15 Top FIRE Bloggers To Help You Retire Early

FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early), isn’t just a trendy buzzword.

It’s a lifestyle shift, a paradigm breaker, and a liberating ideology that thousands are embracing to break free from the 9-5. (Digital nomadism is related to FIRE, but they’re not exactly the same).

To learn the essentials of FIRE, a great place to start is with reading the work of various FIRE bloggers.

Those online pioneers are at the forefront of the FIRE movement, using their own life stories to guide others to financial independence. (And, by the way, your own profitable blog is a valuable asset on any FIRE journey).

Here are 15 of my favorite FIRE bloggers.

15 Top FIRE Bloggers To Help You Retire Early

Here’s a list of top FIRE bloggers to guide you on your journey to early retirement and freedom.

#1. Mr Money Mustache

Mr. Money Mustache is a highly influential blog in the FIRE movement, founded in 2009 by Pete Adeney, a former software engineer who retired at age 30.

Today, Pete Adeney is widely considered one of the top FIRE bloggers out there. The blog chronicles Pete’s journey to early retirement and his life thereafter, emphasizing frugality, sustainability, and the joys of a simplified lifestyle.

It covers a variety of topics, including investing, savings, and cutting expenses, with a unique focus on reducing environmental impact. The blog has garnered a large following, dubbed the ‘Mustachians,’ and has spurred a cultural shift towards viewing frugality not as a sacrifice, but as a path to freedom and happiness.

#2. Financial Samurai

Sam Dogen left a lucrative career in finance in 2009 to focus on his blog, Financial Samurai, where he shares insights into real estate, retirement planning, and wealth management.

Sam uses the platform to share his in-depth knowledge on a variety of financial topics, including investing, real estate, retirement planning, and wealth management. Known for his insightful analysis and practical advice, Sam’s writings often reflect his experiences navigating the financial world post the 2008 crisis.

An interesting aspect of Financial Samurai is Sam’s focus on the “stealth wealth” concept, encouraging readers to live below their means to expedite financial independence. The blog serves as a comprehensive resource for those seeking financial freedom.

#3. Mad Fientist

Mad Fientist is a well-regarded FIRE blog, created by a mysterious FIRE blogger named Brandon (surname unknown), who charts his journey to financial independence and early retirement.

The blog is best known for its in-depth articles on advanced strategies to achieve FIRE, such as tax avoidance techniques, credit card rewards maximization, and efficient retirement withdrawal strategies.

Brandon also hosts a podcast featuring interviews with other key figures in the FIRE community. Mad Fientist stands out as a resourceful guide, particularly for those seeking a deep, analytical dive into the mechanics of achieving financial independence.

#4. Frugalwoods

Frugalwoods is a widely followed FIRE blog penned by Elizabeth Willard Thames, who, along with her husband, achieved financial independence and retired early to a homestead in Vermont.

The blog is an eloquent chronicle of their journey, emphasizing extreme frugality, simplicity, and mindful consumption. Topics covered include frugal living, DIY, investing, and rural life.

Elizabeth also explores the joy found in non-material wealth, such as nature and family time. An interesting feature of Frugalwoods is its “Frugalwoods Challenge,” which encourages readers to embrace frugality and examine their spending habits, thus aligning personal finance with long-term life goals.

#5. Afford Anything

Founded by Paula Pant, Afford Anything is a FIRE blog that brings an empowering perspective to personal finance.

Through her motto “You can afford anything but not everything,” Paula emphasizes mindful spending, and teaches readers to align financial decisions with their highest priorities.

The blog offers insights into a range of topics, including real estate investing—a field where Paula has considerable experience—as well as travel, money management, and the psychology of money.

What sets Afford Anything apart is its focus on achieving financial independence not just for early retirement, but to gain the freedom to pursue passions and live life on one’s own terms.

#6. Our Next Life

Chronicling the journey from a high-stress career to early retirement, Our Next Life is a FIRE blog started by Tanja Hester, a former political consultant.

The blog’s emphasis is on the non-financial aspects of early retirement and financial independence, such as purpose, identity, and health. Tanja candidly discusses these themes, along with traditional financial advice and investment strategies.

One especially unique feature of Our Next Life is its focus on community and social justice, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility within the FIRE movement. Tanja is also the author of the book “Work Optional,” further expanding on the concepts discussed in her blog.

#7. Millennial Money

Driven by the journey of its founder, Grant Sabatier, Millennial Money stands as an influential voice in the FIRE community, with Sabatier considered one of the top FIRE bloggers.

Sabatier shares his inspiring journey from having only $2.26 in his bank account to achieving millionaire status in just five years. The blog covers a plethora of financial topics, including investing, saving, side hustles, and entrepreneurship.

Alongside providing practical money advice tailored for a millennial audience, Millennial Money also features a podcast where Sabatier interviews successful entrepreneurs and financial experts. His blog uniquely combines insights on wealth creation with philosophies on living a rich life – beyond just money.

#8. The Simple Path to Wealth

The Simple Path to Wealth is a noteworthy FIRE blog created by JL Collins, an investing proponent who simplifies the path to financial independence.

Born out of a series of letters to his daughter about money and investing, the blog demystifies complex financial topics, focusing on wealth accumulation through low-cost index fund investing.

Collins offers easy-to-understand advice about stock markets, saving, spending, and the power of compound interest.

A compelling aspect of the Simple Path to Wealth blog is its straightforward approach, encouraging readers to steer clear of financial noise and adhere to a simple yet effective investment strategy.

Collins is also the author of a book of the same name.

#9. Early Retirement Now

Early Retirement Now is a FIRE blog founded by Karsten, a former economist and research scientist.

Fueled by his analytical background, Karsten provides readers with advanced financial planning and investment advice, often backed by meticulous research and quantitative analysis.

The blog covers a wide array of topics including safe withdrawal rates, tax optimization, asset allocation, and more.

A distinguishing feature of “Early Retirement Now” is Karsten’s in-depth series on the “Safe Withdrawal Rate,” a resource many consider seminal in understanding how to make your money last throughout retirement.

#10. Retire by 40

Retire by 40 is a compelling FIRE blog created by Joe Udo, who decided to leave his engineering career at age 38 to become a stay-at-home dad and blogger.

His blog outlines his personal journey towards this early retirement and covers a diverse range of topics, from investing and saving to frugal living and parenting.

An intriguing aspect of Retire by 40 is Udo’s yearly progress updates towards his retirement goals, offering readers a real-time view into his financial independence journey.

Udo’s candid and relatable writing style plus practical advice makes his blog both engaging and educational for readers.

#11. Go Curry Cracker

Go Curry Cracker is an engaging FIRE blog run by Jeremy and Winnie, a couple who achieved financial independence in their 30s and have since been travelling the world with their child.

The blog details their journey towards financial independence and their adventurous post-retirement lifestyle.

As well as sharing the family’s travel experiences, Go Curry Cracker also offers insights on investing, tax optimization, and frugal living.

The blog is particularly renowned for its in-depth tax guides which detail the couple’s strategies for legally reducing their income tax to zero.

The lively storytelling, combined with practical advice, makes Go Curry Cracker a captivating and informative read.

#12. Root of Good

Root of Good is a captivating FIRE blog founded by Justin, who achieved financial independence and retired at the young age of 33.

Justin’s blog presents a blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice, detailing his journey towards financial independence and early retirement. The blog explores a variety of topics including frugal living, investing, retirement planning, and travel.

What sets the Root of Good blog apart is its regular, detailed financial updates. Justin candidly shares his family’s income, expenses, and net worth, giving readers a transparent view of how he manages his wealth post-retirement.

#13. A Purple Life

A Purple Life is an insightful FIRE blog created by an anonymous writer who goes by the same name.

The blog chronicles her unique journey to financial independence and early retirement, which she accomplished in 2020 at the age of 30.

Major topics covered including savings strategies, expense tracking, travel, geo-arbitrage, and the emotional aspects of retiring early.

An interesting aspect of A Purple Life is its annual cost-of-living posts, offering a detailed view of the author’s expenses and lifestyle.

The blog’s unique moniker, “A Purple Life”, represents her decision to live life on her own terms without adhering to the societal norms, but instead making it a colorful and unconventional journey.

#14. ChooseFI

ChooseFI is an expansive FIRE blog and podcast founded by Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett.

The duo explores every aspect of the financial independence journey, including investing, real estate, healthcare, travel rewards, and tax strategies. They host interviews with successful individuals within the FIRE movement, sharing their personal stories and tips.

What sets ChooseFI apart is its community-centered approach. They facilitate local groups around the world, promoting discussion and support among those pursuing financial independence.

The ChooseFI podcast has become one of the most listened-to personal finance podcasts, making the blog a go-to resource for anyone interested in the FIRE lifestyle.

#15. Early Retirement Extreme

This one might look and feel a tad old school, but don’t be put off. The advice is solid.

Early Retirement Extreme is a thought-provoking FIRE blog founded by in 2007 Jacob Lund Fisker, a former astrophysicist who retired at age 33. Fisker explores a radical approach to financial independence, focusing on extreme savings, frugality, and self-sufficiency.

He shares insights on diverse topics including investing, lifestyle design, and philosophical musings on consumerism and modern living. Early Retirement Extreme is known for its “21-day makeover” guide, helping readers overhaul their financial habits.

Early Retirement Extreme is more than a personal finance blog; it’s a manifesto for a minimalist lifestyle that challenges conventional norms, providing a unique perspective within the FIRE community. Fisker has also authored a book sharing the same title as the blog.