Mile High FI Podcast

Discover the pursuit of purpose beyond work as the speakers explore redefining success and preparing for a fulfilling retirement. They highlight the joys of building hobbies and engaging with communities, emphasizing that mental and physical health is essential. The discussion delves into personal experiences with work dissatisfaction and the emotional challenges of transitioning from a career. Tune in for insights on achieving a flow state, testing new interests, and the importance of fostering social connections in this new chapter of life.

Dive into the multifaceted world of happiness as the hosts unpack its essence beyond mere wealth. They explore how mindset, routines, and social connections play vital roles in our quest for fulfillment. Reflecting on nostalgia and childhood, they discuss the importance of establishing positive habits post-retirement. With lighthearted anecdotes and practical tips, they focus on finding joy through subtraction and authenticity. Prepare for engaging insights on job satisfaction, joy in experiences, and the delicate balance between internal happiness and external validation.

Brian Feroldi, an individual stock investor with over 20 years of experience, dives into Warren Buffett's legendary investing principles. He explains the importance of truly understanding businesses and their long-term prospects. Key topics include using a personal investment checklist and the significance of management integrity. Feroldi also shares valuable lessons from his own investing journey, emphasizing disciplined strategies, the impact of financial metrics, and some amusing anecdotes from family vacations.

Doug chats with Jess and Corey from The Fioneers about their unique paths to Financial Independence, the Slow FI and Coast FI concepts, how their views on spending have evolved over the years, content creation, and balancing work with building a fulfilling life.  The group provides thoughts and advice in response to a listener email about reaching Financial Independence, potentially achieving Fat FI, helping family, and exploring content creation as a new career path.   Jess and Corey also discuss their Coast FI calculator tool and upcoming Slow FI retreats. Follow the link for more details including the original email from listener “Carl”: https://milehighfi.com/coast-fi-question-265/ Win a ticket to CampFI Rocky Mountain – Week 1 Ticket (2025) Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices! Links Connect with The Fioneers: Website: https://thefioneers.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fioneers Threads/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefioneers/ Coast FI Calculator: https://thefioneers.com/free-resources/ Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Eamon & Bec YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eamonandbec Kara & Nate YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KaraandNate MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 1:09 Inspirations for slowing down 5:13 Listener email & initial thoughts 12:36 Champagne lifestyle and spending 19:56 Balancing family support with FI 27:09 Job satisfaction 34:08 Sleeping in a camper van 39:10 Content creation 46:22 Strategies & recommendations for “Carl” 52:27 Future plans for the Fioneers 58:22 Soundcheck – Van Life

Dive into the world of reading as JT and Doug explore the impact of books on personal growth. They discuss the challenges of tackling dense nonfiction and the balancing act between fiction and nonfiction reading. Expect insights on why podcasts can boost book popularity, plus creative uses of AI for personalized recommendations. The duo also shares their favorite reads, like 'Die With Zero' and 'Master of the Senate.' And if you're a fan of running, don’t miss their inspiring tales of races and overcoming injuries!

Doug chats with David & Jill at the EconoMe Conference about their pursuit of Financial Independence.   David shares his background growing up with a scarcity mindset, the accidental path to FI, his recent mini-retirement, experience quitting alcohol, and a newfound passion for stand-up comedy.  Jill discusses her middle-class upbringing, balancing her full-time job and schooling, and frugality.  Together they discuss lifestyle changes, managing finances as a couple, and the importance of clear communication in a relationship. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices! Links David’s Instagram The Fioneers Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook “An Introvert’s Guide to EconoMe and Other Conferences” on MHFI episode 257 MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 4:21 Discovering FIRE & frugal habits 9:41 David & Jill’s FI journey 17:17 Overcoming the fear of boredom 26:44 Reflecting on sobriety 32:05 Stand up comedy 39:47 Balancing finances as a couple 45:10 Mini retirement plans 50:53 Importance of communication 58:08 Soundcheck – EconoMe Experience

Doug chats with Producer Chris about a variety of topics including irrational money fears, why people commonly talk about their work in social settings, and what their day-to-day lives look like in early retirement. They explore common financial anxieties such as the fear of running out of money and how past experiences shape these fears. They share strategies for steering conversations away from work and towards more engaging subjects like travel and hobbies. Finally, they provide a glimpse into their daily routines, highlighting the freedom and fulfillment that early retirement and semi-retirement offers. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Links Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Mark Trautman on MHFI episode 260 New ChooseFI Local site ChooseFI Puget Sound Meetup, May 31, 2025 MHFI Etsy Store MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 1:26 Fear of running out of money 8:56 Reacting to stock market volatility 15:01 Sequence of Returns Risk & flexibility 24:43 Why people talk about work 28:49 What else to talk about & complaining 33:27 Chris’s typical day 41:21 Doug’s typical day 49:12 Open time & Parkinson’s Law 56:27 Soundcheck – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Doug and Carl chat about some questions that listener Austin submitted regarding early retirement and withdrawal strategies.  They explore the nuances of early retirement, discussing happiness, daily life, and responsible financial drawdowns.   They also address withdrawal strategies, including rental properties, index funds, automated transfers, tax optimization, health insurance, and how to handle Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 190 Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Links “An Introvert’s Guide to EconoMe and Other Conferences” on MHFI episode 257 Carla & Robert on MHFI episode 012 Arik Peterson on MHFI episode 090 Chris & Deb (Go Bucket Yourself) on MHFI episode 052 FI Calc Mad Fientist, Tax-Gain Harvesting Mad Fientist, How to Access Retirement Funds Early MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Producer Chris’s blog, Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 9:23 Post-FI life 18:58 What does FI look like? 27:05 Shifting interests 32:33 Passive income & rental properties 38:20 Index fund withdrawal strategy 45:30 Withdrawal amount 53:09 RMDs and tax strategies 1:03:51 Professional financial advice 1:13:01 Soundcheck – Paper notebooks

Mark Trautman, financial expert and host of Mark’s Money Mind, tackles the intriguing question of whether to pay off a low-interest mortgage or invest the funds instead. He highlights the psychological benefits of mortgage freedom alongside the potential financial rewards from investing. Their conversation dives into historical stock performance, the impact of market volatility, and how personal goals play a crucial role in financial decisions. This thoughtful dialogue balances financial strategy with emotional peace, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating mortgage dilemmas.

Mark Trautman brings his financial expertise to the discussion, focusing on the joys of non-frugal spending. He introduces the 'fun bucket' concept, a way to allocate guilt-free money for indulgences. The conversation dives into enjoying life without compromising financial freedom, exploring strategies like travel comfort and dining experiences. Mark shares personal anecdotes about upgrading lifestyle choices, from higher-end music gear to thoughtful consumer decisions, emphasizing a balanced approach to enjoying the fruits of your labor.