Gen Z Guide to FI

That, my friends, (based on today’s numbers) is how much I need to make as a starting base salary + bonus in 2026 to live a comfortable life. Of course, my definition of comfortable is very privileged. I don’t want a roommate and I am assuming I’ll continue traveling to new, great places. That is also, if I live adjacent to NYC for the next 5 years.

Here is how I got these numbers:

2024 was a ridiculously expensive year partially because I had the time to travel to so many new places. Once I start to work again, I’ll be on my employer’s time and I’d most likely have super limited PTO. I spent $13,000 of my own hard earned cash (+ a lot of miles) on making memories in 2024 and it was worth it. But realistically, when I start to work again, I would only have time for a handful of trips in a year. I expect to spend significantly less on travel. But maybe I shouldn’t speak too soon because I’m entering my late 20s and everywhere I turn, people are getting engaged. So, there might still be much travel on the horizon for me.

In my second year of school, I plan to take out loans to help with my living expenses so I haven’t factored in the repayment strategy. I mean I also might not end up taking out loans, you never know. Perhaps, I will actually find a sugar daddy in 2025 after all. If I end up borrowing money, I think I’ll prioritize paying off my loans before any other financial goals.

I am also starting to think seriously about buying a condo. So instead of investing in my brokerage and contributing the max to my 401k, I might focus all those funds towards a downpayment. Of course, this is after paying off my loans.

I’m definitely thinking out loud in this post but I’m wondering if there is a process to borrow from 401k for a house downpayment. I’ll consider that too.

Anyway that’s all for now. I’ll try to stay consistent with the blog even when school starts.

XOXO Gen Z Fire Baby