8 people who retired before age 45 reveal how the decision changed their money habits

Hillary Hoffower

August 14, 2019 7:07 PM

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For Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung, financial independence made traveling more affordable.

Early retirees typically spend years saving aggressively so they can give up their paycheck and live off their savings.
Eight early retirees told Business Insider their money habits changed for the better after retiring early .
Many lowered their living expenses and don't think about money the way they used to.
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Early retirement involves a bit of culture shock.

Of course, spending your days not reporting to anyone but yourself and doing whatever you like is exciting. But giving up a regular paycheck no matter how much money you have saved up can be a bit scary at first.

Business Insider talked to eight people who retired early about how their finances changed after they took the leap and left the workforce for good. Turns out, their financial lives generally improved after retiring early . Many early retirees ultimately lowered their cost of living and are far less concerned about money than they were while working.

That's not to mention the many priceless opportunities early retirement has afforded them, like the ability to travel the world or become a stay-at-home parent.

Here's how retiring early has changed each of their relationships with money for the better.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider