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- I saved $2 million, sold everything, and retired at 49. Now, I travel full-time and have already visited over 40 countries. (businessinsider.com)
At 22, a 401(k) orientation session changed Chris Englert’s life. Inspired by the power of investing, she dedicated herself to early retirement. Through diligent saving, shrewd investments, and a frugal lifestyle, she amassed a $2 million portfolio, retiring at 49 – six years ahead of schedule.
While she waited for her husband to retire and their children to grow older, Chris embarked on a five-month solo journey through South America, experimenting with month-long stays in different cities. This experience sparked an idea: full-time travel. Calculating their monthly expenses in Denver at $6,000, she realized that eliminating housing and car costs could make a nomadic lifestyle financially viable.
A few years later, with her husband also retired and their children grown, they sold almost everything, packing their remaining belongings into carry-on luggage. In May 2021, their full-time travel adventure began.
Now, they explore the world on a $4,000 monthly budget, prioritizing warm climates and month-long stays to secure better rental rates. House-sitting in pricier cities provides free accommodation and often includes a car. For intercontinental travel, they utilize repositioning cruises, saving money on flights.
Since embarking on this journey, they’ve explored over 40 countries across Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe. They relish the constant novelty and challenges that keep their minds sharp.
While they deeply value their family connections and cherish visits back to the US, they have no intention of slowing down. With careful budgeting, they anticipate many more years of exciting global adventures.