Mile High FI Podcast

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

Doug chats with David about his recent transition into retirement amidst a fluctuating stock market environment.  David shares his decision to sell a significant portion of his portfolio near the market’s recent bottom, discussing the impact of market volatility on his investment decisions and the balance between seeking peace of mind and maximizing returns.  He also shares reflections on market timing, portfolio allocation, the importance of planning and adapting to financial uncertainties, and adjusting to life post-retirement. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Need a fee only advisor?  Nectarine is a network of financial advisors where you just pay for investing & planning advice. Advisors don’t manage your money, sell products, or earn commissions. https://milehighfi.com/nectarine 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 David Email: davidrmoser@gmail.com LinkedIn The New Yorker, “The Scold” (Mr. Money Mustache profile) JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Morgan Housel 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 2:39 David’s financial journey 6:50 Future plans & investment decisions 13:06 This time is different 19:28 Keeping cash on-hand & withdrawing 27:53 Portfolio diversification 32:34 Contingency plans & advice for others 39:44 Life after retirement 45:16 Soundcheck – Credit card points

Mr. Money Mustache, Pete Adeney, and Doug discuss the nuances of early retirement, staying financially agile, and how small lifestyle adjustments can make a big impact. The conversation also explores personal growth, meaningful living, and the joy of communal activities.   Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more 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 **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 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:54 Changing Perspectives: Pete’s New Outlook 02:37 Neighborhood Qualities and Preferences 05:04 Transition to One Car Lifestyle 09:33 Financial Strategies and Roth Conversions 24:28 Tracking Happiness and Meaning 30:18 Helping a Friend with a Basement Project 30:33 Jam Sessions at the Coworking Space 31:17 Balancing Productivity and Relaxation 32:21 Cooking and Socializing 33:07 Coaching Experiences and Financial Advice 37:31 Bootcamp and Email Series 42:06 Podcast Sponsorship and Recommendations 48:30 Live Streams and Community Engagement 49:23 Balancing Financial Goals with Living Intentionally 51:25 Parenting and Frugal Activities 55:08 Final Thoughts

Doug chats with both his dad and Chris Rusin about timeshares and each of their experiences with them.  They explore the aggressive sales tactics often used, financial pitfalls, hidden fees, the dubious resale market, harsh realities of escalating maintenance fees, and ultimately selling a timeshare.  They also highlight tactics for surviving timeshare presentations and explore how timeshares may fit into broader financial strategies. 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 Chris Chris Rusin Music Chris Rusin YouTube Life Outside the Maze Chris Rusin on MHFI episode 020 Chris Rusin on MHFI episode 273 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 2:43 A masterclass in sales 8:18 Analyzing the value of timeshares 15:14 Timeshare memories with Doug’s dad 21:10 The sales process 28:42 Maintenance fees & freebies 34:42 Getting rid of timeshares 41:31 Pros and cons 46:18 Opportunity cost of owning a timeshare 54:39 Soundcheck – Horseback riding

Doug and Dusti Young chat about a potpourri of topics on this random episode: Credit card points – which cards Doug & Dusti each have, hoarding points Cognitive biases – loss aversion, sunk cost, maximization (optimizing) vs. satisficing Having a hard time saying NO Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 178 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 Dusti: Instagram Facebook ChooseFI Travel Rewards Steven Keys (Trip of a Lifestyle) on The Doug Show Barry Schwartz, “The Paradox of Choice” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Logan Ury, “How to Not Die Alone” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Derek Sivers, “Hell Yeah or No” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook SideDish podcast 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 6:06 Puppy yoga, laziness, & napping 12:46 Credit card points 18:56 Hoarding points 24:21 Doug’s gym conundrum 29:32 Loss aversion & sunk cost 36:20 Maximizing vs. satisficing  42:19 Just say NO 47:40 Trade-offs & setting boundaries 55:42 Soundcheck – Go-karting

Join JL Collins, author of 'The Simple Path to Wealth', and Jillian Johnsrud, author of 'Retire Often', as they dive into the transformative concept of mini-retirements. JL shares his personal experiences of taking breaks from work, emphasizing financial freedom and the joy of not being ruled by money. Jillian introduces her framework for living a fulfilled life through mini-retirements, blending personal development with career breaks. Together, they redefine wealth by prioritizing experiences over material gains.

Doug chats with Chris Rusin, “The Indiana Jones of FI”, about his journey after reaching FI, the transition from a corporate career to personal passion projects, and the challenges associated with leaving a professional identity behind.  Chris shares his experiences in tackling a bucket list, the fear of failure, and his battle with cancer, which reshaped his perspective on life goals.  He also dives into his latest venture — recording a music album! 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! June 25, 2025 Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/LX9a2Caw-Gs Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/ Links Connect with Chris Chris Rusin Music Chris Rusin YouTube Life Outside the Maze Chris Rusin on MHFI episode 020 Bucketlist.com Ernest Becker, “The Denial of Death” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Duff McKagan, “It’s So Easy” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook 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 2:28 Bucket lists & facing fears 8:02 Reflections on mortality & life’s priorities 16:13 Musical endeavors 22:15 Personal growth 28:17 The creative process & finding identity 36:56 Transitioning to new roles & challenges 45:21 Teaching & unplugging 52:43 Joy of collaboration 57:43 Soundcheck – Music 1:03:44 Chris Rusin, Cinders

Doug chats with Rusty about the mental and emotional aspects of committing to leaving traditional work, focusing on mindset and building an identity outside of professional life.  They discuss the challenges of transitioning from being highly productive to a more relaxed lifestyle, the importance of taking all allotted vacation time, and asking for what you want from your employer.  Rusty also touches on mental health therapies such as body-based trauma therapy and somatic therapy as tools for coping with the stress and trauma associated with demanding careers. 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! June 2025 Livestreams: https://youtube.com/live/d2lTp4FMe4A?feature=share Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/ Links Rusty on MHFI episode 252 Bessel van der Kolk, “The Body Keeps the Score” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Feel Better, Live More podcast Gabor Mate “When the Body Says No” Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Russell Kennedy “Anxiety Rx” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook 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 1:55 Identity & career transition 6:21 Mindset shift 11:35 Building an identity separate from work 16:59 Productivity 24:00 Importance of taking vacation 30:18 Traveling & cultural perspectives on work 38:06 Recurring dreams & nightmares 43:33 Body-based trauma therapy 49:40 Negotiating with employers 56:43 Soundcheck – One car household