When I First Heard About Financial Independence
When I first heard about the Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) movement, my mind was completely blown. It happened while I was earning my certifications in the financial services industry.
At that time, I was already making around $60,000 a year. But here’s the thing, —I never spent more than $15,000 to $20,000 a year. Why? Because I lived at home. That decision, humble as it may seem, completely changed my financial life.
Living with my mom and sister—allowed me to save more than I ever imagined. Our mortgage was extremely low (2014 good old days!) and we split it down the middle. That meant extra money for savings, investing, and peace of mind.
For anyone reading this: living with family, roommates, or even trusted friends isn’t a setback. It’s strategy. And in a culture that glorifies independence to the point of isolation, Islam reminds us that community and simplicity bring barakah. Real wealth isn’t about showing the world you’ve “made it.” It’s about reaching a place where you can breathe, rest, and choose your next move on your own terms.
The Shift: From Working to Living
After seven years in finance, I realized something deep. Every day, I helped people in their 60s prepare for retirement—but never once did anyone talk about taking a break earlier in life. We were all taught to grind until we’re gray.
But then I started listening to people who were redefining retirement. They weren’t waiting until 65. They were creating “microretirements”—short intentional breaks in their 20s, 30s, or 40s—to pause, breathe, and live differently for a while.
That changed everything.
I began to get crazy serious about my finances. I didn’t just want to be comfortable—I wanted freedom. Freedom to walk away from a job if I needed to. Freedom to choose peace over burnout.
And, alhamdulillah, I reached that point through a mix of rental income, savings, and investments in halal funds and 401(k)s. I don’t know if I’ll quit forever but I do have what I now call microretirement and have achieved financial independence.
Two years later, I’m still financially independent. I don’t have debt. My rental income covers my lifestyle. My savings and brokerage accounts keep growing quietly. And, as a Muslim woman, I smile remembering the beauty of our deen: my money is my money, and my husband’s money is our money. Obviously, he takes cares of our major expenses but my financial independence is based on my expenses in all situations.
What Exactly Is Microretirement?
A microretirement isn’t quitting life. It’s pressing pause.
It’s taking one, two, or even five years off to realign your purpose, strengthen your imaan, travel, start a business, or simply rest after years of working.
It’s financial independence in smaller, achievable chunks—so you can experience freedom now, not decades from now.
Most people wait until retirement to finally “live.” But you don’t have to. You just have to plan wisely and live with intention.
Step 1: Know Your Monthly & Annual Expenses by Heart
Before you think about taking a break, you must know your numbers.
How much do you actually spend each month? On food, rent, transportation, subscriptions, giving, and the little extras?
Track your expenses for 3–6 months using a tool like Empower (formerly Personal Capital) or a simple spreadsheet.
Once you know your average monthly cost, multiply it by the number of months you’d like to microretire—say 12 or 24 months. Add a small cushion for unexpected expenses.
Let’s say you spend $2,500 a month.
A one-year microretirement = $30,000.
That’s your target number.
The clearer you are on your spending, the faster you can design your freedom.
Step 2: Reduce Housing Costs—Your Fastest Shortcut
Housing is the biggest expense for most Americans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it makes up 33% of the average household budget.
That means if you can lower your housing cost, you automatically create space for savings.
Here are real options:
- Live with parents or siblings (with a respectful arrangement).
- Find a trustworthy roommate.
- Rent a smaller place temporarily.
- Sublet part of your space for extra income.
These choices might not look “fancy,” but they work. And when your goal is freedom, not impressing people, you realize—simple living is powerful living.
The Prophet ﷺ said,
“Wealth is not in having many possessions. Rather, true wealth is the richness of the soul” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Step 3: Pay Off Every Debt—All of It
You cannot enjoy microretirement with debt hovering over your head.
It steals your peace, even in your rest.
Before you take that break:
- Pay off credit cards and personal loans.
- Tackle student loans aggressively.
- Avoid car payments if possible.
Be patient. Make dua. And remember: in Islam, debt is not just a financial burden—it’s a spiritual one.
Freedom begins when your money is fully yours.
Step 4: Save for Living and Healthcare
One mistake many people make when they pause work is forgetting healthcare.
If you’re leaving your job, you’ll need to purchase your own insurance.
Plan ahead:
- Retire around December, so your income for the next year appears lower, qualifying you for better healthcare subsidies through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
- Set aside at least $10,000 for medical expenses—premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Max out your Health Savings Account (HSA) if your employer offers it before leaving.
This preparation can save you thousands. Think of it as your health barakah fund.
Step 5: Invest for Passive Growth (Halal Only)
While you’re saving for your microretirement, don’t just keep your money sitting. Make it work—halal style.
Consider:
- Halal mutual funds or ETFs like Amana or Wahed Invest.
- A brokerage account where you invest monthly.
- Rental property if you’re ready for long-term income.
Even if you’re only microretiring for a year, small consistent investing keeps your future strong.
Halal investing isn’t about chasing risk; it’s about choosing integrity and intention.
Step 6: Plan Your Purpose During the Break
Microretirement isn’t an escape—it’s an opportunity.
When you finally step away, your first month might feel strange. You might wake up thinking, What now? That’s normal.
But your microretirement should have a focus. Ask yourself:
- Do I want to deepen my relationship with Allah?
- Should I learn a new skill or build a business?
- Is it time to travel, write, or teach?
- How can I restore my health—physically, emotionally, spiritually?
I took my time to share what I learned about investing with other Muslim women. That became my purpose. Your mission might look different—but it will carry meaning if it’s tied to service, growth, or healing.
Step 7: Don’t Fear Re-Entering the Workforce
One of the biggest fears sisters have is, What if I can’t get hired again?
Let me tell you—if you’ve worked hard, built skills, and left on good terms, opportunities will still come. Even after two years away, recruiters still reach out to me because of my licenses and experience.
You are never “starting over.” You are simply returning renewed.
And if you decide not to return to corporate life? That’s fine too. Many Muslim women use this time to start online businesses, teach, or freelance—all while aligning their schedules around faith and family.
Faith Reflection: Wealth as Amanah
In Islam, wealth is an amanah—a trust. We are not meant to worship it or waste it. We are meant to use it to serve Allah and live with dignity.
Taking a microretirement isn’t laziness; it’s stewardship. It’s recognizing that your time, health, and sanity are part of your rizq too.
“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before old age, your health before sickness, your wealth before poverty, your free time before busyness, and your life before death.” (Ibn Abbas, reported in al-Hakim)
When we pause intentionally, we return stronger—more grounded, more grateful, more aligned with our Creator.
Real Steps to Start This Month
If this blog speaks to your soul, here’s how to start now:
- Track your expenses for the next 30 days.
- Calculate your “freedom number.” (Your monthly cost × months off.)
- Make a microretirement savings plan. Automate it.
- Pay off one debt completely—even a small one.
- Set an intention for your break. Write your niyyah.
Do it all with tawakkul. You plan, but Allah is the best of planners.
Closing: Your Next Step Toward Barakah & Balance
If this message lit a spark in your heart, don’t let it fade. Sis, your path to financial independence isn’t about escaping work—it’s about designing a life that honors Allah, your peace, and your purpose.
Join the Halal Money Course to learn exactly how to plan your own microretirement with barakah—from budgeting to halal investing.
Subscribe to the newsletter below for weekly reflections, money tips, and sisterly reminders to keep your goals alive.
You deserve to rest. You deserve to breathe. You deserve to live with intention.
Let’s build that freedom—one halal dollar at a time.