Mile High FI Podcast

Doug and Carl work through a case study from listener Frank and also answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Frank – Has a stressful, yet well paying job.  Should he stay at his current job, which he doesn’t like so much, or move on to something else that he’s been contemplating for a while? Rich What does a typical daily meal and snack look like?  If you had to change it up, what would you do to make it more ideal? What are a couple of key takeaways that you have learned by chatting with other FIRE folks that you are trying to instill in your life? If you had a second home, what city or state would it be in and why? Paddy – Carl has built an Allan Block retaining wall; would he do this again or hire out?  If so, any tips? John – Who wins in a footrace – Doug or Carl? 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 Meat Oatmeal Food Truck?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee. Links Mile High FI Facebook Group Doug’s Podcast Accelerator Tim Ferriss Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache David Baughier on MHFI episode 138 CampFI EconoMe Conference Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Mark’s Money Mind Podcast Jason’s Podcast, “Digital Downshift” Amberly Grant’s Podcast, “Jump In Feet First” Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Jordan Grumet/Earn & Invest podcast JL Collins 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 2:02 Frank’s case study summary 8:35 Leaving the job vs. phoning it in 15:56 Contract work or entrepreneurship 21:43 Question – What is a typical daily meal or snack? 30:13 Vacation eating & summer plans 36:13 Question – Key takeaways from other FIRE folks? 45:48 Question – Location of a second home? 50:07 Question – Tips for building a retaining wall 53:29 Question – Who wins in a footrace? 58:58 Soundcheck – Hoffman Process incident

Mindy and Carl catch up with long-time friend Brandon, the Mad Fientist, to discuss the balance between spending, saving, and maintaining happiness.  Brandon details his journey from extreme frugality to spending experiments to purposeful spending/spending for happiness.  He also discusses the indispensable role of personal development, the importance of experiences over possessions, and the influence of parenthood and life events in reshaping priorities. Note: This is a rebroadcast of episode 22 of the “Mindy on Money” podcast. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Interested in your own spending experiment?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee and experiment with supporting the show! Links “Mindy on Money” Podcast Website YouTube Channel Facebook Group “Let’s Talk About Our Appearance on the Ramit Show” podcast episode Mad Fientist Website/blog Music Financial Independence Podcast “Ramit Sethi – I Will Teach You to Be Rich” podcast episode “Ramit Sethi – How to Spend (and Actually Enjoy It)” podcast episode “How to Access Retirement Funds Early” blog post “Happiness Through Subtraction” blog post “Best Advice” pdf Ramit Sethi Elizabeth on MHFI Episode 212 FinCon J. Money Budgets are Sexy Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook BiggerPockets Money podcast, “Ramit Sethi’s Money Advice for Couples: Live a Rich Life, Together” Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache 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 4:29 Catching up with Brandon 10:32 Lessons from Ramit & Die With Zero 17:15 Recovering from Ramit 23:01 Carl’s Tesla 30:12 Spending experiments 41:23 Navigating the emotions of FI 48:12 Reframing thoughts on “frivolous” spending 53:00 Keys to happiness 58:03 Advice for others on their FI journeys 1:06:45 Bloopers & closing thoughts

Doug and Carl chat with financial educator, investing enthusiast, and author Brian Feroldi.  Brian delves into early investment mishaps, his investing philosophy (focusing on high-quality, long-term businesses), the significance of understanding the stock market & personal finance, and where to find new investing ideas.  The group also discusses Warren Buffett & the role of dividend investing along with AI’s impact on productivity and stock market returns. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) If you’re looking for a crazy, high-risk/high-reward investment opportunity, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and invest in us! Links Connect with Brian: Facebook Instagram Twitter/X LinkedIn Brian’s YouTube Channel Brian Feroldi, “Why Does The Stock Market Goes Up?” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Long-Term Mindset The Motley Fool EconoMe Conference Robert Kiyosaki, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” Kindle Paperback Audiobook Books by Jim Cramer “Jim Cramer’s Mad Money” Kindle Hardcover Audiobook Audio CD “Jim Cramer’s Stay Mad For Life” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Interactive Brokers Berkshire Hathaway Charlie Munger, “Poor Charlie’s Almanack” Kindle Hardcover Audiobook FinCon Books by Morgan Housel “The Psychology of Money” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook “Same as Ever” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook John Maynard Keynes, “The 15-Hour Week” ChatGPT DATAROMA Whale Wisdom Terry Smith/Fundsmith Equity Fund Chuck Akre/Akre Focus Fund Dan Davidowitz/Polen Capital Craft + Commerce event (by ConvertKit) 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 4:10 Chasing a hot mutual fund 8:37 Transitioning to buying individual stocks 13:45 The work behind successful stock investing 17:56 Thoughts on dividend investing 25:39 Warren Buffett,Charlie Munger, & Berkshire Hathaway 30:06 Impacts of productivity & AI on the stock market 36:03 Everyday uses of AI (ChatGPT) 41:11 Where to find new investing ideas 48:01 Soundcheck – Regional foods

Carl chats with Doug and his wife Elizabeth who recently left her career and retired early.  Elizabeth discusses her introduction to Financial Independence and some of the skepticism she initially had while also walking through some of the specifics about actually leaving her job (making the decision, having a solid financial plan in place, and describing her last day at work).  She goes on to share insights on adjusting to retirement, staying mentally active, societal perceptions of retiring early, the importance of finding joy outside work, and the importance of having a purpose post-retirement. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Are you an early retiree looking for something to fill your time or to provide purpose?  If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us. Links Mr. Money Mustache Bogleheads forum Tim Ferriss podcast, “Mr. Money Mustache — Living Beautifully on $25-27K Per Year (#221)” BiggerPockets Money podcast, Episode 153 with Bill Bengen 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 1:58 Discovering FIRE 7:48 Good financial habits, tools, & practices 13:19 FIRE skepticism 18:49 Overcoming uncertainty & leaving work 23:34 Debate on the 4% rule 29:41 Working again after retirement 36:23 Pulling the trigger to actually quit 43:51 Single point of success 49:44 Last day of work & what happens next 54:48 Retirement worries 1:00:38 Telling friends & family about retirement 1:08:48 FI events & the perfect day 1:16:27 Soundcheck – Envelopes

Recorded in the hotel lobby on the last day of the EconoMe conference, Doug and Carl reflect on some of the presentations and conversations they had over the weekend while also providing their own insights & observations.  They discuss various topics including: the evolution of the FIRE movement from its initial focus on accumulating wealth to its current emphasis on mental health and personal development, happiness, post-FI life challenges, and strategies for dealing with anxiety and negative thoughts. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Couldn’t make it to EconoMe this year, but still want to hang out with others in the FI community?  If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us. Links “Mindy On Money” podcast Doug’s Podcast Accelerator Doug’s SEO & Marketing Podcast, “Ranking Revolution” EconoMe Conference JL Collins Katie & Alan Donegan JD Roth/foldedspace Meteorologist Kristen Amberly Grant Mark Trautman 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 1:52 Stress & anxiety 8:53 Removing the mask in retirement 12:11 Thoughts on post-retirement life 17:41 One-more-year syndrome 25:27 Happiness & confronting personal issues 29:09 Evolution of FI 34:47 Carl’s 3 tips (plus a bonus) 39:46 Podcast projects beyond MHFI 47:11 Soundcheck – Feeling tired

Doug and Carl chat with Bob Haines who is a well-known figure in the FI community due to his frequent attendance of various FI-related events such as FinCon, EconoMe, Chautauqua, and CampFI.  Bob recounts his financial journey from initially finding FI through the Tim Ferriss podcast, to discovering that he was accidentally FI already, to transitioning fully into the world of early retirement almost five years ago.  Bob also discusses the changes he’s seen in the FI community over the years and the power of FI events. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Haven’t been able to attend any FI events, but still want to hang out with others in the community?  If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us. Links Connect with Bob: Instagram Facebook EconoMe Conference CampFI FI Chautauqua Tim Ferriss podcast, “Mr. Money Mustache — Living Beautifully on $25-27K Per Year (#221)” Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Mr. Money Mustache, “The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement” JL Collins, “Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook JL Collins Chad Carson Gwen Merz/Fiery Millennials FinCon Amberly Grant/FinTalks Cruise Amy Minkley/FI Freedom Retreats Fioneers/Slow FI Retreat Kevin Ha, “How an Ebike Can Be the Best Investment You Ever Make” Kevin Ha/Financial Panther ChooseFI Local Groups Joel & Matt/How To Money Early Retirement Extreme Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Coastal Volunteers in Medicine Mark Trautman/Mark’s Money Mind Becky Heptig/Catching up to FI Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Jordan Grumet/Earn & Invest podcast 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 4:42 Discovering FIRE & accidentally FI 12:40 What if… Life without finding FIRE 20:41 Running out of life vs running out of money 27:25 The power & attraction of FI events 39:28 Marriage & merging finances later in life 45:34 Embracing e-bikes 51:29 Luxury spending in the FI community 57:56 Changes in the FI community 1:00:31 The perfect day 1:09:06 Soundcheck – Favorite parts of EconoMe

Recorded in the hotel lobby from the EconoMe conference in Cincinnati, Doug and Carl catch-up on various topics including: a recap of their recent visit to the Culdesac community in Arizona, thoughts on e-bikes & electric vehicles, Doug’s battle with pink eye, updates to their fitness routines, and Carl’s unfortunate Facebook incident.  Doug also shares an exciting announcement about his wife’s upcoming retirement, providing insights into her journey from skepticism to embracing financial independence. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Couldn’t make it to EconoMe this year, but still want to hang out with others in the FI community?  If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us. Links EconoMe Conference Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Mr. Money Mustache & Culdesac on MHFI episode 207 Culdesac Brad Barrett/ChooseFI ChooseFI podcast, “Update: Healthiest Year Ever | Dean Turner | Ep 480” UC San Diego Health, “Advent of Electric Cars Is Already Improving Health” Lex Fridman, “417 – Kimbal Musk: The Art of Cooking, Tesla, SpaceX, Zip2, and Family” Diania Merriam on MHFI Episode 199 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 4:41 Impressions of Culdesac 10:29 Thoughts on e-bikes & robot cars 17:29 Doug’s courageous battle with pink eye 22:51 Carl’s new fitness routine 31:20 The Facebook incident 38:59 Elizabeth’s retirement: From Skepticism to FIRE 45:49 Carl’s haircut 49:41 Soundcheck – EconoMe opening party

Doug and Carl (along with special guest co-host Georgie the dog) explore the concept of stealth wealth.  Each provides their personal money story & how much work it took to arrive at their current position, the pros & cons of sharing one’s financial status with others, and how this knowledge impacts social interactions & relationships.  They also discuss giving and helping others responsibly, using wealth to support people in meaningful ways rather than in response to direct requests for money. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Are you retired or wealthy and need someone to share this information with, free from any awkwardness or judgement?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee where you’ll find a safe place to share. Links CampFI Mr. Money Mustache FinCon EconoMe Conference “Mindy On Money” podcast Dan Sheeks/Sheeks Freaks 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 Carl’s money story: From anonymity to viral fame 7:28 Doug’s money story: Staying modest & hustling hard 13:27 Sharing your financial status 19:51 FI evangelism 29:42 Impact of wealth on social interactions & relationships 34:04 Navigating the corporate world 43:24 Generosity & giving back 50:07 Soundcheck – Apple hat

Pete Adeney, known as Mr. Money Mustache, is a FIRE advocate and proponent of simple living. Ryan Johnson, CEO of Culdesac, is reshaping urban life with car-free communities. They discuss Culdesac’s innovative design promoting sustainability and community, highlighting personal finance advantages of car-free living. The group shares insights on transforming urban planning to prioritize walkability. Personal experiences reveal how these changes positively impact happiness and community engagement, making a compelling case for future urban living models.

In a follow-up to MHFI Episode 187 (Fitness Madness), Doug and Carl provide an update on how they’re progressing with their original fitness goals, discuss challenges they’ve faced along the way, provide dieting & workout tips, and discuss future plans.  Carl speaks candidly about Attachment Disorder and the importance of mental health.  Also, don’t miss out on new sponsor oFartsic by pVisor. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) New “Sponsor” oFartsic: http://milehighfi.com/ofartsic Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024.  For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%.  https://economeconference.com/ Do you want lots of good stuff from Carl or really want that pickled asparagus?  If so, come over and support us at Buy Me A Coffee. Links “Fitness Madness”, MHFI Episode 187 Tim Ferriss “Mind Pump” podcast Chris “The Indiana Jones of FI” on MHFI Episode 020 Alan Donegan Diania Merriam & the Hoffman Process on MHFI Episode 199 Hoffman Process “Dragon” Justin David Carl on MHFI Episode 204 EconoMe Conference Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache 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 3:56 Recapping fitness goals & progress report 11:23 Reverse dieting 16:20 Fitness challenges 21:31 Protein tips 28:08 Importance of mental health 37:59 Future fitness goals 43:05 Weight loss vs. strength training 47:40 Workout injuries 54:16 Planning future check-ins 1:02:01 Soundcheck – Bar food