A 3-fund portfolio, a no-kid lifestyle, and a 'die with zero' mindset: How one NYC couple is retiring in their 40s
Business Insider
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Josette Chang and Alexander Nathanson, a financially independent couple living in New York City, have achieved early retirement in their 40s by embracing a simple yet effective approach to money management. They paid off their mortgage early, reduced their housing expenses significantly, and leveraged their high incomes to avoid debt while building a substantial investment portfolio. Their journey highlights the importance of intentional spending, avoiding lifestyle inflation, and adopting a "die with zero" mindset—prioritizing experiences over wealth accumulation.
The couple's path began when they purchased a Manhattan apartment in 2018, ending years of expensive renting and setting themselves on a financial trajectory toward independence. By paying off their mortgage in 2024, they minimized housing costs to just a monthly maintenance fee. This allowed both Chang and Nathanson to reduce work hours: she quit her finance job, while he scaled back his physician role, relying solely on his part-time salary and their investment portfolio for income.
Their financial strategy is rooted in simplicity: a three-fund portfolio consisting of low-cost index funds targeting U.S. stocks, international stocks, and bonds. This approach avoids speculative investments like individual stocks or cryptocurrency, which they view as higher risk. Instead, they focus on the proven performance history of index funds, aligning with their desire for stability and flexibility in retirement.
Chang and Nathanson’s decision to remain child-free further shapes their financial plan, allowing them to focus on using their wealth for experiences rather than leaving an estate. This "die with zero" mindset, inspired by Bill Perkins' teachings, encourages them to enjoy their resources while they can, without endless accumulation.
Their success underscores the power of deliberate choices: maximizing savings early, avoiding lifestyle creep, and maintaining a clear financial strategy. By prioritizing intentional spending and living below their means, they’ve achieved the flexibility to pursue passions beyond traditional career paths. Their story serves as an encouraging reminder that financial independence is attainable through discipline, simplicity, and a focus on what truly matters—whether in business or personal life.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/20/2026