Mile High FI Podcast
Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Doug Cunnington and Carl Jensen talk about FI, lifestyle, side hustles, health, and anything on their minds. Plus, they interview experts and non-experts interested in the FI lifestyle. It's raw, candid, pretty much like you get to sit in on a private conversation.
Episodes
Mr. Money Mustache: FIRE Planning & Investing | MHFI 323
Doug and Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache) answer questions from the listener mailbag. They discuss costs of raising a large family on the path to FIRE, contrast the real-world math & culture of living in Canada vs the United States, map out high net worth investing strategies for seven-figure portfolios, and dive deep into the psychology of holding
Fast-Track to Freedom: Discovering FIRE Late, But Retired in 2 Years - Jennifer (Part 2) | MHFI 322
Doug continues his conversation with Jennifer about reaching Financial Independence and subsequently retiring in about two years while living in a high cost-of-living area. Jennifer shares the details of a car accident that served as a life-changing catalyst, her transition into early retirement, and specific technical strategies like utilizing a 72(t)
Fast-Track to Freedom: Discovering FIRE Late, But Retired in 2 Years - Jennifer (Part 1) | MHFI 321
Doug chats with Jennifer about reaching Financial Independence and subsequently retiring in about two years while living in a high cost-of-living area. She shares how she discovered FI while dealing with burnout from a big-tech/creative career. Jennifer also discusses accelerating her FI journey by overcoming lifestyle creep, tackling the “Big 3 expen
Video Games & Social Security - Mailbag with Mr. Money Mustache | MHFI 320
Doug and Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache) answer questions from the listener mailbag. They discuss the benefits & timing of claiming Social Security and address criticism of prior comments about video games. Pete also provides an update on recent lifestyle changes, including insight into his personal spending & annual expenses.
Do you like the
Working When It's Optional - Carla & Robert | MHFI 319
Doug chats with Carla & Robert about life after their 2019 sabbatical – including observations, lessons learned, and how they currently handle a “working when it’s optional” lifestyle. They discuss how to deal with boredom vs. the need to be productive, the importance of community, health/fitness motivation, the joys of discovering new hobbies, opp
Permission to Spend: From Frugality to Value-Based Purchases - Amberly Grant | MHFI 318
Doug chats with Amberly Grant (FinTalks) about how their views & mindsets around frugality have evolved and share recent spending decisions, especially around travel and “quality of life” purchases. They discuss the changing psychology of spending as income grows and the practical value of “removing negatives” from life.
Do you like the podcast and
Optimizing the Last Year of Work Before Retirement - Rusty (Part 2) | MHFI 317
Doug continues his conversation with Rusty about how to optimize the final year before (early) retirement. They discuss using debt responsibly, leveraging home equity & securities-backed lines of credit to maintain cash flow, navigating the complexities of post-retirement healthcare, and managing emotional & practical withdrawal strategies.
Do
Optimizing the Last Year of Work Before Retirement - Rusty (Part 1) | MHFI 316
Doug chats with Rusty about how to optimize the final year before (early) retirement, emphasizing the critical distinction between “one more year syndrome” vs. a calculated final year and how working a little longer can lower withdrawal rates & reduce sequence-of-returns worry. They compare quitting to being fired or laid off and highlight some pot
Drawdown Strategies & Spending in Early Retirement - Fritz Gilbert | MHFI 315
Doug and co-host Kristen Knapp chat with Fritz Gilbert (The Retirement Manifesto) at the EconoMe Conference about various drawdown strategies and spending in early retirement. Fritz describes how he personally implements a “bucket strategy” approach to withdrawing money by setting up a monthly “paycheck”, how decumulation differs from accumulation, and
Is the 4% Rule Bad Advice? - Mark Trautman | MHFI 314
Doug chats with Mark Trautman (Mark’s Money Mind) about the relevance of The 4% Rule in modern retirement planning. They explore whether it remains a solid “north star” for those in the accumulation phase or if it has become an outdated guideline that potentially hinders retirees from living their best lives. Mark also shares his personal transition f
A Story About My Mom
Support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, PanCan, for the PurpleStride.
Donate here
PurpleStride is an inspiring event for anyone who has been affected by pancreatic cancer. We are raising funds to ensure vital research continues and free resources are made available to all who need them.
We’ll be at the Dallas event (PurpleStride) DFW. If the this
Retirement Readiness & Car Ownership - Mailbag with Mark Trautman | MHFI 313
Doug and Mark Trautman (Mark’s Money Mind) answer questions from the listener mailbag. They discuss how to prepare for retirement, building social connections beyond work, psychological shifts of leaving a career, strategies for “manufacturing” a retirement paycheck, how to navigate the changing landscape of car ownership (buying vs. leasing), and the
Retired at 46! An Update on 2 Years of Early Retirement - Elizabeth | MHFI 312
Doug chats with his wife Elizabeth about her 2-year anniversary in early retirement. Elizabeth describes why she loves not working, challenges with balancing routine vs. flexibility, and how reduced stress has improved relationships and communication. Doug & Elizabeth also discuss budgeting with a financial advisor, differences in “fun fund” spend
Oversaving Debate & Retiring to Something... Or Not - Kristen Knapp - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 311
Doug and Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel) dive into a listener-submitted topic from Dell regarding the potential benefits of oversaving. Doug & Kristen discuss the pros & cons of oversaving, the necessity of having a plan for “retiring to something” after work, and explore the psychological shifts that occur when you no longer need a paycheck.
Best Part of Die with Zero + Support the Pod [bonus]
Please support the show if you like it! I play highlights about Die With Zero, specifically about Time Bucketing.
You can donate via Buy Me a Coffee. You get extra content and know that you’re making the show possible.
Mile High FI is listed as one of the TOP Podcast on Careers in Apple Podcasts!
Spotify is 28% of the audience, so that’s grown in 2025
Mr. Money Mustache Addresses Fears of Retiring Early | MHFI 310
Doug chats with Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache) about various fears that some people have about early retirement. They explore why some people may be reluctant to retire, despite being financially ready, and specifically how fear of boredom can hold people back. They discuss “One More Year Syndrome” and the irrational fear of running out of money des
Mr. Money Mustache's Issues With The FIRE Movement | MHFI 309
Doug chats with Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache) about evolving perspectives within the FIRE movement. Moving beyond external critiques, they dive into a confessional-style discussion about genuine problems within the community – from the pitfalls of ultra-frugality, over-saving, over-optimizing, and “One More Year Syndrome” to the identity crisis reti
Mr. Money Mustache Wonders... "Is the FIRE Movement Dead?" | MHFI 308
Doug chats with Pete Adeney, Mr. Money Mustache, about whether the FIRE Movement is dead, in response to a variety of online commentary claiming this statement as fact. Doug & Pete review and critique multiple perspectives, including notable names like Dave Ramsey and Morgan Housel while also addressing misconceptions, highlighting the value of Fin
Is Retirement Overrated? [rebroadcast] | MHFI 307
Doug chats with Carl about finding purpose in life. They discuss the benefits of preparing for retirement by building a rich life outside of work, taking sabbaticals, and conducting small experiments to explore new hobbies and interests. They also talk about the importance of community, the idea of redefining success, achieving flow state, and finding
Is The FIRE Community Completely Wrong About Financial Advisors? | MHFI 306
Doug and Producer Chris chat about a very controversial topic in the FIRE community – working with a financial advisor. They explore the reasons someone might or might not want to work with an advisor, discussing common pitfalls like high fees & hidden motivations, while emphasizing the benefits of getting an outside perspective & professional
Mr. Money Mustache Explores Pop Culture Through the Lens of FIRE | MHFI 305
Doug chats with Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache) and Rusty about prominent themes related to Financial Independence found in popular movies & TV shows. They delve into iconic films such as “The Matrix”, “Office Space”, and “Fight Club”, extracting key FIRE principles such as anti-consumerism, the quest for personal freedom, and breaking away from t
Food & Cooking!! | MHFI 304
Doug chats with Rusty about one of their mutual passions: food and cooking. They each explore their food “origin stories”, discussing childhood memories and the evolution of their culinary interests. They touch on how food plays a significant role in their lives and walk through various food-related topics including favorite recipes, cooking styles, a
Renovation vs. Rebuild - Carl is Building a New House | MHFI 303
Doug chats with Carl & Rusty about each of their adventures with housing projects and renovations. Carl details his current project of tearing down a “Frank Lloyd Wrong house” and building one from scratch while sharing insights into his motivations, costs, and specific financing strategies. Rusty shares his experience renovating two homes and the
A Slacker’s Guide to 12 Years of Early Retirement - Kevin Sebesta | MHFI 302
Doug chats with Kevin Sebesta, a self-proclaimed “high-achieving slacker”, about lessons learned from 12 years of early retirement. Kevin discusses the importance of building a supportive community, how living child-free influences lifestyle choices, the concept of a “Fun Bucket” for guilt-free spending, the balance between optimizing finances & en
The Search for Community & Identity in Early Retirement - Rebecca Herbst | MHFI 301
Doug chats with Rebecca Herbst about her post-FI life including challenges of finding community & the right place to live, experimenting with increased spending, the mental shift from a scarcity to an abundance mindset, and the complexities of personal identity after leaving a career. Rebecca also discusses her work with Yield and Spread, a nonprof
Unwinding Frugality and a Shift to Spending More - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 300
Doug chats with Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel) about the challenges of unwinding deep-seated frugal habits and learning to spend at the “right level” after achieving FI. Inspired by a recent blog post from the Mad Fientist, Doug & Kristen explore the nuances of maintaining a balance between saving & spending and discuss why many people strug
From $150K Failure to Financial Independence - Nik Johnson | MHFI 299
Doug chats with Nik Johnson (Everyday Money Heroes) about his journey to Financial Independence and retiring early. He discusses an early passion for personal finance, how he discovered FI during the pandemic, the value of being part of a community, and the importance of a supportive spouse. Nik describes his post-retirement life emphasizing a commitm
Living Better Through Philosophy & Ethics - Rusty | MHFI 298
Doug chats with Rusty about an intense neighborhood dispute involving prairie dog conservation, highlighting how ethical frameworks and philosophical approaches can guide community decisions. Doug shares his experience working through this issue while emphasizing the importance of patience, humor, and effective communication in resolving disputes. Rus
Perfect Day + Support the Pod [bonus]
Please support the show if you like it! I play a couple of highlights from Mad Fientist and Mr. Money Mustache after my pitch.
Mile High FI stats and a correction:
Spotify is 28% of the audience, so that’s grown in 2025 and higher than I said in this episode.
If you extrapolate the Spotify year end review data to the total downloads, here is what you ge
Finding Identity & Purpose In Semi-Retirement- Justin David Carl | MHFI 297
Doug chats with Justin David Carl (Fit Rich Life) about his journey from being deep in debt to achieving FI. Justin shares his experience leaving a high-earning sales job and the burnout he faced, followed by how he started the Fit Rich Life podcast & coaching and dealt with the psychological challenges of early retirement. He also shares some of
Mr. Money Mustache: Living a Good Life, Finding Identity & Purpose | MHFI 296
Doug chats with Pete Adeney, Mr. Money Mustache, about how to ensure a good life by tracking daily habits while comparing Cal Newport’s “The Good Life Algorithm” to Pete’s own Badassity-tracking system. They discuss the concept of shifting identities after retirement, emphasize the importance of finding purpose beyond traditional work roles, and the va
The Why of FI: Finding Purpose After Retiring Early - Chris Luger | MHFI 295
Doug chats with Chris Luger (Heavy Metal Money) about his path to retiring early at age 50. Chris shares his journey to financial literacy, changes he made since discovering FI, the impact of his career in tech, and experience investing in real estate. He also discusses the importance of finding purpose, how he’s balanced passions & activities af
Mr. Money Mustache Reveals Major HQ News | MHFI 294
Doug chats with Pete Adeney, Mr. Money Mustache, about exciting changes at the MMM Headquarters in Longmont, Colorado. Originally envisioned as a coworking space, the HQ is being rebranded to better reflect its true nature as a vibrant social club. Pete covers the origin story of the HQ, the decision to shift direction, opportunities for increased mem
Corporate Life to Self-Employment | MHFI 293
JT interviews Doug at FinCon 2025 in Portland about his entrepreneurial journey after leaving the corporate world, detailing his move into self-employment, affiliate marketing, and content creation. Doug discusses how he transitioned from management consulting to becoming a content creator, exploring his initial ventures, the creation of his keyword re
From $1.7M to $2.5M Net Worth, But Still Not Retiring - Steve | MHFI 292
Doug reconnects with Steve, a previous guest, for an update on the past few years of his financial journey, including a net worth increase from $1.7 million to $2.5 million. Despite his financial success, Steve grapples with balancing work, family, and personal identity, contemplating a future shift towards more meaningful, public service-oriented wor
Fitness Updates With Carl at FinCon | MHFI 291
Doug catches up with Carl at FinCon 2025 in Portland to talk about health & fitness updates. Carl shares his journey of losing weight, specifics of his workout regimen, dietary changes, and his brief use of microdosing Ozempic. Both of them discuss exercise habits, how they handle travel and exercise while on the road, and the occasional disruptio
18 Months to Freedom. Early Retirement With a $1.5M Nest Egg - Elliot | MHFI 290
Doug chats with Elliot Gross (9 to FI podcast) about his path to Financial Independence. He shares how he discovered FI at age 27 and details his journey from getting out of debt to strategically positioning himself to retire early in 18 months. Elliot also discusses his detailed approach to managing finances, the milestones he hit along the way, futu
Early Retirement After Big Law: World Travel & Self Discipline - Monica | MHFI 289
Doug chats with Monica Levi, a former lawyer who retired early at the age of 40. She shares her journey to FI, including her immigration to the US at 17, a battle with cancer, the transition from law to becoming a self-discipline coach, and her passion for travel. Monica also delves into how she manages her time, expenses, and the challenges of havin
From $240K in Debt to Early Retirement at Age 48 - Josh (Part 2) | MHFI 288
Doug continues his conversation with Josh Epley (9 to FI podcast) about life after early retirement. Josh discusses how he spends his time, the challenges & surprises of early retirement, and the importance of having hobbies & goals. He also shares his experiences with managing his workload, the benefits of being flexible, starting new activit
From $240K in Debt to Early Retirement at Age 48 - Josh (Part 1) | MHFI 287
Doug chats with Josh Epley (9 to FI podcast) about his journey from $240K in debt to early retirement. Josh discusses how he and his wife managed to turn their financial lives around including challenges they faced along the way and successful strategies they implemented such as real estate investing & rigorous budgeting. Josh also shares insights
On The Cusp Of Early Retirement: I Leave My W-2 In 4 Months | MHFI 286
Doug chats with Brad Finley who is on the cusp of early retirement. Brad discusses the decision to leave his W-2 job, steps he’s taking to prepare for the transition, the emotional journey that accompanies such a significant life change, and his plans to maintain a balanced & fulfilling lifestyle post-retirement. Brad also shares his transformativ
Backpacking, Beer, and Global Adventures after FI - Jackie & Jacob | MHFI 285
Doug chats with Jackie and Jacob, a couple who left their W2 jobs to pursue Financial Independence and extensive travel adventures. They discuss traveling in South America, living a minimalist lifestyle, navigating challenges of geo-arbitrage, and how they manage finances while optimizing for travel & embracing flexibility. They also share financi
Retire Often: Mastering the Art of Mini Retirements - Jillian Johnsrud | MHFI 284
Doug chats with Jillian Johnsrud about all-things mini retirement including preparation, challenges, and key insights. They explore how to test what retiring might look like through sabbaticals and mini retirements, touch on the importance of adapting to a new lifestyle, and address common issues that arise, such as maintaining productivity and managin
Mr. Money Mustache Defines Cheap vs. Frugal (Live CampFI) | MHFI 283
Doug chats with a variety of guests at CampFI Rocky Mountain Week 1.5 including Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel), and camp attendees Amanda, Tyler, & Roxanne. Pete & Kristen delve into the distinction between being cheap and frugal, sharing personal anecdotes and philosophies. The conversation shifts into ot
Mr. Money Mustache: Tesla, Health at 50, Passions & Projects [bonus] MHFI 282.5
Mr. Money Mustache joins me to answer YOUR questions. It’s part 2 so if you missed part 1, check it out from July 18, 2025. If you dig the show, see ways to support mile high FI since we’re ad-free.
Questions… [time stamps below]
What have you changed your mind on?
Is Pete still Snowbirding to Arizona in the winters down to cul-de-sac? And was that an e
Is $1.7M Enough To Retire? … It’s Not So Simple… [rebroadcast] | MHFI 282
Doug and Carl chat with listener Steve to review his plans for early retirement. Steve discloses his financial background, asset allocation, and current expenses, including a net worth of about 1.7 million dollars. The group addresses retirement projections along with potential risks of retiring in a down market and the importance of having a conting
Reflecting On 15 Months Of Early Retirement - Elizabeth | MHFI 281
Doug chats with his wife Elizabeth about her first year (and few months) of retirement while answering questions from the Facebook group. They also discuss a post from Instagram called “The 6 Luxuries of Life”.
Questions answered:
James C – How has the amount of time you spend managing your finances changed since retirement?
Michael H – How did you ge
Issues With "Die With Zero" & Small-Cap Value - Karsten Jeske (Big ERN) | MHFI 280
Doug chats with Karsten Jeske (aka Big ERN) about his journey to early retirement, living frugally yet enjoying luxuries like travel, and the balance between saving & spending effectively. Karsten provides his thoughts on the book “Die With Zero”, analyzing its advice on spending & saving in retirement, and highlighting potential issues within
You Should Spend More (Probably) - Frank Vasquez | MHFI 279
Doug chats with Frank Vasquez from the Risk Parity Radio Podcast about his extensive investing experience while offering insights into balancing life after achieving Financial Independence. Frank discusses the importance of intentional spending, significance of meaningful relationships, psychology behind saving and spending, how to diversify investment
Procrastination Podcast @ 10,000 ft (Mailbag) [rebroadcast] | MHFI 278
Doug and Carl answer mailbag questions in this Taylor Swift-infused episode from Leadville, CO.
Questions answered:
Does it ever get any easier to ride the market swings mentally?
How would you reallocate your investments if there were no tax implications?
What did Doug’s (and Carl’s) parents do right?
Do you wish you had taken a gap year or had a lit
Early Retirement Nightmare: Retiring Into a Bear Market | MHFI 277
Doug chats with David about his recent transition into retirement amidst a fluctuating stock market environment. David shares his decision to sell a significant portion of his portfolio near the market’s recent bottom, discussing the impact of market volatility on his investment decisions and the balance between seeking peace of mind and maximizing re
Mr. Money Mustache: Financial Strategies, Happiness, & Lifestyle Choices [bonus]
Mr. Money Mustache, Pete Adeney, and Doug discuss the nuances of early retirement, staying financially agile, and how small lifestyle adjustments can make a big impact. The conversation also explores personal growth, meaningful living, and the joy of communal activities.
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps suppo
Why are Timeshares Horrible? | MHFI 276
Doug chats with both his dad and Chris Rusin about timeshares and each of their experiences with them. They explore the aggressive sales tactics often used, financial pitfalls, hidden fees, the dubious resale market, harsh realities of escalating maintenance fees, and ultimately selling a timeshare. They also highlight tactics for surviving timeshare
Credit Card Points, Doug’s Cognitive Meltdown, Saying NO! [rebroadcast] | MHFI 275
Doug and Dusti Young chat about a potpourri of topics on this random episode:
Credit card points – which cards Doug & Dusti each have, hoarding points
Cognitive biases – loss aversion, sunk cost, maximization (optimizing) vs. satisficing
Having a hard time saying NO
Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 178
Do you like the podcast and want t
JL Collins & Jillian Johnsrud on FU Money & Mini-Retirements | MHFI 274
Doug chats with JL Collins and Jillian Johnsrud about the concept of mini-retirements and how they fit into the journey of Financial Independence. JL shares experiences of taking multiple mini-retirements throughout his career, the benefits of these breaks, and the importance of not letting money become your master. He also touches on the updated edit
Beyond the 4% Rule: Indiana Jones of FI (Update) - Chris Rusin | MHFI 273
Doug chats with Chris Rusin, “The Indiana Jones of FI”, about his journey after reaching FI, the transition from a corporate career to personal passion projects, and the challenges associated with leaving a professional identity behind. Chris shares his experiences in tackling a bucket list, the fear of failure, and his battle with cancer, which reshap
Mentally Prepare to Retire - Rusty | MHFI 272
Doug chats with Rusty about the mental and emotional aspects of committing to leaving traditional work, focusing on mindset and building an identity outside of professional life. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from being highly productive to a more relaxed lifestyle, the importance of taking all allotted vacation time, and asking for what
Delivering Identity - BONUS | MHFI 271.5
Doug chats with Producer Chris about the identity crisis that often accompanies early retirement and the practicality of meal planning vs. food delivery services. They discuss how careers often shape one’s identity and the challenges some people face when stepping away from their professional life. They also explore the convenience and impact of food de
What the Happiest Retirees Know - Joe Saul-Sehy | MHFI 271
Doug chats with Joe Saul-Sehy from The Stacking Benjamins Show about habits of the happiest retirees, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, purpose-driven retirement, and the perils of isolation. Joe shares insights from his own experiences and studies, highlighting the power of connection through group memberships, volunteering, and stay
Buy Borrow Die for FI and Mailbag Questions - Rusty | MHFI 270
Doug chats with Rusty about the intricacies of the ‘Buy, Borrow, Die’ strategy. They discuss the mechanics of how the strategy works, benefits, potential risks, and answer related questions from listeners Nate and Sophia. They also answer Alex’s question from the mailbag about claiming unemployment benefits ethically and navigating asset allocation du
Can Retiring Early Make You Less Happy? - Happy #3 | MHFI 269
Doug and Carl continue the happiness series with part 3 which is focused on cultivating a happiness mindset. They discuss various strategies to train the brain for maximum happiness, including the role of neural responses, the negative impact of constant busyness, the crucial importance of gratitude, and how voluntary struggles contribute to a fulfille
Is Retirement Overrated? - Happy #2 | MHFI 268
Doug and Carl continue the happiness series with part 2 which is focused on the concept of finding purpose in life. They discuss the benefits of preparing for retirement by building a rich life outside of work, taking sabbaticals, and conducting small experiments to explore new hobbies and interests. They also talk about the importance of community, t
Happiness Beyond Wealth. FIRE ≠ Happiness - Happy #1 | MHFI 267
Doug and Carl kick-off a multi-part series focused on happiness. They discuss various elements of happiness including definitions, why it’s important, genetic & activity-based components of happiness, routines, the impact of jobs, mindset, and happiness by subtraction. They also provide practical tips for fostering happiness, emphasizing that happ
Warren Buffett's Investing Checklist with Brian Feroldi | MHFI 266
Doug chats with Brian Feroldi about Warren Buffett’s famous investing principles. Brian discusses key Buffett investment criteria including understanding businesses, long-term prospects of a business, management integrity, financial metrics/health, and the importance of checklists. He also shares his personal investment experiences and lessons learned
Coast FI vs Fat FI With The Fioneers | MHFI 265
Doug chats with Jess and Corey from The Fioneers about their unique paths to Financial Independence, the Slow FI and Coast FI concepts, how their views on spending have evolved over the years, content creation, and balancing work with building a fulfilling life. The group provides thoughts and advice in response to a listener email about reaching Finan
Reading is Radical & We are Nerds | MHFI 264.5
JT and Doug talk about reading and books…
Win a ticket to CampFI Rocky Mountain – Week 1 Ticket (2025)
https://milehighfi.com/wincampfi
Support the Show (and get exclusive content!)
https://milehighfi.com/donate
Check out the Mile High FI Store…
https://milehighfi.com/store
Outro music is a bastardization of Cry, Moan, & Wail by Marc Ford. Super c
Savings, Laughter, and Life on the Journey to FI - David & Jill | MHFI 264
Doug chats with David & Jill at the EconoMe Conference about their pursuit of Financial Independence. David shares his background growing up with a scarcity mindset, the accidental path to FI, his recent mini-retirement, experience quitting alcohol, and a newfound passion for stand-up comedy. Jill discusses her middle-class upbringing, balancing
Irrational Money Fears, Discussing Work, & Early Retirement Routines | MHFI 263
Doug chats with Producer Chris about a variety of topics including irrational money fears, why people commonly talk about their work in social settings, and what their day-to-day lives look like in early retirement. They explore common financial anxieties such as the fear of running out of money and how past experiences shape these fears. They share str
Withdrawal Strategies in Early Retirement [rebroadcast] | MHFI 262
Doug and Carl chat about some questions that listener Austin submitted regarding early retirement and withdrawal strategies. They explore the nuances of early retirement, discussing happiness, daily life, and responsible financial drawdowns. They also address withdrawal strategies, including rental properties, index funds, automated transfers, tax op
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early - Mark Trautman | MHFI 261
Doug and Mark Trautman discuss a listener question regarding whether it’s better to pay off a low-interest mortgage (2.5%) or invest the money instead. They explore various strategies, including the psychological benefits of paying off a mortgage, the financial returns of investing, and a hybrid approach to manage risks. They also delve into the histo
Die With Zero (Non-Frugal) Spending - Mark Trautman | MHFI 260
Doug chats with Mark Trautman about non-frugal habits and some recent “fancy” spending that both of them have indulged in. They delve into the concept of easing away from frugality, the ‘fun bucket’ for guilt-free spending, and psychological tricks to spend more comfortably while also touching upon practical tips for managing money and making thoughtfu
Fly For Free 2 - Travel Hacking 201 - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 259
Doug and Kristen continue their conversation about travel hacking (picking up from MHFI 258), this time moving on to more advanced techniques & tips. They discuss credit card referral bonuses, maximizing redemptions, airline alliances, the intricacies of business credit cards, and the Chase 5/24 rule. Kristen also emphasizes the value of using too
Fly For Free - Travel Hacking 101 - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 258
Doug chats with Kristen Knapp about the world of travel hacking, beginning with the basic principles and strategies for earning and maximizing points & miles. Kristen shares her personal experience with travel hacking, highlights key rules and tips for getting started, offers practical advice on how to choose the right credit cards, the importance
Money & Happiness, Inflection Points, Frugal Habits BONUS | MHFI 257.5
This is a Bonus episode with producer Chris!
We talk about:
the correlation between happiness and income
key inflection points in their lives
their spending habits on toys and experiences
Doug also shares insights on Elizabeth’s retirement and its impact on their lives.
Happiness Study Links:
High income improves evaluation of life but not emotional w
An Introvert's Guide to EconoMe and Other Conferences | MHFI 257
Doug chats with JT about practical, actionable strategies for introverts attending conferences like EconoMe, Camp FI, and others. They cover topics such as social anxiety, taking breaks, participating in structured activities, and effectively interacting with content creators. They also share tips on the types of questions to ask to keep conversations
Happiness, Tipping Culture, Changing Careers - Chris & JT | MHFI 256
Doug chats with friends Chris & JT from a partially-disclosed location in Breckenridge about a potpourri of topics. The trio discusses happiness, dives into the controversial & confusing topic of tipping (with input from listener Kris), and provides their thoughts on high net-worth individuals (based on a correction pointed out by listener Bill
How Coast FI is Redefining Early Retirement for Families - Suzy | MHFI 255
Doug and guest host Kristen Knapp chat with Colorado native Suzy about her financial independence journey and world travel with her family, including extended periods of time living abroad. Suzy shares her journey toward Coast FI, early money mistakes, taking sabbaticals, and the importance of community. She elaborates on her family’s experience with
How to Enjoy Early Retirement BONUS | MHFI 254.5
Elizabeth retired 10 months ago. We talk about her system to make sure she’s doing things… I’m doing bonus episodes now!
Introvert Instagram Clip we mention
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list!
MHFI Facebook group
Help Doug publish more shows by supporting at Buy Me A Coffee.
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Flying & Travel Tips for 2025 - Lyn Mettler | MHFI 254
Doug chats with Lyn Mettler, travel rewards expert and founder of Families Fly Free/Families Travel Free. Lyn shares insights on how to maximize travel rewards, including practical tips on using programs like the Southwest Companion Pass and flexible travel cards. She also discusses upcoming changes in the airline industry, the importance of using poi
Why FU Money Is Not Enough & What Else You Need - Adam Coelho | MHFI 253
Doug chats with Adam Coelho, host of the Mindful FIRE podcast, about the limitations of FU money and how a big vision can change your life. Adam shares his journey of transitioning from Google to fully embracing entrepreneurship, the importance of having a clear vision, and how mindfulness & meditation have played a pivotal role in his life. He t
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