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

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 FIHow over-optimization reduces joy and increases burnoutThe hidden fears that drive constant productivityWhy many FI achievers struggle to slow downHow to tell when effort stops producing meaningful returnsWhat “anti-productivity” actually looks like in real lifeHow to build purpose without constant optimizationWhy doing less is a skill, not lazinessOther Episodes You’ll Love:Tiny Quits That Build Toward Full FI | E194 Jess, The FioneersThe Hardest Skill in FI: Knowing When to Stop | E190 Joel LarsgaardHow to Create a 3-Day Workweek (Before You Reach FI) | E187 Andy HillGuest 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 JustinEmail me at Justin@FIMinded.com 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 Justin@FIMinded.com 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 Justin@FIMinded.com 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 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 Justin@FIMinded.comConnect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

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 Justin@FIMinded.comConnect 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/

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 justin@fiminded.com.Key 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/