Core Insights - The article discusses Anita Kinoshita's financial journey, emphasizing her strategy of investing her side hustle income and prioritizing early retirement, which has led to significant growth in her investment accounts [1][4] - Kinoshita has paused her investments after reaching her goal of $500,000, choosing to enhance her lifestyle instead by renting a home in her desired location [1][2] Investment Strategy - Kinoshita adopted the Coast FIRE strategy, focusing on saving and investing enough early on to achieve financial flexibility in middle age, even while still working [3] - She transitioned from a full-time job to part-time work after accumulating $200,000 in investments by April 2022 [3] Housing Market Context - The article highlights the changing landscape for homeownership, noting that the median age of first-time homebuyers has increased to 40 years in 2025, up from 30 in 2010, due to rising prices and mortgage rates [6] - Many younger adults are delaying home purchases, with over 21 million renter households in 2023 considered cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing [7] Financial Decision-Making - The article discusses the opportunity cost of saving for a house versus investing in financial markets, noting that the required savings for down payments have risen significantly in recent years [9] - Financial experts suggest that for many, renting may be a more viable option than buying a home, especially given the current market conditions [10][11] Generational Perspectives - The article contrasts the views of different generations on financial independence and homeownership, with some experts warning about the risks associated with the FIRE movement [12] - It emphasizes the importance of individual risk assessment when deciding between investing in a booming market or saving for a home [13]