
Mile High FI Podcast
Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Carl Jensen and Doug Cunnington 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.
Latest episodes

Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 8min
Coast FI or Slow FI - Best Way to Retire Early - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 247
Doug chats with Kristen Knapp about the principles of Coast FI and Slow FI. Going beyond mere definitions they explore the benefits of these strategies, including reduced stress & greater life satisfaction, along with insights into working part-time, investing strategies, lifestyle design, unexpected life events, and the significance of intentional spending & saving. They also answer a couple related questions from the Facebook group.
Questions:
Melanie – What’s the difference between SlowFI and just saving for retirement like a Regular Joe?
David – I do have a question about Coast FI. When someone says they have saved enough to retire at a certain age in the future, does the sequence of returns risk from that moment hit them harder or softer? Retirees can reduce their spending to help themselves in the first few years of retirement if the market turns down. But if you’re drawing no money, I guess I don’t understand if that makes it safer or more risky.
This episode is brought to you by GhostBed. Doug has the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and loves it! Take the 3 minute sleep quiz to see which mattress is right for you. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, bed frame, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Save With Mint Mobile! (https://milehighfi.com/mint) New customers can get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for $15/mo. Doug’s phone bill went from $1440/yr to $360/yr for him and his wife. It’s super easy to switch and you can use your existing phone. If you use the MHFI link, it won’t cost you extra and it helps support the show.
Buy 2 months, get 1 month free limited time offer available until January 2, 2025 at 11:59pm PST for new customers and at select channels only. “One month free” applied as $15 discount at checkout on 3-month 5GB plan only – upfront payment of $30 required, w/taxes & fees extra. One-time discount applied for first 3 months only. Not combinable/available with certain other promotions/offers.
Looking for help with your estate plan? Trust & Will provides online tools for creating, you guessed it… trusts and wills. For those who don’t have any estate planning documents in place, this could be a good option to get started. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up. Thanks for the support.
https://milehighfi.com/trustandwill
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 for his new e-bike by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
(*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something)
Connect with Kristen
Email: kristen@fifriendstravel.com
FI Friends Travel website
Kennel Enrichment Program (Humane Society)
MHFI Facebook group
EconoMe Conference
CampFI
Carl Jensen
ChooseFI Local Groups
Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
JL Collins, “Simple Path to Wealth”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Dave Ramsey, “The Total Money Makeover”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache
Get Rich Slowly
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
6:53 Defining Coast FI
12:42 Working vs. passion projects
18:42 Coast FI calculations
25:18 Limitations of Coast FI
34:04 Question – Slow FI vs. regular retirement savings
38:29 Question – Sequence of Returns Risk & Coast FI
47:21 Lifestyle upgrade vs. delaying FI
50:48 Advice to younger selves
57:56 Financial role models
1:04:11 Soundcheck – Testing hobbies

Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 2min
Coast FI Case Study Update: Frances | MHFI 246
Doug chats with Frances a year after her and her husband’s initial appearance on the show. She provides updates on her and Peter’s job situations as well as updates on all things financial – current housing situation, savings & investing strategies, spending, and expense tracking. Frances also shares some personal updates while asking listeners to provide feedback to some questions that she’s working through.
Listener Questions:
Continue to dollar-cost-average $10k per month from savings into investments or just do a lump sum?
With $18k in an emergency fund, is having an additional $40K-$48K in short-term savings practical or too much? If expenses do come up, is it better to cashflow these items instead of keeping so much in savings?
Any suggestions for budgeting apps besides Monarch Money?
Looking for a crossover or hatchback with lots of trunk space, 30K-40K miles, ideally $15K-$20K ($30K max), preferably a Honda or Toyota but doesn’t seem to be many options out there. Okay to buy a new vehicle in this situation or stick with something used? How much is the right amount to spend on a car?
This episode is brought to you by GhostBed. Doug has the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and loves it! Take the 3 minute sleep quiz to see which mattress is right for you. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, bed frame, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Save With Mint Mobile! (https://milehighfi.com/mint) New customers can get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for $15/mo. Doug’s phone bill went from $1440/yr to $360/yr for him and his wife. It’s super easy to switch and you can use your existing phone. If you use the MHFI link, it won’t cost you extra and it helps support the show.
Buy 2 months, get 1 month free limited time offer available until January 2, 2025 at 11:59pm PST for new customers and at select channels only. “One month free” applied as $15 discount at checkout on 3-month 5GB plan only – upfront payment of $30 required, w/taxes & fees extra. One-time discount applied for first 3 months only. Not combinable/available with certain other promotions/offers.
Looking for help with your estate plan? Trust & Will provides online tools for creating, you guessed it… trusts and wills. For those who don’t have any estate planning documents in place, this could be a good option to get started. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up. Thanks for the support.
https://milehighfi.com/trustandwill
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 a better microphone that doesn’t continuously buzz by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
Modern Bookkeeping Services
Frances & Peter on MHFI episode 245
Ramit Sethi
Monarch Money
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
5:52 Updated housing situation
12:10 Cash position & emergency fund
17:43 Investments & Frances’ business
24:38 Spending
32:22 Paying off the mortgage & Peter’s job
38:17 Personal updates
45:16 Budgeting & tracking expenses
51:19 Car suggestions

Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 17min
Frances and Peter: Coast FI Case Study [rebroadcast] | MHFI 245
Doug and Carl chat with Frances & Peter to analyze the couple’s financial situation and determine the viability of their Coast FI strategy. They discuss investment strategies, personal financial goals, maintaining a balance between frugality & enjoying life, the potential of leveraging real estate, and other financial planning aspects.
Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 186
This episode is brought to you by GhostBed. Doug has the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and loves it! Take the 3 minute sleep quiz to see which mattress is right for you. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, bed frame, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Save With Mint Mobile! (https://milehighfi.com/mint) New customers can get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for $15/mo. Doug’s phone bill went from $1440/yr to $360/yr for him and his wife. It’s super easy to switch and you can use your existing phone. If you use the MHFI link, it won’t cost you extra and it helps support the show.
Buy 2 months, get 1 month free limited time offer available until January 2, 2025 at 11:59pm PST for new customers and at select channels only. “One month free” applied as $15 discount at checkout on 3-month 5GB plan only – upfront payment of $30 required, w/taxes & fees extra. One-time discount applied for first 3 months only. Not combinable/available with certain other promotions/offers.
Looking for help with your estate plan? Trust & Will provides online tools for creating, you guessed it… trusts and wills. For those who don’t have any estate planning documents in place, this could be a good option to get started. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up. Thanks for the support.
https://milehighfi.com/trustandwill
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 & Carl pay for their Dumb & Dumber tuxedoes by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
(*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something)
Modern Bookkeeping Services
Carl Jensen
The FIoneers on MHFI episode 084
Mad Fientist podcast, “1500 Days Podcast Takeover”
Mr. Money Mustache
Tim Ferriss, Mr. Money Mustache episode
BiggerPockets
Mr. Money Mustache, “What to Do About These High Interest Rates”
Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Diania Merriam
EconoMe Conference
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
4:01 Coffee & asparagus
10:58 Coast FI definition
15:23 Retirement goals
21:08 Current housing situation
26:38 Roadblocks
32:02 Frugal in recovery
39:58 Envisioning the ideal life
45:42 Work situations & moving
51:58 Diving into the numbers
1:02:26 Resolving the housing situation
1:07:50 What would Carl & Doug do?
1:14:51 Soundcheck – The big event

11 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 25min
Zero to $1 Million in 10 Years on a Middle Class Salary - Adam | MHFI 244
Discover the inspiring journey of a psychology professor who went from zero to nearly a million dollars in just ten years. He shares insights on strategic real estate investments and how aligning values with financial choices leads to true fulfillment. The discussion also emphasizes work-life balance, the importance of personal connections, and the intertwined relationship between health and wealth. Dive into the complexities of real estate management and explore how lifestyle design can enhance happiness and well-being.

Nov 26, 2024 • 1h 2min
Exploring the Path to FI - FinCon Roundtable - Chad Carson, Jeremy Schneider | MHFI 243
Doug and Carl chat with Chad Carson and Jeremy Schneider live from FinCon 2024 in Atlanta. The group discusses the benefits of financial independence, their unique entrepreneurial journeys, working after achieving FI, the current state of the FIRE movement, and the need for tension in life. They also discuss their opinions on both e-bikes & electric cars. Jeremy introduces his startup, Nectarine, a marketplace for fiduciary financial advice, while Chad shares insights on his real estate-focused coaching and teaching endeavors.
This episode is brought to you by GhostBed. Doug has the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and loves it! Take the 3 minute sleep quiz to see which mattress is right for you. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, bed frame, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Save With Mint Mobile! (https://milehighfi.com/mint) New customers can get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for $15/mo. Doug’s phone bill went from $1440/yr to $360/yr for him and his wife. It’s super easy to switch and you can use your existing phone. If you use the MHFI link, it won’t cost you extra and it helps support the show.
Buy 2 months, get 1 month free limited time offer available until January 2, 2025 at 11:59pm PST for new customers and at select channels only. “One month free” applied as $15 discount at checkout on 3-month 5GB plan only – upfront payment of $30 required, w/taxes & fees extra. One-time discount applied for first 3 months only. Not combinable/available with certain other promotions/offers.
Looking for help with your estate plan? Trust & Will provides online tools for creating, you guessed it… trusts and wills. For those who don’t have any estate planning documents in place, this could be a good option to get started. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up. Thanks for the support.
https://milehighfi.com/trustandwill
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
Black Friday is almost here and Doug has caught the fever! Help him pay for all of his frivolous spending by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
(*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something)
Connect with Chad
Coach Carson website
YouTube
Instagram
“Real Estate Investing With Coach Carson” podcast
Friends of the Green Crescent Trail
Connect with Jeremy
Personal Finance Club
Instagram
Nectarine (We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up)
Carl Jensen
Carl quitting on MHFI episode 235
FinCon
Matt & Joel/How to Money
Jillian Johnsrud
Mr. Money Mustache
Jacob Lund Fisker/Early Retirement Extreme
Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
BiggerPockets BPCON
Grant Cardone
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
7:11 Live from FinCon Atlanta
10:04 The entrepreneurship mindset
15:51 Working after reaching FI
21:20 Dealing with tension in life after FI
26:09 Experimenting with retirement
31:27 State of the FIRE movement
36:26 E-Bikes
42:32 Electric cars
47:06 Jeremy’s intro to Nectarine
55:02 Chad’s journey into coaching & teaching

Nov 19, 2024 • 55min
Estate Planning with Sean Mullaney | MHFI 242
Doug chats with Sean Mullaney (The FI Tax Guy) about the essential elements of estate planning. Sean covers the importance of planning for everyone (not just the wealthy), stresses the significance of having a will, updating beneficiary designations, and creating trusts to protect assets & ensuring financial security for loved ones. Special attention is given to estate planning in regards to kids (providing guardianship) and working with the correct professionals to plan for taxes.
The discussion is intended to be for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Doug and the Mile High FI podcast do not endorse Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. and their services. Guest appearances on the podcast do not constitute their endorsement of any sponsors of the Mile High FI podcast.
Looking for help with your estate plan? Trust & Will provides online tools for creating, you guessed it… trusts and wills. For those who don’t have any estate planning documents in place, this could be a good option to get started. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up. Thanks for the support.
https://milehighfi.com/trustandwill
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
If you have any tips for talking about death & estate planning come share over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
(*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something)
Connect with Sean Mullaney
The FI Tax Guy
YouTube
Mullaney Financial & Tax
The FI Tax Guy, “The Church IRA”
Sean’s podcast appearances
Mile High FI
ChooseFI
Stacking Benjamins
How To Money
Sean Mullaney, “Solo 401(k): The Solopreneur’s Retirement Account”
Kindle
Paperback
CampFI
Amy on MHFI episode 160
Carl Jensen
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
2:59 Importance of estate planning
8:10 Four funnels
14:17 Beneficiary designations & revocable living trusts
20:52 Tips for discussing estate planning
25:42 Planning for kids
33:16 Working with financial planners & lawyers
36:43 Tax planning
45:53 Discussions with aging parents
52:45 Soundcheck – Home renovations

Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 14min
Mr. Money Mustache on Being Retired 19 Years & Turning 50 | MHFI 241
Doug chats with Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache) about a variety of topics centered around retirement, fitness, happiness, and sustainable living. Pete also answers questions from the Facebook mailbag.
Sam – What advice would you give to a young adult today that wants to retire early?
Niel – Congratulations on becoming an empty nester. What are you most looking forward to in this new phase of life?
Khang – What is something new you’ve tried recently that you would recommend to others?
Rich – What is your sleep routine and are you a good sleeper?
Katie – You mentioned that you consulted with someone who wanted you to review their retirement plan. So have you done more of these consultations and what have you learned from the experience?
Andrea – You mentioned you want people to build new towns like Longmont. Do you have any thoughts on where the next Longmont might be given how expensive it’s become?
Chris – What are your thoughts on the Culdesac model? And have you brought any ideas back to Longmont from your time down there?
Kyle – What are your thoughts about the connection between the FIRE movement and environmentalism? Have you transitioned to socially responsible investing now that there are some low fee index funds for that?
Rakesh – How do you maintain your composure when it seems like everything around you is falling apart?
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 finally sell his gas-guzzler and purchase a new EV by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache
AARP, “Meet the Man Who Retired at 30”
Tim Ferriss, Mr. Money Mustache episode
Mr. Money Mustache blog posts:
“Frugal Man Buys $52,000 Car – Why??”
“It’s Never too Late to Ditch your Gas Guzzler”
“Socially Responsible Investing: Is It Also More Profitable?”
Mr. Money Mustache & Culdesac on MHFI episode 207
MHFI Facebook group
Carl & Mindy on Ramit Sethi’s podcast
Financial Independence Podcast, “Ramit Sethi – How to Spend (and Actually Enjoy It)”
Culdesac
Carl Jensen
Mindy Jensen
Scott Gallowway, Prof G Media
Brad Barrett/ChooseFI
Matt Walker, Sleep Diplomat
Edge Esmeralda
Gapminder
KeySavvy
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
2:04 Comparing traditional retirement to FIRE
6:53 Pete’s fitness routine & diet
10:44 Reflections on 19 years of retirement
17:10 The 4% rule & current expenses
22:50 Experimenting with more spending
28:11 Question – Advice for young adults retiring early
33:19 Question – What are you looking fwd to as an empty-nester?
34:30 Question – Something you’ve tried recently
38:46 Question – Sleep routine
43:39 Question – Consultations & coaching
46:59 Question – The next Longmont
52:24 Question – Thoughts on Culdesac
58:28 Question – Socially responsible investing
1:01:44 Question – World falling apart
1:06:49 Soundcheck – EVs

Nov 5, 2024 • 39min
Catching Up With Carl at FinCon | MHFI 240
Doug and Carl reunite at FinCon 2024 in Atlanta to say hi & catch up with each other. They both discuss recent travels, preferences for staying close to home in Longmont, and dieting/cutting calories especially around the holidays. Carl also provides a fitness update and an update on how his home projects are going.
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 for next year’s FinCon ticket by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
Carl Jensen
Mindy Jensen
FinCon
Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache
Tim Ferriss, Mr. Money Mustache episode
Sean Mullaney, The FI Tax Guy
Kristen Knapp on MHFI episode 238
EconoMe Conference
Carl quitting on MHFI episode 235
Bob Haines on MHFI episode 210
BiggerPockets BPCON
Brad Barrett/ChooseFI
ChooseFI, “Masterclass on Muscle Building”
“Mind Pump” podcast
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
5:36 Coming soon to the show
9:45 Live from FinCon Atlanta
13:09 Recent travels
19:53 Staying close to home
23:07 Fitness update
27:43 Dieting & cutting calories
31:28 Low-alcohol beer & time on the throne
34:22 Update on Carl’s home projects

Oct 29, 2024 • 42min
Financial Guilt and Coast FI Strategies - Mailbag | MHFI 239
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

Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 5min
Coast FI: Semi-Retiring Early - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 238
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
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.