Like most 20 somethings I was excited to finally be earning money after five years of study. I believed that the money was there was to be spent.

I was the definition of living paycheck to paycheck. Earning enough to pay my bills, with plenty left over for eating out five nights a week, travel, socialising on weekends, and many other of the modern-day trappings.

As I entered my late 20’s I had no savings to my name. I wasn’t even enrolled into a Kiwisaver scheme. In fact, I had a negative net worth thanks to a $25,000 student loan. 

Then in early 2015 at age 34 I damaged my back running. I had to take several months off work on reduced pay.

I was in so much back pain, I couldn’t walk. After a couple of months of reduced income I was under financial stress again. I started thinking life can’t always be like this. I didn’t want to have to rely on work income until I was 70 years old. I wanted to live my own life and I now knew that money would be the thing that would help me achieve this.

I started to read books and blogs about early retirement and personal finance. I was gobsmacked at how much material was out there. There was a whole community of people retiring in their 50’s, 40’s, and even 30’s.

I thought I had no choice but to work until standard retirement age, so to find out there is another way was inspiring. I immediately cut back spending and ran some maths. I calculated that with some changes I can retire before I turn 50 if I choose. The idea of living life on my own terms, whether that is work or not, was very attractive and I built a plan on how to achieve this. 2023 update: I could still choose to retire by age 50, but have decided to change tact to slowing down now at age 43, instead of waiting until age 50. Smart financial moves over the last 10 years have allowed me the opportunity to work less and enjoy more time with my young family on my passions.

It is my mission now to help others live life to their fullest and not be held back by money, or a lack of options. I want your money to work for you. Your Money Blueprint has been established as a resource to help more people take control of their money and live a life full of wealth, health and happiness achieved through financial freedom.

Read more on my blog for some useful advice, tips, strategies and calculations.

You can contact me here. I look forward to hearing from you.