Brandon Ganch retired in 2016 at just 34 by saving aggressively and keeping his spending lean. While Ganch doesn’t regret the wealth built by his “hyper-focus,” he wishes he had balanced his financial goals with enjoying life’s experiences. In a recent interview, Ganch shared insights into how and why his mindset around money has changed.
Ganch and his wife lived frugally in Vermont while pursuing financial independence. Their extreme savings strategy had a downside: “I got into deprivation and neither my wife nor I were happy,” Ganch revealed. Now, with two young children, Ganch’s spending habits have shifted.
Instead of being hyper-frugal, he prioritizes improving his family’s quality of life, such as buying a home in Scotland. “I’m enjoying homeownership for the first time in my life,” he said. “I don’t let it stress me out.
I know that there’s going to be expenses, so I don’t worry as much about saving every penny.”
Ganch’s change in perspective came after reading “Die with Zero” by Bill Perkins, a book that emphasizes striking a balance between financial independence and enjoying life in the present. “You don’t maximize for net worth. You should maximize net fulfillment,” he now believes.
Balancing financial independence and fulfillment
Looking back, Ganch regrets missing certain experiences in his 20s, like bachelor parties, to avoid expenses. “I wouldn’t want to go and have a drunk weekend now in my 40s, but I’m sad that I missed that in my 20s because it would have been a lot of fun — and we’d have great stories to tell,” he said.
Ganch isn’t alone in his reflections. Alex Trias also regrets his obsession with early retirement and investments. “My greatest regret financially wasn’t my spending, it was my thinking,” Trias shared.
He emphasized the importance of focusing on productive habits rather than constantly monitoring net worth. Similarly, Sam Dogen, founder of Financial Samurai, wishes he had spent more years in the workforce. Dogen retired at 34 after a career in investment banking with a $3 million net worth.
“Looking back, I could have stayed for at least another year and found a new role within the firm in a different office,” he wrote. Both Ganch and other early retirees highlight the importance of not letting financial goals overshadow life experiences. While early retirement offers freedom and flexibility, it’s also crucial to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
By shifting his focus from extreme frugality to a more balanced approach, Ganch hopes to inspire others to find their own equilibrium between saving for the future and living fully in the present.
