🏡 Post-Econome Reflections + Financial Red Flags You CAN'T Ignore | Fire Takes Podcast Ep. 13

Tim and Gwen are back from Econome with spicy takes, marital wisdom, and financial horror stories! In this episode:

🔥 Our Econome Takeaways

• How Tim finally "spread his wings" socially (Gwen: "It only took 3 years!")
• The speaker who called Gwen out about her unfinished book
• Why we might delay retirement for an $80k electric VW van (#WorthIt?)

🚩 Financial Infidelity Nightmare A bride-to-be discovers her fiancé’s $40k secret debt (AGAIN). We debate:

• Is this gambling addiction?
• Should she cancel the wedding?
• Why "separate finances" failed spectacularly

🍽️ Making Friends Without Going Broke HCOL area survival tips:

• Free activities > $20 avocado toast
• How to say "Let's walk instead of brunch" (without sounding cheap)
• The board game group polyamory rumor we can't unhear

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Fight Right by Gottman (Barbara Sloan's recommendation)
• ChooseFI local groups

Connect With Us: 📸 Instagram: @FireTakesPod 💻 Website: https://firetakespod.com

#FireTakes #FinancialInfidelity #Econome #FICommunity #ChooseFI

Episode Summary and comments:

https://firetakespod.com/episode-13-econome-i-wanna-be-where-the-people-are/

In this episode of Fire Takes Podcast, Gwen and Tim dive into the emotional rollercoaster of financial independence, from navigating tricky relationship dynamics to overcoming the fear of spending. They explore stories like the woman footing the bill for her boyfriend, the investor who feels his market gains could vanish overnight, and the high-net-worth individual struggling to splurge on a business class ticket. Along the way, they share their own experiences with intentional spending, the joy of spa days, and the dangers of comparison. Plus, they discuss the emotional impact of market volatility—and how to celebrate milestones (like sushi dinners) without letting the ups and downs of the market ruin your appetite. Tune in for a mix of humor, insight, and practical advice on finding balance in your financial journey.

Episode Summary:

https://firetakespod.com/ep-12-volatility-and-the-effects-on-the-sushi-market/

We do some takes on our own situation and ask for listener feedback in addition to some stories of bad girlfriends with financial twists, Episode summary linked below.

https://firetakespod.com/ep-11-bad-girlfriends/

In this episode, Tim and Gwen dive into the world of "Bum FI"—what happens when people achieve financial independence and retire early, only to embrace a life of leisure (or laziness, depending on who you ask). From video games and THC edibles to societal judgment and spousal tension, this episode explores the challenges and controversies of living the "bum" lifestyle post-FIRE.

Episode Summary:

https://firetakespod.com/ep10-pillow-fighting-championships-and-thc-edibles-we-explore-bum-fi/

From budgeting with ADHD to sweating small expenses, Gwen and Tim tackle Reddit stories about money struggles, FIRE misalignment in relationships, and dating as a financially independent woman. They share laughs, personal insights, and FIRE takes on life’s financial quirks.

https://firetakespod.com/

Episode notes:

https://firetakespod.com/ep9-adhd-budgets-84-cab-rides-and-fire-couples-money-love-and-the-mess-in-between/

We discover the audacity people can have demanding money from the people in their lives. Come join us in our trip through the wardrobe.

Find us at https://firetakespod.com

Instagram: @firetakespod

More about this Episode:

https://firetakespod.com/episode-8-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-audacity/

This week we are out of town for the holiday but didn't want to leave you completely without our lovely voices. I am reposting, nay reemphasizing my interview with the lovely Gwen. If you already heard it, I apologize and we will catch you in a couple weeks. Thanks, Tim.

Get more from us at https://firetakespod.com

We join Chuck Jaffe on the Money Life podcast to take a question from one of her listeners and Chuck gives his take right along with us.

Our Full Episode with Chuck

https://moneylifeshow.libsyn.com/channel-capitals-roberts-says-rate-cut-cycle-may-be-slower-than-expected

Find more about us at https://firetakespod.com

These three couples all have money issues threatening to doom the relationship. Find out if Tim and Gwen have the right perspective to fix them or at least help you avoid getting into the same spot. Also we learn a little about cryptozoology..

More from us at:

https:firetakepod.com

Talk about this episode:

https://firetakespod.com/ep5-drop-bears-and-other-things-that-ruin-relationships/

Three Redditors seek help with love and money talking income disclosure, FIRE plans, and unexpected nest eggs. Gwen and Tim dole out what they got, FIRE takes.