Save money to retire at age 34.

The American engineer saved enough money to retire early at age 34, and then enjoy the rest of his life freely.

Last August, Brandon achieved financial independence, allowing him to retire early at age 34. He shared his views on money and recounted his journey to achieving this goal on his Mad Fientist page. Below are Brandon's seven key takeaways about money and how to manage it:

Photo: Brandon, the software development engineer who recently retired at age 34.

1. Identify what makes you happy.

The first and most important thing is to identify what truly matters to you and makes you happy. Many people don't realize they're spending money on things that don't bring them happiness because they're caught up in the same life scenario as everyone else.

You don't need to buy a house just because all your friends are doing it, and you don't need to buy a car just to impress others.You don't have to live someone else's dream.

When I realized that money could buy me freedom, allowing me to freely use the time between 9 am and 5 pm each day, I decided to save money to buy that freedom.I have no regrets about the things I had to give up to save for financial independence, because for me, freedom is the most important thing.

2. Focus on what you can control.

Instead of stressing about what's happening in the economy or trying to predict how the stock market will move, focus on the things within your control and be optimistic about them.

Investment fees can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of your investment, so minimize them by investing in low-cost funds.

Minimize risk by purchasing stocks on the market through a fund with substantial capital, insurance, and a proven track record of success.

Minimize the taxes you have to pay by using legal tax avoidance strategies.

3. Automate everything.

Once you've created a portfolio of investment funds and have accounts to benefit from tax advantages, set up automatic monthly investments and you can completely forget about your portfolio for now.

If you can detach your thoughts and emotions from investing, you will not only reduce stress during market downturns, but you could also reap significant financial rewards.

4. Stop enjoying yourself and start being creative.

Enjoyment brings us temporary pleasures, but creativity can bring lasting happiness.

It's easy to spend four hours relaxing in front of the TV after work. Conversely, creative endeavors like blogging, making handmade crafts, or playing music are much more challenging. However, in the long run, creativity will bring you more rewards and may even increase your income.

5. Throw the TV out the window.

Of course, you don't necessarily have to throw the TV away; you can sell it online or at a secondhand market.

On television, advertisers constantly bombard you with things you "need to have," making you less satisfied with what you have and more likely to spend more money (unfortunately, this doesn't make you happier).

Plus, news reporters are always talking about the terrible things that happen, making you even more afraid and unwilling to go out and explore the world, which is easier than ever now.

6. Travel to other countries

If you are struggling with expensesIf you feel you need more expensive things to be happy, go anywhere else in the world and you'll find yourself much more fulfilled than many others.

7. Finally, experiment with your spending.

Things that make you happy today may not make you happy tomorrow, so experiment and don't lock yourself into one big commitment. Try before you buy. Rent instead of owning. Borrow when you can.

The path to happiness and financial independence is not smooth; you may make mistakes along the way, but when you focus on long-term happiness and plan your spending toward a common goal, you'll be confident that you're on the right track.

According to VNE