The Math Behind Retiring Early: How to Build, Backtest, and Manage a Financial Independence Portfolio

Are you stuck in a job that leaves little time for the things that matter most—your family, your passions, your life? Many dream of retiring early and achieving financial independence but feel overwhelmed by where to start or doubt it’s even possible.

In this updated and expanded 2nd edition to Optimizing the 4% Rule, The Math Behind Retiring Early provides a clear and practical roadmap to take control of your financial future. Grace breaks down the famous 4% rule, explains how to optimize it for your unique situation, and guides you through every essential step to building and managing your Financial Independence (FI) portfolio.

Whether you’re new to the concept of retiring early or looking to refine your strategy, this book blends actionable advice with key insights to help you make informed decisions, achieve financial freedom, and design the life you’ve always wanted.

Inside, you’ll learn:

• The 4% Rule and how to make it work for you
• Backtesting: What it is, why it matters and how to use it to optimize the 4% Rule
• How to calculate your optimal Safe Withdrawal Rate
• Strategies to prepare for worst-case scenarios
• How to build, invest, and withdraw from your portfolio
• Determining how much you really need to retire early
• Comparing FI funds with traditional retirement accounts
• Proven best practices to ensure success

Start your journey to financial independence today and learn how to retire early—without sacrificing the life you love.