Note to Self
Why I'm doing this, and why I'm shipping it before it's perfect.
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The real journey. Numbers included.
Milestones, percentages and lessons from my own path, and the stories of people building theirs.
Hi, I'm Mike.
I'm a designer in my early 30s. I reached financial independence and $1M invested early in my career. I'm married, and we make our money decisions together. Like many of you, my journey started with the basics, and I made plenty of mistakes along the way.
I'm also a recovering perfectionist, which is a polite way of saying I overthink everything. Born Retired is how I make myself ship: plain-language guides, free tools I build myself, and the math that changed how I think about work.
I'm not a licensed advisor. I'm a peer a few steps ahead, showing you exactly how the numbers work.
- Budgeting is intentionNot restriction. Say yes to what matters.
- Simple math winsAbout 10% long-run returns, the 4% rule, expenses × 25. Not flashy. Proven.
- FI is a launchpadThe goal is choosing how you work, not stopping.
- Get off the treadmillMore stuff rarely buys more freedom. Time does.