Mile High FI Podcast

Doug and Carl have an in-depth conversation with Barbara Zink who is a mother & wife, an entrepreneur, and a personal finance enthusiast who describes herself as a "closet FI person." Barbara shares her FIRE journey and how cutting back on alcohol consumption has not only resulted in several health benefits, but has also contributed greatly to her financial goals - the money saved from not drinking has helped fund her children's 529 college plans, helped her start an online business, and funded a spousal IRA. Have you also decided to cut back on alcohol, but don't know what to do with all the savings?  If so, come support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Links ChooseFI podcast Mad Fientist podcast World Health Organization (WHO), “No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health” Nick Loper/Side Hustle Nation Spousal IRA Huberman Lab, “What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health” Allen Carr 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 3:29 Barbara's background & discovering FIRE 8:58 Water-saving tips 14:08 Decision to quit alcohol 19:54 Health benefits of quitting alcohol 26:09 Starting an e-commerce business 35:39 Impact of quitting alcohol 39:55 Triggers & tips to break alcohol habits 43:54 The power of community in sobriety 49:06 Soundcheck - Coffee vs. Mountain Dew

Carl and Doug unpack the pursuit of happiness and the winding road to early retirement.  From life's unexpected twists to the importance of relationships beyond the balance sheet, they explore what it really means to live a fulfilling life post-FIRE.  Listen-in for a blend of finance, philosophy, and insights, all served up with a side of personal stories & anecdotes. Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI Episode 006 and 088.  Do we contribute to your happiness?  If so, come support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Links 1500 Days to Freedom, “7 Thoughts On Happiness: Part 1” 1500 Days to Freedom, “Happiness Series Part 2: Five Big-Ass Spending Experiments” 1500 Days to Freedom, “Happiness Part 3: Deep Contentment Is The Goal” Mr. Money Mustache JD Roth Tim Ferriss Tim Ferriss, “The 4-Hour Workweek” Tim Ferriss Podcast, “Rolf Potts - The Vagabond’s Way” Naval Ravikant Rolf Potts, “Vagabonding” FI Chautauqua Sonja Lyubomirsky Joe Rogan Experience, “1961-Peter Attia” Mark Manson, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” Wait But Why, “Taming the Mammoth” Living a FI, “The 2021 Early-Retirement Update" ChooseFI Local Groups 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 5:35 Thoughts on happiness 11:03 The science behind happiness 20:52 Pleasure, meaning, and challenges 24:35 Doug & Carl’s happiness histories 34:15 What did not lead to happiness 40:56 Happy times 47:43 Power of community 54:37 FIRE unhappiness 59:44 Easing into retirement 1:07:36 Self-doubt & purpose 1:15:33 Flexibility, sabbaticals, and career shifts 1:23:29 Advice for FIRE & happiness 1:35:44 Rapid-fire personal questions

Doug and Carl answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Sam: How important were the live-in flips and other real estate ventures that you and Mindy got into impact your success and overall net worth? Patrick: With all of Carl’s DIY experience, what house projects would he now hire out (like flooring, tile, drywall, or bathroom remodels) instead of spending the time doing it yourself? Lauren: Want to know the opinions of relocating from a low cost-of-living-area to a high cost-of-living-area to be closer to outdoor activities that you love and find a community you identify with.  Should someone do it and what tips do you have? Hallie: Has Doug tried Melanzana’s Wind Pro Sweatpants? Claudia: How would you do Roth conversions when you have a mix of 401k, IRA, a Roth IRA, and brokerage account?  How do you convert when you’re still working, but you’re going to retire soon and you want to minimize taxes now but also in the future?  (Approx 3 years from retirement) Do you have a burning question that you'd like answered?  Come join the Mile High FI Facebook group or come support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Links 1500 Days Post, "How to Successfully Flip Homes For Fun and Profit" South Park, “You Call the Handyman” Paula Pant/Afford Anything Ramit Sethi, “Why I Don’t Own a House as a Multi-Millionaire” FinCon CampFI Maggie Tucker/Inside Out Money Downshift Financial 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 1:08 Question 1: Importance of live-in flips 9:40 Question 2: DIY vs. hiring out 14:37 Tips for finding contractors 19:02 Concerts & recent activities 30:25 Question 3: Relocating to a high cost-of-living area 37:44 Question 4: Melanzana sweatpants 40:04 Question 5: Roth conversions 45:10 Flexible buckets to draw from 53:40 Soundcheck - Melanzana

Join Carl and Doug as they share practical travel tips such as the benefits of TSA Pre-check, understanding ideal travel lengths, and the importance of downtime during vacations. They also share money-saving tips like using credit card benefits and the art of negotiating hotel fees. In the soundcheck Carl and Doug talk about their weekend in Breckenridge, savoring the snowy weather over beers and spirited book-writing sessions. Listener Question: What is your best travel tip? Do you love the Mile High FI podcast?  If so, travel hack your way over to Buy Me A Coffee to support the show. Help remember your travels by using the Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer.  You can purchase your own printer at Amazon. Links EconoMe Conference CampFI Google Flights Kristen Cornett 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 6:49 Travel year-in-review 12:04 Travel logistics & packing 20:00 Ideal trip length 24:26 Food & meal planning 30:02 Staying in prime locations & commuting options 36:50 Money saving tips 40:51 Airline and credit card hacks 48:49 Making the most of your travel experience 52:54 Remembering your travels 58:31 Don’t over-plan 01:07:12 Soundcheck - Breckenridge

We lost a legend on Nov 28, 2023. Carl and I recorded a special live stream on YouTube. Charlie was really influential for Carl. So we talk about the time Carl almost met him in Omaha. Then, we try to guess what he might order at McDonalds, hypothetically. Carl shares his favorite quotes from Charlie. Charlie Munger Born: January 1, 1924, Omaha, NE Died: November 28, 2023

Doug and Carl talk about sleeping better.  Both have been terrible sleepers in the past and have improved a lot recently.  They discuss several of their top changes and provide various sleep tips along the way: Sleep history, struggles, and habits Sleep goals and why these are important Tips: Don’t have an alarm/wake up naturally Maintain a consistent sleep schedule Hot showers before bedtime Keeping it dark Sleep hygiene, temperature, and white noise Avoiding stressful activities before bedtime Avoid eating before bedtime No alcohol Don’t drink fluids before bedtime Exercise early in the day Optional sleep supplements Listener Question: What is your best sleep tip? Do you need help falling asleep?  We've been told the Mile High FI podcast is a great substitute for white noise!  Come give it a try over at Buy Me A Coffee. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Links Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Top Sleep Tips from Sam Soete FinCon CampFI Huberman Lab supplements Peter Attia sleep 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 3:28 Sleep history & struggles 12:58 Current sleep habits & goals 19:46 Tip: Wake up naturally 23:31 Tip: Consistent sleep schedule 26:37 Tip: Sleep environment & hygiene 33:50 Dreams 40:11 Tip: Things to avoid before bedtime 47:32 Supplements 52:15 Soundcheck - Fitness goal updates

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