So as many of you know, I’m 9 years sober. Additionally, I dug my way out of debt and now am on the path towards financial independence.
I had the idea for this post the other day when I was telling someone the similarities I see with people in recovery and people in the Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) community. This post is a dedication to the people in both communities.
Membership is Free
In recovery programs, the requirement to join is minimal. Basically, you need only have a desire for help. You don’t even have to have quit whatever addiction you want to recover from to join. You simply need the desire to quit.
Many people who come into recovery want to stop but don’t know-how. However, in being surrounded by an entire community that has found a way to abstain, they find hope. Within that glimmer of hope, many people find sobriety if they have the ability, to be honest with themselves and others.
I came into the FIRE community when I was still paying off my debt and had very little saved for my retirement. People welcomed me with open arms and cheered me on. Furthermore, those who had gone before me were willing to share how they achieved financial independence.
I soak up as much information as possible from the community. Now that I’m above the line financially, I’m taking the appropriate action steps in saving for my retirement.
Seriously, the only desire for FIRE membership is a desire to achieve financial independence.