FI Minded: Bridging Pre FI Discipline and Post FI Freedom in Financial Independence

Financial independence doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing leap — it’s a spectrum, and you can start practicing freedom now. In this episode, I continue the conversation with Jess from The Fioneers, exploring “tiny quits” — low-risk experiments you can take to reclaim time, protect your energy, and build confidence without derailing your FI plan.We discuss practical ways to negotiate your work, control your calendar, and even step back from the chase for maximum income, all in service of a more balanced, intentional path toward FI.If you’ve been feeling the pressure of burnout or stuck waiting until some future number to enjoy freedom, this conversation is full of actionable strategies to start practicing it today.Key Takeaways:Tiny quits help reclaim time and energy without quitting your jobHow to negotiate responsibilities, meetings, or schedule to reduce burnoutWays to control your workload and say no guilt-freeQuitting the chase for maximum income can increase freedom and peacePractical steps to take back your calendar and protect focusOther Episodes You’ll Love:The Hardest Skill in FI: Knowing When to Stop | E190 Joel LarsgaardHow to Create a 3-Day Workweek (Before You Reach FI) | E187 Andy HillMini-Retirements: Retire Often, Not Just Early | E177 Jillian JohnsrudGuest Summary:Jess is the co-founder of The Fioneers, a platform dedicated to helping people pursue financial independence while building a life they enjoy along the way. Through their writing, courses, and YouTube channel, Jess and her partner Corey help people explore ideas like SlowFI, intentional living, and designing a flexible lifestyle before reaching full financial independence.The Fioneers WebsiteConnect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

For many people pursuing financial independence, discovering compounding interest is the moment everything clicks.You start earning more, saving aggressively, and letting your investments grow. The math works, the plan is clear, and the finish line feels achievable.But wealth isn’t the only thing that compounds. Burnout does too.And if you ignore it long enough, it eventually catches up to you.In this episode, I speak with Jess from The Fioneers to talk about the hidden cost of pushing too hard on the path to FI. Jess shares her experience hitting a wall before stepping away from work, the warning signs she ignored, and what she learned from slowing down.Together, they explore why many high achievers in the FI community overestimate the financial risks of slowing down while underestimating the emotional cost of waiting too long.You’ll also hear why the SlowFI philosophy resonates with so many people pursuing financial independence, and how it can help you design a life that balances progress toward FI with enjoying your time today.If you’ve been pushing hard toward your FI number but feeling the weight of burnout creeping in, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how to recalibrate before you’re forced to.Key Takeaways:Burnout compounds just like investments if you ignore it long enoughMany FI pursuers overestimate the risks of slowing downWaiting for full FI can come with hidden emotional costsSlowFI focuses on changing your relationship with progressSmall adjustments can relieve burnout without derailing your FI planOther Episodes You’ll Love:The Hardest Skill in FI: Knowing When to Stop | E190 Joel LarsgaardHow to Create a 3-Day Workweek (Before You Reach FI) | E187 Andy Hill3 Hidden Traps That Make FIRE Feel Empty | E182 Jordan GrumetGuest Summary:Jess is the co-founder of The Fioneers, a platform dedicated to helping people pursue financial independence while building a life they enjoy along the way. Through their writing, courses, and YouTube channel, Jess and her partner Corey help people explore ideas like SlowFI, intentional living, and designing a flexible lifestyle before reaching full financial independence.The Fioneers WebsiteConnect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

As I got closer to financial independence, I realized something strange: I had more financial freedom than ever, but I still wasn’t using my time any differently.It forced me to ask a bigger question: if the goal of FI is freedom with your time, why was I still waiting to start living that way?In this solo episode, I share why Fridays might be the best place to begin practicing financial independence before you reach your FI number. After years of working full-time while also running my business, I started experimenting with taking Fridays off, and eventually Mondays too, and discovered that freedom is something you can practice in small doses.You’ll learn why Fridays are the perfect low-risk “tiny quit,” how reclaiming just one day can help you escape the weekend crunch, and why experimenting with flexibility now can build confidence in your FI plan long before you hit your number.Key Takeaways:Why financial independence is a skill, not just a numberHow taking Fridays off can help you practice freedom before reaching FIWhy Fridays are the lowest-risk day to experiment with flexibility at workHow reclaiming your time can prevent burnout and create more life balanceSimple ways to ask your employer for Fridays off or more flexibilityWhy small “tiny quits” can help you build confidence and design your ideal lifeOther Episodes You’ll Love:The Hardest Skill in FI: Knowing When to Stop | E190 Joel LarsgaardHow to Create a 3-Day Workweek (Before You Reach FI) | E187 Andy HillWhat’s on Your FI Bucket List? | E186Connect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

For years, I assumed Roth contributions were the smarter move. Pay the taxes now, enjoy tax-free growth later, and never worry about future tax hikes. It felt simple and responsible. But during my highest-earning years, that mindset was quietly slowing down my progress toward financial independence.Financial planner and tax expert Cody Garrett explains why Traditional contributions often outperform Roth for people pursuing FI. The key insight: during retirement, it’s not your income that drives taxes, it’s your spending. That shift changes everything about how tax planning should work for early retirees and those working toward financial independence.In this conversation, we break down the three major reasons Traditional contributions often win, why retirees benefit from a surprisingly friendly tax code, and how locking yourself into Roth contributions too early can limit your future flexibility. You’ll also learn how strategic tax planning can help you reach your FI number faster and create more options once you stop working.Key Takeaways:Lower today’s tax bill during peak earning yearsOptimize tax brackets and avoid costly phase-outsRetirement taxes depend on spending, not incomePreserve flexibility to convert to Roth laterAvoid overpaying taxes during high-income yearsUse Traditional savings to accelerate your FI timelineTake advantage of the retiree-friendly tax codeOther Episodes You’ll Love:50/30/20 Budget: Does This Popular Guideline Actually Work for FI Seekers? | E1843 Hidden Traps That Make FIRE Feel Empty | E182 Jordan GrumetOptimal Tax Strategies for Your Early Retirement | E180 Cody Garrett & Sean MullaneyGuest Summary:Cody Garrett is a financial planner, tax specialist, and the founder of Measure Twice Financial. A former professional musician turned financial advisor, Cody specializes in tax planning strategies for people pursuing financial independence and early retirement. His work focuses on helping high earners optimize tax strategies during their working years while creating flexible withdrawal strategies for retirement.Book: Tax Planning To and Through Early RetirementWebsiteConnect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

The FI community is incredibly good at effort, optimization, and doing hard things for a long time. But somewhere along the way, many of us forget how to stop. Even after gaining more control over our time, we fill it back up with projects, commitments, and expectations, leaving us busy, tired, and quietly stretched thin.Joel Larsgaard shares what it looked like to recognize that “doing it all” was no longer sustainable, even when the work was meaningful. After front-loading years of effort through saving, investing, and building How to Money, Joel began intentionally pulling back: working fewer hours, prioritizing family and health, and even taking a six-week sabbatical. This conversation explores why doing less isn’t laziness, but a necessary evolution after years of striving.You’ll hear how financial independence can be used as a tool for time, not just wealth, along with practical ways to say no, resist constant expansion, and create space without losing ambition. If you’ve reached a point where more effort isn’t improving your life the way it used to, this episode offers a healthier path forward - one built on balance, presence, and intentional choices.Key Takeaways:Doing more eventually stops improving your quality of lifeFinancial independence is a tool to reclaim time, not fill itBurnout can exist even when work is meaningfulSaying no protects energy for what matters mostOver-committing quietly erodes family and personal timeSmall boundaries can create disproportionate freedomDoing less doesn’t kill ambition—it refines itSuccess should feel sustainable, not exhaustingOther Episodes You’ll Love:4 Rules That Will Help You Spend Money Without Stress & Regret | E188How to Create a 3-Day Workweek (Before You Reach FI) | E187 Andy Hill3 Hidden Traps That Make FIRE Feel Empty | E182 Jordan GrumetGuest Summary:Joel Larsgaard is the co-host of How to Money, one of the most popular personal finance podcasts, where he helps listeners build wealth while living well. Through his own FI journey, Joel has shifted from relentless optimization toward a more intentional, balanced life—focusing on family, health, and long-term sustainability without abandoning ambition.Connect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Most people enter marriage with optimism and good intentions, but very few understand what actually causes relationships to fall apart over time. After spending 15 years inside divorce courtrooms and watching more than a thousand marriages unravel, today’s guest reached a blunt conclusion that challenges everything we’re taught about marriage and money.Aaron Thomas, divorce lawyer, Harvard Law graduate, and founder of Prenups.com, shares what he learned from seeing marriages fail up close, and how those lessons completely reshaped how he approached his own relationship. Instead of ignoring the risks, Aaron reverse-engineered the most common emotional and financial breakdowns couples face and built systems to prevent them before they ever show up.This conversation explores practical tools couples can use to strengthen trust, reduce money-related conflict, and stay aligned on big goals like financial independence, early retirement, and lifestyle design. You’ll learn how to run a marriage check-in that actually works, why prenups can be healthy (not hostile), and how clear financial agreements can protect both your relationship and your FI journey.Key Takeaways:Identify repeating conflict patterns before they escalateSchedule an annual relationship check-in on your calendarSet a shared spending limit to prevent daily money tensionCreate financial guardrails for helping family and friendsAlign on FI timelines before resentment buildsTalk through risk tolerance differences, not past each otherUse a prenup to clarify values and expectations earlyLearn your state’s default divorce rules before you marryOther Episodes You’ll Love:How to Have End-of-Life Conversations with the People You Love | E185 Tess WaresmithWhen You and Your Partner See Money Differently | E162 Brian PageWhen Your Spouse Makes More Than You | E151 Ed CoambsGuest Summary:Aaron Thomas is a divorce lawyer, Harvard Law graduate, and founder of Prenups.com. After representing hundreds of couples through emotionally and financially costly divorces, Aaron became passionate about helping couples proactively design healthier relationships. His work focuses on clear communication, financial transparency, and practical systems that reduce conflict and support long-term partnerships, especially for high-achieving couples pursuing financial independence.Aaron’s website: https://prenups.com/Connect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

If you’re great at saving money but feel anxious, guilty, or uncomfortable spending it, I want to share 4 spending principles that have helped me.Many people pursuing financial independence don’t struggle with discipline. They struggle with permission. We have endless advice on saving and investing, but far less guidance on how to actually enjoy the money we’re working so hard to build.In this episode, I’ll share my personal Spending Playbook: four spending principles I use as a super saver to spend confidently, reduce stress, and still stay on track toward financial independence. These principles are designed to help me enjoy my money without sabotaging my long-term goals.This isn’t about spending more; it’s about spending intentionally, so saving stops feeling like a sacrifice.The 4 Spending Principles Covered1. The Fun FundA simple way to give a portion of your money one clear job: enjoyment — without competing with your investing goals.2. The Oops BudgetA no-questions-asked buffer for unplanned, non-fun expenses so money doesn’t add stress during already stressful moments.3. The “Moments That Matter” ListA short list of life events and experiences where you pre-decide money won’t have an outsized influence on your choice.4. Guilt-Free Spending CategoriesA few high-impact categories where spending creates outsized happiness — and where under-spending isn’t necessarily a win.Key Takeaways:Being good at saving doesn’t automatically make spending easyGuilt around spending is often a permission problem, not a math problemPre-deciding how you’ll spend removes stress in the momentSpending rules can create freedom, not restrictionEnjoying your money is a skill you can practiceIntentional spending supports FI — it doesn’t sabotage itThe goal isn’t to spend more, but to spend with confidenceFinancial independence should make life feel bigger, not smallerOther Episodes You’ll Love:Smart Frugality: The Frugal Mindset That Actually Feels Good | E183 JC RodriguezIs Saving Too Much Holding You Back? | E179 Jesse CramerYou’re Financially Free, But It Doesn’t Feel Like It | E165 Shannah GameConnect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Everyone only gets 168 hours each week, and work quietly consumes the best of them. When careers sprawl into nights and weekends, health, relationships, and joy are usually the first things sacrificed. This conversation is about reclaiming time before burnout forces the decision for you, and proving that you don’t need full financial independence to start living with more freedom right now.Andy Hill shares how he and his wife redesigned their lives to work just 20–25 hours per week while still supporting their lifestyle and long-term goals. Through practical examples and mindset shifts, Andy breaks down what it really takes to transition away from a traditional five-day workweek without feeling reckless or irresponsible. The focus isn’t on escaping work. It’s on intentionally designing it.You’ll learn how CoastFI, part-time work, and solopreneur models can create flexibility long before you reach your FI number. This episode explores how to test reduced hours safely, set boundaries with employers or clients, and identify the moment when “more money” stops being the thing worth optimizing. If you’re craving more time but don’t want to derail your financial future, this is your blueprint.Key Takeaways:How to work fewer days without waiting for full financial independenceCoastFI can unlock flexibility long before retirementTime freedom is built gradually, not all at onceOne reclaimed day can transform how life feelsPart-time work can reduce burnout without killing progressClear boundaries protect your time and incomeSmall experiments lower the fear of cutting hoursShifting your priorities toward time and healthOther Episodes You’ll Love:Is Saving Too Much Holding You Back? | E179 Jesse CramerMini-Retirements: Retire Often, Not Just Early | E177 Jillian JohnsrudHow to Live a FI Life Without the FI Bank Account | E170 Jess from FioneersGuest Summary:Andy Hill is the creator of Marriage, Kids, and Money and the author of Own Your Time. After years of juggling a full-time job and a side hustle, Andy designed a solopreneur lifestyle that prioritizes time freedom while maintaining financial security. His work focuses on helping families align money with what matters most: time, flexibility, and intentional living.Check out Andy’s new book: Own Your TimeConnect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

If you’ve ever felt stuck somewhere between the excitement of starting your FI journey and the reality that the finish line is still years away, this episode will give you a practical way to stay motivated. You’ll learn how a FI Bucket List can immediately add meaning, momentum, and enjoyment to the process—no matter where you are on the path. This isn’t about spending more money; it’s about intentionally creating experiences that keep you energized instead of burned out.You’ll also hear how shifting from a “save now, live later” mindset to a “design a meaningful life today” approach can completely change the way your journey feels. We break down how to choose bucket-list items that fit your values, your current season of life, and your budget. You’ll walk away with clear steps for creating your own version, whether you want more adventure, more connection, or simply more joy in your week.Finally, the conversation highlights what the FI Bucket List reveals about the bigger purpose behind financial independence: freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build a life you actually want to live. If you’ve been feeling behind, bored, or disconnected from your "why," this episode will help you reconnect with the possibility, purpose, and excitement that originally drew you to FI.Key Takeaways:Why a FI Bucket List is one of the most effective ways to stay motivated on a long FI journeyHow to design bucket-list items that fit your values, energy, and current season of lifeThe mindset shift from delaying joy to intentionally integrating it into your journeyHow to balance saving aggressively and creating meaningful experiences todayWhy your FI “finish line” isn’t the real point—and what actually matters moreHow a bucket list helps reduce burnout, boredom, and the fear of “doing FI wrong”Practical examples of small, low-cost wins that build excitement and momentumThe difference between running away from work and running toward a fulfilling lifeOther Episodes You’ll Love:Is Saving Too Much Holding You Back? | E179 Jesse CramerMini-Retirements: Retire Often, Not Just Early | E177 Jillian JohnsrudHow to Get the Courage to Travel More Adventurously | E174 Jon OteroConnect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Talking about end-of-life planning is one of the hardest conversations we’ll ever have, but also one of the most important. Whether you’re pursuing financial independence or already work-optional, someone in your life will eventually rely on you to make decisions on their behalf. And without clarity, that responsibility becomes emotionally heavy, financially stressful, and often filled with guesswork.In this episode, Financial Educator Tess Waresmith (Wealth With Tess) walks us through how to approach these conversations with compassion and confidence. Tess has navigated caregiving and loss firsthand, including the passing of her stepfather and aunt. She brings a personal and practical approach to preparing families for the future.You’ll learn how to make these conversations feel less overwhelming, how to use Tess’s 3-Layer Talk Framework to guide your discussion, and which estate-planning essentials every FI-minded person should have squared away. More than anything, this episode will help you strengthen connections, reduce uncertainty, and create peace of mind for yourself and the people you love.Key Takeaways:How to start end-of-life conversations in a way that feels natural, not heavyThe 3-Layer Talk Framework for discussing logistics, values, and legacyEssential estate-planning documents every family needs (Will, POA, Healthcare Directive)Questions that help uncover a loved one’s hopes, fears, stories, and wishesWhy acknowledging mortality can lead to more intentional spending, saving, and FI planningOther Episodes You’ll Love:3 Hidden Traps That Make FIRE Feel Empty | E182 Jordan GrumetHow to Negotiate Your Medical Bills | E161 Dr. Virgie Bright EllingtonDoes My FIRE Number Account for Inflation? | E140 Jesse CramerGuest Summary:Tess Waresmith is a financial educator, speaker, and the creator of Wealth With Tess, where she teaches women how to build confidence with money and investing. Through her workshops, courses, and content, she shares clear, compassionate financial guidance to help women reduce stress and prioritize what truly matters.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthwithtess/Talking About Death: https://www.moneyconfidentclub.com/talkdeathDeathly Yours Workbook ($60 off with code FIMINDED):https://www.moneyconfidentclub.com/offers/BkfzyzKV?coupon_code=FIMINDEDConnect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Are FI seekers supposed to follow the 50/30/20 budget guideline — or is it completely irrelevant when you’re pursuing financial independence? In this solo episode, Justin walks through five years of his own spending data to find out how closely his real-life budget aligned with this popular personal finance rule of thumb.You’ll learn what the 50/30/20 rule was originally designed for, where it breaks down for people on the path to FI, and how your own needs, wants, and savings ratios might shift as you move closer to financial independence. Justin also shares his FI-friendly version of the guideline that better supports intentional spending, lifestyle design, and long-term financial freedom.Whether you’re in your first year of the FI journey or optimizing for Coast FI, this episode will help you rethink your spending percentages, understand your true savings rate, and build a budgeting approach that matches your work-optional goals.Key Takeaways:Why the traditional 50/30/20 budgeting rule often breaks down for FI seekers, early retirees, and anyone aiming for financial independence.How Justin’s actual 2020–2025 spending data compared to the guideline — including needs, wants, and savings percentages.The difference between budgeting for traditional retirement vs budgeting for financial independence or Coast FI.What your savings rate reveals about your FI timeline and why it matters more than a fixed budget ratio.How an FI-minded spending framework can help you design a flexible lifestyle, reduce money anxiety, and stay aligned with your long-term goals.A simple FI version of the 50/30/20 rule you can adapt to your income, values, and personal financial independence path.Why intentional spending beats rigid budgeting - and how knowing your own numbers can help you reach work optionality faster.Other Episodes You’ll Love:Smart Frugality: The Frugal Mindset That Actually Feels Good | E183 JC RodriguezHow to Save Thousands on Groceries (Without Giving Anything Up) | E176 Bryan SuddithMoney Moves That Sound Smart…But Aren’t (Part 1) | E172Connect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Cutting costs can help you reach financial independence faster, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your happiness. The real key is smart frugality: spending intentionally on what adds value and confidently cutting what doesn’t.In this episode, I’m joined by JC Rodriguez, financial coach and creator of The Frugal Rich, to explore how to build a values-based spending system that feels good, lasts long term, and supports your FI goals.We’ll unpack practical hacks from grocery savings to “buy for life” strategies and talk about how to balance conscious spending, frugality with purpose, and joy along the journey to financial freedom.If you’ve ever wondered whether saving money is helping or hurting your quality of life, this one’s for you.Key Takeaways:How values-based spending helps you save money without losing joyWhy cutting too far in the name of frugality can backfireSimple hacks to save money on everyday expenses like groceriesUse tools like CamelCamelCamel to track prices and shop smarterThe difference between short-term savings hacks and lasting frugal habitsWhy “buy for life” products often save more money long-termBalancing frugality with happiness in everyday spending decisionsWhy some people thrive on frugality while others struggle with itHow to spend confidently on big purchases without guiltHow to balance financial independence goals with living well todayGuest Summary:JC Rodriguez is a financial coach and creator of The Frugal Rich, a community of over 1.5 million people learning how to live better with less. His work helps people embrace frugality with purpose, adopt sustainable money habits, and build long-term financial freedom without sacrificing happiness.Check out JC on:YouTubeFacebook GroupConnect With JustinEmail me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

FIRE was never meant to be the finish line. It was supposed to be the launchpad. But somewhere along the way, we started chasing optimization instead of meaning.In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Grumet (Doc G), author of The Purpose Code and host of the Earn & Invest Podcast, to explore how the FIRE movement can sometimes turn from a tool for freedom into a trap that leaves people feeling empty.We unpack three hidden pitfalls that can derail your FIRE journey and how to realign money, purpose, and meaning once you’ve “made it.”Jordan has been a longtime voice in the Financial Independence movement, through his blog, DiverseFI, his book, The Purpose Code, and his podcast, Earn & Invest.But after a decade in the movement, he started asking some deeper questions:Has FIRE become the destination instead of the launchpad?Are we optimizing our finances at the expense of meaning?And how do we bring purpose back into the FIRE movement?Key Takeaways:Why FIRE can accidentally make money the goal instead of the toolThe trap of “Perfect is the Enemy of Good” in personal financeEndless optimization (Roth timing, iBonds, chasing interest rates) can distract from what truly matters.How optimization can distract us from the hard emotional workReal fulfillment comes from pursuing purpose, not FIRE.What Jordan still loves about the FIRE movement (and what he’s outgrown)How to redefine success beyond spreadsheets and savings ratesOther Episodes You’ll Love:Is Saving Too Much Holding You Back? | E179 Jesse CramerHow to Live a FI Life Without the FI Bank Account | E170 Jess from FioneersFind Purpose Beyond Financial Independence | E157 Jordan GrumetGuest Summary:Jordan Grumet (Doc G) is a physician turned writer, speaker, and host of the Earn & Invest Podcast. His books, Taking Stock and The Purpose Code, explore how to align money, meaning, and legacy. Jordan has been part of the FIRE community since 2014, helping thousands rethink what financial independence really means.Connect with Jordan:Book: The Purpose CodePodcast: Earn & Invest PodcastConnect with Justin:Email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI Minded:Want to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Everyone talks about starting a side hustle, but few talk about how to pick the right one. The one that fits your skills, your lifestyle, and your FI goals.Nick Loper, host of The Side Hustle Show, joins me again to share smart ways to find a side hustle that actually fits your life, skills, and Financial Independence goals.We explore creative frameworks like “Rip, Pivot, and Jam,” “Intersection,” and “Shovels in the Gold Rush,” and how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to uncover ideas faster than ever. Nick also shares how to narrow your list to just one idea you’ll be excited to work on for years to come.If you’ve been overthinking your next move or waiting for the “perfect” side hustle, this episode will help you find clarity, confidence, and direction.Key Takeaways:Find side hustle ideas at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what people need, and what they’ll pay for.Use frameworks like Rip, Pivot, and Jam or Shovels in the Gold Rush to generate creative and practical ideas.Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm and refine your concepts.Ask questions like “Does this fit my lifestyle?” or “Would I still enjoy this in three years?” to narrow your choices fast.Other Episodes You’ll Love:How to Start a Side Hustle in One Month | E167 Nick LoperHow to DOUBLE Your Income in One Year | E164 Andrew GiancolaHow to Launch a Side Hustle While Working Full-Time | E132 Genuinely GenesisMore of Nick: The Side Hustle ShowMore of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

It might have been monsters under the bed, shadows in the corner, or creepy dementors from Harry Potter. We all had irrational fears growing up.Mine was creepy dolls. After watching a movie called Teacher’s Pet, I became so terrified of dolls that my dad had my sister box up hers and store them in the basement.I’ll be honest, I’m still not a huge fan of dolls, but I’ve mostly outgrown that fear. Along the way, though, I’ve picked up some new ones like running out of money, being left without health insurance, and probably the biggest of all… taxes.I’ve been saving and investing with the fear that Uncle Sam will take a huge chunk of my money. That mindset has me padding my investment accounts and inflating my FI number. But after reading Sean Mullaney and Cody Garrett’s book, Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement, I’m starting to rethink that - and I think you should too.To help us all navigate this, I invited Sean and Cody to walk us through strategies to optimize taxes before and during early retirement. We’ll cover things like which accounts to deplete first, how to control your taxable income through strategic selling, ways to minimize sequence-of-return risk, and even how you could pay almost nothing in taxes some years without cutting expenses.If you want practical strategies for optimizing taxes on your path to early retirement, this episode is for you.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Mr. Measure Twice and the FITaxGuy…Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney.Key Takeaways:How to fund an early retirement lifestyle tax-free with drawdown strategies.Which investment accounts to tap first to optimize your retirement withdrawalsHow to sell specific brokerage lots to precisely manage taxes and cash flowA drawdown approach that protects against the sequence of returns risk in retirementHow to maximize ACA premium tax credits for affordable early retirement healthcareWhen to use Roth and HSA withdrawals for tax-efficient income flexibilityMentions:Selling Specific Lots in Fidelity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cft7dLLP7_U&feature=youtu.beMore of Sean & Cody:Check out the book “Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement”:: https://www.measuretwicemoney.com/bookCody’s website: https://measuretwicefinancial.com/Sean’s website: https://fitaxguy.com/More of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/The discussion is intended to be for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Justin and the FI Minded podcast do not endorse Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. and their services.

I’m in this strange in-between stage right now, somewhere between Coast FI and Full FI. And I often feel pulled back and forth between spender and saver, current me and future me, speeding up and slowing down. It’s a little exhausting, I have to admit.A few years ago, things felt simpler because I was in full accumulation mode. Most of my decisions came down to one thing: delay spending so I could save and invest more. Looking back, maybe I would’ve splurged a little on experiences or time-saving purchases, but honestly, I don’t regret much.These days, though, I’m learning to focus more on my current self. I’m loosening up, spending a bit more, and not being so uptight about every dollar. Talking with friends further along in the FI journey, I’ve realized this shift is pretty natural, and perhaps you’re experiencing it too.It’s not always easy, which is why I wanted to talk it through with a friend and frequent guest, Jesse Cramer. Jesse’s navigating the same changes himself, and as a financial advisor, he also brings perspective from helping clients through similar situations.In this episode, we dive into the balance of spending on your current self while still enjoying the growth of your investments. We talk about how we’ve loosened up around money habits like budgeting, and why we’re not stressing about hitting our exact FIRE numbers anymore.I always enjoy my conversations with Jesse, and if any of this resonates with you, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one too.I hope you enjoy my conversation with the host of The Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors Podcast… Jesse Cramer.Key Takeaways:Shift from always accumulating to finding balance and enjoying life now.Redefine “pay yourself first” to include meaningful spending today.Build a portfolio that grows in bull markets and feels safe in bear markets.Loosen up on strict budgeting without losing financial control.Let your spending evolve to reflect your values and priorities.Don’t let your FIRE number dictate every life decision.Factor in Social Security - you may be further ahead than you think.Learn from retirees: smooth transitions come from people and purpose.Take smart risks that push you beyond your comfort zone.More of Jesse:Check out Jesse’s podcast: https://bestinterest.blog/personal-finance-for-long-term-investors/More of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

I was reviewing my spending for the first half of 2025 and noticed something interesting: excluding routine bills, groceries, and experiences, I only bought 25 new things this year, totaling about $1,400. For six months, that felt pretty solid. But it also got me wondering… could I go even further?That curiosity came to a head when the nozzle on my garden hose started leaking. My first instinct was to hop on Amazon and buy a new one. It was only $20. But then I paused. I looked up what might cause the leak and found out it’s usually a worn-out rubber washer. I took the thing apart, and sure enough, that was it. I hopped back on Amazon to order a new washer…until I remembered I had another broken nozzle in the garage. I swear I have the worst luck with these—but this one wasn’t leaking. I had just dropped it and snapped the trigger handle. I took the rubber washer from that one and used it to fix the current nozzle.And it worked! No money spent. Nothing added to a landfill. And honestly, I felt proud of myself.I share that story because it’s easy to assume we’re already frugal or intentional enough—especially in the FI community. But that moment made me realize how often I default to “buy new” without even questioning it. And I want to become more intentional, especially when it comes to physical things.That’s why I invited Ashlee Piper on the show today. Ashlee is a sustainability expert and author of the new book No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity. She’s also the creator of the #NoNewThings Challenge, which she personally followed for two years, which is just insanely impressive.In this conversation, we dig into how to creatively meet your needs without always reaching for your wallet. Ashlee shares her SUPER system for thoughtfully navigating purchases, and we run through a few real-life scenarios like getting ready for a wedding or gearing up for Halloween.If you want to bring more intentionality into how you consume, this episode will leave you feeling inspired.I hope you enjoy my conversation with the always resourceful, wildly entertaining, and sustainability-driven…Ashlee Piper.Key Takeaways:How to skip buying new without giving up what you loveA system to make smarter, more intentional buying choicesFind practical ways to fix, borrow, or swap before buying something newHow consumer culture encourages excess (and how to resist it)Balancing intentional spending and restrictionMore of Ashlee:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleepiper/Newsletter: https://substack.com/@theethicaleditMore of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

We’re all waiting for the day we hit financial independence. That’s when we’ll finally quit our jobs and have time to learn a new hobby, start that house project, take longer vacations, or prioritize our health.You probably have a list of things you’re saving for after FI—but what if you don’t want to wait another decade to start? Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. The challenge is that your career eats up most of your time and energy, and since you’re not financially independent yet, walking away isn’t an option.But what if you didn’t have to choose between all work now and all freedom later? What if you could work for a few years, take a break, then return to work—and repeat that cycle? Instead of one long career followed by one long retirement, what if you took mini-retirements along the way?It’s not just a theory—today’s guest has done it. Jillian Johnsrud has taken over a dozen mini-retirements throughout her life and now helps others do the same.In this episode, Jillian shares how to organize your time off, why some employers actually say yes to these breaks, and how a mini-retirement might even improve your career. She also provides examples of how mini-retirements speed up, rather than slow down, people’s path to FI.Mini-retirements are one of my favorite concepts—I’ve taken one myself, and I always encourage my friends to consider them too.So today, I’m making the case to you: maybe it’s better to retire often than to retire once.Key Takeaways:What a Mini-Retirement Actually Looks LikeHow to Plan a Mini-Retirement with PurposeA framework for organizing your mini-retirement using Jillian’s “Dream To-Do List”Signs It’s Time to Step AwayHow to Talk to Your Employer About Taking Time OffWhy some employers say yes to mini-retirements—and how to make your caseTips for framing the request in a way that shows mutual benefitMaking the Financial Trade-Off Worth ItSurprising ways mini-retirements can actually improve your career or lead to new income opportunities.Why “Retire Often” Might Be Better Than “Retire Once”More of Jillian:Read Retire Often: https://lnk.to/retireoftenMore of FI Minded:Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

If you're on the path to financial independence, you know every dollar adds up. An extra $1,000 a year might not sound like much, but early in your FI journey, that kind of savings can seriously accelerate your timeline. And if you’re already FI, trimming $1,000 in expenses lowers your FIRE number and helps your nest egg last longer.The best part? I’m not asking you to start a side hustle or cut out your favorite purchases.Instead, we’re talking about saving money by wasting less, specifically, food waste.Yes, that’s right. The average American throws out over 200 pounds of food a year. For a family of four, that’s about $3,200 straight into the trash. Think wilted spinach, moldy bread, and forgotten leftovers. Any of this sound familiar?Here’s the good news: with a little planning and a few habit shifts, you can cut that waste dramatically and keep more money in your pocket without sacrificing lifestyle.Today’s guest, Bryan Suddith, took this challenge seriously. Over the last five years, he’s tracked every bit of food that ended up in his trash. And the total? Less than $100. For a family of four.We’ll share practical tips for meal planning, a framework for eating through your groceries, his favorite go-to food-waste saving meal (which surprised me), and even how to avoid food waste after hosting a party.If you’re ready to trim your grocery bill and stretch your FI dollars further without really sacrificing anything, then you’re going to like this episode.Key Takeaways:The impact of tracking your food wasteHow to avoid aspirational grocery purchasesWhich groceries to prioritize eating firstCreative ways to turn soon-to-expire food into tasty mealsA go-to food-waste-saving meal everyone will enjoyHow to cut down on food waste after hosting a partyWhat to know about food waste legislationMore of Bryan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryansuddith/More of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Today, we dive into some of the biggest questions our community has about money, relationships, and raising kids on the path to financial independence.Matt and Yana from CoastFI Couple share their honest experience with shifting from a strict save-only mindset to learning how to enjoy their money after reaching Coast FI.We talk about how even couples who agree on big-picture goals can still face daily money disagreements — and the tools and conversations that help keep things on track.Plus, we explore how to teach kids healthy money values without passing on anxiety or scarcity.Whether you’re struggling to spend guilt-free or want to raise money-smart kids, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement.If you have a question you'd like me to answer on a future episode, just shoot me an email at [email protected] Takeaways:It’s totally normal to struggle with spending after years of saving.Start with small upgrades to ease into enjoying your money.You and your partner can be aligned overall and still clash on daily spending.Using tools and talking openly can help you avoid constant money arguments.You can teach your kids to be smart with money without making them anxious.Modeling a balanced approach helps your kids build confidence around money.More of Matt & Yana:YouTube: ​​https://www.youtube.com/@CoastFICoupleQube Money: https://qubemoney.com/ (Use code COAST for a free trial)More of FI Minded:Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

My first big trip abroad was in 2015. I had just graduated from college the week before and wanted to do something fun. So my girlfriend and I flew to Europe and visited Prague, Paris, and Barcelona. It was a blast, and it left a lasting impression. Since then, I’ve traveled to 10 more countries.Lately, I’ve been getting more comfortable with international travel, and I’m starting to feel the itch to push beyond my comfort zone. Up to this point, most of my trips have been to first-world countries, major metropolitan cities, and usually with a group of friends or my partner.But I’ll be honest, I’m a little nervous to push the boundary. That’s why I invited Jon Otero on the podcast to help me break through those fears and build the confidence to travel more adventurously.Jon is the definition of an adventurous traveler. He has visited 35 countries and all 50 U.S. states, and he has done some incredible things, such as riding a camel in Egypt, scuba diving to sunken ships, and paratriking in Peru. His fearless approach to travel is seriously so inspiring, and I’m hoping to tap into a little of that mindset myself.In this episode, we talk about everything from navigating language barriers and understanding cultural differences to safety tips, solo travel, and ideas for your next adventure.Before we jump in, I want to say this: adventurous travel is defined by you. If you’ve never left the country before, going anywhere new might feel like a big leap, and that’s awesome. Even exploring a new part of the U.S. can feel adventurous if you’ve never been out of your home state. Don’t let social media or someone else’s definition shape what a great trip looks like. Go at your own pace, and most importantly, have fun.Let’s get into it. I hope you enjoy my conversation with the adventurous traveler and host of The Globetrotters Podcast…Jon Otero.Key Takeaways:How to navigate language barriers when you don’t speak the local languageTips for learning cultural customs before your tripStaying aware without being overly paranoid while travelingMaking solo travel fun (and not lonely)How to pick your next travel destinationUnderrated countries that deserve a spot on your listMore of Jon:Listen to the Globetrotters Podcast: https://www.gtspodcast.com/More of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Some money moves sound smart…until you actually try them.This is Part 2 of our special series where six personal finance experts share strategies that sound smart but rarely are. In this episode, you’ll hear from:Larry McMahon (Uncontrollable Me) on why doing everything yourself can be a costly mistakeSean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy) on when Traditional 401(k) contributions might not be the best choiceJeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club) on why whole life insurance is rarely the financial win it's pitched to beMissed Part 1? No problem - each episode stands alone, but you’ll want to go back and queue it up next.Key Takeaways:DIY-ing everything can limit your growth and lead to costly errorsTraditional 401(k) contributions aren’t always the most tax-efficient routeWhole life insurance rarely lives up to the hypeEven experienced money nerds make mistakes—and learn from themMore of Our Guests:Check out Larry’s coaching practice at https://www.uncontrollable.me/.Watch Sean’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SeanMullaneyVideos.Follow Jeremy’s Instagram account at More of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/DisclaimerThe content shared by Sean Mullaney in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice for any specific individual. Neither this podcast nor its host endorses Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc., or any of the services they offer.

Some financial strategies sound really smart…until they aren’t.In part one of this special two-part series, we’re diving into real stories from personal finance pros who once made money moves that seemed like great ideas... but turned out to be anything but.You’ll hear honest reflections from:Diana Merriam (EconoMe) on the allure, and pitfalls, of credit card churningJesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors) on rethinking Roth conversionsJoel Larsgaard (How to Money) on why 529 plans aren’t always the no-brainer they seemI’ll also share my own story of trusting the wrong financial “expert” and how it led me to open a whole life insurance policy I didn’t need.We’ve all made money moves we later questioned. This episode is here to help you learn from them and avoid making the same ones.Key Takeaways:Whole life insurance isn’t the wealth builder it’s often sold as.Credit card churning can be more trouble than it’s worth.Roth conversions aren’t always a smart tax move.529 plans can limit financial flexibility.Even smart-sounding strategies deserve a second look.Mistakes are part of the journey - learn and keep going.More of Our Guests:Check out Diana’s EconoMe Conference at https://economeconference.com/Listen to Jesse’s podcast Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors at https://bestinterest.blog/personal-finance-for-long-term-investors/Listen to Matt’s podcast How to Money at https://www.howtomoney.com/More of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

The Financial Independence community is great at saving and investing — but what about giving?In this episode, I talk with Spencer Reese from Military Money Manual about how to make generosity part of your FI plan without derailing your financial goals. We explore how charitable giving can reduce your taxes, align with your values, and help you overcome money scarcity by building an abundance mindset.Whether you’re early in your FI journey or already financially independent, this conversation will help you give with purpose — and make a real difference along the way. Key Takeaways:How to get more comfortable donating your moneyWays to balance your FI goals while supporting causes you care aboutHow charitable tax deductions actually workWhat a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is and why it might be right for youThe easiest DAF platform for first-time donorsWhy donating appreciated stock can be a powerful giving strategyHow to find ethical, effective nonprofits to supportTips for deciding how much to give (and when)Whether it’s better to donate now or wait until you’ve reached FIMore of Spencer:Check out Military Money Manual Podcast: https://militarymoneymanual.com/podcast/More of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Why are you chasing financial independence?It could be living a more adventurous life filled with travel or doing work you love, regardless of the pay. Whatever your dream looks like, it probably comes down to two things: freedom and flexibility.We want to be in the driver’s seat of our lives. And we know money is one of the biggest obstacles standing in the way. So we save, invest, and make sacrifices now, hoping it’ll give us more control over our choices later.But let’s be honest, it can feel like a grind. And sometimes, we want to enjoy more freedom now, not just someday. So... is it possible to live a FI life without the FI bank account?Jess from The Fioneers says yes. As you move through your financial independence journey, you unlock more freedom. All of the freedom doesn’t magically happen after you hit your FIRE number; it happens along the way.In today’s episode, Jess breaks down the five stages of FI, what kind of freedom comes with each one, lifestyle shifts to consider, and common traps that could leave you stuck in one of the stages. Jess shares a lot of alternative paths to financial independence that balance enjoying the moment while setting up your future self.Let’s get into it. I hope you enjoy my conversation with the sourdough maker and pioneer of SlowFI…Jess from the Fioneers.Key Takeaways:How to use the incremental freedom you gain as you get closer to FIAdopting a SlowFI mindset5 stages of FIWhy you’ll spend less than you think in CoastFICreating memories in van lifeMore of Jess:CoastFI Calculator: https://thefioneers.com/free-resources/More of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

What would you do if you had to start over, completely from scratch?In this episode, I share the wild true story of Audrey, a woman who vanished in 1962 and was just found alive, 63 years later. Her story sparked a thought experiment: if you had to reinvent yourself, new city, new career, new hobbies, what path would you choose?We’ll explore what reinvention could look like through the lens of financial independence. I also share a sneak peek from my upcoming interview with Jillian Johnsrud and reflect on the passions and missed opportunities that still tug at me.More of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

I get why some people aren’t into traveling. Long flights crammed in a middle seat, overpriced hotels that smell like smoke, and being miles away from the city center - none of that screams “dream vacation.”Now, I’m past the days of budget airlines and sketchy motels but I’m also not flying first class with lay-down seats or staying in luxury hotels in the city center that leave chocolates on the pillows.Financial independence has given me the freedom to enjoy travel with simple comforts, and I’m perfectly happy in that Goldilocks zone.But what if, once a year, you could take a truly glamorous vacation - without spending anything extra?In today’s episode, I’m joined by Chris Hutchins, host of All the Hacks. He shares practical travel tips to help you take those bucket-list vacations. Chris has earned tens of millions of points, traveled all over the world, and even took a 7-month trip with his wife, spending just $30 a day on average. Chris is a total travel savant and has a hack for just about everything travel-related.I do have to admit, though, I went into this conversation a little skeptical. I thought it might sound like a part-time job - chasing sign-up bonuses, juggling credit cards, and spending hours hunting for deals. But I was surprised by how simple many of Chris’s tips are and how much money they can save. Some of his hacks don’t even involve points or miles, just smart ways to get upgrades or better deals.I’m excited to try these out and travel more luxuriously without spending more - and I’m guessing you are too.So buckle up and enjoy my conversation with Mr. All The Hacks himself…Chris Hutchins. Key Takeaways:Which travel hacks might not be worth your time anymoreHow to use positioning flights to score better dealsEasy ways to boost your points and miles with “points side hustles”How to get free gifts and perks from hotelsA trick to find the same vacation rental for a lower priceHow to save money on car rentalsWhy slow travel can save you money and make the trip more enjoyableMore of Chris:All The Hacks Podcast: https://www.chrishutchins.com/episodes/50+ Ways to Earn More Points and Miles Without Spending More: https://www.chrishutchins.com/50-ways-to-earn-more-points-and-miles/More of FI Minded:Email Justin at [email protected] with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

For most of us pursuing financial independence, the math is pretty straightforward: earn more, spend less, and invest the difference. But what if you could speed things up and discover a new passion along the way?That’s where side hustles come in. Not only can they give your FI plan a serious income boost, but they also let you explore projects that could become meaningful ventures in your post-FI life.But how do you find the right side hustle? How do you price your services, land your first clients, and balance it all with your career and personal life?That’s where today’s guest, Nick Loper, comes in. He’s the host of The Side Hustle Show and the creator of Side Hustle Nation, and he’s helped thousands of people start and grow successful side gigs.In this episode, Nick shares his go-to frameworks for generating side hustle ideas and strategies for pricing, finding clients, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Plus, he’ll break down the habits that set successful side hustlers apart.If you’ve ever thought about starting a side hustle, or want to make yours more sustainable, this episode is for you.I hope you enjoy my conversation with the side hustle explorer and expert himself…Nick Loper.Key Takeaways:Why side hustles are a perfect fit for the FI journeyHow side hustles have evolved over the past decadeFrameworks to generate profitable side hustle ideasHow to price your product or service effectivelyStrategies for landing your first clientsBalancing your side hustle with your full-time job and personal lifeHealthy habits to sustain your side hustle long-termMore of Nick:7 Proven Ways to Come Up with New Business Ideas: https://www.sidehustlenation.com/how-to-come-up-with-new-business-ideas/\The Side Hustle Show: https://www.sidehustlenation.com/side-hustle-show/More of FI Minded:Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Tariffs aren’t just for global trade - you can apply the concept to your personal life to protect your time, energy, and values.As we gain more financial freedom, how we spend and make money should evolve too. In this short and reflective episode, I explore the idea of personal tariffs and how I have applied this to things that may seem like a good deal on the surface, but actually come at a hidden cost to my time, energy, or well-being.I share three categories where I’ve started mentally “taxing” the lower-cost option. This isn’t about spending recklessly - it’s about making intentional choices that align with the life you’re building.If you’re on the journey to financial independence and want to feel better about spending in ways that support your health, happiness, and values, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:“Personal tariff”- a mental cost you assign to choices that drain you, even if they save money.Building a life you’re proud of means prioritizing alignment over optimization.Financial independence isn’t just about money - it’s about creating space to live in a way that feels good.More of FI Minded:Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

You’ve run the numbers a hundred times. You’ve built the spreadsheets, projected the growth, and calculated your safe withdrawal rate down to the decimal. On paper, money isn’t an issue. You should feel secure.But you don’t.Because even though the math checks out, the feeling doesn’t. The scarcity mindset, the one that pushed you to save relentlessly, doesn’t just disappear when you achieve FI. Instead, it lingers, making you question if it’s really enough.That’s why I’m excited to have Shannah Game on the show today. She’s a Certified Financial Planner and host of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money. Shannah has helped countless people break free from the mental traps that keep them feeling financially insecure, even when their numbers say otherwise.In this episode, Shannah is going to help us tackle that nagging sense of “not enough” and share strategies to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of confidence and abundance.I hope you enjoy my conversation with the cupcake-making, money-talking millennial…Shannah Game.Key Takeaways:Why you never feel like you have enough (even when you do)How to unlearn financial habits you inherited from your parentsWhy transparency in the FI community might fuel the comparison trapStrategies to shift from scarcity to abundanceA powerful journal prompt for overcoming scarcityHow to practice mindful money momentsMore of Shannah:Podcast: https://everyonestalkinmoney.com/episodes/More of FI Minded:Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

In my mid-20s, I was making $50,000. Between San Diego’s high housing costs, dating, a car payment, and other expenses, I barely had anything left to put toward financial independence - let alone fast-track it.I was cutting costs everywhere - negotiating bills, rarely eating out, even walking instead of driving. Frugality was helping but man, the real game-changer was focusing on growing my income. Since then, I’ve switched jobs, negotiated raises, launched a business, and built a five-figure side hustle. Now, I earn three times what I did at 25, and that extra income has made all the difference.I’m funding my financial independence goals while also enjoying life more.Quickly growing my income made such an impact and that’s why I brought Andrew Giancola on the podcast - to help me break down exactly how you can double your income in just one year. Andrew is a pro at this. He’s built multiple businesses, invested in real estate, tested different side hustles, and even helped his wife negotiate multiple raises and promotions.This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you increase your income fast. So if that is something you want to do, let’s dive in!I hope you enjoy my conversation with the financial educator and host of The Personal Finance Podcast…Andrew Giancola.Key Takeaways:Why increasing your income is key to financial independenceA 6-month strategy to negotiate a raiseExactly what to say when asking for a raiseHow to become indispensable at workWays to actively earn more outside your jobThe best passive income investments for busy professionalsMentions:Andrew’s first appearance on FI Minded: www.tsirpodcast.com/133More of Andrew:www.MasterMoney.coMore of FI Minded:Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Want to achieve financial independence without missing out on the fun?FI Minded is for anyone who wants to achieve financial freedom, live life on their own terms, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey along the way!Whether you’re just starting to think about financial independence or already deep into the process, FI Minded gives you the tools and inspiration to make FI a reality - without giving up the things you love.Each episode, we’ll cover topics like:*Financial Independence Strategies: Simple, actionable advice to reach FI faster (if that’s your goal).*Work Optionality: Transitioning from the corporate grind (no more "one more year syndrome") to a life of freedom and flexibility.*Lifestyle Design: How to build a life that aligns with your values, goals, and dreams.*Stories from the FI Community: Real people sharing their journeys to FI and what they’ve learned.*Fun with FI: How to save your future and enjoy your current life through CoastFI, mini-retirements, travel, or just making the most of your time.*Fighting Burnout: Balancing saving for your future while staying mentally healthy.

Is Real Estate the Best Path to Financial Independence?As a die-hard index fund investor, I used to have a clear answer. But after researching Chad Carson’s “small but mighty” real estate philosophy, I’m starting to see the potential.While I still prefer the hands-off nature of index funds, especially as I focus on growing my income - I can see real estate playing a role in my future. It offers steady cash flow, diversification, and even scratches my entrepreneurial itch.When that time comes, I’ll be turning to Chad Carson’s content. With two decades of real estate investing experience, Chad knows how to find, analyze, and buy solid investment properties.In this episode, Chad breaks down the fundamentals of real estate investing, including how to find quality deals in a high-priced market, red flags to watch for, and key financial metrics to evaluate before buying.I learned a ton from this conversation, and I’m already looking forward to a part two.Key Takeaways:How real estate fits into Chad’s investment portfolioPros and cons of real estate investingFinding quality deals in a high-priced marketDefining your "buy box" to focus your searchRed flags to watch for in propertiesKey financial metrics to evaluate before buyingThe “small and mighty” real estate philosophyAligning real estate with your life goalsMentions:Create Your Buy Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ORTQ_2S-mEDealMachine: https://www.dealmachine.com/More of Coach Chad Carson:Real Estate Investing with Coach Carson: https://www.coachcarson.com/coach-carson-podcast/More of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Love and money - a perfect match, right?If only it were that simple. Money is personal for everyone. We grow up with different values, learn different money habits from our parents, and develop our own financial preferences.So when two people with unique money mindsets come together, disagreements are bound to happen. Maybe one of you is a saver while the other loves to spend, leading to frustration over “wasting” or “hoarding” money. Or maybe you can’t agree on whether to play it safe with savings or take financial risks.If you love your partner, the last thing you want is constant fights about money. You want to figure this out together. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m talking with Brian Page about how to find common ground when you and your partner have different financial perspectives.Brian is the Founder of Modern Husbands, an organization that helps busy dual-career couples manage money and home life as a team.We dive into some really practical topics like how spenders and savers can find peace, what research says about combining vs. separating finances, and how to create a fair balance with household responsibilities.This conversation was especially helpful for me because my partner, Gaby, and I have been navigating these conversations ourselves as last summer marked 5 years of dating.I hope you enjoy my conversation with the lead dad and modern husband…Brian Page.Key Takeaways:How couples with different money mindsets can find common groundWhat to do when you and your partner have conflicting financial goalsWhat research says about combining finances vs. keeping them separateHow to fairly divide financial responsibilities as a coupleWays to optimize your finances togetherHow to share household responsibilities as a teamMore of Brian:Modern Husbands: https://www.modernhusbands.com/More of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

You can save thousands if you negotiate your medical bills. Wait, you can do that?Yeah, this was new to me too. Maybe it was the confusing medical jargon or the assumption that hospitals charge fair prices, but negotiating never crossed my mind…and you know I love to negotiate just about everything.Not only should you be negotiating your medical bills, you should be scrutinizing them for errors. As you’ll learn in this episode, 80% of medical bills have errors, and go figure, they almost always work out in the favor of the medical provider.Today, Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington joins me to share her three-step process for negotiating medical bills. As an internal medicine physician and former health insurance executive, Dr. Virgie thought she understood the system - that was until she was diagnosed with cancer and saw firsthand how patients get crushed by medical debt.After witnessing her hospital roommate get taken advantage of by balance billing, Dr. Virigie had had enough. Now she is on a mission to help Americans fight back against excessive healthcare costs, one bill at a time.If you want to protect yourself from medical debt and take control of your healthcare costs, this episode is for you.I hope you enjoy my conversation with medical billing expert and 2-time cancer patient…Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington.Key Takeaways:The devastating impact of medical debt on AmericansHow to identify errors on your medical billsWhy the first bill from your provider isn’t the final billHow to research fair pricing for medical servicesA step-by-step script for negotiating lower costs with your provider’s billing departmentMore of Dr. Vrigie:Website: www.crushmedicaldebt.comMore of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Struggling to spend money? Same here. Honestly, I never thought this would be a problem as I got closer to financial independence. I mean, isn’t the goal to save up enough so we can finally spend on the things we want?Turns out, after 15 years of working hard to build wealth, it’s not so easy to let go. Add in some good old financial insecurities, and suddenly, I’ve got money, but I’m too nervous to spend it.And guess what? We are not the only ones. A lot of people in the FI community deal with this too, including Carl Jensen.Carl, known for his blog 1500 Days, has a net worth of $6 million. Yet, he still found it hard to spend money. That was until he started challenging himself to do it. Through these spending challenges, Carl figured out what really brings him joy, whether it’s something small like treating a friend to dinner or big like a $10,000 private concert with his favorite band (don’t worry, we’ll talk about that one!).So, if you’ve ever struggled to spend on things that would actually make you happy, this episode is for you. Hopefully, it inspires you to push past those money hang-ups and challenge yourself a little more.I hope you enjoy my conversation with the Telsa fantastic, dinosaur-loving, early FI trailblazer…Carl Jensen.Key Takeaways:How to recognize if you’re frugalism is hurting or helpingUsing spending experiments to uncover what is important to youOne commonality of Carl’s favorite purchasesWhat you can learn from the wrong purchasesMentions:Taming the Mammoth: Why You Should Stop Caring What Other People Think: https://waitbutwhy.com/2014/06/taming-mammoth-let-peoples-opinions-run-life.htmlMore of Carl:Read Carl’s Blog: https://www.1500days.com/More of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

It’s the start of a new year, and you’ve set some financial goals like paying off student loans, saving for a down payment, or maxing out your IRA. Whatever your goal, how awesome would it feel if you could fast-track your progress? It’ll take focus and dedication, but with the right strategies, you can turbocharge your cash flow and get there faster.Today, we’re joined by Justin Brown-Woods, Financial Coach and Co-Host of The Price of Avocado Toast. Justin not only helps his clients reach their financial goals but he has also walked the walk himself. After accumulating $220,000 in debt, Justin and his wife, Haley, decided to rewrite their financial story. In just 18 months, they paid off more than half of their debt and began rebuilding their wealth.And when I say “rebuilding,” I mean rebuilding. Before accumulating 6-figures of debt, they had $600,000 in the bank! It’s a story you don’t want to miss but I’ll let Justin spill the details in this episode.If you’re ready to fast-track your 2025 financial goals (without selling a kidney), this episode is packed with tips and inspiration to get you started.Key Takeaways:Opportunities that come with tightening your budgetPractical ways to earn extra income that align with your lifestyleA simple side hustle you can start todayReward systems to keep you motivated and on trackTips for aligning financial goals with your partnerMore of Justin:Listen to the Price of Avocado Toast: https://www.priceofavocadotoast.com/podcastMore of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Since discovering financial independence, I have focused on wealth-building: choosing the right accounts, investing wisely, and cutting expenses to save more. But now that I’m approaching my FIRE number, a new question has emerged—what happens after I reach financial independence?On one hand, there’s the technical side: What’s the best way to withdraw from my nest egg? This is something I hadn’t given much thought to until now.But beyond the finances, the bigger question is: What changes in life? Will I still scrutinize every expense? Do I worry about major market news? And most importantly, how do I want to spend my time?I need some guidance, and I’m guessing you do too, so I asked Jeremy Schneider to come to demystify life after reaching financial independence. Jeremy Schneider is the creator of the popular Instagram account, Personal Finance Club. He’s also the co-founder of Nectarine, a marketplace for advice-only financial advisors.Before launching Personal Finance Club and Nectarine, Jeremy built and sold a technology company for $5 million, achieving financial independence. This sum of cash catapulted him into financial independence. He had to answer the important questions quickly and in this episode, he shares what he learned from that experience.Whether you’re nearing your FIRE number or simply curious about what life looks like after financial independence, this episode is for you.I hope you enjoy my conversation with the man trying to bring light on the financial advising industry…Jeremy Schneider.Key Takeaways:A simple draw-down strategy for post-FIFinding purpose when work becomes optionalMaking peace with your life-long frugal habitsWhat’s broken about the financial advising industryMore of Jeremy:Get Financial Help: www.hellonectarine.comMore of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Why save and invest? It’s a rhetorical question, but let’s think it through.When you save and invest, you’re sharing financial resources with your future self. This means your future self won’t have to worry about earning money. With that financial freedom, you gain time—the time you would’ve spent working. And with more time, you have more freedom to choose how to you spend your time.You might ask yourself, "What do I want to do with my time?" Maybe it’s traveling, exercising, or catching up on sleep. But then what? That question often leads to something deeper—finding your purpose.That’s a topic my friend Jordan Grumet, aka Doc G, knows a lot about. As a hospice doctor and the author of The Purpose Code, Jordan has explored purpose, connection, and identity in depth.In this episode, he shares insights from his latest book and helps answer the big question: “How do I find my purpose?”—or if it even needs to be found.If you’ve been reflecting on your purpose, well buckle up, this episode is for you.Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation with the hospice doctor and author of the newly minted book, The Purpose, Code..Jordan Grumet.Key Takeaways:How collections can bring you joyLittle P purpose vs big P purposeThe importance of the climbThe 3 levers to create a more purpose-filled jobHow to create your purpose instead of find itUsing a life review to identify what’s important to youPrioritizing community and connectionMore of Jordan:Order Jordan’s book, The Purpose Code at https://jordangrumet.com/books/.Listen to Earn & Invest at https://www.earnandinvest.com/.More of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? With a little bit of creative frugality, I think it is possible to live below your means and buy the things that bring you joy.What do I mean by creative frugality? It is a two-part process. Number 1, identify the things you value and stop spending money on the things you don’t. That is what today’s guest calls value-based spending. Number 2, get creative with the rest of your spending.Let me give you an example. I have a friend that loves to try new restaurants but she hates spending money on dining out. So what did she do? She started an Instagram page where she reviews new restaurants that opened up in Austin. She reaches out to restaurants she wants to try and many of them invite her in and comp her meal. Sure it takes a little hustle but you know what that friend told me? She loves creating this content for her Instagram and she is enjoying getting to know the people who make up the restaurant scene in Austin.I’m not advocating you do this for every one of your spending categories. I’m just saying, think outside the box and experiment a little.This is exactly what Jill Sirianni did. While she was working to pay off $60,000 of debt on a social worker's salary, Jill knew she had to get creative. Housing cost is nearly unavoidable for everyone but Jill stepped back and asked “How could I spend less on housing but still have a home I love?”She found an opportunity to house-sit in a friend’s log cabin while they did some extended traveling. After that, Jill did two different stints living in an RV. She saved a ton of money, and similar to my friend, she actually enjoyed it.Now that her debt is paid off and Jill is financially well off, she bought a home in St. Petersburg FL but Jill told me she still cherishes the years she lived in the RV with her husband and it really made an impact on how she lives today.Nowadays, Jill is doing some cool stuff co-hosting the Frugal Friends Podcast and authoring the soon-to-be-released book, Buy What You Love Without Going Broke.It was a blast talking to Jill. I hope you enjoy my conversation with the licensed clinical social, gardener, and lover of the simple things…Jill Sirianni.Key Takeaways:How to identify what you wantValues-based spendingFrugality vs scarcity mindsetLimitations lead to creative problem-solvingHow to give during the holidays without breaking the bankAffordable housing alternativesThe benefits of frugality outside of saving money More of Jill:Frugal Friends Podcast: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/episodes/Buy What You Love Without Going Broke: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/pre-order-buy-what-you-love-without-going-broke/More of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Okay, this episode was so much fun to create. This is outside my normal format but equally as informative and probably more entertaining.In October, I attended FinCon, a conference for personal finance content creators. I know it is super nerdy of me but here you are listening to a personal finance podcast so you have no room to judge me.This was my fourth time attending and my favorite part is all the friends I’ve made over the years. So like when any group of friends get together, we had to play a game. The only difference is since we are a bunch of podcasters, it also had to be recorded.So in today’s episode, you are going to hear me and 3 friends play my version of Money Jeopardy. My three friends are Joel Larsgaard from How to Money, Jackie Cummings Koski from Catching Up to FI, and Justin Brown Woods from Price of Avocado Toast. These contestants will be choosing questions from 4 categories:Binge or Cringe - are you in or out on this personal finance topicHistory of Money - a tough money-related trivia questionFrugal or Cheap - are you being a good steward of your money or just a cheapoFill in the blank - complete this statement You will chuckle and laugh throughout this whole conversation but you’ll also pick up tips and tricks along the way. Joel, Jackie, and Justin really crushed it. I’ve been thinking about adding some segments to the show that incorporate questions like this episode, send me an email at [email protected]. So kick back and get ready to have some fun. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Team J and fellow money nerds…Joel Larsgaard, Jackie Cummings Koski, and Justin Brown Woods.More of Guests:How to Money (Joel Larsgaard): https://www.howtomoney.com/Catching Up to FI (Jackie Cummings Koski): https://catchinguptofi.com/financial-independence-podcast/Price of Avocado Toast: https://www.priceofavocadotoast.com/podcastMore of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

There are so many rules in the personal finance space. Some are helpful, others not so much.Let's set aside the bad ones for a minute (for example, stop buying avocado toast) and discuss the helpful ones. What comes to mind? I went through this practice and wrote down a bunch in preparation for an episode with Jesse Cramer on The Best Interest.I realized many would only be helpful for a certain group of people or at a particular time in someone's personal finance journey. One that comes to mind is to "avoid credit cards." This would be a great rule for those struggling with credit card debt. Probably not so great for everyone else.But through this process, I did land on 5 golden rules that I think would be helpful for everyone regardless of their situation...and Jesse did the same.  Of course, as two podcasters would do, we took to the mics and debated our list.This conversation first aired on Jesse’s podcast, The Best Interest. Jesse is a good friend and has been on the show many of times. If you haven’t done so yet, go check out his podcast. He does a great job breaking down complex, financial topics and simplifying them through analogies and stories. You’ll get a taste of his style in this episode.Key Takeaways:Why do you need to track your money?How gift cards trick you into spending moreThe best investment is in yourselfSimple is better than complex (almost always)Why and how you should prepare for risk.Why you MUST automate your finances, as much as possibleThink long-term, but don’t forget the presentMentions:The original episode on The Best Interest: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-informative-debate-the-most-important-rules/id1553180943?i=1000651974649More of Jesse:Blog: www.bestinterest.blogMore of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

There will be a point in your FI journey when a stable salary will become less important to you. You’ve built up your savings and investments to a place where you are comfortable. The freedom and flexibility over your time are more valuable than that regular paycheck.The thought of leaving your job has you nervous though. Even after running the numbers and knowing you have enough, there are still a lot of emotions tied up in financial insecurity. “Do I really have enough? Maybe I should work for one more year.” On top of that, maybe you enjoy your job, don’t want to leave your team down a member during a busy period of work, or unsure what life will feel like without a regular 9-to-5 job.Setting all of that aside, deep down you know it is the right thing to do, you just can’t seem to pull the trigger. That is why I wanted to chat with my friends Tess Waresmith and Nicole Franklin. Both recently left their careers to pursue something else.If you listened to episode 138, you know Tess is a financial educator and money coach for women. Nicole Franklin and her husband Tyler are the creators behind the blog, Not Your Ordinary Plan, where they document their journey traveling the world while coasting to FI.In this episode, both Tess and Nicole share a ton of practical knowledge such as a checklist to prepare for your leave, how to tell your employer you’re quitting, and what to do about that pesky medical insurance. We also get into the mindset side of things such as how to feel confident this is the right decision and embrace the serendipity of a job-free life.If quitting is something you’ve been working towards, this is the episode for you. I hope you enjoy my conversation with world travelers and early retirees…Tess Waresmith and Nicole Franklin.Key Takeaways:How to know when it is time to leave your corporate job?Understanding money dysmorphiaTest-driving retirementWhat to do before you tell your employer?How to let your employer know you’re quittingEmbracing whitespace and serendipity of a job-free lifeMentions:Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your LifeTaking Stock: A Hospice Doctor's Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free LifeMore of Tess & Nicole:Instagram: @wealthwithtess and @notyourordinaryplan_Tess’s Free Course: https://www.wealthwithtess.com/fiNicole’s blog: https://notyourordinaryplan.com/start-here/More of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

I love FI because it allows me to break the rules and live outside the norm. Like, no one has time for 40 years of traditional employment. But little did I realize I left one set of rules only to get caught up in another - the rules of personal finance.For example, let's look at one popular idea, “spend less than you earn and invest the difference.” My friend Jeremy Schneider says this all the time and for the most part, he’s right. This is a great principle and one of the pillars of building wealth. But where we go wrong is when we get too fixated on a rule and let it box us in. Do we have to spend less than we earn…every year? No, we realize that is a silly idea. If you want to plan a year of travel, take off time to raise a newborn, or work on launching a business, that might be a year you spend more than you make…and that’s okay.I’m not saying Jeremy hasn’t had a year where he’s spent more than he’s earned. Knowing him, I’m guessing he’s had a couple but sometimes these general guidelines create a limited mindset. Another example is the 4% rule. This one boxed me in for years making me think I needed to reach my FIRE number before I could retire.I’ve been rethinking that a lot recently and one person who has impacted me is Diania Merriam. Through her 20s and early 30s, Diania worked in sales. In the midst of one of her peak earning years, she decided to take a 2-month sabbatical to walk 500 miles across northern Spain. A few years later, she quit that job entirely and retired from her corporate career at 33. Diania then founded the EconoMe Conference, a party about money. The conference wasn’t profitable the first few years but Diania didn’t care because she felt like organizing this event was her calling. She is the definition of rewriting the rule book which is why I wanted to have her on the show.I’m hoping through her story, you identify a personal finance rule that might be limiting your thinking. We get into topics like how to get your employer to say yes to a sabbatical, getting comfortable leaving a high-paying job, right-sizing work, and more.Key Takeaways:How to get your employer to say yes to a sabbaticalGetting comfortable leaving a high-paying jobEmbracing an abundance mindsetHow to right-size your workFinding FI-lexbilityMore of Diania:EconoMe Conference: ​​https://economeconference.com/Optimal Finance Daily: https://oldpodcast.com/optimal-finance-daily-podcast/More of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

While we still have a lot of work to do, I’m really glad we’ve made strides in closing the gender pay gap. Women's increased incomes have led to significant changes in household dynamics. More women are becoming the primary or even sole breadwinner for their family.This change is great and has led to many positives for both men and women. However, our culture is still caught up in traditional gender roles, especially when it comes to money. Many people expect a man to be the primary breadwinner in a relationship. This leads to awkwardness, confusion and tension.In today’s episode, we are going to talk about those feelings, especially from the lens of men. There is no better person to have this conversation with then my friend Ed Coambs. Ed is a financial therapist and has over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing a wide range of money-related distress.In this conversation, we dive into topics such as overcoming your internal feelings about contributing less financially, managing money with your partner without feeding resentment, and responding to friends when they joke about the income disparity in your relationship.A lot of juicy topics, so if you’re ready for it, I hope you enjoy my conversation with firefighter turned certified financial therapist…Ed Coambs.Key Takeaways:What happens when your partner is making more than youHandling resentment when one partner makes significantly more moneyManaging your internal emotions when your significant other has the career spot lightUnderstanding your money origin storySocietal messaging about gender norms and moneyResponding to your friends make jokesMore of Ed:www.healthyloveandmoney.comMore of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

It’s one of the most hotly debated topics in personal finance…Roth or Traditional?Some argue that the national debt almost guarantees higher taxes in the future and that you should choose Roth and pay your taxes now. Others argue that flexibility and low-earning retirement years should lead you to choose traditional. And of course, some “professionals” highlight that retirement accounts are a scam and you should be investing in their life insurance product to avoid taxes altogether…for the sake of this conversation, we are ignoring that one.At the end of the day, we all know the correct answer…it depends. It wouldn’t be a controversial topic if there wasn’t nuance in the decision. Multiple factors make it a personalized decision for everyone.In today’s episode, we dive deep into many of those factors to help you feel equipped to make this decision for your situation. To help me with this goal, I invited on my friend and CFP Rachael Camp.Rachael recently appeared on the podcast in episode 143, so if you want to learn more about her story and her thoughts about work optionality, get that episode queued up.In this conversation, we jump straight into it, debunking bad advice, sharing a rule of thumb to decide if Roth or Traditional is the right option for you, discuss how unique factors such as which state you live in, RMDs, and medical subsidies might impact your decision, and ultimately, a case for why this decision should be revisited every year.So if you want to get deep into the weeds about Roth vs Traditional, this episode is for you. I hope you enjoy my conversation with the owner of Camp Wealth…Rachael Camp.Key Takeaways:The math behind bad adviceIf taxes are bound to increase, how does that change our decision?A Roth or Traditional rule of thumb based on your tax bracketChanges in your life that might impact how you should be investingHow and why to create flexibility in your retirement accountsA year-by-year approach to maximize your tax savingsMore of Rachael:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CampWealth/videosWebsite: https://www.rachaelcampwealth.com/More of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Over the last couple of years, a key group of companies known as The Magnificent Seven has emerged. This group of high-performing and influential companies includes Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Tesla. These companies are at the forefront of sectors such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, cloud computing, and digital services.They have also been positively impacting much of the growth in the US stock market. Just last year in 2023, these 7 companies’ stocks grew 73% while the rest of the S&P 500 grew 8%. These companies are routinely showing up in many of the financial headlines and it got me wondering, is the US stock market too reliant on a few large companies?So I reached out to my friend and fellow CPA Erik Baskin, to see what he thought. He had a ton to say. Of course, as any podcaster would, I asked if he would be up to record a conversation about it.In this episode, Erik shares his thoughts about The Magnificient Seven’s impact on the stock market. We discuss if this concentration is new. We also explore what changes, if any, you should make to your investments because of this.Erik and I also had this awesome conversation near the end of the episode about when being a super-saver doesn’t make sense anymore. It really had me rethinking a few things in my life currently.Let’s get into it. I hope you enjoy my conversation with the Airman turned Financial Advisor…Erik Baskin.Key Takeaways:Has the US market become too reliant on a few large companies?Is this kind of concentration new?Equal weighted vs market capImpacts of investing only in the S&P 500Should we be investing at all-time highs?When being a super-saver doesn’t make sense anymoreMentions:Morning Star Portfolio X-Ray: https://www.morningstar.com/help-center/user-guide/x-ray-overviewDie with Zero: https://www.amazon.com/Die-Zero-Getting-Your-Money/dp/0358099765The Gap and The Gain: https://www.amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence/dp/1401964362More of Erik:Website: https://www.baskinfp.com/BLUF Finance Podcast: https://www.baskinfp.com/podcastMore of The Struggle is Real:Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/