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

Today’s guest is Alexandra Dickinson, Founder and CEO of Ask For It, a negotiation training and coaching business. In this episode, Alexandra and I discuss how negotiating doesn’t need to feel combative and unpleasant. She gives tactics and advice on a myriad of topics including figuring out an appropriate salary range, practicing for a salary negotiation conversation, and handling the question “how much do you currently make?” This episode is perfect for those who feel they deserve more, but might not have the skills, or more importantly, the confidence to ask for it. Key Takeaways: [2:38] Starting Ask For It and overcoming imposter syndrome [10:36] When to negotiate and how to go about it [11:53] How to figure out an appropriate salary range [22:04] How to practice for a salary negotiation conversation [30:43] Advice on handling “how much do you currently make?” [38:23] Utilizing the “wish, want, walk” method when negotiating [45:21] Alexandra’s favorite negotiating advice [51:12] Alexandra values and how she wants to raise her daughters Favorite Quotes: [5:23] You have to believe that you are worth it before anyone else is going to believe it. [19:26] How much are you willing to pay to avoid an awkward conversation? [26:47] It’s not about what you will do, it’s about what you have done. [46:01] Speech is silver, silence is golden. More of Alexandra and Ask For It: Instagram: @askforitco More of TSIR: Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today’s guest is Luis Savery, Founder of Templo Education. In this episode, Luis and I discuss why he started an organization focused on educating young adults about financial literacy. We talk about why he believes your purchases reflect what you truly value, how to get someone to be your mentor, and the small yet significant difference between discipline and impulse. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to be more intentional about how they handle their money. Key Takeaways: [5:07] How growing up in Upper Manhattan influenced Luis’ mindset on money [13:18] The inspiration for Templo Education and how the organization works [19:19] Why the school system fails to teach financial literacy and what Luis would do about it [26:16] Luis’ advice on how to find a mentor and maximize that relationship [33:43] Where you spend your money reflects what you value [41:18] Discipline versus impulse Favorite Quotes: [18:38] Adding finances to your repertoire while you're learning enhances you no matter what career you’re in. [22:50] I can feed the angel or the beast, whatever your habits are, more money is going to feed that. [36:46] When you look at someone's bank account, you can really see what they value. [43:05] When you don't plan, the money controls you, but when you plan, you control that money. You tell your money where to go. Mentions: Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight More of TSIR: Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Joining me on the podcast today is Kevin McWilliams. In this episode, Kevin shares his story of developing a growth mindset and the impact that shift has had on his life. Kevin and I discuss how to align your time with your priorities to get what you want. We also dive into his love for sports, his complicated relationship with his dad, and spotting career opportunities. This episode is perfect for anyone looking for inspiration to push past their limiting beliefs. Key Takeaways: [3:51] How to align your priorities with how you spend your time [13:48] Communicating with friends you’re falling out with [17:50] Is grad school right for you? [19:33] How Kevin overcame his fixed mindset [25:20] Two of the most powerful words you can say...I am. [30:28] Why sports are the perfect parallel to life. [33:58] The duality of people illustrated through Kevin's father [44:23] Spotting and evaluating career opportunities Favorite Quotes: [12:18] I was so unintentional, I was letting life happen to me. As opposed to making it happen for what I want out of it. [14:36] Who are the people who are bringing you the most joy and who are you bringing joy to? [29:05] We stop at saying “I am” or “I can’t” but the truth is the people are good at stuff just put in the time. [34:07] You have a friend until you prove otherwise. [45:21] I’ve tried to value growth and learning over everything. More of Kevin: Instagram: @kmcwilliams21 Email: [email protected] More of TSIR: Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Joining us on The Struggle is Real is Shane Jenne. In this episode, Shane and I discuss his early struggles with weight and how he was bound to a life filled with chronic health issues. Instead of fulfilling this prophecy though, Shane transformed his life losing 80 pounds the summer after his freshman year of college. He didn’t stop there though. His transformation inspired him to help those starting their own health revolution. Shane became a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach. He recently started an online personal training program for the entertainment industry that includes actors, dancers, and performers. This episode includes tips on fitness, nutrition, and sleep. Key Takeaways: [2:32] How Shane got started on his health journey [9:10] Why finding your why is important during your fitness journey [14:22] Shane explains how he defines a healthy lifestyle [20:20] 9/10 people say their number one issue with their wellness is sleep and what we can do about it. [28:55] Shane’s personal training background and how that transpired into Actors Fitness Guild [39:50] What has the army taught Shane? Favorite Quotes: [11:58] You have to be dedicated and motivated everyday and you do that by being inspired by understanding what your why is. [13:12] The more people that know about your journey, the more people are going to ask you about it. The more people are asking about your journey, the more accountable you are. [26:50] There is nothing after 10pm that has to happen after 10pm. [36:55] I won’t give them a bucket of fish. I will give them a fishing pole and show them where to go but they have to show up and maintain their fishing pole. [41:38] At a young age, we might still be looking to find a mentor to help us along the way. But just as quickly as we find one, we have to be ready to be a mentor to those below us. Mentioned in this episode: Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success by Shawn Stevenson (book) The Model Health Show - Shawn Stevenson (podcast) More of Shane: Instagram: @shanejenne More of TSIR: Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today’s guests are Jeff and Abby Nickel. These high school sweethearts share tips to have a successful relationship. We discuss the importance of forgiveness, creating a separate and joint identity, planning a wedding together, and the challenge of buying a house and moving in together. Throughout the 10 years of knowing them and watching their relationship grow, they have inspired me to become a better partner. Key Takeaways: [6:30) Humility and forgiveness are the key to a successful relationship [9:29] Changes Jeff and Abby had to make in order to make their relationship work [11:34] Creating a joint and separate identity [17:14] Planning a wedding together [21:21] Buying a house and transitioning into living together [27:33] How each of them positively influence one another [29:05] Advice to their younger siblings on how to have a successful relationship More of Jeff & Abby: Instagram: @abby_rowan_nickel More of TSIR: Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today we are speaking with my brother, Kyle Peters, who is a recent college graduate. At first he was destined to become a doctor yet took a left turn when he found what he was really looking for in retail leadership. Key Takeaways: [0:58] Kyle shares why he choose going to college and becoming a doctor [3:10] Kyle talks about managing with the uncertainty around his degree choice [6:53] Why being authentic is the key to differentiate yourself and find the right job out of college [11:00] How Kyle transitioned out of medical sales [13:45] Why Target went from a perspective part-time job to the perfect career match [15:43] Kyle's leadership style More of Kyle: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylepeters2/ More of TSIR: Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Welcome to the first episode of the The Struggle is Real with Justin Peters. In this episode, Mason Stevens, military brat and health nut, shares his thoughts on how someone begins their journey of a healthier life. More of Mason: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mason_james209/ More of TSIR: Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/