The article discusses the keys to achieving early retirement, as advised by several financial experts. Key points include: 1. **Careful Financial Planning**: Experts emphasize the importance of thorough financial planning, considering factors like market volatility, economic changes, and tax policies. They caution against relying on wishful thinking, such as expecting inheritance or a guaranteed income from parents' estates. 2. **Avoid Target-Date Funds**: For those with aggressive goals, experts recommend avoiding target-date funds, which are often overweighted in bonds and international stocks. Instead, they suggest using low-cost, tactical funds that align with one's timeline. 3. **Leverage Debt**: While paying off a mortgage quickly is tempting, experts advise leveraging debt more strategically. If the mortgage rate is low, it's often better to invest the money rather than paying it off early, as the potential returns from investing can be higher. 4. **Stable Investing Approach**: A stable, long-term investing strategy focused on reliable capital appreciation and income is crucial. This approach helps manage costs and provides flexibility in the face of market downturns and lifestyle changes. 5. **Emotional Preparedness**: Beyond financial planning, emotional preparedness is vital. Early retirement can lead to a lack of fulfillment and purpose, as people may miss the structure and identity provided by a job. Experts recommend considering the long-term impact on one's mental well-being. 6. **Realistic Scenarios**: When planning for early retirement, it's essential to run realistic scenarios that account for various unpredictable factors, such as poor investment performance, higher healthcare costs, and changes in tax policies. Overall, the article highlights the need for comprehensive planning and a balanced approach to achieve early retirement successfully.The article discusses the keys to achieving early retirement, as advised by several financial experts. Key points include: 1. **Careful Financial Planning**: Experts emphasize the importance of thorough financial planning, considering factors like market volatility, economic changes, and tax policies. They caution against relying on wishful thinking, such as expecting inheritance or a guaranteed income from parents' estates. 2. **Avoid Target-Date Funds**: For those with aggressive goals, experts recommend avoiding target-date funds, which are often overweighted in bonds and international stocks. Instead, they suggest using low-cost, tactical funds that align with one's timeline. 3. **Leverage Debt**: While paying off a mortgage quickly is tempting, experts advise leveraging debt more strategically. If the mortgage rate is low, it's often better to invest the money rather than paying it off early, as the potential returns from investing can be higher. 4. **Stable Investing Approach**: A stable, long-term investing strategy focused on reliable capital appreciation and income is crucial. This approach helps manage costs and provides flexibility in the face of market downturns and lifestyle changes. 5. **Emotional Preparedness**: Beyond financial planning, emotional preparedness is vital. Early retirement can lead to a lack of fulfillment and purpose, as people may miss the structure and identity provided by a job. Experts recommend considering the long-term impact on one's mental well-being. 6. **Realistic Scenarios**: When planning for early retirement, it's essential to run realistic scenarios that account for various unpredictable factors, such as poor investment performance, higher healthcare costs, and changes in tax policies. Overall, the article highlights the need for comprehensive planning and a balanced approach to achieve early retirement successfully.