I’m 33 and married. I’ve been working so hard to coast fire the last few years, with $1.3M in brokerage, 500k in retirement, 450k in home equity and 150k in savings. We’re blessed we had a baby last year but suddenly it feels like I’m no longer coast fire. Childcare expenses, mortgage and general cost of living in America is a killer. Anyone else feel this way? How do I continue on my dream of coast fire but keep afloat over the next few years with all the costs?

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You got a great head start. So now take your foot off the gas for a few years and enjoy your kid and spend a little. Kids cost a ton but it’s all worth it. You can pick it back up when they get a bit older.

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From what you're saying you're doing great by most measures. You've got money working for you, a roof over your head, and a wife and a kid. Learn to enjoy it! Pay no attention to goals set by other people, have some fun in your own life.

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I can only echo what everyone has already said. You are doing great by all accounts. I am 35 an you are doing much better than me.

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Having a kid changes your life. Now you understand what that means!
You failed to make a realistic plan before, but now you can make one. Clean slate

Your youth and Net worth means you so many options. It depends how you want to balance your life, money vs time.

Skinny Fire now and never work again.
Mini retirement
Coast Fire for several years
Lateral career move to less stressful job
Continue to grind in your current role

Your desired spending will also dictate this.
Kids don’t have to be expensive. Their childcare and education can be costly, but those are also choices.

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I was on a similar boat. Saved over 50% pretax income while single, but with just one kid, struggling to save 30%. Definitely glad I saved hard while I could while single. You will be fine

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Out of curiosity, what has your savings rate been to get to where you are? That’s a stellar foundation that’s going to do some heavy lifting for the next 20-30 years.

I’m also 33, married, and have about $600k in retirement saved but about 1% of your brokerage amount ☺️

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I appreciate the responses everyone! Thank you it was helpful!

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