The most creative money-saving strategies we heard from super savers and early retirees in 2025

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that there are innovative strategies beyond traditional budgeting to save money and achieve financial independence, particularly through real estate investments and tax strategies [1][4]. Group 1: Real Estate Investment - Suleyka Bolaños and Jeff White retired in their 30s due to their successful real estate portfolio [1]. - Letizia Alto and Kenji Asakura, both physicians, transitioned to real estate investing to supplement their income, eventually acquiring over 100 cash-flowing units [5]. Group 2: Tax Strategies - The couple discovered significant tax benefits associated with real estate ownership, particularly through the IRS designation known as "real estate professional status" (REPS) [6]. - REPS allows individuals to offset active income with rental real estate losses, which is not typically permitted for those without this designation [7]. - For example, a couple earning $250,000 could reduce their taxable income to $100,000 by claiming $150,000 in rental losses if one qualifies for REPS [8]. Group 3: Qualification for REPS - To qualify for REPS, individuals must make real estate their primary occupation, spend over 750 hours annually on real estate activities, and materially participate in rental operations [9].