An NYC couple went from 'autopilot' to financial independence. They share 3 money moves they made.
Business Insider
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Josette Chang and Alexander Nathanson, a high-income couple living in Manhattan, achieved financial independence in their early 40s after realizing they were on a financial "autopilot" despite doing all the "right" things—maxing out retirement accounts, saving consistently, and earning substantial incomes. The key to their success lay in three strategic moves: hiring a financial planner, actively investing their savings, and paying off their mortgage early. These decisions allowed them to break free from traditional financial advice and focus on what truly aligned with their goals, ultimately achieving early retirement and living life on their own terms.
The couple initially felt they were managing their finances well but lacked a clear roadmap. Nathanson admitted, "We were kind of on autopilot," following generic advice like maxing out 401(k)s without a deeper plan. This changed when they decided to consult a financial planner, Dr. Jay Zigmont, who challenged their assumptions about retirement and investing. He helped them shift from passive saving to intentional planning, restructuring their finances and eliminating the psychological burden of debt.
One pivotal decision was paying off their mortgage, which contradicted conventional wisdom that suggests keeping low-interest loans. For Chang and Nathanson, however, this move freed them from their largest expense, allowing their part-time incomes to cover living costs without touching their investment portfolio. Their story highlights how even high-income individuals can benefit from reevaluating their financial strategies and prioritizing what truly matters—whether it’s retiring early or maintaining a meaningful career.
Chang and Nathanson’s journey underscores the importance of seeking professional advice, avoiding speculative investments, and eliminating unnecessary debt. Their simple yet
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Business Insider on 2/25/2026