Creativity and Early Retirement: Why Painting Is Part of My Wealth Plan
Creativity and Early Retirement: Why Painting Is Part of My Wealth Plan
This week in Portland, with ICE protests happening just blocks from where I’m staying, my nervous system hit a breaking point.
So I picked up a paintbrush.
I hadn’t painted in years—not because I didn’t love it, but because somewhere along the way, I told myself creativity was something I’d get back to later. Maybe in retirement. Maybe when things felt safer. Maybe when I had “earned it.”
But here’s the thing: creativity isn’t a reward for financial success. It’s part of how I sustain myself while building it.
As a money coach, I spend a lot of time talking about investing, retirement accounts, and long-term planning. I max out my Roth IRA. I consistently invest in the stock market. I’m deeply committed to future me.
And at the same time, painting has become one of the most important investments I’m making right now.
How Capitalism Taught Us to Delay Creativity
Like a lot of people, I grew up creative. Drawing, painting, experimenting—creativity was natural.
Then adulthood happened.
Capitalism teaches us that rest, joy, and creativity are distractions until we’ve proven our productivity. We’re encouraged to choose “respectable” paths, monetize everything, or postpone pleasure until some future version of life that’s calmer, richer, or more stable.
I internalized the idea that art was something for retirement—something I’d finally let myself enjoy once my money was fully handled.
But the truth is, waiting was costing me more than it was saving.
Why Creativity Belongs Inside a Wealth Plan
Painting isn’t something I do instead of investing. It’s something that helps me stay regulated enough to keep investing consistently.
Creativity:
- Lowers my stress so I don’t make reactive money decisions
- Pulls me out of doom-scrolling and burnout
- Helps me stay connected to my body and intuition
- Makes my current life feel worth sustaining
When people think about early retirement, they often imagine a finish line: “One day I’ll rest.”
My approach is different. I’m already practicing the life I’m building toward.
That means:
- Taking naps
- Traveling intentionally
- Creating art now, not later
- Letting joy coexist with responsibility
Early retirement isn’t just about having enough money to stop working. It’s about building a life you don’t need to escape from.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between Art and Money
One of the biggest lies I had to unlearn was the idea of the “broke artist.”
Being creative does not mean being financially irresponsible. And being financially responsible does not mean you have to shut down your inner artist.
I’m living proof that you can:
- Invest aggressively
- Max out retirement accounts
- Build long-term financial safety
and - Paint
- Rest
- Create
- Enjoy your life now
Creativity doesn’t delay wealth—it supports it.
Final Thoughts
Tomorrow isn’t promised. I’ve learned that firsthand.
That’s why I refuse to build a retirement plan that only makes sense if I survive long enough to enjoy it. Creativity is how I stay present, regulated, and human while still taking care of future me.
Painting isn’t something I’m saving for retirement.
It’s part of how I’m getting there.
Listen to the Full Episode
If this post resonated with you, listen to the full episode:
“How Painting Fits Into My Early Retirement Plan“
🎧Listen to episode 137 of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast on Spotify here
🎧 Listen to episode 137 of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast on Apple Podcasts here
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About Charly
I’m Charly Stoever (@travelercharly) — a trans Latinx money coach, speaker, and host of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast. I help LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and first-gen folks crush debt and build a six-figure retirement—even without a six-figure salary.
As a formerly undocumented Mexican American and ex-stockbroker who’s traveled solo to 39 countries, I now coach full-time while also international pet sitting.
If you’re ready to stop avoiding your finances and start using your money on purpose, work with me.
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