A seven day vacation or 5 weeks of travel - which would you prefer? When you're working towards financial independence, vacations are a time to set aside work and everyday chores. But they're constrained by things you don't often control: accrued vacation time, work and school schedules, business obligations, and holidays, to name a few. In this episode, Eric and Jason compare notes from their two respective sides of FI and their recent vacations: 7 days for Pre-FI Eric and 5 weeks for Post-FI Jason. See just how different is travel once you reach FI and the constraints have been removed.

For more information on Jason's five-week trip, check out his blog post on the topic: https://thenextphaseisnow.com/longest-vacation-of-my-life/

Imagine hitting your FI number, retiring early, and discovering you hate it? In this episode we discuss four examples of such an outcome: from quitting the perfect job and regretting it, to feelings of depression and lack of purpose. Some are unable to find motivation without financial incentives, while others realize they haven't budgeted enough to do things they enjoy in life.

This is part 2 of our How NOT to FI/RE series for part 1 and the PRE FI/RE examples, be sure to check out that video here: https://youtu.be/Jb438jvebd0

The full text of each of the Reddit posts we discussed is posted in the show notes at: https://twosidesoffi.com/how-not-to-fire-2

On the path to financial independence, there are ample opportunities for mistakes and missteps. In today's episode, we review stories from people who shared their FIRE experiences online in the hopes of educating others. Here we review five of these tales: incurring tragic losses due to trying to beat the market, losing 75% of your portfolio value due to sector investing, regretting aggressively saving at the expense of living your life, and resenting your partner who doesn't have the same degree of FIRE ambitions as you do.

Show notes, including the full text of Reddit posts from this episode:

You asked, we answered. Bringing the Two Sides of FI together to discuss changing withdrawal rates, Jason and Eric's own FI numbers, redefining identity in early retirement, rental real estate, and more. Want your question featured on an upcoming show? 

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Retiring at 47 is early by any definition. In this episode, Jason reflects on his first year in early retirement. Not everything went smoothly as you might expect. Learn what's changed, what's been better, what's worse, and - importantly - has it lived up to his expectations? If you're excited to reach this milestone but still harbor some reservations about crossing into "retirement", Jason offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective on what to expect and how to prepare for such a life-altering transition.

Talking about FIRE with your partner involves so much more than finances: from friend groups and career aspirations, to personal goals and family dynamics. In part two, Eric + Jason continue the conversation with their spouses, Laura + Lorri, discussing how they share financial responsibilities, the importance of finding friend networks, talking to their children about FIRE, and their hopes for their post-FI lives.

For show notes and resources please check out our website - https://twosidesoffi.com/

Talking with a spouse or partner about FIRE isn't always easy. In this episode, Eric + Jason bring their wives, Laura + Lorri, into the conversation to share their personal experiences. In part 1 of our two-part conversation, they talk about getting onboard with FIRE, financial topics including budgeting and setting the FI number, as well as the emotional aspects of choosing the FIRE path.

For show notes and resources please check out our website: https://twosidesoffi.com/

Retiring early is a dream for many but the decision to leave the workplace early can impact us in ways we may not have predicted. In this episode, we discuss the first year of Jason's early retirement and Eric shares his own concerns as he approaches FI. For many, work provides a sense of purpose and identity, as well as validation, utility, not to mention financial security. What happens when that no longer exists? What takes its place? How does it impact your personal relationships and your personal sense of accomplishment? Much of the discussion about financial independence, retire early (FIRE) focuses on saving and investing, in this conversation we unpack what it means to leave work behind and fully embrace this life-changing transition. Join us for this conversation about life after FI.

Choosing a new area to call home once you've reached financial independence can be an overwhelming task given just how large the problem space is. In part two of this series, Eric and Jason continue their conversation about how to narrow the options of where to live post-FIRE. There's a lot to consider beyond the finances, and the "Where to Live" process they used is again highlighted as a useful tool to support that. Irrespective of your own retirement path, this approach can help you make decisions about relocating to a new area.

Check out the show notes and get a FREE copy of the "Where to Live" planning tool at https://twosidesoffi.com/where-to-live/

As Eric nears his Financial Independence number he asks Jason for help and advice on how to narrow the range of options of where to live. Choosing a place to call home once you've reached financial independence can be an overwhelming task, given just how large the problem space is. Jason shares how he and Lorri approached where to live in "retirement" before taking the plunge to move their family. Irrespective of your own retirement path, the process they used will apply universally to making decisions about relocating to a new area. 

Check out the show notes and get a FREE copy of the "Where to Live" planning tool at https://twosidesoffi.com/where-to-live/