The Godfather of FI Talks Fatherhood | JL Collins | 149

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Jun 15, 2025

JL Collins, the Godfather of Financial Independence and author of 'The Simple Path to Wealth,' shares his inspiring journey in teaching his daughter about investing. He reveals the personal challenges he faced and how his daughter's initial disinterest transformed into a deep understanding of financial independence. The conversation also dives into his strategies for navigating market fluctuations and the emotional aspects of investing. Celebrate the milestones of his literary success and explore how generational wealth wisdom can foster independence.

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ADVICE

Stay Calm During Market Turmoil

Stay the course during market turmoil; it's natural and temporary.
Panic selling causes losses, but waiting out downturns typically leads to recovery and growth.

ADVICE

Meditate Through Market Stress

Use meditation and calm practices to manage stress during market drops.
Controlling emotions helps avoid panic selling and supports staying the course.

INSIGHT

Age Doesn't Limit FI Journey

Starting financial independence at any age leads to a 10-15 year journey to reach FI.
The time it takes is similar whether you start at 20 or 60 years old.

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How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable

JL Collins

No Summary Available

The Simple Path to Wealth

Your Roadmap to Financial Independence and a Rich Free Life

J L Collins

J.L. Collins' "The Simple Path to Wealth" provides a straightforward, easy-to-understand guide to achieving financial independence. The book emphasizes saving a significant portion of income, avoiding debt, and investing in low-cost index funds. It encourages readers to focus on long-term growth and avoid the complexities of market timing or active trading. The book's simple yet effective principles have resonated with millions of readers, making it a highly popular resource for those seeking financial freedom. It's a timeless guide that empowers readers to take control of their financial future.

Atomic Habits

James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].

Pathfinders

Extraordinary Stories of People Like You on the Quest for Financial Independence

J L Collins

In "Pathfinders," J.L. Collins shares inspiring stories of individuals who have achieved financial independence through various paths. The book showcases the diversity of experiences and approaches to building wealth, highlighting the common thread of intentional saving and investing. It demonstrates that financial independence is attainable for people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, dispelling myths and offering encouragement. The book serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and smart financial planning. It's a motivational and informative read for anyone seeking financial freedom.

Mention financial independence and one of the first names that come up is JL Collins, author of the bestselling book 'The Simple Path to Wealth'. In fact, he is affectionately known as the Godfather of FI. One million copies and 10 years after its original publication, JL back with a shiny new, revised and expanded edition... and it just hit the New York Times Bestseller list!!!

We know you've heard and seen JL all over the place because he is a BIG deal. But we uncovered some intriguing facts about his life and career that isn't often talked about (we're just curious like that). Here are five things you probably didn’t know about JL Collins that we discuss in this episode:

Before he ever started writing about financial independence, he worked in the magazine publishing industry.
He was a job-hopper throughout his career to make more money and took lots of sabbaticals because he liked working, just not all the time.
He started writing his blog to teach is daughter (Jessica) about investing, problem was… she wasn't listening when she was a kid.
His daughter (Jessica) is now in her thirties and turns out, she has gained a deep understanding of his teachings (way more than he originally thought). She’s now firmly on the path to FI and just left her corporate job.
His daughter Jessica was part of his team in updating the new version of ‘The Simple to Wealth’ and getting to work so closely with her was the most gratifying part for him as a dad.

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🌐JLCollinsnh.com

📗 The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition & NYT Best Seller!) : Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life

📕 Pathfinders: Extraordinary Stories of People Like You on the Quest for Financial Independence—and How to Join Them

📘 How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable: A Cautionary Tale

⏰ ‘Catching Up to FI’ Episodes referenced

Pathfinders: Triumphs and Trials on the Road to Financial Independence | JL Collins | 070

Pathfinders: Stories of Success and Financial Independence | JL Collins | 069

F-You Money Part 2 | JL Collins | 024

F-You Money Part 1 | JL Collins | 023

Mr 4% is now Mr 5% | Bill Bengen | 111

Sustainable FIlosophy with Mr. Money Mustache | Pete Adeney | 073

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