Do you dream of retiring before the age of 60? Here are the three key steps to achieve it.

Retiring before age 60… For many, it’s a dream synonymous with freedom: more time for yourself, to travel, for family, or simply to slow down. But turning this dream into reality requires preparation, strategy and a healthy dose of financial discipline.

Here are the three essential steps to bring you closer to it.

1. Define your vision of early retirement

Before talking about numbers or investments, you must first understand what retiring before age 60 means to you.

Do you want to stop working completely, or simply reduce your hours? Do you want to live modestly and travel occasionally, or rather maintain the same standard of living as today?

Take the time to define:

The age at which you want to stop working;

The lifestyle you are aiming for (activities, travel, housing, etc.);

The annual income needed to maintain this lifestyle.

These answers will allow you to quantify your objective and build a realistic plan. Too often, people plan without really knowing what they want to achieve—and end up saving blindly.

A small tip: account for inflation and the fact that your retirement could last 30 years or more.

2. Structure your investments to generate a sustainable income

Early retirement requires that your money work for you, longer.

The key? A diversified, tax-advantaged investment structure.

Here are a few avenues:

Optimize your registered plans: RRSPs, TFSAs and even the CELIAPP, depending on your situation.

Diversify your sources of income: non-registered investments, rental properties, dividends, or business income.

Plan the withdrawal sequence: the order in which you withdraw your funds (RRSPs, TFSAs, taxable investments, etc.) will have a major impact on the longevity of your capital.

A well-designed plan can help you enjoy your savings sooner, without fear of depleting them too quickly.

A financial advisor can help you simulate different scenarios to determine when your income covers your expenses, year after year.

3. Adjust your lifestyle plan and your savings starting now

Achieving financial freedom before 60 requires concrete and sustained action.

Here are three powerful levers:

Gradually increase your savings rate.

Try to aim for 20% of your income, or more if possible, especially if you start young.

Eliminate your long-term debts.

A debt-free retirement is an invaluable peace of mind.

Optimize your recurring expenses.

Every saving you free up today becomes invested capital that grows over time.

And above all, keep in mind that consistency is better than perfection. It is the repeated actions year after year that make all the difference.

In conclusion

Retiring before age 60 is not an unattainable dream. It is a feasible project for those who start early, plan intelligently and stay focused on their priorities.

With a clear vision, an adapted investment strategy and financial discipline, you can turn early retirement into a reality — and not merely an aspiration.