April 25th is International Financial Independence Awareness Day, or 425 Day. Together the 4% Rule and the Rule of 25 lead to financial independence (425day.com)
It’s 425 Day!
Have you heard? It’s 425 Day—and I’m celebrating with a bonus post! Why, you ask?
It’s because of this:
I truly believe our world would be happier and more sustainable if FI was considered 'normal'.
— Chrissy @ Eat Sleep Breathe FI 🍁 (@esb_fi) April 21, 2019
I'm on board with #425day and will write an article to commemorate it—what about you? Will you help spread the FIRE? 🔥
https://t.co/9JjNmJBaCQ via @GetRichQuickish
So on this, the inaugural 425 Day, I’m reaffirming why I spend countless hours of my life helping to spread the FI message: I really do believe FI can change our world. Here’s how:
1. FI increases happiness
The FI community’s one of the friendliest places on the internet (and in real life). We’re a pretty happy, satisfied bunch of people! Why is this?
We connect with others
Even the most introverted FI-seekers (ahem—yours truly included) crave connection with like-minded people. It’s well-established that social connections are one of the keys to long-term happiness. So it makes complete sense that the FI community’s such a positive and welcoming place. (At least most of the time!)
We share our knowledge
In the FI community, we love sharing what we’ve learned. We help each other to expand our knowledge, acquire new skills, and improve our mindset—all of which contributes to our overall happiness. (Plus, it strengthens our connections with others.)
We know our whys
When we know our whys (for FI, for life, for earning money, etc.) we’re more motivated. Our whys push us to do the hard things to reach the goals we dream of. We’re also more fulfilled because our awareness makes us more likely to live true to our whys.
We’ve got goals
The FI community’s got all kinds of goals! Goals work in tandem with our whys to motivate us to get things done. As we complete tasks and reach each milestone, we feel a sense of accomplishment and gain confidence (which contributes to our happiness).
We’re aware
FI-seekers tend to be very in-tune with what makes them happy. (In large part due to the previously-mentioned sharing of knowledge.) Being aware of what brings us joy and what stresses us out plays a huge role in helping us live our best, happiest life.
We’re proactive
Awareness can only get us so far. We also need to be proactive and make changes to improve our lives. FI-seekers are always encouraging and supporting each other to take action. (And not just someday, but now!) This proactivity brings small, constant improvements to our lives, which results in (you guessed it) more happiness!
2. FI improves the lives of others
FI improves our lives and gives us time and financial freedom. When our own cups are filled, we’re freed to give more to others. (And that’s exactly what many FI-seekers do—both pre and post-FI.) Here’s how:
We have time to help
Once we reach FI, paid work is optional. This frees us to choose how we spend our time. For many FI-seekers, this includes volunteering, mentoring, or even just helping family and neighbours. Whatever the case—the freedom FI grants us often benefits our community and world.
We have the means to give more
Because we’re financially stable (or even financially abundant) we have the means to give more to others. We also have the knowledge to maintain our nest eggs and ensure they’re sustainable long into the future—enabling us to give confidently and generously.
We have knowledge to share
This is so powerful that it bears repeating. By sharing what we know, we help others live their best lives too. Blogging allows me to do just that—I can freely share what I’ve learned and benefit others.
3. FI is good for our planet
Financial independence doesn’t automatically lead to a greener lifestyle. But very often, the choices we make to reach FI are good for our wallets and the Earth. Here’s how:
We’re frugal
Most FI-seekers practice frugality—and frugal choices also tend to be green choices. (For example, mending clothes saves money and reduces landfill waste.) Even if your focus is only on frugality and not on green practices, you’ll still end up doing a lot for our planet’s health.
We’re mindful
FI-seekers aim to spend mindfully and cut waste. We don’t just follow the consumerist culture around us. We carefully consider our purchases—which usually leads to less consumption. (And less consumption’s always a win for the Earth!)
We’re optimizers
FI-seekers are optimizers. That means we live in smaller homes, drive smaller cars, choose quality over quantity, etc. Over many years, these daily choices add up to a greatly reduced impact on the Earth (and huge savings for us).
We’re aware
This is another point worth repeating. The FI community is very aware of social issues—including humans’ impact on the Earth. This awareness leads to more mindful consumption, and often leads to the desire to advocate for more sustainable living.
Summing it up
I hope this article’s opened your eyes to how FI benefits us, others, and the planet. Join in and celebrate 425 Day by sharing the message! You can do this by:
- Sharing articles that advocate for FI—like the ones on this blog (use the handy sharing buttons at the bottom of your screen).
- Telling your friends and family about FI and why you’re pursuing it. (Or tell the world by starting your own blog or podcast!)
- Commenting on FI blogs, tweeting about #FI, joining FI Facebook groups—anything that’ll keep the conversation going.
Want to learn more about FI?
I’ve got the perfect FREE resource for you! Check out FI School. It’s a curated, easy-to-follow resource—designed to take the overwhelm out of the FI journey.
Get started, progress through the stages of FI, and reach your goals with FI School.
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10 Comments
Michael @ Financially Alert
April 25, 2019 at 1:19 amHello, fellow FI enthusiast! I didn’t realize 425 was a thing, but I’m glad it is. 🙂
Chrissy
April 25, 2019 at 4:43 amHi Michael, I’ve seen your comments on some of my favourite blogs—thanks for stopping by here! It’s nice to officially “meet” you. 😄
PFI
April 25, 2019 at 4:54 amGreat list of FI benefits, Chrissy! I’m proud to be part of the 4/25 launch with you. I especially appreciate the mention of helping others – frequent volunteering is definitely part of my post-FI plan.
Chrissy
April 25, 2019 at 11:30 amThanks PFI! Imagine how many volunteering hours FI might free up all over the world? Pretty amazing to consider it…
Ms. Mod
April 25, 2019 at 5:51 amI love it Chrissy! Happy 4/25 day to you as well and keep on spreading the good word ;). Yay for a bonus post!
Chrissy
April 25, 2019 at 8:31 amThanks Ms. Mod!
Kris
April 25, 2019 at 7:47 pmHappy 425 day. I’m glad you’re spreading the word. This coincides with April being Financial Literacy Month. So happy people like you are on this FI journey. ☺
Chrissy
April 25, 2019 at 9:03 pmAww, such kind words. Thanks Kris. I know there’s been some negativity and friction in the FI community recently, but for the most part, we really are a happy, friendly bunch.
I’m glad to have ‘met’ you and so many other great bloggers.
(And I didn’t realize April was Financial Literacy Month! It’s like it was meant to be. 😁)
Sam
May 3, 2019 at 11:15 amChrissy, I think that even if people don’t go all out for financial independence, but just maybe get more of a grip on their finances, add to their savings regularly and consume less, the FIRE movement is helping to make the world a better and happier place. As you say, it is such a supportive community that being part of it is an amazing feeling.
Chrissy
May 4, 2019 at 7:45 pmYou’re so right Sam. Very well said!