2024 Year-End Update – FIRE Target: ₹10 Crore
Hey everyone!
This is my third post documenting my journey toward FIRE. If you’d like, you can check out my earlier updates here: Post 1 - https://www.reddit.com/r/FIRE_Ind/s/PM7YRdMzYj Post 2 - https://www.reddit.com/r/FIRE_Ind/s/XqqE1Uhtw0
Quick Recap of the Numbers
I’m 33, married, with two young kids, working as a SWE in the US. My FIRE target is $1.2M (~₹10 crore) by 2028. Post-FIRE, I aim to keep expenses at $36K (~₹30 lakh per year) using a 3% SWR.
Six months ago, my net worth was $862K + a 2BHK house.
Where Things Stand Now
Here’s my current financial snapshot:
Assets:
Stocks: $707K 401(k): $231K HSA: $37K Emergency Fund: $10K Total Assets: $985K
Real Estate:
Plot of land to build my dream home: ₹70 lakh (~$85K)
Debt:
Car Loan: $20K Phone: $1K Personal Loan: $6K Housing Loan: $18K Medical Bills: $6K Total Debt: $51K
Net Worth:
$985K - $51K = $934K
This excludes the value of my 2BHK home and the new plot I bought.
A Journey of Growth and Learning
Over the last six months, I moved some funds between my emergency savings and loans. I initially took a loan for my car, planning to pay it off quickly. However, I ended up using that money to buy a plot in my hometown to build my dream home instead. No regrets as it was a decision that aligned with our long term vision as a family.
Watching the portfolio grow from $350K in January 2023 to nearly $980K in two years has been humbling. It’s incredible to see how my investments are now working harder than I am! It’s a clear reminder to stay focused on the bigger picture, be patient and not sweat short-term market dips. Regular investments, index funds, and holding onto my company RSUs did the trick (and no, I’m not riding the NVIDIA or Meta wave).
The biggest lesson for me has been realizing that time in the market truly beats timing the market. For anyone starting out, I’d say: trust the process, avoid unnecessary trading, and let your investments grow steadily over time.
I used to check my portfolio daily, but now? Sometimes weeks go by without looking and that’s a good thing—it’s freed me from the stress of market volatility and helped me stay more focused on other areas of life.
I know not everyone has the same starting point. I’ve been fortunate to have a high-paying job in tech and to benefit from the strong market performance over the past few years. That said, progress still takes discipline and persistence. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
2024 Goals – Results
Increase Net Worth to $900K: ✅ Achieved! Sitting at $934K now.
Buy a Used Car for ~$30k: ✅ Got a new car for $40K instead of a used one. It’s been a fantastic upgrade for the family. Worth every penny!
Purchase a Plot for My Dream Home: ✅ Done! The plot is in a gated community in a tier-2 city and feels like the perfect fit.
I’m grateful to have reached these milestones, though they weren’t without challenges.
A New Mindset
Past few months, I consciously stepped back from FIRE communities and spent more time practicing mindfulness. I’ve been learning to keep my mind less busy and feel more at peace. I feel more present, less stressed, and more appreciative of the small joys in life.
My wife has been an absolute rock—keeping things running smoothly at home and supporting me in every possible way. The little ones keep life busy, but their smiles remind me why I’m working toward this dream.
Another lesson for me this year has been learning to balance saving for the future with enjoying today. Sure, FIRE is the dream, but what’s the point if you don’t stop to enjoy life along the way? For me, that means spending on things that bring joy or make life easier—like the new car, vacation or small splurges for the wife and kids.
If you’re on your FIRE journey, remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Stay disciplined, focus on the long-term, and celebrate the small wins along the way.
2025 Goals – Staying Focused
Here’s what I’m aiming for next:
Add $100K to Investments: This will be tricky since I won’t receive many RSUs next year, but I’m determined to find ways to make it work.
Switch Jobs: More of a career goal, but it ties into saving more. I’ll take my time with this one, as managing two young kids is already a handful.
Increase Emergency Fund to $25K.
Refinance Loans: Hoping to find better interest rates for my car and housing loans.
Pay Off Personal Loan & Medical Bills.
Save for My Sibling’s Wedding: As the eldest, I want to contribute around $50K for the wedding in two years. This will be tough, but I’m treating it as a stretch goal.
Final Thoughts
2024 was a great year of growth, reflection, and gratitude —both financially and personally. I’m excited to see what 2025 brings!
What about you? I’d love to hear your 2024 wins or 2025 goals, whether they’re financial or personal. We’re all on different journeys, but it’s inspiring to share and learn from one another.
Thanks for reading, and here’s wishing you a wonderful holiday season and an amazing 2025!
Hey everyone!
This is my third post documenting my journey toward FIRE. If you’d like, you can check out my earlier updates here: Post 1 - https://www.reddit.com/r/FIRE_Ind/s/PM7YRdMzYj Post 2 - https://www.reddit.com/r/FIRE_Ind/s/XqqE1Uhtw0
Quick Recap of the Numbers
I’m 33, married, with two young kids, working as a SWE in the US. My FIRE target is $1.2M (~₹10 crore) by 2028. Post-FIRE, I aim to keep expenses at $36K (~₹30 lakh per year) using a 3% SWR.
Six months ago, my net worth was $862K + a 2BHK house.
Where Things Stand Now
Here’s my current financial snapshot:
Assets:
Stocks: $707K 401(k): $231K HSA: $37K Emergency Fund: $10K Total Assets: $985K
Real Estate:
Plot of land to build my dream home: ₹70 lakh (~$85K)
Debt:
Car Loan: $20K Phone: $1K Personal Loan: $6K Housing Loan: $18K Medical Bills: $6K Total Debt: $51K
Net Worth:
$985K - $51K = $934K
This excludes the value of my 2BHK home and the new plot I bought.
A Journey of Growth and Learning
Over the last six months, I moved some funds between my emergency savings and loans. I initially took a loan for my car, planning to pay it off quickly. However, I ended up using that money to buy a plot in my hometown to build my dream home instead. No regrets as it was a decision that aligned with our long term vision as a family.
Watching the portfolio grow from $350K in January 2023 to nearly $980K in two years has been humbling. It’s incredible to see how my investments are now working harder than I am! It’s a clear reminder to stay focused on the bigger picture, be patient and not sweat short-term market dips. Regular investments, index funds, and holding onto my company RSUs did the trick (and no, I’m not riding the NVIDIA or Meta wave).
The biggest lesson for me has been realizing that time in the market truly beats timing the market. For anyone starting out, I’d say: trust the process, avoid unnecessary trading, and let your investments grow steadily over time.
I used to check my portfolio daily, but now? Sometimes weeks go by without looking and that’s a good thing—it’s freed me from the stress of market volatility and helped me stay more focused on other areas of life.
I know not everyone has the same starting point. I’ve been fortunate to have a high-paying job in tech and to benefit from the strong market performance over the past few years. That said, progress still takes discipline and persistence. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
2024 Goals – Results
Increase Net Worth to $900K: ✅ Achieved! Sitting at $934K now.
Buy a Used Car for ~$30k: ✅ Got a new car for $40K instead of a used one. It’s been a fantastic upgrade for the family. Worth every penny!
Purchase a Plot for My Dream Home: ✅ Done! The plot is in a gated community in a tier-2 city and feels like the perfect fit.
I’m grateful to have reached these milestones, though they weren’t without challenges.
A New Mindset
Past few months, I consciously stepped back from FIRE communities and spent more time practicing mindfulness. I’ve been learning to keep my mind less busy and feel more at peace. I feel more present, less stressed, and more appreciative of the small joys in life.
My wife has been an absolute rock—keeping things running smoothly at home and supporting me in every possible way. The little ones keep life busy, but their smiles remind me why I’m working toward this dream.
Another lesson for me this year has been learning to balance saving for the future with enjoying today. Sure, FIRE is the dream, but what’s the point if you don’t stop to enjoy life along the way? For me, that means spending on things that bring joy or make life easier—like the new car, vacation or small splurges for the wife and kids.
If you’re on your FIRE journey, remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Stay disciplined, focus on the long-term, and celebrate the small wins along the way.
2025 Goals – Staying Focused
Here’s what I’m aiming for next:
Add $100K to Investments: This will be tricky since I won’t receive many RSUs next year, but I’m determined to find ways to make it work.
Switch Jobs: More of a career goal, but it ties into saving more. I’ll take my time with this one, as managing two young kids is already a handful.
Increase Emergency Fund to $25K.
Refinance Loans: Hoping to find better interest rates for my car and housing loans.
Pay Off Personal Loan & Medical Bills.
Save for My Sibling’s Wedding: As the eldest, I want to contribute around $50K for the wedding in two years. This will be tough, but I’m treating it as a stretch goal.
Final Thoughts
2024 was a great year of growth, reflection, and gratitude —both financially and personally. I’m excited to see what 2025 brings!
What about you? I’d love to hear your 2024 wins or 2025 goals, whether they’re financial or personal. We’re all on different journeys, but it’s inspiring to share and learn from one another.
Thanks for reading, and here’s wishing you a wonderful holiday season and an amazing 2025!