Two lifelong friends document and share their personal journey as they seek to become financially independent and retire early (FIRE). One achieves his FIRE goal in 2020 during a global pandemic, inspiring the other to play catch-up. Whether you are new to the FIRE movement, already on your FIRE journey, or have retired early, there’s something here for you. Go beyond the numbers and get the personal stories as experienced by Eric and Jason.
Episodes
Sunday Oct 22, 2023
One More Year: My Decision to Postpone Early Retirement
Sunday Oct 22, 2023
Sunday Oct 22, 2023
Can you imagine changing your mind about retiring early just as the finish line comes into view? What factors could cause someone to consider working one more year? In this episode, Eric talks with Jason about the idea to delay his retirement. Topics covered include why he's considering it, getting agreement with your spouse, how others reacted to the idea, and much more.
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/OMY
Sunday Oct 08, 2023
Will This Get Us Kicked Out of the FIRE Movement?
Sunday Oct 08, 2023
Sunday Oct 08, 2023
Would you spend $1000 on dinner for a special occasion - or more? Eric and Jason recently enjoyed a milestone birthday celebration with their spouses + friends at a world famous restaurant. The total cost may shock you. In this episode, they talk about the experience, spending decisions pre- vs, post-financial independence, and whether it was actually worth it.
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/frenchlaundry
Sunday Sep 24, 2023
He Retired Early, She Didn’t: A Coast FI Case Study
Sunday Sep 24, 2023
Sunday Sep 24, 2023
How would your spouse feel if you retired early while they kept working? In this episode, Eric + Jason talk with our friend Erik, who recently left the workplace while his wife continues to work. How does this arrangement work for them, and why is a coastFIRE path their choice? Topics discussed include being thrown into retirement, finding purpose, talking about FIRE, and much more.
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/erik
Sunday Aug 20, 2023
Can You Reach FI Faster? Advice From Someone Who Did.
Sunday Aug 20, 2023
Sunday Aug 20, 2023
Can you shorten the time to achieve financial independence (FI)? In this episode, Eric talks with Jason about his journey to FI and the steps he took to reach FI faster and retire before 50. Topics discussed include risks taken + sacrifices made, how Eric's path differed, why early retirement is so attractive, and much more.
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/fasterFI
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
Halfway to FI? Surviving the Boring Middle
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
How can you accelerate the boring middle on the path to reaching your financial independence goals? Online FIRE communities are full of posts talking about the challenges of "the messy middle" and, "the long boring middle." Eric and Jason discuss the topic from their pre- and post-FI viewpoints, sharing their own experiences.
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/messymiddle
Monday Jul 03, 2023
Ask an Early Retiree Anything! Live Q&A with Jason from Two Sides of FI
Monday Jul 03, 2023
Monday Jul 03, 2023
Are you on the FIRE path or interested in learning more about early retirement? Three years ago I retired from my career at age 47 after reaching financial independence the prior year. This video is from a livestream where community members had the opportunity to ask me questions about what my experience has been like. Thanks to all who joined! Don't miss the extensive show notes, which list all the episodes and resources discussed in the episode:
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/AMA
Sunday May 21, 2023
FI-ght Club: Friction Between Friends Pre and Post-FI
Sunday May 21, 2023
Sunday May 21, 2023
Questioning their roles, priorities, and the uncertain future of Two Sides of FI, Jason and Eric unveil hidden tensions arising from the pursuit and realization of financial independence. Will they find common ground and keep the project alive?
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/fightclub
Sunday May 07, 2023
Our Net Worth Is Up! Sharing Our Financial Review Process
Sunday May 07, 2023
Sunday May 07, 2023
Do you have a process for regular financial reviews? If not, you aren't alone - many people are unsure about how to calculate their net worth and keep their personal finances on track. In this episode, Eric and Jason share their simple pre- and post-FI review processes for net worth tracking, portfolio review, setting savings and budget goals, and more.
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/networth
Sunday Apr 23, 2023
Secure Your Retirement with this Variable Withdrawal Strategy
Sunday Apr 23, 2023
Sunday Apr 23, 2023
Do you like the idea of a portfolio withdrawal strategy that can't run out of money? This walkthrough video is the third part in our Safe Withdrawal Rate (SWR) series, and teaches you how to model a variable withdrawal strategy based on the CAPE ratio. Using this powerful and FREE tool created by Karsten Jeske, you can design a personalized plan that works with your own financial situation. Be sure to see the show notes below to get your free copy, to see the two prior episodes, and for all the links we discuss in the video.
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/toolbox
Sunday Apr 09, 2023
Retiring With $2M: Here’s How We’d Spend It
Sunday Apr 09, 2023
Sunday Apr 09, 2023
Love it or hate it, budgeting is an essential part of financial success. In this episode, Eric and Jason share their own financial details using a simple, model budget and offer tips for making budgeting a less daunting task. See the link below for the show notes, which includes the full details of our budgets.
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/fire-budget