Matt Lowrie retires early after leaving Google at 55

1 articles · Updated · Business Insider · May 9

The former Colorado-based employee resigned in November 2025 after 18 years at Google, saying he had saved enough by 2024 to feel financially secure.
Lowrie said his grandfather’s John Bogle-inspired advice led him toward low-fee, long-term investing, while careful budgeting, Google pay and stock options helped build his portfolio.
He later used FIRE principles, including the 4% rule, online tools and a financial planner, and says he is now focused on family, travel and possibly sports data analytics.

With experts warning of an AI bubble, can his simple investment strategy survive a market crash so early in retirement?

Is the classic 4% rule he used still a safe bet for a 30-year retirement in today’s volatile economy?

Is his retirement a blueprint for success or a warning sign of AI pushing experienced tech workers out of the workforce?