I'd like to retire early. What is the best strategy?

Q.

I am in my late 30's and am considering planning now for retirement in my early 50's. I have a small amount owing on the home loan, and am using an internally geared Australian share based insurance bond, using dollar cost averaging, depositing $600 dollars a month. Is this an effective strategy?

It is an effective strategy if you are a high income earner because insurance bonds pay tax at just 30%. You could also consider salary sacrificing as much as you can afford to super but you would need to be aware that you are losing access to your money until age 60.