Published by Doug Cunnington, Mr. Money Mustache, & Carl Jensen
Business
Careers
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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.
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 show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Carl Jensen/1500 Days to Freedom Email Rusty: rustyfromco@gmail.com A.J. Jacobs EconoMe Conference Big Think, “Give pee a chance: Why German men urinate sitting down” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 3:30 An outsourcing mindset 9:01 House cleaning 18:20 Yard work 26:20 ROI & money mindset 34:38 Home construction 42:36 Home maintenance 49:26 Cooking, grocery shopping, & kids 58:14 Financial advice 1:07:44 Car maintenance 1:11:44 Haircuts 1:17:47 Soundcheck – Peeing
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 setting firm boundaries. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Email Rusty: rustyfromco@gmail.com MHFI episode 316, “Optimizing the Last Year of Work Before Retirement – Rusty (Part 1)” MHFI episode 317, “Optimizing the Last Year of Work Before Retirement – Rusty (Part 2)” Carla on MHFI episode 319 Chris Hutchins, “All the Hacks” podcast J. Kenji López-Alt, “When Should I Salt my Eggs? | Ask Kenji” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 3:46 Brian’s email: Doing less at work? 11:20 Appearing busy 17:54 Guilt vs. productivity 26:36 The delegation strategy 34:09 Solving big problems & work identity 40:23 Taking advantage of work-related travel 48:06 Vacation & sick day rights 55:40 Optimization & work ethic vs. intentionality 1:02:12 Office wellness hacks 1:09:22 Soundcheck – Muffins & pizza
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@milehighfi.com 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:03 Too Much Freedom 04:19 Childhood Independence 08:13 Routines and Productivity 10:17 Long Term Care Fears 11:47 Prevention and Self Insurance 15:48 Worry Math and Dementia 18:02 Charity and Volunteering 20:29 Effective Giving Mindset 22:18 Community Updates and Support 24:51 Outro and Disclaimers
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 never working again, and how he evaluated a new opportunity at a startup while emphasizing optionality, boundaries, and success criteria to avoid repeating burnout. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links JT on MHFI episode 110 JT on MHFI episode 264.5 MHFI episode 316, “Optimizing the Last Year of Work Before Retirement – Rusty (Part 1)” MHFI episode 317, “Optimizing the Last Year of Work Before Retirement – Rusty (Part 2)” The FI Collective Jordan Grumet, “The Purpose Code” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Ramit Sethi, “I Will Teach You to Be Rich: The Journal” Kindle Paperback MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:02 Quitting 9:44 Reflections on burnout 15:45 Act...
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 time (via Toastmasters, improv classes, coaching, & involvement with TEDx Omaha) to launching his own conference called “The 1% Better Conference”. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Spark Financial Wellness The 1% Better Conference TEDxOmaha Toastmasters MilMoneyCon MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 1:19 Finding FI 6:35 Debt payoff & identifying blind spots 11:52 Building communication skills 18:28 Improv 22:52 Launching a conference 28:03 Keeping it intimate & coordinating speakers 32:35 Future conference plans 37:45 Retirement planning & community 44:18 Soundcheck – Summer plans
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 finish line to FI. Rox also shares her passion for creative outlets outside the numbers in areas like stand-up comedy and daily art journaling. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Connect with Rox FinanceRox website Instagram YouTube Connect with Dusti Instagram Email: ficollectivelongmont@gmail.com The FI Collective CampFI CampFI, “RETIRE EARLY A.F.! (and funny)” F.I.ne Art Collective Sign up (w/ JD Roth) JD Roth MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 1:39 Full-FI & moving to Longmont 9:01 Entrepreneurship insights 13:43 Changing expenses & working after FI 18:15 Retirement reality check 24:50 Spending & money min...
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 good relationships are the strongest predictor of a healthy, long, happy life. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Connect with Kristen: Email: kristen@fifriendstravel.com FI Friends Travel MHFI, “Happiness Beyond Wealth. FIRE ≠ Happiness – Happy #1” MHFI, “Is Retirement Overrated? – Happy #2” MHFI, “Can Retiring Early Make You Less Happy? – Happy #3” Plain English Podcast Plain English Podcast, “Happiness in America” Plain English Podcast, “The Healthiest ‘Super-Agers’ Have One Thing in Common” Harvard Study of Adult Development Alzheimer’s Association, “The first 25 years of the Northwestern University SuperAging Program” Nicholas Epley, “Mistakenly Seeking Solitude” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t...
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 confidence through community. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links EconoMe Conference Carla & Robert on MHFI episode 319 Jillian Johnsrud Harvest Hosts James & Rachel fitness challenge MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 0:51 Downsizing, decluttering, minimalism 7:37 Careers & discovering FIRE 15:48 Money backgrounds & frugality 23:13 Risk tolerance & investing roles 28:19 FI goals & continuing to work 34:15 FI community quirks 43:51 14er quest & altitude sickness 50:57 Testing the RV lifestyle & reality check 1:00:15 RV expenses 1:08:54 Wildfire escape 1:15:52 Upcoming adventures 1:20:22 Soundcheck – Fitness
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.
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 backyard pizza and morning espresso. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Peter Reinhart, “American Pie: My Search for the Perfect Pizza” Kindle Hardcover Peter Reinhart, “Perfect Pan Pizza” Kindle Hardcover Spiral-Bound Peter Reinhart, “Pizza Quest: My Never-Ending Search for the Perfect Pizza” Kindle Paperback Boyer’s coffee “Omnibus” podcast MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 0:51 Professional Scientist 6:58 Travel rewards 15:47 Iceland eclipse planning 24:46 Budgeting & household finances 31:33 Longmont pizza crawl 36:08 Pizza stone vs. pizza steel 43:43 Kamado grilling 53:19 Avid coffee enthusiast 1:00:49 Roasting beans & dialing-in espresso shots 1:11:27 Soundcheck – Reading
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 cash. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache The FI Collective Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Mark Trautman/Mark’s Money Mind Mr. Money Mustache, “My Unexpected Journey to Hormone Replacement (TRT)” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:37 Question – FIRE planning with kids 9:17 Front-loading savings & investing 13:05 Question – Thoughts on Canada 18:45 Question – Pre-tax vs. post-tax investing 25:54 Question – Cash bucket 29:58 Fear vs. logic 34:27 Question – Testosterone Replacement Therapy 37:33 Question – Heating a hot tub 44:05 Soundcheck – Summer trips
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) that allowed her to accelerate her timeline. Jennifer also shares specific FI-related resources that helped with her journey. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Jennifer’s substack, FI Slow Mornings Aubrey Williams JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Shannah Game, “Unraveling Your Relationship with Money” Kindle Hardcover Audiobook Audio CD Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, “The 30-Day Money Cleanse” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Jill Sirianni & Jen Smith, “Buy What You Love Without Going Broke” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t eve...
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 expenses” (housing, transportation, food), paying off a car aggressively, cooking at home, cutting discretionary spending, and addressing credit card debt. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Jennifer’s substack, FI Slow Mornings ChooseFI local groups Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Crew checking JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:23 Discovering FI & recognizing burnout 9:15 Evolving views on travel 16:31 Tackling the Big 3 (expenses) 21:31 Tracking expenses 25:53 Spending 30:44 Navigating finances as a couple 35:41 Soundcheck – Food
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 podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache The FI Collective Mr. Money Mustache, “The Ultimate Life Coach” Mr. Money Mustache, “The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Social Security” Best Interest blog, “When the ‘Shockingly Simple Math’ is…Shockingly Wrong” Jesse Cramer on MHFI episode 236 MMM on Tim Ferriss (2017) Mr. Money Mustache, “Retired Man Tries to Spend More Money, Mostly Fails” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:56 Question – MMM lifestyle changes 8:54 Question – Video games 15:52 Question – Social Security 21:54 Claiming benefits vs. taxes & tradeoffs 29:42 Question – MMM annual expenses 35:37 The FI Collective 38:55 Soundcheck – Humidity
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, opportunity costs of continued work, and how to use sabbaticals as a test run for early retirement. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Pennies and Popcorn YouTube Carla & Robert on MHFI episode 012 Kevin Sebesta on MHFI episode 302 Rebecca Herbst on MHFI episode 301 James & Rachel fitness challenge MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 4:02 Taking a sabbatical 12:47 Observations from not working 18:22 Battling boredom 22:57 The need to be productive 27:36 Lean FI & spending 32:34 Opportunity costs of working 37:49 The value of sabbaticals 43:45 Fitness & health routines 48:05 Fitness challenge 58:40 Spending with intention 1:05:47 Soundcheck – Pennies and Popcorn
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 want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Amberly Grant EconoMe Conference Nuuly (subscription clothing rental) Rusty on MHFI episode 317 EconoMe Conference, “Carl Jensen: FI-Landia Is A Lie. What I Learned on My Journey to FIRE” CampFI EconoMe Conference, “James Lowery: How to Become a Lazy Landlord” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 1:13 Frugal roots & changing perspectives 7:06 Evolving spending habits 14:41 Delayed gratification purchases 20:12 Renting clothes & subscriptions 27:42 Fitness gear & gym memberships 36:11 Irrationality & sunk cost 41:02 Finally buying a new couch 50:00 Recent value purchases 55:55 Travel & subscription audit 1:00:03 FinTalks 1:04:24 Soundcheck – EconoMe presentation 1:11:23 Preparation for giving a speech 1:16:59 Observations & tips
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 you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Email Rusty: rustyfromco@gmail.com Rusty on MHFI episode 270 Fit Rich Life episode 99 Elizabeth on MHFI episode 312 Fritz Gilbert on MFHI episode 315 Kevin Sebesta on MHFI episode 302 Mark Trautman on MHFI episode 313 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:32 Mortgages, refinancing, HELOCs 9:18 Securities-backed line of credit 18:38 Healthcare after leaving work 24:23 ACA subsidy cliff 32:05 Withdrawal stress & strategies 40:03 Bucket strategy & a retirement paycheck 48:08 Donating to charity 55:06 Funding a 529 & legacy giving 1:02:45 Soundcheck – Beer
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 potential benefits such as severance, possible unemployment, and employer healthcare continuation. Rusty also shares some personal negotiation tactics when leaving a job. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Email Rusty: rustyfromco@gmail.com EconoMe Conference Sarah Jaffe, “Work Won’t Love You Back” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook “Harlan County, U.S.A.” Movie Rusty on MHFI episode 304 MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:37 Working one more year 9:19 Stock market risk & flexibility 15:13 Quiet Quitting playbook 23:28 Quitting vs. getting fired or laid off 30:41 Real-world cautionary tales 35:38 Tips for quitting & identity issues 43:02 New baby update! 51:51 Tales of a jacked math major 59:52 Soundcheck – Food
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 explains sequence-of-returns, inflation, & longevity risks. The group also discusses annual financial reviews, dynamic spending guardrails, viability of DIY investors, and intentional living. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links The Retirement Manifesto Blog “Our Retirement Investment Drawdown Strategy” “Revisiting Our Drawdown Strategy After 3 Years of Retirement” “Do You Really Need a Trust? And Other Estate Planning Questions Retirees Ask Most” “How To Build A Bond Ladder” Freedom for Fido Website Facebook Fritz Gilbert, “Keys to a Successful Retirement” Kindle Paperback Spiral-bound FI Friends Travel Big ERN/Early Retirement Now MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To...
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 from a high-saver to a strategic retiree focused on decumulation & creating memory dividends. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Mark Trautman/Mark’s Money Mind David Chilton, “The Wealthy Barber” Paperback William Bengen, “A Richer Retirement” Kindle Hardcover Audiobook Audio CD Retirement and IRA Show Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Big ERN on MHFI episode 280 Aubrey Williams, “Everyone Adjusts! Use Historical Analysis Risk-Based Guardrails to Reach FI Sooner!” ProjectionLab MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **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. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
