Steven and Lauren Keys retired at 29 by saving over 60% of their income and investing early. With a net worth of $1.1 million, they visited every state and national park.
Their favorite is Death Valley, while they weren't as fond of Hot Springs or Gateway Arch. Steven and Lauren Keys, now 33 and 34, retired at 29 and have visited every state and national park — managing to grow their wealth while doing so. Though neither earned more than $90,000 a year while they were working full-time, they saved over 60% of their income, began investing early , and avoided unnecessary purchases, allowing them to travel for much of the year while returning with more money than they started with.
On one three-month trip, they returned with $26,000 more despite working just part-time by keeping costs low, getting freebies, and achieving large investment gains. "We never spend down our savings when on vacation, and we usually get richer in the process," Steven said. They've explored much of the country, deciding their favorite national parks are in California and Alaska — while their least favorite are in the Midwest.
Achieving financial independence Steven and Lauren are part of the FIRE community — financial independence, retire early — consisting of people who saved and invested enough to be secure financially and not rely on income from work. They went to high school together outside Tampa and then attended the University of Florida. Lauren put herself through college thanks to scho.