A Spanish professor says he struggled to build savings while living in the United States but achieved “Lean FI” (financial independence while spending very little) after relocating abroad. Reporting across outlets describes a personal finance journey in which the professor initially found it difficult to save enough in the US, while a move to a different country improved his ability to control spending and reach his financial goal. By changing his living environment and costs, he is able to follow a leaner approach to budgeting and saving, ultimately reaching financial independence at age 47. The coverage focuses on the idea that the path to financial independence can vary by circumstance, particularly the role of housing and day-to-day expenses. While the article frames the outcome as a successful example of lean financial independence, it does not present it as a universal method, instead emphasizing the professor’s experience with cost differences between locations and the impact on his ability to save. The story highlights how relocating can change the affordability of reaching long-term financial targets.