Doug and Dusti answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Sam – I’m Coast FIRE, currently working part-time to cover expenses without touching my portfolio. I have a NW just shy of $2M, with $1.5M in broad, low-cost ETFs, and the rest in my house and retirement account. My NW fluctuates daily, sometimes by $1K-$3K, or up to $10K-$30K with market volatility.  Here’s my dilemma: even with a solid NW, I still stress over expenses like a $600 home repair, higher home insurance, or an unexpected water bill. I spend time researching and finding the best deals, but I’m wondering if these minor expenses are worth worrying about when compared to my overall financial picture. Should I let go of the guilt and focus on long-term goals instead? Angela – Getting close to CoastFI.  We will need about 10 years worth of money to fill the “gap” until we hit 60.  Do we… A) Slow down our contributions to our 401ks, so that we just get our “free money” and then redirect those funds to our after tax brokerage account (we would obviously pay more in taxes on our income).  B) Continue what we are doing and keep maxing out 401k with “leftovers” going in to brokerage, buffer our HYSA account/cd ladder/whatever for 5 years, and just plan on doing Roth conversions for the first 5 years so we can access that money for the other 5 years.  C) Some other idea? Rakesh – Would you rather inherit a $500k house with rent income or $500k in index funds? Why and why not? Be sure to check out the new GhostBed Massage Topper.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) 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 those taxes he loves so much by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) Doug’s Instagram Connect with Dusti: Instagram Facebook Dusti on MHFI Episode 172 Episode 178 Episode 223 Episode 224 Mile High FI Facebook Group Barry Schwartz, “The Paradox of Choice” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook  Eric Cooper discussing the 72T BiggerPockets Money, “Dude ACTUALLY Withdraws From His 401(k) and Retires at 47” Forget About Money, “Secret IRS Rule 72(t) Explained! | Eric Cooper Reveals Early Withdrawal Power Move!” Darren & Jolene on MHFI episode 228 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 2:06 Question – Letting go of guilt 8:08 Maximizers vs Satisficers 15:44 Question – Planning for CoastFI 18:55 Taxes 25:05 Question – $500K house or $500K in index funds 29:55 Real estate is scammy 36:56 Soundcheck – Phone issues

Doug chats with Kristen Knapp, a meteorologist from St. Louis, about her Financial Independence journey, how she made it to Coast FI, and the importance of the FI community.  Kristen shares how her frugal upbringing & early financial literacy set the stage for financial stability, details her transition from a full-time meteorology career to a part-time Coast FI lifestyle (including all of the life events that influenced her decision), and shares what she’s doing now to fill her time.  She also discusses her new venture, FI Friends Travel, where she plans trips tailored to the FI community.  Be sure to check out the new GhostBed Massage Topper.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) 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 Kristen afford her very first spreadsheet by heading over to Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) Connect with Kristen Email FI Friends Travel website Kennel Enrichment Program (Humane Society) CampFI EconoMe Conference Eric Cooper discussing the 72T BiggerPockets Money, “Dude ACTUALLY Withdraws From His 401(k) and Retires at 47” Forget About Money, “Secret IRS Rule 72(t) Explained! | Eric Cooper Reveals Early Withdrawal Power Move!” ChooseFI Local Groups Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Mindy Jensen Carl Jensen Mark’s Money Mind Podcast Amberly Grant/FinTalks Cruise 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 3:29 Intro to Financial Independence 10:29 Impact of the FI community 15:31 Kristen’s simple FI math 22:46 Filling the time away from work 28:18 Challenges while transitioning to part-time 36:46 What a typical week looks like 42:43 FI Friends Travel 49:58 Other FI events & influences 54:24 Most valuable lesson & advice to others 1:00:28 Soundcheck – Frankenfinger

Doug and Dusti answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Chris For Doug: I know this is a stereotypical interview question, but where do you see yourself in 5 years? With Elizabeth’s recent retirement and your continued involvement with the FI community, how do you see your life changing (or perhaps not) in the next handful of years? For Dusti: How is retirement going? Any updates or new observations since you were last on the podcast? Niel – I would be interested to hear more about your hobbies, even if you aren’t actively pursuing them at the moment. Homebrewing, cooking, BBQ, guitar, etc. Bonus points if you can relate it to FIRE but not necessary. Erin – Does living in Longmont make it easier to retire and have a social group where people understand? Are you also experiencing people around you busier due to the cost of living? Be sure to check out the new GhostBed Massage Topper.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) 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 his own “I Love Camping” hat by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) Connect with Dusti: Instagram Facebook Dusti on MHFI Episode 172 Episode 178 Episode 223 Episode 224 Mile High FI Facebook Group EconoMe Conference Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook ChooseFI Local Groups 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 3:25 Question – Where does Doug see himself in 5 years? 6:47 Time-bucketing travel experiences 13:14 Question – How is Dusti’s retirement going? 20:04 Sleep issues & strategies 25:17 Question – Doug’s hobbies 33:03 Question – Is it easier to retire in Longmont? 38:07 Question – Are people in Longmont busier? 41:50 Soundcheck – Bears

Doug chats with Jesse Cramer from “The Best Interest” blog & podcast about retirement planning.  They discuss the impact of making overly conservative vs aggressive assumptions, exploring key factors such as investment returns, inflation, spending, tax rates, and social security.  Jesse highlights the importance of understanding personal risk tolerance, leveraging third-party advice, and continuous learning to make informed decisions about financial independence and retirement. Be sure to check out the new GhostBed Massage Topper.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) 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 contribute to his retirement fund by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee. Links Jesse Cramer, “The Best Interest” The Best Interest, “The Crushing Cost of Conservative Retirement Planning” Doug on “The Best Interest” podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify FinCon Michael Kitces Jim Dahle/White Coat Investor The White Coat Investor, “Michael Kitces on the State of Financial Planning” ChooseFI Joel & Matt/How To Money Dave Ramsey 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 3:21 Transition from engineering to finance 8:47 Conservative retirement planning 12:55 Impact of conservative vs aggressive assumptions 18:34 Social security & spending in retirement 24:08 Healthcare expenses & how to make a plan 30:20 Understanding the risks of investing 35:52 Asset allocation & alternative investments 42:54 Identifying blind spots

Doug chats with Carl about his decision to leave the podcast to focus on wrapping up personal projects.  Carl shares struggles with balancing podcast duties, fitness goals, burnout, and family obligations.  He shares some regrets from his MHFI podcasting experience while also reflecting on his fondest memories.  Doug talks about the future of the podcast and brainstorms how it may look going forward. Be sure to check out the new GhostBed Massage Topper.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) 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 us find a replacement co-host by contributing to our candidate search fund at Buy Me A Coffee. Links “The Doug Show” podcast CampFI EconoMe Conference ChooseFI, “Update: Healthiest Year Ever | Dean Turner | Ep 480” Brad Barrett/ChooseFI FinCon Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Bob Haines on MHFI episode 210 BJ on MHFI episode 217 Amberly Grant Maggie Tucker, “Inside Out Money” podcast Jesse Cramer, “The Best Interest” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Carl’s blog: 1500 Days — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our 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 1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement Email us here: doug@milehighfi.com or carl@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 5:14 Carl’s busy schedule & buyer’s remorse 12:47 Fitness update & sleep issues 20:48 Production/promotion regrets 27:59 FI burnout 30:20 Positive/memorable moments 35:20 Future of the MHFI podcast 39:58 Goodbye for now 43:23 Soundcheck – Exaggerating length

Join Doug and Carl as they embark on a road trip in Carl’s Tesla Model Y. In this episode, they discuss the state of their podcast, upcoming exciting series on happiness, and their plans for book writing. (Sorry about the audio! Doug sounds horrible, first time recording like this so I hope next time it’ll be better…) The duo shares their personal experiences, insights on podcast growth, and humorous tangents. Support our sponsor: GhostBed! Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed.com/milehighfi (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) 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 us buy enough Lazy Books to make it a New York Time’s best seller by supporting us at Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) EconoMe Conference FinCon ChooseFI, “Deep Dive: Roth IRA Conversion Ladder | Ep 503” ChooseFI, “How and Why to Set up a Roth IRA Conversion Ladder” Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Jordan Grumet/Doc G, “The Purpose Code” Kindle Hardcover David Goggins, “Can’t Hurt Me” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Stephen King, “You Like It Darker” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Jeremy Schneider on MHFI episode 122 Celeste Headlee, “Do Nothing” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook CampFI Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Mark Trautman MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Carl’s blog: 1500 Days — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our 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 1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement 00:00 Introduction 01:27 Recording in the Tesla 03:10 Podcast Stats and Listener Questions 06:50 Promotional Ideas and Merchandise 10:22 Book Writing and Future Plans 23:37 Elizabeth’s Retirement Update 26:23 The Impact of Moving and Influences 27:06 Upcoming Trip to Breckenridge 28:37 Tickleball and Brisket Adventures 30:34 Sleep Issues and Solutions 34:30 Workout Routines and Rest 41:59 Vitamin D and Health Insights 46:57 Final Thoughts

Doug and Carl answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Akshay – I like the concept of giving money away, but I don’t want to die with zero. This is too close for comfort. I agree with helping out kids with their education, as long as they have skin in the game. I also agree with the idea of not wanting to wait until the end to pass your wealth onto your kids. It’s very much aligned with our life plans. However, I prefer to not die with zero, even though the book, by the same name, is nothing short of genius. Here’s why – say you give away all your money before you die and you need some or all of it back, you might need extra money based on your condition, health, other expenses for end of life, assisted living, etc Branden – More stories of people who did it without rental real estate! Angela – I’d like to hear about what to do in the last 5 years before retirement. Things like buffering HYSA, acquiring bonds (sell stocks or buy bonds outright?), health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, things I might want to consider before I quit my job. Jon – Withdrawal tactics – from index funds to short & medium term living expenses or keeping a high interest account, etc Chris – It’s been a little over 1 year since you & Mindy were on Ramit’s podcast. MHFI episode 167 provided a good recap where both of you discussed some changes you wanted to make. Can you provide an update and discuss any changes you actually made, what changes you still would like to make, and any challenges/struggles you’ve faced along the way? Be sure to check out the new GhostBed Massage Topper.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) 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 Feel bad that Carl STILL hasn’t installed those pesky door knobs?  Support us at Buy Me A Coffee so he can afford to pay someone to install them. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) MHFI Facebook group Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Darren & Jolene on MHFI episode 228 Bob Haines on MHFI episode 210 Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Brad Barrett/ChooseFI JL Collins, ““How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable” Kindle Hardcover Paperback JL Collins on MHFI episode 201 Arik Peterson on MHFI episode 90 Eddie & Travis/Downshift Financial on MHFI episode 024 Jeremy Schneider on MHFI episode 122 Go Curry Cracker, “The Path to 100% Equities” Recap of Carl & Mindy’s interview with Ramit on MHFI episode 167 EconoMe Conference Amberly Grant/FinTalks Cruise CampFI Tim Ferriss Doug’s site Carl’s blog: 1500 Days — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our 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 1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement Email us here: doug@milehighfi.com or carl@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:06 Question – Not dying with zero 6:01 Rental real estate 11:06 Question – Early retirement without real estate 16:13 Question – What to do 5 years before retirement? 23:14 Question – Withdrawal tactics 29:47 Question – Life since Ramit podcast 36:43 Carl’s future spending plans 42:21 Ramit’s advice not taken 46:45 Guitar aspirations 51:01 Soundcheck – A break from FI events?

Doug and Carl chat about various aspects of consumerism including recent trends, rising costs, and the evolving culture of tipping.  They discuss the rising cost of vehicle prices & financing, increasing cost of car insurance, the future of autonomous cars, and compare fast food & grocery costs over the last decade.  They also delve into the confusing culture of tipping to debate proper etiquette and question when & how much to tip. Be sure to check out the new GhostBed Massage Topper.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Similar to autonomous vehicles, we believe the future of podcasting should be autonomous as well.  Help us transition this show to AI & robots by supporting us at Buy Me A Coffee. Links Tony Seba KBB, “When Will New Car Prices Drop?” LendingTree, “Average Car Payment and Auto Loan Statistics 2024” Statista, “Share of used and new vehicles with financing in the United States from 2017 to 2023” Bankrate, “The true cost of auto insurance in 2024” FinanceBuzz, “Is Fast Food Affordable Anymore? Here’s How Menu Prices Have Changed Over the Years [2024]” Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Mile High FI Facebook Group Doug’s site Carl’s blog: 1500 Days — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our 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 1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement Email us here: doug@milehighfi.com or carl@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:35 Car prices & payments 8:07 The future of autonomous cars 12:46 Increasing cost of car insurance 17:04 Rising fast food costs 23:38 Impact of inflation on food & grocery purchases 26:45 Tipping culture: confusion & controversy 31:21 Expansion of tipping into more & more locations 39:28 Soundcheck – Mini fitness updates

Doug and Carl chat with Dan Manwaring, a former medical device salesman, who transformed his life from being $60K in debt to retiring early and traveling the world.   Dan discusses his professional journey, his approach to financial independence, and his unique travel experiences along with fitness routines, eating habits, and the importance of enjoying simple daily routines for overall happiness. Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 130 Be sure to check out the new GhostBed Massage Topper.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Unfortunately we still can’t find any breweries to sponsor us, so hopefully you can help us out instead over at Buy Me A Coffee. Links Connect with Dan on Instagram Mark Trautman FI Chautauqua Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Mr. Money Mustache, “Happiness is the Only Logical Pursuit” “Playing with Fire” movie Brandon Ganch/Mad Fientist David Baughier on MHFI episode 138 Stephen Baughier/CampFI Wait But Why, “The Tail End” Huberman Lab Peter Attia, “Centenarians” Mile High FI Facebook Group Doug’s site Carl’s blog: 1500 Days — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our 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 1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement Email us here: doug@milehighfi.com or carl@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:08 Deep Sleep 10:05 Pharmaceutical & medical sales 15:12 Discovering FI 23:00 Challenges & reflections on the FI journey 30:04 Decompressing after retirement 36:42 Travel adventures 41:43 Spending time with family 47:09 Fitness & health 56:49 Keto & the perfect day 1:04:59 Soundcheck – Longmont breweries

Doug and Carl catch up to discuss their recent summer adventures.  They discuss Carl’s FI-centric road trip & his future travel plans, Doug’s experience with timeshares, fitness routines while traveling, and an update on Doug’s back injury.  And because this is a money podcast, they also touch on the current state of the stock market. Be sure to check out the new GhostBed Massage Topper.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Want to support our new product line of Mile High FI eye masks (complete with googly eyes)?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee. Links ChooseFI Local Groups Physician on FIRE on MHFI episode 112 Physician on FIRE, “A Timeshare Presentation Survival Guide: Getting to No” FinCon Chris Hutchins, “My New Routine, Timeshare Pitches, and Podcast Plans for 2024” CampFI Matt & Joel/How to Money, “Should You Buy a Refurbished Phone?” Mark Trautman Mile High FI Facebook Group Doug’s site Carl’s blog: 1500 Days — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our 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 1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement Email us here: doug@milehighfi.com or carl@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 1:44 Carl’s recent road trip 5:59 Traveling less 10:20 Doug’s timeshare experience 17:58 Future timeshare research 21:22 The math behind timeshares 28:55 New member of the family 33:35 Voice-to-text woes 40:52 Doug’s back injury 44:43 Working out on the road 51:04 Current stock market volatility 57:08 Soundcheck – Summer heat