Today, Jesse helps us step out of our financial frame and see the broader context of our lives. Quoting from David Foster Wallace’s “This is Water” speech, he highlights our self-centered bias and makes suggestions on how we can gain greater perspective through the support of those around us. In his monologue, Jesse also notes Charlie Munger’s belief that the world isn’t driven by greed, but rather by envy, and that often our reality seems a certain way because of what we see around us.

Steve Adcock joins the conversation to share his own perspectives on financial independence, early retirement, and, perhaps most importantly, finding meaning in both. Previously featured on episode 16 of The Best Interest, Steve provides us with a bit of an update on his FIRE journey since retiring at just 35 years old. He gives us a taste of the quippy insights he shares weekly through Millionaire Habits and delves into some of the mental health considerations that should come along with our financial goals, sharing how he and his wife have been able to inject their financially independent lives with purpose and meaning.

If you’re looking for some practical advice around the basics, mental health, and the power of passive investing, this is the episode for you. Key Takeaways:• What is your “frame” and how can people on the outside help us see our realities for what they are? • Mentors, friends, or others in your network could help you step out of your frame and see your financial situation in a new light. • How to change your lifestyle with your financial situation to maximize every moment. • The smart shopping habits to adopt that’ll set you miles ahead of most people. • Why the basics aren’t overrated and are worth revisiting regularly. • Why you need to plan for not just getting to retirement, but also what comes after. Key Timestamps:(01:38) Understanding Your Frame of Reference (03:29) David Foster Wallace's Insight on Self-Centeredness (05:04) The Role of Envy in Personal Finance (12:51) Interview with Steve Adcock: Achieving Financial Independence (20:38) Lifestyle Changes and Financial Strategies (25:50) The Power of Passive Investing (29:50) Adjusting Spending in Retirement (31:38) Evaluating Subscriptions and Spending (37:45) The Importance of Financial Basics (40:59) Finding Purpose in Retirement (50:46) Millionaire Habits and Final Thoughts Key Topics Discussed:The Best Interest, Jesse Cramer, Rochester New York, financial planner, financial advisor, wealth management, retirement planning, tax planning, personal finance, retire early, financial independence, digital nomad, millionaire habits, financial basics More from Steve:Millionaire Habits: https://millionairehabits.us/ Website: https://steveadcock.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveallenadcock/ Twitter: https://x.com/SteveOnSpeed Mentions: Millionaire Habits: How to Achieve Financial Independence, Retire Early, and Make a Difference by Focusing on Yourself First by Steve Adcock The Best Interest Podcast, Episode 16, “Retire at 35 with Steve Adcock” https://open.spotify.com/episode/6lhHT4r7aNfrjwVVqKL3ha?si=c00ca0f26e934a2a Mimetic Desire and Consumer “Choice” by Katie Gatti Tassin https://bestinterest.blog/frame/ More of The Best Interest:Check out the Best Interest Blog at bestinterest.blog Contact me at [email protected] The Best Interest Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.