christian, I disagree with that pastor in his views.
Playing devil’s advocate, one thing I do see in the FI community is that the goal often appears to be “happiness,” which I do believe misses the mark in the Christian faith. But those bloggers that I see post such, do not claim to be Christians, so I can’t hold them to that standard.
I believe God calls us to holiness, sometimes at the expense of our temporary happiness. I do believe that pursuing God and His holiness does lead to joy. But I believe pursuing just our happiness for its own end is selfish, and therefore sinful.
Jillian, your life pictures how selflessly you aim to live: adopting, giving financially, investing in others.
FIRE is a tool, and can be used poorly/selfishly or wisely/selflessly.
Keep going Jillian! I love your writing, it’s so encouraging to me as I’m building my accounting business within my passion, helping people understand their numbers and utilizing them the best they can for their goals.
Yeah, I think “happiness” is the most used term but often it’s used with the same purpose for: meaning, fulfillment, joy, purpose, impact, rest. It’s a catch all word. Best of luck with your business! Let me know if I can help at all.
Oof, hearing someone you respect publicly shame a group you belong to is difficult. Especially when you feel powerless to defend yourself to the audience. I’m sorry that you had to sit through a scathing commentary of a lifestyle that has brought you and your family so much meaning and satisfaction.
You handled the situation with dignity and grace, and spun it into another satisfying blog post to guide people toward their best lives. If that’s not a Christian response, I don’t know what is. Thank you for continuing to inspire us.
Thanks so much K! I know dealing with critics is such a common pain point for those trying to live out their best life. This seemed that a good real life study.
I had the worst car in the lot at my corporate job. I loved that car and laughed when I would park near a Tesla and an Audi. Who knows what my coworkers thought but the look on some of their faces when I announced my retirement, classic.
Sorry to hear that you had to sit through that kind of sermon at church. I got one of them too before we left to travel. It doesn’t feel good nor is it accurate.
Oops, travel I guess I’m not helping that point. I do however feel that I am now able to help and contribute much more meaningful things in this life then when I worked 80 hours a week in corporate. I’m living my purpose and I have so much more to do. Others may criticize but they don’t know what I have planned. And if they are criticizing you then they have no idea who you are.
That is really funny about the car and retirement announcement!
This is such a powerful statement: And if they are criticizing you then they have no idea who you are.
Either I’m wrong and need to correct course (which happens, a LOT) so I’m thankful for people who speak into my life like that. Or they are confused. But being grounded in who I am and what I’m doing makes it easy to tell which is which. =)
Jillian, this is a beautiful post. I absolutely loved it and read every single word of it. (Twice over!)
I’m so sorry you had to go through that experience in church with the anti-FIRE sermon. This reminds me of the time I went through something similar at church over a different issue, a few weeks ago. I was, like you, deeply hurt and carried that hurt around for weeks. I started avoiding my pastor, I even tried avoiding eye-contact with him. When he started preaching last week, I almost wanted to walk out! But I’m really happy to know that you’re grounded, and you’re not allowing other’s confusion to sway you. I think that’s admirable. I’m still struggling with that. I’m quite an insecure person, and staying strong is something I’m not quite good at yet. But I hope that as time passes and I grow wiser, I’ll grow to be as confident and strong as you. 🙂
“The cost of a life lived without criticism is high.” – I definitely have to keep this in mind! I’ll keep reminding myself of this when the fear starts getting to me.
Thank you also for addressing the misconceptions of FIRE. “Staring at ceiling fans” made me laugh out loud in my office.
Thanks for sharing Liz! It’s such a hard thing when others comments shake us. And it happens to everyone! Knowing who you are, and why your doing what your doing is the best first step. Then it’s easy to see if the criticism is helpful in your growth to where you want to go or just someone’s confusion. Best of luck! Hugs.
Excellent article. I loved your point about the sabbath. “Our best life is often a well-rested life.” Taking rest is really healthy. Unfortunately, FIRE is getting some bad press but I appreciate people like you who are breaking down the myths.
I think it’s easy to misunderstand. Plus people bring all their own baggage to every issue. I normally don’t mind the angry comments, because it’s just a reflection of hurting people. But sometimes even really good, loving people mess it up too.
I’m new to the fire concept. This might be the best article I’ve read on any subject in such a long time! Grand slam!
Thank you for sharing and baring your soul.
Thanks so much, Tim! And welcome to the FIRE concept. =)
Hey, Jillian. I so appreciate this post. Though I must say, I’m disappointed in your pastor. From your description, there’s nothing Biblical about his message. Criticism of something we don’t really understand or haven’t investigated fully isn’t right. It’s definitely misplaced if it comes from the pulpit, IMO.
Sadly, some in the FIRE community engage in the same behavior toward those who choose to live differently. I’m a financial advisor. We are consistently criticized by some of the more influential FIRE bloggers. You heard that on your panel at FinCon. All of us are trying to better the lives of those we touch on our blogs, in our lives, and in our careers. We are all in this together, especially those of us who share the same faith.
Thanks you for giving voice to faith and encouragement to all of us to not be so quick to criticize and judge.
Thanks so much, Fred. And I’m glad you liked the panel. And your right, misplaced anger is everywhere. It’s not just a church issue. I used that experience as an example because confusion and criticism can come from unlikely places. Places we thought would be safe or loving. If your doing good work and helping people, others confusion shouldn’t shake you. It’s so easy to fixate on it. But being really grounded helps…most days. =) Keep up the good work!
This seems like another example of where mainstream media is feeding into the myths of the FI movement. If anything FI frees a person from having to worry about money so they can focus on thier passions. For many people of faith, that means more time to be involved in passions that directly relate to their faith.
Btw, I was in your panel during FinCon and thought you did a great job!
Oh, I’m so glad you liked the panel! I think it was a good conversation about a lot of the myths. FIRE takes a while to understand. So it’s easy to get it wrong.
I really think that most people think the Fire movement is about not doing any type of work, and that’s usually not the case. It’s about having time to follow our passions, create things, and enrich our communities. I’m sorry you had to deal with such harsh criticism from your own community, but I love how gracefully you’ve handled it.
FIRE is really easy to misunderstand. In one of my first posts, I talked about how we refer it as “work optional” because the word retirement implies stopping doing stuff. And we really like doing stuff. We just want to have more freedom and flexibility to pursue stuff we are good at, matter and fit our lifestyle.
I would have loved for you to go up to him and tell him what you do and about your blog. wow! This is why for me personally I have never resonated with an organized religion. I’ve had some many instances in the past where I saw more judgement coming from that community. But that is just ME and I have NO judgment for people who get great value out of that kind of thing at all! Because it’s like you said, you have to be you and do your thing.
I 100% understand having a hard time with church and the super religious. I rarely tell people I’m a christian, not because I’m embarrassed about Jesus, but I am appalled and embarrassed about church and some ways christians treat the people they should be loving. But I find comfort in that Jesus was in the same boat. Organized religion and the super religious were a hot mess then as well and the only group he spoke really harshly to. Your in good company!
As a Christian, I do sometimes struggle with aspects of the FIRE movement that can become self-centered, such as some people suggesting not to give until you reach your FIRE number, but I think it matters much more where you’re heart is at. Can you become money obsessed and ignore people on the path to gain wealth? Yes. But can you use the financial independence you create to give crazy generously and live life for others instead? Absolutely yes. I think it is more about the heart and mindsets in the end.
We each get to carve out the path that reflects our values. I always gave at least 12%, even when I was in debt, even when we made 12k that first year. We gave on our money being invested and will give on it again when we pull it out. We gave far above and beyond our tithe. We gave to all sorts of needs. And I’ve tried to become even more generous as we hit FIRE. I try to show up for people. I try to use my extra time and energy to love people better. To have the emotional energy to care for people. FIRE isn’t a magic finish line where we become someone else. It just allowed me to lean even more to who I was always trying to become.
So. So. So. Good.
Such a needed perspective in our churches today. Thanks so much for putting this out into the world. I hope it reaches the people who need to hear it most.
Thanks Jillian for what you do and all of the people you help.
Thanks Nick! I hope it helps all creators, builders and doers. And it helps the people just trying to live their best life. Even confusion that hits close to home, in places we should feel safe, doesn’t need to throw us off course. =)
Jillian this is one of the best posts I’ve read in awhile — this wisdom applies to everyone, regardless of whether you’re religious or not. Don’t let other people’s judgments and confusion and criticism become your own. It’s easier said than done. But that’s okay. Things that matter are rarely easy. 🙂
Thanks so much Paula! I had a few good conversations at Fincon about impostor syndrome. I think that is often rooted in this sense of identity and being scared of other confusion, not if we can do the work.
The faith piece seemed like a good example that the confusion can come close to home, from people we trust and when we don’t expect it.
And your right that finding that grounding is never easy, but so helpful when we try to step out and do big, scary things! Love you girl!
Hi Jillian, I’m assuming that your pastor had a goal with his sermon and that it may have been something about not being lazy, about being a productive part of society, etc… Sadly he used the FI community as his scape goat without knowing much about it. If you do decide to talk with him I’m sure you’ll point out that most people who are FI do have purpose in their lives and are doing things to help others and make the world a better place.
I’m sure proud to be part of this amazing community of counter culture revolutionaries! But it’s incredible to me that it’s still considered very radical today for someone to have the freedom to choose if they want to spend their day making the world a better place or simply watching the ceiling fan.
I think that’s most people motivation behind FI, the freedom to choose. What’s best for them, their family, their work, their health in any season.
So sorry that you had that experience! I can completely relate and reading your perspective helped me process my own non-sensical random public attack scene.
I hope this is just a temporary phase in our time; the glorification and seeming population explosion of “haters” and the lack of engagement with deeper truths, whole stories, compassion and honest self reflection. I hope that these bizarre attacks are the death cries of the “me” generation and the birthing of the we generation.
Thank you for all you do and perhaps even more importantly, all you Be. (necessary grammatical bending)
I think there is a building of whole stories and compassion. The sensational and criticalness gets tired on our hearts. I love being part of communities that embrace that!
I love the video “Jesus the O.G. Lean FIRE Prophet” by Matt McKeever on YouTube, which really shows the conection between lean FIRE and the principles of living simply so as to engage in life in a more meaningful way. It is humorous, but I hope no one takes offense!
Jillian, you have used your financial position to do good in the world, and I have deep respect for that. I also love your writing style and appreciate that you come from a humble background.
Thanks MP, I’ll have to check that out!
Sounds like this sermon was based on preconceived thoughts without any research. This community is made up of people who are entirely generous, grateful, and whose checkbook is an extension of their values. Exactly the kind of people needed in the church. Thanks for bringing the experience into a thoughtful conversation!
I think it was just lack of research and misunderstanding. Which is why it’s so important to know who we are and why we do what we do. Misunderstanding can happen anywhere, even in places that should be safe.
Hi, I’m new to your blog and SO glad I found this article! My husband and I are into FI and love Jesus. It is super encouraging to see another FI believer who wants to be able to give more and use their time to honor God. I think giving more is something we should talk about more within the community, rather than just saving. I honestly cannot imagine why this pastor is preaching on an article about FIRE rather than preaching from scripture, sorry you had to experience that, but thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’ve also found many Christians that are very uncomfortable discussing how to build wealth because it feels like a dirty word. For a long time I felt like I wasn’t supposed to pursue wealth, but now I definitely agree that our goal should be to honor God in our work and with how we steward our money, and to accumulate wealth so we can bless others! That is my motivation that keeps me going on this journey to FI.
Things do get murky in Christian circles around earning, spending, giving and investing. It’s one of the reasons I write about money. I think we need more open conversations about money. Lots of people learn best by watching others do. In church culture, most money stuff is super private.
Agreed! Our church culture is one that is very oriented around the idea of living life together in community and being vulnerable with one another. We do a great job in that area. However, that doesn’t really include the topic of money. I’ve been telling our church staff, it’s more acceptable in our lifegroup to ask about someone’s sexual sin struggles, than to ask about how they are stewarding their money. Like, what?! How is it less awkward to talk about masturbation or porn than personal finances?? haha The secrecy and shame around it is just crazy. I hope to change the culture. My husband and I are teaching an FPU course in February and I’m stoked for the conversations that I hope it will open up and I hope to be launching my blog soon! Thanks for the example you have set, I’m excited to read through your other posts.
Jillian, your story pains me, and your response to it is perfectly beautiful and full of grace. It seems that the biggest issue with the sermon was that he 1.) spent the first half of it framing our (Jesus followers) purpose with PAID WORK/CAREER and then said one line about it not being anti retirement sermon. 2.) He characterized “all” or at least early/millennial retirees as wanting to retire for self-serving reasons. I think he really did have good intensions and I could see what he was (hopefully) really trying to say, but he framed it so poorly that it kinda ruined the whole thing. I believe his main goal was to say that life is a marathon and to pace yourself so you still have energy for good, important kingdom work even when you are old (Joshua 14) and that being selfish in how you spend your time and money are not serving the kingdom.
I think he would have better achieved his goal by discussing purpose, and clarifying that how any of us spent any of our time (whether old, young, retired/not) is important. Stay at home parents could have taken issue with how he framed it because PAID work was the main thrust. And perhaps that would be a good way to bring up the topic with him. He even said “a lot of the tips [in FIRE blogs] can be used for kingdom good” but then he went on to suggest that all early retirees want is to sit and do the rubix cube/ceiling fan routine. CLEARLY your version of FI is in line with Jesus’s teaching and I’m guessing your family is likely able to give far more more of your time, creativity, energy, and money to God’s work than if you were working the regular 9-5. I mean what did Jesus say about taking care of the widows and orphans?!?
I know you go to a big church and that makes it hard to have a personal conversation with the lead pastor, but I would encourage you to try to connect with him or someone else on the pastoral staff about it….their response to the follow up is more telling (and potentially helpful to you and him) than one poorly organized and executed sermon. Keep on trucking for Jesus!! And thank you for including your faith in your blog, it is something that I love to see, and is often laking in the FI sphere! And sorry for the long comment!
I was also thinking about the stay at home parents. There was such a strong stance against leaving a career, that I wondered how they would have felt. Beings we have 5 kids at home, I can just say we are each stay at home parents to 2.5 kids. =)
Jillian, I am new to the community you have here and I wanted say that your story has been an inspiration to me. Furthermore, I commend you for writing on FIRE in relation to Faith. Though, I am sorry for the circumstances which prompted this post.
I have yet to read any posts of the other bloggers in the FIRE community (like those on the panel with you at Fincon) address this topic. I also admire and am inspired buy those FIRE bloggers. However, this look at how Faith and FIRE can go hand in hand is a perspective I have not seen and I am so glad you have shared. If other FIRE bloggers have dived in to this subject I commend them as well, but I have not seen it.
As a Christian I have wondered myself if my desire to pursue FIRE is simply totally self serving…as it seems your Pator criticized. I suppose it could become that if I let it, but like you say that does not have to be, and usually is not, the trajectory people take who have achieved FIRE. One actually has the opportunity to do more good for others when they are not tied to most jobs. Your blog post has helped to solidify this notion in my mind, but it also will serve for me as a good self examination to make sure I don’t let myself fall into “staring at the ceiling fan all day.”
Jillian, you have been an excellent thoughtful witness to this fellow Christian. Thank you for your work and may God continue to bless it!
People can do whatever they choose with FIRE. I think about the line from the Lords Prayer: Your Kingdom come, You will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. I think Heaven will look a lot like FIRE. We don’t have to stress about bills anymore. We are free to pursue the work we were created for, in our natural gifting, and is meaningful and enjoyable instead of which job pays the most. If our prayer is to make Earth more like Heaven, we should all strive for FI.
Hello – again,
Just remembered earlier this evening a saying i heard/read a few years ago, that-
Money can be a good slave, but it is a BAD master. I reckon this sums up what we in the FIRE
community are trying to accomplish, i.e getting our money to work for us and not having money
make us work. Make your assets sweat .
100%!
As a practicing Christian, I’ve often pondered the ramifications of my financial choices. I think financial laziness has become the norm in our society, unfortunately, and those who are good stewards of their finances are labeled by the lazy as “the rich young ruler” or “in love with money.” Of course, these are straw men. We can help the FIRE movement by approaching critics with grace and providing facts.
It’s so important to talk more about money in the church setting. And to create a life example to show others what the options could look like.
YES! and Amen. We are simply stewards of a small amount of time and money in the greater scheme of humanity. I wish I could have heard that sermon. I wonder what your Pastor would have said about my plan to tithe the first tenth of my workday time to the ministry once I free myself of my day job. That is if I can pull myself away form the eternally captivating ceiling fan starting contest.
If I recall correctly there was a group of people that traveled all the time in Jesus’ day. They were called disciples. Come to think of it, they gave up their day jobs too. So I guess if we are to be judged and labeled we are in good company. Cheer for the courage to speak of faith in finance. It take a brave sheep to walk before the lions.
Traveling and giving up the day job…we are in good company! Love it!
This post re-sparked some questions I’ve had about FIRE and Faith. I personally like to focus on the life and teachings of Jesus and filter everything through him. I’m still in process on this topic and would love input and comments.
Has anyone taken the time to go through Jesus’ teachings on money and reconcile them with the FIRE movement? I’d love some insight on storing up treasure versus being a good steward. Thanks Jillian for generating a much needed conversation.
Great question John! You have just inspired my next blog post as I had to overcome this as well. Ask yourself, what would you otherwise spend it on if not FIRE? If you invested it in a money making machine would there be more later to donate and tithe? Could you tithe every year off the income your perpetual money making machine produces? Could you free up you time to make larger volunteering and ministerial contribution without the day job?
Thank you so VERY MUCH for writing this! It was well written and yes, empathetic. This post was also something I needed to read. So sorry you had to go through it, but out of the ashes has risen beauty and comfort with your writing of this post. Be courageous and rock on—you’re helping to change so many people’s lives for the better!
Thanks so much, Brenda!
“Dude, it’s OK, really. I’m rich.”
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: You’re a national treasure, Jillian.Thanks for your rousing defense of FIRE. Sorry your pastor frowned on our cult.
Fascinating word choice. You know Christianity started as a cult. The Jews tried to stop out this new cult from branching off of Judaism but the FIRE spread too fast. The cult title wares off once the ideology becomes main stream. Until then prepare for more uncomfortable looks form folks. ?
I thought I had commented on this post when it first came out, but I think I just left a comment on Facebook. This is one of my favorite posts I’ve read in months! You tackle this topic so well. I live by faith too, and my position on FI is that it opens us up to do so much more good in our lives, which is exactly what you’re living out. We are called to do so much more than work office jobs for decades. We need to get out there in our communities and help others, pursuing FI lets us do that even more, no matter what the haters say.
Thanks so much Matt!
Why would a pastor slam financial indepednece and/or early retirement? I am a Christian and financially independent so this perplexes me. I could see him focusing on people with abundant resourcs who donate no money or time to any good cause (seperate from FIRE). Maybe it’s time to find a new church. To me, Church leaders should embrace it as it allows people to volunteer more at their church and at other local non profits. Personally, I tithe more to my church than I have ever have. I have given two of my used cars to church members who couldn’t afford to fix their broken down cars. I volunteer more. If my pastor did what yours did, I would have to set up a private meeting with him to discuss before I left that Church. It sounds completely irresponsible and non Christian to single out any group in a sermon, it’s against what Christians stand for.
It awesome to hear what financial freedom has enabled you to do! I did reach out a few times, but he didn’t express any interest in communicating with me. It’s the kind of church where the pastor rarely talks to the congregation, which I’ve been someone OK with up until now. But there are some very real downsides, like this situation.
Without describing the specific “disconnects” from sermon, post reads like the pastor was used as a fall guy to enable your points. Pastor’s would likely have insightful reasons for/against FIRE that go way beyond the nuts & bolts of the decision to ride a beater car, etc.
You are right it was just an example to illustrate a larger challenge that people who live unconventionally face. I deliberately didn’t want it to be a personal attack on him, the sermon or the church. It was meant to be a personal story that showed how even in places that should be safe and supportive (like family, companies, friends, church) not everyone will understand.
I would have loved to hear his insightful reasons for/against FIRE but he expressed now interest in having that conversation despite me reaching out.
As you’re fully aware, part of being different is being comfortable with that. As long as you (or I) can justify that our being “different” is actually more beneficial than blending into the crowd, and doing such is neither neglecting legal consequences or personal convictions, then we shouldn’t be shaken by those who don’t understand. Props to you for standing your ground. Don’t let the doubtful diminish your beliefs!
There are always people who won’t fully understand or agree. And your right, it’s the price of standing ground, sometimes you don’t get to stand with the crowd.
Hi! I just found your blog through a link on Rockstar Finance. You’re certainly responding to your pastor’s public lecture (since it seems to have little in common with an actual sermon) with empathy, but it might be worth actually pulling your pastor aside and having a word with him. (Maybe you could give him this post and let him read the comments too?) Whether he meant to hurt you or not, it’s clear that he did and if he cares about the community he’s supposed to lead, I imagine he would want to know that. And, frankly, if he doesn’t then maybe his particular church isn’t a good fit for you and your family after this.
I did try. He didn’t express any interest in talking about it. Which is ok, but your right, it might not be a great fit.
I loved every bit of this! There are nay-sayers everywhere for everything. We can be at peace anyways.
Yeah, it is everywhere on almost everything! Staying grounded on what matters to you versus getting shaken my every person’s confusion is really essential.
Fantastic post! My first thought was to say its time to find a new church, but that would be silly. However, I really don’t understand how/why any pastor would put a sermon together about early retirement… that’s not a hot topic in the bible. Working joyfully and for the Glory of God is certainly a subject… but it’s a reach to say those who retire (or retire early) are no longer serving the Lord. I have told Elders at my Church that once I retire early, they will have access to very capable guy anytime there is a need. Sounds like you are serving the Lord beautifully, even without a 9 to 5 job. Keep up the fantastic work! I’m so happy I saw your article featured today on Rockstar.
Thanks so much! Being able to serve more and have more flexibility is a great resource. My husband helps move abused women on short notice. They often need 3-5 people with just a few hours notice.
I’d like your explanation of Matthew 6:19 where Jesus says “lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth” I think your pastor could’ve picked a better text for his sermon. Later in the same chapter Jesus said “ don’t worry about what you’ll wear or eat. God takes care of the birds and he’ll take care of us. The reason you’re worried about that is because you don’t have much faith.” Charlie munger said something like “You aren’t entitled to an opinion about something until you can make the other side’s argument better then they can” I think we need to take an honest look at some of the really hard things Jesus said. I’m afraid we sometimes compare ourselves with others and use that as the guide. We feel good about our lives. How we’ve denied ourselves and given to charity. Why would we listen to someone who buys a new car every 4 years and doesn’t even know what he’s saying? Could we sell everything we have and give it to the poor if Jesus asked us to? That should be the measuring stick.
That would have been a far better verse to start from. I try not to build arguments for or against issues on one verse or example. I think there is a reason there are so many verses and examples of earning, spending, giving, saving, ect in the Bible. And I think there is good reason Jesus talked about it so much. It’s a complex and important topic! Plus there are so many examples in the OT and NT about how people of faith were managing their money. It’s probably not a comment or even a blog post sized topic. Probably better served in a book. =) Larry Burket put out a lot of content about it as did Randy Alcorn. If you wanted to read more, those might be good places to start.
“Or I could go back to making an awesome cappuccino earning barely above minimum wage if that would make everyone more comfortable.”
YAAASSS! I just posted something similar on Facebook today…”Psst: If deep down you are unhappy about your work, your money, or how you’re spending your valuable time in life, ?YOU? need to do something about it. Do not settle because it’s “comfortable.” There is nothing comforting about being unhappy!”
Most people thought I was crazy when I left my job to stay-at-home with my first baby and figure out how to support my family online. They wanted me to “get used to” that horrible feeling I had leaving my daughter at daycare every day because that’s what they had done. Not listening to them was the best decision I’ve made so far. And my first FinCon was an incredible awakening that there are many other “weirdos” out there.
Your perspective and accomplishments are amazing. It’s by the grace of God combined with your hard work and disciplined decisions that you’re where you are. I’m sorry you experienced being called out and criticized in church. My stomach churns a bit just thinking about it. Thank you for the reminder that it’s not our job to convince other people what we choose is ok. Excited to see what your best work to come is. 🙂
It weird, but true. It’s can be so easy to just shift our course to make everyone else more comfortable. Or to hesitate to step out because we know we’ll get some pushback. Congrats for finding the right path for you and sticking to your guns!
Hey Jillian,
Great read. I love the myth-debunking. At the end of the day, anyone driven and resourceful enough to achieve financial independence long before they’re 50 is likely more than ambitious enough to continue meaningfully contributing to society. Very few people will have that level of ingenuity and then just suddenly decide to turn it off after financial independence is achieved.
You’re doing great. Keep it up.
Take care,
Ryan
Thanks, Ryan!
I just wanted to thank you for this inspiring article. I was blessed by the comments too. Keep running the good race (of a faith filled life) and not the rat race of rampant consumerism.
Thanks Dee!
Jillian, I am a first time reader of your writing. I am 60, my wife and I raised 6 children and started late in the game as far as saving for retirement but I have been reading various articles from members in the FIRE movement and figured I could learn a lot from them as I save for and plan retirement. Money is a tool and I am very willing to learn from people who have proper perspective and skill with money. I found your article when I googled FIRE movement and christians, I appreciate your perspective and insight. Thank you for sharing! Larry