Author: Craig Stephens

Craig is a former IT professional who left his 19-year career to be a full-time finance writer. A DIY investor since 1995, he started Retire Before Dad in 2013 as a creative outlet to share his investment portfolios. Craig studied Finance at Michigan State University and lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and three children. Read more.
Throwing ICE on FIRE

Throwing ICE on FIRE

The mainstream financial media’s portrayal of early retirement has always felt disingenuous, leading with “this 30-something retired” or some variation of that hook, then later highlighting that the “early retiree” is working a new job (even though they don’t need to), running a business, or has an employed spouse providing income and health insurance. These…

Live to 100. Work to 100.

Live to 100. Work to 100.

Famed investor Charlie Munger and diplomat Henry Kissinger both died within a day of each other in November 2023. Each lived to 100 (Munger was 34 days short, but we’ll give it to him), and both put on suits and went to work until their final days. One wonders: Did their continued work, curiosity, and…

Real Estate Crowdfunding Investing 2024: A Beginner’s Guide

Real Estate Crowdfunding Investing 2024: A Beginner’s Guide

Real estate crowdfunding investing is a way for ordinary investors to profit from high-quality real estate properties that were mostly unattainable a decade ago.  After the U.S. Congress passed the JOBS Act of 2012 (Jumpstart Our Business Startups), real estate crowdfunding platforms began to emerge, utilizing the new law and modern technology to empower investors. …

Fidelity Roth Conversion: Why, and Step-by-Step Instructions

Fidelity Roth Conversion: Why, and Step-by-Step Instructions

One of the advantages of reduced income due to leaving my full-time career is the opportunity to execute a Fidelity Roth conversion. Roth conversions allow investors to transfer money from a 401(k), traditional IRA, or other tax-deferred retirement account into a Roth IRA account.  Traditional 401(k)s and IRAs let us invest pre-tax dollars into retirement…