After 10 years of Aussie Firebug, I’m stepping back, with October 2025 marking both my final net worth update and the point we reached financial independence.

My priorities have shifted away from FIRE content towards family, business, and a more intentional approach to spending.

I’m taking an extended break, with the podcast likely continuing in a broader form.

Firebug OUT ✌️

• Engaging Data Calculator

www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today’s episode is a special one - it’s the 100th episode of the show. I just want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who’ve supported the podcast over the past 10 years. Whether you’ve been here from the start or only recently discovered the show, your messages, reviews, and support have meant the world to me.

Today on the podcast, we have a man who many consider to be the pioneer of the early retirement community. Pete Adney, aka Mr Money Mustache.

I don’t think Pete needs an introduction, but in case you somehow don’t know who he is… Pete retired at the age of 30 after a career as a software engineer by living frugally and investing wisely.

Through his blog, Mr. Money Mustache, he’s inspired millions with his philosophy on financial independence, meaningful living, and sustainability.

It was Pete’s blog that first opened my eyes to early retirement - and showed me that financial independence didn’t have to be something you waited until 60 to achieve... Discovering it all those years ago was a pivotal moment - one that completely reshaped how I viewed money, work, and time. That single moment set me on a path that’s profoundly enriched my life, and my family’s life, ever since.

In today’s episode, we chat about:

• Pete’s upbringing in Canada and his journey to FIRE at 30 (00:04:00)
• The evolution of the FIRE movement and its shifting philosophies (00:24:23)
• His thoughts on loosening spending habits and enjoying wealth (00:38:27)
• Insights on fitness, fatherhood, and the lessons he’s learned along the way (00:55:06)
• How he balances financial freedom with personal growth (01:00:39)

• Website - Mr. Money Mustache

www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

This week, I’m joined by Ben Felix, Chief Investment Officer at PWL Capital and co-host of the Rational Reminder podcast. Ben is best known in the FIRE community for his YouTube channel, which has nearly 500K subscribers and features insights on investing, financial decision-making, and living a good life. Ben is one of the clearest voices in evidence-based investing. His work breaks down complex financial ideas into straightforward, data-driven insights that help investors cut through the noise. It’s a masterclass in rational investing, delivered by one of the best in the game.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The truth about "beating" or timing the market (00:13:06)
• Why market efficiency matters more than most investors think (00:24:41)
• How to think about asset allocation and your own risk tolerance (00:49:26)
• Why chasing dividends might not be the smartest path to FIRE (00:56:55)
• What a realistic safe withdrawal rate looks like today (01:07:52)

• Website - PWL Capital
• Website - Rational Reminder
• YouTube - Ben Felix
• Podcast - Rational Reminder

www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast