Let me tell you about the best financial move I ever made, a simple decision that transformed my life. In 2009, I started a blog called Financial Samurai to discuss reaching financial independence and retiring early—a concept now known as FIRE. This movement encourages people to leave unsatisfying jobs and retire early on their terms, and it’s gained global traction.
Now, to the best part: getting on that bus. One Saturday morning at 6 AM, during my junior year at The College of William & Mary, I boarded a bus to a career fair in Washington D.C. for investment banking—a field no major banks from my college targeted. I was the only one who showed up, so the bus driver ended up taking me in a Lincoln Town Car.
At the fair, most recruiters ignored me, except for one from Goldman Sachs. Despite my quirky tie—a gift from a loved one featuring a teddy bear with a balloon—I secured an intimidating interview that led to a final round in New York. Against all odds, competing against Ivy Leaguers, I landed a job offer from Goldman Sachs in their International Equities department.
This job not only kickstarted my career but also my path to financial independence. By the age of 34, I’d saved enough to retire, thanks largely to investing 70% of my income for over a decade.
Reflecting on everything, I realize the best financial move wasn’t just a physical one—it was also choosing my life partner. She’s been with me from setting that early morning alarm to our shared life now as parents, making every financial and personal success possible.
This experience has cemented my life’s motto: never fail due to a lack of effort, because effort requires no skill. And sometimes, it’s as simple as getting on the bus.
