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FIRE, 101

Most US workers aim to retire around age 65—but for many followers of the FIRE movement, which stands for “financial independence, retire early,” that’s not the case. FIRE followers, who range from low- to high-income workers, typically prioritize high savings rates, relatively frugal living, and aggressive investing strategies in an effort to work less and enjoy life more in the long-term (see five distinct approaches).

While many proponents argue that the movement is more of a mindset about achieving financial freedom than any specific retirement date, both ends require similar means (watch a pioneer in the movement explain the mindset).

The movement also isn’t without its critics. Some note that saving aggressively or maximizing income isn’t feasible for many, especially those with dependents such as children or elderly parents. They argue that FIRE followers are particularly at risk in times of economic hardship, such as high inflation or a long-term dip in the stock market, and that they underestimate how much money they actually need to save.

... Read our full deep dive on FIRE here.

Also, check out ...
> How much money you need to retire in each state. (More)
> Inside a FIRE follower's money diary. (More)
> Despite FIRE, most Americans are retiring later than they used to. (More)



What was the HGP?
The Human Genome Project was an international collaboration to map all the genetic information found in humans and several organisms of importance in biological research. From 1990 to 2003, more than 2,000 scientists from universities and research facilities worldwide sequenced more than 3 billion base pairs of a genetic tapestry built from 20 individuals from Buffalo, New York.

The HGP was proposed in the mid-1980s as a joint initiative by the National Institutes of Health and the US Department of Energy to identify the genetic cause of illnesses and the genetic effects of radiation and energy-related chemicals (see timeline).

The composite genome was cut into fragments, which were sent to 20 sequencing centers, processed, and combined on computers to reassemble. The project would end with publishing a 92%-complete human genome sequence, which would be finalized thanks to new technologies in 2022.

... Read our full write-up on the project here.

Also, check out ...
> About 70% of the project's reference genome sequence came from one donor. (More)
> The project spawned numerous spinoff genetics projects. (More)
> How the project overpromised on its final outcomes. (More)

SOURCE:  1440 NEWS