Two Sides of FI

Fritz Gilbert, an early retiree and founder of The Retirement Manifesto, shares his journey nearly four years post-retirement. He discusses the emotional adjustments required when leaving the workforce, highlighting unexpected realities versus daydreamed expectations. Fritz emphasizes finding purpose, exploring new hobbies, and the importance of planning ahead, including deciding on retirement timing and financial strategies. His insights reveal that retirement is more about personal fulfillment than just financial stability, making it a rich, unpredictable journey.

Discussing the concerns, worries, and interests occupying our thoughts right now. A temporal look from their respective sides of FI, Eric and Jason discuss a new job prospect, while Eric is a little too focused on saving to achieve FI. They probe ideas about how "vacation time" is different post-RE, as well as their current favorite podcasts and books.

Podcast delves into optimizing asset allocation for financial independence, using tools like Portfolio Visualizer for investment analysis, discussing tax loss harvesting, and portfolio rebalancing strategies. They explore the value of financial advisors, personalized asset allocation, and the importance of diverse investment options in achieving financial goals.

The podcast explores asset allocation strategies for early retirement, discussing VTSAX portfolios, the role of bonds, and risks considered. Emphasis is on aligning investments with risk tolerance. Chapter topics include financial advice sources, retirement planning, fixed income allocation, taxable brokerage accounts, and balancing assets with REITs.

Exploring retirement planning steps for financial independence, discussing dream retirement designs, tracking expenses, projecting future spending, using the bucket strategy for asset allocation, analyzing retirement income sources, and leveraging tools like Personal Capital and Notion for financial planning.

Health insurance may not be top of mind in early retirement when you're young and healthy, but it should be. In the US, healthcare costs are a significant line item in our budget. To help us decode what you need to know, we've invited a retirement benefits expert to answer our questions through the lens of those seeking financial independence and early retirement. To protect against astronomical expenses resulting from unexpected medical issues, it's prudent to carry insurance. If you're retiring before 65 (when Medicare kicks in), you'll be responsible for covering those costs. What do you need to consider? What ARE the costs involved? What insurance shouldn't you purchase? Are there other options for coverage? What about long term care insurance? These are just a few of the topics we cover in this hour-long episode. Our sincere thanks to Amy Manning for sharing her time, knowledge and expertise with us! Be sure to check out the show notes at https://twosidesoffi.com/

Meet Catherine, who embarked on her FI journey due to family health issues at a young age. She shares insights on CoastFI, strategic income generation, deferred gratification, celebrating financial milestones, and perspectives on homeownership. Learn about setting financial goals, managing risk tolerance, and finding joy in simple pleasures while striving for financial independence.

Comparing travel experiences before and after financial independence, the podcast explores the constraints and freedoms of vacation time. The hosts discuss planning, family dynamics, popular vs. off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the shift in travel routines post-FI. They reflect on finding comfort away from home and prioritizing travel experiences, offering insights into budgeting for long trips and the benefits of a slower travel lifestyle.

Exploring the challenges of early retirement, from regretting leaving the perfect job to struggling with a lack of purpose. Some find it hard to stay motivated without financial incentives, while others realize they didn't budget enough for enjoyable activities post-FI.

Learn from real stories about avoiding financial mistakes on the path to FI, including tragic losses from stock picking, portfolio drops from sector investing, regrets of saving too aggressively, and partner conflicts over FIRE ambitions.