Financial Independence, Retire Early can still succeed in a recession

Many might doubt the credentials of Financial Independence, Retire Early (or F.I.R.E) during a recession. Not the majority of Fools, though!

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Close up of two senior females hiking together

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

So the United States is in a recession.

Or is it?

Despite the widely accepted common criteria being met, President Biden denied that particular label for his country.

Passive income stocks: our picks

Do you like the idea of dividend income?

The prospect of investing in a company just once, then sitting back and watching as it potentially pays a dividend out over and over?

If you’re excited by the thought of regular passive income payments, as well as the potential for significant growth on your initial investment…

Then we think you’ll want to see this report inside Motley Fool Share Advisor — ‘5 Essential Stocks For Passive Income Seekers’.

What’s more, today we’re giving away one of these stock picks, absolutely free!

Get your free passive income stock pick

Closer to home, some experts similarly believe that the UK is already in a recession. And will continue to be in one until early 2023.

But, again, there are those who dispute this and point to widely accepted rules of thumb not yet being met.

What is not open to debate, however, is the fact that Britain is in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

What should we do with our limited savings?

With inflation and interest rates soaring, households’ real incomes are falling dramatically across the country.

Which some might say makes saving — and investing — near impossible.

So with this in mind, I wanted to ask Fools on Twitter whether they believed the Financial Independence, Retire Early (F.I.R.E) movement was still possible in a recession.

As you can see below, it was a tight call. But optimism won out!

It’s well broadcast that advocates of F.I.R.E are scrupulous savers, and fully committed to the movement in order to see the benefits.

Columns upon columns upon columns have been written in print and online about ways to help cut costs during the coming months.

Certainly, I myself have sought to reduce outgoings.

And to help further, I’m planning on invest those savings into high-yield shares. Much like F.I.R.E. proponents do.

Dividend stocks are a great example of passive income, of course. And while my aim would be to reinvest those dividends into further shares, in order to benefit from the power of compounding, I acknowledge that I might need to use that additional income to help pay increasing bills, for instance.

And, you know what, that’s okay. I’d happily be in that fortunate position of knowing I can dip into those funds if I need to.

So don’t be disheartened if — or, indeed, as it’s looking increasingly likely, when — we enter into a recession. Not least because the markets and companies alike are already acting as though we’re already in one.

Instead maintain a positive, Foolish (capital F!) outlook. I for one will continue to buy shares. Yes, the aforementioned high yielders — but also growth stocks where I see decent opportunities. Because a diversified portfolio is one of the best ways to ride out a recession!

This AI stock is becoming a digital juggernaut in a £ 12.5 billion market!

🤖 Curious about the next big player in AI? 🤖

Our leading industry analysts have uncovered a trailblazing content platform that's revolutionising the industry with its unparalleled generative AI technology, setting new standards in creativity and efficiency.

Care for a sneak peek?

Trusted by global giants like Amazon, Disney, and Netflix, this innovative company is not just transforming digital media with AI-generated 3D content but is also capturing a significant share of a £12.7 billion market!

With a remarkable 62% gross margin, indicating exceptional profitability and operational efficiency, this company's growth trajectory positions it as a must-watch for savvy investors.

Best of all, we're offering exclusive access to the name of this game-changing stock, absolutely free!

Discover your free AI stock pick

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Sam Robson has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Twitter. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Smartly dressed middle-aged black gentleman working at his desk
Investing Articles

2 rock-solid growth shares to consider as economic storm clouds gather!

These cheap growth shares could be great safe havens in the current economic and geopolitical climate. Here's why.

Read more »

Stack of British pound coins falling on list of share prices
Investing Articles

Here’s why the IAG share price fell 26% in March

The International Consolidated Airlines (IAG) share price was soaring up to the end of February. But the party seems to…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As the stock market wobbles, here are 2 shares I’ve got my eye on

These two companies are at very different stages in their development, but each looks interesting to me after the recent…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is buying gold stocks the best way to capitalise on bullion’s bull run?

Forget about gold bars, coins, and funds for a moment. Here's why considering gold stocks could be the best option…

Read more »

Investing Articles

These 3 dividend shares may be better buys than FTSE 100 income stocks!

Looking for great dividend stocks to buy in April? Scouring the FTSE 100 is not the only option when it…

Read more »

Investing For Beginners

Want to invest in an ISA but scared of a stock market crash? Consider this

A stock market crash or dip can be a great time to buy FTSE 100 stocks at reduced prices. Harvey…

Read more »

The Milky Way at night, over Porthgwarra beach in Cornwall
Investing Articles

Up 300% in 5 years! Is this overlooked FTSE star the best share to buy in an ISA today?

Harvey Jones is stunned by the stellar growth of this FTSE 100 company and wonders if it's now the best…

Read more »

Investing Articles

5 days to the ISA deadline, this cash machine is my standout FTSE 100 stock

Up 115% in just a year, Andrew Mackie believes this FTSE 100 stock’s most explosive moves are still very much…

Read more »