Mile High FI Podcast

Doug and Carl talk to the famous Brandon aka The Mad Fientist! Here are a few highlights of our discussion: Carl and Brandon reminisce about their first meeting almost 10 years ago! Discovering JD Roth and FIRE Mad Fientist: new features coming soon to the FI Laboratory How to spend money or not (The Switzerland Incident) Michelin 3 star restaurants versus Taco Bell Where is the FIRE movement going? Why the Mad Fientist loves routines For the love of coding ____ Links Mad Fientist – Financial Independence and Early Retirement Mad Fientist’s Music Travel Credit Cards Get Rich Slowly – Personal finance that makes sense The Escape Artist Mr. Money Mustache

Carl and Doug talk about whether they could hold down a job again, and why they might be good or bad at it.   ____

We’re giving away free copies of First to a Million: A Teenager’s Guide to Achieving Early Financial Independence by Dan Sheeks! Leave a comment on the Mile High FI YouTube channel telling us about a teen you think deserves to get a copy of the book. We’ll pick three comments and send you a copy along with the accompanying workbook for you to pass along! In this episode, Doug and Carl interview Dan Sheeks about teaching teen financial literacy and his new book First to a Million. Here are a few highlights of our discussion: Dan’s Background traveling the world why traditional investment vehicles like 401(k)s are not for him his biggest money mistake Teens And Money how to teach teens about money are some humans natural-born savers? what about meme stocks, NFTs, and crypto? the Sheeks Freaks ____ Links SheeksFreaks | Achieve Early Financial Freedom https://www.instagram.com/sheeksfreaks/ Sheeks Freaks on YouTube First to a Million: A Teenager’s Guide to Achieving Early Financial Independence First to a Million Workbook: A Companion Guide for Teens to Achieve Early Financial Independence Note: Affiliate links above, so we get a commission if you buy something.

Carl and Doug talk about fitness and their hypothetical goals for 2022. (It’s a short form, and we actually keep it to just over 20 minutes.) NEW: we have intro and outro music. ____ ____

Doug and Carl talk inflation with personal finance blogging legend Paula Pant of Afford Anything. Paula discusses the mysterious origins of her first and middle names. Then we get into inflation and go pretty deep. why inflation is happening transitory or here to stay? does the Consumer Price Index matter? mortgages: inflation hedge or just more debt? inflation and financial independence ____ ____ Links #252: Ask Paula – Will the Stimulus Cause Massive Inflation? #343: Are We Heading for a Housing Crash in 2022? The Afford Anything Newsletter

Doug and Carl talk about investment limit changes for 2022 and Back Door Roths. Here are a few highlights from our discussion: 401k and Roth IRAs Long term capital gains The Back Door Roth lives! Pre-tax verses post-tax investing ____ Links: IRS announces changes to retirement plans for 2022 | Internal Revenue Service Backdoor Roth 401(k) and IRA rules for the wealthy survive — for now

In this episode, we’re joined by Mr. Money Mustache (aka Pete aka Pedro??) and Ray from Waffles on Wednesday, who showed up to share some beer and all kinds of hot sauce! Among many others, we tried Playing with FIRE Hot Sauce, which is homemade by our recent guest, Scott Rieckens. Listen in as we tackle the Scoville scale and some juicy questions. ____ ____ Links: Playing with Fire Documentary Waffles on Wednesday on Twitter Mr. Money Mustache and on Twitter

In this mailbag episode, Doug and Carl answer questions from listeners. Here’s what we covered: How is Carl planning for his kids’ college expenses? What things should you keep in mind when discussing a trust with a lawyer? What’s up with the Vanguard 2040 target date fund issuing massive capital gains distributions in 2021? What were our favorite microbrews of 2021? What was the best personal and professional part of 2021 for us? Do you need a high salary (or risky investments) to chase FI? Doug made a lot of 2022 resolutions for Carl, but doesn’t do them himself. What’s up with that? What do you spend money on that you really value? Links: Check out Carl’s talk at Econome! (on YouTube) Kyle Landis-Marinello’s website Bozeman Brewing Company   ____ ____

In this live recording, Carl interviewed JL Collins at the MMM HQ Co-Working space. Carl opened the evening with a quiz for audience members. Volunteers had to read a phrase and then decide if the phrase was in a JL Collins book. Find out if Pete (Mr. Money Mustache) gets his question right… Carl had some questions for JL and then let the audience ask their own. This was a fun episode, and I hope you enjoy it! Links (*affiliate links below so we get a commission if you buy something – thank you) The Simple Path to Wealth How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable: A Cautionary Tale Mr. Money Mustache HQ ____

Has Doug changed his mind on crypto? It’s complicated. Why Doug didn’t like crypto Doug’s change of heart Why Carl almost bought Bitcoin in 2012 Links #231 – Alex Gladstein: Bitcoin, Authoritarianism, and Human Rights | Lex Fridman Podcast TMBA422: Crypto: What’s It All About? – Tropical MBA Podcast Coinbase – Buy and Sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more with trust Understanding the Global Rise of Authoritarianism ____ ____

Doug and Carl talk with Scott Rieckens, the creator behind the popular Playing with Fire Documentary. A few highlights from our discussion: How Scott found FI and how he got his wife on board Identifying the top ten things that make you happy (and the ten that make you miserable) Even Happier by Tal-Ben Shahar How FIRE lets you focus on the good things in life (and why you don’t actually need to be financially independent to do that) Scott’s experiences with negative attitudes towards FIRE Scott’s perfect day Scott’s new project: the online school Hello Compound, where Scott and his partner, Rob, help others to get their financial lives in order. Playing with FIRE on Amazon Be sure to check out all Scott’s endeavors and you can follow him on Twitter to see what he’s up to next! ____

In this episode, Doug and Carl interview blogging legend J$, founder of Budgets Are Sexy, Rockstar Finance, and Love Drop. Here are a few highlights of our discussion: J$ discusses how an innocent apartment search turned into a disastrous home purchase. Housing The great “buy versus rent” debate Why humans sometimes buy homes when they shouldn’t Budgets Are Sexy The origin story Publishing stories that no one else would touch The joy and pain of publicly sharing net worth Selling the site Giving back Creating good in the world with Love Drop (giving away $90,000!) Why do some people hate everything? How Doug gives back Links All-Star Money Budgets Are Sexy My Money Blog Side Hustle Series: I’m a “Phone Actress” The Love Drop “Highlights” Video! Nate St. Pierre’s Projects That Change the World ____

Doug and Carl talk about how 2021 went and their goals for 2022. They also talk about asparagus. Opening Carl comments on Doug’s new hoodie which makes him look exactly like Clifford the big red dog. Or should we say, Clifford the big red Doug. Mile High FI Did the podcast live up to expectations? Wait, what were the expectations? Doug and Carl talk about 2021 Doug worked less, abandoned a project, went to 3 personal finance events, and took off big chunks of time Carl worked way too much, stopped exercising, and pretty much said Yes! to everything Doug and Carl share their resolutions for each other Carl should do less, but also meditate and journal Doug should play a live gig and stop obsessing over asparagus Links EconoMe Conference – Nov 13th & 14th, 2021 Bitches Get Riches Melanzana Outdoor Clothing made in Leadville San Joaquin Asparagus Festival | Visit Stockton ____ ____

Doug and Carl talk to Jillian Johnsrud, author, blogger, podcaster, and life coach, about her book, Fire the Haters: Finding Courage to Create Online in a Critical World. Jillian lives in Montana with her husband and five children. She reached financial independence at the age of 32, and now she helps coach others on their journey to FI, as well as helping people through career transitions and supporting them as they launch or seek to grow businesses. In her podcast, Everyday Courage, Jillian talks to guests about FIRE, investing, career trajectories, and how to design a happy and successful life. Here are a few highlights from our discussion with Jillian: Expectations vs reality as a content creator How to decouple your self from your work Trying to make everyone happy is never interesting or engaging How to get helpful feedback but tune out the trolls Imposter syndrome Preparation as a form of procrastination (Did we bully Carl into launching a project he’s been sitting on for years? Maybe!) Jillian’s perfect day/week How to reach out to a high-profile person (without being creepy) ____ ____

Doug and Carl talk about the EconoMe conference, bunking together, Skyline Chili, and dutch ovens. Here are a few highlights of their discussion: Doug discusses a trip to buy an $80 hoodie (the beloved Melanzana) Carl discusses his recent trip to Butt Rock EconoMe overview Doug’s snoring and Carl’s dutch oven Stacking Benjamins show Is EconoMe about education, entertainment, community, or all of the above? Breakout sessions: women personal finance and socially responsible investing “Hell yeah!!” or “No!” (Derek Sivers) There is no middle ground. Carl discusses his big talk Thoughts on Cincinnati and Skyline Chili Return to EconoMe in 2023? Other Links Bitches Get Riches ____ ____

Doug and Carl talk to Kristen Rainey about a topic that matters to everyone: sleep! Kristen Rainey is the founder of Northstar Sleep School, and she takes good sleep seriously. On her podcast, Northstar Unplugged, she talks to fascinating people about health, wellness, and (of course) sleep. Kristen has accomplished so much in her life. She attended Princeton University and has had multiple successful careers, including working with Google in the food arena to ensure all employees had access to delicious, healthy foods. Now she has turned her keen eye to the realm of sleep and helps train people to build and maintain excellent sleeping habits and feel better in their lives. To receive 10 tips for better sleep, go here. Here are a few highlights of our discussion: High-stress jobs and how to sleep well even if you have one Why do we sleep? How much sleep we need How to take the perfect nap Best sleep practices Building a sleep routine Dealing with jet lag Sleep supplements and how other substances affect sleep Sleep trackers The ideal sleep environment, including mattress and cooling pad recommendation We are ready to get a great night’s sleep every night after talking to Kristen, and hope you can pick up some helpful tips from her to help you live a well-rested life! ____ ____

JL Collins joins Carl and Doug to talk about a terrible investment experience with Real Estate. JL tells the story in his new book, How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable: A Cautionary Tale. You probably recognize JL from our other talk with him, or more likely the Google Talk, or his first book, The Simple Path to Wealth. JL is amazing! Check out his new book on Amazon [Affiliate Link so we get a commission if you buy it. thanks!] How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable ____ ____

In this episode, Doug and Carl interview “Purple” from the blog, A Purple Life. Purple worked for nine years in the marketing industry and then retired early at age 30 to relax and enjoy life in her prime. Here are a few highlights from our discussion. – Purple’s work situation – Quitting work in your prime – Going back to work? – Learning about FI – Life in retirement – Travel – Calming down – Purple’s perfect day ____

Doug and Carl interview Michael Quan from Financially Alert. Michael blogs over at Financially Alert, and recently published a book The F.I.R.E. Planner, which you can find on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble! Special Note! Leave a YouTube comment or join our email list for a chance to win Michael’s book: Join the MILE HIGH FI CLUB Opening: Michael talks about some childhood experiences with fire, the bad kind! Discussion Growing up with awesome financial role models Financially Alert blog: Michael’s “why” and the decision to share his net worth Starting and selling a business Real estate: long and short-term rentals The FIRE Planner, Michael’s new book Why write a book? Income versus growth investing The incredible value of resourcefulness Finding good people to spend your time with Luxury cars? Are early retirees who work truly retired? ____

This week’s episode is short but packs a punch! From the floor of the FinCon expo hall, Doug and Carl interview blogging legend JD Roth of Get Rich Slowly. JD has been in the FI community since its earliest days in the early 2000s. His very successful site has been inspiring readers to save money and get their financial lives on track for over a decade. Here are a few highlights from our discussion: JD shares a recent purchase that is decidedly NOT frugal JD’s experience growing up with parents who weren’t good with money JD’s early money mistakes Starting Get Rich Slowly, selling it, and buying it back Where the FI movement is going We were so psyched to be able to talk with JD and we hope you’ll be inspired by his words of wisdom! ____ ★ Let’s hang out at the EconoMe Conference! ★ Carl is speaking at EconoMe and Doug is attending. You can save 10% by using this coupon code: 1500 *Affiliate link so we get a commission if you buy something.

In this episode, Doug and Carl interview Lauren and Steven from Trip Of A Lifestyle. Steven and Lauren are a married couple who retired at just 29! He is a former high school teacher and she worked in marketing. Although neither of them ever made more than six figures in income, they were still able to retire ultra early and take a couple of trips that lasted over six months along the way. Their story is truly inspiring. Here are a few highlights of our discussion: Steven bails on grad school Living in Hawaii for really, really cheap The huge advantage of keeping your expenses low The joy of the inverted workweek Their trip to 63 national parks, including their favorite (Death Valley) Taking a break long enough to forget your old life Carl and Steven debate paying off a mortgage Links About Us – Trip Of A Lifestyle How We Took a 6-Month Hawaii Honeymoon for $0 Buying a $4,500 Car with Ramen Noodles Lauren and Steve’s Episode on The Doug Show: Launching a Blog in a Competitive Niche and Getting Press Coverage | Trip of a Lifestyle – DS282 Lauren and Steven recommend The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins ____ ★ Let’s hang out at the EconoMe Conference! ★ Carl is speaking at EconoMe and Doug is attending. You can save 10% by using this coupon code: 1500 *Affiliate link so we get a commission if you buy something.

In this episode, Doug and Carl interview Amberly Grant, creator of FinTalks (formerly FinZoom) and all-around-awesome human. Here are a few highlights of our discussion: How Amberly met Mr. Money Mustache FinTalks: something great born out of a place of depression Unexpected adventures The future of FinTalks Travel Ottawa to LA to NYC to Ottawa to Thailand Finding local connections Escaping a bad situation Favorite places Safety when traveling alone Real estate What a house is to Amberly Leveraging your network Amberly’s perfect day Keeping busy HIIT The joy of being productive Links: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki The Wealthy Barber, Everyone’s Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent by David Chilton The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence by Chris Mamula, Brad Barrett, and Jonathan Mendonsa Go Natural English (teaching English abroad) Amberly’s Website Amberly’s Facebook Meet Amberly When we think of Amberly Grant, just one thing comes to mind: energy! This girl is on the go and passionate about her many pursuits. Amberly is (deep breath): an avid traveler, teacher, reader, real estate investor, business school graduate, and Senior Project Manager at a tech company. And she speaks four languages! She loves to achieve and lives to help others. Recently, Amberly channeled her love of all things personal finance and her extroversion by creating an online group of people who get together weekly to discuss life and money. This group, known as FinTalks (formerly FinZoom) is a space for people to share what they’ve learned about finances and help others share and grow in their FI journeys. If you’re interested in being part of this free and awesome group, check it out and let Amberly know! Our Discussion We started out by talking to Amberly about how she got involved in the personal finance space and how she first met Pete (Mr. Money Mustache). She then told us all about the origins of FinTalks. Amberly was going through a difficult time. She was going through a breakup … just as COVID was hitting. Being trapped in lockdown after a rough breakup would be hard on anyone. But Amberly knows that the best way to grow and get out of a rut is to focus on helping others. So she started FinTalks! On top of that, Amberly started making Facebook Live presentations, where she would distill complex finance topics into easily digestible nuggets of wisdom. Even though she started slow, Amberly’s dedication caused her presentations to steadily grow in popularity. We then delved into Amberly’s background and how she first became interested in personal finance. Like many of our guests, she watched her parents struggle with poverty and vowed that her life would be different. In fact, she set the intention very early in life that she would be a millionaire one day. She talked to us about the personal finance books she started reading at age 15 (!) and how it set her off on a course to success. Amberly then talked to us about her love of travel, which was inspired by her love of reading. Amberly always remembered the places she had read about and wanted to see them in person herself. She also loves nothing more than challenging herself, and travel is part of that. Amberly travels mostly alone, and she has some great tips for other solo travelers (especially women). She loves to immerse herself in a new culture and make new friends on the fly. Some of her travel highlights include bike-packing trips across the Pacific Northwest and some late nights partying in Thailand while she taught English there. We also asked Amberly about her perfect day and week. Because she loves to stay so busy and enjoys her work, her work would definitely be a part of it. We also discussed the psychology of staying busy and why it’s also important to slow things down. Finally, Amberly talked to us about her real estate investing strategy. Amberly never wants to pay her own mortgage and has set up her life to ensure she doesn’t have to! She also let us in on her plans for a new property management company, which is in the works. We hope you get inspired by our conversation with Amberly. We know we did! ____ ★ Let’s hang out at the EconoMe Conference! ★ Carl is speaking at EconoMe and Doug is attending. You can save 10% by using this coupon code: 1500 *Affiliate link so we get a commission if you buy something.