How To Retire Early: This Engineer Built Rs 2 Cr Net Worth By 33; Here’s The Strategy
Last Updated:June 23, 2025, 14:58 IST
The Redditor highlighted how investing in one’s career pays off. From earning Rs 3.25 LPA in 2014, his compensation rose steadily to Rs 95 LPA in 2024 (including stock options).
Equity, High Savings & Career Growth Took This Engineer to Rs 2 Cr
How To Retire At 40: A Reddit user and software engineer has shared an inspiring milestone in his Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) journey—doubling his net worth from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore in just 1.5 years. In a detailed post on Reddit, the 33-year-old IT professional credited this acceleration to disciplined investing, a high savings rate, and significant income growth from his role in a cybersecurity product firm.
The engineer, who first hit the Rs 1 crore net worth mark in September 2023, said it took him nine years to get there, but only 18 months to double it. “The compounding and equity-heavy approach have started showing real results,” he wrote.
Equity-Heavy Portfolio Fuels Rapid Growth
His current net worth of Rs 2 crore is diversified across multiple asset classes. Indian stocks form the largest share at Rs 60 lakh, followed by Rs 46 lakh in mutual funds and Rs 42 lakh in U.S. stocks, RSUs, and ESPPs. Other holdings include Rs 26 lakh in EPF and NPS, Rs 23 lakh in savings and FDs, Rs 13 lakh in gold, and Rs 7 lakh in bonds.
The software engineer follows an aggressive investment strategy, allocating nearly Rs 2 lakh monthly — 60% of his post-tax income — across mutual funds, direct stocks, smallcases, U.S. equities, and the NPS. His mutual fund allocation leans heavily on index and flexi-cap funds, complemented by thematic and contra schemes.
FIRE Goal Adjusted For Life Changes
Originally targeting a Rs 10 crore FIRE corpus by age 45, the engineer has now revised this to Rs 20 crore by age 42, considering rising expenses and evolving family priorities. With twin boys and aspirations like children’s education, future entrepreneurship for his wife, and maybe a home purchase, his goal has shifted from retiring early to gaining the freedom to pursue less stressful work after 40.
He currently spends about Rs 1.2 lakh monthly, including rent, school fees, groceries, fuel, and subscriptions.
Career Growth Was Key to Wealth Creation
The Redditor highlighted how investing in one’s career pays off. From earning Rs 3.25 LPA in 2014, his compensation rose steadily to Rs 95 LPA in 2024 (including stock options). “The majority of my net worth growth has happened in the last few years. Income growth + disciplined investing = wealth creation,” he noted.
Lessons for Aspiring FIRE Seekers
Invest in your career early: Skill growth led to income jumps
Maintain a high savings rate: He consistently invested ~60% of income
Let compounding work: Equities helped fast-track wealth in recent years
Adapt goals to life changes: FIRE doesn’t always mean quitting work entirely
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More
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