169 | A Purple Life | Early Retiree Case Study

Expense Breakdown

The anonymous blogger behind "A Purple Life" shares a detailed breakdown of her monthly expenses, highlighting her strategic approach to financial independence. She manages to keep her rent in Seattle at $850 per month, with additional costs like a $20 phone plan and $25 for internet, resulting in a total of approximately $950 for fixed expenses. Her grocery budget is $125, and she spends $50 on dining out, demonstrating a disciplined approach to spending.

I spend about $125 a month on groceries, even though I eat a lot of meat on keto.

--- Unknown

Despite life's unpredictability, she maintains an average monthly expense of $18,000, projecting $20,000 for retirement, considering potential healthcare costs 1 2 3.

   

Grocery Budget Hacks

The blogger employs savvy grocery shopping strategies to maintain a keto diet on a budget of $125 per month. By capitalizing on sales, she stocks up on discounted meats like steak, which she prepares using a sous vide method, significantly reducing her restaurant spending. This approach not only supports her dietary preferences but also aligns with her financial goals.

If steak has gone on sale for $3 a pound, I load up, I fill our freezer with it.

--- Unknown

Her method of shopping sales and cooking at home has allowed her to cut her restaurant expenses from $250 to a fraction of that amount 4.