In this episode Mark introduces the concept of the 'Fun Bucket' as a tool to facilitate guilt-free spending to overcome the psychological challenges of shifting from a saver mindset after reaching Financial Independence.

Additionally, he discusses the utility of Donor-Advised Funds for charitable giving, explaining how they can maximize tax benefits and make charitable contributions easier and more fulfilling. He compares the features of donor-advised funds from Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard, highlighting considerations for choosing the right fund.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Early Retirement Now - Safe Withdrawal Rate Series

Mindy on Money podcast

Die with Zero by Bill Perkins

The Fun Bucket - Overcoming the Frugality Mindset

Fidelity Charitable

Schwab Charitable

Vanguard Charitable

Bigger Pockets Money - FIRE by 50

Timestamps:

• 00:27 Overcoming Frugality After Financial Independence
• 01:40 The Concept of the Fun Bucket
• 05:41 Implementing the Fun Bucket
• 08:11 Experiences and Benefits of the Fun Bucket
• 16:50 Introduction to Donor Advised Funds
• 20:11 Setting Up a Donor Advised Fund
• 26:14 Tax Benefits and Strategies for Donor Advised Funds
• 39:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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As an Amazon Associate this show earns income from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not increase your costs, and we will only link to products or services that we are familiar with and that we feel may deliver value to you. The modest income received from affiliate links helps support the cost of running and managing this show.

In this episode Mark addresses questions from listeners in a special ‘Monthly Mailbag' show.

He explores Ryan’s suggestion of renaming the middle phase of financial freedom the ‘Mindful Middle.’ Mark also tackles listener questions regarding receiving a lump sum pension or annuity, helping parents with retirement planning, how to use a brokerage account and his favorite retirement planning podcasts.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Phases of Financial Freedom | Episode 015

EverydayFI Podcast - Episode 6 - Ryan B: The Middle Path of FI

Exploring Financial Freedom at CampFI Mid-Atlantic | Episode 014

Yellow Bridge: Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan

Immediate Annuities website calculator

Open Social Security website calculator

Retirement Podcasts:

The Retirement and IRA Show

Retirement Planning Education

The Retirement Answer Man

Retirement Starts Today Radio

Your Money, Your Wealth

Timestamps:

• 00:29 Introducing Mark's Money Mind Monthly Mailbag
• 00:46 Listener Feedback: The Mindful Middle
• 08:56 Jyothi Asks About a Pension: Lump Sum or Annuity
• 18:55 Brad’s Parental Retirement Scenario
• 34:47 Leslie Suggests an Episode on Brokerage Accounts
• 44:00 A Listener Asks for My Favorite Retirement Podcasts

In this episode Mark discusses a strategy for automating your finances. Using his personal experience, he explains how setting up systems for automatic deposits, payments, and savings can help achieve financial goals and provide for a stress-free financial future.

He delves into the specifics of using a core cash management account and provides a step-by-step automatic cash flow process for both working individuals and retirees. Mark emphasizes the importance of monitoring financial transactions and maintaining a buffer.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Watch this Episode on the YouTube channel

Cash Flow Automation Flowchart - Working

Cash Flow Automation Flowchart - Retired

Fidelity Cash Management Account vs. Schwab Investor Checking

Timestamps:

• 00:27 Automating Your Finances: A Deep Dive
• 01:50 Choosing the Right Cash Management Account
• 02:38 Schwab vs. Fidelity: A Comparison
• 06:39 Setting Up Your Paycheck and Savings
• 13:58 Automating Bill Payments and Credit Cards
• 18:19 Managing Finances in Retirement
• 22:33 Tax Withholding Strategies
• 23:46 Roth Conversions and Tax Planning
• 26:09 Managing Estimated Taxes and Bill Payments
• 35:48 Automating Cashflow in Retirement
• 38:25 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode, Mark sits down with Kristen Knapp at CampFI Mid Atlantic 2024 to discuss financial independence, in-person FI events, semi-retirement, and travel aspirations.

They delve into Kristen's TV meteorologist career, experiences at various FI events, benefits of the community, and her plans for transitioning to part-time work and potentially living abroad in Spain.

The episode highlights personal stories, practical advice on transitioning to a semi-retired life, and the importance of community support in achieving financial independence.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

CampFI

EconoMe Conference

ChooseFI Local Groups

Kristen Cornett, Meteorologist KMOV St Louis

Mr Money Mustache blog

The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins

ChooseFI podcast

Rick Steves’ My Way Tours

FinTalks Cruise

FI Freedom Retreat (Bali)

CampFI Presentation July 2022 with Mark & Katie

International Living - Best Places to Retire

Earn & Invest - Three Non-Identical Strangers

Timestamps:

• 00:25 Catching Up with Kristen at CampFI
• 02:34 Kristen's Meteorology Journey
• 06:04 Discovering Financial Independence
• 11:11 Balancing Finances in Relationships
• 16:54 Travel Adventures and Future Plans
• 32:57 Researching Expat Life in Spain
• 37:19 Downsizing, Packing and Moving Challenges
• 42:21 The Power of Community and Events
• 49:21 Hosting and Organizing Events
• 53:22 Conclusion and Contact Information

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As an Amazon Associate this show earns income from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not increase your costs, and we will only link to products or services that we are familiar with and that we feel may deliver value to you. The modest income received from affiliate links helps support the cost of running and managing this show.

In this episode Mark discusses three phases of Financial Freedom: Financial Enlightenment, Financial Liberation, and Financial Independence.

Mark shares insights from conversations at recent financial events and episodes of the podcast, emphasizing the importance of financial education, strategic planning, and intentional living.

Listeners will learn about evolving concepts within the FI/RE community, exploring the benefits of 'Coast FI' and 'Slow FI' encouraging a balanced approach to achieving financial independence without sacrificing the present.

The episode wraps up with thoughts on creating meaningful experiences throughout the journey to Financial Independence.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins

The FIoneers blog post on CoastFI vs SlowFI

Investment Calculator

Taking Stock by Jordan Grumet

I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi

What is the 4% Rule for Withdrawals in Retirement

Early Retirement Now - The Safe Withdrawal Rate Series

Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware

Timestamps:

• 00:27 Reflecting on CampFI and Financial Freedom Phases
• 00:56 Phase One: Financial Enlightenment
• 04:29 Phase Two: Financial Liberation
• 08:51 The Boring Middle and Financial Liberation
• 10:59 Finding Your Tribe and Community
• 13:46 Exploring Coast FI and Slow FI
• 19:54 Exploring Barista FI/RE
• 20:53 Value-Based Spending
• 23:43 Understanding the 4% Rule
• 26:06 Lean FI vs. Fat FI
• 31:09 Living a Life of Financial Independence
• 33:14 Creating Memory Dividends
• 35:34 Conclusion and Community Engagement

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As an Amazon Associate this show earns income from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not increase your costs, and we will only link to products or services that we are familiar with and that we feel may deliver value to you. The modest income received from affiliate links helps support the cost of running and managing this show.

In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience at CampFI Mid-Atlantic in Virginia, Mark is joined by co-host Megan Combs of the Everyday FI podcast and guests Chris, Samantha, and Keith.

Chris shares his transformative sabbatical in New Zealand, while Samantha recalls her meaningful trip to Southeast Asia, both emphasizing the benefits of slow and mindful paths to Financial Independence.

The show highlights the importance of community support, the joys and challenges of long-term travel, and the practicality of being a minimalist traveler. Keith also joins in to share his experiences of the nomad lifestyle post-FI.

The panelists share enlightening discussions on the evolving perspectives within the FI community, practical tips for solo travel, managing finances, and the liberating essence of minimalist travel.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

FI Community Events:

CampFI

FI Freedom Retreat (Bali)

FinTalks Cruise

Podcasts / Blogs / Books:

Bigger Pockets Money podcast

ChooseFI podcast

Retire Often podcast

Mr Money Mustache blog

Taking Stock by Jordan Grumet

Timestamps:

• 01:08 Introducing the Hosts and Special Guests
• 03:24 Chris's Life-Changing Sabbatical to New Zealand
• 04:37 Navigating the Working Holiday Visa
• 05:39 The Van Life Experience in New Zealand
• 07:06 Financial Independence Journey and Inspirations
• 17:05 Samantha's Sabbatical and the Power of Community Support
• 20:48 Advice for Solo Female Travelers
• 22:03 Negotiating Sabbaticals with Employers
• 27:19 Financial Planning for Sabbaticals
• 28:57 Personal Growth from Sabbaticals
• 30:05 Choosing a FI Lifestyle
• 31:22 Understanding CoastFI and SlowFI
• 33:18 The Importance of Community and Accountability
• 34:20 Keith's Nomadic Journey
• 38:16 Managing Real Estate Remotely
• 45:47 Traveling Light: Packing Tips
• 56:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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As an Amazon Associate this show earns income from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not increase your costs, and we will only link to products or services that we are familiar with and that we feel may deliver value to you. The modest income received from affiliate links helps support the cost of running and managing this show.

In this episode Mark focuses on the important topic of paying off credit card debt, explaining the detrimental effects of carrying high-interest debt and explores strategies for debt repayment.

He discusses the differences between the snowball and avalanche methods for tackling debt, and emphasizes the importance of paying off credit cards in full every month to avoid escalating interest. Mark also touches on various debt consolidation options and why they might not be the best choice.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Timestamps:

• 00:32 The Perils of Credit Card Debt: A Deep Dive
• 04:12 Slaying the Debt Dragon: Strategies and Insights
• 09:33 Exploring Debt Solutions: Snowball and Avalanche Methods
• 16:31 Prioritizing Debts and Effective Payment Strategies
• 26:59 Beyond Debt: Redirecting Finances Towards Saving and Investing
• 28:34 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Features

In this episode of Mark discusses a Wall Street Journal article titled 'Retiring in the Next Five Years? Avoid These Financial Mistakes', adding his insights on various financial strategies to avoid common pitfalls.

Key topics include maximizing retirement contributions, analyzing Social Security options, avoiding unnecessary debt, adapting investment strategies with age, managing financial aid to children wisely, and planning for a desired retirement lifestyle.

Additionally, Mark addresses a listener question about pension planning, offering guidance on when to take a pension, considering survivor benefits, and evaluating the option of a lump sum payout.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Wall Street Journal article: Retiring in the Next 5 Years? Avoid These Financial Mistakes (April 12, 2024) by Cheryl Winokur Monk

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi

I Will Teach You to be Rich podcast

NewRetirement PlannerPlus

Pralana Gold

Immediate Annuity calculator

Timestamps:

• 00:50 Diving into Retirement Planning: Avoiding Financial Mistakes
• 02:33 Maximizing Retirement Contributions: A Deep Dive
• 05:59 Analyzing Social Security Options for a Secure Retirement
• 12:31 The Pitfalls of Unnecessary Debt Before Retirement
• 15:48 Investing Wisely as Retirement Approaches
• 19:47 Navigating Financial Support for Adult Children
• 23:23 Planning for a Fulfilling Retirement Lifestyle
• 28:02 Listener Q&A: Navigating Pension Decisions

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As an Amazon Associate this show earns income from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not increase your costs, and we will only link to products or services that we are familiar with and that we feel may deliver value to you. The modest income received from affiliate links helps support the cost of running and managing this show.