I have often wondered how would people around me feel or perceive me should I tell them that I will be retired before the age of 40. Most would just assume that I either struck the lottery, inherited a massive amount of wealth or that I command a massive paycheck. All these are not true. Early retirement, for me is gained by saving hard, cutting the amount of money I spend and also taking the effort and time to find the correct stocks and bonds to purchase. I also have this fear that should I retire early, especially in Singapore, many would see me and those like me as lazy. Questions would start flooding in, from both relatives and friends. "Why don't you continue working to earn more money?". " Why are you doing non constructive stuff". "Why are you no longer a productive member of the society?" .... ......