Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Carl Jensen and Doug Cunnington talk about FI, lifestyle, side hustles, health, and anything on their minds. Plus, they interview experts and non-experts interested in the FI lifestyle. It's raw, candid, pretty much like you get to sit in on a private conversation.
Carl chats with Doug and his wife Elizabeth who recently left her career and retired early. Elizabeth discusses her introduction to Financial Independence and some of the skepticism she initially had while also walking through some of the specifics about actually leaving her job (making the decision, having a solid financial plan in place, and describing her last day at work). She goes on to share insights on adjusting to retirement, staying mentally active, societal perceptions of retiring early, the importance of finding joy outside work, and the importance of having a purpose post-retirement.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Are you an early retiree looking for something to fill your time or to provide purpose? If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us.
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
1:58 Discovering FIRE
7:48 Good financial habits, tools, & practices
13:19 FIRE skepticism
18:49 Overcoming uncertainty & leaving work
23:34 Debate on the 4% rule
29:41 Working again after retirement
36:23 Pulling the trigger to actually quit
43:51 Single point of success
49:44 Last day of work & what happens next
54:48 Retirement worries
1:00:38 Telling friends & family about retirement
1:08:48 FI events & the perfect day
1:16:27 Soundcheck – Envelopes
Recorded in the hotel lobby on the last day of the EconoMe conference, Doug and Carl reflect on some of the presentations and conversations they had over the weekend while also providing their own insights & observations. They discuss various topics including: the evolution of the FIRE movement from its initial focus on accumulating wealth to its current emphasis on mental health and personal development, happiness, post-FI life challenges, and strategies for dealing with anxiety and negative thoughts.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Couldn’t make it to EconoMe this year, but still want to hang out with others in the FI community? If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us.
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
1:52 Stress & anxiety
8:53 Removing the mask in retirement
12:11 Thoughts on post-retirement life
17:41 One-more-year syndrome
25:27 Happiness & confronting personal issues
29:09 Evolution of FI
34:47 Carl’s 3 tips (plus a bonus)
39:46 Podcast projects beyond MHFI
47:11 Soundcheck – Feeling tired
Doug and Carl chat with Bob Haines who is a well-known figure in the FI community due to his frequent attendance of various FI-related events such as FinCon, EconoMe, Chautauqua, and CampFI. Bob recounts his financial journey from initially finding FI through the Tim Ferriss podcast, to discovering that he was accidentally FI already, to transitioning fully into the world of early retirement almost five years ago. Bob also discusses the changes he’s seen in the FI community over the years and the power of FI events.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Haven’t been able to attend any FI events, but still want to hang out with others in the community? If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us.
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
4:42 Discovering FIRE & accidentally FI
12:40 What if… Life without finding FIRE
20:41 Running out of life vs running out of money
27:25 The power & attraction of FI events
39:28 Marriage & merging finances later in life
45:34 Embracing e-bikes
51:29 Luxury spending in the FI community
57:56 Changes in the FI community
1:00:31 The perfect day
1:09:06 Soundcheck – Favorite parts of EconoMe
Recorded in the hotel lobby from the EconoMe conference in Cincinnati, Doug and Carl catch-up on various topics including: a recap of their recent visit to the Culdesac community in Arizona, thoughts on e-bikes & electric vehicles, Doug’s battle with pink eye, updates to their fitness routines, and Carl’s unfortunate Facebook incident. Doug also shares an exciting announcement about his wife’s upcoming retirement, providing insights into her journey from skepticism to embracing financial independence.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Couldn’t make it to EconoMe this year, but still want to hang out with others in the FI community? If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us.
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
4:41 Impressions of Culdesac
10:29 Thoughts on e-bikes & robot cars
17:29 Doug’s courageous battle with pink eye
22:51 Carl’s new fitness routine
31:20 The Facebook incident
38:59 Elizabeth’s retirement: From Skepticism to FIRE
45:49 Carl’s haircut
49:41 Soundcheck – EconoMe opening party
Doug and Carl (along with special guest co-host Georgie the dog) explore the concept of stealth wealth. Each provides their personal money story & how much work it took to arrive at their current position, the pros & cons of sharing one’s financial status with others, and how this knowledge impacts social interactions & relationships. They also discuss giving and helping others responsibly, using wealth to support people in meaningful ways rather than in response to direct requests for money.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Are you retired or wealthy and need someone to share this information with, free from any awkwardness or judgement? If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee where you’ll find a safe place to share.
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
3:29 Carl’s money story: From anonymity to viral fame
7:28 Doug’s money story: Staying modest & hustling hard
13:27 Sharing your financial status
19:51 FI evangelism
29:42 Impact of wealth on social interactions & relationships
34:04 Navigating the corporate world
43:24 Generosity & giving back
50:07 Soundcheck – Apple hat
Doug and Carl visit Culdesac, a unique car-free rental apartment community in Tempe, AZ that redefines the typical American neighborhood by focusing on sustainability, communal living spaces, and alternative transportation options. The guys are joined by members of the FI community (including Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), Paula Pant, Brad Barrett, and Chad Carson) to discuss Culdesac with co-founder and CEO Ryan Johnson. The group explores Culdesac’s aims, design, how it represents a potential model for future urban planning, and concludes with a discussion on the importance & challenges of creating walkable, car-free communities. Pete also shares his personal experience living in this community to include the impact of car-free living on personal finance, happiness, and building community.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Not planning to move to Tempe, but still looking for community? If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee to hang out with us.
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
4:18 Welcome to Culdesac
8:48 Car ownership and transportation alternatives
13:14 Demand for walkable neighborhoods
20:38 Influences & future plans for Culdesac
25:54 Defining a walkable neighborhood
32:34 Success of Culdesac & future projects
37:36 Pete’s personal experience
43:50 Community and iteration & learning
48:56 Challenges & strategies for building a new community
In a follow-up to MHFI Episode 187 (Fitness Madness), Doug and Carl provide an update on how they’re progressing with their original fitness goals, discuss challenges they’ve faced along the way, provide dieting & workout tips, and discuss future plans. Carl speaks candidly about Attachment Disorder and the importance of mental health. Also, don’t miss out on new sponsor oFartsic by pVisor.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
New “Sponsor” oFartsic: http://milehighfi.com/ofartsic
Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024. For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%. https://economeconference.com/
Do you want lots of good stuff from Carl or really want that pickled asparagus? If so, come over and support us at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
3:56 Recapping fitness goals & progress report
11:23 Reverse dieting
16:20 Fitness challenges
21:31 Protein tips
28:08 Importance of mental health
37:59 Future fitness goals
43:05 Weight loss vs. strength training
47:40 Workout injuries
54:16 Planning future check-ins
1:02:01 Soundcheck – Bar food
Doug and Carl catch up on a potpourri of topics including recent purchases, frugal hacks, investments, optimization, skepticism, and recent books & TV shows each have been consuming. They discuss over-optimizing & reevaluating perceptions in the areas of health & fitness and try to provide a balance by incorporating de-optimization. Carl also introduces a new investment strategy called the “reverse index fund” or “Hot Carl”.
Are you looking for more ingenious frugal hacks such as the Culver’s coupon scam? If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee to find out more.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024. For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%. https://economeconference.com/
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
1:33 Recent purchases
5:48 The Culver’s scam
11:55 Poke
16:59 Hot Carl
22:04 Re-evaluating health & fitness optimization
29:58 Changing views & skepticism
38:58 Recent books
46:59 Recent TV shows
57:03 Soundcheck – River of water
Doug and Carl chat with Justin David Carl, a fitness, money, and life coach also known as Dragon. Justin shares his journey from being heavily in debt and out of shape to becoming financially independent and physically fit. He discusses the dramatic career changes he made, his discovery of the financial independence movement, and how coaching & accountability played a crucial role in his success. Additionally, Justin explains his coaching philosophy, ‘Fit Rich Life’, and the importance of setting clear goals, tracking progress, and surrounding oneself with people who share similar aspirations.
Do you think our chosen spirit animals need a little work (flamingo & border collie)? If so, come help us find new ones at Buy Me A Coffee.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024. For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%. https://economeconference.com/
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
1:49 Finding financial independence
7:51 Path to becoming a millionaire
15:13 Overcoming addiction & rebooting life
22:46 Kind of fit, kind of fat
29:46 Following a fitness program & the importance of sleep
38:16 Impact of coaching on personal growth
46:22 Advice for making major life changes
52:25 Carl’s fitness questions
57:15 Doug’s fitness questions
1:04:29 Fit Rich Life tools
1:11:06 Soundcheck – Cold plunges
Doug and Carl delve into the differences between being “rich” and being “wealthy”, discussing their own journeys to financial independence and the pivotal moments when they each felt rich and then wealthy. They reflect on pieces of financial advice, how to feel wealthy, reclaiming an abundance mindset from scarcity, and the importance of evaluating personal happiness. Both also share anecdotes about their life experiences, underscoring the inherent value in simplicity and their changing perceptions on spending as their net worth increased.
Are you feeling wealthy, feeling rich, or craving simplicity? If so, then simply come on over and support us at Buy Me A Coffee.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024. For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%. https://economeconference.com/
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
1:07 Rich vs wealthy defined
6:46 Illusion of wealth
12:33 Consumerism – experiences & experiments
20:32 Feeling rich
25:29 Feeling wealthy
30:49 Becoming comfortable with spending & feeling wealthy
35:17 The power of simplicity
40:03 Soundcheck – Freezing water
Doug and Carl chat with Kim Ehardt, a firefighter from Austin, Texas, who unknowingly achieved Barista FI through careful savings and an unconventional career path. Despite her financial status and ability to leave her current profession, Kim articulates a desire to shift focus from financial security alone to personal fulfillment, purpose, and happiness. Kim’s future plans include life coaching to help others achieve their goals and potentially even starting her own podcast.
Do you have a desire to help others as well? If so, come on over and support us at Buy Me A Coffee.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024. For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%. https://economeconference.com/
Links
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement
Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]
0:00 Introduction
6:52 BaristaFI & finding FIRE
11:14 Financial peace
16:58 Firefighting & the pursuit of FI
26:16 The drive to succeed
34:09 Defining success
42:25 Challenges to FIRE ideology
49:07 Finding purpose through coaching
54:23 Impact of coaching & future plans
1:04:02 Soundcheck – Podcast motivations
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