3550: [Part 2] How I Measure Progress Toward Financial Independence by Craig Stephens of Retire Before Dad
Optimal Finance DailyMay 06, 2026
3550
00:13:03

3550: [Part 2] How I Measure Progress Toward Financial Independence by Craig Stephens of Retire Before Dad

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Episode 3550:

Craig Stephens breaks down a practical way to measure financial independence by focusing on annual spending, invested assets, and sustainable income streams rather than misleading net worth figures. By adjusting expenses with passive income and tracking progress visually, he reveals a clearer, more motivating path toward early retirement. This approach helps you see exactly how close you are, and where you can accelerate the journey.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.retirebeforedad.com/measure-financial-independence/

Quotes to ponder:

"Best practice is to use invested assets to measure progress toward financial independence instead of net worth."

"Start tracking anyways. You’ll be amazed with the amount of progress you can make in a year or two."

"I prefer to keep taxable passive income assets and retirement savings separate because I do not want to draw down the principal of my sustainable income streams."

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