Episodes

  • How to avoid Retirement Burnout | 9toFI 010 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Oct 6 2025

    How to avoid Retirement Burnout | 9toFI 010 | 9 to FI PodcastElliot and Josh continue their deep dive into retirement planning on this episode of the 9 to FI Podcast. Reflecting on their meticulously planned retirement schedules, they share their real post-retirement experiences, highlighting the inevitable deviations and surprises. Josh opens up about the challenges of maintaining a perfect retirement day, dealing with cognitive overload, and the struggle to balance multiple interests and obligations. They explore the importance of flexibility, the evolution of personal schedules, and the universal human tendency to overcommit. Tune in to gain insights into navigating the unpredictable journey of early retirement, along with practical tips on managing activities and expectations.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:13 Recap of the Perfect Retirement Plan01:28 Josh's Perfect Day Vision03:34 Elliot's Perfect Day Vision06:10 Reality of Retirement: The First Week10:11 Adjusting the Plan: Overwhelm and Realizations15:24 Balancing Activities and Mental Health19:29 The Struggle of Saying No28:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    30 mins
  • Planning Your Perfect Post-Work Life | 9toFI 009 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Sep 29 2025

    Planning Your Perfect Post Work Life | 9toFI 009 | 9 to FI PodcastJoin Elliot and Josh as they delve deep into the concept of early retirement and the journey of financial independence. Josh shares his personal experiences and plans leading up to his transition to early retirement, emphasizing the importance of having a purpose and activities to retire to. The episode explores various exercises and strategies to prepare for a fulfilling retirement, addressing concerns about potential boredom and anxiety. They discuss the balance between decompression and productivity, stressing the value of intentional planning and regular self-reflection. Whether you're nearing retirement or just considering it, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for a smoother transition.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:08 Discussing Early Retirement Plans00:54 Concerns About Early Retirement01:47 Planning for Post-Retirement Life06:34 Creating a Retirement To-Do List09:19 Finding Purpose in Retirement12:06 Reflecting on Retirement Activities19:25 Adapting to Retirement Life26:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    28 mins
  • Crafting Community on the Road to FI | 9toFI 008 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Sep 22 2025

    Crafting Community on the Road to FIJoin Josh and Elliot as they dive into their weekend activities and talk about the value of community. They recount experiences from fixing rental properties and attending children's soccer games, to meeting and learning about the Financial Independence (FI) community. The discussion touches on car repairs, kid's sports, and engaging with local FI meetups. Find out how Elliot and Josh fostered their FI communities before and after retirement, the challenges they faced, the benefits of being part of a cohesive group, and the importance of pushing out of one’s comfort zone to connect with like-minded individuals. This conversation not only highlights their personal journeys but also offers insights on how to build and sustain community ties in pursuit of financial independence.00:00 Opening Banter00:40 Car Troubles and DIY Fixes02:25 Kids' Soccer and Healthy Competition04:25 Introduction to Community Building05:07 Personal Community Stories08:36 Discovering Financial Independence13:32 Attending In-Person Events26:01 Post-FI Community Building34:33 Encouragement to Build Community36:07 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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    37 mins
  • Retire Early or Enjoy Now? | 9toFI 007 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Sep 15 2025

    Retire Early or Enjoy Now?Welcome to the 9 to FI Podcast with Elliot and Josh! In this episode, we explore the evolution of the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement. Starting with 'Old School' FIRE principles, focused on extreme frugality and rapid wealth accumulation, we transition into the emerging 'New FIRE' concepts like Slow FI, Barista FI, and Fat FI. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of each approach, share personal journeys, and debate which method might be best for different lifestyles. We wrap up with some fun, quick-fire questions and encourage you to reflect on your own path to financial independence. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review!00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:11 Old School FIRE: The Original Playbook01:30 New Voices in the FIRE Community02:41 Balancing Old and New FIRE Concepts04:14 Personal Stories and Reflections08:29 Core Tenets of Old School FIRE10:12 Shifts in the FIRE Movement11:15 Perfect Day in Retirement24:47 Lightning Round: Fun FIRE Choices27:46 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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    28 mins
  • Are You Saving or Just Being Cheap? | 9toFI 006 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Sep 8 2025

    Are You Saving or Just Being Cheap? | 9 to FI Podcast

    Join Josh and Elliot in this episode of the 9 to FI Podcast as they delve into the often blurred line between frugality and being cheap. In a world where upgrading to the latest gadgets and luxurious cars is the norm, how do you define what's truly necessary versus what's merely extravagant? The hosts share personal anecdotes, discuss living intentionally with purchases, and address the stigma that surrounds frugal living. From scrutinizing phone plans and car choices to discussing the importance of intentional spending on food and experiences, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to making smart financial decisions without sacrificing quality of life. Don't miss their engaging debate and practical advice for navigating these common financial dilemmas!

    00:00 Introduction and Greetings

    00:10 Frugality vs. Cheapness: Setting the Stage

    01:06 Defining Frugality and Cheapness

    02:09 Personal Stories and Examples

    09:25 Phone Plans and Upgrades

    18:32 Car Choices and Social Perceptions

    28:04 Justifying Frugality to Others

    38:31 Challenges and Final Thoughts

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    43 mins
  • The Money Lessons that shaped Elliot | 9toFI 003| 9 to FI Podcast
    Sep 1 2025

    The Money Lessons that shaped Elliot. In this episode, Josh and Elliot recount their mutual connection, setting the stage for Elliot's captivating financial journey. Starting from a privileged yet not overly abundant childhood, Elliot navigates through private and public schooling, budget-conscious parenting, and early job experiences. He shares his early lessons on money, heavily influenced by his father's 'it's only money' mantra, and recounts the trials and triumphs he faced—from school transitions to job losses and personal hardships. Elliot's story doesn't stop there; he goes on to discuss his ventures into side hustles, relationships, and ultimately, his path to financial independence. Inspirational and introspective, this episode highlights the emotional and practical aspects of personal finance, the importance of mindset, and the value of persistence in overcoming financial and personal challenges. Don't miss out on this incredible journey of resilience and financial acumen.00:00 Introduction

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    44 mins