It’s been a decade since I started down the FIRE path, and life looks very different these days - especially since becoming a dad. In this episode, I reflect on how early retirement gave me something more valuable than money: time.

But it also left me unexpectedly restless. I talk about mini-retirement, purpose, starting two businesses, and how becoming a parent reshaped my perspective on work, freedom, and what really matters.

Whether you're deep into your FIRE journey or just getting started, this one’s for you.

Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are:

• The Unexpected Dissatisfaction (00:03:33)
• The Value of Discomfort and Growth (00:05:03)
• Rediscovering Purpose Through Entrepreneurship (00:08:34)
• How FIRE Helped with Parenthood (00:10:35)
• Financial Security as a Buffer (00:11:13)
• Not Loving Early Retirement (00:12:06)

• Blog post

Welcome back to the Aussie Firebug Podcast, the financial independence podcast for Australians, where I interview interesting people on topics relating to financial independence.

Today on the podcast we have Amy and her partner Matt from FI Freedom Retreats, a five-day financial independence retreat in Bali.

This was a passion project born out of Amy’s love and gratitude for the F.I.R.E movement and community.

Heads up, I recorded this podcast in January this year and haven’t released it until now because I’ve been distracted with other things. This means there’s a good chance there won’t be any spots left in the retreat for this year, but I think you’ll still find our conversation interesting.

Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are:

• Amy’s fear-based relationship with money (00:02:29)
• Geo-arbitraging in Mexico, Thailand, and Bali (00:09:37)
• Matt & Amy’s experience with healthcare while living in SE Asia (00:14:42)
• 90% savings rate in SE Asia (00:22:45)
• Why Amy started FI Freedom Retreats (00:35:41)
• Matt & Amy’s top tips for pursuing FI and living your best life (00:46:36)

• Website – FI Freedom Retreats

www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today we're joined by Ana Kresina, Head of Product and Community at Pearler and the Co-host of the 'Get Rich Slow Club' and 'ETFs for Beginners,' podcasts.

She’s also just become a published author with the book “Kids Ain't Cheap”.

Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are:

• Ana’s FIRE journey (00:03:37)
• Hitchhiking through Europe (00:07:09)
• Why Ana wrote a money book around raising kids or preparing to raise kids (00:10:02)
• The importance of normalising money conversations with children (00:23:12)
• Philanthropy and teaching your kids why giving matters (00:35:41)

• Website - Ana Kresina
• Book - Kids Ain't Cheap
• Podcast - Get Rich Slow Club

www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast