What if you didn’t have to wait until 65 to slow down? In this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, we sit down with Scott Folland, a physician assistant and FIRE movement enthusiast, to talk about the art of living intentionally before traditional retirement.

Scott shares how a sabbatical and some well-timed lifestyle choices allowed him to downshift from full-time work to a 4-day workweek—without blowing up his retirement plans. We dive into concepts like Coast FI, mini-retirements, and how to optimize your life for meaning instead of just money.

Whether you're dreaming of a slower pace, more time with your kids, or just want to test-drive retirement without leaving your career behind, Scott’s journey is packed with wisdom and practical inspiration.

Topics Covered:

• What is Coast FI and why it might be your best path to freedom
• How Scott negotiated a 6-month sabbatical with zero policy in place
• Why downshifting doesn’t mean giving up—it means realigning
• How to know if you’re financially independent (even if you don’t feel like it)
• The surprising joy of slow Fridays and prioritizing presence over paychecks
• What to consider financially and emotionally before reducing your work hours
• Travel hacking, biking, music, and redefining purpose beyond work

Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or just reevaluating your path—this one will hit home.

Live slower. Plan smarter. Retire on your own damn terms.

Contact Chris:

https://heavymetal.money

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal

https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal

https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger

https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney

email: chris at heavymetal.money

Resources and Links:

Twin Cities Stacking Benjamins Meetup Group

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AziMX4ydn/

CampFI

https://campfi.org 

The Fioneers 

https://thefioneers.com

What is Coast FI

Coast FI, or Coast Financial Independence, is a stage within the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement where you've saved and invested enough money that your future retirement is secure, even if you stop saving further. You can then "coast" to your target retirement age, relying on the growth of your existing investments to reach your financial goals. This means you can potentially reduce your work hours or even switch to a less demanding career without jeopardizing your retirement. 

Pierce The Veil 

10X Travel

https://10xtravel.com

10X Travel Free Beginner Course

https://10xtravel.com/free-tools/

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