Mile High FI Podcast

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

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