Start Here: Find Your Way to a Financial Life That Fits

Whether you’ve just discovered financial independence or have been tracking your spending for years, this blog was created to support you in building a financial life that feels aligned, spacious, and sustainable.

Meet Mel and the Journey Behind the Blog

I’m Mel, a financial coach and Slow FI advocate who helps values-driven people gain clarity, take control of their money, and create more freedom before reaching full financial independence.

This blog began as a personal journal in 2017, when my partner and I were mapping out our plan to reach FI by 2025. Since then, it’s evolved into a space for storytelling, strategy, and support — for anyone who wants to live well today and feel confident about the future.

Our Journey at a Glance

In 2014, my partner and I began working toward financial independence with a simple plan:

We shared the full 2025 plan, tracked our progress through investment updates, and celebrated milestones like paying off our mortgage, negotiating remote work, and spending a full month in Mexico with our kids.

But as the years went on, something shifted. We didn’t just want to arrive at financial independence. We wanted to live in alignment with our values now — and find joy, rest, and purpose along the way.

So in 2021, I took a sabbatical to test Coast FI. Then I made the leap into semi-retirement, resigning to run my coaching business part-time, while continuing to let my investments grow.

Now, I work seasonally and intentionally — building a business I love, spending time with my family, and supporting others to craft their own version of financial freedom.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog covers both the mindset and mechanics of financial independence, including:
Real-life financial planning: From early spreadsheets to projections for semi-retirement
Personal finance habits: Budgeting, investing, and spending in ways that support your values
FI lifestyle design: What happens after you hit your number — or long before it
Balancing priorities: Kids, careers, caregiving, creativity — and how to fit it all in
Many readers also join our Modest Millionaires Lunch events — free monthly virtual gatherings that offer connection, clarity, and community on the path to FI.

Not Sure Where to Start?

The Modest Millionaires 2025 Plan – our original FI roadmap

Taking a Sabbatical to Test Coast FI – the turning point toward Slow FI

I Am Semi-Retired – what life looks like now

The Wealth of Simplicity – how to align your spending with your values

Explore the Blog Archive

Want a Clearer Picture of Your Own Finances?

Try my Financial Compass Tool — a simple, structured self-assessment to help you:

Ready to Connect?

If you’re craving more support or want to build momentum in your own journey, I offer:

1:1 Coaching

Personalized guidance to clarify your goals, organize your finances, and create your roadmap to FI.

Group Events

Monthly MM Lunches where we reflect, share strategies, and celebrate progress.

Weekly Accountability Emails

Reflections, prompts, and practical tools to support your financial and personal growth.

Thanks for Being Here

Modest Millionaires is built on the belief that we can reach financial independence through simplicity — and that community, reflection, and strategy make all the difference.

Whether you stay for a single blog post or join us for the long haul, I’m so happy to have you in this space.

— Mel
Blogger, Speaker & Financial Coach
ModestMillionaires.com