BiggerPockets Money Podcast How He’ll Hit $500K by 30 (Coast FI Plan)
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Mar 13, 2026 Evan Lawler, a full-time mechanical engineer and part-time creator building The Financial Foundation, is pursuing Coast FIRE with a $500K invested-by-30 goal. He talks disciplined automated investing, maxing Roth accounts, aggressive saving through frugal housing choices, negotiating raises and growing income, and balancing career growth with long-term financial flexibility.
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Increase Income Or Savings To Hit Coast FI Faster
- Evan projects current monthly investing of $3,300 at 7% will hit Coast FI around age 32, so increase savings or income to reach $500K by 30.
- He explicitly plans to raise his real-dollar income to make up the shortfall.
Max Roth Contributions For Tax Flexibility
- Evan invests about $40,000 per year (including company match) largely into Roth IRA and Roth 401(k), allocated 100% to U.S. equities (S&P 500, FXAIX).
- He prioritizes Roth accounts now for tax flexibility and first-in/last-out access.
Tiny Apartment Is The Biggest Savings Lever
- Evan lives with his girlfriend in a 650 sq ft apartment and splits $1,195 rent, which he calls his biggest savings lever.
- The small space forces deliberate purchases and reduces consumption of stuff.
