FI Minded: Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It

Andy Hill, creator of Marriage, Kids, and Money and author of Own Your Time, shares how he transitioned to a 20–25 hour workweek, allowing more time for health and family. He discusses the concept of CoastFI to unlock flexibility even before reaching financial independence. Listeners learn about practical strategies to negotiate reduced hours and test part-time work safely. Andy emphasizes prioritizing life's true 'rocks' and suggests small experiments to ease into a less hectic lifestyle while still supporting financial goals.

If you’ve ever felt stuck somewhere between the excitement of starting your FI journey and the reality that the finish line is still years away, this episode will give you a practical way to stay motivated. You’ll learn how a FI Bucket List can immediately add meaning, momentum, and enjoyment to the process—no matter where you are on the path. This isn’t about spending more money; it’s about intentionally creating experiences that keep you energized instead of burned out.You’ll also hear how shifting from a “save now, live later” mindset to a “design a meaningful life today” approach can completely change the way your journey feels. We break down how to choose bucket-list items that fit your values, your current season of life, and your budget. You’ll walk away with clear steps for creating your own version, whether you want more adventure, more connection, or simply more joy in your week.Finally, the conversation highlights what the FI Bucket List reveals about the bigger purpose behind financial independence: freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build a life you actually want to live. If you’ve been feeling behind, bored, or disconnected from your "why," this episode will help you reconnect with the possibility, purpose, and excitement that originally drew you to FI.Key Takeaways:Why a FI Bucket List is one of the most effective ways to stay motivated on a long FI journeyHow to design bucket-list items that fit your values, energy, and current season of lifeThe mindset shift from delaying joy to intentionally integrating it into your journeyHow to balance saving aggressively and creating meaningful experiences todayWhy your FI “finish line” isn’t the real point—and what actually matters moreHow a bucket list helps reduce burnout, boredom, and the fear of “doing FI wrong”Practical examples of small, low-cost wins that build excitement and momentumThe difference between running away from work and running toward a fulfilling lifeOther Episodes You’ll Love:Is Saving Too Much Holding You Back? | E179 Jesse CramerMini-Retirements: Retire Often, Not Just Early | E177 Jillian JohnsrudHow to Get the Courage to Travel More Adventurously | E174 Jon OteroConnect With JustinEmail me at Justin@FIMinded.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Talking about end-of-life planning is one of the hardest conversations we’ll ever have, but also one of the most important. Whether you’re pursuing financial independence or already work-optional, someone in your life will eventually rely on you to make decisions on their behalf. And without clarity, that responsibility becomes emotionally heavy, financially stressful, and often filled with guesswork.In this episode, Financial Educator Tess Waresmith (Wealth With Tess) walks us through how to approach these conversations with compassion and confidence. Tess has navigated caregiving and loss firsthand, including the passing of her stepfather and aunt. She brings a personal and practical approach to preparing families for the future.You’ll learn how to make these conversations feel less overwhelming, how to use Tess’s 3-Layer Talk Framework to guide your discussion, and which estate-planning essentials every FI-minded person should have squared away. More than anything, this episode will help you strengthen connections, reduce uncertainty, and create peace of mind for yourself and the people you love.Key Takeaways:How to start end-of-life conversations in a way that feels natural, not heavyThe 3-Layer Talk Framework for discussing logistics, values, and legacyEssential estate-planning documents every family needs (Will, POA, Healthcare Directive)Questions that help uncover a loved one’s hopes, fears, stories, and wishesWhy acknowledging mortality can lead to more intentional spending, saving, and FI planningOther Episodes You’ll Love:3 Hidden Traps That Make FIRE Feel Empty | E182 Jordan GrumetHow to Negotiate Your Medical Bills | E161 Dr. Virgie Bright EllingtonDoes My FIRE Number Account for Inflation? | E140 Jesse CramerGuest Summary:Tess Waresmith is a financial educator, speaker, and the creator of Wealth With Tess, where she teaches women how to build confidence with money and investing. Through her workshops, courses, and content, she shares clear, compassionate financial guidance to help women reduce stress and prioritize what truly matters.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthwithtess/Talking About Death: https://www.moneyconfidentclub.com/talkdeathDeathly Yours Workbook ($60 off with code FIMINDED):https://www.moneyconfidentclub.com/offers/BkfzyzKV?coupon_code=FIMINDEDConnect With JustinEmail me at Justin@FIMinded.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Are FI seekers supposed to follow the 50/30/20 budget guideline — or is it completely irrelevant when you’re pursuing financial independence? In this solo episode, Justin walks through five years of his own spending data to find out how closely his real-life budget aligned with this popular personal finance rule of thumb.You’ll learn what the 50/30/20 rule was originally designed for, where it breaks down for people on the path to FI, and how your own needs, wants, and savings ratios might shift as you move closer to financial independence. Justin also shares his FI-friendly version of the guideline that better supports intentional spending, lifestyle design, and long-term financial freedom.Whether you’re in your first year of the FI journey or optimizing for Coast FI, this episode will help you rethink your spending percentages, understand your true savings rate, and build a budgeting approach that matches your work-optional goals.Key Takeaways:Why the traditional 50/30/20 budgeting rule often breaks down for FI seekers, early retirees, and anyone aiming for financial independence.How Justin’s actual 2020–2025 spending data compared to the guideline — including needs, wants, and savings percentages.The difference between budgeting for traditional retirement vs budgeting for financial independence or Coast FI.What your savings rate reveals about your FI timeline and why it matters more than a fixed budget ratio.How an FI-minded spending framework can help you design a flexible lifestyle, reduce money anxiety, and stay aligned with your long-term goals.A simple FI version of the 50/30/20 rule you can adapt to your income, values, and personal financial independence path.Why intentional spending beats rigid budgeting - and how knowing your own numbers can help you reach work optionality faster.Other Episodes You’ll Love:Smart Frugality: The Frugal Mindset That Actually Feels Good | E183 JC RodriguezHow to Save Thousands on Groceries (Without Giving Anything Up) | E176 Bryan SuddithMoney Moves That Sound Smart…But Aren’t (Part 1) | E172Connect With JustinEmail me at Justin@FIMinded.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Cutting costs can help you reach financial independence faster, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your happiness. The real key is smart frugality: spending intentionally on what adds value and confidently cutting what doesn’t.In this episode, I’m joined by JC Rodriguez, financial coach and creator of The Frugal Rich, to explore how to build a values-based spending system that feels good, lasts long term, and supports your FI goals.We’ll unpack practical hacks from grocery savings to “buy for life” strategies and talk about how to balance conscious spending, frugality with purpose, and joy along the journey to financial freedom.If you’ve ever wondered whether saving money is helping or hurting your quality of life, this one’s for you.Key Takeaways:How values-based spending helps you save money without losing joyWhy cutting too far in the name of frugality can backfireSimple hacks to save money on everyday expenses like groceriesUse tools like CamelCamelCamel to track prices and shop smarterThe difference between short-term savings hacks and lasting frugal habitsWhy “buy for life” products often save more money long-termBalancing frugality with happiness in everyday spending decisionsWhy some people thrive on frugality while others struggle with itHow to spend confidently on big purchases without guiltHow to balance financial independence goals with living well todayGuest Summary:JC Rodriguez is a financial coach and creator of The Frugal Rich, a community of over 1.5 million people learning how to live better with less. His work helps people embrace frugality with purpose, adopt sustainable money habits, and build long-term financial freedom without sacrificing happiness.Check out JC on:YouTubeFacebook GroupConnect With JustinEmail me at Justin@FIMinded.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

FIRE was never meant to be the finish line. It was supposed to be the launchpad. But somewhere along the way, we started chasing optimization instead of meaning.In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Grumet (Doc G), author of The Purpose Code and host of the Earn & Invest Podcast, to explore how the FIRE movement can sometimes turn from a tool for freedom into a trap that leaves people feeling empty.We unpack three hidden pitfalls that can derail your FIRE journey and how to realign money, purpose, and meaning once you’ve “made it.”Jordan has been a longtime voice in the Financial Independence movement, through his blog, DiverseFI, his book, The Purpose Code, and his podcast, Earn & Invest.But after a decade in the movement, he started asking some deeper questions:Has FIRE become the destination instead of the launchpad?Are we optimizing our finances at the expense of meaning?And how do we bring purpose back into the FIRE movement?Key Takeaways:Why FIRE can accidentally make money the goal instead of the toolThe trap of “Perfect is the Enemy of Good” in personal financeEndless optimization (Roth timing, iBonds, chasing interest rates) can distract from what truly matters.How optimization can distract us from the hard emotional workReal fulfillment comes from pursuing purpose, not FIRE.What Jordan still loves about the FIRE movement (and what he’s outgrown)How to redefine success beyond spreadsheets and savings ratesOther Episodes You’ll Love:Is Saving Too Much Holding You Back? | E179 Jesse CramerHow to Live a FI Life Without the FI Bank Account | E170 Jess from FioneersFind Purpose Beyond Financial Independence | E157 Jordan GrumetGuest Summary:Jordan Grumet (Doc G) is a physician turned writer, speaker, and host of the Earn & Invest Podcast. His books, Taking Stock and The Purpose Code, explore how to align money, meaning, and legacy. Jordan has been part of the FIRE community since 2014, helping thousands rethink what financial independence really means.Connect with Jordan:Book: The Purpose CodePodcast: Earn & Invest PodcastConnect with Justin:Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI Minded:Want to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Everyone talks about starting a side hustle, but few talk about how to pick the right one. The one that fits your skills, your lifestyle, and your FI goals.Nick Loper, host of The Side Hustle Show, joins me again to share smart ways to find a side hustle that actually fits your life, skills, and Financial Independence goals.We explore creative frameworks like “Rip, Pivot, and Jam,” “Intersection,” and “Shovels in the Gold Rush,” and how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to uncover ideas faster than ever. Nick also shares how to narrow your list to just one idea you’ll be excited to work on for years to come.If you’ve been overthinking your next move or waiting for the “perfect” side hustle, this episode will help you find clarity, confidence, and direction.Key Takeaways:Find side hustle ideas at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what people need, and what they’ll pay for.Use frameworks like Rip, Pivot, and Jam or Shovels in the Gold Rush to generate creative and practical ideas.Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm and refine your concepts.Ask questions like “Does this fit my lifestyle?” or “Would I still enjoy this in three years?” to narrow your choices fast.Other Episodes You’ll Love:How to Start a Side Hustle in One Month | E167 Nick LoperHow to DOUBLE Your Income in One Year | E164 Andrew GiancolaHow to Launch a Side Hustle While Working Full-Time | E132 Genuinely GenesisMore of Nick: The Side Hustle ShowMore of FI Minded:Email Justin at Justin@FIMinded.comConnect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

It might have been monsters under the bed, shadows in the corner, or creepy dementors from Harry Potter. We all had irrational fears growing up.Mine was creepy dolls. After watching a movie called Teacher’s Pet, I became so terrified of dolls that my dad had my sister box up hers and store them in the basement.I’ll be honest, I’m still not a huge fan of dolls, but I’ve mostly outgrown that fear. Along the way, though, I’ve picked up some new ones like running out of money, being left without health insurance, and probably the biggest of all… taxes.I’ve been saving and investing with the fear that Uncle Sam will take a huge chunk of my money. That mindset has me padding my investment accounts and inflating my FI number. But after reading Sean Mullaney and Cody Garrett’s book, Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement, I’m starting to rethink that - and I think you should too.To help us all navigate this, I invited Sean and Cody to walk us through strategies to optimize taxes before and during early retirement. We’ll cover things like which accounts to deplete first, how to control your taxable income through strategic selling, ways to minimize sequence-of-return risk, and even how you could pay almost nothing in taxes some years without cutting expenses.If you want practical strategies for optimizing taxes on your path to early retirement, this episode is for you.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Mr. Measure Twice and the FITaxGuy…Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney.Key Takeaways:How to fund an early retirement lifestyle tax-free with drawdown strategies.Which investment accounts to tap first to optimize your retirement withdrawalsHow to sell specific brokerage lots to precisely manage taxes and cash flowA drawdown approach that protects against the sequence of returns risk in retirementHow to maximize ACA premium tax credits for affordable early retirement healthcareWhen to use Roth and HSA withdrawals for tax-efficient income flexibilityMentions:Selling Specific Lots in Fidelity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cft7dLLP7_U&feature=youtu.beMore of Sean & Cody:Check out the book “Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement”:: https://www.measuretwicemoney.com/bookCody’s website: https://measuretwicefinancial.com/Sean’s website: https://fitaxguy.com/More of FI Minded:Email Justin at Justin@FIMinded.comConnect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/The discussion is intended to be for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Justin and the FI Minded podcast do not endorse Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. and their services.

I’m in this strange in-between stage right now, somewhere between Coast FI and Full FI. And I often feel pulled back and forth between spender and saver, current me and future me, speeding up and slowing down. It’s a little exhausting, I have to admit.A few years ago, things felt simpler because I was in full accumulation mode. Most of my decisions came down to one thing: delay spending so I could save and invest more. Looking back, maybe I would’ve splurged a little on experiences or time-saving purchases, but honestly, I don’t regret much.These days, though, I’m learning to focus more on my current self. I’m loosening up, spending a bit more, and not being so uptight about every dollar. Talking with friends further along in the FI journey, I’ve realized this shift is pretty natural, and perhaps you’re experiencing it too.It’s not always easy, which is why I wanted to talk it through with a friend and frequent guest, Jesse Cramer. Jesse’s navigating the same changes himself, and as a financial advisor, he also brings perspective from helping clients through similar situations.In this episode, we dive into the balance of spending on your current self while still enjoying the growth of your investments. We talk about how we’ve loosened up around money habits like budgeting, and why we’re not stressing about hitting our exact FIRE numbers anymore.I always enjoy my conversations with Jesse, and if any of this resonates with you, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one too.I hope you enjoy my conversation with the host of The Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors Podcast… Jesse Cramer.Key Takeaways:Shift from always accumulating to finding balance and enjoying life now.Redefine “pay yourself first” to include meaningful spending today.Build a portfolio that grows in bull markets and feels safe in bear markets.Loosen up on strict budgeting without losing financial control.Let your spending evolve to reflect your values and priorities.Don’t let your FIRE number dictate every life decision.Factor in Social Security - you may be further ahead than you think.Learn from retirees: smooth transitions come from people and purpose.Take smart risks that push you beyond your comfort zone.More of Jesse:Check out Jesse’s podcast: https://bestinterest.blog/personal-finance-for-long-term-investors/More of FI Minded:Email Justin at Justin@FIMinded.comConnect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

I was reviewing my spending for the first half of 2025 and noticed something interesting: excluding routine bills, groceries, and experiences, I only bought 25 new things this year, totaling about $1,400. For six months, that felt pretty solid. But it also got me wondering… could I go even further?That curiosity came to a head when the nozzle on my garden hose started leaking. My first instinct was to hop on Amazon and buy a new one. It was only $20. But then I paused. I looked up what might cause the leak and found out it’s usually a worn-out rubber washer. I took the thing apart, and sure enough, that was it. I hopped back on Amazon to order a new washer…until I remembered I had another broken nozzle in the garage. I swear I have the worst luck with these—but this one wasn’t leaking. I had just dropped it and snapped the trigger handle. I took the rubber washer from that one and used it to fix the current nozzle.And it worked! No money spent. Nothing added to a landfill. And honestly, I felt proud of myself.I share that story because it’s easy to assume we’re already frugal or intentional enough—especially in the FI community. But that moment made me realize how often I default to “buy new” without even questioning it. And I want to become more intentional, especially when it comes to physical things.That’s why I invited Ashlee Piper on the show today. Ashlee is a sustainability expert and author of the new book No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity. She’s also the creator of the #NoNewThings Challenge, which she personally followed for two years, which is just insanely impressive.In this conversation, we dig into how to creatively meet your needs without always reaching for your wallet. Ashlee shares her SUPER system for thoughtfully navigating purchases, and we run through a few real-life scenarios like getting ready for a wedding or gearing up for Halloween.If you want to bring more intentionality into how you consume, this episode will leave you feeling inspired.I hope you enjoy my conversation with the always resourceful, wildly entertaining, and sustainability-driven…Ashlee Piper.Key Takeaways:How to skip buying new without giving up what you loveA system to make smarter, more intentional buying choicesFind practical ways to fix, borrow, or swap before buying something newHow consumer culture encourages excess (and how to resist it)Balancing intentional spending and restrictionMore of Ashlee:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleepiper/Newsletter: https://substack.com/@theethicaleditMore of FI Minded:Email Justin at Justin@FIMinded.comConnect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/