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
Why a 6.25% Withdrawal Rate *might* Be Smart | MHFI 343
A listener asks about stepping back from work and how a 6.25% withdrawal rate might impact his family's lives. Rusty joins me to discuss the lifestyle implications, how a 6.25% withdrawal rate, and 50% success rate might be a really good move. It's not financial, legal, or tax advice...it's just our thoughts.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Welcome(00:01:07) - A
Mr. Money Mustache: What is Enough for Early Retirement? | MHFI 342
Doug and MMM answer a voicemail. A listener wants to know "what is enough?" He's 41, net worth of about $3.2M, paid off house, $1.75 million in retirement accounts, $200K in cash, and $750K in stocks in a brokerage account. Expenses are around $60,000 per year.
Chapters
(00:00:13) - Disclaimer and Episode Setup(00:01:46) - What Is Enough?(00:06:11) - R
Productivity is a Problem | MHFI 341
Laziness has a branding problem. Justin Peters and Doug talk about idleness, anti-productivity, and intentionally doing less stuff.
FI Minded – Financial Independence Without the Extremes
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Mr. Money Mustache & The Simple Path to Wealth Foreword | MHFI 340
Mr. Money Mustache and I worked on something cool!
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**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim
Balancing Life with Climbing the Corporate Ladder | MHFI 339
Rusty and I talk about whether listener, April, should consider a higher paying role as a manager or stay as an individual contributor. This topic was inspired by our episode on quiet quitting.
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertai
From Paychecks to Purpose - Career, Identity, & Purpose | MHFI 338
Doug chats with Blue (From Paychecks to Purpose podcast) about the intersections of money, career, personal identity, and living a good life. They discuss early money memories & childhood influences, transitioning out of corporate roles, entrepreneurship, avoiding the trap of tying self-worth to a job title, embracing leisure & anti-productivit
Un-Retiring After Two Years | MHFI 337
Doug and Rox Duckels (FinanceRox) chat with Dusti Young about her two-and-a-half-year journey in retirement. They dive into what happens when life throws unexpected financial & personal curveballs after leaving the traditional workforce – from rental property disasters and un-retiring to the fear of pressing the “sell” button on investments. Dusti
Our Financial Mistakes on the Path to FIRE | MHFI 336
Doug chats with Bill Yount (Catching Up to FI) about the reality of pursuing FIRE: nobody does it perfectly. They discuss mistakes each of them made before and after their “financial wake-up calls,” including lack of money education, lifestyle inflation, bad insurance policies, debt, real estate blunders, predatory advisors, and the struggle to shift f
Mr. Money Mustache Goes to Camp (Live CampFI) | MHFI 335
Doug, Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), and Rox Duckels (FinanceRox) answer audience questions live at CampFI Rocky Mountain. The trio tackles topics such as financial strategies for younger generations, attracting younger audiences to FIRE, the most valuable self-investments, the real value of factoring Social Security into a FIRE plan, smooth transit
Mr. Money Mustache: Preparing for WifeFI | MHFI 334.5
Mr. Money Mustache & I answer a listener question about how a family can best transition to Wife FI! You can get your question on the show by recording a voice memo and emailing me.
Get priority by supporting the show via Buy Me a Coffee. It’s listener supported with no ads.
Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
I put tog
Identifying & Overcoming Cognitive Biases in the FIRE Community (Live CampFI) | MHFI 334
Doug reunites with Carl at CampFI to chat about cognitive biases in the FIRE community – psychological shortcuts and blind spots that influence financial decisions, spending habits, and mindsets. The pair are joined by Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel) & Amberly Grant (FinTalks) to explore how our brains can get in the way of building a fulfilling
Asset Driven Lifestyle Creep
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?
Referenced Mad Fientist: Decade of Freedom
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much
Second Thoughts About FIRE - Things We Changed Our Minds About | MHFI 333
Doug chats with Amberly Grant (FinTalks) about how their views have evolved after years in the FI community. They challenge classic FIRE movement dogmas, revisit old thoughts about savings rates & retirement planning, discuss shifting FI numbers & goals due to changing life circumstances, and reframe lifestyle creep as a positive when it funds
We Failed at Early Retirement, But We're Trying it Again | MHFI 332
Doug chats with Natalie & Bill about reaching Financial Independence, attempting early retirement, and how a lack of post-work identity & structured hobbies led them both back to the workforce. They discuss what they learned along the way and how returning to work confirmed that they’re now financially & mentally ready to stop for good.
Do
Buy Back Your Time & Pay for Convenience | MHFI 331
Doug chats with Carl & Rusty about a classic debate in the FI community – DIY vs. outsourcing. They discuss situations when outsourcing makes sense, emphasizing intentionality, buying back time, overcoming psychological hurdles of hiring help, and avoiding letting outside forces rewrite core values.
Do you like the podcast and want to support the s
How to Stop Working and Start Living - Rusty | MHFI 330
Doug chats with Rusty about the concept of “quiet quitting”, spurred by an email from listener “Brian”. They discuss the psychological shifts needed to step back from overachieving, provide strategies for reclaiming personal time & prioritizing health, and share tips on leadership, strategic delegation, prioritizing high-value problem solving, and
Mr. Money Mustache on Too Much Freedom in Early Retirement [Q&A Bonus] | MHFI 329.5
Mr. Money Mustache & I answer your questions! You can get your question on the show by recording a voice memo and emailing me.
Get priority by supporting the show via Buy Me a Coffee. It’s listener supported with no ads.
Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Mr. Money Mustache Episode Guide & Index
Email the show: doug
Exercising Optionality With FIRE: Quitting Work... Then Going Back - JT | MHFI 329
Doug chats with JT about quitting his tech job due to burnout, taking time off to spend with family & decompress, but ultimately deciding to return to work. JT discusses his sudden decision to give an eight-day notice, the psychological transition of being “unemployed” vs. “retired”, why the FI community can sometimes be too prescriptive about neve
Pursuing Passion Projects In Early Retirement - David Gillis | MHFI 328
Doug chats with David Gillis about finding meaningful projects after retiring and how identity can be tied to corporate roles. David shares his financial journey from paying off consumer debt to finding FI and eventually testing “semi-retirement”. He also discusses his beginnings as “the quiet kid on the bus”, improving his communication skills over t
Reaching Coast FI, then FULL Financial Independence | MHFI 327
Doug and Dusti chat with Rox (from FinanceRox) about celebrating a massive milestone – officially hitting her full-FI number! Rox shares her story as a former financial analyst who first achieved Coast FI in 2020, navigated life changes such as a divorce and a period of digital nomading, then recently moved to Longmont & ultimately crossed the fini
Community & Connections - Happy #4 - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 326
Doug continues the happiness series with part 4 featuring special guest Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel). Doug & Kristen dive into the groundbreaking science of longevity, memory, and community – from an 80-year Harvard study to Chicago commuter trains, the data proves that relationships act as emotional shock absorbers. They also discuss how go
Living the RV Life While Financially Independent - Kristen & Pete | MHFI 325
Doug chats with Kristen & Pete about their FI journey, full-time RV living, and both of their work situations. They dive into the realities of balancing a mixed-retirement relationship, overcoming decision fatigue while minimizing, navigating cross-country travel costs, balancing different risk tolerances & spending styles, and building true co
Ask Questions & Asparagus Origin Story... [bonus]
We need your questions. So ask questions, plus you get the first mention of asparagus on MHFI. It was episode 9. It’s ridiculous.
Record a voice memo. Send to doug@milehighfi.com.
You can send your text based question as well. Please let me know if you’re a Buy Me a Coffee Supporter.Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the links
Finance & Food: Iceland Adventures & Pizza Passion - Sam | MHFI 324
Doug chats with his brother-in-law Sam about a variety of topics focusing on travel, food, and money. Sam discusses travel hacking using credit card rewards, budgeting for trips using a family “fun/frivolous” fund, and an upcoming trip to Iceland. The pair also deep-dive into food & cooking to explore the meticulous art of dialing-in the perfect b
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
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