Mile High FI Podcast

Carl and Doug explore the nuances of early retirement, diving into aspects ranging from daily life to responsible financial drawdowns. They also address withdrawal strategies, involving rental properties and index funds, automated transfers, and how to handle Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). The discussion expands into elements of happiness in retirement, spending decisions and the implication of tax optimization and reinvestment. Additionally, a conversation about handwritten notes vs. digital tools unfolds, shedding light on the benefits of ‘old-school’ note-taking. Listener Questions: What does your retired life look like?  Do you still work, do you have income, do you still consider yourself retired if you do?  What does your daily routine look like? Do you have a withdrawal strategy that provides excess savings?  If so, don’t let that money go to waste.  Come support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Links Get your DIY colonoscopy kit, A.S.S.: MileHighFI.com/ASS Carla & Robert on Mile High FI episode 012 Arik Peterson on Mile High FI episode 090 Mr. Money Mustache Mindy Jensen, First-Time Home Buyer Chris & Deb (Go Bucket Yourself) on Mile High FI episode 052 Mark Trautman, The Fun Bucket FI Calc Sean Mullaney Mad Fientist, Tax-Gain Harvesting Mad Fientist, How to Access Retirement Funds Early Downshift Financial Bullet Journaling 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 1:05 Post-FI life 10:34 What does FI look like? 18:51 Shifting interests 25:59 Rental properties & retirement income 30:31 Index fund withdrawal strategy 35:46 Withdrawal frequency & amount 46:37 RMDs and tax strategies 57:34 Professional financial advice 1:07:24 Soundcheck – Paper notebooks

Grab your headphones for an eclectic episode of Mile High FI with hosts Carl Jensen and Doug Cunnington where they chat with special guest Mindy Jensen.  They dive into life with a Tesla, the unforeseen hazards of owning one, and smart college fund investments for children.  They also share their personal experiences from the recent FinCon conference and future financial independence retreats.  In the soundcheck they embark on an entertaining journey reminiscing about a recent Guns N' Roses concert, their insightful views on the band's performance, and the unique aging crowd demographic.  Poised amid finance and rock, their hearty banter is filled with sharp insights and humor, making this episode a must-listen. Do you love Mile High FI? You betcha! Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Links Get your A.S.S. eggnog lube: MileHighFI.com/ASS Wim Hof FinCon Paula Pant/Afford Anything JD Roth Steve Stewart Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Joel Larsgaard/How To Money Jordan Grumet Andrew Giancola/The Personal Finance Podcast Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Original 4% Rule article from Bill Bengen Quit Like a Millionaire Go Curry Cracker: The Path to 100% Equities NoCo Mustachians BPCON Robert Farrington/The College Investor Travis Hornsby/Student Loan Planner ChooseFI Local Groups GoWithLess CampFI Econome Connect with Mindy Jensen: Email BiggerPockets Twitter/X Mile High FI Facebook Group Doug’s site Carl’s blog: 1500 Days Do you want a Tesla too? Save some money and get 3 months of FSD with Carl’s referral code. -- 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 1:39 A.S.S. & bidets 8:33 Mindy & Carl missing FinCon 13:27 Doug’s FinCon recap 20:08 FinCon panels/podcast recording 26:00 Tesla purchase 36:50 End of Carl’s house projects? 42:20 Sleep 46:48 Question 1: Lowering volatility 58:50 Question 2: 2024 FI events 1:00:01 Question 3: Kids & FI number 1:04:20 Question 4: Social network in retirement 1:09:53 Soundcheck - Guns N’ Roses

Doug and Carl answer questions from the mailbag. Intro: Doug & Carl discuss their weddings and advice for others Questions answered: Carl: How big is Doug’s Emergency Fund? Mike: What is Carl going to do with his Tesla Stock? Tahir: Plans to buy a house outright, works part-time as a college professor, with tutoring as a side-hustle on the way to CoastFI.  Is this a good plan or should there be a change in course? Listener Question: What do you think of Doug’s emergency fund situation? Can't wait to get your special asparagus stickers?  Be the first (and perhaps only) person in line by heading over to Buy Me A Coffee. Links Downshift Financial Downshift Financial on MHFI 024 Downshift Financial on MHFI 056 Mark’s Money Mind 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 1:09 Weddings 7:48 Question 1: Emergency fund 16:00 Professional financial advice 21:26 Question 2: Tesla stock 32:30 Question 3: CoastFI plan 40:47 Soundcheck - Hiking

Doug and Carl talk about fitness per request of listener Rakesh.  Topics include fitness updates/observations, goals, and tips. Intro: Poor phone etiquette Workout routines & fasting Doug’s busy summer - more eating, less exercise Eating on the road Working out while traveling Carl’s lack of rest and hearing scare Growing old Blood-work - high cholesterol & blood pressure Doug’s goals - lower body fat, calorie tracking/eating better Carl’s goals - better sleep, lower blood pressure/resting heart rate, walk 25K steps a day, 10 pull-ups in a row Staying accountable Listener Question: How do you keep motivated (to stay on track with fitness)? Help us stay accountable to you by supporting us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Links Huberman Lab The Peter Attia Drive Podcast – Peter Attia Mile High FI Facebook Group Dan Manwaring on MHFI 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 1:24 Phones 9:39 Workouts 14:37 Doug’s fitness updates 23:36 Carl’s fitness updates 30:04 Growing old 43:48 Doug’s goals 52:59 Carl’s goals 57:01 Accountability & tips 1:04:38 Soundcheck - Minivan

Doug and Carl talk to Frances and Peter about their finances. Topics include Coast FI, real estate investing, emergency funds, and civet coffee (google it, we dare you!). Intro: A crazy purchase. Team Asparagus. Coast FI Should they invest in more real estate? The great “paying off the house” debate rages on Were they too Frugal? Challenges Frances and Peter’s numbers The Ideal Life Recommendations: $125,000 in investments is a great start, but suggest getting that number bigger before coasting. Since their income is good, consider a solo 410(k) to reduce taxable income. Settle your house situation to get the money off the sidelines. $40,000 is a lot to have in cash. Consider deploying some of that into investment accounts. Don’t sacrifice happiness now. Live life, even if it takes a little longer to retire. Listener Question: What did Doug and Carl get right? What did they get wrong? What advice would you give Frances and Peter? Do you love Mile High FI? Sure you do. We all do, except for that one YouTube troll. But who cares about him anyway. Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Links Frances’ bookkeeping service Coast FI with the FIoneers Mile High FI on Youtube Mile High FI Facebook Group Support Mile High FI Get a Mile High FI t-shirt 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 1:27 Coffee & asparagus 7:57 Case study background 18:29 Housing Pt. 1 29:33 Frugal in recovery 35:57 Ideal $10MM life 46:30 The numbers 59:09 Housing Pt. 2 1:04:39 Final advice 1:11:57 Soundcheck - The big event

Doug, Carl and special guest Mindy talk about Carl’s $12,000 concert weekend. Was it worth it? Would he do it again? What is his next Big Thing? Intro: Doug has an addiction. A Melanzana addiction. How Carl came to buy a private show and what Mindy thought about it Concert weekend Regrets? What stressed Carl out Soundcheck: Did Mindy like the Webb Brothers or Duran Duran more? Listener Question: If you could put on a big event like Carl, what would it be? Do you love Mile High FI? Awwww, we love you too. Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Links The Webb Brothers and their Kickstarter James Webb’s beautiful song Connect with Mindy Jensen: Email BiggerPockets Mile High FI Facebook Group Support Mile High FI 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 1:28 Doug’s addiction 8:09 Concert origins 16:12 Attendees & meeting the band 23:54 Post-concert thoughts 31:30 Big things 37:50 Soundcheck - Duran Duran

Doug, Carl and special guest Mindy discuss listener questions submitted on the Mile High FI Facebook group. They talk about mortgages, what Carl would have done differently, frugality, and living in an expensive city. Intro: Are you on Team Pumpkin Spice? The debate exposes divisions within the Mile High FI team. Should you wait to buy a house? Carl didn’t do FIRE correctly. Frugality: Cell phone plans, food, and Costco tips I live in an expensive city. What should I do? Soundcheck: Mindy can say naughty words on Mile High FI. Will she? Listener Question: Are high mortgage rates preventing you from moving or buying a home? Mile High FI has a new sponsor, A.S.S, a DIY colonoscopy kit! We’re so excited to get behind this product! To save 10% and get a free tube of pumpkin spice lube, go to milehighfi.com/ass Links Historical mortgage rates Connect with Mindy Jensen: Email BiggerPockets 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 2:03 Pumpkin spice 6:31 Should I wait to buy a house? 11:10 What changes would you make yesterday? 19:45 What is Doug frugal with on a daily basis? 26:51 What is Mindy frugal with? 32:22 What is Carl frugal with? 36:15 What would you spend money on? 40:59 What to do if you’re living in a high cost of living area? 52:50 Soundcheck - Goodwill & Asparagus

Doug and Carl review 4 listener case studies. Listener #1 loved his 38 year career. Listener #2 is only 27, but is ready to hang up the keyboard. Listener #3 wants advice on how to leave his job. Listener #4 makes the case for going part-time. Intro: Doug talks about his Never Nude Ken doll. Carl talks about what his Ken doll would look like. Steve LOVED his career and makes the case for work. Ryan LOVES to ski and at the age of 27, doesn’t want to work anymore. Is this a good idea? Zak wants to make the jump to freelance life and is looking for advice. Kevin part-times his way to happiness, even though it’s delaying his FI date. Listener Question: If your net worth magically went to $100,000,000 tomorrow, would you still work? If so, what do you do and is your employer hiring? Leave your answer in the comments. Do you love Mile High FI? Support us at Buy Me A Coffee Do you hate Mile High FI? Give us $100,000,000 and we’ll stop forever! Buy Me A Coffee Links JT on Mile High FI: Hitting In Big Tech Never Nude Barbie 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 1:52 MHFI Dolls 6:36 Case Study 1 (Steve): Pro-Work 16:32 Case Study 2 (Ryan): Ski or work hard? 25:06 Case Study 3 (Zak): Freelancing 34:02 Case Study 4 (Kevin): Reduced schedule 40:53 Transitioning from work 47:29 What job would you work for $10MM? 55:43 Soundcheck - Barbie

Doug and Carl talk about spending big on experiences including Carl’s Taylor Swift show. When is big spending appropriate? When is it not? Is it OK to experiment with spending? Intro: Doug cooks in Atlanta while Carl coughs in Longmont Why Carl went to the Taylor Swift show How much Carl paid for the ticket (hint: > $999) Why being an old dude at a Taylor Swift show is strange What Doug spends money on Is it OK to fail with spending? What Doug and Carl are going to spend on this year Soundcheck: Carl asks Doug about the mysterious origins of his name. Listener Question: If you had $10,000 to spend on an experience, what would it be? Leave your answer in the comments. It’s hot in Colorado. The Mile High FI studio in Doug’s basement is hot. Help keep the studio cool and get hot stuff: Buy Me A Coffee Links Die With Zero Carl and Mindy: Behind the Scenes with Ramit Sethi How To Money Carl’s $10,000 private concert 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 1:39 Recent travels 10:10 Taylor Swift concert experience 19:23 Is Carl crazy? 25:33 Spending big money 30:04 Experiments with spending 36:15 Future spending 43:58 Soundcheck - Nicknames

Doug and Amberly talk all about credit, from tips for higher credit scores to tackling common myths via a game of True/False.  Doug also discusses his own experience with foreclosure and how his credit was impacted. Doug’s distrust of banks/large institutions.  Amberly’s view of the credit system as a necessary evil. Explanation of credit scores & ranges. Tips for a higher credit score: Become an authorized user Pay your bills on time Dispute anything wrong on your credit report Pay off collections Use a secure credit card Strategically paying credit cards Ask for higher credit limits Apply for new credit cards Add to your credit mix Doug’s foreclosure experience and impacts to his credit score. Credit score game: True or False.  When buying a house you cannot shop around for loans because each time you shop you get hit negatively on your credit score. True or False.  You can’t improve your credit score if you have bad credit. True or False.  Carrying a balance on your credit card will improve your credit score. Should you close old credit cards to improve your credit score? True or False.  Churning would lower your score to a level that negatively impacts it. True or False.  0% credit cards are free interest for one whole year. True or False.  If you miss a payment on your credit card they report it to the credit bureau right away. Looking to boost your credit score?  If so, head on over to Buy Me A Coffee.  We doubt the official credit bureaus will even notice, but in our eyes you'll have a perfect score! Links Entrepreneurship: From Mac & Cheese to Fintech | MHFI 166 (Intro to Nexus banking) Nerd Wallet tips: “How to Improve Credit Fast” Lauren & Steven, Trip of a Lifestyle Steven Keys (Trip of a Lifestyle) on The Doug Show Doug’s site Carl’s blog: 1500 Days Connect with Amberly Grant! AmberlyGrant.com FinTalks Instagram Facebook -- 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 7:50 Thoughts on credit 12:50 Credit scoring 20:10 Tips for a higher credit score 31:22 Foreclosure & credit impacts 41:24 Credit score game 53:53 Support the show? 59:40 Soundcheck - Sushi