

FI Minded: Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It
Justin Peters
Want to achieve Financial Independence (FI) without missing out on life?
FI Minded is the podcast for anyone seeking financial freedom, time freedom, and a work-optional lifestyle — all while enjoying the journey along the way.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your FI journey or already deep into Coast FI or Slow FI, this show gives you practical strategies and insights to reach early retirement and design a life that aligns with your values, purpose, and fulfillment.
Popular topics include:
- FI Optimization Strategies: Actionable advice to reach Financial Independence faster without unnecessary stress.
- Work Optional & Lifestyle Design: How to transition from the corporate grind and build a life of freedom, flexibility, and intentional living.
- Time Freedom & Coast FI: Making the most of your time while still planning for the future, including mini-retirements, travel, and other ways to enjoy your life now.
- Post-FI Identity & Purpose: What to do once you’ve achieved FI, and how to create meaning beyond money.
- Burnout & Balance: Avoid the pitfalls of over-optimization and learn to balance saving for the future with mental health and happiness.
If you want to reach financial independence, design a life that’s purposeful and fun, and avoid burnout along the way, FI Minded is your guide to building a sustainable, fulfilling, and free life.
Some of our past guests include Carl Jensen (1500 Days), Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club), Nick Loper (Side Hustle Show), Andrew Giancola (The Personal Finance Podcast), Jordan Grumet (Earn & Invest), Rachael Camp (Work Optional), Jillian Johnsrud (Retire Often), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy), Jill Sirianni (Frugal Friends), Jackie Cummings-Koski (Catching Up to FI), Joel Larsgaard (How to Money), Cody Garrett (Measure Twice), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), Jess (The Fioneers), Chris Hutchins (All The Hacks), Diania Merriam (EconoMe), and many more inspiring voices in the FI space.
FI Minded is the podcast for anyone seeking financial freedom, time freedom, and a work-optional lifestyle — all while enjoying the journey along the way.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your FI journey or already deep into Coast FI or Slow FI, this show gives you practical strategies and insights to reach early retirement and design a life that aligns with your values, purpose, and fulfillment.
Popular topics include:
- FI Optimization Strategies: Actionable advice to reach Financial Independence faster without unnecessary stress.
- Work Optional & Lifestyle Design: How to transition from the corporate grind and build a life of freedom, flexibility, and intentional living.
- Time Freedom & Coast FI: Making the most of your time while still planning for the future, including mini-retirements, travel, and other ways to enjoy your life now.
- Post-FI Identity & Purpose: What to do once you’ve achieved FI, and how to create meaning beyond money.
- Burnout & Balance: Avoid the pitfalls of over-optimization and learn to balance saving for the future with mental health and happiness.
If you want to reach financial independence, design a life that’s purposeful and fun, and avoid burnout along the way, FI Minded is your guide to building a sustainable, fulfilling, and free life.
Some of our past guests include Carl Jensen (1500 Days), Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club), Nick Loper (Side Hustle Show), Andrew Giancola (The Personal Finance Podcast), Jordan Grumet (Earn & Invest), Rachael Camp (Work Optional), Jillian Johnsrud (Retire Often), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy), Jill Sirianni (Frugal Friends), Jackie Cummings-Koski (Catching Up to FI), Joel Larsgaard (How to Money), Cody Garrett (Measure Twice), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), Jess (The Fioneers), Chris Hutchins (All The Hacks), Diania Merriam (EconoMe), and many more inspiring voices in the FI space.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 11, 2020 • 41min
Building Mental Toughness Through Running I E8 Calendar Club
This is a special episode for me. With a group of friends in April, I completed a running challenge called the Calendar Club.
I invited our group onto The Struggle is Real to discuss the challenge and lessons learned. We have lots of laughs throughout as everyone shares stories about their personal experiences.
This light-hearted episode is perfect for those looking to learn more about a fitness challenge that they could use to jumpstart their health journey.
Key Takeaways:
[3:27] Why each member wanted to do Calendar Club
[4:48] Discussion about our views on being a runner
[10:58] How we held themselves accountable throughout the month
[20:31] Overcoming long run days using mental fortitude
[32:08] Lessons learned by completing Calendar Club
Favorite Quotes:
[10:14] It’s encouraging for anyone who’s like, I don’t think I can do that. Actually you can do it, if you just decide to be dedicated to it. - Gaby
[15:10] I disliked most of it. - Shane
[26:25] There was this head wind, a really strong head wind. And it seemed to change direction no matter what side of the track I was on. - Mike
[34:07] Before you know it, your hardest workout is now your warmup. - Shane
[38:54] It’s on like donkey kong. - Bri
Mentions:
Jesse Itzler IG: @jesseitzler
TSIR episode with Shane Jenne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfDJxjkECqg&t=651shttps://www.tsirpodcast.com/e4-shane-jenne-from-overweight-to-fitness-coach-i-the-sandbox-with-justin-peters/
The Struggle is Real episode with Kyle Peters: https://www.tsirpodcast.com/e2-kyle-peters-the-power-of-authenticity-i-the-sandbox-with-justin-peters/
More of Calendar Club:
Instagram:
Brianna Schaeffer @brishafe
Shane Jenne @shanejenne
Gaby Deimeke @gdeimz
Mike Neace @mikeneace
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Apr 25, 2020 • 59min
Critical Skills for Negotiating Your Next Job Offer I E7 Alexandra Dickinson
Today’s guest is Alexandra Dickinson, Founder and CEO of Ask For It, a negotiation training and coaching business.
In this episode, Alexandra and I discuss how negotiating doesn’t need to feel combative and unpleasant. She gives tactics and advice on a myriad of topics including figuring out an appropriate salary range, practicing for a salary negotiation conversation, and handling the question “how much do you currently make?”
This episode is perfect for those who feel they deserve more, but might not have the skills, or more importantly, the confidence to ask for it.
Key Takeaways:
[2:38] Starting Ask For It and overcoming imposter syndrome
[10:36] When to negotiate and how to go about it
[11:53] How to figure out an appropriate salary range
[22:04] How to practice for a salary negotiation conversation
[30:43] Advice on handling “how much do you currently make?”
[38:23] Utilizing the “wish, want, walk” method when negotiating
[45:21] Alexandra’s favorite negotiating advice
[51:12] Alexandra values and how she wants to raise her daughters
Favorite Quotes:
[5:23] You have to believe that you are worth it before anyone else is going to believe it.
[19:26] How much are you willing to pay to avoid an awkward conversation?
[26:47] It’s not about what you will do, it’s about what you have done.
[46:01] Speech is silver, silence is golden.
More of Alexandra and Ask For It:
Instagram: @askforitco
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Apr 11, 2020 • 51min
Keep Your Money and Your Values Aligned I E6 Luis Savery
Today’s guest is Luis Savery, Founder of Templo Education.
In this episode, Luis and I discuss why he started an organization focused on educating young adults about financial literacy.
We talk about why he believes your purchases reflect what you truly value, how to get someone to be your mentor, and the small yet significant difference between discipline and impulse.
This episode is perfect for anyone looking to be more intentional about how they handle their money.
Key Takeaways:
[5:07] How growing up in Upper Manhattan influenced Luis’ mindset on money
[13:18] The inspiration for Templo Education and how the organization works
[19:19] Why the school system fails to teach financial literacy and what Luis would do about it
[26:16] Luis’ advice on how to find a mentor and maximize that relationship
[33:43] Where you spend your money reflects what you value
[41:18] Discipline versus impulse
Favorite Quotes:
[18:38] Adding finances to your repertoire while you're learning enhances you no matter what career you’re in.
[22:50] I can feed the angel or the beast, whatever your habits are, more money is going to feed that.
[36:46] When you look at someone's bank account, you can really see what they value.
[43:05] When you don't plan, the money controls you, but when you plan, you control that money. You tell your money where to go.
Mentions:
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Mar 27, 2020 • 54min
The Power of a Growth Mindset I E5 Kevin McWilliams
Joining me on the podcast today is Kevin McWilliams.
In this episode, Kevin shares his story of developing a growth mindset and the impact that shift has had on his life.
Kevin and I discuss how to align your time with your priorities to get what you want. We also dive into his love for sports, his complicated relationship with his dad, and spotting career opportunities.
This episode is perfect for anyone looking for inspiration to push past their limiting beliefs.
Key Takeaways:
[3:51] How to align your priorities with how you spend your time
[13:48] Communicating with friends you’re falling out with
[17:50] Is grad school right for you?
[19:33] How Kevin overcame his fixed mindset
[25:20] Two of the most powerful words you can say...I am.
[30:28] Why sports are the perfect parallel to life.
[33:58] The duality of people illustrated through Kevin's father
[44:23] Spotting and evaluating career opportunities
Favorite Quotes:
[12:18] I was so unintentional, I was letting life happen to me. As opposed to making it happen for what I want out of it.
[14:36] Who are the people who are bringing you the most joy and who are you bringing joy to?
[29:05] We stop at saying “I am” or “I can’t” but the truth is the people are good at stuff just put in the time.
[34:07] You have a friend until you prove otherwise.
[45:21] I’ve tried to value growth and learning over everything.
More of Kevin:
Instagram: @kmcwilliams21
Email: kevinp.williams21@gmail.com
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Mar 4, 2020 • 47min
Unbelievable Transformation from Overweight to Fitness Coach I E4 Shane Jenne
Joining us on The Struggle is Real is Shane Jenne.
In this episode, Shane and I discuss his early struggles with weight and how he was bound to a life filled with chronic health issues.
Instead of fulfilling this prophecy though, Shane transformed his life losing 80 pounds the summer after his freshman year of college.
He didn’t stop there though. His transformation inspired him to help those starting their own health revolution. Shane became a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach.
He recently started an online personal training program for the entertainment industry that includes actors, dancers, and performers.
This episode includes tips on fitness, nutrition, and sleep.
Key Takeaways:
[2:32] How Shane got started on his health journey
[9:10] Why finding your why is important during your fitness journey
[14:22] Shane explains how he defines a healthy lifestyle
[20:20] 9/10 people say their number one issue with their wellness is sleep and what we can do about it.
[28:55] Shane’s personal training background and how that transpired into Actors Fitness Guild
[39:50] What has the army taught Shane?
Favorite Quotes:
[11:58] You have to be dedicated and motivated everyday and you do that by being inspired by understanding what your why is.
[13:12] The more people that know about your journey, the more people are going to ask you about it. The more people are asking about your journey, the more accountable you are.
[26:50] There is nothing after 10pm that has to happen after 10pm.
[36:55] I won’t give them a bucket of fish. I will give them a fishing pole and show them where to go but they have to show up and maintain their fishing pole.
[41:38] At a young age, we might still be looking to find a mentor to help us along the way. But just as quickly as we find one, we have to be ready to be a mentor to those below us.
Mentioned in this episode:
Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success by Shawn Stevenson (book)
The Model Health Show - Shawn Stevenson (podcast)
More of Shane:
Instagram: @shanejenne
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Feb 19, 2020 • 41min
High School Sweethearts Share Tips for a Successful Relationship I E3 Jeff & Abby Nickel
Today’s guests are Jeff and Abby Nickel.
These high school sweethearts share tips to have a successful relationship.
We discuss the importance of forgiveness, creating a separate and joint identity, planning a wedding together, and the challenge of buying a house and moving in together.
Throughout the 10 years of knowing them and watching their relationship grow, they have inspired me to become a better partner.
Key Takeaways:
[6:30) Humility and forgiveness are the key to a successful relationship
[9:29] Changes Jeff and Abby had to make in order to make their relationship work
[11:34] Creating a joint and separate identity
[17:14] Planning a wedding together
[21:21] Buying a house and transitioning into living together
[27:33] How each of them positively influence one another
[29:05] Advice to their younger siblings on how to have a successful relationship
More of Jeff & Abby:
Instagram: @abby_rowan_nickel
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Feb 10, 2020 • 24min
When In Doubt, Choose to Be Authentic l E2 Kyle Peters
Today we are speaking with my brother, Kyle Peters, who is a recent college graduate.
At first he was destined to become a doctor yet took a left turn when he found what he was really looking for in retail leadership.
Key Takeaways:
[0:58] Kyle shares why he choose going to college and becoming a doctor
[3:10] Kyle talks about managing with the uncertainty around his degree choice
[6:53] Why being authentic is the key to differentiate yourself and find the right job out of college
[11:00] How Kyle transitioned out of medical sales
[13:45] Why Target went from a perspective part-time job to the perfect career match
[15:43] Kyle's leadership style
More of Kyle:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylepeters2/
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Jan 27, 2020 • 17min
One Small Step is the Kickstart You Need l E1 Mason Stevens
Welcome to the first episode of the The Struggle is Real with Justin Peters.
In this episode, Mason Stevens, military brat and health nut, shares his thoughts on how someone begins their journey of a healthier life.
More of Mason:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mason_james209/
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/


