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Trying for FI

Fetch & Rascal

Sharing stories and strategies from the daily grind toward our financial independence. We are a Queer blended family of five living in the Bay Area and are "late starters" dedicated to Trying for FI!

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  • 20 episodes
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  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S1 · E23
    July 7 · 11 min

    The First Test of Coast FI: Do we really turn down that job!?

    Just days before Fetch's final day at their full-time job, an unexpected contract extension landed in their inbox. More income. More security. More certainty. It also meant more hours, less family time, and postponing the life we'd already decided we wanted. Sometimes the biggest financial decision isn't choosing where to invest your money. Sometimes it's choosing what kind of life you're investing your time in. This episode is about trusting your values, embracing uncertainty, and taking the first real step toward living the life you've been saving for. We talk about: • Why saying "no" to more money was emotionally harder than we expected • The surprising pull of scarcity, even after reaching Coast FI • How the "One More Year Syndrome" was in stealth mode as the "One More Month Syndrome" here • How we are practicing trusting ourselves instead of deciding from fear • Why taking the contract may have cost us far more than it paid • How this decision reflects our evolving definition of wealth We also reflect on one powerful question Rascal brought home from the Slow FI Retreat: "What would it cost you not to make this change?" Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E22
    June 26 · 17 min

    We Thought We'd Reached Coast FI. The Fioneers Confirmed It.

    What happens when the creators of the Coast FI calculator tell you, "Congratulations, you've made it"? That's exactly what happened to us. After months of questioning our calculations and wondering whether we were really at Coast FI, Rascal attended the Slow FI Retreat hosted by The Fioneers, and our family's financial plan became one of the featured case studies. In this episode we share: • What it was like to project our entire financial life onto a screen in front of 30 strangers • The surprising reaction from the Coast FI experts (spoiler: there wasn't much debate) • Why they encouraged us to focus less on the numbers and more on the life we're trying to build • How reducing work hours may still allow us to reach Financial Independence in our 50s • The emotional challenge of believing you've finally reached "enough" • The practical changes we're already making, from taking every school break off to creating more space for health, creativity, and family. We also talk about one of the biggest lessons from the retreat: The cost of not making changes while your children are still young. This conversation isn't really about spreadsheets. It's about trust. Trusting the numbers. Trusting yourself. And giving yourself permission to build a life you don't need to postpone until retirement. #CoastFI #SlowFI #FinancialIndependence #FIREMovement #FinancialFreedom #Enoughness #FinancialTherapy #LateStarterFIRE #FamilyFinance #FinancialPlanning #MoneyMindset #WorkLifeBalance Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E21
    May 10 · 22 min

    OMG...Did we just reach Coast FI?!

    OMG. We think we may have reached Coast FI. In this episode, we revisit the Coast FI calculator from The Fioneers and compare where we are now versus just 8 months ago when we believed we were still 1–5 years away from this milestone. After double checking the formulas (twice 😅), we realized something wild: depending on the assumptions, we may already be there. We break down: • What Coast FI actually means (and why it’s different from traditional FIRE) • Strategies we used that accelerated our timeline • How small changes in assumptions (retirement age, average rate of return) make a huge difference in the Coast FI threshold number • How maxing pre-tax retirement accounts before brokerage accounts reshaped our approach • The emotional whiplash of realizing “we made it”… and not fully trusting it We also talk honestly about: • Our “One more year” syndrome • Fear around market swings and job transitions • Why financial milestones don’t magically erase anxiety • How our recent financial calamities shaped our preference for safety and cash reserves This episode became less about spreadsheets and more about the emotional threshold; noticing our disbelief and skepticism while still allowing ourselves to imagine a different life, one with more spaciousness, family time, health, creativity, and less hustle. Plus, Rascal shares excitement about attending the Slow FI Retreat hosted by The Fioneers — at what feels like the exact right moment in our journey. 🔗 Coast FI Calculator by The Fioneers: https://thefioneers.com/coast-fi-calculator Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E20
    Dec 21, 2025 · 28 min

    Deepen Your Financial-Emotional Intelligence: Understand What Money Really Means to You

    **Activity guide sheet in our Resource Doc!** This week, we’re bringing a new lens to the podcast: financial therapy. Rascal puts on their therapist hat to help us explore hidden emotional relationships to money — especially in partnerships. Using a framework called Internal Family Systems (or “parts work”), we explore how different aspects of ourselves show up during financial decisions — from fear and shame to protection and power. These “parts” influence how we budget, spend, save, and show up in our financial relationships. We talk about: • Why money decisions in couples can feel so personal — and what’s actually going on underneath • How to identify your own “money parts” and recognize your partner’s (without blame or shame) • A simple practice to begin noticing and naming your emotional patterns around money • How this work supports your FIRE journey — especially during moments like reaching Coast FI or hitting big setbacks Whether you’re in a relationship or not, this episode will help you reflect more deeply on what money means to you — stability, freedom, care, obligation, control, connection — and how those meanings may shift over time. This is not financial advice. It is emotional insight that can help you build deeper intimacy, greater self-awareness, and more clarity on your path toward financial independence. Teaser: We also hint at a future episode on using EMDR for money beliefs and FI-related emotional blocks. #financialtherapy #moneyandemotions #internalfamilysystems #moneyintimacy #firewithkids #coastfi #financialindependence #emotionalwealth #moneyanxiety #financialintimacy #partswork #moneyhealing #fiemotions Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E19
    Nov 15, 2025 · 22 min

    Stronger Together: How 4 Financial Calamities Deepened Our Financial Intimacy on the Way to Coast Fi

    In this episode, we reflect on four major financial “calamities” that hit our family between 2022 and now — and how those moments shaped our growth, resilience, and intimacy as financial partners. While none of these events left us without food or housing, they were significant outflows relative to what we were earning and saving — emotional, destabilizing, and deeply instructive. We share stories and insights from: • 2022: The birth of our youngest, with zero paid leave and unequal income • 2023: Purchasing a second home and the financial power dynamics it exposed • 2024: Major water damage and temporary relocation (“our house broke,” said the toddler) • 2025: An expensive legal process — and the emotional cost of drawing down our emergency fund Through each “blip,” we explore: • The evolution of our financial intimacy and shared decision-making • How we transitioned from separate money to a one-pot model • What it’s like to max out your credit cards and still believe in your plan • Why emergency funds are non-negotiable (even when you hate tapping them) • The inner work Rascal did to manage money anxiety, and how Fetch gained financial voice This isn’t a step-by-step guide. It’s a real-time, real-life glimpse into what wealth-building looks like when life throws curveballs—and why we still believe in financial independence as a path to deeper connection, even when the journey gets messy. Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E18
    Nov 8, 2025 · 11 min

    Slower Meals, More Field Trips: Coast FI Dreams from the Daily Grind

    What would your life look like if you hit Coast FI tomorrow? In this light, personal episode, we let ourselves dream a little—and reflect on how our day-to-day lives might shift if we no longer had to save for the future. We revisit the definition of Coast FI: that moment when your retirement savings are set, and future contributions aren’t necessary. You still work to cover today’s expenses, but now you can choose to earn less, work fewer hours, or be more intentional with your time. We explore: • How Coast FI would reshape our family rhythms and weekday routines • Why things like cabbage slaw, early preschool pickups, and field trips matter so much • How we’d invest more time into food, fitness, relationships, nature, and rest • The tension between dreaming of FIRE and recognizing the joys that Coast FI could bring much sooner This isn’t about luxury travel or early retirement—it’s about presence, connection, and savoring the ordinary joys that often get squeezed out by second jobs and side hustles. If you’ve ever wondered what all this money work is for, this episode will help you reconnect with the quiet, meaningful parts of life that Coast FI can open up. #coastfi #financialindependence #firewithkids #financialfreedom #whatisweath #slowliving #familywealth #parentingandmoney #lateFIstarters #financialmindset #dailyjoys #coastfilife Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E17
    Oct 16, 2025 · 18 min

    We Used ChatGPT to Analyze 47 Retirement Funds—Here’s What We Found

    In this episode, we pick up where we left off on our Coast FI path—and dive into the real-life, real-time process of choosing 403(b) (or 401(k)) funds that match our values, fees, and family cash flow. We talk about: • Why we decided to prioritize Fetch’s 403(b) over Rascal’s SEP (for now) • How we used ChatGPT to analyze 47 different fund options from scratch • What we learned about expense ratios, ESG investing, and Fidelity vs. non-Fidelity funds • Why our paycheck flow is temporarily upside down — and how that’s reshaping our money habits • The psychological challenge of shifting control, roles, and comfort zones around who’s “managing” what This is a deep and practical episode for anyone who: Wants to DIY their 403(b) or 401(k) investments Is navigating self-employment + W2 income trade-offs Is learning to balance values-based investing with expense ratio realities Is late to FIRE but trying to build systems that work for your real life Plus: we tease an upcoming episode that will question whether ESG funds are truly aligned — or just shiny distractions with high fees. Stay tuned. #403b #401k #firemovement #coastfi #esginvesting #expensetratio #diyinvesting #chatgptandmoney #retirementsavings #valuesbasedinvesting #financialindependence #familyfinances #financialdecisions Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E16
    Sep 11, 2025 · 15 min

    What Is Coast FI? Is It the Right FIRE Milestone for Your Family Too?

    In this episode, part of our What Is Wealth? series, we explore a game-changing concept in the FIRE world: Coast FI — and how discovering it completely shifted our financial goals. Coast FI is the idea that if you save enough early, you can stop contributing to retirement accounts and still retire comfortably. It’s not about leaving the workforce — it’s about gaining freedom, flexibility, and more time with your family now, not just decades from now. We talk about: • What Coast FI really means (and no, it’s not living by the beach) • Why this milestone fits our family’s season of life better than full FIRE • How the Coast FI Calculator from The Fioneers gave us a timeline of 1–5 years 😳 • The powerful impact of age, return rate, and savings pace on your Coast FI number • How our retirement strategy has evolved — and why Fetch finally started a 403(b) If you’re in your 30s or 40s, have kids at home, and feel like full FIRE is too far away, this episode will open up a more achievable and meaningful path. Coast FI might give you the freedom to work less, enjoy more, and stay present without sacrificing your future. 🔗 Try the calculator here: thefioneers.com/coast-fi-calculator Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E15
    Aug 23, 2025 · 14 min

    Choosing 403(b) Funds with ChatGPT: Real-Life FIRE Moves

    After two years at Fetch’s job, we finally decided to invest in the 403(b). In this episode, we walk you through why we waited, what changed, and how we’re making the decision now — with a little help from ChatGPT. You’ll hear: • How our FIRE journey shifted our perspective on tax-advantaged accounts • Why we passed on the 403(b) at first (and what we misunderstood back then) • What helped us rethink the “Middle Class Trap” and early access fears • How we used ChatGPT to analyze Fidelity fund options and match them to our existing portfolio • The real trade-offs between SEP and 403(b), especially around flexibility and paycheck deductions We also reflect on how far we’ve come — from confusion about tax filing status to confidently talking portfolio allocations and contribution maxes. Whether you’re navigating multiple retirement accounts, thinking about Coast FI, or just figuring out where to stash your next investment dollar, this episode gives you a grounded, real-life look at how we’re making it all work. Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E14
    Jul 30, 2025 · 19 min

    Redefining Wealth on Vacation: A FIRE Family’s $5,000 Getaway

    Is it possible to take a meaningful family vacation without blowing your FIRE goals? In this episode, we share how we spent a week in La Paz, Mexico as a family of five — for under $5,000 — and how the trip deepened our evolving definition of wealth. We cover: • How we planned and budgeted (including credit card hacks and DIY adventure gear) • What we prioritized to increase time wealth and ease • Sticky money moments — when we said “no” to overpriced fried food and “yes” to rubber ducky chaos • What we wouldn't change (like getting ice cream every day 🍦) • Why we believe travel can be part of our wealth goals rather than derail them For us, this wasn’t just a vacation. It was a way to live our values — choosing connection, simplicity, and joyful memories now, not just in some future retirement. We also share a few stories that surprised us, what helped the kids reflect on value, and how we enjoyed the experience again all together after landing back at home. If you’ve been wondering whether travel, family and FIRE can coexist, this episode will inspire you to reconsider how you define wealth, and how to craft a trip that nourishes your family now. #firewithkids #familybudgettravel #redefiningwealth #financialindependence #firemovement #budgetfriendlytravel #meaningfulvacation #parentingandmoney #timewealth #latestartersfi Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E13
    Jul 24, 2025 · 14 min

    AI as a Money Coach? Rascal Debriefs Their First ChatGPT Budget Date

    This episode, Rascal went on a financial date — but not with Fetch. With AI. 😏 In this playful and surprisingly insightful episode, we explore what happened when one of us fed our real-life budget tracker to ChatGPT and asked it to analyze our finances. You’ll hear: • Why we decided to test AI as a financial thought partner • What budget "secrets" Rascal spilled to the robot • How AI did with spending cuts (spoiler: don’t touch our ice cream 🍦) • How helpful it was for retirement forecasting, savings goals, and ETF research • Where AI miscalculated — and why human oversight still matters We also talk about the real-world emotional experience of using AI in a deeply personal way — especially as elder millennials who remember a pre-internet childhood. If you’ve ever wondered whether a robot can help you FIRE faster, want a laugh, or are just curious about how tech could support your money mindset, this episode is for you. Bonus mentions: Rascal shares other AI tools out there (like CLEO and YNAB) and whether they'd go on a second financial date with AI again. Fetch is only slightly jealous. #AIandmoney #budgetingwithAI #financialindependence #chatgptbudgeting #techandfinance #firemovement #personalfinancepodcast #eldermillennialmoney #AIadvisor Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E12
    Jul 16, 2025 · 19 min

    Wealth Is More Than Money: Mindset Shifts for FI Families

    What is wealth — really? Is it just a number, or something you can practice right now? In this episode, we explore how our definition of wealth is expanding to mean more than our Financial Independence #goals. We talk about moving beyond the spreadsheet into the present moment, where wealth includes time, health, joy, connection, and purpose, now — not just money in the bank for later. You’ll hear: • Why many in the FIRE community struggle to enjoy spending — even after “making it” • How our money tracking habits unintentionally reinforced a scarcity mindset • Real-life stories of how asking the question "what is wealth" changed our choices — from airport salads to bereavement therapy • Book and podcast recs that inspired our mindset shift (including Staci Haines, Elizabeth Husserl, Sahil Bloom, and Jordan Grumet) This episode isn’t about abandoning financial goals. It’s about not deferring joy until some theoretical finish line. If you’ve ever felt torn between saving and savoring, this conversation is for you. Bonus: we also tease an upcoming tool we’re developing to help track joy, satisfaction and time. #whatisweath #financialmindset #firemovement #financialindependencewithkids #enoughness #presentwealth #mindfulmoney #moneyandmeaning #wealthbeyondmoney #lateFIstarter Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E11
    Jul 11, 2025 · 9 min

    Video Games + Investing: How Parents Can Turn In-Game Purchases Into Real Investments

    This is a quick update to one of our favorite parenting-money mashups: the video game investing rule we introduced in a previous episode. Here’s the deal: when our kids want to spend their own money on video games or in-game purchases, they now also invest 50% of that amount into their custodial account — saving toward a future goal like buying a car. In this update, we share: • How the rule is actually landing with our kids (surprisingly well!) • What we’ve noticed about their new spending behavior and decision-making • Why our kids now want index funds over Nintendo stock 😄 • How we used a snowball to explain compound interest in the wild • Why we as parents feel better about digital spending now Plus, we now track their net worth — and yes, it’s already making an impression on them. The big takeaway? This isn’t just a clever rule. It’s turning into a way for our kids to build early investing habits, reflect on value, and even spark their own financial curiosity. #financialliteracy #kidinvesting #videogamespending #parentingandmoney #custodialaccounts #compoundinterest #firemovement #raisingmoneywise #gamifiedbudgeting #familyfinance Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • Jun 26, 2025 · 13 min

    Quarterly Money Talks: A Simple Practice To Track, Reflect, and Reconnect

    In this episode, we introduce one of our favorite new FIRE practices: the quarterly wealth talk — a simple but powerful way to reflect, plan, and feel more connected as budget partners. Here’s what we cover: • What a quarterly money talk actually is (and why we love it) • A sample agenda you can use to review your finances and reflect on what wealth really means • What surprised us during our own quarterly review — from underestimated savings to unexpected feelings of abundance • How this conversation helped us celebrate wins, plan ahead, and feel more like a team • Tips to prep better next time so your chat takes 45 mins, not 3 hours 😉 This episode is a follow-up to our Spending Tracker episode — if you haven’t listened to that one yet, it’s a great place to start. Whether you're tracking your money daily or just starting out, this practice can help you: • Spot patterns in spending and saving • Connect emotionally with your goals • Redefine wealth beyond just numbers Bonus: we include a free agenda template in the episode resources to guide your own quarterly conversation. #quarterlymoneytalk #financialintimacy #budgetingwithpartners #firemovement #wealthreflection #moneyandmindset #financialcheckin #spendingtracker #moneytalks #financialindependence Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E9
    Jun 25, 2025 · 29 min

    Tracking Every Dollar: How a Shared Budget Boosted Our Financial Intimacy

    Ready for a serious nerd alert? Want your marriage / partnership to feel more like a financial team? In this episode, we break down our 3-month experiment using a shared daily budget tracker — and how it radically shifted not just our finances, but our relationship too. You may want to download the "Trying for Fi Budgeting Template" in our resources document and follow along! We talk about: How tracking our income and expenses daily improved our marriage The budgeting spreadsheet we adapted (inspired by Mindy Jensen from BiggerPockets Money) How we customized it to reflect real family life: self-employment, estimated taxes, kid expenses, Bay Area living, and even line items for coffee and ice cream 🍦 What surprised us — like realizing we under-spend on date nights and always have at least one large unexpected expense You’ll also hear how this tool helped us: Make decisions as a team Understand where our money goes (childcare and mortgage: 44%!) Track our savings rate and estimate our “FI number” Feel less alone on the financial journey If you want to feel more in charge of your finances, want to be on the same money page with your partner, or practice tracking expenses without overwhelm, this episode gives you real-life insight into how daily financial visibility can build intimacy and clarity. Plus, we share tips for actually sticking with it — especially if you’re neurodivergent, busy, or not naturally spreadsheet-inclined. #budgettracking #financialintimacy #firemovement #sharedfinances #couplesandmoney #networthtracking #dailybudget #financialindependencewithkids #moneyandmarriage #adhdfriendlybudgeting Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E8
    Jun 18, 2025 · 13 min

    Teaching Kids Money Skills: Slime and a $40 Business Loan

    Ever thought about giving your kid a business loan? We did! On our journey to financial independence, we want our kids to build confidence and real-world money skills early. So when our daughter pitched a plan for a slime business to sell to classmates, we decided to back it — with a $40 private loan from the family’s own “Homegrown Lending Department.” In this episode, we cover: • How we set up a simple loan contract with clear terms • The social boundaries our kid navigated selling to peers • How she's learning to track income, costs, and profit • Why we believe kids' financial literacy is worth the mess and small risks If you’re a parent dreaming of financially savvy kids — or just curious how to spark entrepreneurial thinking at home — this episode will make you smile and maybe inspire your own kitchen table startup. Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E7
    Jun 11, 2025 · 9 min

    Save Money and the Planet: 5 Everyday Tips for Busy Families

    Are you a busy parent trying to save money without spending hours researching hacks? Same here. In this quick episode, we share 5 simple, budget-friendly tips that help us cut costs in everyday life — from using Amazon and Google smarter, to scoring secondhand finds on Craigslist, to easy DIY swaps. Bonus: these money-saving tips are also better for the environment, making them wins for your wallet and the planet. Whether you're juggling kids, work, or just need a few practical frugal tips that actually fit into real life, this one's for you. #frugalliving #moneysavingtips #budgethacks #ecofriendlyliving #firemovement #financialindependence #familybudgeting Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E6
    Jun 4, 2025 · 10 min

    The Utility Bill Disaster: What We Learned as New Duplex Owners

    Thinking about investing in a duplex or multifamily home? Wondering how to split utilities fairly between tenants (or future you)? In this episode, we share the story of how our well-meaning, flat-rate utility plan went sideways — and what we wish we’d known before setting it up. If you're a first-time landlord, house hacker, or just curious about the nitty-gritty of shared utilities, this one’s for you. Laugh with us (or at us), and walk away with clear takeaways for setting expectations, communicating with tenants, and protecting your own sanity and bottom line. #multifamilyinvesting #duplexliving #househacking #landlordlife #realestatefail #utilitysplit #rentalpropertytips #financialindependence Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • May 21, 2025 · 16 min

    What Should You Do With Extra Cash? Real Estate vs. Stocks for FIRE

    Got some extra cash after filling your emergency fund and maxing out retirement accounts? Wondering whether to put it into real estate or the stock market? In this episode, we break down one of the biggest FIRE questions: Where should your surplus money go if you want to reach financial independence faster? We walk through our thought process, compare all-in stock vs. real estate approaches, and talk honestly about what fits our current capacity and cash flow. If you're navigating similar questions about investing for the future, this one’s for you. Whether you're team stocks, team real estate, or somewhere in between—tune in and consider what’s right for your own journey. #financialindependence #investingstrategy #extracash #realestatevsstocks #firemovement #stockmarketinvesting #realestateinvesting #fiwithkids Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

  • S1 · E4
    May 14, 2025 · 23 min

    How We Started Investing: Funds, Fees, and Finding the Right Platform

    Curious about investing but not sure where to begin? In this episode, we walk through exactly how we got started — from figuring out what an index fund even is, to choosing a platform, to understanding how fees can eat away at returns. We break down: • Index funds vs. ETFs • Where we invest (and why) • How much is too much to pay in fees • How we made our first real investments — together If you're a beginner, late starter, or just tired of feeling intimidated by investing, this episode will give you a grounded, real-life take on starting your investment journey with confidence. #investingforbeginners #financialindependence #indexfunds #etfs #lowfeeinvesting #firemovement #startinvesting #fiwithkids Send us Fan Mail Check out our Resource Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j7CHmbRZsZgWC-SWLIQcunmJdpkEDUsdfhWA1FW04s/edit?usp=sharing And our IG account @tryingforfi

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