At just 24 years old, Mia McGrath is already making headlines for her impressive savings strategy and ambitious goal of retiring by 40. With a nest egg of $97,000, Mia’s lifestyle choices have sparked both admiration and controversy. She attributes her financial success to a frugal way of living—eating only eggs and bread, cooking all her meals at home, avoiding takeaways, and living rent-free with her parents.
While some praise her for her discipline and dedication, others question how realistic her approach is, especially when coupled with her side hustle as a lifestyle influencer. Here’s a deep dive into Mia’s journey to financial independence and her plan for the future.
Mia’s story begins with her decision to save aggressively, a goal that started when she was living at home with her parents in London after graduating from university. During that time, Mia was able to save a substantial portion of her income—50 to 70%, which amounted to around £22,500 in just a year and a half.
The reason she could save so much was simple: she didn’t have rent to pay, and she cut back on unnecessary expenses like takeaways, daily coffees, and even trendy fashion items. Her frugality extended to her meals, with basic pasta dishes costing just £1 each, which, combined with cooking at home, helped her keep her budget tight.
But the real turning point came when Mia’s career as an influencer took off. Though she was working as a junior sales executive in the fashion industry, Mia also built a parallel career as a model and lifestyle influencer. She signed contracts with two modeling agencies—Memesis Models and W Model Management—and her social media presence exploded.
On Instagram, she frequently posted glamorous shots of her travels to places like Paris, Barcelona, and Corfu, as well as nights out in Chelsea and shopping sprees at high-end stores like Prada. Her ability to blend a luxurious lifestyle with her message of frugality made her an attractive figure to companies looking to market to young, financially-conscious consumers.
@miarosemcgrath Replying to @Blessed_Blay another long video sorry guys #100k #howtosave #savingmoney ♬ original sound – Mia
However, Mia’s success in both her career and influencer work hasn’t come without controversy. While she advocates for financial literacy and saving on social media, she is also known to promote big-name brands like BBC, American Express, and British Airways, though she doesn’t disclose how much she earns from these endorsements. Critics point out that her financial advice is not entirely relatable to her audience, given her privileged position as an influencer with paid sponsorships. Some argue that she should be more transparent about her income sources to ensure authenticity and build trust with her followers.
“These are the things I just don’t spend money as a financially responsible 24-year-old who wants to retire early. I won’t get a takeaway if I can’t be bothered to cook. If you can cook really good food, you just don’t need to get a takeaway.”
she said in one TikTok video.
Mia’s ultimate goal is to achieve financial independence and retire early. She dreams of a “soft retirement” by the age of 40, where she could still work part-time on projects she’s passionate about but would no longer need a full-time job to survive. This vision of the future drives her disciplined savings habits. Mia’s goal is to accumulate $1.3 million by the time she’s 40, a target that is not as far-fetched as it may sound, especially considering the success she has already achieved by investing wisely and saving diligently.
‘’I don’t see the point of buying one every single day. They’re four or five pounds sometimes. That really adds up.”
she also says she won’t treat herself to a daily coffee or a pastry.
Despite her frugality, Mia is not without luxuries. She recently moved into a two-bedroom flat with her boyfriend, Archie Steves, in Clapham, South London. Their rent is £2,500 a month, a significant expense compared to her earlier years of living rent-free at home. However, Mia continues to invest £1,300 per month in shares, and she has built a portfolio of dividend stocks, encouraging her followers to do the same. Even with this new living arrangement, she is determined to keep increasing her savings, aiming for £100,000 by the end of the year.
@miarosemcgrath Replying to @claudia how to save money step-by-step #savingmoney #budgeting ♬ original sound – Mia
Mia’s story is a fascinating blend of discipline, minimalism, and financial strategy. While some question whether her approach is sustainable or relatable, her success in saving and investing is undeniable. Her journey speaks to the power of self-control and the potential rewards of smart financial planning. As Mia continues to build her career and savings, her message to others remains clear: with enough discipline and the right mindset, anyone can achieve financial independence—no matter how young they are.
Mia’s story serves as a reminder that achieving financial independence isn’t about living a life of deprivation, but about making intentional, thoughtful choices. Whether it’s cutting back on daily luxuries, building multiple streams of income, or making savvy investments, her approach to life and finance has captured the attention of people everywhere. As she moves closer to her goal of retiring by 40, Mia McGrath is proving that with hard work, dedication, and a bit of sacrifice, financial freedom is within reach for those who are willing to take control of their future.