The FI/RE movement – or Financially Independent, Retire Early – has been gaining momentum recently with more and more people looking to retire early and live life to the fullest, rather than working and working until they drop. With millennials struggling under the weight of student debt, crushing mortgages, and rising gas prices, why wouldn’t you want to retire early?

What is the FI/RE movement?

The term FI/RE stands for Financially Independent, Retire Early. It refers to an individual who has reached a point in his or her career where they can live off passive income and therefore can afford to retire. This differs from traditional retirement, which would usually require one to stop working and begin collecting a pension when they turn 67. In other words, you won’t need a paycheck any longer.

It’s more than money

Perhaps what makes FI/RE even more intriguing than the savings habits, though, is the philosophy. FI/RE isn’t just about saving money; it’s also about living well and achieving goals—and especially avoiding debt and overwork. FI/RE proponents say they want to live in alignment with their values—not at some distant point in a future, but now.

FI/RE in three simple steps

In the Flow app, there is a template especially for FI/RE enthusiasts. In 3 simple steps you automate the FI/RE principles in your finances, and you don't have to look at them. On to financial independence. Of course you can easily adapt the template to your personal situation.

Step 1: Download the Flow app

Step 2: Link your bank accounts

Step 3: Automate with the FI/RE template

Let financial freedom Flow!

From now on, when your salary comes in, your money will be automatically distributed to different bank accounts. It looks like this:

When your salary arrives in your account:

  • Send 55% to Fixed Charges
  • Send 10% to your Financial Freedom Account (or your investment account from Meesman)
  • Send 10% to Education (for self-development, books, study, etc)
  • Send 10% to Play (debt-free money to spend)
  • Send 5% to Donations
  • Fill up the Savings Buffer to €10,000
  • And send anything left over to the Savings Account (for major purchases)

Budget, automate and invest in a hopeful, bright future.