

Mile High FI Podcast
Doug Cunnington & Carl Jensen
Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Doug Cunnington and Carl Jensen talk about FI, lifestyle, side hustles, health, and anything on their minds. Plus, they interview experts and non-experts interested in the FI lifestyle. It's raw, candid, pretty much like you get to sit in on a private conversation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 20, 2023 • 1h
Entrepreneurship: From Mac & Cheese to Fintech | MHFI 166
Doug and his co-host Amberly chat with Chen-Chen Huo, co-founder of a banking startup called Nexus. Chen-Chen has a very interesting path as an entrepreneur, working first in the mac & cheese business before moving into fintech. Nexus has some cool, disruptive ideas, such as providing users the ability to invest their full balance to earn market returns, with the idea that your bank account should be earning money for you and not the bank.
Choosing entrepreneurship vs. a safer route
Risk avoidance/risk tolerance
What enabled risk-taking & runway for growing a business
Building a good team
Goals at Nexus and how it works
And of course, Mac & Cheese
Support us over at Buy Me a Coffee. Everyone else is doing it, we think you should too!
Links
Nexus
Nexus on TikTok
Nekus on Instagram
Econome
Doug’s site
Carl’s blog: 1500 Days
Connect with Amberly Grant!
AmberlyGrant.com
FinTalks
Instagram
Amberly on Facebook
--
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shorts & 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
1:20 Build-your-own mac & cheese (MAC’D)
7:19 Amberly & Chen-Chen at Econome
13:47 Chen-Chen’s financial upbringing
20:07 Entrepreneurship & risk-taking
28:57 Nexus - revolutionizing banking
34:54 Comparing food industry vs. fintech
41:11 Building a good team
46:02 Accountability
50:25 How Nexus operates

Jun 13, 2023 • 58min
Financial Mistakes We've Made | MHFI 165
Doug and Carl talk to Kyle Landis-Marinello about the (mostly financial) mistakes each of them have made.
Kyle recounts an interview gone bad and learning about personal finance/financial independence late in life
Carl’s scarcity mindset, not spending enough, not taking much time off, and selling Apple stock to fund a real estate purchase
Doug describes a house purchase and subsequent foreclosure
Other mistakes: Miscalculating student loan repayments, stopping contributions to retirement accounts in down markets, analysis paralysis
Do you love Mile High FI? Do you loathe Mile High FI? Regardless of your feelings, set those aside and support us over at Buy Me a Coffee.
Links
Kyle on MHFI Episode 76
Kyle's website
Kyle's book: Personal Finance and Investing
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-shorts & 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
2:37 Reintroduction to Kyle Landis-Marinello
9:08 Kyle’s mistake #1 - Faulty pants
14:13 Kyle’s mistake #2 - Learning about money late
21:06 Carl’s mistake #1 - Not spending
25:33 Carl’s mistake #2 - Selling Apple
29:56 Doug’s mistake - Buying a house
43:12 Kyle’s mistake #3 - Student loans
47:29 Other mistakes
53:10 Soundcheck - Fashion Advice

Jun 6, 2023 • 53min
Retiree's Guide: Overcoming Frugality & Embracing Spending, Pt 4 | MHFI 164
Doug and Carl talk about the shift from saving to spending in retirement. In part 4, they review listener feedback.
Shane talks about how he spent 50% more than planned; and loved it!
Darren and Jolene talk about the difficulty in spending
Anonymous suggests bond ladders as a way to cover retirement spending
Mark talks about the Fun Bucket
Do you love Mile High FI? Support us over at Buy Me a Coffee. It’s the right thing to do. Don’t wait, act now!
Links
Mark’s Money Mind
Do Nothing
Peter Attia
Michael Kitces
Doug’s site - Check out the NEW Sleep Post.
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-shorts & 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
1:20 Bidets
8:56 Comments from Shane - pre & post-FI spending
15:33 Comments from Darren & Jolene - spending flexibility
21:27 Future employment
25:18 Comments from Anonymous - bond ladders
28:06 Doing less
35:59 Comments from Mark - fun bucket
42:43 New Tesla
48:28 Soundcheck - The Gym

May 30, 2023 • 1h 10min
Retiree's Guide: Overcoming Frugality & Embracing Spending, Pt 3 | MHFI 163
Doug and Carl talk about the shift from saving to spending in retirement. It’s not always easy to go from being a big saver to a big spender. Or even a little spender.
Budgets in retirement
The importance of experiences
The Splurge Fund
Do you love Mile High FI? Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Do you really love Mile High FI? Buy us 500 Coffees! Do you really love us, buy us a helicopter and a couple of flight lessons!
Links
ChatGPT
The Paradox of Choice
NoCo Mustachian Meetup
Carl’s very big purchase
Die With Zero
Doug’s site - Check out the NEW Sleep Post.
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-shorts & 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
1:22 New acquisitions
8:31 How often Carl & Doug review finances
18:38 Doug’s budget & expense tracking
24:53 Buying more time
29:21 Prioritizing experiences, health, quality of life
38:33 Happiness
48:05 Splurging
56:06 Don’t try to optimize
1:01:06 Support the show
1:05:51 Soundcheck - Carl & Mindy’s guest appearance

May 23, 2023 • 57min
Retiree's Guide: Overcoming Frugality & Embracing Spending, Pt 2 | MHFI 162
Doug and Carl talk about the shift from saving to spending in retirement. It’s not always easy to go from being a big save to a big spender. Or even a little spender.
Why do early retirees feel guilty about spending?
Societal expectations
Finding balance
Do you love Mile High FI? Of course you do. Show us the love by supporting us over at Buy Me a Coffee.
Links
Ramit Sethi
Downshift Financial
Doug’s site - Check out the NEW Sleep Post.
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-shorts & 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
1:12 Psychology of frugality & guilt
6:22 Pivoting to spending more
11:04 Tips & strategies for spending
15:30 Spending in retirement
25:12 Happiness & community
30:36 New branded products coming soon
36:22 Financial flexibility
39:28 Creating a retirement budget vs. actual spending
47:32 Questions for listeners/viewers
51:07 Soundcheck - Simple food stories

May 16, 2023 • 1h 6min
Retiree's Guide: Overcoming Frugality & Embracing Spending, Pt 1 | MHFI 161
Doug and Carl talk about the shift from saving to spending in retirement. It’s not always easy to go from being a big save to a big spender. Or even a little spender.
To DIY or not to DIY; Carl’s landscaping adventures
Why it’s difficult to shift from saving to spending
Happiness shouldn’t wait for retirement
Why are we afraid of running out of money?
The 4% Rule. Again.
Do you love Mile High FI? Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Do you really love Mile High FI? Buy Us 500 Coffees! Do you really love us, buy us a helicopter and a couple of flight lessons!
Links
Sean Mullany on Mile High FI
EconoMe
Carl’s very big purchase
Die With Zero
Doug’s site - Check out the NEW Sleep Post.
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-shorts & 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 Intro
3:53 A small correction from a viewer
6:51 We have a book idea!
8:43 Being accustomed to saving
13:12 Carl's purchases and DIY projects
22:11 From saving to spending
32:44 Buying what makes you happy
37:48 Changing habits
38:58 Two things
41:14 Our new product announcement
43:00 Fear of running out of money
56:43 How you can support us
58:56 Developing a healthy relationship with money
1:01:31 Soundcheck

May 9, 2023 • 58min
Why You Need A Will | MHFI 160
Doug and Carl talk to Longmont friend Amy about the death of her husband Phil and the aftermath of dying without a will.
- Phil’s death
- How Colorado treats your estate without a will (intestate succession)
- Specify your beneficiaries. Now!
- Wait, who gets Phil’s money?
- Family fallout
- Actions you need to take
--
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
**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 Intro
2:30 Amy's husband's death
10:15 Not having a will in Colorado
16:29 Are parents entitled to the money of a deceased spouse?
25:55 Laws
27:12 Doug's thoughts
27:58 A spouse is our primary person
29:00 Amy's legal process
32:05 Feelings of betrayal
36:11 How to avoid situations like this
38:44 Setting up a trust
41:07 Doug's will
42:00 Why a trust is better than a will
45:15 Losing relationships along the way
49:40 Amy's socials
52:20 Soundcheck

May 2, 2023 • 53min
Mini-Retirements, Travel, & Redefining Success | MHFI 159
Doug and Carl talk to Amy Minkley, founder of FI Freedom Retreats and all around stellar human.
Discovering FIRE
How a chaotic childhood shaped Amy’s money views
Studying History at university
Moving to Asia to teach ESL
Overworking to feel worthy
Job induced depression
The incredible benefits of mini-retirements
Two More Year Syndrome
Traveling with purpose
FartFIRE
Do you think that Mile High FI is a spiffy listen? Don’t lie, we know you do. Why else would you be reading this? Well maybe you’re here to leave a nasty comment. Don’t do it. Be the better person!
Anyway, since you think we’re spiffy, please consider supporting us over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
FI Freedom Retreat
Facebook page
Facebook event
Support Mile High FI: Buy Me A Coffee
Amy’s Journey to FI on YouTube
Choose FI
EconoMe
Doug’s site - Check out the NEW Sleep Post.
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-shorts & 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 Intro
1:03 How Amy discovered FIRE
5:00 Growing up
8:58 University
14:38 Living abroad
17:10 Are gap years mini-retirements?
22:29 Finding community
28:25 Amy's first FI retreat
30:51 The One Year syndrome
36:16 Amy's FI Freedom retreat
38:30 Making friends
40:51 The perfect day
43:58 Where you can find Amy
47:19 Soundcheck

Apr 25, 2023 • 41min
Life Updates & Tech Adventures: Home Improvements, Travel Plans | MHFI 158
Doug and Carl catch up. They chat about the following topics:
Carl’s home improvement adventures
Doug deletes a show
Carl’s travel plans
Doug gets into ChatGPT
Being alone
Links
Support Mile High FI: Buy Me A Coffee
Doug’s site - Check out the NEW Sleep Post.
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-shorts & 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 Intro
1:33 What's Doug been up to
4:06 Getting creative
6:45 Carl's house updates
12:53 Doug's passion for ChatGPT
21:09 Carl's travel plans
25:50 Doug's home alone (with his dog!)
30:45 Trying to drink less
34:50 Carl's retiring for real
35:53 How you can support us
37:33 Soundcheck

Apr 18, 2023 • 55min
Coast FI, Slow FI, & Pioneering Your Path to Financial Freedom | MHFI 157
Doug and Carl talk about different flavors of FI, traditional, Coast FI, Slow FI, and FartFIRE.
New sponsor! Carl’s Quick Hardening Caulk
Traditional FI
Slow FI
Coast FI
FartFIRE
Do you love Mile High FI? Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Do you really love Mile High FI? Buy Us Two Coffees! Do you hate Mile High FI? Carl hates coffee so buy him 10!
Links
Support Mile High FI: Buy Me A Coffee
FIoneers on Mile High FI
Doug’s site - Check out the NEW Sleep Post.
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-shorts & 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 Intro
5:23 How you can support us
7:03 Different types of FIRE
8:16 Carl's journey from tech to FI
11:50 Doug's journey to FI
15:00 Quiet quitting is real
17:47 Life before and after FIRE
21:25 What is Slow FI?
23:07 What if Carl had done Slow FI?
28:25 Disadvantages of Slow FI
30:16 What is Coast FI?
32:53 Investing into retirement and post-tax accounts
35:48 Pros and cons of Coast FI
39:49 Fart FIRE
46:38 Happiness


