Three Important Myths on Delaying a Career

A combination of economic and cultural influences are propelling the trend of delayed adulthood. Through low-commitment job grazing, one can pursue recreational pursuits into the years previously occupied by traditional adult responsibilities: marriage, careers, parenting, and even home ownership.

Some might say YOLO. Life isn’t as short as we think, but our ability to get ahead might be.

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The Anticipation Of The Thing Is Greater Than The Thing

We are prone to believing that outcomes will have stronger emotional impacts on us than they often do. This state of expectation, or impact bias, highlights why anticipation of an event is a much more palpable emotion than the event itself. The impact bias can lead to behaviors that make us less content despite our best efforts for happiness.

Let’s learn more about how to recognize this bias and make better decisions for our future.

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It’s Not All Hard Luck with Shay Skinner

In her late teens and early twenties, Shay Skinner was disowned from her family. She struggled with crushing mental illness, which ultimately culminated in a suicide attempt that left her in financial ruin. From this dismal situation, Shay filed for bankruptcy and began a long and fruitful climb toward being whole again. How can we summon the courage to take such measures of personal accountability?

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Can The 4% Rule Actually Work For Early Retirement?

The 4% rule suggests that a retiree who withdraws no more than 4% of their portfolio each year could have provided for a 30-year retirement window during most historical retirement windows. And that is true! The problem is that the FIRE community, however, perpetuates at least two misconceptions when discussing the 4% rule. Today, we address those common misconceptions about utilizing investment income. And, most importantly, we discuss how to use a flexible withdrawal strategy to weather bear markets and/or reduced future returns.

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QA8: What If We Run Out of Water?

We’re back to the digital mailbag to answer your questions!

For this week:

  • Thoughts on the bear market
  • Getting invested with a Health Savings Account
  • Paying for education with retirement accounts
  • My philosophy on rest from climbing
  • How to develop financial mentorship in the climbing community
  • Travel and rescue insurance ideas
  • Determining a cost-effective approach to climbing destinations
  • Should I open an IRA if my employer doesn’t offer a 401(k) match?
  • How to not get wrecked moving from sport climbing or bouldering to trad climbing
  • The risks of owning property in an area that could be running out of water
  • Getting a home loan with inconsistent income history
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Earning to Buy Time with Meghan and Jeff (A Way to FI)

Today’s guests on episode 44 are Meghan and Jeff, two Colorado climbers who are at very different positions on the spectrum of financial independence. Jeff achieved financial independence along with his wife, Rose, over four years ago. Meghan, along with her husband, were inspired to get serious about their personal finances after meeting and learning from Jeff and Rose. Jeff and Meghan now write about their experiences and learnings at awaytofi.com.

Today we discuss their different origin stories, long-term goals, and shed some light on the fraught balance between work, money, family, and the seemingly elusive control of our time.

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Student Loan Forgiveness: Here’s What You Need to Know

This week the Biden administration announced the Student Debt Relief Plan. This controversial piece of legislation is a historic student loan forgiveness program for college students, providing relief of up to $20,000. Importantly, many will be able to erase all student loans!!

Regardless of opinions on the matter, here’s what you need to know, and most importantly, what you need to do.  

Even if you don’t have student loans, help spread the word on this time-sensitive opportunity.

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The Inflation Reduction Act: Exciting News for American Health Insurance

With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the obvious talk of the nation has been the sweeping and historic changes to US energy and the environment. And rightfully so. But today let’s discuss the good news for Americans exploring healthcare insurance coverage options outside of workplace-sponsored plans.

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Ashley Green: How to Create Enjoyable Business Success at Age 27

Today on episode 42 I’m very pleased to host this enjoyable conversation with entrepreneur and climber Ashley Green of Climb On Equipment, a climbing specialty retailer in Squamish, BC.

Today we discuss how Ashley, at age 27 and with hardly a loonie to her name, came to own this business and turn it in to the thriving pillar of the community that it is today. We dive deep into the mechanics of funding this endeavor, maintaining a work/life balance of a serious climber and prospective mother, expanding and building a team, and the value of capitalizing on the serendipity that befalls us all. Finally, we touch on some of the specific town dynamics of Squamish in particular, a place like no other I’ve ever been.

This is the story of a young person getting two struggling businesses, taking risk, and building something amazing on the path toward financial independence.

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QA7: Financial Freedom Fast-Tracks and Climbing Plateau Busters

We’re back to the digital mailbag to answer your questions!

For this week:

  • Does the 401(k) max include employer contributions?
  • Should I invest in my 401(k) or pay down my mortgage early?
  • What about Fidelity’s zero expense ratio fund, VZROX?
  • Investing tips for a Health Savings Account
  • Do you write off business expenses for Clipping Chains?
  • How and when do you pay yourself from investments?
  • Winter climbing in St. George, Utah
  • Big life expenses and expectations when pursuing financial independence: children, weddings, etc.
  • Mandatory pension contributions vs DIY investing
  • Front-loading savings without going for full financial independence (Coast FI)
  • Climbing plateau busters
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