Mile High FI Podcast

Doug chats with Brad Finley who is on the cusp of early retirement.  Brad discusses the decision to leave his W-2 job, steps he’s taking to prepare for the transition, the emotional journey that accompanies such a significant life change, and his plans to maintain a balanced & fulfilling lifestyle post-retirement.  Brad also shares his transformative experience at the Hoffman Process and how it helped him work through personal issues and redefine his identity beyond his career. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Brad Finley Instagram EconoMe Conference Diania Merriam on MHFI episode 199 Hoffman Process Thomas Stanley & William Danko, “Millionaire Next Door” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Jillian Johnsrud, Retire Often VICE, “The Superhuman World of Wim Hof: The Iceman” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out 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 1:29 Brad’s journey to early retirement 7:30 Discovering the FIRE movement 12:54 Identity crisis & keeping busy 19:03 Stand-up comedy 22:46 The Hoffman Process 27:42 Planning for life after retirement 34:39 Finding structure & hobbies 41:33 Building social connections 46:35 Identity & journaling 52:40 Soundcheck – National parks

Doug chats with Jackie and Jacob, a couple who left their W2 jobs to pursue Financial Independence and extensive travel adventures.  They discuss traveling in South America, living a minimalist lifestyle, navigating challenges of geo-arbitrage, and how they manage finances while optimizing for travel & embracing flexibility.  They also share financial mistakes they’ve made along the way while providing tips & advice for others who may want to follow a similar path in life. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Connect with Jackie & Jacob: Get Lost Blue blog Get Lost Blue YouTube Instagram Get Lost Blue favorite YouTube videos: “Extreme hiking in ARGENTINA, PATAGONIA region – Nahuel Huapi National Park outside of Bariloche” “Colorado Beer! Brewery crawl in LONGMONT on a rainy night.” David on MHFI 277, “Early Retirement Nightmare: Retiring Into a Bear Market” JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out 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 3:20 Discovering Financial Independence  9:39 Embracing FI & making changes 15:36 Flexibility & dealing with uncertainty 23:26 Mindset adjustments 28:08 Backpacking adventures 34:43 Mistakes & lessons learned 38:11 Reverse robbed 46:39 Blogging & YouTube 53:33 Brewery visits & Mexican residency 58:01 Decumulation in early retirement 1:03:59 International travel tips & advice 1:08:41 Soundcheck – Longmont brewery crawl

Jillian Johnsrud, a writer who achieved financial independence at 32, shares her transformative journey. She discusses the concept of mini retirements as a way to test retirement living and the essential preparations needed for a smooth transition. Jillian opens up about the psychological hurdles of shifting from employment to self-employment, emphasizing the importance of redefining personal value. She shares practical tips from her book, 'Retire Often,' highlighting the need for emotional readiness and the significance of rest in crafting a fulfilling lifestyle.

Doug chats with a variety of guests at CampFI Rocky Mountain Week 1.5 including Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel), and camp attendees Amanda, Tyler, & Roxanne.   Pete & Kristen delve into the distinction between being cheap and frugal, sharing personal anecdotes and philosophies.  The conversation shifts into other topics such as partner dynamics amongst FI couples, challenges & rewards of embracing frugality, and the power of community building & relationships. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links CampFI Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache MUSTACHIANISM – The Music Video! Kristen Knapp/FI Friends Travel NoCo/SoCo Mustachians Roxanne/FinanceRox Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook ChooseFI Local Groups MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out 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 3:16 Cheap vs. frugal 11:07 Getting out of the cheap mindset 16:54 Amanda – First CampFI experience 24:10 Amanda – Partner dynamics & power of community 30:29 Tyler –  SoCo Mustachians 35:26 Tyler – FI meetups 41:48 Roxanne – Journey to Lean FI 49:50 Roxanne – Stand-up comedy 53:37 Soundcheck – Roxanne’s stand-up set

Mr. Money Mustache, a financial independence advocate and popular blogger, shares insights on life after 50, emphasizing fitness and health through weight training and unconventional practices like sauna use. He discusses his shift in mindset on frugality, reflections on charity, and the balance between enjoying life and being prudent. The conversation touches on his experiences living in Arizona, the allure of Tesla amidst controversies, and personal projects that ignite his passion. Practical tips and heartfelt stories make this a lively and engaging listen.

Doug and Carl chat with listener Steve to review his plans for early retirement.  Steve discloses his financial background, asset allocation, and current expenses, including a net worth of about 1.7 million dollars.  The group addresses retirement projections along with potential risks of retiring in a down market and the importance of having a contingency plan.  Beyond money, they talk about the psychological and lifestyle adjustments that come with early retirement, including how to fill one’s time meaningfully, potential lifestyle changes, and the importance of staying engaged and balanced. Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 098 Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links 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 3:54 Background & discovering FIRE 6:55 Steve’s financial situation 12:38 Separate finances 21:36 Considerations for withdrawing money 28:35 Exploring hobbies & passion projects 35:52 Community & networking 44:32 Soundcheck – Shaving

Doug chats with his wife Elizabeth about her first year (and few months) of retirement while answering questions from the Facebook group.  They also discuss a post from Instagram called “The 6 Luxuries of Life”. Questions answered: James C – How has the amount of time you spend managing your finances changed since retirement? Michael H – How did you get so lucky to end up with Doug?  What would you tell another wife that is similarly worried about lack of regular paychecks?  Did April’s quick downturn scare you? Sheila A – Does Elizabeth think she should have quit even earlier? Todd N – Anything she would have done differently in the past 6 months? James T – What did Doug say or what life changes convinced you to take the plunge? Seth E – What are some of the unexpected benefits that’s she’s experienced since retiring? Cait Y – Are you enjoying your time or do you miss the structured work week? Diania – How do you manage so much time together? Or do you have enough independent interests that you have enough space from each other? Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses, including his beloved shade umbrella?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Shade Umbrella Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Elizabeth on MFHI episode 212 Dr. Amy Shah, “The 6 Luxuries of Life” 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 5:20 Question – Managing finances 9:20 Question – April’s downturn 14:44 Question – Lack of regular paychecks 18:44 Question – Quit sooner or done anything different? 23:00 Question – Unexpected benefits of retiring 31:19 Question – Doing one thing a day 35:27 Question – Managing time together 41:19 The 6 luxuries of life 45:31 Rushing vs. control over time 51:11 Soundcheck – Victor

Doug chats with Karsten Jeske (aka Big ERN) about his journey to early retirement, living frugally yet enjoying luxuries like travel, and the balance between saving & spending effectively.  Karsten provides his thoughts on the book “Die With Zero”, analyzing its advice on spending & saving in retirement, and highlighting potential issues within its financial recommendations.  He also addresses the controversial topic of investing in small-cap value stocks and analyzes historical performance.  And of course, Doug & Karsten chat about a delicacy called asparagus. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Need custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Connect with Karsten: Early Retirement Now blog Twitter/X Facebook Early Retirement Now, “How useful is the “Die With Zero” retirement approach? – SWR Series Part 60” Early Retirement Now, “Can we increase the Safe Withdrawal Rate with Small-Cap Value Stocks? – SWR Series Part 62” Early Retirement Now, “Small-Cap Value Stocks: Diversification or Di-WORSE-fication? Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Paul Merriman 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 10:34 Underspending & estate planning 16:35 Early retirement & time bucketing 22:30 Analysis of Die With Zero spending formula 30:52 Cherry-picking data  37:46 (Increased) spending in retirement 46:02 Exploring small-cap value stocks 53:04 Diversification or Di-WORSE-fication? 1:02:22 Future plans 1:07:28 Soundcheck – Parallel foods

Doug chats with Frank Vasquez from the Risk Parity Radio Podcast about his extensive investing experience while offering insights into balancing life after achieving Financial Independence.  Frank discusses the importance of intentional spending, significance of meaningful relationships, psychology behind saving and spending, how to diversify investments to secure a sustainable future, and giving back.  Doug & Frank also dive into a listener’s question about managing financial decisions during market volatility. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Need custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Risk Parity Radio Podcast Fundamentals of risk-parity style investing: Episode 1 (Introduction) Episode 3 (History and Development of Risk Parity) Episode 5 (History and Development of Risk Parity) Episode 7 (Three Principles) Episode 9 (Choosing Investments) The Father McKenna Center Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Frank’s 10-Year Mortality Probability Chart David on MHFI episode 277 Early Retirement Now, “Using Gold as a Hedge against Sequence Risk – SWR Series Part 34″ 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 5:32 Asparagus vs. brussel sprouts 13:30 Evolution of the FI community 20:28 Wellbeing & contemplating death 27:06 Transitioning from saving to spending 33:33 Spending money to improve relationships 40:38 Experiences & building new friendships 46:59 Importance of giving 54:37 David’s financial journey 1:03:31 Diversification 1:11:05 Risk Parity Radio Podcast 1:17:19 Soundcheck – Bitcoin

Doug and Carl answer mailbag questions in this Taylor Swift-infused episode from Leadville, CO.  Questions answered: Does it ever get any easier to ride the market swings mentally? How would you reallocate your investments if there were no tax implications? What did Doug’s (and Carl’s) parents do right? Do you wish you had taken a gap year or had a little more fun when you were young? Experiences at CampFI? Thoughts on imposter syndrome? Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 177 Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Need custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Brian Feroldi David Baughier NoCo Mustachians FinTalks 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 7:21 The Taylor Swift situation 13:39 Question – Riding the market swings 21:21 Question – Investment reallocation 27:26 Question – Parental influence 31:46 Question – Taking a gap year  38:14 Thoughts on CampFI 43:39 Moving beyond FI 47:11 Question – Imposter syndrome 52:13 A perfect writing retreat 59:10 Soundcheck – Leadville