
The Financial Independence Show
Cody Berman and Justin Taylor believe in the concept of “Financial Independence For All”. The Financial Independence Show focuses on REAL stories of individuals on their journey to financial independence. Each episode aims to include actionable insights and takeaways for listeners to implement into their own financial situation. The podcast covers topics like building wealth, entrepreneurship, investing, money mindset, small business, frugality, geoarbitrage, side hustles, real estate, productivity, travel, and so much more. Sit back, tune in, and join a community of like-minded people who are changing their lives through financial independence.
Latest episodes

Feb 9, 2021 • 52min
Shaping Failure and Tough Conversations | David Wood
Today's episode features David Wood from Focus.ceo who has become one of the biggest life coaches and has helped 150k+ people.
David spent over 20 years building a career as a consulting actuary for Fortune 100 companies.
David helps high-performing entrepreneurs, executives and teams to identify and master their tough conversations, becoming the leaders they themselves would follow.
There are so many awesome techniques that David shares. So sit back and try them out yourself while you listen.
Links From the Episode
Click here to get the following gifts from David:
Cheat sheet for doubling revenue
Video on achieving more in less time
15 minute live audit on doubling revenue
And a 35 minute workshop
David's Website: Focus.Ceo
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Grab our FREE Budget Planner
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Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review!
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Learn More About Your Hosts
Fly to FI (Cody’s Blog)
Saving-Sherpa (Justin’s blog)

Feb 2, 2021 • 40min
Using Music Therapy to Reach New Heights | Marlys Woods
Today's episode features Marlys Woods who created her own business, Get in Tune Music Therapy, where she uses music as a tool to help her clients reach new heights.
Never heard of musical therapy? Neither had we but it's very interesting.
She pairs what she loves about music with psychology. The most common use case for this is for developmental issues or speech rehab.
But it's also possible to use music as a tool for everyday productivity and releasing stressors.
Marlys focuses on addiction which was her focus after her undergrad degree. She turned this into a full-fledged business where she employs other contractors to all help patients through their recovery utilizing music.
Take a listen and learn about yet another amazing example of designing a life that brings you happiness and purpose.
Links From the Episode
Contact Marlys:
Website: Getintunemusictherapy.com
Instagram: @GetInTuneMusic
Money Emotions & Music: Program coming soon for managing emotions on your financial independence journey!
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Grab our FREE Budget Planner
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review!
>> You can do that by clicking here <<
Learn More About Your Hosts
Fly to FI (Cody’s Blog)
Saving-Sherpa (Justin’s blog)

Jan 26, 2021 • 34min
Geoarbitrage Case Studies | Diving into the Numbers with Cody & Justin
Today's episode rounds out our series on utilizing your location as a tool to financial independence and is led by just thew of us hosts.
You may hear this idea called geo-arbitrage. We wanted to pick two locations where we would actually like to take a test run of financial independence in a foreign country.
Cody picked Santiago, Chile and Justin picked Porto, Portugal.
This episode covers an honest and holistic look at what it would cost for a couple to live in these countries while still really exploring and enjoying them.
Take a listen and consider where you'd move if you had the freedom.
Santiago, Chile
Housing
- $500 for a one BR apartment
- Comes with parking, laundry, gym, BBQ and pool
Utilities (Electricity, Heat, Cooling, Water, Garbage)
$135 per month
Cost of Flights to Other Locations
- Flights around South America starting as low as $35.
- $385 to get back to Cody's home in New England
Restaurant Samplings
- Simple meal at inexpensive restaurant costs $5
Grocery Samplings
- $30-35 per week. With mostly fish, vegetables, beans, eggs, “healthy” pasta, fruits, and smoothies
Phone/Internet
- $45 per month
Public Transportation
- Taxis will take you anywhere for less than $10
- Average of $150 per month (per expat survey)
Healthcare
- Ranked 33 out of 190 countries (similar to Australia and Denmark and many of the doctors speak english)
- $100-120 for healthy adult expat insurance
Visa Requirements (how long can I stay?)
- 90 days (plus can pay $100 for another 90 day extension)
Weather
- Coldest months are June and July with average highs of 61 degrees Fahrenheit
- Only downside is that it rains 4-5 days per week
Total cost = $1650/month
500 housing
135 utilities
120 groceries
250 restaurants
45 phone/internet
100 transport
120 healthcare
400 entertainment
$19,800 per year
Porto, Portugal
Housing
- $833 for a one BR apartment in heart of the city
- Comes with parking, laundry, wifi, all utilities
Utilities (Electricity, Heat, Cooling, Water, Garbage)
Included
Cost of Flights to Other Locations
- Flights around Europe starting as low as $25.
Paris: $25
Barcelona $49
Milan $53
- $670 to get back to Justin's home in Austin
Restaurant Samplings
- Simple meal at inexpensive restaurant costs $6
- Anthony Bordain visited restaurant also serves $1.80 martinis
Grocery Samplings
- $40 per week.
$2.60/lb chicken, $1.30/lb pork, $0.75 fresh bread, $0.90 apples, $2.50 bottle of wine as examples
Phone/Internet
- Wifi is free, 22gb data and unlimited call cell phone for $18
Public Transportation
-Amazing train system for very cheap which I factor into "Travel"
Healthcare
- Emergency room visits are free
- Research shows ~$40 per month for plans
Visa Requirements (how long can I stay?)
- 90 days with just the passport
- Full citizenship appears attainable if you can prove you have healthcare as well as stable income source to fund your retirement
Weather
- Lowest highs are 57 degrees December/January
- Highest highs are 77 degrees in July/August
Total cost = $1770/month (for a couple)
833 housing
140 groceries
300 restaurants
18 phone/internet
80 healthcare
400 entertainment (includes transportation)
$21,240 per year
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Grab our FREE Budget Planner
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review!
>> You can do that by clicking here <<
Learn More About Your Hosts
Fly to FI (Cody’s Blog)
Saving-Sherpa (Justin’s blog)

Dec 22, 2020 • 48min
Selling Everything and Moving to Panama | Jim White
Today's episode features Jim White from Route to Retire.
We're continuing our series on geoarbitrage which is the act of purposefully moving to a location for monetary benefits such as lower cost of living or tax treatment.
Jim and his family utilized a traditional corporate job to amass a nest egg large enough to retire in his early 40s. They were conservative enough to save for a life in the U.S. but wanted to find a lower price point abroad.
Jim poured over the research and took a successful test run to Panama. The rest is history and Jim and his family now live there full time. They live a vacation life on an ordinary budget.
Take a listen and consider where you'd move if you had the freedom.
Links From the Episode
Follow along with Jim's Net-worth
Roth IRA conversion calculator
Cost of living in Panama
Investment drawdown plan
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Grab our FREE Budget Planner
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review!
>> You can do that by clicking here <<
Learn More About Your Hosts
Fly to FI (Cody’s Blog)
Saving-Sherpa (Justin’s blog)

Dec 15, 2020 • 45min
Living in Taiwan and Slow Traveling The World | Mr. Nomad Numbers
Today's episode features Mr. Nomad Numbers from Nomad Numbers.
This begins our series on Geo-arbitrage which is the act of purposefully moving to a location for monetary benefits such as lower cost of living or tax treatment.
Mr. &. Mrs. Nomad numbers were living in California and realized they could jump ship and retire. They chose to move to Taiwan where they could obtain a 3yr gold-card which would allow them to live there full time.
Mr. NN also gives us the breakdown of how Taiwan has battled Covid-19 so effectively and what it was like going through that process.
We're excited to bring you some guests who took their freedom to the next level and moved abroad. Take a listen and consider where you'd move if you had the freedom.
Links From the Episode
Taiwan Gold Card
https://taiwangoldcard.com/goldcard-holders-faq/at-work/#can-i-just-not-work-at-all
https://www.nomadnumbers.com/taiwan-employment-gold-card-application-guide/
Other Helpful Links
https://www.nomadnumbers.com/cost-of-living-stuck-in-taiwan-during-the-pandemic/
https://www.nomadnumbers.com/slow-travel/
https://www.nomadnumbers.com/design-your-ideal-life/
https://www.nomadnumbers.com/top-tips-save-money-airbnb-guide/
Nomad Numbers Cost of Living Around The World Map
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Grab our FREE Budget Planner
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review!
>> You can do that by clicking here <<
Learn More About Your Hosts
Fly to FI (Cody’s Blog)
Saving-Sherpa (Justin’s blog)

Oct 21, 2020 • 31min
Healthcare 2020 Roundup | Listener Q&A and Personal Experience
Today's episode features your two podcast hosts, Justin & Cody.
The cover guest questions on topics like medical bill negotiations, pricing, plan types, coverage when traveling, and more.
They also let listeners in on exactly how they get their coverage now, and for Justin, how he plans to manage this once he no longer has that W-2 job.
This topic is crucial for everyone listening so don't miss this one.
Links From the Episode
https://uncoveredhc.com/blog/the-top-healthcare-transparency-sites-2019/
https://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes
ehealthinsurance.com
healthcare.gov
https://uncoveredhc.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-health-insurance-for-2020/ https://uncoveredhc.com/blog/paying-for-health-insurance/
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Grab our FREE Budget Planner
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review!
>> You can do that by clicking here <<
Learn More About Your Hosts
Fly to FI (Cody’s Blog)
Saving-Sherpa (Justin’s blog)

Oct 13, 2020 • 48min
Shopping for Healthcare (The Right Way) | Scott Heiser
Today's episode features the healthcare expert Scott Heiser who authored Healthcare is Making Me Sick.
Scott is leading the charge on making healthcare understandable for all.
He covers how new transparency data tools are empowering us as healthcare consumers and how best to handle your medical bills.
This topic is crucial for everyone listening so don't miss this one.
Summary
Scott shares transparency data tools and how they're changing healthcare shopping
Medical tourism is possible even within the United States
You haggle for a used car, why not the payment on a knee replacement?
Are non-profit hospitals raking in cash?
And much more
Reach out to Scott
Book: Healthcare is Making Me Sick
Website: UncoveredHC.com
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Grab our FREE Budget Planner
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review!
>> You can do that by clicking here <<
Learn More About Your Hosts
Fly to FI (Cody’s Blog)
Saving-Sherpa (Justin’s blog)

Oct 6, 2020 • 53min
Healthcare in the FI Community | Lynn Frair & Jackie Cummings Koski
Today's episode features the healthcare option experts Lynn Frair and Jackie Cummings Koski.
Lynn is crowdsourcing all the best health care options for the FI community and Jackie is a certified Health Savings Account (HSA) expert!
Open enrollment is just around the corner and we're bringing you the knowledge you need to decide.
This topic is crucial for everyone listening so don't miss this one.
Links and Resources
Comparing High Deductible Plans with a Health Savings Account to Traditional plans
Lynn & Jackie recommend this tool -> WexInc HSA vs Traditional Calculator
Really understanding what all you can do with HSAs
Mad Fientist article helps with HSAs too
How Lynn is crowdsourcing healthcare options especially for FIRE / Entrepreneurs
Take a look at FI Healthcare
Reach out to Lynn & Jackie
Lynn Frair
Website: FI Healthcare
Instagram: FI Healtchare
LinkedIn: Lynn Frair
Jackie Cummings Koski
HSA Email: hsaquestion@gmail.com
Website: Money Letter 2
LinkedIn: Jackie Koski
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Grab our FREE Budget Planner
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review!
>> You can do that by clicking here <<
Learn More About Your Hosts
Fly to FI (Cody’s Blog)
Saving-Sherpa (Justin’s blog)

Sep 29, 2020 • 51min
100 Life Updates and The FI Show Evolution
Today's episode features your very own hosts Justin from Saving-Sherpa and Cody from Fly to FI.
We just wanted to celebrate our 100th episode!
Both of us give you a rundown on all the big life events that have taken place this year.
Cody bought three investment properties and Justin hit FI at age 30!
There's so much more so you won't want to miss this one.
Episode Summary
What You Can Expect To Hear
Justin hits FI
Cody buys 3 properties
Cody goes Vegan
Justin sells his van
Justin moves to Texas
Cody learns lessons from entrepreneurship
We also celebrate accomplishments from those special people in our lives
Experimenting with The FI Show going forward
We want to hear from you!
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Grab our FREE Budget Planner
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review!
>> You can do that by clicking here <<
Learn More About Your Hosts
Fly to FI (Cody’s Blog)
Saving-Sherpa (Justin’s blog)

Sep 15, 2020 • 53min
From the Ghetto to a Growth Mindset | Jerry Brown
Today's episode features Jerry Brown from Peerless Money Mentor.
Jerry grew up in a self-described ghetto with no real view of a way out.
We cover his background, how he turned things around, and how he's built a powerful financial independence network.
You won't want to miss this inspiring story!
Listen, learn, and let us know what you think about this awesome episode.
Episode Summary
Jerry's Background
Jerry didn't really know he was poor growing up
But he lived in a crime-filled neighborhood with few outside role models
His mom also needed assistance to get by
He talks about how people were surprised he'd even admit that he was from the area he lived in
Growing up he thought basketball or rapping would be the only possible way to escape
His mom did put a big emphasis on learning but financial independence never seemed reasonable
Can you Bootstrap Past Disadvantages?
Jerry sees it as a mixed bag
He does put a lot of weight into hard work
But he also acknowledges the real disadvantages
He was also cognizant enough to understand his family was a big advantage
Jerry's Financial Mistakes
Jerry was young and healthy so he thought he didn't need insurance
A large dental procedure led him to serious credit card debt
Then he started buying more things on credit
Eventually, Jerry would buy a $22k car while only earning $22k per year
Financial Wake Up Call
He came home and his fiance had her bags packed
Jerry realized he couldn't afford to live by himself
So he thought he'd just live out of his car to avoid the embarrassment of moving home
Jerry was also carrying debt with 25% interest rates
He was making payments but was never actually making progress
A friend recommended he refinance through a personal loan
This lowered his debt all the way down to 5%
For his remaining credit card bills, he did a balance transfer
That gave him 0% rate for 18 months
Jerry's Side Hustle Journey
He tried Swagbucks but the payout was terrible
Then he tried Uber but it was taking a toll on his car
Jerry also tried We Go Look where you send in pictures of damaged vehicles for insurance claims.
Now he is getting more into freelance writing and social media management
Jerry also highly recommends Beta Testing.
Networking
This was a really powerful part of Jerry's story
Networking expanded his world view
It also tangibly impacted him
From ideas on debt payment or side hustles like freelance writing
Jerry really highlights the importance to surround yourself with people you can draw knowledge and encouragement from
Key Takeaways
Artificial Limits: One thing that really stuck out was the disadvantage that people experience simply by having low expectations set for them and surrounding them.
Mental Health: We loved that Jerry was open about his mental health journey and his encouragement to others to also take it seriously.
Call to Action
Expand your network! One easy way is to just join our Facebook group page. Other options are LinkedIn, MeetUp, or other Facebook group pages.
Join the Community
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Jerry's Information