The Story of The Three Brothers
Three Brothers Embark on The Journey of A Lifetime. Here's What They Can Teach us About Financial Independence.
In Jordan Grumet’s new book, Taking Stock: A Hospice Doctor's Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life, he touches on a number of money and life wisdoms.
Jordan is an interesting case-study, as he used financial freedom to lean into a new life, rather than away from an old one. After achieving financial independence at an early age, Jordan shifted his career from working as a physician in a medical group to providing hospice care to patients in their final days.
In his book, he tells the story of three brothers, drawing key parallels between their unique journeys, and the journey to financial independence.
The Story of The Three Brothers.
Three brothers, each unique in their own ways, set out on the journey of a lifetime.
“The eldest of the three brothers was considered the most efficient, so it was unsurprising that he chose a path that was straight and clear of time-wasting roadblocks.
The middle brother was a strong walker but easily distracted; there were many detours along the way.
And finally, the youngest was known as something of a non-conformist. He neither moved forward too quickly nor got distracted too easily. He was just slow—deliberate.” writes Grumet.
As their journey of a lifetime began, their paths quickly diverged.
The oldest brother made many sacrifices along the way, pushing through pain and discomfort, but reaching his destination in record time. Despite being battered and tired, he was able to enjoy a long period of freedom.
The middle brother took his time, reaching freedom years later, but with more energy at the end.
And the youngest brother took even longer, reaching his destination decades after his brothers. But he loved the journey and “when he finally reached his destination, he did something neither of his brothers could understand. He turned around and walked back the way he came.” Grumet writes.
This is the journey to financial independence, and theirs no one-size-fits all.
Each of these brothers represents a distinct path to FI.
You can approach it with efficiency in mind, slashing expenses to the bone, maximizing your savings rate, and reaching FI in record time.
Or, you can choose a middle road, not too fast, not too slow. You’ll still reach FI, just without the extreme sacrifices and discomfort along the way.
Or, you can decide to savor the journey. You can create a life that’s indistinguishable from the life you’d live if you’d already achieved financial independence.
A life you love, right now, each step of the way.