Hi, I’m The Frugal Doctor

I’m in my early 40s, married to The Handsome Surfer. I work as a general practitioner in Australia or a primary care physician as it’s known in other parts of the world. From the blur of rushed consults to the stillness of moments spent with patients facing life-altering decisions, I’ve learnt a singular truth: time is the real wealth. I’m on a journey to Financial Independence – FI. For me, FI isn’t just about retiring early. It’s about designing a life that values time, health, and freedom.

Why Financial Independence?

Financial independence has always been about buying back time. It is the vehicle that allows me to choose how each day is spent.

In my work, I see firsthand how easily the “good stuff” in life gets deferred for a future that isn’t guaranteed. Balancing work with wellbeing, nurturing relationships, and learning to slow down are just as vital as financial security. My goal is to be Time Rich, not just financially free.

The Journey So Far

In 2017, I made the first big move. I left the city and relocated to a seaside town: the kind of place people wait a lifetime to retire to. I decided I didn’t want to wait. I wanted to live where the retirees live. Live somewhere beautiful, work less and start living. The move was the moment FI stopped being a distant destination and became something I was already living, one decision at a time.

I discovered FIRE – Financial Independence Retire Early in 2021 and it resonated with me immediately. I’d always wanted to retire by 40, to work for the fun of it rather than necessity. But I didn’t have a framework to make it real. FIRE gave me a way to actually map out what was possible and start making deliberate progress toward a time rich life.

Where I stand today:

• Coast FI: A few years ago, I hit the point where my investments will grow on their own to fund a traditional retirement without adding another dollar. If I stopped investing today I can retire at age 52.
• Semi-Retirement: I work three days a week. I feel energised by work in measured doses and genuinely value my days off.
• Full FI by 50: On paper, I’m on track to reach full FI by 47. But I’ve chosen to value freedom now over a faster finish line. By taking mini-retirements, reducing my work hours further, and investing less aggressively, I’ll likely reach full FI by 50. It’s a deliberate trade-off, stretching the journey so I can enjoy the scenery along the way.

I’m filling that reclaimed time and enjoying life’s simple pleasures unhurriedly. Whether it’s running with nothing but my own thoughts, taking surf lessons with The Handsome Surfer, learning Spanish, scuba diving or traveling. I’m reminding myself that the life I’ve been working toward is already unfolding step by step.

Read more about milestones so far ->

What You’ll Find Here

This site is a space to explore money, time, health, relationships, and purpose. I don’t have it all figured out. It’s a work-in-progress account of aligning my life with my values, one decision at a time. Whether you are a fellow healthcare worker wondering if there’s another way, someone rethinking what “wealth” really means, or simply curious about living more intentionally: you’re in the right place.

After all, time is the best medicine.