This is probably not the typical FIRE profile, but I finally reached 6 figure net worth and I’m in the best financial health in all my life. I was born in a 3rd world country and came from a very poor background. Growing up, my dad, older brother and I shared clothes and underwear, and I remember going to bed frequently with my stomach growling from hunger. My family had no idea how SATs, college applications, or internships worked so I had to figure it all out myself. My family actually DISCOURAGED sports, extracurricular activities, and working so I had to secretly do them cause I knew they would put me ahead. I have absolutely ZERO inheritance or help from my family. I paid for college myself by working in food service jobs and taking out a lot of loans.

In my adult life I changed careers twice, going back to school each time. Biotech > nursing > software development. Going into software development was the turning point in my life. Before that, I was always struggling, living paycheck to paycheck, and had negative 6 figure net worth due to student loans, credit card debt, and no savings nor investments. My ex was a big spender and regularly spent money we did not have, and because of this I had many sleepless and restless nights. We always had high credit card debts and we paid the minimum each time the bills were due.

I learned about FIRE from this sub and read about all the incredible journeys you guys had, and promised myself that one day I will finally be free and not be in a constant state of stress all the time. I got divorced, which was the best decision of my life, sold our house (broke even thankfully), and then changed careers to software development in 2019, which was the second best decision of my life.

Last month, July 2023, I reached positive 100k net worth for the first time in my life (complete 180 from negative 6 figures NW), all in retirement accounts and a small emergency fund. I max my 401k, Roth IRA, and HSA contributions every year and invest them in funds that track the s&p500. My next goal is to invest more and proceed to the next step in the flowchart, which is the mega backdoor roth IRA. To do this I need to have a higher salary which is in progress (currently interviewing for higher paying jobs). My strategy is to change jobs every 2-3 years with significant pay increases each time.

I made my own spreadsheets with formulas derived from FIRE concepts and I’m projected to hit 1mil by 51 years old. In the meantime, I am enjoying my 30s while I still can, traveling, and living a dream life I never thought was ever possible for me.