Couple who retired in their 30s in 1991 says: 'It keeps getting better'

In 1991, a couple made the bold decision to retire in their 30s, and they haven't looked back since. With no regrets, they reflect on their unconventional choice, sharing how their life has flourished and continued to improve over the years. Their story offers inspiration for those considering early retirement, proving that with careful planning, it’s possible to enjoy a fulfilling and ever-improving lifestyle.

In 1989, Billy and Akaisha Kaderli made the bold decision to retire early, confident they could afford it.

“We were both working extremely hard,” Billy shared with CNBC Make It, adding that they realized they didn’t want to continue on that path until reaching traditional retirement age or until they were no longer physically able to work.

Billy, a trained French chef, and Akaisha owned a restaurant in Santa Cruz, California. By 1985, Billy had grown tired of the demands of commercial cooking and transitioned to a role in investment banking, which he described as “one of the easiest jobs I ever had.”

After earning a good income and managing their own investments, the couple reviewed their finances and determined how much money they would need to retire completely.

“We focused on investing as much as possible, tracked our expenses, and eventually realized we already had enough saved at that time,” Billy explained.

They spent two additional years preparing before officially retiring in 1991 at the age of 38, with $500,000 in investments. Adjusted for inflation, that amount would now be nearly $1.2 million.

This decision was made before the FIRE movement - Financial Independence, Retire Early - became widely known. In 1991, the internet itself was still in its infancy, and resources about early retirement were scarce.

“We were overwhelmed by obligations - work, bills, and keeping up with California’s competitive lifestyle around homes, cars, and vacations,” Akaisha said. “We wanted something different because we’ve always been oriented toward freedom.”

For over 30 years, the Kaderlis have embraced retirement, traveling the globe and chronicling their adventures on their blog.

Despite major challenges like the 2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, they’ve never regretted their decision to retire early. Here’s why early retirement worked for them.

‘You own your life’

Akaisha points out that a common myth about retirement is that it’s monotonous or dull.

This misconception is one reason why they prefer calling themselves “financially independent” rather than “early retirees.” They didn’t just want relief from the physical demands of work; they wanted complete control over how to spend their time.

This freedom has defined their experience. “You can choose what you want to do — teach children, help the blind, travel the world, or work where you like, because your time is yours,” Akaisha said. “You own your life.”

Billy added, “Once you achieve financial independence, you can do whatever you want.”

‘It’s a lifestyle, not a vacation’

In their retirement, the Kaderlis have traveled extensively, immersing themselves in different cultures, meeting new people, sampling diverse cuisines, and documenting their journey in books and on their blog.

“It’s not just a vacation - it’s a lifestyle,” Billy said. “We enjoy settling into a place, understanding the local people, their shopping habits, and their food, while forming new friendships.”

Over the years, they’ve lived in places like Thailand, Guatemala, Indonesia, and Nevis in the West Indies. For the past seven years, they’ve maintained a rented apartment in Chapala, Mexico, which they visit periodically.

“We’ve always been eager to explore, try new foods, and meet new people,” said Akaisha, whose background in anthropology complements Billy’s culinary expertise, fueling their excitement for discovering new places.

‘We like to be able to call the shots’

Their journey hasn’t been without challenges. They’ve faced injuries, illnesses, and tough decisions about where to find the best medical care. This year, Akaisha was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, leading the couple to spend three months in Mexico for her treatment.

“We’ve benefited greatly from medical tourism and have had excellent outcomes wherever we’ve sought care,” Billy said.

Ultimately, financial independence has allowed them to continually redefine their lives. “It just keeps getting better,” Akaisha remarked.

Their investments have continued to support the fulfilling and adventurous retirement they envisioned over three decades ago.

“We enjoy being able to make our own decisions, go where we want, and stay as long as we wish,” Akaisha said. “Retirement has made us more adaptable - physically, mentally, and emotionally. We’ve seen the world.”

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Source: CNBC