Sabina Horrocks, 41, achieved a “mini retirement” at the age of 38, sharing the financial strategies that allowed her to take a three-year break from work.
Building Wealth with Discipline
By 2021, Sabina and her husband had accumulated a net worth of around $2 million, supported by six-figure incomes and a rental business. Sabina emphasized that their success came from discipline and consistency rather than extraordinary efforts.
Modest Beginnings
Sabina grew up in a lower-middle-class family in the Chicago suburbs, living a modest lifestyle. She attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on a scholarship and later earned an MBA from DePaul University.
Strategic Financial Planning
After meeting her husband, they focused on optimizing their financial future with transparency and shared goals. They started with a modest one-bedroom condo and later purchased a house in the suburbs for half the cost of downtown properties.
Managing Finances as a Team
Sabina and her husband approached their finances like a business, treating all income as household income and maintaining transparency. This approach helped them navigate financial challenges, including the 2008 housing market crash.
Overcoming Financial Challenges
During the housing crash, they sold one of their cars and cut back on expenses, even though their rental properties lost $60,000 in value. Despite these hardships, they continued to invest wisely.
Growing Their Net Worth
Their combined net worth now includes significant investments in retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, home equity, and savings, totaling nearly $2 million.
Prioritizing Family Time
In 2021, Sabina left her job, where she earned $120,000 annually, to spend more time with her daughter. Her husband’s income was sufficient to support the family during this period.
Enjoying Financial Success
Sabina now enjoys the benefits of their financial discipline, including taking a transatlantic cruise with her daughter and mother. She attributes their ability to enjoy these experiences to the sacrifices made in their 20s.
Lessons in Financial Discipline
Sabina’s story highlights the importance of discipline, consistent saving, and strategic planning in achieving financial freedom and the ability to enjoy life without financial stress.
Business News