Meet the face
behind the posts

Hi, I’m Steve Smith, founder of 50 to Free. I started my financial independence journey at age 50 in 2019 after a $900 tire purchase nearly emptied our savings. My wife and I earned more than $130,000 a year, yet one unexpected expense exposed how financially vulnerable we were.

Since then, we have paid off more than $380,000 in debt, built a rental property portfolio, and increased our net worth beyond $580,000. We are debt-free except for a 3% mortgage.

I created 50 to Free for people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who feel behind but want a clear plan forward. I share our lessons, tools, mistakes, and practical steps. I also help administer the Catching Up to FI Facebook group and participate in the Northern Illinois financial independence community.

This site provides education and personal experience, not individualized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.