Mile High FI Podcast

Doug and Carl catch up on a potpourri of topics including recent purchases, frugal hacks, investments, optimization, skepticism, and recent books & TV shows each have been consuming.  They discuss over-optimizing & reevaluating perceptions in the areas of health & fitness and try to provide a balance by incorporating de-optimization.  Carl also introduces a new investment strategy called the “reverse index fund” or “Hot Carl”. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Are you looking for more ingenious frugal hacks such as the Culver’s coupon scam?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee to find out more. Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024.  For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%.  https://economeconference.com/ Links EconoMe Conference The Peter Attia Drive Podcast Huberman Lab Huberman Lab supplements Tim Ferriss podcast, “Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More (#398)” Goal Guys, “I Tried the Anti-Aging Diet for 90 Days” Tim Ferriss 4-hour books “The 4-Hour Workweek” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook “The 4-Hour Body” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook “The 4-Hour Chef” Hardcover Spiral-Bound CampFI JT on MHFI episode 110 Oliver Burkeman, “Four Thousand Weeks” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Michael Easter, “The Comfort Crisis” Kindle Hardcover Audiobook Derek Sivers Tim Ferriss Podcast, “Rolf Potts – The Vagabond’s Way” Ramit Sethi 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 1:33 Recent purchases 5:48 The Culver’s scam 11:55 Poke 16:59 Hot Carl 22:04 Re-evaluating health & fitness optimization 29:58 Changing views & skepticism 38:58 Recent books 46:59 Recent TV shows 57:03 Soundcheck – River of water

Doug and Carl chat with Justin David Carl, a fitness, money, and life coach also known as Dragon.  Justin shares his journey from being heavily in debt and out of shape to becoming financially independent and physically fit.  He discusses the dramatic career changes he made, his discovery of the financial independence movement, and how coaching & accountability played a crucial role in his success.  Additionally, Justin explains his coaching philosophy, ‘Fit Rich Life’, and the importance of setting clear goals, tracking progress, and surrounding oneself with people who share similar aspirations. Do you think our chosen spirit animals need a little work (flamingo & border collie)?  If so, come help us find new ones at Buy Me A Coffee. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024.  For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%.  https://economeconference.com/ Links Contact Justin: Instagram Threads Twitter/X LinkedIn Fit Rich Life: Website & podcast Newsletter Coaching Free savings tracker Free 4-day workout Tim Ferriss podcast, “Mr. Money Mustache — Living Beautifully on $25-27K Per Year (#221)” Mr. Money Mustache, “The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement” Tim Ferriss, “The 4-Hour Workweek” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Tony Robbins “Awaken the Giant Within” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Withings Scales JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook JL Collins, “Pathfinders” Kindle Hardcover Audiobook 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 1:49 Finding financial independence 7:51 Path to becoming a millionaire 15:13 Overcoming addiction & rebooting life 22:46 Kind of fit, kind of fat 29:46 Following a fitness program & the importance of sleep 38:16 Impact of coaching on personal growth 46:22 Advice for making major life changes 52:25 Carl’s fitness questions 57:15 Doug’s fitness questions 1:04:29 Fit Rich Life tools 1:11:06 Soundcheck – Cold plunges

Doug and Carl delve into the differences between being “rich” and being “wealthy”, discussing their own journeys to financial independence and the pivotal moments when they each felt rich and then wealthy.  They reflect on pieces of financial advice, how to feel wealthy, reclaiming an abundance mindset from scarcity, and the importance of evaluating personal happiness.  Both also share anecdotes about their life experiences, underscoring the inherent value in simplicity and their changing perceptions on spending as their net worth increased. Are you feeling wealthy, feeling rich, or craving simplicity?  If so, then simply come on over and support us at Buy Me A Coffee. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024.  For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%.  https://economeconference.com/ Links Morgan Housel podcast Books by Morgan Housel “The Psychology of Money” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook “Same as Ever” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook EconoMe Conference Empower (formerly Personal Capital) Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache JL Collins Blog Diania Merriam on MHFI Episode 199 CampFI 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 1:07 Rich vs wealthy defined 6:46 Illusion of wealth 12:33 Consumerism – experiences & experiments 20:32 Feeling rich 25:29 Feeling wealthy 30:49 Becoming comfortable with spending & feeling wealthy 35:17 The power of simplicity 40:03 Soundcheck – Freezing water

Doug and Carl chat with Kim Ehardt, a firefighter from Austin, Texas, who unknowingly achieved Barista FI through careful savings and an unconventional career path.  Despite her financial status and ability to leave her current profession, Kim articulates a desire to shift focus from financial security alone to personal fulfillment, purpose, and happiness.  Kim’s future plans include life coaching to help others achieve their goals and potentially even starting her own podcast. Do you have a desire to help others as well?  If so, come on over and support us at Buy Me A Coffee. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024.  For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%.  https://economeconference.com/ Links Kim’s website Afford Anything Podcast, “#139: How I Save Half of My Income as a Firefighter, While Living in an Expensive City — with Kim E.” EconoMe Conference Matthew Walker, “Why We Sleep” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Joe Dominguez, “Transforming Your Relationship With Money” Paperback Audiobook Audio CD 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 6:52 BaristaFI & finding FIRE 11:14 Financial peace 16:58 Firefighting & the pursuit of FI 26:16 The drive to succeed 34:09 Defining success 42:25 Challenges to FIRE ideology 49:07 Finding purpose through coaching 54:23 Impact of coaching & future plans 1:04:02 Soundcheck – Podcast motivations

Doug and Carl chat with JL Collins about the evolution of the FIRE movement, lifestyle inflation, “enough”, & envy as well as how diverse the FI community is (not exclusive to any particular income level or lifestyle).  JL introduces his recent book, “Pathfinders”, which collects stories that demystify the process of achieving financial independence and highlights the different paths that people have taken, echoing the themes of intentional living and spending. Have you already found your “enough”?  If so, then you’re welcome to share anything above & beyond with us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024.  For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%.  https://economeconference.com/ Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) JL Collins Blog JL Collins Stock Series Books by JL Collins: “Pathfinders” Kindle Hardcover Audiobook “The Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook “How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable” Kindle Hardcover Paperback John Maynard Keynes, “The 15-Hour Week” Morgan Housel, “Same as Ever” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Early Retirement Extreme Mr. Money Mustache FI Chautauqua EconoMe Conference 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 4:15 Life-style inflation & enough 12:42 Envy 16:52 Overcoming envy 26:10 Chautauqua & diversity in the FI community 31:04 Evolution of financial blogging 36:08 Introduction to Pathfinders 44:38 Writing books vs. blog posts 50:41 The great pizza debate 56:08 Soundcheck – Life in Florida

Doug and Carl celebrate the 200th episode of the Mile High FI podcast, reminiscing about the past while discussing future plans.  Topics include: what they've learned, what they enjoy about podcasting, the many challenges they've faced, and goals & plans for 2024 and the next 100 episodes.  Carl also discusses his new podcast with Mindy. Come celebrate 200 episodes with us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024.  For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%.  https://economeconference.com/ Links “Mindy On Money” podcast Connect with Mindy Jensen: Email BiggerPockets Twitter/X EconoMe Conference Carl’s YouTube channel James Clear Derek Sivers Mark Manson Morgan Housel Morgan Housel on the Tim Ferriss podcast: “Morgan Housel — The Psychology of Money, Picking the Right Game, and the $6 Million Janitor (#576)” “Morgan Housel — Contrarian Money and Writing Advice, Three Simple Goals to Guide Your Life, Journaling Prompts, Choosing the Right Game to Play, Must-Read Books, and More (#702)” Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Descript (AI-Powered Video Editor) 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 3:18 Mindy On Money 5:58 What we’ve learned 13:25 What we like about podcasting 16:32 Future guest wishlist 23:03 What’s coming up for the podcast 28:43 Interview skills

Doug and Carl chat with Diania Merriam about big events in her life in 2024 (a wedding & the EconoMe conference), struggles with scarcity mindset/shifting to an abundance mindset, and how these mindsets have influenced her approach to wedding planning.  Along the way she discusses her transformative experience at the Hoffman Process retreat, especially as it relates to spending.  Diania also provides a preview of EconoMe, an overview of the conference goals, and highlights the importance of community on the path to financial independence. Not planning to attend EconoMe?  You can still hang out with us virtually by heading over to Buy Me A Coffee. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024.  For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%.  https://economeconference.com/ Links EconoMe Conference EconoMe YouTube Channel Optimal Finance Daily Podcast The Summit of Greatness Skyline Chili Cincinnati DJ Natalie Jones Hoffman Process Diania at CampFI, “Unlocking the Abundance Mindset | A Paradigm Shift” Carl & Mindy on Ramit Sethi’s podcast Mr Money Mustache, “Frugal Man Buys $52,000 Car - Why?” Mad Fientist on MHFI Episode 176 Diania on Doug.Show Podcast Episode 323 The Hoffman Process discussions on Tim Ferriss podcast with Andrew Huberman & Blake Mycoskie (founder of TOMS Shoes) 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 1:17 Big 2024 events 6:58 Diania’s engagement story 16:16 Wedding planning & what it represents 24:47 Hoffman retreat & transition to spending money 31:55 Overcoming fear & embracing abundance 38:49 Shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset 47:23 EconoMe 2024 55:34 Soundcheck - The Hoffman Process

Doug and Carl reflect on their paths to financial independence and discuss the advice they would have given their younger selves.  Topics include college education/career paths, early savings, retirement account contributions, index fund investing, flexibility across different investments, strong work ethic, resilience, and of course... asparagus. Do you wish that your younger self found this podcast earlier in life?  Well, you can't go back to the past, but there's still time to support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Links Elon Musk University Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Morgan Housel, “Psychology of Money” Thomas J. Stanley, “The Millionaire Next Door” Sean Mullaney on MHFI Episode 114 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 1:17 Education & alternate career paths 6:35 Carl’s first post-college job 10:29 Doug’s early career jobs 15:51 Early investing experiences 20:19 Rich vs. wealthy 25:25 Investment strategies & lessons 33:42 Importance of work ethic 38:07 Final thoughts & advice 42:05 Soundcheck - Hangover cure

Paula Pant and J.D. Roth join Doug at FinCon 2023 to discuss their unique sabbaticals. Paula details her year-long break from 'Afford Anything' to pursue a Columbia University fellowship, while J.D. shares his experience stepping away from finance writing to pursue art and Taoism. They both open up about the challenges of their time off and future plans while also providing tips for those considering a sabbatical. Are you currently on a sabbatical and need something to fill your time? If so, come hang out & support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Links Paula Pant/Afford Anything Afford Anything YouTube Channel Afford Anything, “Your First Rental Property” Course JD Roth/foldedspace Get Rich Slowly YouTube Channel Samuel Johnson, “The Idler” Bertrand Russell, “In Praise of Idleness” “Idler” magazine Thich Nhat Hanh, “The Miracle of Mindfulness” “Tao Te Ching” Robert Putnam, “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community” Carl Richards FinCon 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 3:27 Exploring the concept of idleness 7:34 Paula's sabbatical: Pursuing education & community 10:06 J.D.'s sabbatical: Embracing idleness & self-care 12:49 Paula’s sabbatical goals 16:50 The impact of community vs. isolation 22:13 Sabbatical push-back 26:58 J.D.’s sabbatical goals 29:43 Paula’s sabbatical challenges 36:03 J.D.’s sabbatical challenges 44:00 Paula’s advice for those considering a sabbatical 49:04 J.D.’s advice for those considering a sabbatical

Money Struggles, Celebrating Success, and Potential Return to Work (in the soundcheck) We discuss listeners' questions on their individual financial journeys. Topics covered include the struggle to attain financial independence, the guilt associated with spending large amounts, the decision to stay in a high-paying but unfulfilling job versus seeking a lower-paying but satisfying career, and the challenges of maintaining control amidst smaller and larger expenses. Lastly, Carl shared his thoughts on possibly returning to work if a specific, exciting opportunity comes his way, and we discussed our spending habits and attitudes to managing finances. Links: All The Hacks (includes discussion on Mint alternatives) Mad FIentist on Mile High FI Mark Trautman Money trackers: Empower: https://www.empower.com/ Kubera: https://www.kubera.com/ Copilot: https://copilot.money/ Projection Lab: https://projectionlab.com/ Mad FIentist FI Laboratory: https://www.madfientist.com/fi-laboratory/ -- 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 00:01 Introduction to the Mile High Fi Podcast 00:33 Discussing Money Struggles 01:12 The Demise of Mint: A Personal Finance Tool 02:19 Alternatives to Mint 09:18 Balancing Fulfilling Work and Financial Independence 13:05 Managing Spending and Saving 30:54 Spending Money on Experiences 31:55 The Concept of Time Bucketing 33:06 Reflecting on Personal Struggles 33:11 Evolving with Money 34:58 The Impact of Compound Interest 39:15 The Joy of Acquiring New Things 43:17 The Struggle with Small Purchases 50:26 The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Like-minded People 53:27 Considering Going Back to Work