Retiring early requires more than wishful thinking. It demands clear goals, disciplined saving, and smart investing. I learned this the hard way. Now, I share what works. Follow these steps to retire on your terms. Set Clear Financial Goals Start with a number. How much money do you need to retire early? Calculate your annual expenses. Include housing, food, healthcare, travel, and leisure. Multiply by the number of years you expect to live after retirement. Add a buffer for