Mile High FI Podcast

Elizabeth retired 10 months ago. We talk about her system to make sure she’s doing things… I’m doing bonus episodes now! Introvert Instagram Clip we mention Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list! MHFI Facebook group Help Doug publish more shows by supporting at Buy Me A Coffee. Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com —- Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Mile High 5 Podcast 00:26 Retirement Reflections: 10 Months In 01:50 Creating a Fulfilling Retirement Routine 04:27 Time Bucketing: Structuring the Day 07:23 Balancing Activities and Mental Well-being 13:43 The Impact of Reducing News Consumption 18:49 Embracing Early Bedtimes and Winter Hibernation 20:07 Social Activities and Hobbies 21:06 Thoughts on Returning to Work 22:14 Daily Routines and Flexibility 24:26 Balancing Relaxation and Productivity 27:44 The Role of Pets in Daily Life 33:09 Puzzle Competitions and Strategies

Doug chats with Lyn Mettler, travel rewards expert and founder of Families Fly Free/Families Travel Free.  Lyn shares insights on how to maximize travel rewards, including practical tips on using programs like the Southwest Companion Pass and flexible travel cards.  She also discusses upcoming changes in the airline industry, the importance of using points wisely, tips for booking flexible travel, accessing airport lounges, and potential trends in travel accommodations.  Doug and Lyn also answer a few questions from the MHFI Facebook group: Questions from the Facebook group: Niel –  I’m very much a travel rewards newbie, but interested in adding it to my FI repertoire in 2025.  What is the biggest bang for the buck, so to speak, in terms of where to start?  A Companion Pass seems like the answer for a spouse but I’m not sure how to expand from there to include more family members. Kevin –  Are there websites or people that charge to take someone’s points per organization (cards, airlines, etc) and compare those to destinations we need tickets for? Say from DEN to Dublin in August. Rakesh – How to best use Capital One Venture X rewards?  Chase was so much easier to use for Hyatt and United flights. 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. 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 fly for free by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Links to Families Travel Free are affiliate links, so MHFI might get a commission if you buy something. It helps support the show.) Families Fly Free/Families Travel Free Website Podcast Get Lyn’s “5 Ways to Simplify Your Travel Rewards Strategy” Or you can check out Lyn’s system Free Download, “Google Flights Tip Sheet” Facebook YouTube Instagram EconoMe Conference Chris Hutchins/All the Hacks 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 8:58 Exposure to travel rewards 12:21 Question – How to get started with points? 21:45 Lyn’s approach to using rewards 26:11 Question – Can others book travel rewards for you? 29:56 Question – How to best use Capital One Venture X? 37:48 Crackdown on airline fees & delays 43:41 Lounge access 50:47 Lyn’s travel resources & membership benefits 57:58 Soundcheck – Intersection of FI & travel rewards

Adam Coelho, the host of the Mindful FIRE podcast and former Google employee, shares his inspiring transition to entrepreneurship. He discusses the limitations of simply having 'FU money' and emphasizes the vital role of a clear vision and mindfulness in achieving a meaningful life. Coelho highlights how personal values and affirmations, informed by the science of neuroplasticity, can transform self-perception. He also reflects on the importance of building a life founded on sufficiency rather than mere financial independence.

Discover the transformative journey of achieving financial independence and early retirement. Hear about unique challenges like securing mortgages without traditional income and navigating healthcare plans. Rusty shares an innovative withdrawal strategy called 'Buy, Borrow, Then Die.' Embrace the outdoors with personal stories of the Colorado lifestyle, from hiking to paddle boarding, and learn why health and sleep play crucial roles in this new chapter. This captivating conversation highlights the importance of continuous learning and adapting after retirement.

Dive into an inspiring journey of perseverance and financial growth, as Neil shares budgeting strategies and side hustles. Discover the transformative power of the FIRE movement, and gain insights into effective food budgeting and managing expenses. Explore the emotional aspects of financial stability, from navigating net worth fluctuations to lighthearted stories about timeshare presentations. This conversation not only highlights practical financial tips but also underscores the importance of adapting to life's financial challenges.

Jen Smith, author and co-host of the Frugal Friends podcast, shares her inspiring journey of paying off $78,000 in debt. She dives into the concept of value-based spending and how it helped her find financial freedom. Jen discusses her no-spend challenge and the importance of community support in financial journeys. She introduces her new book, "Buy What You Love Without Going Broke," and opens up about the challenges of the writing process. Listeners gain practical tips on aligning spending with personal values and managing financial guilt.

In this engaging conversation, Jordan Grumet, a physician and author of 'Taking Stock' and 'The Purpose Code', shares his transformative journey from medicine to financial independence. He reflects on profound lessons learned from hospice patients about money and meaning in life. The discussion highlights the differences between 'Big P' and 'Little P' purposes, offering practical strategies to overcome purpose anxiety. Listeners gain insights into career transitions and intentional living, encouraging a more fulfilling and joy-driven approach to finding personal purpose.

Adrian Brambila, co-author of "Start Thinking Rich," and Dr. Brad Klontz, a clinical psychologist focusing on money's psychology, dive into wealth-building strategies. They challenge the DIY mindset that can impede financial independence, advocating for outsourcing tasks for greater happiness. The duo dispels misconceptions about wealth paths like education and homeownership while redefining true wealth as time freedom, stressing the importance of rich experiences over material possessions.

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

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