Mile High FI Podcast

Doug and Dusti answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Chris For Doug: I know this is a stereotypical interview question, but where do you see yourself in 5 years? With Elizabeth’s recent retirement and your continued involvement with the FI community, how do you see your life changing (or perhaps not) in the next handful of years? For Dusti: How is retirement going? Any updates or new observa...

Doug chats with Jesse Cramer from “The Best Interest” blog & podcast about retirement planning.  They discuss the impact of making overly conservative vs aggressive assumptions, exploring key factors such as investment returns, inflation, spending, tax rates, and social security.  Jesse highlights the importance of understanding personal risk tolerance, leveraging third-party advice, and conti...

Doug chats with Carl about his decision to leave the podcast to focus on wrapping up personal projects.  Carl shares struggles with balancing podcast duties, fitness goals, burnout, and family obligations.  He shares some regrets from his MHFI podcasting experience while also reflecting on his fondest memories.  Doug talks about the future of the podcast and brainstorms how it may look going forwa...

Join Doug and Carl as they embark on a road trip in Carl’s Tesla Model Y. In this episode, they discuss the state of their podcast, upcoming exciting series on happiness, and their plans for book writing. (Sorry about the audio! Doug sounds horrible, first time recording like this so I hope next time it’ll be better…) The duo shares their personal experiences, insights on podcast growth, and humor...

Doug and Carl answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Akshay – I like the concept of giving money away, but I don’t want to die with zero. This is too close for comfort. I agree with helping out kids with their education, as long as they have skin in the game. I also agree with the idea of not wanting to wait until the end to pass your wealth onto your kids. It’s very much aligned with our lif...

Doug and Carl chat about various aspects of consumerism including recent trends, rising costs, and the evolving culture of tipping.  They discuss the rising cost of vehicle prices & financing, increasing cost of car insurance, the future of autonomous cars, and compare fast food & grocery costs over the last decade.  They also delve into the confusing culture of tipping to debate proper et...

Doug and Carl chat with Dan Manwaring, a former medical device salesman, who transformed his life from being $60K in debt to retiring early and traveling the world.   Dan discusses his professional journey, his approach to financial independence, and his unique travel experiences along with fitness routines, eating habits, and the importance of enjoying simple daily routines for overall happiness....

Doug and Carl catch up to discuss their recent summer adventures.  They discuss Carl’s FI-centric road trip & his future travel plans, Doug’s experience with timeshares, fitness routines while traveling, and an update on Doug’s back injury.  And because this is a money podcast, they also touch on the current state of the stock market. Be sure to check out the new GhostBed Massage Topper .  Sav...

Doug and Carl answer a potpourri of audience questions at CampFI Rocky Mountain with help from Mark Trautman (Mark’s Money Mind), Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), Travis Hughes (Downshift Financial), and Mindy Jensen (BiggerPockets Money/Mindy on Money). On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy were you to see asparagus served in the cafeteria at CampFI? What was the most embarrassing moment on the way t...

Doug chats with early retirees Jolene & Darren about their path to financial independence and early retirement.  The couple shares their experience from 20-year careers in agronomy, high savings rates, and the impact of discovering the FIRE movement in 2018.  They discuss life changes including downsizing possessions, international travel, utilizing the 72T rule to access retirement funds earl...

Doug and Carl chat with Debbie and Chris Emick from the “Go Bucket Yourself” blog & podcast about their journey to financial independence.  Debbie & Chris discuss their core values, real estate, overcoming challenges & fear, cultivating a growth mindset, the significance of community building, and their adventurous lifestyle, including homeschooling and travel.  Note: This is a rebroad...

Doug and Carl answer questions from the Facebook mailbag and read recent podcast reviews. Kristian – I was recently discussing the subject of financial independence with a friend, she sits in the business and entrepreneurial camp, and she has a strong opinion, regarding “having a FI number” as she thinks it is limiting my mindset.  She often says that she feels like it’s working towards a minimum...

Doug and Carl discuss the challenges of retiring during a market downturn.  They delve into the significance of Sequence of Returns Risk & inflation then propose strategies for financial management during recessions, such as cutting expenses, maintaining cash reserves, adjusting withdrawals, part-time work, and re-evaluating investments.  Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 133 Be sure...

Doug chats with two recent retirees, his wife Elizabeth & friend Dusti.  They share vital tips and lessons they’ve learned, including financial planning, healthcare considerations, and the importance of flexibility and community in retirement.  The group also discusses real-life strategies like writing things down, engaging in fulfilling activities, and easing into new routines. Be sure to che...

Doug chats with two recent retirees, his wife Elizabeth & friend Dusti.  The group discusses the transition to retirement, sharing insights on dealing with stress, maintaining productivity, and discovering new interests.  Elizabeth & Dusti also answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Jamie – Have you decompressed yet from baseline stress?  Others have said you don’t realize how stresse...

Doug and Amberly discuss the ins & outs of when to consider using a financial advisor.  They explore the pros & cons of working with advisors, fee structures, the importance of fiduciary responsibility, how to avoid bad financial advice, and complexities of DIY financial management.  They share personal stories and experiences to illustrate the discussion, including Doug’s past mistakes wi...

Doug and Carl answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Branden – Basically Coast FI, but can’t pass up the tax advantages of a 401k and a Roth IRA even though focusing on a taxable brokerage account would provide freedom sooner.  How did you prioritize which accounts to use and when? Julie – Do you favor long-term care insurance? Matt – How to approach the dating scene? Andrea – What advice do...

Doug and Carl chat with Allison, delving into her unique journey as a nanny for high net worth families and some insights & takeaways from those with wealth.  Allison also discusses her path toward financial independence including frugal areas of her life, giving into the (lifestyle) creep, and finally attending an in-person FI event for the first time after being in the community virtually fo...

Doug and Carl chat with Vivi Ton who shares her bold decision to leave a stable career as an aerospace engineer to pursue her true passion in graphic design.  Vivi discusses entrepreneurship & her work with Personal Finance Club, her experiences with mental health & therapy, navigating the societal pressures of leaving a high-paying job, and offers insight into the importance of finding wo...

Doug and Carl catch up briefly on a potpourri of personal topics including challenges of managing time, updates with the lazy book, fitness updates, and upcoming summer plans.  They also discuss changes in Google search, the impact of AI on search results, and the current state of SEO. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI ) Feel bad...

Doug and Carl chat with Air Force veteran & physician B.J., who shares his journey toward Financial Independence and life beyond material success.  B.J. discusses how military benefits like pensions & healthcare can pave the way to financial success, the personal growth he experienced after achieving FI, and the pursuit of deeper happiness beyond owning dream items such as a Lamborghini. ...

Doug and Amberly explore the intriguing reasons why many millionaires consider themselves middle class.  They discuss the technical definitions of financial classes vs. the challenging societal definitions of these same classes, how both of these relate to their own views, and the psychology of wealth & self-perception among financially successful individuals. Save 50% site-wide on your new ma...

Doug and Carl work through a case study from listener Frank and also answer questions from the Facebook mailbag. Frank – Has a stressful, yet well paying job.  Should he stay at his current job, which he doesn’t like so much, or move on to something else that he’s been contemplating for a while? Rich What does a typical daily meal and snack look like?  If you had to change it up, what would you do...

Mindy and Carl catch up with long-time friend Brandon, the Mad Fientist, to discuss the balance between spending, saving, and maintaining happiness.  Brandon details his journey from extreme frugality to spending experiments to purposeful spending/spending for happiness.  He also discusses the indispensable role of personal development, the importance of experiences over possessions, and the influ...

Doug and Carl chat with financial educator, investing enthusiast, and author Brian Feroldi.  Brian delves into early investment mishaps, his investing philosophy (focusing on high-quality, long-term businesses), the significance of understanding the stock market & personal finance, and where to find new investing ideas.  The group also discusses Warren Buffett & the role of dividend invest...