From Early Retiree to Investment Coach: An interview with Charlene Cong

[Max]

Charlene says, she retired in 2023 at the age of 32 in Zurich with a $1M portfolio.

If we run a FIRE calculation for 58 years (until 90) and 100% stocks, we get a SWR of 3,88% for 90% success rate. Which gives us about $3233 per month.

I really doubt one can live on $3233 (currently CHF 2717) per month in Zurich.

Maybe she bears only a half of expenditures, and the rest is paid by her partner, who is "also financialy independent and runs a business". $6466 (CHF 5435) per month would sound more realistic (whereas also quite frugalistic for Zurich).

It is remarkable that Charlene hasn’t actually started withdrawing and is working more than she ever did.

I would say that it is not quite obvious from the available data that Charlene is an early retiree or financially independent.

 

[evergreen]

She is more what we call a Barista FIRE: while being technically FIRE but decides to continue working, doing what she likes and doesn't have to care too much about the income.

I'm following the same route: planning to quit my current job in IT after 20 years, starting to work as a freelance videographer as my "Barista" job (I don't get paid yet)

 

[Max]

From the data available, I would say she has moved from emplyment to self-employment.

It is not obvious from the available data that she is technically FIRE for Zurich (CHF 2717 per month doesn't seem to be enough for that). Maybe she owns a real estate and doesn't have to pay rent - but it is not disclosed. And she hasn't started withdrawing.

 

[elik]

I live on an average of CHF 2900 per month exluding taxes, living with my partner, so we split the rent. I take frequent budget trips (always looking out for a good flight deal) but rarely eat out in Switzerland due to high prices. I think it is very much possible if you can resist lifestyle creep and keeping up with the Joneses.

If she quit her job, her income tax would be quite low. Plus she has some income from her side business which is probably enough to sustain her daily expenses.

 

[Max]

I live on an average of CHF 2900 per month exluding taxes, living with my partner, so we split the rent.

Do you live in Zurich?

Plus she has some income from her side business which is probably enough to sustain her daily expenses.

This is what I am saying: From the data available, I would say she has moved from emplyment to self-employment.