I reached Coast FIRE at 34 on a teacher's salary. Here's how I did it while still enjoying life.

Taryn Williams, aged 34, achieved Coast FIRE by diligently saving and investing over a decade. Despite a modest salary, she managed to invest $140,000 through a strategy called "pay-yourself-first," which involves saving a portion of income before other expenses. Williams learned about investing in high school and college, becoming financially literate in her early 20s.

She began investing with platforms like Acorns, which allow investments as low as $5. In addition to her 403(b) retirement account, she opened a Roth IRA. Over the years, her consistent savings grew to six figures. She found a balance between saving and enjoying life, still taking trips and attending concerts. Williams didn't strictly follow the FIRE movement but adapted it to her lifestyle.

At 34, she reached a Coast FIRE amount—enough to grow to about $1.5 million by age 67 if her investments earn an average annual return of 7.5%. She still plans to contribute to her investments, but having this foundation gives her peace of mind and flexibility. She can choose to travel, return to school, or take more time off without financial worry. Personal finance goals should align with individual circumstances and priorities.