One woman's path to financial freedom is a remarkable example of determination and strategic financial planning.
What Happened: Lakisha Simmons, a 41-year-old single mother, began working at 14. Over the years, she always viewed employment as a means to ensure financial security.
Her decision to retire early was fueled by a lifelong work ethic deeply rooted in her family values. She achieved this milestone through academic career earnings and side hustles, which in 2020 amounted to $150,000.
By the time she retired in 2021, Simmons had $850,000 in savings and investment.
Her journey toward this financial independence, known as FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early), began in earnest in 2017.
Simmons' approach to her retirement goal involved significant lifestyle changes and financial sacrifices. Post-divorce in 2017, she reassessed her financial situation, leading to the sale of her large ...