For some reason I initially assumed $300,000 plus was your retirement target. I am now assuming $175,000 in savings is what you define as "financially independent" That makes sense given your $7,000 per year expenses. ($7,000 divided by 0.04).
1) Starting from zero (because where else would we start for this analysis?)
2) We save $26,000 per year (2,166.7 per month).
3) Assume 6% return.
4) It takes about 5 to 6 years to get to $175,000.
Makes sense, a retirement fund that covers 7,000 per year in living expenses (i.e. about $175,000), takes only about 5 years of saving $26,000 per year (and conservative investing).
1) Starting from zero (because where else would we start for this analysis?)
2) We save $26,000 per year (2,166.7 per month).
3) Assume 6% return.
4) It takes about 5 to 6 years to get to $175,000.
Makes sense, a retirement fund that covers 7,000 per year in living expenses (i.e. about $175,000), takes only about 5 years of saving $26,000 per year (and conservative investing).
Quick and easy math here: http://www.math.com/students/calculators/source/compound.htm