How to Retire in 7 Years Starting with $0: The 3 Side Hustles That Can Get You There

Let’s face it: most of us didn’t grow up dreaming about working until 65. The idea of clocking in and out every day for the next four decades sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry—on a wall you’re still making monthly payments for. So, what if I told you there’s a faster way out?

Retirement isn’t just about leaving a job; it’s about gaining freedom—freedom to sip margaritas on a Tuesday, binge-watch your favorite show guilt-free, or pursue that long-forgotten hobby of underwater basket weaving (no judgment here).

Here’s the not-so-secret recipe I followed to retire in my late twenties. Yes, it’s intense. Yes, you might need to say no to some things (like buying a $7 latte every day). But if I can do it, you can too. Let’s dive in.

Phase 1: Calculating Your Freedom Figure

Before you start building wealth, you need to know your target. Otherwise, it’s like trying to find Waldo without knowing what he looks like.

Enter your “freedom figure”: the amount of money you need to retire comfortably. Here’s the magic formula:

1. Decide your annual income goal in retirement (e.g., $50,000).

2. Multiply it by 25. ($50,000 × 25 = $1.25 million).

Voilà! $1.25 million is your ticket to sipping mojitos while everyone else complains about traffic on their way to work.

Sound overwhelming? It’s not impossible. Stick with me, and we’ll break it down.

Phase 2: Laying the Foundations

You wouldn’t build a house without a solid foundation, right? The same goes for your finances. Here’s how to avoid the financial equivalent of your house collapsing because you used cheap drywall:

1. Tackle High-Interest Debt Like It Owes You Money: High-interest debt is a dream killer. Credit cards with 25% interest rates? Nope. Get rid of those first using the debt avalanche method: pay off the highest interest rate debt while making minimum payments on the rest.Pro tip: Know the difference between good debt (low-interest investments) and bad debt (impulse purchases).

2. Build an Emergency Fund (Because Life Happens): Aim for 3–6 months of expenses tucked safely away for surprises—like your car deciding it’s had enough or your kid launching your phone into a lake.

3. Boost That Credit Score: Your credit score isn’t just a number; it’s the difference between “Sure, we’ll approve your loan!” and “LOL, no.” Use your credit card responsibly, and pay it off monthly.

4. Pay Less in Taxes (Legally, of Course): Max out tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs. Think of them as the financial equivalent of finding a cheat code in a video game.

Phase 3: Build Multiple Income Streams

Depending on one job for income is like balancing on a unicycle—wobbly and terrifying. Build extra income streams to keep your financial life steady.

Some fun (and profitable) options:

• Freelancing or consulting (everyone loves a side hustle guru).

• Selling your old stuff online (turn your clutter into cash!).

• Starting a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast (who doesn’t want to be the next internet sensation?).

Find something that makes you money and makes you happy. If you’re going to hustle, you might as well enjoy it.

Phase 4: Let Your Money Work Harder Than You

Here’s where it gets fun: creating passive income. This is the holy grail—money that shows up while you’re sleeping, binge-watching, or scrolling memes.

A few ideas:

• Dividend-paying stocks: They’re like little financial cheerleaders, sending you cash for owning them.

• Real estate investments: Whether it’s flipping houses or renting out an Airbnb, real estate can pay off big time.

• Digital products: Write an eBook or design an online course once, and get paid forever.

The goal is to keep reinvesting so your money earns more money. It's basically the financial equivalent of a snowball turning into an avalanche.

Final Thoughts (a.k.a. Your Pep Talk)

Early retirement isn’t just for lottery winners or tech geniuses. It’s for anyone willing to work smarter, save harder, and think differently about money.

Sure, it takes some sacrifice. You might have to skip the latest gadget or say no to overpriced brunches (seriously, $15 for avocado toast?). But the freedom to do what you want, when you want, is worth it.

Remember, the only thing standing between you and your dream life is a little discipline—and maybe a spreadsheet or two. Let’s get to work. Future-you is cheering you on from their hammock.