Mile High FI Podcast

By Doug Cunnington, Mr. Money Mustache, & Carl JensenSociety & Culture Business Investing Careers

Favorites
43
Followers
Typical duration
63 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Mile High FI Podcast episodes

December 19, 2023Will Retiring Early Actually Make You Happy? [rebroadcast] | MHFI 194
Carl and Doug unpack the pursuit of happiness and the winding road to early retirement. From life's unexpected twists to the importance of relationships beyond the balance sheet, they explore what it really means to live a fulfilling life post-FIRE. Listen-in for a blend of finance, philosophy, and insights, all served up with a side of personal stories & anecdotes.
Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI Episode 006 and 088.
Do we contribute to your happiness? If so, come support us over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
1500 Days to Freedom, “7 Thoughts On Happiness: Part 1”

1500 Days to Freedom, “Happiness Series Part 2: Five Big-Ass Spending Experiments”

1500 Days to Freedom, “Happiness Part 3: Deep Contentment Is The Goal”

Mr. Money Mustache

JD Roth

Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss, “The 4-Hour Workweek”

Tim Ferriss Podcast, “Rolf Potts - The Vagabond’s Way”

Naval Ravikant

Rolf Potts, “Vagabonding”

FI Chautauqua

Sonja Lyubomirsky

Joe Rogan Experience, “1961-Peter Attia”

Mark Manson, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”

Wait But Why, “Taming the Mammoth”

Living a FI, “The 2021 Early-Retirement Update"

ChooseFI Local Groups

CampFI

Mile High FI Facebook Group

Doug’s site

Carl’s blog: 1500 Days
--
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
5:35 Thoughts on happiness
11:03 The science behind happiness
20:52 Pleasure, meaning, and challenges
24:35 Doug & Carl’s happiness histories
34:15 What did not lead to happiness
40:56 Happy times
47:43 Power of community
54:37 FIRE unhappiness
59:44 Easing into retirement
1:07:36 Self-doubt & purpose
1:15:33 Flexibility, sabbaticals, and career shifts
1:23:29 Advice for FIRE & happiness
1:35:44 Rapid-fire personal questions
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.**
1 hr 44 min
December 12, 2023DIY Projects, Live-In Flips, and Financial Planning | Mailbag | MHFI 193
Doug and Carl answer questions from the Facebook mailbag.
Sam: How important were the live-in flips and other real estate ventures that you and Mindy got into impact your success and overall net worth?

Patrick: With all of Carl’s DIY experience, what house projects would he now hire out (like flooring, tile, drywall, or bathroom remodels) instead of spending the time doing it yourself?

Lauren: Want to know the opinions of relocating from a low cost-of-living-area to a high cost-of-living-area to be closer to outdoor activities that you love and find a community you identify with. Should someone do it and what tips do you have?

Hallie: Has Doug tried Melanzana’s Wind Pro Sweatpants?

Claudia: How would you do Roth conversions when you have a mix of 401k, IRA, a Roth IRA, and brokerage account? How do you convert when you’re still working, but you’re going to retire soon and you want to minimize taxes now but also in the future? (Approx 3 years from retirement)
Do you have a burning question that you'd like answered? Come join the Mile High FI Facebook group or come support us over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
1500 Days Post, "How to Successfully Flip Homes For Fun and Profit"

South Park, “You Call the Handyman”

Paula Pant/Afford Anything

Ramit Sethi, “Why I Don’t Own a House as a Multi-Millionaire”

FinCon

CampFI

Maggie Tucker/Inside Out Money

Downshift Financial

Mile High FI Facebook Group

Doug’s site

Carl’s blog: 1500 Days
--
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
1:08 Question 1: Importance of live-in flips
9:40 Question 2: DIY vs. hiring out
14:37 Tips for finding contractors
19:02 Concerts & recent activities
30:25 Question 3: Relocating to a high cost-of-living area
37:44 Question 4: Melanzana sweatpants
40:04 Question 5: Roth conversions
45:10 Flexible buckets to draw from
53:40 Soundcheck - Melanzana
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.**
58 min
December 05, 2023Travel Tips | MHFI 192
Join Carl and Doug as they share practical travel tips such as the benefits of TSA Pre-check, understanding ideal travel lengths, and the importance of downtime during vacations. They also share money-saving tips like using credit card benefits and the art of negotiating hotel fees. In the soundcheck Carl and Doug talk about their weekend in Breckenridge, savoring the snowy weather over beers and spirited book-writing sessions.
Listener Question: What is your best travel tip?
Do you love the Mile High FI podcast? If so, travel hack your way over to Buy Me A Coffee to support the show.
Help remember your travels by using the Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer. You can purchase your own printer at Amazon.
Links
EconoMe Conference

CampFI

Google Flights

Kristen Cornett

Mile High FI Facebook Group

Doug’s site

Carl’s blog: 1500 Days
--
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
6:49 Travel year-in-review
12:04 Travel logistics & packing
20:00 Ideal trip length
24:26 Food & meal planning
30:02 Staying in prime locations & commuting options
36:50 Money saving tips
40:51 Airline and credit card hacks
48:49 Making the most of your travel experience
52:54 Remembering your travels
58:31 Don’t over-plan
01:07:12 Soundcheck - Breckenridge
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.**
1 hr 12 min
November 29, 2023 Charlie Munger Tribute From FIRE Community [bonus]
We lost a legend on Nov 28, 2023. Carl and I recorded a special live stream on YouTube. Charlie was really influential for Carl.
So we talk about the time Carl almost met him in Omaha. Then, we try to guess what he might order at McDonalds, hypothetically.
Carl shares his favorite quotes from Charlie.
Charlie Munger
Born: January 1, 1924, Omaha, NE
Died: November 28, 2023
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.**
38 min
November 28, 2023How We Improved Sleep | MHFI 191
Doug and Carl talk about sleeping better. Both have been terrible sleepers in the past and have improved a lot recently. They discuss several of their top changes and provide various sleep tips along the way:
Sleep history, struggles, and habits

Sleep goals and why these are important

Tips:
Don’t have an alarm/wake up naturally

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Hot showers before bedtime

Keeping it dark

Sleep hygiene, temperature, and white noise

Avoiding stressful activities before bedtime

Avoid eating before bedtime

No alcohol

Don’t drink fluids before bedtime

Exercise early in the day

Optional sleep supplements
Listener Question: What is your best sleep tip?
Do you need help falling asleep? We've been told the Mile High FI podcast is a great substitute for white noise! Come give it a try over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Links
Brad Barrett/ChooseFI

Top Sleep Tips from Sam Soete

FinCon

CampFI

Huberman Lab supplements

Peter Attia sleep

Mile High FI Facebook Group

Doug’s site

Carl’s blog: 1500 Days
--
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
3:28 Sleep history & struggles
12:58 Current sleep habits & goals
19:46 Tip: Wake up naturally
23:31 Tip: Consistent sleep schedule
26:37 Tip: Sleep environment & hygiene
33:50 Dreams
40:11 Tip: Things to avoid before bedtime
47:32 Supplements
52:15 Soundcheck - Fitness goal updates
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.**
57 min
November 21, 2023Withdrawal Strategies in Early Retirement | MHFI 190
Carl and Doug explore the nuances of early retirement, diving into aspects ranging from daily life to responsible financial drawdowns. They also address withdrawal strategies, involving rental properties and index funds, automated transfers, and how to handle Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). The discussion expands into elements of happiness in retirement, spending decisions and the implication of tax optimization and reinvestment. Additionally, a conversation about handwritten notes vs. digital tools unfolds, shedding light on the benefits of ‘old-school’ note-taking.
Listener Questions: What does your retired life look like? Do you still work, do you have income, do you still consider yourself retired if you do? What does your daily routine look like?
Do you have a withdrawal strategy that provides excess savings? If so, don’t let that money go to waste. Come support us over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
Get your DIY colonoscopy kit, A.S.S.: MileHighFI.com/ASS
Carla & Robert on Mile High FI episode 012
Arik Peterson on Mile High FI episode 090
Mr. Money Mustache
Mindy Jensen, First-Time Home Buyer
Chris & Deb (Go Bucket Yourself) on Mile High FI episode 052
Mark Trautman, The Fun Bucket
FI Calc
Sean Mullaney
Mad Fientist, Tax-Gain Harvesting
Mad Fientist, How to Access Retirement Funds Early
Downshift Financial
Bullet Journaling
Mile High FI Facebook Group
Doug’s site
Carl’s blog: 1500 Days
—
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
1:05 Post-FI life
10:34 What does FI look like?
18:51 Shifting interests
25:59 Rental properties & retirement income
30:31 Index fund withdrawal strategy
35:46 Withdrawal frequency & amount
46:37 RMDs and tax strategies
57:34 Professional financial advice
1:07:24 Soundcheck – Paper notebooks
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.**
1 hr 13 min
November 14, 2023FinCon Recap and Mailbag - Random Episode | MHFI 189
Grab your headphones for an eclectic episode of Mile High FI with hosts Carl Jensen and Doug Cunnington where they chat with special guest Mindy Jensen. They dive into life with a Tesla, the unforeseen hazards of owning one, and smart college fund investments for children. They also share their personal experiences from the recent FinCon conference and future financial independence retreats. In the soundcheck they embark on an entertaining journey reminiscing about a recent Guns N' Roses concert, their insightful views on the band's performance, and the unique aging crowd demographic. Poised amid finance and rock, their hearty banter is filled with sharp insights and humor, making this episode a must-listen.
Do you love Mile High FI? You betcha! Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Links
Get your A.S.S. eggnog lube: MileHighFI.com/ASS

Wim Hof

FinCon

Paula Pant/Afford Anything

JD Roth

Steve Stewart

Brad Barrett/ChooseFI

Joel Larsgaard/How To Money

Jordan Grumet

Andrew Giancola/The Personal Finance Podcast

Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache

Original 4% Rule article from Bill Bengen

Quit Like a Millionaire

Go Curry Cracker: The Path to 100% Equities

NoCo Mustachians

BPCON

Robert Farrington/The College Investor

Travis Hornsby/Student Loan Planner

ChooseFI Local Groups

GoWithLess

CampFI

Econome

Connect with Mindy Jensen:
Email

BiggerPockets

Twitter/X

Mile High FI Facebook Group

Doug’s site

Carl’s blog: 1500 Days

Do you want a Tesla too? Save some money and get 3 months of FSD with Carl’s referral code.
--
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
1:39 A.S.S. & bidets
8:33 Mindy & Carl missing FinCon
13:27 Doug’s FinCon recap
20:08 FinCon panels/podcast recording
26:00 Tesla purchase
36:50 End of Carl’s house projects?
42:20 Sleep
46:48 Question 1: Lowering volatility
58:50 Question 2: 2024 FI events
1:00:01 Question 3: Kids & FI number
1:04:20 Question 4: Social network in retirement
1:09:53 Soundcheck - Guns N’ Roses
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.**
1 hr 17 min
November 07, 2023Emergency Funds, Tesla Stock Talk, and Coast FI Decisions | Mailbag | MHFI 188
Doug and Carl answer questions from the mailbag.
Intro: Doug & Carl discuss their weddings and advice for others

Questions answered:
Carl: How big is Doug’s Emergency Fund?

Mike: What is Carl going to do with his Tesla Stock?

Tahir: Plans to buy a house outright, works part-time as a college professor, with tutoring as a side-hustle on the way to CoastFI. Is this a good plan or should there be a change in course?
Listener Question: What do you think of Doug’s emergency fund situation?
Can't wait to get your special asparagus stickers? Be the first (and perhaps only) person in line by heading over to Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
Downshift Financial

Downshift Financial on MHFI 024

Downshift Financial on MHFI 056

Mark’s Money Mind

Mile High FI Facebook Group

Doug’s site

Carl’s blog: 1500 Days
--
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
1:09 Weddings
7:48 Question 1: Emergency fund
16:00 Professional financial advice
21:26 Question 2: Tesla stock
32:30 Question 3: CoastFI plan
40:47 Soundcheck - Hiking
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.**
46 min
October 31, 2023Fitness Madness | MHFI 187
Doug and Carl talk about fitness per request of listener Rakesh. Topics include fitness updates/observations, goals, and tips.
Intro: Poor phone etiquette

Workout routines & fasting

Doug’s busy summer - more eating, less exercise

Eating on the road

Working out while traveling

Carl’s lack of rest and hearing scare

Growing old

Blood-work - high cholesterol & blood pressure

Doug’s goals - lower body fat, calorie tracking/eating better

Carl’s goals - better sleep, lower blood pressure/resting heart rate, walk 25K steps a day, 10 pull-ups in a row

Staying accountable
Listener Question: How do you keep motivated (to stay on track with fitness)?
Help us stay accountable to you by supporting us over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
Huberman Lab

The Peter Attia Drive Podcast – Peter Attia

Mile High FI Facebook Group

Dan Manwaring on MHFI

Doug’s site

Carl’s blog: 1500 Days
--
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
1:24 Phones
9:39 Workouts
14:37 Doug’s fitness updates
23:36 Carl’s fitness updates
30:04 Growing old
43:48 Doug’s goals
52:59 Carl’s goals
57:01 Accountability & tips
1:04:38 Soundcheck - Minivan
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.**
1 hr 9 min
October 24, 2023Frances and Peter: Coast FI Case Study | MHFI 186
Doug and Carl talk to Frances and Peter about their finances. Topics include Coast FI, real estate investing, emergency funds, and civet coffee (google it, we dare you!).
Intro: A crazy purchase. Team Asparagus.

Coast FI

Should they invest in more real estate?

The great “paying off the house” debate rages on

Were they too Frugal?

Challenges

Frances and Peter’s numbers

The Ideal Life
Recommendations:
$125,000 in investments is a great start, but suggest getting that number bigger before coasting.

Since their income is good, consider a solo 410(k) to reduce taxable income.

Settle your house situation to get the money off the sidelines.

$40,000 is a lot to have in cash. Consider deploying some of that into investment accounts.

Don’t sacrifice happiness now. Live life, even if it takes a little longer to retire.
Listener Question: What did Doug and Carl get right? What did they get wrong? What advice would you give Frances and Peter?
Do you love Mile High FI? Sure you do. We all do, except for that one YouTube troll. But who cares about him anyway. Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
Frances’ bookkeeping service

Coast FI with the FIoneers

Mile High FI on Youtube

Mile High FI Facebook Group

Support Mile High FI

Get a Mile High FI t-shirt

Doug’s site

Carl’s blog: 1500 Days
--
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
1:27 Coffee & asparagus
7:57 Case study background
18:29 Housing Pt. 1
29:33 Frugal in recovery
35:57 Ideal $10MM life
46:30 The numbers
59:09 Housing Pt. 2
1:04:39 Final advice
1:11:57 Soundcheck - The big event
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.**
1 hr 16 min

About Mile High FI Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Doug Cunnington and Mr. Money Mustache talk about FI, lifestyle, side hustles, health, and anything on their minds. Plus, they…