How to Retire Like the D.I.V.A.S: Top 5 Proven Strategies to Build Wealth and Leave a Positive Legacy for your Family
Let’s get real—retirement isn’t just about lounging on a beach (although we highly recommend it!). For the women of Optometry Divas®, retirement means freedom: freedom to live life on your terms, pursue your passions, and leave a positive financial legacy for your family.
But here’s the truth: retirement won’t magically happen. You have to make it happen.
Today, we’re breaking down the Top 5 proven strategies to retire like one of the true D.I.V.A.S.—women who are Dedicated, Intelligent, Vibrant, Abundant, and Self-Aware.
Whether you’re just starting your practice or already thinking about selling it, this is your blueprint to crush debt, build unstoppable wealth, and retire with grace, power, and purpose.
Strategy #1: Create REMI, DAMMI, and FIRE Plans for Real Freedom
Let’s introduce you to three powerhouse retirement models:
- REMI: Retire Early, Maintain Income
- DAMMI: Don’t Age, Maintain Massive Income
- FIRE: Financial Independence, Retire Early
Why do they matter? Because each strategy offers a roadmap to financial freedom, whether you want to retire early, scale back, or simply maintain massive income without burnout.
Dr. Elena’s Story:
Dr. Elena didn’t want to fully retire but craved freedom from the 9-to-5 grind. She downsized her clinic to part-time and layered her income with:
- Rental properties bringing in $2,500/month
- A fixed annuity guaranteeing $1,000/month for life
- A portfolio of dividend-paying stocks and REITs
She’s living her best REMI life—working on her terms while her investments work around the clock.
Example Calculation:
Say you need $12,000/month to cover your lifestyle. Using the REMI model, you’d aim to build a portfolio that generates this passively.
Using the 4% withdrawal rule:
$12,000 x 12 months = $144,000/year
$144,000 ÷ 0.04 = $3.6 million nest egg
DAMMI Example:
If your goal is $30,000/month ($360,000/year), your target nest egg is:
$360,000 ÷ 0.04 = $9 million
Tip: Even if you don’t plan to retire early, building REMI/DAMMI-style income streams means you have options—and that’s real freedom.
Strategy #2: Build Your FIRE—Fast, Intentional Retirement Engine
As the saying goes:
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”
Dr. Tanya’s Story:
Dr. Tanya started investing 10% of her income into a low-cost index fund at age 30. By age 60, her nest egg grew to $1.5 million—without ever maxing out her contribution limits.
The Math:
- Invest $1,000/month from age 30 to 60
- With an 8% average annual return, you’ll have around $1.5 million
FIRE in Action:
The FIRE movement has inspired thousands to fast-track their path to financial independence. But here’s the D.I.V.A.S twist: FIRE isn’t just about retiring early—it’s about taking control of your financial future at every stage.
DIVA FIRE Formula:
- Save 40–50% of your income as your practice grows
- Automate investments across:
- Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds
- Bonds and TIPS
- Rental Properties
- Annuities and Insurance Contracts
Tip: Blend FIRE goals with a balanced portfolio to ensure your wealth grows while protecting itself—even in turbulent markets.
Strategy #3: Own Income-Producing Assets (Make Your Money Work as Hard as You Do)
True financial independence means your money never sleeps.
Dr. Melissa’s Story:
She bought her first rental property in her 40s. Today, that one property nets her $1,200/month in passive income, covering her car payment and self-care splurges—without touching her practice income.
Ideas for Passive Income:
- Rental properties (residential and commercial)
- REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
- Dividend-paying stocks and index funds
- Business equity
- Annuities and other insurance products
The Math:
One rental property earning $1,200/month =
$14,400/year x 5 properties = $72,000/year in passive income
That’s enough to cover core living expenses or fund your dream vacations.
Strategy #4: Crush Debt and Save Like a Boss (Financial Strength = Freedom)
Debt is a wealth killer, but conquering it? That’s pure empowerment.
Dr. Lila’s Story:
She used the debt snowball method to pay off $150,000 in student loans and business debt within 5 years. Once debt-free, she pivoted her focus to growing assets and multiplying wealth.
The Math:
An extra $500/month on a $50,000 loan at 6% interest cuts your payoff time from 10 years to 6.8 years—saving over $6,000 in interest.
Balance Debt and Build Assets:
- Dr. Lila added two rental properties
- Invested in an immediate annuity for stability
- Diversified with bonds and mutual funds
Balance Portfolio Blueprint:
- 30% Growth: Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds
- 30% Stability: Bonds, TIPS, Annuities
- 30% Cash Flow: Rental Properties, REITs
- 10% Flex: Cash reserves, business equity, or alternatives
Strategy #5: Protect Your Assets and Leave a Legacy of Abundance
As Dr. Maya Angelou said:
“Your legacy is every life you’ve touched.”
A true D.I.V.A.S legacy isn’t just wealth—it’s peace of mind, protection, and empowerment for the next generation.
- Estate Planning: Set up a living trust for smooth asset transfer.
- Asset Protection: Use legal tools to shield your estate from lawsuits and taxes.
- Life Insurance: Ensure your loved ones are cared for—no matter what.
- Financial Literacy: Teach your family and team to grow and protect wealth.
Dr. Janelle now leads family finance nights with her teens, teaching them to invest, save, and build positive cash flow for life.
Your Retirement Glow-Up Checklist
- Automate your investments.
- Build passive income streams.
- Crush your debt.
- Create your estate and asset protection plan.
Take bold steps. As a D.I.V.A.S., you don’t wait for opportunities—you create them.
Call to Action
Ready to retire like a D.I.V.A.S? Join our Financial Freedom Bootcamp and learn actionable strategies and like-minded support to elevate your wealth game. Let’s make your money work as hard as you do—because you deserve nothing less. For upcoming events, register here: [OptometryDivas.com/Events]
References:
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach
- Rich Woman by Kim Kiyosaki
- Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole by Tiffany Aliche, “The Budgetnista”
- U.S. Department of Labor Retirement Planning Guidelines
Disclaimer:
This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, tax professional, attorney, or estate planner before making financial decisions. How to Retire Like the DIVAS – Top 5 Proven Strategies to Build Wealth and Leave a Positive Legacy for Your Family
