FI Minded: Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It

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/

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 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/

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 Justin@FIMinded.comConnect 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/

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 Justin@FIMinded.comConnect 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 Justin@FIMinded.comConnect 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 Justin@FIMinded.comConnect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

We’re great savers. Probably good earners, too. But what about givers?The FI community excels at building wealth, but often, we’re laser-focused on accumulating it for ourselves. Is that fair? Does that make us selfish?I’m not sure. On one hand, taking care of yourself should be step one - like the old adage goes: “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.” And I think there is a lot of validity to that.But here’s the thing: we’re not on a crashing plane. We have time to reach FI and help others along the way.That said, it’s not always easy. Many of us in this community struggle to spend money on ourselves, let alone give it away. But generosity isn’t just an act of kindness. It’s also a powerful way to let go of a scarcity mindset and embrace abundance.When it comes to the question of when to give, I could make both a mathematical and emotional case for giving now or later. But with the level of wealth you're likely to build over your lifetime, I can almost guarantee giving will become part of your journey at some point.Whether you decide to start giving during your FI journey or wait until you’ve reached your goals, one thing’s for sure: if you’re part of the FI community, you’re going to want to figure out how to give in the most optimal way.My friend Spencer Reese from Military Money Manual has been figuring out how to do just that. In today’s episode, Spencer and I dive into how charitable giving can reduce your taxes, what a Donor-Advised Fund is (and why you might use one), and how to find nonprofits that align with the causes you care most about and are making the biggest impact with the money given to them.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 Justin@FIMinded.comConnect 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 Justin@FIMinded.comConnect 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 Justin@FIMinded.comConnect 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 Justin@FIMinded.comConnect 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/

In today’s conversation, we will learn how to 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/