When I was growing up, I didn’t dream of early retirement. I dreamt of stability. A tidy home. The freedom to travel. But at 33, during the height of the pandemic, I stumbled upon the FIRE movement—Financial Independence, Retire Early—and it completely changed how I imagined my future.

In this episode of the Wealth Para Todos podcast, I walk you through:

• What Stages 9 and 10 of financial security really look like
• How I’m navigating my own financial journey (with a mortgage and 0% interest debt)
• Why I’m not chasing financial independence from fear anymore
• How to shift toward joy, curiosity, and flexibility as your motivation

Let’s dive in.

The 10 Stages of Financial Security

In previous episodes, we’ve covered Stages 1–8 of financial security. Stage 9 is a big one:

✅ You cover all your expenses

✅ You maintain a checking account buffer

✅ You have a fully funded emergency fund

✅ You’re investing enough to retire when you want

✅ You’re 100% debt-free

I reached Stage 9 years ago—before I bought a home and took on a mortgage. These days, I toggle between Stage 8 and Stage 9. While I now carry mortgage debt and 0% interest credit card debt (with a sinking fund to pay it off), I’m still investing $32,500/year to reach early retirement at 47.

But Stage 10? That’s the dream.

Stage 10 is when you’re completely financially free. You’re no longer working out of necessity. You can cover all your expenses, maintain your financial systems, and live off your investments. You’re work-optional, not work-dependent.

The Motivation Shift: From Fear to Play

When I first started this journey, I was terrified of ever being that financially vulnerable again. In 2019, I was sick on medical leave, surviving off disability checks, and our family had less than $8,000 in savings. I vowed never to feel that kind of financial stress again.

Fear got me moving. But fear can’t sustain a long-term goal.

Eventually, life started lifing again—joy returned. The kids needed more. I missed living. And my partner, Joel (“Husbae”), called me out: “I’m not sacrificing my joy for the kids.” It was a wake-up call.

“Which generation finally gets to just enjoy their lives?”

So I changed my approach. Early retirement wasn’t going to be my escape plan. It became a game. A fun challenge. A goal I could pursue from love—for myself, for my family, and for the community I serve.

Financial Flexibility = Liberation

As I’ve worked toward Stage 10, I’ve already experienced the power of financial flexibility—the ability to pivot without panic when life throws curveballs.

Financial flexibility looks like:

• A checking account buffer so you’re not living paycheck to paycheck
• Sinking funds so you can enjoy life without sabotaging your future
• Emergency savings for job loss, health issues, or family emergencies
• Investments and multiple income streams so you can say yes to what matters
• Low- or no-interest debt so more of your money stays yours

This year alone, I navigated wildfires, health issues, and the passing of my Abue. Because of the systems I built, I was able to grieve, rest, and care for my loved ones without financial collapse.

Financial flexibility is not just strategy—it’s survival. Especially for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and first-gen wealth builders. It’s a form of liberation.

What If You Treated Financial Security Like a Game?

What if reaching Stage 10 was play, not punishment?

✨ No shame for not starting sooner

✨ No guilt for not knowing what you didn’t know

✨ No hustle-for-the-sake-of-hustle

✨ Just steady systems, supportive people, and joyful progress

You don’t have to wait until you’re debt-free to feel empowered. You don’t have to delay joy. You can feel safe and spacious now—with the right support, mindset, and financial tools.