In this episode of the Fit Rich Life Podcast, I sit down with JL Collins — author of the legendary book The Simple Path to Wealth. With over a million copies sold and now a New York Times instant bestseller, JL is widely known as The Godfather of Financial Independence. His wisdom has shaped countless journeys to financial freedom, including my own, since I first discovered his framework back in 2017.

We dive into the big questions: Does The Simple Path to Wealth still hold true today? Do bonds deserve a spot in your portfolio? Do you really need an international stock index fund? We also get JL's no-nonsense take on Bitcoin and crypto, plus his timeless advice on staying the course when markets crash.

This episode is packed with 50 years of investing wisdom. If you're ready to simplify wealth-building and get clear on your path to financial independence, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence you need.

Listen to JL's first interview on the Fit Rich Life Podcast (Episode 71): https://fitrichlife.com/podcast/jlcollins

Connect with JL Collins:

Website: https://jlcollinsnh.com

The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025): https://a.co/d/91jGRCM

Twitter/X: https://x.com/JLCollinsNH

Get my FREE 29-Page Financially Fit Money Guide

In this episode:

[00:00–10:43] Welcoming Back JL Collins — The Success of The Simple Path to Wealth, Why He Updated It, and the Timeless Core Principles

[10:44–38:48] Staying the Course — How to Handle Market Volatility and Build Unshakable Confidence as an Investor

[38:49–44:18] Bonds & Stability — Understanding Their Role, the Resilience of the U.S. Dollar, and Why They Still Matter

[44:19–1:05:05] Stocks vs. Bonds — Smart Allocation, Wealth Preservation, and Personal Investment Strategies That Work

[1:05:06–1:29:35] The Case for Index Funds — Domestic vs. International Investing and the Epiphany Behind The Simple Path to Wealth

[1:29:36–1:43:09] Simplicity vs. Tinkering — The Two Types of Investors, Strategy Debates, and JL's Take on Bitcoin & Crypto

[1:43:10–2:15:45] Beyond the Numbers — The Value of Coaching, Financial Independence for Any Income, and JL's Final Wisdom

Full Show Notes w/ Links to resources: www.fitrichlife.com/podcast/

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