Dr. Annie Cole, Ed.D., is a former startup Vice President turned entrepreneur, consultant, and founder of Money Essentials for Women: An all-in-one online financial resource center that provides coaching, books, online courses, and other resources. Annie’s work has been featured in over 44 media articles (Business Insider, The Skimm, CNN) and 30+ podcasts (Career Contessa, Empower HER Money).
In her 20s, Annie was a burnt-out social worker struggling on a $26,000 salary. By her 30s, she had climbed the ladder to a Vice President role, invested over $380k, owned $1 million in real estate, and cut 20 years off her retirement date. She helps individuals and organizations make the most of the money opportunities available to them, from growing and launching businesses to personal financial planning, career development, investing, debt payoff, marketing/sales strategy, side hustles, and more.
Annie Cole expects her investment accounts to grow to $1.6 million over the next 10 years, giving her $65,000 to live on annually during retirement.
From thrifted clothes to no gifts at the holidays, these millionaires are living an 'underconsumption' life which has opened up financial freedom.
If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self, I’d give her a few tips on how to start planning for early retirement right from her first job. I remember getting my first job in high school as a restaurant host, cleaning tables and working alongside my best friend, making less than $10 an hour. Back then, no one was telling me to invest for my future, let alone teaching me how to plan for early retirement. In fact, most of my earnings went right back into the restaurant for a nightly $20 pizza and lemonade.