Mile High FI Podcast

Doug chats with friends Chris & JT from a partially-disclosed location in Breckenridge about a potpourri of topics.  The trio discusses happiness, dives into the controversial & confusing topic of tipping (with input from listener Kris), and provides their thoughts on high net-worth individuals (based on a correction pointed out by listener Bill). The group also analyzes Amber’s ambition of reaching FI by age 40-45 (full details below). Be sure to check out Chris’s music… His first single releases in March: http://chrisrusin.com/ Details of Amber’s Case Study: Midterm goal is to reach “Flamingo FI” ($625k) and then find a job to keep active and covers expenses until investments grow into full FI number ($1.25M).  Ultimate goal is to reach FI by age 40-45 and continue living a similar lifestyle, but not retire completely.  Will be turning 27 in less than 2 months. Owns a home and house hacks (with parents as renters).  Planning for herself at the moment but hoping to get married in the future at which point she would kick parents out of the house! “Goldilocks” budget is about $50K/year and includes the monthly mortgage payment as part of the expenses, with no plan to pay off the house early. Current financial numbers: Salary – $80k 401k – At least get the match, but have maxed out for the past 2 years and plan to continue Roth IRA – Always Max Out HSA – Always Max Out This episode is brought to you by GhostBed.  Doug has the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and loves it!  Take the 3 minute sleep quiz to see which mattress is right for you.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, bed frame, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Save With Mint Mobile! (https://milehighfi.com/mint) New customers can get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for $15/mo.  Doug’s phone bill went from $1440/yr to $360/yr for him and his wife.  It’s super easy to switch and you can use your existing phone.  If you use the MHFI link, it won’t cost you extra and it helps support the show. Looking for help with your estate plan?  Trust & Will provides online tools for creating, you guessed it… trusts and wills.  For those who don’t have any estate planning documents in place, this could be a good option to get started.  We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up.  Thanks for the support. https://milehighfi.com/trustandwill 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. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up.  Thanks for the support. https://milehighfi.com/nectarine Help Doug afford one of those delicious Popeye’s chicken sandwiches by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) Connect with Chris Chris’s Music Life Outside The Maze Carl Jensen Carl incorrectly quoting Warren Buffet’s Net Worth on MFHI episode 248 Forbes, “Warren Buffett Profile” Forbes, “The World’s Real-Time Billionaires” Jordan Grumet Jordan Grumet, “The Purpose Code” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Jordan Grumet on MHFI episode 249 Cal Newport Daniel Kahneman’s happiness studies Happiness study that Chris references, “Happiness, Income Satiation, and Turning Points Around the World” CampFI EconoMe Conference 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 9:48 Tipping 16:56 Deliveries & haircuts 24:26 High net worth individuals 29:29 Amber’s case study 34:35 Reflections from Chris & Doug’s FI journeys 40:20 Earn money & leveraging experience 47:54 Happiness 54:11 Soundcheck – The Tape Technique

Doug and guest host Kristen Knapp chat with Colorado native Suzy about her financial independence journey and world travel with her family, including extended periods of time living abroad.  Suzy shares her journey toward Coast FI, early money mistakes, taking sabbaticals, and the importance of community.  She elaborates on her family’s experience with worldschooling, the benefits of living in Spain (both cultural & financial), the intricacies of living abroad, and how her family managed healthcare. This episode is brought to you by GhostBed.  Doug has the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and loves it!  Take the 3 minute sleep quiz to see which mattress is right for you.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, bed frame, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Save With Mint Mobile! (https://milehighfi.com/mint) New customers can get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for $15/mo.  Doug’s phone bill went from $1440/yr to $360/yr for him and his wife.  It’s super easy to switch and you can use your existing phone.  If you use the MHFI link, it won’t cost you extra and it helps support the show. Looking for help with your estate plan?  Trust & Will provides online tools for creating, you guessed it… trusts and wills.  For those who don’t have any estate planning documents in place, this could be a good option to get started.  We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up.  Thanks for the support. https://milehighfi.com/trustandwill 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. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up.  Thanks for the support. https://milehighfi.com/nectarine Help Doug pay for a future trip to Spain so he can visit both Kristen & Suzy by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee. Links Connect with Suzy “Your Family Money” Instagram Email: info@yourfamilymoney.com Connect with Kristen FI Friends Travel website Email: kristen@fifriendstravel.com Carl Jensen EconoMe Conference Diania Merriam Mr. Money Mustache Amberly Grant Boundless Life Worldschool Worldschool Pop-Up HUB 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 9:12 Suzy’s background & finding FI 15:02 Suzy’s husband’s financial journey 20:07 Money mistakes 25:08 First sabbatical & worldschooling 33:55 Living in Spain & embracing the culture 39:42 Cost of living in Spain 44:58 Navigating healthcare abroad 50:53 Kristen’s Spanish ambitions 55:20 Current work situation & desire to help others 1:03:56 Soundcheck – Colorado

Elizabeth retired 10 months ago. We talk about her system to make sure she’s doing things… I’m doing bonus episodes now! Introvert Instagram Clip we mention Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list! MHFI Facebook group Help Doug publish more shows by supporting at Buy Me A Coffee. Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com —- Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Mile High 5 Podcast 00:26 Retirement Reflections: 10 Months In 01:50 Creating a Fulfilling Retirement Routine 04:27 Time Bucketing: Structuring the Day 07:23 Balancing Activities and Mental Well-being 13:43 The Impact of Reducing News Consumption 18:49 Embracing Early Bedtimes and Winter Hibernation 20:07 Social Activities and Hobbies 21:06 Thoughts on Returning to Work 22:14 Daily Routines and Flexibility 24:26 Balancing Relaxation and Productivity 27:44 The Role of Pets in Daily Life 33:09 Puzzle Competitions and Strategies

Doug chats with Lyn Mettler, travel rewards expert and founder of Families Fly Free/Families Travel Free.  Lyn shares insights on how to maximize travel rewards, including practical tips on using programs like the Southwest Companion Pass and flexible travel cards.  She also discusses upcoming changes in the airline industry, the importance of using points wisely, tips for booking flexible travel, accessing airport lounges, and potential trends in travel accommodations.  Doug and Lyn also answer a few questions from the MHFI Facebook group: Questions from the Facebook group: Niel –  I’m very much a travel rewards newbie, but interested in adding it to my FI repertoire in 2025.  What is the biggest bang for the buck, so to speak, in terms of where to start?  A Companion Pass seems like the answer for a spouse but I’m not sure how to expand from there to include more family members. Kevin –  Are there websites or people that charge to take someone’s points per organization (cards, airlines, etc) and compare those to destinations we need tickets for? Say from DEN to Dublin in August. Rakesh – How to best use Capital One Venture X rewards?  Chase was so much easier to use for Hyatt and United flights. This episode is brought to you by GhostBed.  Doug has the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and loves it!  Take the 3 minute sleep quiz to see which mattress is right for you.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, bed frame, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Save With Mint Mobile! (https://milehighfi.com/mint) New customers can get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for $15/mo.  Doug’s phone bill went from $1440/yr to $360/yr for him and his wife.  It’s super easy to switch and you can use your existing phone.  If you use the MHFI link, it won’t cost you extra and it helps support the show. Looking for help with your estate plan?  Trust & Will provides online tools for creating, you guessed it… trusts and wills.  For those who don’t have any estate planning documents in place, this could be a good option to get started.  We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up.  Thanks for the support. https://milehighfi.com/trustandwill 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. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up.  Thanks for the support. https://milehighfi.com/nectarine Help Doug fly for free by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Links to Families Travel Free are affiliate links, so MHFI might get a commission if you buy something. It helps support the show.) Families Fly Free/Families Travel Free Website Podcast Get Lyn’s “5 Ways to Simplify Your Travel Rewards Strategy” Or you can check out Lyn’s system Free Download, “Google Flights Tip Sheet” Facebook YouTube Instagram EconoMe Conference Chris Hutchins/All the Hacks 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 8:58 Exposure to travel rewards 12:21 Question – How to get started with points? 21:45 Lyn’s approach to using rewards 26:11 Question – Can others book travel rewards for you? 29:56 Question – How to best use Capital One Venture X? 37:48 Crackdown on airline fees & delays 43:41 Lounge access 50:47 Lyn’s travel resources & membership benefits 57:58 Soundcheck – Intersection of FI & travel rewards

Adam Coelho, the host of the Mindful FIRE podcast and former Google employee, shares his inspiring transition to entrepreneurship. He discusses the limitations of simply having 'FU money' and emphasizes the vital role of a clear vision and mindfulness in achieving a meaningful life. Coelho highlights how personal values and affirmations, informed by the science of neuroplasticity, can transform self-perception. He also reflects on the importance of building a life founded on sufficiency rather than mere financial independence.

Discover the transformative journey of achieving financial independence and early retirement. Hear about unique challenges like securing mortgages without traditional income and navigating healthcare plans. Rusty shares an innovative withdrawal strategy called 'Buy, Borrow, Then Die.' Embrace the outdoors with personal stories of the Colorado lifestyle, from hiking to paddle boarding, and learn why health and sleep play crucial roles in this new chapter. This captivating conversation highlights the importance of continuous learning and adapting after retirement.

Dive into an inspiring journey of perseverance and financial growth, as Neil shares budgeting strategies and side hustles. Discover the transformative power of the FIRE movement, and gain insights into effective food budgeting and managing expenses. Explore the emotional aspects of financial stability, from navigating net worth fluctuations to lighthearted stories about timeshare presentations. This conversation not only highlights practical financial tips but also underscores the importance of adapting to life's financial challenges.

Jen Smith, author and co-host of the Frugal Friends podcast, shares her inspiring journey of paying off $78,000 in debt. She dives into the concept of value-based spending and how it helped her find financial freedom. Jen discusses her no-spend challenge and the importance of community support in financial journeys. She introduces her new book, "Buy What You Love Without Going Broke," and opens up about the challenges of the writing process. Listeners gain practical tips on aligning spending with personal values and managing financial guilt.

In this engaging conversation, Jordan Grumet, a physician and author of 'Taking Stock' and 'The Purpose Code', shares his transformative journey from medicine to financial independence. He reflects on profound lessons learned from hospice patients about money and meaning in life. The discussion highlights the differences between 'Big P' and 'Little P' purposes, offering practical strategies to overcome purpose anxiety. Listeners gain insights into career transitions and intentional living, encouraging a more fulfilling and joy-driven approach to finding personal purpose.

Adrian Brambila, co-author of "Start Thinking Rich," and Dr. Brad Klontz, a clinical psychologist focusing on money's psychology, dive into wealth-building strategies. They challenge the DIY mindset that can impede financial independence, advocating for outsourcing tasks for greater happiness. The duo dispels misconceptions about wealth paths like education and homeownership while redefining true wealth as time freedom, stressing the importance of rich experiences over material possessions.