Mile High FI Podcast

Mindy and Carl catch up with long-time friend Brandon, the Mad Fientist, to discuss the balance between spending, saving, and maintaining happiness.  Brandon details his journey from extreme frugality to spending experiments to purposeful spending/spending for happiness.  He also discusses the indispensable role of personal development, the importance of experiences over possessions, and the influence of parenthood and life events in reshaping priorities.

Note: This is a rebroadcast of episode 22 of the “Mindy on Money” podcast.

Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)

Interested in your own spending experiment?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee and experiment with supporting the show!

Links

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Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Brought To You By:

The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles

1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement

Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

4:29 Catching up with Brandon

10:32 Lessons from Ramit & Die With Zero

17:15 Recovering from Ramit

23:01 Carl’s Tesla

30:12 Spending experiments

41:23 Navigating the emotions of FI

48:12 Reframing thoughts on “frivolous” spending

53:00 Keys to happiness

58:03 Advice for others on their FI journeys

1:06:45 Bloopers & closing thoughts

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Doug and Carl chat with financial educator, investing enthusiast, and author Brian Feroldi.  Brian delves into early investment mishaps, his investing philosophy (focusing on high-quality, long-term businesses), the significance of understanding the stock market & personal finance, and where to find new investing ideas.  The group also discusses Warren Buffett & the role of dividend investing along with AI’s impact on productivity and stock market returns.

If you’re looking for a crazy, high-risk/high-reward investment opportunity, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and invest in us!

Links

(*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something)

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Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Brought To You By:

The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles

1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement

Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

4:10 Chasing a hot mutual fund

8:37 Transitioning to buying individual stocks

13:45 The work behind successful stock investing

17:56 Thoughts on dividend investing

25:39 Warren Buffett,Charlie Munger, & Berkshire Hathaway

30:06 Impacts of productivity & AI on the stock market

36:03 Everyday uses of AI (ChatGPT)

41:11 Where to find new investing ideas

48:01 Soundcheck – Regional foods

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Carl chats with Doug and his wife Elizabeth who recently left her career and retired early.  Elizabeth discusses her introduction to Financial Independence and some of the skepticism she initially had while also walking through some of the specifics about actually leaving her job (making the decision, having a solid financial plan in place, and describing her last day at work).  She goes on to share insights on adjusting to retirement, staying mentally active, societal perceptions of retiring early, the importance of finding joy outside work, and the importance of having a purpose post-retirement.

Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)

Are you an early retiree looking for something to fill your time or to provide purpose?  If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us.

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Brought To You By:

The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles

1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement

Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

1:58 Discovering FIRE

7:48 Good financial habits, tools, & practices

13:19 FIRE skepticism

18:49 Overcoming uncertainty & leaving work

23:34 Debate on the 4% rule

29:41 Working again after retirement

36:23 Pulling the trigger to actually quit

43:51 Single point of success

49:44 Last day of work & what happens next

54:48 Retirement worries

1:00:38 Telling friends & family about retirement

1:08:48 FI events & the perfect day

1:16:27 Soundcheck – Envelopes

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Recorded in the hotel lobby on the last day of the EconoMe conference, Doug and Carl reflect on some of the presentations and conversations they had over the weekend while also providing their own insights & observations.  They discuss various topics including: the evolution of the FIRE movement from its initial focus on accumulating wealth to its current emphasis on mental health and personal development, happiness, post-FI life challenges, and strategies for dealing with anxiety and negative thoughts.

Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)

Couldn’t make it to EconoMe this year, but still want to hang out with others in the FI community?  If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us.

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Brought To You By:

The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles

1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement

Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

1:52 Stress & anxiety

8:53 Removing the mask in retirement

12:11 Thoughts on post-retirement life

17:41 One-more-year syndrome

25:27 Happiness & confronting personal issues

29:09 Evolution of FI

34:47 Carl’s 3 tips (plus a bonus)

39:46 Podcast projects beyond MHFI

47:11 Soundcheck – Feeling tired

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Doug and Carl chat with Bob Haines who is a well-known figure in the FI community due to his frequent attendance of various FI-related events such as FinCon, EconoMe, Chautauqua, and CampFI.  Bob recounts his financial journey from initially finding FI through the Tim Ferriss podcast, to discovering that he was accidentally FI already, to transitioning fully into the world of early retirement almost five years ago.  Bob also discusses the changes he’s seen in the FI community over the years and the power of FI events.

Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)

Haven’t been able to attend any FI events, but still want to hang out with others in the community?  If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us.

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Brought To You By:

The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles

1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement

Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

4:42 Discovering FIRE & accidentally FI

12:40 What if… Life without finding FIRE

20:41 Running out of life vs running out of money

27:25 The power & attraction of FI events

39:28 Marriage & merging finances later in life

45:34 Embracing e-bikes

51:29 Luxury spending in the FI community

57:56 Changes in the FI community

1:00:31 The perfect day

1:09:06 Soundcheck – Favorite parts of EconoMe

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Recorded in the hotel lobby from the EconoMe conference in Cincinnati, Doug and Carl catch-up on various topics including: a recap of their recent visit to the Culdesac community in Arizona, thoughts on e-bikes & electric vehicles, Doug’s battle with pink eye, updates to their fitness routines, and Carl’s unfortunate Facebook incident.  Doug also shares an exciting announcement about his wife’s upcoming retirement, providing insights into her journey from skepticism to embracing financial independence.

Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)

Couldn’t make it to EconoMe this year, but still want to hang out with others in the FI community?  If so, come over to Buy Me A Coffee and hang out with us.

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Brought To You By:

The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles

1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement

Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

4:41 Impressions of Culdesac

10:29 Thoughts on e-bikes & robot cars

17:29 Doug’s courageous battle with pink eye

22:51 Carl’s new fitness routine

31:20 The Facebook incident

38:59 Elizabeth’s retirement: From Skepticism to FIRE

45:49 Carl’s haircut

49:41 Soundcheck – EconoMe opening party

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Doug and Carl (along with special guest co-host Georgie the dog) explore the concept of stealth wealth.  Each provides their personal money story & how much work it took to arrive at their current position, the pros & cons of sharing one’s financial status with others, and how this knowledge impacts social interactions & relationships.  They also discuss giving and helping others responsibly, using wealth to support people in meaningful ways rather than in response to direct requests for money.

Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)

Are you retired or wealthy and need someone to share this information with, free from any awkwardness or judgement?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee where you’ll find a safe place to share.

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Brought To You By:

The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles

1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement

Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

3:29 Carl’s money story: From anonymity to viral fame

7:28 Doug’s money story: Staying modest & hustling hard

13:27 Sharing your financial status

19:51 FI evangelism

29:42 Impact of wealth on social interactions & relationships

34:04 Navigating the corporate world

43:24 Generosity & giving back

50:07 Soundcheck – Apple hat

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Doug and Carl visit Culdesac, a unique car-free rental apartment community in Tempe, AZ that redefines the typical American neighborhood by focusing on sustainability, communal living spaces, and alternative transportation options.  The guys are joined by members of the FI community (including Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), Paula Pant, Brad Barrett, and Chad Carson) to discuss Culdesac with co-founder and CEO Ryan Johnson.  The group explores Culdesac’s aims, design, how it represents a potential model for future urban planning, and concludes with a discussion on the importance & challenges of creating walkable, car-free communities.  Pete also shares his personal experience living in this community to include the impact of car-free living on personal finance, happiness, and building community. 

Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)

Not planning to move to Tempe, but still looking for community?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee to hang out with us.

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Brought To You By:

The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles

1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement

Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

4:18 Welcome to Culdesac

8:48 Car ownership and transportation alternatives

13:14 Demand for walkable neighborhoods

20:38 Influences & future plans for Culdesac

25:54 Defining a walkable neighborhood

32:34 Success of Culdesac & future projects

37:36 Pete’s personal experience

43:50 Community and iteration & learning

48:56 Challenges & strategies for building a new community

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

In a follow-up to MHFI Episode 187 (Fitness Madness), Doug and Carl provide an update on how they’re progressing with their original fitness goals, discuss challenges they’ve faced along the way, provide dieting & workout tips, and discuss future plans.  Carl speaks candidly about Attachment Disorder and the importance of mental health.  Also, don’t miss out on new sponsor oFartsic by pVisor.

Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)

New “Sponsor” oFartsic: http://milehighfi.com/ofartsic

Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024.  For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%.  https://economeconference.com/

Do you want lots of good stuff from Carl or really want that pickled asparagus?  If so, come over and support us at Buy Me A Coffee.

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Brought To You By:

The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles

1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement

Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

3:56 Recapping fitness goals & progress report

11:23 Reverse dieting

16:20 Fitness challenges

21:31 Protein tips

28:08 Importance of mental health

37:59 Future fitness goals

43:05 Weight loss vs. strength training

47:40 Workout injuries

54:16 Planning future check-ins

1:02:01 Soundcheck – Bar food

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Doug and Carl catch up on a potpourri of topics including recent purchases, frugal hacks, investments, optimization, skepticism, and recent books & TV shows each have been consuming.  They discuss over-optimizing & reevaluating perceptions in the areas of health & fitness and try to provide a balance by incorporating de-optimization.  Carl also introduces a new investment strategy called the “reverse index fund” or “Hot Carl”.

Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)

Are you looking for more ingenious frugal hacks such as the Culver’s coupon scam?  If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee to find out more.

Doug & Carl will be attending the EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati, OH on March 15-17, 2024.  For those interested in attending, use the coupon code MILEHIGHFI at checkout to save 10%.  https://economeconference.com/

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**

Brought To You By:

The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles

1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement

Email us here: [email protected] or [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

1:33 Recent purchases

5:48 The Culver’s scam

11:55 Poke

16:59 Hot Carl

22:04 Re-evaluating health & fitness optimization

29:58 Changing views & skepticism

38:58 Recent books

46:59 Recent TV shows

57:03 Soundcheck – River of water

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**