What is F U Money? How to Find Your Freedom Number and Take Control of Your Financial Future

I can guarantee that most of us want to feel financially secure – but what that actually means can vary from person to person. Some people dream of early retirement and travel, while others imagine a simpler life with fewer worries. No matter your version, thinking about your future now is key – because life will change, and so will your needs, whatever they are, so the question that we are trying to answer is how do you find your financial freedom number to take control of your future and have enough in the bank to say F U, if the occasion arises.

How Hitting Your Mid-30s Changes Your Perspective on Money and Retirement

Now that I’m in my mid-30s, retirement doesn’t feel like a distant concept anymore. Suddenly, it’s real. And it hit me – why aren’t we talking about this earlier? Maybe these conversations are happening somewhere, but in my circle, they haven’t been top of mind. So, I decided to start the conversation.

Quick note – I’m not a finance professional. Everything here is based on personal reflection and learning – not financial advice. My goal is simply to spark a few ideas so you can start thinking about what financial freedom means to you.

F U Money: What It Is and Why It Matters

While scrolling Instagram (no judgment please, we’ve all been there), I came across Vivian Tu – aka Your Rich BFF – who wrote the book Rich AF: The Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life – where she talks about this concept of F U Money. I’d never heard the term before, but it instantly wanted to know more.

In simple terms, F U Money is about having enough saved so that you never have to work again. You can say F U and walk away from any job, any situation, or boss without fear of being put in a difficult financial position. It’s financial independence with options – and peace of mind.

The Real Reason Most People Don’t Have Financial Freedom Yet

Let’s be honest – I would say that most of us aren’t sitting on millions. We are working hard for every dollar, managing life, and maybe saving what we can (if we’re lucky). But without that financial cushion, we are often forced to stay in jobs or situations that don’t truly serve us and that’s where F U Number comes in.

How to Calculate Your F U Number Using the 4% Rule

Vivian Tu explained this concept in a simple formula:

If you want to live off $100,000 per year, divide that by 4%. The result? You’ll need $2.5 million in investments, for example.

This is based on the 4% rule, a popular retirement guideline that suggests you can safely withdraw 4% of your savings annually for 30 years without running out of money. So, for $100K/year, you would need $2.5 million.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. For now, just take a baby step in the right direction and  figure out your number and write it down somewhere. It’s a small step that future you will thank you for.

Why F U Money Is Really About Financial Freedom, Not Just Wealth

This isn’t about saving millions – it’s about thinking ahead, putting together financial goals so that your future self will have a choice, rather than being boxed in or stuck. The choice to leave a toxic job, take a break, pivot careers, or simply breathe easier knowing you have options.

Whether it’s saving more intentionally, investing smarter, or just becoming more financially aware, every small step moves you closer. And even if you never use that freedom to walk away, knowing you could is powerful beyond words.