A while ago, I came across an interesting discussion—how can one achieve financial freedom? At first glance, it sounds straightforward, but the key issue is that no one can provide a unified answer.

Honestly, many people have an overly absolute understanding of financial freedom. Black or white, either constantly competing or completely lying flat. Actually, thinking this way is too narrow.

I believe the core of financial freedom is not in the words "wealth," but in "freedom." Its true meaning is—having the right to choose your work. You can accept your current job, or quit to do what you truly want, or even not work at all. That is the definition of financial freedom.

Specifically, there are several ways to achieve financial freedom:

**Fat FIRE**: Maintain a high consumption level, shop without looking at price tags, buy whatever you want. This is the kind of financial freedom most people imagine.

**Lean FIRE**: Reduce desires, exchange low expenses for early liberation. Some pursue extremely early retirement, spending less money.

**Coffee FIRE**: Break free from high-pressure jobs and do work you enjoy. The salary may not be high, but it's less exhausting, and the mindset is refreshing.

**Coast FIRE**: Save a large principal when you're young, then only earn enough for living expenses, while the rest grows through compound interest in the background, and your retirement fund grows on its own.

See? There are countless ways to live with financial freedom. The key is to find the one that suits you best.