Key Takeaways Liquid assets—such as cash, stocks, and brokerage accounts you can tap immediately—create flexibility that other assets can't match. Growing your income matters more than pinching every penny, especially if you don't let lifestyle inflation creep up on you. Staying invested during market drops prevents the timing mistakes that cost the average investor over 1% per year. A married couple in their mid-30s recently shared their financial situation on Reddit's Financial Independence co ...

Core Insights - A couple in their mid-30s has $2.3 million in liquid assets and aims to reach $4 million by age 42, with a combined annual income of $550,000 [2][3] Group 1: Financial Situation - The couple's liquid net worth includes cash and investments that can be quickly converted to cash, excluding assets like their home or retirement accounts [5] - Their liquid assets provide significant flexibility, allowing them to navigate financial challenges without stress [6] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The couple employs dollar-cost averaging, investing equal amounts at regular intervals regardless of market conditions, which helps manage investment costs over time [9] - Staying invested during market downturns has been crucial for their financial success, as it prevents timing mistakes that can lead to lower returns [10]