Retire on FIRE- Rocking an Early Retirement: Meet Henry and Lucy

As the new year begins, Roger Whitney launches a new Retirement Plan Live case study, introducing Henry and Lucy, a couple in their mid-40s pursuing Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE). Roger revisits the 4% rule as a planning heuristic, explains when it can be helpful, and sets the stage for a live community analysis later this month. The episode closes with a Smart Sprint focused on updating your net worth statement and a listener’s word for 2026. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but to have the confidence to lean in and rock it. (00:30) Roger introduces a new Retirement Plan Live case study series and previews the upcoming live community meetup on January 29. RETIREMENT TOOLKIT (01:58) Roger revisits the 4% rule, explaining what it is, where it came from, and why it is often misunderstood. (04:55) Roger talks about the 25x rule commonly used in the FIRE community. (06:38) He discusses the drawbacks of using these heuristics and who they are best used for. (11:05) Roger shares how the 4% rule can help overfunded retirees move beyond scarcity and spend more intentionally. (13:55) A breakdown of FIRE- Financial Independence, Retire Early. RETIREMENT PLAN LIVE (17:41) Roger introduces Henry and Lucy. (20:01) They share how they discovered FIRE and what it means to them. (23:10) Lucy reflects on spending habits, saving, and budgeting (25:30) Henry talks about the start of their relationship. (28:12) Henry and Lucy discuss how saving impacted their lifestyle. (31:20) They discuss what drives their desire to retire early. ( 32:55 ) Roger reflects on his first impression of the FIRE Movement. (34:15) What are the obstacles of retiring so early? (38:45) Roger talks about the difference between a complicated problem and a complex problem. (40:35) Roger asks if they think about landmines that could pop up with such a long retirement. (43:57) Roger invites listeners further along the retirement path to share perspective and advice for their 40-something selves. SMART SPRINT (45:20) Roger encourages listeners to update their end-of-year net worth statement and identify trends for the year ahead. WORD OF THE YEAR (47:31) Listener Lindsay shares her word for 2026: Listen, and Roger reflects on the value of deep listening. REFERENCES Submit a Question for Roger Sign up for The Noodle The Retirement Answer Man Livewithroger.com The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy- Thomas J Stanley, Ph.D.