Mile High FI Podcast From $150K Failure to Financial Independence - Nik Johnson | MHFI 299
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Dec 23, 2025 Nik Johnson, a financial independence advocate and creator of Everyday Money Heroes, shares his inspiring journey to financial freedom, sparked during the pandemic. He discusses the emotional toll of running a failed used car dealership and how it reshaped his financial strategies. Nik emphasizes the importance of community, using his CENT framework to align financial goals with his wife's support. He also highlights his commitment to volunteering, advocating for financial literacy, and balanced living post-retirement, reminding us that wealth is more than just money.
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Unexpected National TV Spotlight
- Nik describes being filmed for CBS Sunday Morning after CampFI and hosting a production crew at his house for eight hours.
- The team condensed hours of footage into a short national segment that included other FI figures.
A Clear Finish Line Changes Behavior
- Learning FI gave Nik a clear finish line: calculate expenses and multiply by 25 to know the target.
- That clarity turned disciplined saving into an achievable multi-year plan.
$150K Business Failure And Recovery
- Nik and his wife used all their retirement accounts to start a used-car dealership and lost roughly $150,000.
- After that failure they returned to paid work, rebuilt savings, and recommitted to disciplined investing.
