Minimum Viable Retirement

Design a lean life. Retire earlier. Live with more meaning.

Minimalist early retirement strategies — practical saving, efficient investing, and downsized lifestyle choices so you can reach freedom sooner without sacrificing what matters. THIS SITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, some links don't work, I am figuring this out very slowly while being a corporate slave. Email me at mahdee@minimumviableretirement.com to join the mailing list to get updates.

Get the principles Try the calculator (does not work, get a BA2+ or TI82)

A Strategic Approach (TBH: Rants and Musings).

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Get the principles Try the calculator (does not work, get a BA2+ or TI82)

Why Minimum Viable Retirement?

Minimum Viable Retirement (MVR) focuses on removing the noise: prioritize the expenses, assets, and life decisions that matter most. Instead of maximizing every metric, aim for the smallest, sustainable portfolio that supports a life you love.

Clarity

Define the few expenses that actually deliver meaning and security. Trim the rest.

Efficiency

Use simple, low-cost investments and reduce friction so your money works with minimal overhead.

Resilience

Build adaptability into your plan so you can course-correct without derailing your life.

Core Principles

  1. Prioritize experiences over stuff. Reduce recurring expenses that don't improve your daily life.
  2. Automate savings. Save first, live on the remainder — make it frictionless.
  3. Choose optionality. Keep skills and social ties that support flexible income options.

Tools & Resources

Simple Fire-Button Calculator

Estimate portfolio needs using your annual spending and a conservative withdrawal rate. (Placeholder — put your calculator here.)

Open calculator

Minimal Budget Template

A one-page budget that focuses on essentials, discretionary, and optional costs.

Download

Compact Reading List

Curated books and essays on simple living, index investing, and life design.

Explore

About MVR

Minimum Viable Retirement is a philosophy and a toolkit for people who want to retire earlier without complicated strategies. We emphasize lean financial engineering, emotional clarity, and practical steps you can implement today.