In this episode Mark discusses the crucial role of an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) in guiding investment decisions and maintaining a long-term perspective during market volatility. 

He references a detailed article from the Bogleheads and explains the benefits of an IPS, including setting investment goals, asset allocation, risk tolerance, and rebalancing strategies. Mark also shares his personal Investment Policy Statement and emphasizes the importance of creating and adjusting it during calm market periods. 

Listeners are encouraged to create or refine their IPS to achieve financial success.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected] and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

FinTalks Cruises

Bogleheads Investment Policy Statement Article

Warren Buffett’s Letter to Shareholders - February 2025

The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins

Timestamps:

_______________

As an Amazon Associate this show earns income from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not increase your costs, and we will only link to products or services that we are familiar with and that we feel may deliver value to you. The modest income received from affiliate links helps support the cost of running and managing this show.

In this episode Mark shares his approach to starting the new year with a solid personal financial plan. He covers how to reflect on the past year's financial activities, organize income and expenses, and prepare a comprehensive one-page financial plan for the upcoming year. 

Topics include tracking income and expenses, calculating net worth, preparing for tax season, optimizing health insurance subsidies, and setting savings goals. Mark offers practical tips and tools for both retirees and those still earning income, emphasizing the importance of aligning spending with personal values and automating savings.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected] and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

The Financial Speedometer: Tracking Your Income & Expenses | Episode 004

The Financial Starting Line – Net Worth, 529 to Roth IRA and Q&A | Episode 003

Dinkytown.net 1040 Tax Calculator

College for Financial Planning - 2025 Annual Limits Relating to Financial Planning

Social Security Administration

ACA Healthcare Marketplace

IRS Tax Withholding Estimator

Timestamps:

In this episode of Mark's Money Mind, host Mark Trautman broadcasts from the FI Freedom Retreat in Bali co-hosting this ChooseFI podcast with Brad Barrett. They share their personal journeys and interview participants about their financial independence experiences. 

Mark and Brad discuss the challenges and triumphs of the FI community. Special guests like Sean discuss negotiating sabbaticals, Christine talks about managing a business from afar, and Susanna shares her journey to early retirement. 

The episode emphasizes the power of community, personal growth, and the transformative impact of attending FI events.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected] and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

FI Freedom Retreat

ChooseFI Podcast

Timestamps:

In this heartfelt episode Mark broadcasts from the Bass Strait off the coast of Australia delving into reflections on life's ups and downs while sailing the rough seas. Mark shares his personal Thanksgiving reflections and discusses the importance of gratitude and giving back. 

Highlighting the efforts of the PKP Community Center for disadvantaged women and children in Indonesia, he explores ways to make impactful donations. Mark also shares personal anecdotes from his travels, including a meaningful penguin parade on Phillip Island. 

The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider ways to contribute to others during the holiday season.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected] and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

FI Freedom Retreat ticket offer

Ibu Sari's Introduction to PKP Purpose

PKP Community Centre

PKP Center GoGetFunding Campaign

Togetherness Project

FinTalks Cruise

Timestamps:

In this episode Mark broadcasts from the cruise ship Silver Nova off the coast of Australia. 

Mark addresses the critical steps to take if you or someone you know is laid off. Topics include understanding severance packages, health insurance options like COBRA, applying for unemployment benefits, managing emergency funds, consolidating retirement accounts, and reassessing financial priorities. 

Mark emphasizes focusing on controllable aspects and maintaining a positive outlook during such transitional periods.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected] and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

Timestamps:

This episode takes place at the FI Freedom Retreat in Bali, Indonesia. Speakers Alan & Katie Donegan and Rachel Richards (Money Honey Rachel) share insights aligning personal identity with life vision. 

Discussions include the impact of self-perception on achieving goals, the benefits of financial freedom during life's challenges, and practical exercises to align one's identity with desired life outcomes. 

The episode encourages listeners to explore their identity, envision their ideal futures, and seek personal growth for a fulfilling financially independent life.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected] and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

FI Freedom Retreat

EconoMe Conference Presentation - Alan & Katie Donegan

Lifestyle Design - Rebel Donegans

Vision Guide PDFs

Rebel Finance School 2024 - Full Playlist

Money Honey Rachel - Passive Income Starter Kit

Timestamps:

In this week's episode Mark broadcasts from Bali, Indonesia, sharing his travel experiences and providing a comprehensive guide on organizing international trips both financially and logistically. 

He discusses using platforms like Booking.com for lodgings, redeeming points for flights and accommodations, and the benefits of eSIMs for cell phone usage. Mark also covers the importance of VPNs, Apple Pay for secure transactions, forwarding calls to Google Voice, and effective methods to manage jet lag using the Timeshifter app. 

Whether you're planning a trip to Indonesia or any international destination, Mark's insights on travel tips and financial strategies offer valuable advice for a seamless journey.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected] and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

Booking.com for accommodations

Timeshifter App for reducing jet lag

Airalo for eSIMs

Google Voice for call forwarding

WhatsApp for texting

Grab and GoJek for transportation and delivery

Timestamps:

In this episode Mark broadcasts one last time from Crested Butte, Colorado, before embarking on a two-month journey to Bali, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. This episode focuses on essential aspects of estate planning, such as the importance of wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives and possibly a trust. 

Mark shares personal experiences, including updating his estate plan after significant life events, and offers valuable insights into managing estates and guardianship. Real-life examples highlight the severe consequences of inadequate estate planning. 

Additionally, Mark answers a listener question regarding calculating savings rates.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

Love, Loss, and Money: The Shocking Financial Aftermath of a FI Spouse’s Death | Amy (ChooseFI Episode 476)

Timestamps:

In this episode of Mark dives into the ‘Fun Bucket' strategy with Kevin Sebesta, exploring how retirees can transition from a saving to a spending mindset. Originally discussed on the Forget About Money podcast hosted by David Baughier, the concept involves allocating funds specifically for enjoyable activities to facilitate guilt-free spending. 

The episode covers practical steps to implement the Fun Bucket, balancing financial security with personal enjoyment, and the long-term benefits of investing in experiences that create lasting memories. Discussions include managing retirement assets, planning for different life stages, and navigating generational wealth. 

Listeners receive valuable insights on overcoming the psychological barriers of spending and making the most of their retirement years.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected] and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

Forget About Money YouTube Channel

Life In Fire blog

The Fun Bucket - Overcoming the Frugality Mindset

Timestamps:

In this episode Mark responds to a listener's email about how to teach financial literacy to high school students and children. Mark emphasizes the importance of simplifying finance concepts, highlighting his motto: 'Make Some, Save and Invest, Live on the Rest.' 

He recounts personal stories to illustrate industriousness, saving, investing, and conscious spending as vital components of financial freedom. He also encourages involving children in financial conversations and shares recommended reading for financial literacy.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected] and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

Financial Literacy Course

The Wonder of Compounding | Episode 011

WSJ article “Changing Jobs Can Put a $300,000 Dent in Retirement Savings” 10/7/24

I Will Teach You to be Rich - by Ramit Sethi

The Simple Path to Wealth - by JL Collins

Raising Your Money-Savvy Family for Next Generation Financial Independence - by Carol Pittner and Doug Nordman

Timestamps:

_______________

As an Amazon Associate this show earns income from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not increase your costs, and we will only link to products or services that we are familiar with and that we feel may deliver value to you. The modest income received from affiliate links helps support the cost of running and managing this show.