Mile High FI Podcast

Doug and Carl chat with Debbie and Chris Emick from the “Go Bucket Yourself” blog & podcast about their journey to financial independence.  Debbie & Chris discuss their core values, real estate, overcoming challenges & fear, cultivating a growth mindset, the significance of community building, and their adventurous lifestyle, including homeschooling and travel.  Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 052 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) Head over to Buy Me A Coffee and help support us, so that we can adopt a pig for our mascot. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) Connect with Debbie & Chris: Go Bucket Yourself website Go Bucket Yourself podcast Debbie’s Instagram Chris’s Instagram Debbie Emick, “The Other Side of Perfect” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook CampFI Physician on FIRE Ryan Holiday Books “The Obstacle Is The Way” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook “Ego Is The Enemy” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook FinCon Jillian Johnsrud on ChooseFI podcast episode 084 Robert Kiyosaki Books “Rich Dad Poor Dad” Kindle Paperback Audiobook “Cashflow Quadrant” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook BiggerPockets podcast BiggerPockets Money podcast Mr. Money Mustache Maggie Tucker/Friends on Fire on Go Bucket Yourself podcast episode 41 Diania Merriam/EconoMe Conference Front Row Dads 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 5:36 Pooping in holes 11:35 Traveling with kids & homeschool philosophy 19:35 Origins of Go Bucket Yourself & core values 24:07 Eliminating obstacles & overcoming fear 32:27 Discovering FIRE 37:55 Remote real estate investing 45:01 Transition to RE 50:00 Productivity vs learning to relax 54:26 Finding fulfillment in retirement 58:05 Mindset shifts on the path to FI 1:03:01 Willpower & additional bandwidth 1:10:12 The perfect day 1:17:17 Masterminds

Doug and Carl answer questions from the Facebook mailbag and read recent podcast reviews. Kristian – I was recently discussing the subject of financial independence with a friend, she sits in the business and entrepreneurial camp, and she has a strong opinion, regarding “having a FI number” as she thinks it is limiting my mindset.  She often says that she feels like it’s working towards a minimum standard rather than trying to maximize my potential.  Do you have any thoughts on this? Brett – Car loan pay-off is $7053; car loan is $446 a month, interest is 2.3%.  Have been paying $200 a week to get the car paid off ASAP.  Savings is paying 5.5% APY.  Should I continue paying the car off ASAP or would it make more sense to just pay the monthly payment due to the savings APY? Molly – I drive a really beautiful and sleek 2008 Honda Civic.  My insurance keeps creeping up.  I just spoke to the agent and I could raise my deductible to 1K or 2K for modest savings, but the 5K deductible gets me to around $60 a month. I like the sound of that – but is a 5K deductible insane?  I have zero desire to upgrade my car.  I like the older cars that aren’t fully computer chips at this point.  What do you guys think? Ben – Anyone else a very unfrugal FI individual?  I like to eat out, I like newer cars, I like new toys. Steven – Vanguard recently sent a letter stating that my Solo 401k is moving to Ascensus.  Ultimately it looks like the potential for a couple new fees that I would rather avoid.  So with that in mind what would you suggest? 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) Answering all these questions makes us hungry.  Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee so we can afford some Taco Bell. Links MHFI Facebook group Elizabeth on MHFI episode 212 Early Retirement Now Chat GPT analysis for paying off car loan (Brett’s question) BiggerPockets Money podcast EconoMe Conference Downshift Financial Paula Pant/Afford Anything Allison on MHFI episode 220 Jim Dahle/White Coat Investor Reddit, “Huberman struggling with very basic statistical concepts” Reddit, “Vanguard sells their Solo 401k business to Ascensus” CampFI “Mindy On Money” podcast JL Collins Kristen Rainey on MHFI episode 019 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 1:04 Question – Is having a “FI number” limiting? 6:37 A little bit dangerous 11:48 Question – Payoff a low-interest car loan? 18:48 Question – Raising a car insurance deductible? 24:50 Sleeping experience on a cruise 28:40 Question – Unfrugal FI individuals 34:19 Question – Solo 401k moving to new provider 42:20 Recent reviews 49:53 Preparing for CampFI 54:28 Soundcheck – EVs & Les Pauls

Doug and Carl discuss the challenges of retiring during a market downturn.  They delve into the significance of Sequence of Returns Risk & inflation then propose strategies for financial management during recessions, such as cutting expenses, maintaining cash reserves, adjusting withdrawals, part-time work, and re-evaluating investments.  Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 133 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) Head over to Buy Me A Coffee and help support us, so that we can FINALLY make the mesh t-shirts that we’ve been talking about since this episode originally aired in 2022. Links EconoMe Conference JD Roth/foldedspace JD Roth on MHFI episode 127 Go Curry Cracker, “The Path to 100% Equities” Michael Kitces, “Understanding Sequence Of Return Risk” Michael Kitces on BiggerPockets Money podcast episode 351 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 4:11 Introduction 2 9:29 Taylor Swift 14:28 Retiring during a recession 18:37 Sequence of returns risk & inflation 23:11 Mitigating Sequence of Returns Risk & inflation 28:51 Other strategies for a downturn 34:28 First decade matters the most 38:43 Blooper- Failed quote

Doug chats with two recent retirees, his wife Elizabeth & friend Dusti.  They share vital tips and lessons they’ve learned, including financial planning, healthcare considerations, and the importance of flexibility and community in retirement.  The group also discusses real-life strategies like writing things down, engaging in fulfilling activities, and easing into new routines. 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) Want to support our new product, the 1500 Days bidet?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) Connect with Elizabeth by reaching out to Mindy: Email BiggerPockets Twitter/X Connect with Dusti: Facebook Strava Instagram Elizabeth & Dusti on MHFI episode 223 Elizabeth on MHFI episode 212 Dusti on MHFI: Episode 172 Episode 178 Episode 179 Gretchen Rubin, “The Happiness Project” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Leckerlee Cookies Robert Cialdini, “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook 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 2:19 Two paths to retirement 7:51 Advice when approaching retirement 15:41 Flexible but rigid 21:20 Healthcare & night terrors 28:41 Journaling 34:46 Take a trip 38:46 Trying new things & making lists 45:48 Misc quick tips 51:43 Soundcheck – Timeshare challenge

Doug chats with two recent retirees, his wife Elizabeth & friend Dusti.  The group discusses the transition to retirement, sharing insights on dealing with stress, maintaining productivity, and discovering new interests.  Elizabeth & Dusti also answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Jamie – Have you decompressed yet from baseline stress?  Others have said you don’t realize how stressed you really are until you leave the job behind.  If so, how long did it take?  What’s been the biggest surprise in the first two months? AJ – Has your mindset about money and spending shifted at all in the last two months?  Do you have more or less anxiety about fun spending? Frieda – What were you grateful to have done prior to leaving your employer?  And is there anything that you wish you would have done in advance to your last day at work? Hallie – Do you have any thoughts about finding challenges or fulfillment once the “honeymoon stage” is over?  Or are you just enjoying the process of relaxing and unwinding for now? Catie – How are you balancing the productivity mindset versus relaxing/being present versus guilt for being able to do a lot more of ‘nothing’?  Curious about any new routines/structure of your day now too! Chris – What has been most surprising in the first two months?  And looking back, is there anything you would have done differently about leaving? Stephanie – Leading up to retirement, what did you think your biggest challenge was going to be in retirement?  And then now that you’re a few months in, what do you think the biggest challenge actually is? Khang – What MORE do you want to do now that you’ve had some time to acclimate?  Is it an activity you’re surprised to find out about yourself? Rakesh – When is Elizabeth going to join Dusti for running? Eric – How long until Elizabeth is tired of being around Doug for all of those hours in a day? Maggie – Does Elizabeth want to come to CampFI and do puzzles with me? Callie – There is a puzzle competition???!!!  How do you find out about those?! Mira – How is puzzle solving different pre and post retirement? 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) Do you have even more questions for Elizabeth or Dusti?  If so, head over to the Mile High FI Facebook group or support us at Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) Connect with Elizabeth by reaching out to Mindy: Email BiggerPockets Twitter/X Connect with Dusti: Facebook Strava Instagram Mile High FI Facebook Group Elizabeth on MHFI episode 212 Dusti on MHFI: Episode 172 Episode 178 Episode 179 Huberman Lab supplements Saturday Night Live, “The Love Toilet” Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook CampFI 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 3:16 Question – Have you decompressed yet? 7:30 Question – Has your money mindset shifted? 13:50 Question – What were you grateful to have done before retiring? 23:54 Question – Thoughts about finding challenges or fulfillment? 29:22 Question – Balancing productivity vs relaxing vs guilt 36:52 Question – What has been most surprising? 40:49 Question – Biggest challenge in retirement? 46:19 Question – What activity do you want to do more? 53:37 Soundcheck – Misc questions

Doug and Amberly discuss the ins & outs of when to consider using a financial advisor.  They explore the pros & cons of working with advisors, fee structures, the importance of fiduciary responsibility, how to avoid bad financial advice, and complexities of DIY financial management.  They share personal stories and experiences to illustrate the discussion, including Doug’s past mistakes with an advisor and Amberly’s insights from hosting financial discussions & events. 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) Want to support our new business venture, financial advisor/fiduciary hats?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) Connect with Amberly: AmberlyGrant.com FinTalks FinTalks Cruise Instagram Facebook “Jump In Feet First” podcast Elizabeth on MHFI episode 212 Amberly on MFHI episode 216 Wealthsimple Jeremy Schneider/Personal Finance Club “Types of Advisors” “The Fees Add Up” “Cost of Advice?” Northwestern Mutual Conflict of Interest brochure Northwestern Mutual Conflict of Interest brochure (Marked up) Denver Asset Building Coalition Brian Feroldi on MHFI episode 213 Downshift Financial Nectarine, Advice-Only Financial Advisors FeeOnlyNetwork JL Collins, “Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Mark’s Money Mind Podcast CampFI EconoMe Conference 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 3:27 Definition of financial advisors 9:14 Fees 16:22 Two hats 22:13 Sleep issues 27:35 Pros of working with financial advisors 38:12 Cons of working with financial advisors 44:27 When a financial advisor is useful 53:20 When DIY might be better 57:25 FinTalks Cruise 1:03:47 Soundcheck – Laid back with rules

Doug and Carl answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Branden – Basically Coast FI, but can’t pass up the tax advantages of a 401k and a Roth IRA even though focusing on a taxable brokerage account would provide freedom sooner.  How did you prioritize which accounts to use and when? Julie – Do you favor long-term care insurance? Matt – How to approach the dating scene? Andrea – What advice do you have for parents pursuing FI with kids & what would you do differently?  What thoughts do you have about raising a financially responsible set of kids?  Claudia – What did you decide to do about college expenses for your kids?  How are you teaching them about money so that one day they can protect and grow what they will inherit? 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) Want to support our new business venture, The Doug Cunnington School of Border Collie Excellence?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) Mile High FI Facebook Group Sean Mullaney Mark’s Money Mind Podcast Peter Attia BJ on MHFI episode 217 EconoMe Conference Stephen Baughier/CampFI Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Elizabeth on MHFI Episode 212 Amberly Grant Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Meteorologist Kristen Hoffman Process 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 1:46 Question – Prioritizing investment accounts 10:47 Question – Long-term care insurance 15:48 Sleep issues 21:25 Hot Brown 24:10 Question – Dating advice 29:44 Filtering for Financial Independence 35:46 Question – Kids & FIRE 39:55 Question – College expenses & inheritances 50:54 Soundcheck – Roadtrip

Doug and Carl chat with Allison, delving into her unique journey as a nanny for high net worth families and some insights & takeaways from those with wealth.  Allison also discusses her path toward financial independence including frugal areas of her life, giving into the (lifestyle) creep, and finally attending an in-person FI event for the first time after being in the community virtually for so many years. 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) Want to support our new business venture, Pets on Jets?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee. Links (*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something) Connect with Allison on Instagram FinCon “Mindy On Money” podcast EconoMe Conference Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez, “Your Money or Your Life” Kindle Paperback Audiobook Audio CD Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Early Retirement Extreme Brad Barrett/ChooseFI BJ on MHFI episode 217 CampFI Allison on Earn & Invest podcast, “How to Take Action (Live From Econome)” Allison on ChooseFI podcast, “The Courage to Take Action | EconoMe LIVE with Doc G | Ep 488” Jordan Grumet/Doc G 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 3:12 Life as a nanny for the wealthy 9:22 Insights on wealth & happiness 13:11 Sunk cost fallacy 20:28 Contemplating life with 100X current net worth 27:19 Discovering Financial Independence 37:35 Areas of frugality 42:58 Giving in to the (lifestyle) creep 49:22 Attending first FI events 55:19 FI in real-life 1:05:13 The perfect day 1:09:47 Soundcheck – Gray blobs

Doug and Carl chat with Vivi Ton who shares her bold decision to leave a stable career as an aerospace engineer to pursue her true passion in graphic design.  Vivi discusses entrepreneurship & her work with Personal Finance Club, her experiences with mental health & therapy, navigating the societal pressures of leaving a high-paying job, and offers insight into the importance of finding work-life balance. Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 054. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Use coupon code MILEHIGHFI which is good for 20% off any Personal Finance Club products – individual courses or the bundle.  (Affiliate so we might earn a commission) Want to help us quit our job as podcasters?  Support us at Buy Me A Coffee so we can finally stop. Links Connect with Vivi on Instagram Personal Finance Club Website Instagram Courses Jeremy Schneider on MHFI episode 122 Nectarine, Advice-Only Financial Advisors Amberly Grant: FinTalks “Jump In Feet First” Podcast Vivi on “Jump In Feet First” Podcast episode 1 Mark’s Money Mind Podcast Doug’s Podcast Accelerator Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache EconoMe Conference 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 4:49 Quitting engineering 10:52 Sunk cost & transitioning to graphic design 16:42 Entrepreneurship & identity 26:30 Reflections on changing careers 33:07 Therapy and personal growth 38:47 Discovering Financial Independence 43:41 Losing youth 50:49 Travel & social media 56:22 The perfect day 1:02:45 Soundcheck – Guilty pleasure music

Doug and Carl catch up briefly on a potpourri of personal topics including challenges of managing time, updates with the lazy book, fitness updates, and upcoming summer plans.  They also discuss changes in Google search, the impact of AI on search results, and the current state of SEO. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Feel bad that Carl and his kids are missing door knobs?  Support us at Buy Me A Coffee so he can afford new ones. Links Hoffman Process “Mindy On Money” podcast Doug’s other channel, “Niche Site Project” “Omnibus” podcast Google search: Doug Cunnington, “Google Publisher Success Stories vs Google Search” Omnibus podcast, “Kim’s Video (Entry 687.MT0542)”, Google discussion at 56:39 Edward Zitron, Where’s Your Ed At?, “The Man Who Killed Google Search” The Verge, “Google is getting even worse for independent sites” Brad Barrett/ChooseFI CampFI Physician on FIRE Ramit Sethi 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 Not enough time 3:55 Lazy book update 6:02 Changes to Google search 14:00 Mini-fitness updates 19:27 Summer plans 27:35 Soundcheck – Never-ending projects