After college, I got my first cubicle job. I was so excited but then I realized that it takes up pretty much my whole life!
I mean, if you’re reading this then you likely know the drill. You wake up and get ready for work. Then you commute to work, sit at work for eight to nine hours, then commute back home.
Work was probably so draining that you need to take a couple of hours just to chill out and recover from the day and then you do it all over again. Really, our career takes up 12 hours of our day. And the other 12 are mostly for sleeping.
Not to mention we only get a couple of weeks off all year. So we spend our hard-earned money on those vacations once or twice a year to repeat it the next year.
And that is exactly why the FIRE movement is catching everyone’s eye.
See, you want to use your young years when you are still active and healthy to enjoy life to the fullest, not be trapped inside your cubicle jail cell. Yet, the retirement structure today only gives you those last few years of your life to experience that level of freedom.
And those years are when you are old, weak, and weary. You don’t have the energy you used to and probably have more health issues than before. If you don’t want to wait until you are 65 to truly experience retirement then keep reading.
I’ve been out of college for a couple of years now and I’ve since graduation I’ve stumbled upon some articles like this one that have caught my eye. I think these sorts of articles catch everyone’s eye.
Because, even though some of us love our jobs and don’t want to retire early, most of us wish our careers didn’t suck away our most valuable resource. And that is time.
Time is the resource no one can provide you with more of and we ache for it day in and day out. Yet, hardly any of us actually manage our time. The most valuable resource out there and the one we spend little time thinking about or planning.
Your time is your biggest asset on this earth.
So if you are like me, no matter what age you are, and just got hooked on the FIRE Movement, or have no clue what I am talking about, then keep reading! These are going to be valuable resources that will get you prepared for early retirement.
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WHAT EVEN IS THE FIRE MOVEMENT?
FIRE stands for financial independence, retire early. In other words, freedom. Time freedom, money freedom, and happiness freedom.
Let’s break it down. First, financial independence is usually the ultimate goal. It is when you have enough money to sustain any lifestyle you choose.
Basically, you have the option to choose if you want to work for money or not. This means you could stop working but continue to work because you enjoy it or you quit your high-paying job and choose to work a lower-paying job that you enjoy more.
Second, early retirement (or retire early) is not working, or not working for money. Just as if you retired at age 65, but instead, are retired at a much younger age.
When you are retired you have enough money to live off each year and can sustain your lifestyle. You have saved up for it and invested over time so that now you don’t have to keep working if you don’t want to.
The FIRE Movement has both financial independence listed and early retirement because often people will move between these. They may have achieved financial independence so they experience some level of retirement, like traveling for a few months, but then come back and pick up a hobby that they love.
You could move back from early retirement to financial independence where you pick up another job.
The FIRE Movement allows you to experience some level of freedom before you hit your old age and enjoy freedom in your prime.
Related Post: How To Manage Your First Real Paycheck After College
Before you even think about getting deeper into this though, it’s important that you are out of debt! That’s right, not something a lot of us can say.
If you are in debt, then you are a slave to money. The Bible says the borrower is a slave to the lender. And if you are constantly giving your money away to your debts, like a car payment, mortgage payment, or credit card bill, then you can’t put that money into savings.
To pursue FIRE and retire early, you need to first pursue getting out of debt. I recommend following Dave Ramsey on Youtube here and listening to his free advice.
The most simple way to set up your life for success financially is to follow Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps. That means setting up a $1,000 emergency fund, getting out of debt, saving money for a larger emergency fund, and funding your retirement account.
Once you have these baby steps in place then it is time to start going hard at living more frugally and thinking long-term. You can then begin saving for early retirement and getting on the track to financial independence fast.
Related Post: My Honest Review of Love Your Life Not Theirs (by Dave Ramsey’s daughter Rachel Cruze)
The best books on the FIRE movement are linked below and will give you a wonderful insight into how you can achieve this fantastic goal.
They will help you escape your time-sucking career and win back what truly matters to you.
Consider your priorities in life: Is it immediate gratification on things and stuff that go out of style, lose value, and make you feel loved for a short time, OR is it winning back your time freedom and loving the people in your life?
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THE BEST BOOKS ON THE FIRE MOVEMENT
These books show you the whole spectrum of the FIRE Movement. From retirement vacations to semi-retirement, to full financial independence and early retirement.
The further you dig into this community the more wide of the spectrum you will notice. While we all have the same end goal in mind of some sort of financial and time freedom, we do not all have the exact same goals.
And that is ok. Just be aware that there is a difference between financial independence and early retirement and that even if you don’t agree with someone 100%, you are both on the path to great success.
I really enjoy this video that breaks it down even further for you.
Let’s jump into the best books on the FIRE Movement and learn more about what this could do to change your life today.
***And, as a recent bonus update, I have added the 11th book to the list!***
11. The Cash Machine: A Tale of Passion, Persistence, and Financial Independence by Dave and Chana Mason
The authors of The Cash Machine, Dave and Chana Mason reached out to me when they came across this blog post. They said they had a new book on the FIRE movement, but this time one that read more like a novel, and asked if I wanted a copy.
I said yes, of course! As soon as I received the book in the mail I began reading it. I’m not going to lie, it was hard to put down at times.
The authors of this book do a wonderful job of intertwining a love story with lots of important money management tips and advice. I especially loved how this book, unlike other FIRE movement books, allowed you to feel the emotions behind the movement.
When different lifestyles were compared, a regular 9-5 high-paying corporate job with a luxurious lifestyle versus a sacrificial and penny-pinching-to-invest-everything lifestyle, I felt the emotions behind those decisions. Happiness, sadness, sacrifice, not being understood by others, and more were some feelings I experienced.
While some parts of the book involving real estate were still a bit over my head and overwhelming, overall I would highly suggest this book to those in pursuit of better money skills and the FIRE movement. It will take you on a fun adventure, especially when money books usually aren’t that fun!
Check out the book on Amazon here!
10. The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris
This book has soared in popularity recently and rightfully so. It is considered one of the best books of the FIRE movement because it gives us a glimpse into what retirement for shorter periods of time could look like.
It hits on taking smaller amounts of retirement and focusing on taking time off for the life you want to live. The idea is to work less, take more vacations, and enjoy life more. For example, work for 5 years and save. Then quit, go on retirement for a bit, and then start at a new job again and repeat.
I love that Tim challenges us to test the norm. We are born into a certain mindset. We think we are required to work the amount we do because companies tell us what they want.
Instead of giving ourselves the option to choose how much we work, our culture has told us to work harder and as a result, we suffer. Intrigued? Check out Tim’s blog here and grab the book today!
See it on Amazon here!
Related Post: Should Christians Pursue The FIRE Movement?
9. Work Less Live More by Robert Clyatt
This is a book all about semi-retirement and wow did I enjoy it. This is for those of you that don’t want to completely retire, maybe because you know you would get bored or you still want to pursue something to make a difference in this world, but you still want to experience some sort of level of financial independence.
Semi-retirement is the idea that you still work, but not for as long and not for a company or in a career that you don’t enjoy. Semi-retirement allows you to still pursue work while also experiencing a level of freedom.
This book is one of the top books on the FIRE movement because it allows us to see that there is an option for you. You do have the ability to work less, work on what you love, and have more time freedom.
For most of us, breaking the mindset of working away in our grueling job until we are 65 years old is very hard to do. This book is easier to understand and easy to get closer to the mindset of full retirement.
Where full early retirement is completely changing our mindset, semi-retirement allows us to take a step down in a sense. Instead of a full 180 change, it is only a 90-degree change.
Ok, maybe that was a really bad example, but either way, this book will help you see that you have the option to pursue the career you love and the work you most enjoy doing while also experiencing some of the benefits of retirement. The industry considers it one of the best books on the FIRE movement.
Check it out on Amazon here!
8. Early Retirement Extreme by Jacob Lund Fisker
I was so excited to read this book because it’s a personal testimony of someone that did it – reached FIRE.
Jacob achieved financial independence at 30 and retired early from his job at age 33. He provides practical tips on how we can achieve the same thing and shift our mindset from short-term wants to long-term gains for freedom.
That’s really what the FIRE movement and community are all about. Having a long-term mindset. You can use this book in hugely practical ways to achieve the same goals that Jacob achieved.
Interested in learning more about his story? Check out the blog or see it on Amazon here! Truly one of the best books on the FIRE movement.
See it on Amazon here!
7. How To Retire Early by Robert and Robin Charlton
This book will give you the nitty-gritty details you need to know about getting your finances in order before you can even think about retiring early. You can use the book to guide you on your walk in the FIRE movement very easily.
Robert and Robin Charlton retired full-time at age 43 and share exactly how they did it, why they did, and how you can do it too. It seems extremely impactful and is a very short and easy read.
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From what I’ve heard, this book really caters to all audiences and there is something in it for everyone. I am very excited to read it shortly.
You need a plan, and this book will give you that. Stop just wishing and take action.
See it on Amazon here!
6. Meet The Frugalwoods by Elizabeth Willard Thames
Ok, hold up. I’m in love with this book. I just recently finished it and wow it blew me away.
And that sounds extreme because there is nothing crazy in this book. There is no magic formula and no schemes for making this come faster than it should.
It’s just the story of a girl and her boyfriend/fiancé/husband going through their 20s and 30s and realizing that there is more to life than just pursuing a career. They, like so many of us, just want to achieve the goals of buying a house and having a baby, and then a bigger house, and a fancy vacation.
But after pursuing those things, one day they realize they still lack satisfaction. They love the woods but are crammed with life in the city.
Related Post: How To Create Your First Successful Budget After College
So they decide to become extremely frugal, have jobs that can work from home, and buy a house in the woods with acreage. They now have the life they wanted out of the rat race.
Seriously, read this book today. You’ll appreciate the term so much better. And check out Elizabeth’s blog here for more information. It was a wonderful read and in my opinion, is one of the best books on the FIRE movement.
See it on Amazon here!
5. The Barefoot Investor by Scott Page
Need a financial guide in your life? You can find it right here in this book! No more obscure advice. Here you’ll only find steps to take.
The path to FIRE can be pretty daunting for most of us because we aren’t financial investors or advisers. We need help but with contradicting messages all over the internet, what really is right?
This book is exactly what you need, one of the best books on the FIRE movement for sure. You need someone to come and tell you everything in one place and with one strategy. It will give you a strategy for whatever your financial goals are – including FIRE.
One of the best books on the FIRE movement hands down.
Grab it on Amazon here!
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4. The Simple Path To Wealth by JL Collins
When you first dive into the FIRE movement you start to hear the same names thrown around that could be “celebrities” in this sector. One of those was Mr. Money Mustache, who has an awesome blog you can see here and also gave the forward for this book.
The other was J L Collins. I had never heard of this guy before so I decided to dig in a little deeper and I was so intrigued by everything he had to say. He has so much wisdom when it comes to your finances that I promise you’ll soak up every word!
When finances seem boring and the last thing you want to think about, this book will give you all the motivation and hope you need to find value in knowledge.
Grab it on Amazon here!
3. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
It’s my guess you’ve heard of this oldy before because it’s been popular for over 20 years. In fact, this book is still a fan favorite today and could be considered the best book on the FIRE movement of all time.
Rich Dad Poor Dad tells Robert’s story of his two dads, one that is rich, and another that is struggling a bit financially. Once again, another book that shows you that you don’t need to fit into the culture mold society creates for you.
It will blow your mind with one simple concept: you do not need to have a high income to be rich. It is up to you how you handle your money.
This book will make you think about how you let your money control you and how you can control it instead. I’ve heard so many rave reviews and it was a fascinating read.
Check it out on Amazon here!
2. Your Money Or Your Life by Vicki Robin
Another book here that is definitely one of the best books on the FIRE movement. This is the book that people tend to turn to when they know they need to fix their money problems.
It gives people hope that they are on track for the right thing and ready to chase after financial independence. This has wisdom that lasts for years and will never get old.
Be sure to check out this top book on the FIRE movement and see what you can do to change your financial situation for the better today. Remember, half of the battle is simply your mindset.
Related Post: The Best Business Book Every Professional Needs To Read Before Turning 30
This book is really for anyone at any age of life, but don’t let that be a reason to wait to read it. You should dive into it as soon as you can!
See it on Amazon here!
1. Playing with FIRE by Scott Riekens
Congrats, you’ve made it to number one, and that means you really are serious about this thing. The FIRE movement clearly has grasped your heart and I am so excited about that (or you skipped to the bottom – if that’s you, then you missed some good stuff to go back and read it!)
This book is a wonderful forward to the documentary that is being released soon. Be sure to check out this page so you don’t miss any valuable information on it.
Scott Riekens would be another leader of the FIRE movement. He is a successful entrepreneur that built the life we all strive for with marriage, a baby, that fancy car, and a gorgeous house but he was still deprived of that time freedom we all crave.
After cutting half his expenses and realizing that maybe financial independence and early retirement really could be an option for him, he has maximized his happiness.
He shares so beautifully the benefits of the FIRE movement that there is no denying all that you can learn from in this book. It really is the ultimate guide. Not just for FIRE but for happiness as well.
See it on Amazon here!
So there you have it, the best books on the FIRE movement and so much information on what you can do to help you shift your mindset to one of more freedom.
We should all strive to live a life not focused on things or short-term satisfaction but on long-term goals with our happiness as the top priority.
Which of the best books on the FIRE movement are you picking up first?? Do you consider any of these the best of the best books on the FIRE movement? Let me know in the comments below!
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I had never heard of the FIRE Movement! This is so fascinating!
Ah glad to be the one to introduce you to it! Definitely check it out more!
I never heard of any of these. Definitely, need to look into them.
They are fascinating!! Glad to introduce you to them, Jasmine!
These are great I will definitely be looking into this because who doesn’t want to retire early right? Thank you for this.
Exactly!! We got this girl!
Fantastic set of books. You are so right. It is not money but time that is the most important thing…however, you need money to get time…and that’s where working smart comes in. Working hard is fine, but working smart is better.
Very well said! Money is necessary, so we just have to be smart with it.
I have an acquaintance in his 30’s who is on track to retire at 40. I’m pretty sure he has read all these books. Even if you don’t think you want to retire early, it is so important to become financially independent, because you never know what life has in store for you.
That’s amazing Beth!! Very true!
Financial independence is indeed the goal and I’ve been seriously looking for financial books. Thanks for sharing. Anyway, it’s so unfortunate that I haven’t read Rich dads Poor dads yet while it’s so trendy.
Same Darlene, picking up that one next(:
I’m always looking for new books to read. As a 20 something, you can not be too ahead of retirement and savings.
Yes Hollie, that’s exactly why I love sharing with 20-somethings because time is on our side!
I am not sure about the early retirement. I think taking more time off while working may be what I need.
It’s good that we can all find our own level of freedom!
I have to admit I’ve not heard of the fire movement before, but I can understand why it is taking off. I am going to have to check out some of these reads on it thank you.
Glad to help Sarah!!
Rich dad poor dad was a great read for me. I had personal ties to the narrative and enjoyed it.
That’s so good to hear! I’m excited to read it soon!
[…] that new books keep coming out about retirement, like Chris Hogan’s Everyday Millionaires, and the FIRE movement, which means Financially Independent, Retire […]
I have never heard of the fire movement but I am familiar with the concept. I used to have a 9 to 5 job that I ended up hating. Leaving it was the best thing I ever did. Now I work for myself and it’s all up to me how much money I produce every week.
That’s amazing Joanna! Love it!
So many incredible books! I wish I had more time to read.
Yes definitely recommend them!
I wish there had been more of a push for this when I got out of school Financial independence is what it’s all about. These books should help!
Yes, if you read one let me know what you think!(:
This is great information and so many of us don’t really pay attention to it until we are 45 and really thinking retirement is in our future. It’s in everyone’s future and if done right life can be so much easier. I wish I had saved more of my money when I was single and working.
Jackie, that is inspiring! Exactly why I wanted to share it! #noregrets
I havent heard of the fire movement but i am certainly interested and intrigued. Thank you for sharing the title of books!
Yay! So glad to introduce you to it and hope it changes your life!
Thanks for the book suggestions, I’ve added these all to my Amazon wishlist. I’ll have to check these out and see if I can retire early 🙂
Awesome!! It’s a great goal to shoot for!
This post made me want to learn as much as I can about the FIRE movement. A similar concept was why my husband and I decided to have our children at a young age, so I can definitely see the appeal of this.
Right?! The FIRE movement can easily hook you in! Let me know what else you learn(:
I love work less and live more !! These are some good recommendations
Thanks, Debyani! Hope you are able to check some of them out!
Thanks for sharing about FIRE movement. I didn’t know about that. Early retirement is good if we have money in the bank. I will try to read the books.
Of course, enjoy reading them!