EP 15: Craig Faulhaber: Near-Death Experiences and Early Retirement

My guest this week is climber, math professor, and real-deal van lifer, Craig Faulhaber. On September 19, 2021 Craig was involved in a very serious climbing accident. This is the sort of accident that can end a life at worst, and dramatically alter its course at best. But, as you will hear in this conversation, Craig has an amazing sense of optimism in the face of very difficult life events.

To add to my shock at his accident, I was surprised to learn that Craig was on the cusp of retiring early just before his accident. Please enjoy this special conversation where we discuss the delicate nature of life, unconventional living, home ownership, relationships and marriage, and even the ethics of investing. Plus so much more!

Topics Discussed with Craig Faulhaber

  • The details of Craig’s accident and recovery to date
  • Plenty on van life. How Craig and his girlfriend have lived together in a van, while working their careers, for five years! Thoughts on van builds and where most people fail to make it long-term in a van.
  • Why Craig is pro-home ownership but can’t live in a house
  • Craig’s plan to retire early
  • Why Craig doesn’t invest and has saved for early retirement with cash only!
  • Craig’s thoughts on the stress and ethics of investing
  • Moving the goal posts on contentment
  • Thoughts on health insurance and the idea of medical bancruptcy
  • Thoughts on marriage and relationships, from romance to practical implications
  • Craig’s performance climbing philosophy and achievements before his accident
  • Craig’s background with music
  • So much more!
American Sportz Climbers. Craig Faulhaber and Jackie Niles. (photo: Anna Niles)
American Sportz Climbers (photo: Anna Niles)
Craig Faulhaber at home (photo: Jackie Niles)
Craig at home (photo: Jackie Niles)
Craig Faulhaber. Fall risk? Too soon, hospital (photo: Jackie Niles)
Fall risk? Too soon, hospital (photo: Jackie Niles)
Craig Faulhaber on "If and Only If," 5.13 (photo: Dustin Doskocil).
Craig Faulhaber on “If and Only If,” 5.13 (photo: Dustin Doskocil).

Get in Touch with Craig Faulhaber

Craig’s website

Craig on Instagram

More Details on Craig’s Accident

Detailed account on Mountain Project

Route: Burning Down the Haus

Craig’s Music

Far From Friday

2008 Financial Crisis

Shocking Headlines of the 2008 Financial Crisis (And Why They Are So Important Now)

Many more posts on investing and investing psychology here

Home Ownership

Should I Buy a Home? Part 1

Should I Buy a Home? Part 2: Opportunity Cost

Relocation: A Guide to Moving and Housing Affordability

This Just In: The Real Cost of Home Ownership

And We’re Back to Home Ownership! But Why Now?

Housing Affordability: This Isn’t Normal

Van Life Economics

Van Life: The Economics and Trade-Offs

Healthcare and Health Insurance

Is Healthcare Insurance About to Get a Lot More Expensive?!

Some Fantastic News on Healthcare Costs

How to Have Negative Health Insurance Costs


Remember, the best laid plans mean nothing if you can’t take action today. Have questions? Need some feedback? Hit us up on the contact page.

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Thanks guys, see you next week.

What say you friend?