Freedom Before FI | Life Design, Purpose, Sabbaticals, Coast FI & Financial Independence (FIRE)

72. How To Bring More Peace In Your Life Through 'Slow Living'

Slow living is about making intentional choices that prioritize your well-being and happiness. It’s about finding balance and being aware that you don’t have to fill every moment with tasks and to-do lists to feel accomplished. By slowing down, you allow yourself to fully experience your life, savoring each moment rather than rushing through it. On this episode I discuss some ways you can incorporate slow living in your Financial Independence journey to bring about more peace and balance.Freedom Before FI Links:Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.comEmail: If you want to connect, send me a note at greg@freedombeforefi.comInstagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomBeforeFI Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefiDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

71. 5 Steps to Adopt Slow FI if Feeling Burnout

Slow FI (or Slow Financial Independence) is a philosophy coined by the Fioneers that focuses more on intentionally enjoying your journey to FI as oppose to focusing purely on the numbers and speed at which you get to retire early. Its about designing your life intentionally with your values so that you can enjoy the fruits of your hard earned savings now, instead of grinding it out to the finish line. If you are regularly feeling burnout on your journey, it may be a sign to adopt a slower approach. On this episode I talk through 5 basic steps to transition over to a more Slow FI lifestyle.Freedom Before FI Links:Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.comEmail: If you want to connect, send me a note at greg@freedombeforefi.comInstagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomBeforeFI Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefiDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

70. Building an FI Community with Brenda from FIRE Spark Retreat (Australia)

Brenda is the founder of the Firespark Retreat, a weekend FIRE-focused event held in Victoria, Australia. The weekend is full of workshops and seminars about frugality, purpose, lifestyle design, sharing personal stories and just enjoy the company of like minded FI enthusiasts. Brenda recently moved to Brisbane in Australia from Melbourne and is around two thirds of her way to FI with her partner, however she’s been enjoying the benefits being on the journey has offered, like taking a 12 month sabbatical recently, travelling, building a FIRE community and negotiating work perks like a 4 day condensed work week.The things you’ll learn:Brenda’s quick backgroundMoving from Melbourne to BrisbaneWhat’s life like in BrisbaneBrenda’s interests and hobbiesHow her first investment was property Current Investment portfolio (now mostly in Shares)Superannuation for AustraliansHalf way numbers wise, but two thirds of the way to FIRECurrent work situation and working for the governmentCondensed work weeks: 4 days a week (Fridays off)Asking for perks at workHow being on FI journey gives you a superpower Importance of FI community7-8 years on FI journey so farHow she started her FI journeyMoving from property investment to sharesThe FI bloggers that inspired her Doing FI with her partnerCouple dynamics on FI journeyFreedoms unlocked for herHer 12month sabbatical  The FIRE Spark FI Weekend RetreatsBenefits of attending the retreats (connecting with others)Quick-fire round questions at the end:Something she wished he done 10 years agoThe daily habits that helped her in her lifeBrenda’s most important lesson in lifeBrenda’s transformational book recommendations1-2 small things listeners can do this week to get started Brenda’s Websites/Socials:Fire Spark Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FIRESPARKRetreat/ Freedom Before FI Links:Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.comEmail: If you want to connect, send me a note at greg@freedombeforefi.comInstagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

69. Semi-Retirement & Life Design w/ Michael from The Irish FIRE Podcast

Michael Houghton is the host of the Irish FIRE Podcast and also shares his journey to FI through his monthly portfolio updates on his website. He also writes about FI for the Irish Independent. He moved from New Zealand to Ireland and in a short span of 7 years has become Financially Independent with a portfolio consisting of mostly property developments as well as index funds. He built his portfolio from hustling in the tech industry and being self employed. He is now transitioning to Semi-Retirement. Throughout his journey, Michael has realised the importance of lifestyle design and finding out what FI is really about, which is living an extraordinary life on your own terms.The things you’ll learn:Michael’s background and upbringingWhy he moved to Ireland from New ZealandLife in Limerick and what its like living thereMichael’s personal interestsHis 700k+ Investment Portfolio (75% Property and 25% Stocks)His 40k target passive income for family of 5Living in Ireland during his FI JourneyFinancial Freedom v Financial IndependenceProperty v Index Fund Investing pros and consThe silver lining that Covid had on his FI journeyMichael’s take on Lifestyle DesignExperiencing part time workHow he worked on 2 jobs and having a 75% savings rateWorking for the government in a seasonal role (around 200 days year)The Freedoms FI has unlocked for himHow FI has improved family relationshipsHow he teaches his kids about moneyAbout his kids investing in stocksWriting for the The Irish Independent newspaper Filling your days with purpose activities Quick-fire round questions at the end:Something he wished he done 10 years agoThe daily habits that helped Michael in his lifeMichael’s most important lesson in lifeMichaels transformational book recommendations1-2 small things listeners can do this week to get started investingMichael’s Websites/Socials:Website: https://www.firepodcast.ie/ Portfolio Updates: https://www.firepodcast.ie/progress The Irish Irish Independent: Link to his articlesIrish Fire Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-irish-fire-podcast/id1469056360 Irish Fire Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1aEfstr3BcC3Q1IITvtyxq?si=f8247b379968466e Book recommendation link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bucket-List-Best-Self/dp/B0DVS1L6WKFreedom Before FI Links:Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.comEmail: If you want to connect, send me a note at greg@freedombeforefi.comInstagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/freedombeforefi Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice

68. Should You Pay Off Your Student Loans or Invest?

In your financial freedom journey, one of the debts you may still have is student loan debt from University . Based on where you took your loan and the loan type the interest rate can vary massively. On this episode, I’ll explain from my point of view whether you should pay off all your student loan debt or use that money to invest instead, which is one crossroad you may find yourself in on this FI path. I’ll also share what I’m doing about my student loans.Freedom Before FI Links:Free Guides: Download the free ‘Freedom Ideas’ Cheat Sheet and the free ‘Find Your Purpose’ worksheet at: https://freedombeforefi.com/free-guides/Website: Check out our resources and services at www.freedombeforefi.comEmail: If you want to connect, send me a note at greg@freedombeforefi.comInstagram: or send a DM at Instagram Link Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice