Mile High FI Podcast

Doug chats with Amberly Grant (FinTalks) about how their views have evolved after years in the FI community.  They challenge classic FIRE movement dogmas, revisit old thoughts about savings rates & retirement planning, discuss shifting FI numbers & goals due to changing life circumstances, and reframe lifestyle creep as a positive when it funds a desired life.  Amberly also asserts her opinion that money is often the easiest/most boring FI topic compared with personal growth.

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

Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!

Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the 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

Email the show: [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

5:08 Saving for retirement

11:54 Updated FI number

16:42 Money isn’t the hard part

20:38 The sprint to retirement

28:44 Lifestyle creep reframed

33:42 Retirement spending

39:45 Purpose vs. productivity

45:45 Identity, redefinition, evolution

51:57 Soundcheck – FI Travel LLC

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 chats with Natalie & Bill about reaching Financial Independence, attempting early retirement, and how a lack of post-work identity & structured hobbies led them both back to the workforce.  They discuss what they learned along the way and how returning to work confirmed that they’re now financially & mentally ready to stop for good.

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

Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!

Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the 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

Email the show: [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

1:36 Preparing for a European trip

8:25 Discovering FIRE

13:05 Frugality vs. spending

18:46 Becoming debt-free & saving

23:20 Career burnout

29:46 Returning from Europe

36:56 Bill’s exit plan

41:09 Natalie’s exit plan

48:40 EconoMe takeaways

55:31 Rekindling hobbies & volunteering

59:43 FIRE confirmation

1:08:39 Soundcheck – Border collies

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 chats with Carl & Rusty about a classic debate in the FI community – DIY vs. outsourcing.  They discuss situations when outsourcing makes sense, emphasizing intentionality, buying back time, overcoming psychological hurdles of hiring help, and avoiding letting outside forces rewrite core values.

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

Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!

Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the 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

Email the show: [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

3:30 An outsourcing mindset

9:01 House cleaning

18:20 Yard work

26:20 ROI & money mindset

34:38 Home construction

42:36 Home maintenance

49:26 Cooking, grocery shopping, & kids

58:14 Financial advice

1:07:44 Car maintenance

1:11:44 Haircuts

1:17:47 Soundcheck – Peeing

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 chats with Rusty about the concept of “quiet quitting”, spurred by an email from listener “Brian”.  They discuss the psychological shifts needed to step back from overachieving, provide strategies for reclaiming personal time & prioritizing health, and share tips on leadership, strategic delegation, prioritizing high-value problem solving, and setting firm boundaries.

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

Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!

Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the 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

Email the show: [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

3:46 Brian’s email: Doing less at work?

11:20 Appearing busy

17:54 Guilt vs. productivity

26:36 The delegation strategy

34:09 Solving big problems & work identity

40:23 Taking advantage of work-related travel

48:06 Vacation & sick day rights

55:40 Optimization & work ethic vs. intentionality

1:02:12 Office wellness hacks

1:09:22 Soundcheck – Muffins & pizza

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.**

Mr. Money Mustache & I answer your questions! You can get your question on the show by recording a voice memo and emailing me.

Get priority by supporting the show via Buy Me a Coffee. It’s listener supported with no ads.

Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/

Mr. Money Mustache Episode Guide & Index

Email the show: [email protected]

00:00 Welcome and Setup

01:03 Too Much Freedom

04:19 Childhood Independence

08:13 Routines and Productivity

10:17 Long Term Care Fears

11:47 Prevention and Self Insurance

15:48 Worry Math and Dementia

18:02 Charity and Volunteering

20:29 Effective Giving Mindset

22:18 Community Updates and Support

24:51 Outro and Disclaimers

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 chats with JT about quitting his tech job due to burnout, taking time off to spend with family & decompress, but ultimately deciding to return to work.  JT discusses his sudden decision to give an eight-day notice, the psychological transition of being “unemployed” vs. “retired”, why the FI community can sometimes be too prescriptive about never working again, and how he evaluated a new opportunity at a startup while emphasizing optionality, boundaries, and success criteria to avoid repeating burnout.  

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

Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!

Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the 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

Email the show: [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

2:02 Quitting

9:44 Reflections on burnout

15:45 Activities since leaving work

22:57 Structure & daily routine

31:21 FI journey

37:39 Spending changes

43:32 Optionality & continuing to work

49:36 Would you do it for free?

55:41 Success criteria for returning to work

1:02:00 Value of additional money

1:06:36 Work vs. early retirement

1:13:51 Soundcheck – Book minimalism

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 chats with David Gillis about finding meaningful projects after retiring and how identity can be tied to corporate roles.  David shares his financial journey from paying off consumer debt to finding FI and eventually testing “semi-retirement”.  He also discusses his beginnings as “the quiet kid on the bus”, improving his communication skills over time (via Toastmasters, improv classes, coaching, & involvement with TEDx Omaha) to launching his own conference called “The 1% Better Conference”.

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

Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!

Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the 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

Email the show: [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

1:19 Finding FI

6:35 Debt payoff & identifying blind spots

11:52 Building communication skills

18:28 Improv

22:52 Launching a conference

28:03 Keeping it intimate & coordinating speakers

32:35 Future conference plans

37:45 Retirement planning & community

44:18 Soundcheck – Summer plans

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 Dusti chat with Rox (from FinanceRox) about celebrating a massive milestone – officially hitting her full-FI number!  Rox shares her story as a former financial analyst who first achieved Coast FI in 2020, navigated life changes such as a divorce and a period of digital nomading, then recently moved to Longmont & ultimately crossed the finish line to FI.  Rox also shares her passion for creative outlets outside the numbers in areas like stand-up comedy and daily art journaling.

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

Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!

Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the 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

Email the show: [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

1:39 Full-FI & moving to Longmont

9:01 Entrepreneurship insights

13:43 Changing expenses & working after FI

18:15 Retirement reality check

24:50 Spending & money mindset

29:21 Longmont surprises & observations

34:18 Stand-up comedy

42:36 Art is the proper task of life

49:14 CampFI talks & experiences

53:44 Cons of Longmont

58:21 Soundcheck – Donuts

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 continues the happiness series with part 4 featuring special guest Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel).  Doug & Kristen dive into the groundbreaking science of longevity, memory, and community – from an 80-year Harvard study to Chicago commuter trains, the data proves that relationships act as emotional shock absorbers.   They also discuss how good relationships are the strongest predictor of a healthy, long, happy life.

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

Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!

Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the 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

Email the show: [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

5:10 Harvard study of adult development

13:47 SuperAgers explained

20:12 Strong social connections

25:23 Building community

31:25 Making new friends

37:50 Mistakenly seeking solitude

44:21 Upset introverts & conversation tips

50:33 Soundcheck – Recent travels

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 chats with Kristen & Pete about their FI journey, full-time RV living, and both of their work situations.  They dive into the realities of balancing a mixed-retirement relationship, overcoming decision fatigue while minimizing, navigating cross-country travel costs, balancing different risk tolerances & spending styles, and building true confidence through community.

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

Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!

Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington

Links

—

Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the 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

Email the show: [email protected]

0:00 Introduction

0:51 Downsizing, decluttering, minimalism

7:37 Careers & discovering FIRE

15:48 Money backgrounds & frugality

23:13 Risk tolerance & investing roles

28:19 FI goals & continuing to work

34:15 FI community quirks

43:51 14er quest & altitude sickness

50:57 Testing the RV lifestyle & reality check

1:00:15 RV expenses

1:08:54 Wildfire escape

1:15:52 Upcoming adventures

1:20:22 Soundcheck – Fitness

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.**