Nora Carol Photography/Getty Images Business Insider has spoken to dozens of financially independent investors. As we head into 2026, BI rounded up their top wealth-building advice. Tips include tracking net worth, house hacking, and leveraging income streams. As economic uncertainty and market volatility reshaped Americans' views on money in 2025, one goal remained constant for many: achieving financial independence. Business Insider has spoken with dozens of investors who've built wealth in ver ...

Kinoshita attributes her success to investing 100% of her side hustle income and lowering expenses. But is it the right choice for everyone?“Because I made early retirement my priority, my investment accounts have really grown in a way that I really didn't anticipate,” she said. “As of the time of this recording in November 2025, I have about $265,000 in my 401(k), $60,500 in my Roth IRA, $180,000 in my brokerage accounts, and about $15,600 in my SEP IRA. And despite never having a six-figure salary, I've b ...

Core Insights - The pursuit of Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) often involves significant sacrifices that clients may overlook, such as delaying care for aging parents or spending less time with children [1][7] - Many clients are motivated by a desire for freedom in how they spend their time, but this surface-level reasoning can lead to deeper issues later on [2] - Financial advisors emphasize the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological aspects behind the desire for early retirement, as mindset can be a greater obstacle than financial resources [5][6] Group 1: Emotional and Psychological Aspects - The emotional drive behind financial decisions is substantial, with approximately 90% of financial choices being influenced by emotions [5] - Clients often experience unexpected feelings and behaviors after pursuing FIRE, including shifting goals and feelings of dissatisfaction [5] - Advisors stress the need for clients to be aware of the trade-offs involved in their choices, ensuring they are comfortable with the implications of their decisions [7] Group 2: Alternative Approaches to FIRE - A growing number of clients are opting for Coast FIRE, which allows them to reduce the pressure of saving for retirement while still achieving a sense of financial security [9][10] - Coast FIRE enables clients to cover their monthly expenses without the need for aggressive retirement savings, providing psychological relief without drastic lifestyle changes [10][11] - The mental benefits of achieving Coast FIRE are significant enough that some advisors now calculate a Coast FIRE number for their clients as part of standard financial planning [12]