FI Minded - Financial Independence Without the Extremes

Hosted by Justin Peters - Financial Independence Podcast Host & Educator

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204

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Pursuing financial freedom, a work-optional lifestyle, or early retirement often leads to the same questions: “one more year,” “do I have enough?” “what does life actually look like after this?” FI Minded helps you think like someone who’s already financially independent so you can make smarter decisions about how you work, spend, and live. From Coast FI and Slow FI to lifestyle design, career transitions, healthcare, and self-employment, each episode explores the real decisions behind building a flexible, work-optional life…without burnout, over-optimization, or missing out along the way. We cover: * Smarter ways to reach financial independence (without burnout) * Designing a flexible, work-optional lifestyle * Coast FI, Slow FI, and enjoying your time along the way * What life actually looks like after FI (and how to prepare for it) * The tradeoffs behind big money decisions Make progress toward financial independence while actually living your life. Some of our past guests include Carl Jensen (1500 Days), Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club), Nick Loper (Side Hustle Show), Andrew Giancola (The Personal Finance Podcast), Jordan Grumet (Earn & Invest), Rachael Camp (Work Optional), Jillian Johnsrud (Retire Often), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy), Jill Sirianni (Frugal Friends), Jackie Cummings-Koski (Catching Up to FI), Joel Larsgaard (How to Money), Cody Garrett (Measure Twice), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), Jess (The Fioneers), Chris Hutchins (All The Hacks), Diania Merriam (EconoMe), Andy Hill (Marriage Kids Money), Fritz Gilbert (Retirement Manifesto), and and others helping you rethink how to approach financial independence.

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60 recent

August 12, 202632 min

Fast-Track Your Way to Financial Independence With This Plan | E203 Cody Berman

The Slow FI movement has changed the way many of us think about financial independence. Instead of rushing to the finish line, more people are prioritizing balance, flexibility, and enjoying life along the way. But what if you're in a season where you actually want to accelerate? Maybe you're motivated to leave a stressful job, create more options for your family, or simply reach financial independence sooner. The question becomes: how do you speed things up without sacrificing everything that makes the journey worthwhile? In this episode, I sit down with Cody Berman, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and author of Retire by 30, to explore the biggest levers that can dramatically shorten your path to financial independence. Together they discuss the two primary approaches to FI, why increasing your income often matters more than cutting another expense, and how Cody earned more than $400,000 in a single year while intentionally keeping his lifestyle simple. Whether you're just starting your FI journey or looking for ways to shave years off your timeline, this conversation will help you identify the strategies with the biggest impact. Key Takeaways: Learn the biggest levers that accelerate financial independence Decide whether entrepreneurship fits your FI strategy Discover why income often matters more than frugality Build wealth faster without inflating your lifestyle Find the right balance between speed and sustainability Other Episodes You’ll Love: How to Reach Financial Independence in 10 Years | E201 Chris Luger Retiring Before 50? Here’s What You Need to Know | E196 Jesse Cramer Tiny Quits That Build Toward Full FI | E194 Jess, The Fioneers Guest Summary: Cody Berman is an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and co-host of The FI Show podcast. He achieved financial independence at a young age by combining entrepreneurship, strategic investing, and intentional spending. Cody is also the author of Retire by 30, where he shares practical strategies to help people accelerate their path to financial independence while building a life they enjoy along the way. Connect With Justin Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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.

July 29, 202633 min

How Many Years of Freedom Does Your Car Cost? | E202 Hanna Horvath

Most people can quickly tell you what they love spending money on: travel, concerts, hobbies, or trying new restaurants. But almost no one gets excited about paying for their car. Yet transportation is one of the biggest expenses most households have. Between car payments, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and depreciation, the average American spends more than $11,000 each year to own and operate a vehicle. For many families, that's over $20,000 annually going toward something that often feels more like a necessity than a choice. In this episode, I sit down with Hanna Horvath from Your Brain on Money to explore what our cars are really costing us (and not just financially). We discuss practical ways to reduce transportation expenses, whether you decide to go car-free, become car-lite, or simply make smarter decisions about the vehicle you already own. Along the way, they examine how America's car-centric culture shapes our spending, our communities, and even our relationships. If you've ever wondered how much faster you could reach financial independence by spending less on transportation, this conversation may completely change how you think about your next car. Key Takeaways: The expense quietly delaying your path to FI Why your "dream neighborhood" may cost less overall The surprising math behind owning two cars How much freedom cheaper transportation can buy Why going car-free isn't the only smart option The hidden costs of driving beyond your budget Why America's car culture feels impossible to escape Other Episodes You’ll Love: What Our Wedding Taught Us About Money | E197 Gaby Deimeke The Emotional Cost of Ignoring Burnout While Pursuing FI | E193 Jess, The Fioneers The Hardest Skill in FI: Knowing When to Stop | E190 Joel Larsgaard Guest Summary: Hanna Horvath is a personal finance journalist, creator of Your Brain on Money , and an advocate for helping people make smarter financial decisions by understanding the psychology behind them. Through her writing and reporting, she explores how our environments, habits, and cultural norms influence the way we spend, save, and build wealth. Her work frequently challenges conventional assumptions about money while offering practical ways to create a life that's both financially healthier and more intentional. Connect With Justin Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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.

July 15, 202640 min

How to Reach Financial Independence in 10 Years | E201 Chris Luger

Most people want to reach financial independence faster. We talk about enjoying the journey, and that matters, but if there’s a way to get there in 10 or 15 years instead of 25, it’s hard to ignore. The question is: what actually moves the needle? In this episode, I sit down with Chris Luger from Heavy Metal Money, who reached financial independence in a decade. But what makes Chris’s story compelling is that he didn’t start with a financial advantage. After a divorce forced him to take ownership of his finances for the first time, he built his FI plan from scratch and executed it quickly. In this conversation, we break down the most impactful levers for accelerating your FI timeline, including increasing income, reducing expenses, and making intentional lifestyle choices. We also explore the tradeoffs that come with moving faster, like balancing enjoyment with optimization, managing risk, and avoiding burnout. If you’re looking to speed up your path to financial independence without sacrificing your quality of life, this episode will give you practical strategies to consider. Key Takeaways: The simple housing move that can shave years off FI Why eating out might be costing more than you think The fastest (and most overlooked) way to boost income How to speed up FI without burning yourself out The tradeoff most people underestimate on the fast path Why saving more isn’t always the best lever The “non-negotiable” expenses worth keeping on any budget Other Episodes You’ll Love: What to Do in Your Final Year Before Retirement | E198 Fritz Gilbert Retiring Before 50? Here’s What You Need to Know | E196 Jesse Cramer How to Create a 3-Day Workweek (Before You Reach FI) | E187 Andy Hill Guest Summary: Chris Luger is the host of the Heavy Metal Money podcast and an advocate for financial independence. Chris built a plan that helped him reach financial independence in about 10 years. Through his content, he shares practical strategies and honest insights on balancing aggressive saving, income growth, and lifestyle design to help others reach FI faster. Connect With Justin Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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.

July 1, 202642 min

What 200 Episodes Taught Me About Financial Independence | E200 Joe Saul-Sehy

Six years. 200 episodes. And a lot has changed along the way. After years of working, saving, and building toward financial independence, this milestone episode comes at a meaningful moment — just weeks after stepping away from corporate work. What once felt like a distant goal is now something much more real and a lot more nuanced than expected. Looking back on the journey from Episode 100 to now, one lesson stands out: there is no perfect path to financial independence — only intentional tradeoffs. The decisions to travel more, spend more, and prioritize experiences may have slowed the math, but they made the journey far more enjoyable. And along the way, it became clear that FI isn’t just about hitting a number. It’s about building options. To celebrate Episode 200, I’m joined by Joe Saul-Sehy, host of Stacking Benjamins, for a fun and insightful conversation built around the number 200. Together, they explore what truly makes retirees happy, how to use your time once work becomes optional, and why relationships may matter more than anything else on the path to financial independence. Key Takeaways: Start using your freedom before reaching your FI number Design your time intentionally instead of defaulting to work Prioritize relationships before and after financial independence Accept that not every financial decision will be optimal Use money as a tool to improve your life today Build a lifestyle you actually enjoy along the way Recognize that FI is about options, not just a number Other Episodes You’ll Love: What to Do in Your Final Year Before Retirement | E198 Fritz Gilbert Retiring Before 50? Here’s What You Need to Know | E196 Jesse Cramer Fridays: The Best Place to Begin Practicing Financial Freedom | E192 Guest Summary: Joe Saul-Sehy is a former financial advisor turned podcast host, speaker, and author. He is the creator of the popular personal finance podcast Stacking Benjamins, where he combines humor and practical advice to help listeners make smarter financial decisions. Through years of interviewing experts and studying retirees, Joe has developed a deep understanding of what truly leads to a fulfilling and happy life after work. Connect With Justin Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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.

June 17, 202638 min

When Productivity Becomes the Problem | E199 Doug Cunnington

For years, productivity felt like a superpower. It helped you earn more, save more, and move faster toward financial independence. It becomes part of your identity. The reason you feel like you’re “on track.” But what happens when that same skill starts working against you? As you get closer to FI, it becomes harder to tell the difference between productive effort and unnecessary optimization. And for many people, the habit of doing more doesn’t stop, even when they no longer need it. In this episode, I talk with Doug Cunnington, host of Mile High FI, about the idea of “anti-productivity” or the intentional practice of doing less, not out of laziness, but out of clarity. We explore why over-optimization can quietly reduce quality of life, how productivity can become a default identity, and what it actually looks like to step back without losing purpose or direction. If productivity has been your edge on the way to FI, this conversation will help you rethink what comes next. Key Takeaways: Why productivity can become a limitation after FI How over-optimization reduces joy and increases burnout The hidden fears that drive constant productivity Why many FI achievers struggle to slow down How to tell when effort stops producing meaningful returns What “anti-productivity” actually looks like in real life How to build purpose without constant optimization Why doing less is a skill, not laziness Other Episodes You’ll Love: Tiny Quits That Build Toward Full FI | E194 Jess, The Fioneers The Hardest Skill in FI: Knowing When to Stop | E190 Joel Larsgaard How to Create a 3-Day Workweek (Before You Reach FI) | E187 Andy Hill Guest Summary: Doug Cunnington is the host of Mile High FI and a financial independence advocate known for his practical, grounded approach to money and life design. Before reaching FI, Doug built a career centered around productivity, side hustles, and business building — skills that helped him achieve financial independence relatively early. Today, he focuses on helping others think more clearly about money, work, and lifestyle design, while also exploring what it means to step back from constant optimization and live with more intention. Connect With Justin Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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.

June 3, 202637 min

What to Do in Your Final Year Before Retirement | E198 Fritz Gilbert

Retirement can feel like a finish line, but when it gets close, it often feels more like a transition you’re not fully prepared for. After years of saving, planning, and imagining what life could look like, the final year of work is when things start to get real. And that’s when a lot of people realize: dreaming about retirement is very different from actually stepping into it. Drawing from ideas inspired by Fritz Gilbert of Retirement Manifesto, this episode breaks down six intentional steps you can take during your final year of work to make the transition smoother, more meaningful, and far less uncertain. We talk through how to get clear on what you actually want retirement to feel like, how to stay engaged during the final stretch of work, and how to start practicing the habits and routines you’ll carry into your next chapter. This episode will help you step into retirement with confidence rather than guesswork. Key Takeaways: Get clear on what you want retirement to feel like Stay engaged during the final stretch of work Practice spending and living off less income Separate personal life from your work Build a list of meaningful activities in advance Celebrate the transition into retirement intentionally Other Episodes You’ll Love: Tiny Quits That Build Toward Full FI | E194 Jess, The Fioneers Fridays: The Best Place to Begin Practicing Financial Freedom | E192 Spending Experiments: Learn What Purchases Make You Happy | E160 Carl Jensen Guest Summary: Fritz Gilbert is the Founder of The Retirement Manifesto, an award-winning blog focused on “Helping People Achieve A Great Retirement.” He is the author of “Keys to a Successful Retirement - Staying Happy, Active and Productive in Your Retired Years.” Fritz retired in 2018 at age 55 after a 33-year career in Corporate America and enjoys sharing the lessons he’s learned to help others on their journey. He and his wife live with their 3 dogs in the Appalachian Mountains in Blue Ridge, GA, where they enjoy managing their 501c3 charity Freedom For Fido , building free dog fences for low-income families with dogs on chains. They also enjoy many outdoor activities, RV travel, exercise, and spending time at their second home with their granddaughter in Southern Alabama. You can follow Fritz on Twitter , Facebook , or on his blog. Connect With Justin Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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.

May 20, 202626 min

What Our Wedding Taught Us About Money | E197 Gaby Deimeke

Weddings are one of the most emotionally charged financial decisions you’ll ever make. You’re spending a large amount of money in a short period of time, making dozens of decisions — all while balancing your own priorities, your partner’s preferences, and outside expectations. And after getting married in February, I realized something: This wasn’t just a wedding…it was a real-life experiment in how we spend money. In this episode, my wife Gaby joins me to break it all down — from how we decided what mattered, to exactly how much we spent, to what we’d do differently. We share the full breakdown, the moments that were 100% worth it, and the things that, honestly, didn’t matter as much as we thought. If you’ve ever struggled with spending money without second-guessing it, whether it’s a wedding, a house, or a big life decision, this episode will help you think about it more clearly. Key Takeaways: How to decide what actually matters before spending money A real wedding cost breakdown and where the money went What expenses were truly worth it (and what weren’t) How social pressure can influence your spending decisions The tradeoffs between saving money and reducing stress Why optimization can sometimes make the experience worse How to make big financial decisions with less regret Other Episodes You’ll Love: 4 Rules That Will Help You Spend Money Without Stress & Regret | E188 Shifting Away from a “Save-Only” Mindset | E175 Matt & Yana - CoastFI Couple When You and Your Partner See Money Differently | E162 Brian Page Guest Summary: Gaby is Justin’s wife and partner in building a thoughtful, FI-minded life. While Justin tends to approach money from a more analytical perspective, Gaby brings a creative and experience-driven lens — making her the perfect counterbalance when it comes to making meaningful spending decisions. Together, they navigate how to align priorities, communicate through tradeoffs, and spend money in ways that genuinely enhance their lives. When she’s not bothering Justin, she’s often traveling and taking photos. See what she is up to on her website . Connect With Justin Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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.

May 6, 202645 min

Retiring Before 50? Here’s What You Need to Know | E196 Jesse Cramer

If you’re planning to retire early, there’s something most people don’t realize: Early retirement isn’t just “normal retirement…earlier.” Most financial advice is built around retiring at 65 with a 25–30 year time horizon, Medicare coverage, and limited tax planning flexibility. But if you’re aiming to retire in your 40s or 50s, the rules change. Your retirement could last 40–50+ years. You’ll need to bridge the gap to Medicare. And you’ll have a unique window to optimize taxes in ways traditional retirees can’t. If you follow standard retirement advice without adjusting for these differences, you can accidentally create risks that are completely avoidable. In this episode, I’m joined by Jesse Cramer, financial advisor and host of Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors, to break down the biggest planning differences between traditional and early retirement. We cover what changes, what stays the same, and how to build a plan that actually works for a longer, more flexible retirement. Key Takeaways: Why early retirement requires a different strategy than traditional retirement How longer time horizons impact withdrawal rates and investment strategy The biggest risks early retirees face and how to manage them How to plan for healthcare before Medicare kicks in Why early retirement opens up powerful tax planning opportunities How to access your money before age 59½ without penalties Why flexibility matters more than precision in early retirement planning The mindset shift required when work becomes optional Other Episodes You’ll Love: Why Roth Contributions Are Overrated for Financial Independence | E191 Cody Garrett Is Saving Too Much Holding You Back? | E179 Jesse Cramer What Happens After I Reach FIRE? Withdrawal Strategy, Spending Changes, & Finding Meaning | E158 Jeremy Schneider Guest Summary: Jesse Cramer is a financial advisor and the host of Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors, where he helps thoughtful investors make smarter, long-term decisions with their money. He specializes in breaking down complex financial topics, like tax strategy, withdrawal planning, and retirement, into clear, practical guidance for those looking to build and sustain wealth over time. For more of Jesse, check out Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors . Connect With Justin Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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.

April 22, 202650 min

You’re FI, But Still Obsessed with Making More Money | E195 Justin David Carl

If you’ve been pursuing financial independence for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve built your identity around progress — earning more, saving more, optimizing everything. That mindset is what gets you to FI. But what happens when you get close…or even cross the finish line? For a lot of high achievers, they don’t slow down. They keep chasing. They move the goalposts. They look for the next number to hit. Not because they need more money, but because they don’t know what replaces the pursuit. In this episode, I sit down with Justin David Carl from Fit Rich Life to talk about what happens when money is no longer the main constraint in your life. After walking away from a high-paying sales career, Justin was forced to confront a deeper question: Who am I if I’m no longer making a ton of money? We unpack what it looks like to shift from optimizing net worth to optimizing net life, how to navigate identity after FI, and why high achievers often struggle to stop playing a game they’ve already won. Key Takeaways: Why high achievers often struggle to slow down after reaching FI How your identity can get tied to income, progress, and achievement What it means to shift from optimizing net worth to optimizing net life Why chasing “more” doesn’t always lead to a better life How to redefine success when money is no longer the primary goal The role competition, purpose, and structure play after FI How to navigate major life transitions without losing yourself Other Episodes You’ll Love: Fridays: The Best Place to Begin Practicing Financial Freedom | E192 The Hardest Skill in FI: Knowing When to Stop | E190 Joel Larsgaard How to Create a 3-Day Workweek (Before You Reach FI) | E187 Andy Hill Guest Summary: Justin David Carl is a fitness and money coach who helps high achievers build a “fit, rich life” — one that prioritizes health, freedom, and fulfillment alongside financial success. After leaving a high-income sales career, he now focuses on helping others shift from chasing more money to optimizing their time, energy, and overall quality of life. Check out more at Fit Rich Life . Connect With Justin Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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.

April 8, 202624 min

Tiny Quits That Build Toward Full FI | E194 Jess, The Fioneers

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 job How to negotiate responsibilities, meetings, or schedule to reduce burnout Ways to control your workload and say no guilt-free Quitting the chase for maximum income can increase freedom and peace Practical steps to take back your calendar and protect focus Other Episodes You’ll Love: The Hardest Skill in FI: Knowing When to Stop | E190 Joel Larsgaard How to Create a 3-Day Workweek (Before You Reach FI) | E187 Andy Hill Mini-Retirements: Retire Often, Not Just Early | E177 Jillian Johnsrud Guest 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 Website Connect With Justin Email me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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.