In this episode of the CoastFI Couple Podcast, we sit down with Janine Firpo, author, Forbes 50 Over 50 Awardee, and co-founder of Invest for Better, to discuss the transformative power of financial literacy and values-aligned investing. Janine shares her personal journey, from breaking barriers in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for empowering women in finance.

We explore practical steps for taking control of your financial future, building a supportive money community, and aligning your investments with your values. Janine also provides insights into teaching financial literacy to the next generation, debunking myths about ethical investing, and overcoming common challenges women face when it comes to managing and growing their wealth.

Whether you're new to investing or looking to align your financial life with your beliefs, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories to help you take the first step toward financial freedom.

Resources Mentioned:
- Learn more about Janine Firpo: LinkedIn
- Explore Invest for Better (membership is free starting Jan 2025!): LinkedIn; Instagram
- Read Janine’s Work: Activate Your Money 

Tune in now to discover how you can empower yourself and others through mindful money management and purposeful investing! 

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE

For Budgeting: Qube Money - Use code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account. Stop stressing about your spending. This is THE tool to implement financial health.

For Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly ...

Welcome back to CoastFI Couple! In today’s episode, we dive deep into the complexities of teaching financial literacy to teenagers in an increasingly cashless world. Colleen Salkow, an accredited financial counselor, military spouse, and mother, joins us to share her wealth of knowledge and experiences. We tackle the challenges of integrating traditional money management methods with modern financial automation, explore the benefits and pitfalls of cashless payments, and discuss practical strategies for educating kids about finances.

From the benefits of writing down expenses by hand to navigating the ins and outs of 529 educational savings plans, Colleen provides invaluable insights on ensuring your kids grow up financially savvy. We also touch on the important role of early financial conversations around college costs, scholarship planning, and the reality of student loans. Plus, you'll hear how families handle chores and allowances to instill financial responsibility and the importance of prioritizing personal financial security.

Whether you're a parent trying to teach your kids the value of money or someone interested in financial independence, this episode offers a treasure trove of practical advice, relatable stories, and expert guidance. So grab a cup of coffee (or wine), settle in, and let’s get started on this crucial conversation about money, family, and future planning!

Connect with our guest, Colleen Salchow:
Instagram: @salchowcoaching
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/colleensalchow/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/salchowcoaching
Website: www.salchowcoaching.com

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE

For Budgeting: Qube Money - Use code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account. Stop stressing about your spending. This is THE tool to implement financial health.

For Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly ...

Welcome back to Coast FI Couple! In today's episode, Yana and Matt walk up the "Fire Staircase" — a step-by-step journey through the various stages of financial independence, from CoastFi all the way to Fat Fire. 

Listen in as Yana and Matt break down each "flavor" of FIRE, discussing their unique characteristics, benefits, and the transitions between them. 

Whether you're just starting on your financial independence path or looking to deepen your understanding of advanced FI concepts, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. 

Plus, hear about Matt's recent experience at FinCon and the vibrant community of financial enthusiasts he connected with. 

Ready to explore the roadmap to financial freedom and beyond? 

Let's get started!

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:15 CoastFI: The First Taste of Freedom!
3:43 Barista FI: Coffee, Healthcare, and a Larger Cup of Financial Freedom!
7:21 LeanFI: Creative Living with Minimalism!
9:15 Crisis-Proof Your Finances: Bonds, Savings, and Flexibility!
14:00 FIRE, Chubby FIRE, and “FI Folk” Winning the Financial Game!
16:15 FatFIRE: The High-Life of Financial Independence!
18:43 The Heart of FIRE: Gratitude Over Consumerism!

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE

For Budgeting: Qube Money - Use code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account. Stop stressing about your spending. This is THE tool to implement financial health.

For Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly ...

In today’s episode, Yana and Matt dive into the essential steps of financial planning, breaking down the critical "order of operations" when it comes to managing savings and investments on your path to Financial Independence. Which bucket should you fill first? From building a strong emergency fund and taking full advantage of employer retirement contributions, to navigating the complexities of HSAs and Roth IRAs, we outline each step. 

We also explore strategies for automating your retirement savings and making the most of low-cost index funds to grow your wealth efficiently. Plus, Matt shares his personal journey, offering insights into common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid along the way.

Join us for an episode packed with actionable advice, expert tips, and valuable resources to help you and your partner work together toward achieving Financial Independence. It’s time to take control of your financial future—one bucket at a time!

05:19 Take company match; it's essentially free money.
06:56 Find low expense ratio index funds, ideally 0.04% or less.
12:24 HSA: Best retirement account, triple tax advantages.
17:55 Max out Roth IRA; invest funds wisely.
22:26 Few Americans maximize 401(k) contributions; prioritize them.
28:36 Prioritize retirement savings over 529 college savings to ensure financial security and avoid burdening children.
32:04 Building Bridge 4 is a long, boring slog. Community is essential.

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE

For Budgeting: Qube Money - Use code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account. Stop stressing about your spending. This is THE tool to implement financial health.

For Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly ...

We're excited to have you with us for Episode 6, "Panic Attacks, Burnout, and Building Balance". Today, we're getting personal as Matt share’s his experience with job-related burnout and the severe impact it had on his mental health, including anxiety and panic attacks.

We'll discuss how these challenges affected our journey to financial independence, the tough decisions we had to make, and how we chose to prioritize our health and family during some incredibly stressful times. Plus, we'll touch on the importance of work-life balance, setting clear boundaries, and maintaining open communication in relationships.

So whether you're dealing with burnout yourself, looking for ways to improve your work-life balance, or interested in how to navigate the severe emotional aspects of providing for a family through panic attacks, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

And remember, while we share our personal experiences, we always recommend seeking professional advice for your unique situation. Let's di

Tools we love and use: 

For Family Budgeting: Qube Money (https://bit.ly/Coast_Qube)

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator  (https://walletburst.com/tools/coast-fire-calc/)

For Net worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard (https://www.empower.com/personal-investors/financial-tools)

Follow us:
Website: https://coastficouple.com 

Instagram: https://bit.ly/4dIzhB1 

Connect with us:
[email protected]

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE

For Budgeting: Qube Money - Use code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account. Stop stressing about your spending. This is THE tool to implement financial health.

For Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly ...

Welcome back to CoastFi Couple! 

In today's episode, Yana and Matt dive deep into the essential topic of "finding your why" when it comes to financial independence. 

They'll share their personal journey of identifying and evolving their motivations for pursuing CoastFI, highlighting the importance of goal-setting and healthy communication in building a strong financial foundation. 

They'll also touch on the significance of involving your partner in financial discussions, celebrating goalposts along the way, and the invaluable role of community in this journey. Stick around for some insightful anecdotes, practical tips, and their uniquely "fun" FI fact about financial stress and relationships. 

Whether you're just starting out on your FI journey or looking to fine-tune your strategy, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help you and your partner work towards financial freedom together. 

Tune in now!

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE

For Budgeting: Qube Money - Use code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account. Stop stressing about your spending. This is THE tool to implement financial health.

For Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly ...

Welcome back to the CoastFI Couple Podcast! 

In today’s episode, we're diving into one of the cornerstone concepts of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community—the 4% rule. 

Join hosts Matt and Yana as they break down what the 4% rule is, how it serves as a projection strategy for retirement withdrawals, and why it's so popular among those aiming for financial independence. 

You'll learn about its origins, how it can be adjusted for both traditional and early retirement, and the significance of low-cost index funds like the S&P 500. 

Plus, they'll provide practical examples and discuss the intriguing nuances of the rule, including its application in real-life scenarios and how it relates to CoastFI. 

Tune in for an insightful and fun discussion that’s sure to enlighten your path to financial freedom!

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE

For Budgeting: Qube Money - Use code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account. Stop stressing about your spending. This is THE tool to implement financial health.

For Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly ...

Welcome back to CoastFI Couple, the podcast where we explore financial independence and the art of effective money communication between partners. We’re excited to dive into episode 3, overcoming “Obstacles to Financial Independence."

In today's episode, we're sharing some of our personal experiences and mindset shifts on our journey to CoastFI. We'll reflect on how we balanced our goals and frugality to create a harmonious financial plan.

We'll touch on the role therapy played in enhancing our overall communication, how educational resources like podcasts helped us, and the importance of starting early and staying consistent with savings. We'll also tackle common objections, like the notion that achieving financial independence is "too hard," and debunk the myth that you need a high salary to pursue Financial Independence.

Whether you're a seasoned FIRE enthusiast or just starting to explore, there's something here for everyone.

Let's get started!

Tools we love and use: 

For Family Budgeting: Qube Money (https://bit.ly/Coast_Qube)

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator  (https://walletburst.com/tools/coast-fire-calc/)

For Net worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard (https://www.empower.com/personal-investors/financial-tools)

Follow us:
Website: https://coastficouple.com 

Instagram: https://bit.ly/4dIzhB1 

Connect with us:
[email protected] 

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE

For Budgeting: Qube Money - Use code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account. Stop stressing about your spending. This is THE tool to implement financial health.

For Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly ...

Today Yana & Matt delve into the intertwining worlds of financial independence and healthy money communication in relationships. In Episode 2, we're excited to share our insights on budgeting and financial tools that have revolutionized our journey toward CoastFI.

We'll explore how the Qube Money app has become a game-changer for us by simplifying and gamifying budgeting. Yana will share her initial hesitations and eventual love for its real-time control and flexibility.

We'll also discuss the importance of monitoring net worth using the Empower app, and how a hands-off approach to tracking assets and liabilities can lead to stress-free financial management. Plus, we'll touch on our personal budgeting strategies, from setting aside fun funds to making budgeting a date night activity.

Join us as we reflect on our transition from traditional budgeting methods to newer, more engaging tools, and discuss how these practices have strengthened not only our finances but also our relationship. Whether you're curious about financial independence, on the path to CoastFI, or looking to improve money talks with your partner, this episode promises valuable insights and practical strategies to guide you toward financial freedom. Tune in for witty, fun, and insightful conversations between this husband and wife duo!

00:00 Budgeting starts with identifying current spending habits.
08:45 Use Empower app to understand your spending habits.
10:34 Empower consolidates financial views for simplicity.
15:12 Qubes Money enhances budgeting flexibility and control, gamifying spending.
16:27 Qube Money app simplifies budgeting automatically.
19:40 Consistency and celebration balance the financial journey.
25:42 Budgeting supports enjoyable, prioritized, and fulfilling living.
27:01 Saving today ensures comfort in retirement tomorrow.
28:04 Don’t drink all the water at once.

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE

For Budgeting: Qube Money - Use code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account. Stop stressing about your spending. This is THE tool to implement financial health.

For Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly ...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Coast Fi Couple Podcast!

Join your hosts, Matt and Yana, as they embark on a journey to demystify financial independence and share their personal experiences navigating the path to CoastFI.

In this episode, Matt and Yana introduce themselves and their journey towards financial independence.

They'll break down what CoastFI means, share how they discovered and embraced it, and explain the importance of building healthy communication about money within relationships.

Get ready for insightful conversations, practical financial strategies, and a behind-the-scenes look at how this dynamic couple manages their finances together.

Whether you're new to the concept of financial independence or looking for ways to discuss money more effectively with your partner, this podcast is your go-to resource.

Tune in every other week for inspiring stories and useful tips on your path to financial freedom.

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE

For Budgeting: Qube Money - Use code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account. Stop stressing about your spending. This is THE tool to implement financial health.

For Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly ...