Mile High FI Podcast

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

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Typical duration
63 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Mile High FI Podcast episodes

April 04, 2023What We Hate About The FIRE Movement | MHFI 155
Doug and Carl talk about the bad parts of the FIRE movement.
Cheap people

Dogmatic approaches

How the mainstream media writes about FIRE

Lack of nuance (must we discuss the fv^%ing 4% Rule again?)

It’s OK to work
From the listeners
Living off $40,000/year isn’t realistic

Credit card hacking isn’t for everyone
Do you love Mile High FI? Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Do you really love Mile High FI? Buy Us Two Coffees! and we’ll quit! You win either way!
Links
Support Mile High FI: Buy Me A Coffee

Doug’s site - Check out the NEW Sleep Post.

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-shorts & 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 Intro
4:30 Mr. Mustache HQ - What's new?
7:50 Doug's health updates 10:38
How you can support us
14:25 Carl's number one issue with FIRE
22:31 Applying a dogmatic approach to FI
28:00 Is having a job necessarily bad?
36:20 Paying attention to details
39:04 Portrayal of FIRE in the media
43:20 The 4% rule (again)
50:30 Annoying things FI people do
53:43 Courses
59:04 Can you live on 400k a year?
1:01:09 Credit card rewards
1:02:50 Teaching teenagers a FIRE mindset
1:04:26 Shifting into decumulation
1:07:26 The ''Spending is bad'' mindset

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 18 min
March 28, 2023Maximizing Profit & Minimizing Hassle: Real Estate Mailbag | MHFI 154
Doug and Amberly chat about what they've been up to lately and answer some intriguing real estate questions.
Advice for beginners
Creative buying strategies

Managing a property

Responding to inquiries

Should pets be allowed on properties?

Real estate books suggestions
Do you love Mile High FI? Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Is “love” too strong of a word? Good news! You can still support us.
Links
Whole Life News (get the back story here: Setting Up Wills and Trusts - MHFI 147

Contributing to a retirement account: MHFI 062
Connect with Amberly Grant!
AmberlyGrant.com

FinTalks

Instagram

Amberly on Facebook
--
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shorts & 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 Intro
1:30 What's Amberly been up to
10:30 Doug's whole life insurance policy
23:47 Deciding on a number of properties
27:15 Aversions for building up a rental property
30:36 What would Amberly do differently in her real estate journey
33:44 The MOST important advice for beginners
34:04 Where to obtain a rental application
35:05 Creative buying strategies
37:37 Property management
38:54 Maintenance requests
39:53 Should animals be allowed on a property?
41:24 Real estate investing books
41:58 What Amberly is currently investing in
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.**
56 min
March 21, 2023Telling non-FIRE People About FIRE With Justin Robbins | MHFI 153
Doug and Carl talk to Longmontian Justin Robbins about how to broach the subject of FIRE with other humans (and if it’s even a good idea)!
Background
Childhood

How Justin turned getting laid off into a great experience

Discovering FIRE
Telling non-FIRE people about FIRE
Carl is a FIsplainer

How Justin quit his job

Why are American identities so tied up in work?

Is FIRE a cult? And will it ever be mainstream?

Justin’s biggest challenge in retirement

Why Carl thinks FIRE is the best life hack ever
Do you love Mile High FI? Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee. Is “love” too strong of a word? Good news! You can still support us.
Links
Justin's Instagram

Justin's Youtube Channel

Justin's TikTok

Justin's Twitter

Longmont's Tower of Compassion

Doug’s site - Check out the NEW Sleep Post.

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-shorts & 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 Intro
2:17 Justin's background
8:17 Discovering the FIRE movement
15:15 Thoughts on retirement and going back to work
19:17 The importance of having a supportive partner
22:23 Telling non-FIRE people about FIRE
24:31 Misunderstanding FI
26:32 The ''What do you do for work?'' question
32:18 Should we bother telling other people about FIRE?
36:59 Is the FIRE community a cult?
38:20 Why FI will never be mainstream
43:45 Advice for approaching early retirement
45:36 Exercising your mind
47:00 Hiking
49:54 The impact of inflation on early retirement
53:51 Lessons and challenges
59:21 Why FIRE is the best life hack
1:03:36 The perfect day
1:05:31 Where to find Justin on social media
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 11 min
March 14, 2023College, Coaches, & Kids: Answering Your Top Questions | MHFI 152
Doug and Amberly are back for another Mail Bag episode!
They answer your questions on a range of topics:
Funding children's college education

Hiring a (financial) coach

To have or not to have kids

Renting vs nomadic living

Starting a landlord journey

Should I max out my 401k or buy a house?
As a bonus, our hosts reflect on their personal goals by writing a letter to their future selves.
Links
Free Link to ChatGPT Cheatsheet

Video on ChatGPT to Descript

ChatGPT For Beginners
--
Check out the Econome Conference - Save money using our coupon code MILEHIGHFI. Carl and Doug will be there, so come and hang out.
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shorts & 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 Intro
3:39 What's Amberly been up to
7:20 What's Doug been up to
8:35 Chat GPT is kinda awesome
14:56 Funding kids' college tuition
30:09 Do you NEED a (financial) coach?
42:16 To have or not have kids
46:22 Buying a house vs living as a nomad
50:05 Starting a landlord journey
51:42 Should I max out my 401k or buy a house?
55:22 A letter to our future selves
01:01:38 How you can support us
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 10 min
March 07, 2023Power of Memory Dividends: Carl's $10,000 Purchase You Won't Believe | MHFI 151
Carl discusses his crazy $10,000 semi-spontaneous purchase.
Buying a private concert with The Webb Brothers

Memory dividends

Mindy approves

The Big Event
Philosophical Musings
What Doug thinks about all of this

What would Doug spend $10,000 on?

Stuff versus experiences

Why your purchases may become irrelevant someday

To budget or not to budget…

Staying thoughtful about spending
It’s cold in Colorado. The Mile High FI studio in Doug’s basement is even colder. Help keep the studio warm and get cool stuff: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi
EconoMe: Doug and Carl are going to EconoMe again and are planning a meetup. Get your ticket here and enter MILEHIGHFI at checkout for a discount. See you in Cincinnati!
Links
The Webb Brothers Kickstarter

Maroon (perhaps the Webb’s greatest work)

Liar’s Club

In A Fashion

--
Check out the Econome Conference - Save money using our coupon code MILEHIGHFI. Carl and Doug will be there, so come and hang out.
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shorts & 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 Intro
4:59 Carl bought a concert
16:03 Thoughts on spending money on experiences
19:02 What would Doug spend 10k on?
21:55 More ideas
27:20 Stuff vs experiences
28:33 Do purchases ever become irrelevant?
35:13 Budgeting one crazy purchase per year

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.**
45 min
February 28, 2023Mailbag | MHFI 150
It’s another Mail Bag episode! Doug and Carl answer questions about
Umbrella insurance policies

Does the 4% Rule still apply in light of recent market declines?

Is it OK to own a Tesla? (and why is the FI community so judgmental?)

Coast FI

Reader case study: I’m a late comer to the FI movement
Send questions and comments for future Mail Bag episodes to [email protected] or [email protected].
If you’re reading this, you must love the show. If you love the show, support us. Hey, we’d do it for you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi
EconoMe: Doug and Carl are going to EconoMe again and are planning a meetup. Get your ticket here and enter MILEHIGHFI at checkout for a discount. See you in Cincinnati!
Links
Mile High FI interview: David Baughier

Mile High FI interview: Jake Simon

Big ERN’s Safe Withdrawal Rate Series

Michael Kitces on the 4% Rule

S&P 500 PE Ratio

Death March to Financial Independence

MMM HQ Coworking

Doug’s site
Carl’s blog: 1500 Days
-
Check out the Econome Conference - Save money using our coupon code MILEHIGHFI. Carl and Doug will be there, so come and hang out.
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shorts & 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 Intro
1:20 Dry January recap
7:28 How you can support us
10:29 We got some interesting feedback!
12:36 What is an umbrella policy?
16:55 Does the 4% rule still make sense today?
25:57 Investing in a Tesla car
37:56 Join us at Econome!
39:40 Coast FI (again)
47:27 Moving towards FI as a late bloomer

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 7 min
February 21, 2023Kids Are Really Expensive, Aren't They? | MHFI 149
Having kids is a lifestyle change that has a big impact on our finances. But how much does parenthood really cost?
In this episode, Doug and Amberly explore the expected and unexpected costs that come with having children. They talk about the importance of budgeting and share some tips on how to shop wisely for new parents.
The (unexpected) costs of having kids
Health insurance and dental costs

Schooling and tuition

Are human parents and dog parents alike?

The do's and don'ts of choosing a gift for new parents

Tips for navigating friendships as a parent

Amberly hosts FinTalks
Do you love Mile High FI? Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Do you hate Mile High FI? Send us a large sum of money and we’ll quit! You win either way!
EconoMe: Doug and Carl are going to EconoMe again and are planning a meetup. Get your ticket here and enter MILEHIGHFI at checkout for a discount.
Connect with Amberly Grant!
AmberlyGrant.com

FinTalks

Instagram

Amberly on Facebook
-
Check out the Econome Conference - Save money using our coupon code MILEHIGHFI. Carl and Doug will be there, so come and hang out.
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shorts & 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 Intro
2:41 Budgeting and planning for kids
7:57 Is having children similar to dogs?
10:31 The cost of having kids
25:05 Children and health insurance
32:29 Why kids' clothing is a terrible gift idea
36:33 As kids grow, so do their expenses
39:40 How to get free babysitting benefits
41:04 Why do parents count their baby's age in months?!
42:34 Schooling and tuition expenses
46:47 Navigating friendships as a parent
52:10 Amberly is on FinTalks
53:22 Fin Talk's retreat and Camp FI

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 4 min
February 14, 2023The Band is BACK Together! Random Show | MHFI 148
After taking a break, Carl comes back to catch up with Doug. Here is what they talk about:
Carl loses $2,000,000 (and is happy about it)

Doug’s health issues

Camp FI Southeast

Carl’s 3-day fast

No alcohol

Meet Doug and Carl: EconoMe and NYC
Do you love Mile High FI? Support us over at Buy Me A Coffee.
Do you hate Mile High FI? Send us a large sum of money and we’ll quit! You win either way!
EconoMe: Doug and Carl are going to EconoMe again and are planning a meetup. Get your ticket here and enter MILEHIGHFI at checkout for a discount.
Links
Downshift Financial

Mile High FI Interview with Chris Rusin, the Indiana Jones of FIRE

Mile High FI Interview with David Baughier

Mile High FI interview with Jake Simon

Logan Leckie

Doug's website - Check out the NEW Sleep Post.

Carl's blog: 1500 Days
-
Check out the Econome Conference - Save money using our coupon code MILEHIGHFI. Carl and Doug will be there, so come and hang out.
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shorts & 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 Intro
1:12 How you can support us
2:40 What has Carl been up to
9:00 Doug's health issues
16:07 Carl's been fasting
25:48 - What has Doug been up to/Dry January
43:19 - Carl's house updates
45:16 - Doug has a new tattoo
47:54 - Doug tested ChatGPT
55:40 Doug and Carl are at 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.**
1 hr 4 min
February 07, 2023Setting Up Wills and Trusts | MHFI 147
Doug and Amberly are back to discuss the pros and cons of different types of financial security, such as wills, trusts, and life insurance.
They also talk about why whole life insurance isn't for everyone and explore some unusual scenarios.
Wills vs. trusts
Benefits of wills and trusts

Choosing a trustee

Potential scenarios in case of a divorce
Life insurance
Doug's story on whole life insurance

Who can make medical decisions on your behalf

Accelerated death benefits
Connect with Amberly Grant!
AmberlyGrant.com

FinTalks

Instagram

Amberly on Facebook
-
Check out the Econome Conference - Save money using our coupon code MILEHIGHFI. Carl and Doug will be there, so come and hang out.
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shorts & 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 - Intro
6:20 - Amberly's trust fund story
8:32 - Wills vs. Trusts - which is better?
10:24 - How to choose a trustee
14:04 - Benefits of a Trust
15:25 - Doug's situation
16:13 - What could happen to your money when you die
21:09 - Funding your Trust
22:28 - Life Insurance
24:50 - Is Whole Life Insurance worth it?
39:38 - Accelerated death benefits
41:21 - Trusting someone with your life
46:16 - Financial coaching and mentorship with Amberly
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.**
56 min
January 31, 2023Prepare To Die (but in a fun way! wait, what?) | MHFI 146
Doug and his co-host Amberly talk about something taboo but very important - death. They each share their own experiences with the death of loved ones and how to deal with grief.
They also explore the connection between death and finances and how to put together an In Case Of Death binder.
Oh, and Doug envisions his ideal memorial - and we're here for it.
Dealing with the death of loved ones
How witnessing death in childhood can shape us in adulthood

Can we ever prepare for a person's death?

Dealing with grief

Advice from a hospice chaplain
Death and finances
Death binder

CEO plan
And, What we're thankful for...
Connect with Amberly Grant!
AmberlyGrant.com

FinTalks

Instagram

Amberly on Facebook
-
Check out the Econome Conference - Save money using our coupon code MILEHIGHFI. Carl and Doug will be there, so come and hang out.
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shorts & 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 - Intro
3:51 - Amberly's experiences with death
7:08 - Doug's experience
11:50 - Can we ever prepare for a person's death?
17:54 - What it means to live a high-quality life
23:46 - Dealing with a friend's passing
35:04 - Things we would be thankful for in case we died tomorrow
37:38 - How we would wrap up our lives before we go
41:53 - Finances and death
42:54 - In-case-of-death binder
47:12 - Putting together a CEO plan
52:22 - Closing words from a hospice chaplain
53:19 - ''How you live is how you die'' - is it true?
58:06 - Helping others deal with grief
58:59 - Why attending your own memorial is a great idea
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 6 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…