Trying for FI

Curious about investing but not sure where to begin? In this episode, we walk through exactly how we got started — from figuring out what an index fund even is, to choosing a platform, to understanding how fees can eat away at returns.

We break down:
 • Index funds vs. ETFs
 • Where we invest (and why)
 • How much is too much to pay in fees
• How we made our first real investments — together

If you're a beginner, late starter, or just tired of feeling intimidated by investing, this episode will give you a grounded, real-life take on starting your investment journey with confidence.

#investingforbeginners #financialindependence #indexfunds #etfs #lowfeeinvesting #firemovement #startinvesting #fiwithkids

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Check out our Resource Doc: 

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing

And our IG account @tryingforfi

If your kids (or you!) are spending money on video games or in-game purchases, this episode is for you. As FIRE-minded parents, we’re always looking for ways to talk about money in ways our kids actually care about.

In this episode, we share a new family rule we created to link video game spending to real-life savings goals (like buying a car someday) — and how it’s helping us build budgeting habits, financial literacy, and deeper money conversations with our kids.

Even if video games aren’t your thing, this parent hack works for other “fun spending” categories too — from movies to sports to apps.

You’ll hear how we approach allowance, savings matching, value-based spending, and how FIRE principles show up in parenting... even when screen time is involved.

#financialliteracy #teachingkidsaboutmoney #familybudgeting #firemovement #videogamespending #moneyhabits #parentinghack #raisingfinanciallysmartkids

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Check out our Resource Doc: 

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing

And our IG account @tryingforfi

Talking about money in a relationship can be... a lot. In this episode, we take you through the story of how we learned to talk about money as a couple — from awkward first convos and conflicting money beliefs, to building shared strategies that support our life together.

Along the way, we tackle big themes like:
 • Fairness vs equality in finances
 • Keeping track without keeping score
 • Separate accounts vs shared money
 • Bridging differences in financial education and life philosophy

Whether you're newly partnered or decades in, this episode offers real talk (and a few laughs) for anyone trying to build financial intimacy and teamwork in their relationship.

#moneyandrelationships #financialpartnership #talkingaboutmoney #couplesfinances #sharedbudgeting #financialindependence #moneytalks #firemovement

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Check out our Resource Doc: 

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing

And our IG account @tryingforfi

Are you interested in Financial Independence but feel like you’re starting a little late? Wondering if it’s still possible to retire early—or just work less—while raising a family in a high-cost area?

We’re a queer couple in the Bay Area with three kids, chasing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) on a moderate income. In this intro episode, we share why we started this podcast, what “Trying for FI” means to us, and what you can expect from upcoming episodes.

Whether you're in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s, and just now exploring FIRE, you're not alone—and you're not too late. We’re here to share tips, missteps, reflections, and relatable stories from the messy middle.

Welcome to the journey. Let’s try for FI—together.

#financialindependence #lateFIstarters #firemovement #financialindependencewithkids #fiwithfamily #firepodcast #startFIRElate #tryingforfi

Send us Fan Mail

Check out our Resource Doc: 

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing

And our IG account @tryingforfi