Two Sides of FI

Answering Your Financial Independence Questions

You asked, we answered. Bringing the Two Sides of FI together to discuss changing withdrawal rates, Jason and Eric's own FI numbers, redefining identity in early retirement, rental real estate, and more. Want your question featured on an upcoming show? 

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What I Learned in My First Year of ”Early Retirement”

Retiring at 47 is early by any definition. In this episode, Jason reflects on his first year in early retirement. Not everything went smoothly as you might expect. Learn what's changed, what's been better, what's worse, and - importantly - has it lived up to his expectations? If you're excited to reach this milestone but still harbor some reservations about crossing into "retirement", Jason offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective on what to expect and how to prepare for such a life-altering transition.

Read more about his journey on his blog: https://thenextphaseisnow.com/ His milestone post from year 1: https://thenextphaseisnow.com/learnings-from-year-one/

Discussing FIRE with our Spouses: 2 x Two Sides of FI (Part 2)

Talking about FIRE with your partner involves so much more than finances: from friend groups and career aspirations, to personal goals and family dynamics. In part two, Eric + Jason continue the conversation with their spouses, Laura + Lorri, discussing how they share financial responsibilities, the importance of finding friend networks, talking to their children about FIRE, and their hopes for their post-FI lives.

For show notes and resources please check out our website - https://twosidesoffi.com/

Talking with our Spouses About FIRE: 2 x Two Sides of FI (Part 1)

Talking with a spouse or partner about FIRE isn't always easy. In this episode, Eric + Jason bring their wives, Laura + Lorri, into the conversation to share their personal experiences. In part 1 of our two-part conversation, they talk about getting onboard with FIRE, financial topics including budgeting and setting the FI number, as well as the emotional aspects of choosing the FIRE path.

For show notes and resources please check out our website: https://twosidesoffi.com/

Retiring Early - So Why Am I Worried?

Retiring early is a dream for many but the decision to leave the workplace early can impact us in ways we may not have predicted. In this episode, we discuss the first year of Jason's early retirement and Eric shares his own concerns as he approaches FI. For many, work provides a sense of purpose and identity, as well as validation, utility, not to mention financial security. What happens when that no longer exists? What takes its place? How does it impact your personal relationships and your personal sense of accomplishment? Much of the discussion about financial independence, retire early (FIRE) focuses on saving and investing, in this conversation we unpack what it means to leave work behind and fully embrace this life-changing transition. Join us for this conversation about life after FI.

For show notes and resources please check out our website: https://twosidesoffi.com/

Financially Independent, Live Anywhere? How to Choose (Part 2)

Choosing a new area to call home once you've reached financial independence can be an overwhelming task given just how large the problem space is. In part two of this series, Eric and Jason continue their conversation about how to narrow the options of where to live post-FIRE. There's a lot to consider beyond the finances, and the "Where to Live" process they used is again highlighted as a useful tool to support that. Irrespective of your own retirement path, this approach can help you make decisions about relocating to a new area.

Check out the show notes and get a FREE copy of the "Where to Live" planning tool at https://twosidesoffi.com/where-to-live/

Can't Decide Where to Live? Here's How We Chose (Part 1)

As Eric nears his Financial Independence number he asks Jason for help and advice on how to narrow the range of options of where to live. Choosing a place to call home once you've reached financial independence can be an overwhelming task, given just how large the problem space is. Jason shares how he and Lorri approached where to live in "retirement" before taking the plunge to move their family. Irrespective of your own retirement path, the process they used will apply universally to making decisions about relocating to a new area. 

Check out the show notes and get a FREE copy of the "Where to Live" planning tool at https://twosidesoffi.com/where-to-live/

Lessons Learned in 7 Years Earning Passive Income - A Path to FI (Part 2)

Diversifying your sources of income is an important step on the path to financial independence. On average, millionaires have seven streams of income. In part 2 of our series on passive income, Eric shares the lessons learned and mistakes made as he created passive income streams for his architecture practice. In 2020, 90% of his small business revenues came from passive sources, bringing him closer to reaching financial independence. Join us as we explore these topics and more in this second episode in our series about passive income.

For show notes and resources please check out our website: https://twosidesoffi.com/

Passive Income = A Path to Financial Independence (Part 1)

Earning money while you sleep is the dream of passive income that few realize. In part, that's because it requires a significant upfront investment of active work and time to build the assets necessary. For those seeking financial independence, passive income can be both an accelerator and a plentiful source of cash once you reach FI, and leave your primary career. In this show, we discuss Eric's experience gained over the past eight years intentionally creating a diverse array of passive income streams. Today, 90% of his small business revenues come from passive sources, bringing him closer to reaching FI each day. Join us as we explore these topics and more in this first episode in a series about passive income.

For show notes and resources please check out our website: https://twosidesoffi.com/

Financial Mistakes We Won't Make Again (Part 2)

We all make mistakes on the path to financial independence. Learn from ours as we chronicle the poor choices, bad habits, and missteps we’ve made on the road to FI. In this episode we talk about big ticket items like cars, student loans, and mortgages. Mistakes made in these areas can certainly have a large impact on your FI journey! Join us as we explore these topics and more in this second episode in a series documenting our financial mistakes and missteps on the path to FIRE.

For show notes and resources please check out our website: https://twosidesoffi.com/