Why I Chose Coast FI

As you’ll hear from many people in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community, there are different “flavors” of FI to choose from. When I first started my journey, I was all in on Full FI, the idea of saving aggressively, reaching a magic number, and walking away from work completely. But after a decade as a nurse, I was already burned out and felt like I had hit a ceiling.

Pursuing Full FI would have meant pushing even harder, taking extra shifts, sacrificing even more time, and delaying the ability to enjoy the present. The more I looked at it, the more I realized I was trading balance and happiness for a finish line that still felt far away. That’s when I discovered Coast FI and everything changed.

What is Coast FI?

Coast FI is the point at which you’ve already saved enough that, even if you never contributed another dollar, your investments will grow to fully fund your retirement by the time you reach your target age. Instead of grinding for Full FI, Coast FI gives you freedom much earlier, allowing you to step back, reduce stress, and live a more balanced life, all while knowing your future is taken care of.

Why Coast FI Made Sense for Me

When I ran my numbers, I realized my Coast FI number was attainable much sooner than Full FI. That meant I didn’t have to keep pushing myself to the brink in a job that was draining me. With this strategy in mind, I made the decision to leave the ER and transition into a Pre-Op position that offered a flexible schedule and a part-time role.

At the same time, I was developing a deep passion for helping other nurses with their finances. Every day, I worked alongside some of the hardest-working, most selfless people and some of the most burned-out. Many of them had no idea what their 401(k) looked like, lived paycheck to paycheck, and didn’t realize investing could give them real options. I knew then that my calling wasn’t just in nursing, it was in helping my peers take control of their financial futures.

Reaching Coast FI (And Beyond)

It took me about five years from that moment to officially hit Coast FI, and now I have the choice to continue investing or stop altogether. But one of the most surprising things I discovered along the way? Because I started investing early in my career and followed a strong investing strategy, I actually ended up on a hybrid FI path. I’m technically Coast FI, but I’m also on track to reach Full FI in my late 40s or early 50s.

And I’m not alone. Many others who have taken this path now work part-time, spend more time with family, coach yoga, plan weddings, or pursue hobbies they love. They’ve created a life that isn’t dictated by work, and that’s the true power of financial independence.

A Decision That Changed Everything

Choosing Coast FI over Full FI changed the trajectory of my career and my life. I never wanted my job to define me. I wanted my life to be shaped by what I value, not just what I earn. This decision allowed me to step back from burnout, transition into a role that gave me flexibility, and follow my passion for helping others break free from financial stress.

For anyone feeling stuck in the grind, Coast FI is an option worth exploring. It’s not about giving up on financial independence, it’s about designing a life where you have control over your time much sooner. And that, to me, is the ultimate goal.