Freedom Before FI | Life Design, Purpose, Sabbaticals, Coast FI & Financial Independence (FIRE)

If you’re feeling stuck and not sure what path to take in life, having the right tools in your bag might just be the key to getting unstuck. It may be that you’re trying to figure out what career to take, what business to start or what university course to take. Today I’ll be discussing the 5 tools or mindsets that designers use to help them create amazing designs, which we can also use in our lives too.

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at [email protected]
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomBeforeFI 
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

Michelle Varghese left her corporate career in tech sales in 2021 to take a sabbatical and pursue her passion projects. What was supposed to be 1 year sabbatical turned into an indefinite one. She started creative projects (like the Build a Wealth Spirit Podcast with her sister Sammie), which led to different work opportunities and collaborations. They worked together on the podcast for 4 years, she’s built a readership of 1,200 on Substack, an engaged audience of over 2,300 on X, has worked with communities like Small Bets, The Pathless Path, Write of Passage. She also created courses and now focus on being a writing coach.

We wanted to get her on the show as she is an inspiring example of how to go about pursuing work that is meaningful to you whilst balancing your finances at the same time.

Watch the full interview on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/3zjkNJdd_8A

The things you’ll learn:

• The 3-5 projects keeping her busy right now
• How she got into writing coaching  
• Her experience and advice for others taking a sabbatical
• How she got into FIRE and reaching Coast FI  
• How entrepreneurship has affected her FI strategy
• Her investment portfolio
• How she affords her creative journey and her monthly expenses
• How she is less focused on retirement and is already enjoying her life
• Her creative journey from leaving corporate until now
• Running a podcast with sister for 4 years (Build a Wealthy Spirit)
• Creative projects that stemmed from podcasting
• Finding creative mentors
• Getting into writing
• Creating a sabbatical course
• Working with online communities
• Challenges on the creative journey 
• About her journey and purpose
• Her ‘Sparketypes’ - Performer and Maven - how it shoes up in her life now
• Her writing coaching and the process of being a writing student
• Advice for beginner writers 
• Advice about taking a leap into creative journey

Quick-fire round questions at the end:

1. Something she wished she done 10 years ago
2. The daily habits that helped her on her journey
3. Her most important lesson in life
4. Her transformational book recommendations
5. 1-2 small things listeners can do this week to get started 

Michelle Varghese (Links):

• Website: https://michelleelisabethvarghese.com/ 
• Substack: https://www.varghoose.com/ 
• Writing Coaching page: https://michellevarghoose.gumroad.com/l/writingcoaching 
• X: https://x.com/mvarghoose 
• Build a Wealthy Spirit Podcast: https://www.buildawealthyspirit.com/ 

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at [email protected]
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi 

Listen to FBF on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/freedom-before-fi-life-design-purpose-sabbaticals-coast/id1740083285

Listen to FBF on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0XxPgEeuGayTqaEwUE19mk?si=cc8639ad8c28474e

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

There are some obvious and common benefits to being on the FI journey, although there are a few little aspects that are not talked about as much when in fact they are superpowers. On this episode I talk about the hidden benefit of saving and investing and how it can significantly help you especially when faced with difficult moments in life.

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at [email protected]
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomBeforeFI 
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

Justin Peters the host of the FI Minded Podcast (formerly the Struggle is Real Podcast). Started in 2020 and now has over 175 episodes. FI Minded is for anyone who wants to achieve financial freedom, live life on their own terms, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey along the way! After a 7 month sabbatical in 2020, he got into entrepreneurship after 7 years in corporate and now runs a podcast production company (SimplePod Studios), reducing his 9-5 job to part time. I really wanted to get Justin on the show because we share a similar message, which is about enjoying the journey to FI and taking advantage of the incremental freedoms you unlock on the way. Justin’s reached Coast FI and has unlocked a few of those things on his journey and its what we’ll be talking about today...

The things you’ll learn:

• His FI number target and progress to date
• His investment portfolio split
• His 8 year FI journey and what started it
• His salary, expenses and savings rates
• Transition from corporate to entrepreneurship
• How he’s less concerned about saving now
• His 7 month mini-retirement
• Advice for taking a sabbatical and what to do on one
• The projects he started while on sabbatical 
• His podcasting story
• Going back to work after a sabbatical
• Downshifting to a part time role to focus more on his business
• How his business aligns with his identity 
• How to negotiate part time work with your boss
• Reaching Coast FI & incremental freedoms on FI journey
• How he structures his week for success (juggling podcasting, part time role and business)
• What would change in his life if he reached FI 
• Working towards building a life you don’t want to retire from
• The power of ‘FI Bucket Lists’

“There are smart managers out there that realise they’d rather get a portion of a very high performing employee than a 100% of an underperforming employee” (Justin on negotiating part time work)

Quick-fire round questions at the end:

1. Something he wished he done 10 years ago
2. The daily habits that helped him in his life
3. His most important lesson in life
4. His transformational book recommendations
5. 1-2 small things listeners can do this week to get started 

Justin Peters (Links):

• FI Minded Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fi-minded-achieve-financial-independence-have-fun-doing-it/id1496701179 
• Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinleepeters/?hl=en 
• Podcast production: https://www.simplepodstudios.com/ 

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at [email protected]
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

Slow FI (or Slow Financial Independence) is a philosophy coined by the Fioneers that focuses more on intentionally enjoying your journey to FI as oppose to focusing purely on the numbers and speed at which you get to retire early. Its about designing your life intentionally with your values so that you can enjoy the fruits of your hard earned savings now, instead of grinding it out to the finish line. On this episode I talk about 3 ways that I’ve implemented the Slow FI concept in my journey to bring about more happiness and alignment with my values.

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at [email protected]
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomBeforeFI 
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

Slow living is about making intentional choices that prioritize your well-being and happiness. It’s about finding balance and being aware that you don’t have to fill every moment with tasks and to-do lists to feel accomplished. By slowing down, you allow yourself to fully experience your life, savoring each moment rather than rushing through it. On this episode I discuss some ways you can incorporate slow living in your Financial Independence journey to bring about more peace and balance.

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at [email protected]
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomBeforeFI 
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

Slow FI (or Slow Financial Independence) is a philosophy coined by the Fioneers that focuses more on intentionally enjoying your journey to FI as oppose to focusing purely on the numbers and speed at which you get to retire early. Its about designing your life intentionally with your values so that you can enjoy the fruits of your hard earned savings now, instead of grinding it out to the finish line. If you are regularly feeling burnout on your journey, it may be a sign to adopt a slower approach. On this episode I talk through 5 basic steps to transition over to a more Slow FI lifestyle.

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at [email protected]
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomBeforeFI 
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

Brenda is the founder of the Firespark Retreat, a weekend FIRE-focused event held in Victoria, Australia. The weekend is full of workshops and seminars about frugality, purpose, lifestyle design, sharing personal stories and just enjoy the company of like minded FI enthusiasts. Brenda recently moved to Brisbane in Australia from Melbourne and is around two thirds of her way to FI with her partner, however she’s been enjoying the benefits being on the journey has offered, like taking a 12 month sabbatical recently, travelling, building a FIRE community and negotiating work perks like a 4 day condensed work week.

The things you’ll learn:

• Brenda’s quick background
• Moving from Melbourne to Brisbane
• What’s life like in Brisbane
• Brenda’s interests and hobbies
• How her first investment was property 
• Current Investment portfolio (now mostly in Shares)
• Superannuation for Australians
• Half way numbers wise, but two thirds of the way to FIRE
• Current work situation and working for the government
• Condensed work weeks: 4 days a week (Fridays off)
• Asking for perks at work
• How being on FI journey gives you a superpower 
• Importance of FI community
• 7-8 years on FI journey so far
• How she started her FI journey
• Moving from property investment to shares
• The FI bloggers that inspired her 
• Doing FI with her partner
• Couple dynamics on FI journey
• Freedoms unlocked for her
• Her 12month sabbatical  
• The FIRE Spark FI Weekend Retreats
• Benefits of attending the retreats (connecting with others)

Quick-fire round questions at the end:

1. Something she wished he done 10 years ago
2. The daily habits that helped her in her life
3. Brenda’s most important lesson in life
4. Brenda’s transformational book recommendations
5. 1-2 small things listeners can do this week to get started 

Brenda’s Websites/Socials:

• Fire Spark Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FIRESPARKRetreat/ 

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at [email protected]
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

Michael Houghton is the host of the Irish FIRE Podcast and also shares his journey to FI through his monthly portfolio updates on his website. He also writes about FI for the Irish Independent. He moved from New Zealand to Ireland and in a short span of 7 years has become Financially Independent with a portfolio consisting of mostly property developments as well as index funds. He built his portfolio from hustling in the tech industry and being self employed. He is now transitioning to Semi-Retirement. Throughout his journey, Michael has realised the importance of lifestyle design and finding out what FI is really about, which is living an extraordinary life on your own terms.

The things you’ll learn:

• Michael’s background and upbringing
• Why he moved to Ireland from New Zealand
• Life in Limerick and what its like living there
• Michael’s personal interests
• His 700k+ Investment Portfolio (75% Property and 25% Stocks)
• His 40k target passive income for family of 5
• Living in Ireland during his FI Journey
• Financial Freedom v Financial Independence
• Property v Index Fund Investing pros and cons
• The silver lining that Covid had on his FI journey
• Michael’s take on Lifestyle Design
• Experiencing part time work
• How he worked on 2 jobs and having a 75% savings rate
• Working for the government in a seasonal role (around 200 days year)
• The Freedoms FI has unlocked for him
• How FI has improved family relationships
• How he teaches his kids about money
• About his kids investing in stocks
• Writing for the The Irish Independent newspaper 
• Filling your days with purpose activities 

Quick-fire round questions at the end:

1. Something he wished he done 10 years ago
2. The daily habits that helped Michael in his life
3. Michael’s most important lesson in life
4. Michaels transformational book recommendations
5. 1-2 small things listeners can do this week to get started investing

Michael’s Websites/Socials:

• Website: https://www.firepodcast.ie/ 
• Portfolio Updates: https://www.firepodcast.ie/progress 
• The Irish Irish Independent: Link to his articles
• Irish Fire Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-irish-fire-podcast/id1469056360 
• Irish Fire Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1aEfstr3BcC3Q1IITvtyxq?si=f8247b379968466e 
• Book recommendation link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bucket-List-Best-Self/dp/B0DVS1L6WK

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at [email protected]
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

In your financial freedom journey, one of the debts you may still have is student loan debt from University . Based on where you took your loan and the loan type the interest rate can vary massively. On this episode, I’ll explain from my point of view whether you should pay off all your student loan debt or use that money to invest instead, which is one crossroad you may find yourself in on this FI path. I’ll also share what I’m doing about my student loans.

Freedom Before FI Links:

• Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/
• Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.com
• Email: If you want to connect, send me a note at [email protected]
• Instagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice