I hadn’t thought of fatFIRE that way. We are definitely fatFIRE and very minimalistic. I suppose most people want a pile of money to spend, but I just like it there as a big, fat security blanket. I’m like Linus in Charlie Brown, but I have a bank account instead of a ratty old blanket. I totally see your point and agree with it 100%. I don’t have any desire to further harm the planet or be a big spender now or later in life.

I guess to me, fat FIRE still implies spending a lot of money and doing whatever you want, and I like the idea of not consuming a lot, even in retirement. I’d want to be able to buy clothes, go to restaurants and travel sometimes, but not have it be just like bling-bling all the time, which is what I picture when I picture fat FIRE…. the continuation of the American consumer lifestyle that I don’t think is great for the planet… there has to be something between fat FIRE and completely lean FIRE, though, right? 🙂

Minimalism became a driving force in my pursuit to save too. When I began analyzing my purchases I was amazed by how little I actually cared about or needed. It’s crazy to think about how much money disappears from our wallets on needless purchases. I’m curious. Why don’t you have an interest in fat FIRE?

My husband said it’s a fine line between insurance and fear. I’m not sure I agree with him, but I liked the sentiment. Youth, stability and money in the bank certainly alleviates the fear. Having reached FI the fear has disappeared for me. That was unexpected benefit! I love socking away money for the future. Who knows what the future will bring. It’s nice to know there is money in the bank if you need it!