EverydayFI

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo (bonus content coming in 2026!!) Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part two with my friend Eric and in this episode we chat about his journey to financial independence after retiring from the Marine Corps at 45. Eric shares how he found the FIRE movement, his experience learning about stocks, and his success investing in oil stocks before the 2008 financial crisis. Eric opens up about the struggles of finding a new identity and purpose post-retirement and the value of having multiple communities or 'tribes' to nurture different aspects of life. Eric also celebrates his recent accomplishment of completing his first fiction novel, emphasizing the importance of creativity and personal growth. Tune in to hear the second half of Eric's story after a word from some advertisers, who I do not choose and do not condone. Episode Links: Eric's links: YouTube Channel Website Instagram LinkedIn EverydayFI episode 45 with David Robinson ChooseFI FI Service Corps Friends on FIRE

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo (bonus content coming in 2026!!) Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part one with my friend Eric, whom I met at Camp FI Spain. You'll get to hear gripping tales of his time in the military as a United States Marine Corps combat helicopter pilot, including his special ops missions and deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. We also talk about the challenges of his late wife's battle with cancer, and how that led him to meet his new wife, Alise. Eric talks about how early retirement has opened a new chapter for him and Alise with travel and a focus on a peaceful life over the hustle and bustle. He also reflects on his family's approach to finances, the lessons he learned from his parents about money, and how his own financial journey evolved over time. Tune in to hear more of Eric's story! Episode Links: Eric's links: YouTube Channel Website Instagram LinkedIn Motley Fool Econome Conference

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here   Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host Meghan Combs and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way.  In today's Mitch and Meg episode, we talk about leaving things behind: careers, places, people… even the financial independence community. Tune in to hear what Mitch and I are leaving behind this year and make sure to listen til the end for a surprise from Meg... Episode Links: EverydayFI episode 61: Mitch Interviews Meg HerMoney Diabolical Lies Maintenance Phase Dr. Karan Explores Money With Katie Science Vs Sound Investing Money for Couples with Ramit Sethi ChooseFI Afford Anything Mad FIentist music

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo (premium content coming in 2026!!) Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here Please note, this conversation touches on the sensitive topics of sobriety and suicide. These subjects can be challenging, so if this is something that might be difficult for you, please feel free to take a break from this episode and return when you're ready. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or struggling with substance abuse, support is available. You can reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or visit their website at www.988lifeline.org. Take care of yourself, and please listen at your own pace. ---------------------------- Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In this episode, I talk with my new friend, Zack, who shares his compelling story of growing up in Maine, struggling with alcoholism, and eventually finding his path to financial independence. Zack recounts how his college experiences led him to struggle with sobriety, but how his brother's death convinced him to seek rehab. We explore his career as a truck driver, his efforts in diversifying his skills, and his passion for learning to fly. Zack is newer to the FI space and discusses how he found the community, plus a current struggle he's dealing with now about selling his family home. Tune in to hear Zack's story! Episode Links: EverydayFI Episode 45: Silent Struggle - Mental Health Challenges in Military Service, Part 1 with David Robinson A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel Catching Up To FI podcast ChooseFI The Stacking Benjamins Show Afford Anything Monarch Money Empower

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership (bonus content coming in 2026!) Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way.   Today on the show I wanted to deviate from my typical interview setup to talk about an urgent matter coming at the end of the year. If you're not aware, the ACA (ie the Affordable Care Act) enhanced tax credits are going away December 31st 2025, which will impact millions of Americans and raise costs of healthcare pretty much immediately. I've brought on Sam Ferguson, a FIRE community member who knows quite a lot about the ACA and knows all the details on what's going on, and David Robinson, my go to aspiring-CFP friend who'll give us strategies on what to do when the enhanced tax credits disappear at the end of the year. Episode links: This link will take you to the savings page on Healthcare.gov that can show you what you'd pay based on income and state, how to save on healthcare costs, and cost-sharing reductions

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership (premium content coming in 2026!!) Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here   Welcome to EverydayFI where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans, I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today I'm talking with a financial expert and CFP, Ryan Derousseau, who actually has a lot of clients on the path to FI. I know, you must be shocked! But FI people need financial help too, and as you'll hear Ryan has seen a common pattern amongst these folks that doesn't bode well for the FIRE movement… Tune in to hear more! Episode links: cfp.net Catching Up To FI podcast ChooseFI Ryan's website: Thinking Cap Financial

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo (premium content coming in 2026!!) Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part two with Larry, and we start talking about the good stuff like his daily routines, the importance of good sleep, and the positive impact of quitting alcohol 18 months ago. Larry shares insights from his coaching practice, emphasizing the intersection of health, wealth, and happiness. We discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome, the shift from people-pleasing to genuinely helping others, and the importance of building personal standards rather than just setting goals. This episode is a fantastic dive into reframing life's challenges and ever changing nature. Episode Links: Larry's Uncontrollable Me website larry@uncontrollable.me ChooseFI The Mad FIentist The Donegans Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker FI Minded Podcast EverydayFI episodes with David Robinson Part 1 Part 2 EverydayFI episode where David coaches "Jess" live Part 1 Part 2 Afford Anything Supercommunicators, by Charles Duhigg Outlive, by Peter Attia Dexa Fit App Atomic Habits, by James Clear

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo (premium content coming in 2026!!) Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part one with Larry, who shares his fascinating journey towards FI, blending his career in technology with his passion for outdoor adventures. We delve into his upbringing in a frugal household, his career transition to product management, and his discovery of the FI community during the pandemic. Larry outlines his strategies, like funding a brokerage account to bridge retirement funds, and emphasizes the importance of directing time and attention where desired. This episode offers valuable insights into balancing a fulfilling life while on the path to financial independence.

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify.  Welcome to Everyday FI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early by talking with real humans, I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. I'm back with my buddy and co-host Mitch, with another Mitch and Meg's Money Musings episode, and today we're going to talk about how to talk to your parents about their retirement. Gulp… Tune in! Episode Links: The Latte Factor, by David Bach Catching Up To FI Die With Zero, by Bill Perkins Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part two with Jillian Johnsrud, whose new book "Retire Often" gives you a step by step guide to take several mini-retirements over your lifetime. But today, we actually aren't talking much about her book. Jillian and I get personal and talk about how she arrived at financial independence, well before her blog, book, and coaching businesses had taken off. Episode Links: Retire Often Website Retire Often Book (purchase here) Free Opt-In Worksheets: Planning Negotiating Retire Often Workbook Group Coaching Jillian's Socials: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part one with Jillian Johnsrud, whose new book "Retire Often" gives you a step by step guide to take several mini-retirements over your lifetime. But today, we actually aren't talking much about her book. Jillian and I get personal and talk about how she arrived at financial independence, well before her blog, book, and coaching businesses had taken off. Episode Links: Retire Often Website Retire Often Book (purchase here) Free Opt-In Worksheets: Planning Negotiating Retire Often Workbook Group Coaching Jillian's Socials: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify.   Welcome to EverydayFI where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans, I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today is the second half of Jess's live coaching session where David will reveal whether or not she can actually quit her toxic corporate job! Episode links: Die With Zero, by Bill Perkins Healthcare.gov Kaiser ACA calculator How Much More Would People Pay In Premiums If The ACA's Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire? Simple Path to Wealth, by J.L. Collins Mark's Money Mind Show David's email: david.robinson022814@gmail.com Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify.   Welcome to EverydayFI where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans, I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today I actually have a really huge treat for you all. Normally I'd be recording a Meg's Money Musings episode, but instead I'm hosting a live coaching session with David Robinson and Jess. David will be looking over Jess's portfolio live on the show and will talk to her about retirement readiness. Jess is new to the FIRE movement and finds terminology and principles extremely daunting. Other than living frugally, what more could she be doing? How does the 4% rule work? How can she use calculators correctly if she wants to understand scenarios like Coast FI? Could compounding returns enable her to take a passion job in a couple years? This episode is broken into two parts because our conversation went for almost 2 hours, so tune in for the exciting answer to whether Jess can pull the plug and quit her job! Episode links: Monarch Money Big ERN Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. We're back with part two of Lauren's inspiring FI story! In this episode, Lauren and I chat about the pivotal FIRE community figures who ignited her passion for financial independence. Despite initial skepticism, Lauren eventually saw the value in using FIRE's specific strategies to pay off her burdensome student loan debt and to help her reach her goals. She and I then talk about how she likes to focus on spending with intention for a balanced life and how she's able to explore new career paths in positive psychology, financial coaching, and marine science now that she's reached FI. Tune in to hear the rest of Lauren's FI journey. Episode links: CampFI Mr. Money Mustache Your Money Or Your Life, by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez Blessing The Hands That Feed Us, by Vicki Robin ChooseFI Camp Mustache Afford Anything Bogleheads Conference Playing Big, by Tara Mohr Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part one with my friend Lauren, who shares her remarkable journey from culinary arts to making a global impact through international development. We delve into her educational journey, the impact of her early work experiences, and crucial advice for those aspiring to enter international affairs. We also touch on how her upbringing shaped her perspectives on money, independence, and the influence of familial dynamics on her financial habits. Finally, Lauren candidly shares her personal growth journey, highlighting the significant impact of cutting out alcohol and seeking personal development through coaching and self-reflection. Tune in to hear the first part of Lauren's FI story after a word from our sponsors. Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify.  Welcome to Everyday FI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early by talking with real humans, I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. I'm back with my buddy and co-host Mitch, with another Mitch and Meg's Money Musings episode, and today we're going to talk about the oh so fun and commonly felt concept of burnout. Tune in! Episode Links: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Fair Play by Eve Rodsky Meghan's ChooseFI episode Retire Often podcast Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to show you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans you'll see how you can forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In today's episode, I am joined by an anonymous guest who shares her inspiring journey toward financial independence. Our guest talks about her background, including a diverse career path that led her ultimately to law. She discusses the challenges of running her own firm, her frugal upbringing, and how her experiences have shaped her financial philosophies. She also shares her passion for traveling, learning languages, and creating opportunities for young women in the legal field. Join us as we explore our guest's story. Episode Links: David Goggins Mr. Money Mustache The Psychology of Money, by Morgan Housel Simple Path to Wealth, by J.L. Collins CampFI EverydayFI episode 16: Carolyn L. "Joyfully frugal" Econome Bali Retreat Camp Mustache Meetup.com FinTalks E-Myth: why most businesses don't work book Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify.  Welcome to Everyday FI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host Meghan Combs, and I know that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early by talking with real humans. I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today on Meg's Money Musings I'm doing something a little bit different. Normally I'm just here talking to myself, but I actually brought on a financial expert, Tim Smith, who is a CFP, wealth strategist and financial educator, and today we're going to talk about mindset shifts during different phases of FI. Things like how do you go from being a spender to a saver? How do you become a valuest spender? How do you mentally prepare for early retirement? All of these questions and more will be answered in today's episode with Tim. Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to show you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans you'll see how you can forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In today's episode, I am joined by Rakesh who shares his journey from growing up in India to building a life and career in the US within the tech industry. We explore his family's financial habits, influenced by his father's banking career, and Rakesh's own evolving understanding of money. We dive into his discovery of the financial independence movement in 2020, inspired by figures like Pete from Mr. Money Mustache and Carl from 1500 Days. Rakesh talks about the significant changes he has adopted, such as being more deliberate with savings and improving his and his family's health. We discuss the unique challenges he faces, including those related to his immigration status. We also highlight his love for running and his aspirations around financial independence. Finally, we touch on the importance of enjoying the journey, rather than just the destination, and the mental peace that financial security brings. Tune in to hear Rakesh's full story after a word from our sponsors Episode Links: Playing With Fire Documentary ChooseFI Mr. Money Mustache 1500 Days BiggerPockets Calm app (not an affiliate link) JL Collins's website EverydayFI Allen V. Episode 1 EverydayFI Allen V. Episode 2 CampFI Catching Up To FI Mile High FI Rakesh's Twitter handle: @mindspeaksFI Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here

Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. I'm back with my buddy and co-host Mitch, with another Mitch and Meg's Money Musings episode, and today we're going to talk about what we are willing to spend money on and what we're not willing to spend money on. It'll be very interesting since Mitch and I have very different cost structures to our lives, so tune in! Support the Show: Join my Patreon membership for $5/mo Buy me a coffee Sign up to be on the show here