On board the podcast today is Scott Rieckens, Author of Playing with FIRE and the director of the Playing with FIRE documentary. Happily married in California with a young daughter, Rieckens had his dream life: A luxury car, yacht club membership and a big house. Underneath this façade, he was struggling with depression, overworked and overwhelmed, with no exit strategy. After discovering the financial Independence Retire Early movement, Scott began learning as much as he could, finally explaining to his family it was time to change. After a lot of research, talking and hesitation, they finally agreed. He finally quit his job, the family hit the road to move interstate, worked remotely over a year, and finally settled in a lower cost of living area, downsized their home and cut their expenses by 50%. Playing with Fire is Rieckens' story as told from their 'works in progress' perspective on their journey to financial independence through deliberate minimalism, reduced spending and maximised investing. A man after my own heart (and hairline!), Scott has championed Financial Independence, and his documentaries, short films, interviews and published works have provided information and inspiration to millions globally. I am absolutely stoked to have been able to chat with him and pick his brain for us all to benefit.