# The 13 Biggest Financial Independence Mistakes (That Delay FIRE by Years)

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/biggerpockets-money-podcast-793498/the-13-biggest-financial-independence-mistakes-that-delay-fire-by-years.md
Podcast: [BiggerPockets Money Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/biggerpockets-money-podcast-793498)
Published: 2026-03-17T09:45:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/MGEEK5293892389.mp3?updated=1773702168
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/MGEEK5293892389.mp3?updated=1773702168
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Duration seconds: 2260

## Resource

What are the biggest mistakes people make on the road to financial independence? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down the 13 biggest FIRE mistakes that quietly delay or derail your progress toward early retirement. From starting too late and ignoring spending habits to misunderstanding the 4% rule and overlooking healthcare costs, these common financial independence mistakes can cost you years on your journey to FIRE. You’ll learn how to avoid lifestyle creep, optimize your savings and investment strategy, reduce tax inefficiencies, and build a flexible financial independence plan that can adapt to real-world risks. Whether you’re just starting your FIRE journey or already investing for early retirement, this episode reveals the most co To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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