Thanks, SMM! Just goes to show that a high savings rate is far more important than investment returns in the short run.

I used actual data mainly because I was curious if the assumptions used by retirement calculators were accurate according to historical data, and unsurprisingly they’re pretty accurate over long stretches of time. It’s also interesting to see how a high savings rate is the cure for a late start to the investing game. Thanks for the comment, John 🙂

I think visualizations can sometimes convey a message better than words can – I’m glad you liked the charts! And you’re right, most people simply don’t prioritize saving, but for those of us who do the benefits are incredible. Saving money = gaining freedom.

Thanks for the feedback 🙂

Indeed – it’s reassuring that no matter how old you are, the best day to get started saving and investing is today. It can make a huge difference in only a decade.

That’s right! If your savings rate is high enough, you’ll reach F.I. so quickly that your investment returns won’t matter nearly as much as you might think. Thanks for the comment 🙂

Thanks, Mrs. Adventure Rich 🙂

I know the feeling, there are several people I work with in their early 30’s who even say they “started too late” to begin to think about financial independence. I think it’s a problem of awareness. Some people just aren’t aware of the math behind savings rates and how a high savings rate = shorter mandatory working life.

Thanks for sharing, Zach.