Two Sides of 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.

Exploring changing withdrawal rates, defining identity in early retirement, rental real estate insights, strategic debt leveraging, and evolving personal identity beyond job titles on the journey to financial independence.

In the podcast, Jason reflects on his first year of early retirement, discussing the challenges and reflections on financial independence. He explores taking up hobby jobs, financial allocation, and balancing leisure and health in retirement. The discussion highlights the importance of communication and navigating societal pressures in early retirement.

Laura and Lorri, spouses of the hosts, delve into sharing financial responsibilities, finding friend networks, talking to children about FIRE, and envisioning post-FI life aspirations. Topics include navigating retirement concerns, forming new connections, planning unique ideas with teenagers, children's reactions to early retirement, and finding personal fulfillment through collaboration and intrinsic motivation.

Talking with a spouse or partner about FIRE isn't always easy. In this episode, Eric + Jason bring their wives, Laura + Lorri, into the conversation to share their personal experiences. In part 1 of our two-part conversation, they talk about getting onboard with FIRE, financial topics including budgeting and setting the FI number, as well as the emotional aspects of choosing the FIRE path. For show notes and resources please check out our website: https://twosidesoffi.com/

Retiring early is a dream for many but the decision to leave the workplace early can impact us in ways we may not have predicted. In this episode, we discuss the first year of Jason's early retirement and Eric shares his own concerns as he approaches FI. For many, work provides a sense of purpose and identity, as well as validation, utility, not to mention financial security. What happens when that no longer exists? What takes its place? How does it impact your personal relationships and your personal sense of accomplishment? Much of the discussion about financial independence, retire early (FIRE) focuses on saving and investing, in this conversation we unpack what it means to leave work behind and fully embrace this life-changing transition. Join us for this conversation about life after FI. For show notes and resources please check out our website: https://twosidesoffi.com/

Choosing a new area to call home once you've reached financial independence can be an overwhelming task given just how large the problem space is. In part two of this series, Eric and Jason continue their conversation about how to narrow the options of where to live post-FIRE. There's a lot to consider beyond the finances, and the "Where to Live" process they used is again highlighted as a useful tool to support that. Irrespective of your own retirement path, this approach can help you make decisions about relocating to a new area. Check out the show notes and get a FREE copy of the "Where to Live" planning tool at https://twosidesoffi.com/where-to-live/

Two friends discuss the challenges of choosing where to live post-financial independence, covering factors like family proximity and budgeting. They explore living on a boat versus a traditional house, emphasizing the importance of setting financial limits and factoring in taxes for informed decisions.

Eric shares lessons learned and mistakes made while creating passive income streams for his architecture practice. Topics include diversifying income sources, importance of understanding market dynamics, maximizing revenue growth through digital assets and physical products, benefits of being a creator, boosting creativity through walks, motivations for passive income, and reflections on privilege and gratitude.

Explore the journey of transitioning to passive income for financial independence, including insights on rental properties and investment opportunities. Discover the potential of generating passive income through videography and drone photography, as well as pursuing personal interests for financial benefits and skill development.