They Skipped Heating and Eating Out: Retired Before 40

24.12.2025 - 16:53

Source: https://www.shethepeople.tv/news/uk-woma...

While retirement remains a distant goal for many, Katie and Alan Donegan chose to make it the focal point of their lives, rather than postponing the idea. Opting to forego turning on the heater and making do with thick sweaters, and completely giving up on dining out, the couple viewed frugality not as a necessity, but as a conscious lifestyle choice. By meticulously managing their expenses, the Donegans, thanks to their disciplined approach, managed to quit working before reaching the age of 40. Today, they spend their time not in offices, but exploring new routes in different countries.

Here are the details...

While retirement still seems like a distant dream for many, Katie and Alan Donegan took this idea seriously and made it the centerpiece of their lives.

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Adopting the FIRE movement, which stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early, the couple transformed saving from a necessity into a game, allowing them to retire before reaching the age of 40.

What set the Donegans apart was their perception of cutting back on expenses, which they didn't see as self-deprivation. Instead of turning on the heating at home, they wore thick sweaters and turned it into a kind of 'endurance game' amongst themselves. They completely eliminated dining out from their lives and only shopped when they truly needed something or when they could catch a discount. In their view, it wasn't about being stingy, but rather taking control.

The couple didn't merely settle for cutting back on their expenses; they also kept a close eye on where every single penny of their earnings went.

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They diligently recorded their income and expenses, demonstrating zero tolerance for unnecessary expenditures. This disciplined approach enabled them to accumulate savings much faster than they had anticipated over the years.

The Donegan couple, who are now exploring new cities in different countries instead of sitting at an office desk, have a clear message for those dreaming of early retirement.

'If you truly know where your money is going, you'll realize how much the seemingly small expenses are slowing down your life.'

According to them, early retirement is not a miracle, but a long-term strategy that is entirely achievable.