Exploring Side Hustles: From Handyman Jobs to YouTube Success

In this episode, hosts Josh and Elliot dive into the world of side hustles, continuing their discussion from episode 21 - Winning With Side Hustles. Josh shares his journey starting in 2012 with handyman work and eventually transitioning into real estate investing. He highlights the flexibility and opportunities available through various side hustles such as YouTube content creation and flipping furniture. Elliot and Josh also discuss the importance of leveraging your unique skills, the evolving mindset of financial independence, and encouraging younger generations to explore side hustles. They conclude with reflections on their podcasting experience and the excitement of continuously learning and challenging themselves.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:38 Josh's Handyman Side Hustle Journey

03:26 Exploring YouTube as a Passive Income Source

05:30 Real Estate Investing and Flexibility

07:17 Monetizing Skills and Hobbies

18:20 Teaching Kids About Side Hustles

19:49 Reflections on Side Hustles and Financial Independence

24:22 Podcasting as a New Endeavor

27:42 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Navigating Gift Giving and Reflections on the Nine to FI PodcastIn this episode of the Nine to FI Podcast, hosts Josh and Elliot share their thoughts on gift-giving practices during the holiday season. Covering everything from family traditions to budgeting, they discuss their preference for experiences over material possessions and reflect on their personal approaches to giving gifts. Additionally, they touch on their podcast's progress, audience engagement, future topics, and improvements in audio quality. The episode ends with mutual appreciation for their listeners and plans for upcoming discussions in the new year.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview01:31 Discussing Gift Giving Philosophies02:55 Personal Gift Giving Experiences04:33 Gift Giving with Kids and Family06:12 Gift Giving Between Partners08:26 Wrapping Up the Conversation

Leaving a Six-Figure Career for Personal Independence: Insights from the 9toFI PodcastIf you found this discussion helpful, please Like this video, Subscribe to the 9toFI channel, and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments below!https://youtube.com/@9tofi?si=hvip4nsvatb-D1q0In this episode of 9toFI, hosts Elliot and Josh discuss their experiences and decisions of stepping away from high-paying full-time jobs and how it impacted their Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) journeys. They explore the change in mindset, lessons learned, and negotiating salary increases that led to their financial milestones. Josh shares his story of negotiating his salary to reach six figures and beyond while Elliot discusses similar financial growth in his career. They delve into the psychological challenges and societal perceptions of retiring early, and the balance between financial prudence and living a fulfilling life. Josh also touches on the unexpected challenges of early retirement, such as managing free time and dealing with sudden expenses. They conclude by discussing the potential of rejoining the workforce in different capacities and the importance of having supportive communities to navigate the FIRE journey.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:24 Thanksgiving Break Reflections01:58 The Six-Figure Milestone03:21 Negotiating Salary Increases06:46 Career Progression and Salary History09:37 Early Retirement and Financial Independence16:24 Challenges and Considerations in Early Retirement32:19 Psychological and Social Aspects of Early Retirement36:06 Surprises and New Opportunities Post-Retirement40:15 Advice for High Earners Considering Early Retirement44:40 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up#financialindependence #firemovement #personalfinance #careers

In this episode of Nine to FI, hosts Josh and Elliot dive deep into the world of side hustles, discussing their own experiences and the various types of side gigs people undertake. The episode covers the financial and personal benefits of side hustles, highlighted by interesting statistics and generational differences. They explore part-time jobs, gig economy roles, freelance work, entrepreneurial ventures, and credit card reward hacking. Josh and Elliot also share stories from their own lives, emphasizing skill-building and the impact on their journey towards financial independence. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to examine their own expenses and consider the potential of side hustles in their lives.00:00 Introduction and Audio Quality Disclaimer00:35 The Benefits of Side Hustles01:23 Personal Experiences and Seasonal Chit-Chat03:26 Statistics on Side Hustles in the US05:42 Generational Differences in Side Hustles09:33 Motivations Behind Side Hustles12:28 Cutting Down on Recurring Expenses20:23 The Impact of Reducing Expenses on FI21:28 Listener Engagement and Feedback22:59 Josh's Side Hustle Journey27:41 Personal Side Hustle Stories29:46 Exploring the Gig Economy30:29 Freelancing and Entrepreneurship33:04 The eBay Store Experience38:07 YouTube Ventures52:20 Credit Card Reward Hacking54:32 Dawn's Entrepreneurial Journey56:31 Conclusion and Future Plans#sidehustle

Preparing for Early Retirement: Elliot's Journey and Financial Planning

In this episode, hosts Elliot and Josh delve into Elliot's financial journey and imminent transition to early retirement. They discuss key aspects that contribute to readiness for retirement, such as setting retirement dates, understanding the 4% rule, evaluating current and projected expenses, and planning for major upcoming costs. Elliot reveals his financial numbers, including savings, investments, and his approach to healthcare expenses. The conversation also touches on psychological aspects of retirement, like avoiding the 'one more year syndrome' and planning for a balanced post-retirement life with personal goals and explorations. They conclude by discussing the emotional and practical steps Elliot is taking as he approaches his retirement target date of March 2027.

00:00 Introduction: Can Elliot Retire Yet?

00:16 Elliot's Early Retirement Plan

03:37 Financial Considerations and Strategies

04:03 Discussing the 4% Rule and Withdrawal Rates

10:35 Elliot's Financial Snapshot

13:02 Planning for the Future: Expenses and Savings

33:42 Healthcare and Insurance Plans

42:04 Life After Retirement: Goals and Concerns

48:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Nine to FI podcast, hosts Josh and Elliot dive into a comprehensive discussion about Josh's early retirement strategy. Josh retired at the age of 48, while his wife Lori still works full-time but is considering a shift to part-time employment. The episode offers a detailed look at their current financial status, including their cash reserves, brokerage account, and rental income. Josh shares his spreadsheet calculations and insights from his Empower account, discussing their monthly and annual expenses, and potential strategies for Lori's reduced work hours or complete retirement. The conversation touches on important financial concepts like the 4% rule, Roth conversion ladders, and 72-T distributions, aiming to find the best approach for their family. The hosts also emphasize the importance of adaptability and proper planning to ensure financial security in early retirement. Feedback and topic suggestions are welcomed at ninetoFIpod@gmail.com.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:59 Josh's Retirement and Financial Situation

01:46 Current Financial Snapshot

04:01 Income and Expenses Breakdown

07:49 Lori's Potential Part-Time Work Impact

16:14 Full Retirement Scenario for Lori

18:13 Empower Retirement Planner Insights

24:20 Withdrawal Strategies and Future Planning

30:25 Conclusion and Future Discussions

In this episode of the Nine to FI podcast, hosts Josh and Elliot kick off a case study addressing Elliot's housing dilemma. They discuss the pros and cons of moving, building a new home, or expanding the current one, considering financial constraints and family needs. Elliot shares past experiences with contractors and the challenges of financing a large home addition through loans. They also explore different loan options like HELOC, home equity, and construction loans, contemplating the impact of these choices on their financial independence journey. Audience feedback and ratings are encouraged to help the podcast grow.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:05 Elliot's House Dilemma: Initial Thoughts

02:03 Exploring Housing Options and Costs

07:32 Financial Considerations and Loan Options

16:15 Family Dynamics and Final Thoughts

In this episode of nine to FI, we dive into how owning a 13-year-old Chevy Colorado for over nine years has significantly contributed to my journey towards financial independence and early retirement. Join Josh and Elliot as they discuss the financial benefits of keeping an older vehicle, the insights from recent car ownership statistics, and practical steps for turning a vehicle from a money pit into a money-making asset. We also share strategies on monthly savings, the gig economy, and how to maximize your car's utility for small businesses and side hustles. Don't miss out on the valuable tips for anyone looking to make thoughtful financial decisions about car ownership!

00:00 Introduction: Can Cars Build Wealth?

00:25 Meet the Hosts: Josh and Elliot

00:56 Car Ownership Stats and Trends

03:21 Commuting and Carpooling Insights

05:57 Monthly Savings Project

06:40 Streaming Services and Mobile Savings

09:47 Internet Provider Hacks

15:36 Josh's Truck: A Wealth-Building Tool

22:38 Cost of Ownership and Financial Impact

24:44 Mindset and Identity: Truck as a Symbol

30:19 Turning Vehicles into Moneymakers

32:12 Advice for Younger Self and Conclusion

In this episode of 'Nine to FI', hosts Josh and Elliot delve into the financial burdens and benefits of car ownership. They explore the average costs associated with car maintenance and offer practical tips for managing these expenses effectively. The conversation highlights the importance of preventative maintenance, how it can enhance vehicle longevity, improve safety, and save money in the long run. The hosts share personal anecdotes and recommendations for DIY maintenance, reflecting on their own car maintenance journeys. Addressing common reasons people delay car care, like cost and time constraints, they propose solutions to help listeners better manage their vehicle maintenance and expenses. The episode aims to provide valuable insights and actionable advice for those seeking financial independence and reliability in their vehicles.

00:00 The Financial Burden of Car Ownership

00:20 Introduction to the Episode

01:30 Car Maintenance Costs and Tips

07:33 Personal Car Maintenance Stories

19:05 The Importance of Preventative Maintenance

30:49 Personal Car Maintenance Stories

31:20 Common Reasons for Neglecting Car Maintenance

32:41 The Importance of Regular Car Maintenance

36:49 Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

38:23 Cost of Car Ownership

42:50 Tracking Car Maintenance

47:11 DIY Car Repairs and Savings

55:36 Rapid Fire Questions

01:01:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

How CARS helped me achieve FIRE (reducing the cost for one of the BIG 3)

In this episode of Nine to FI, Josh and Elliot explore the complex world of auto financing. They offer practical tips for car purchasing, share a mix of success and failure stories, and discuss their personal car ownership journeys. This episode kicks off a multi-part series focusing on cars and financial independence. Tune in for insights on making smarter car decisions and the financial benefits that come with it. Enjoy the casual conversation and learn how you can turn your car savings into investments for a secure and comfortable future.

00:00 Introduction to Smart Car Ownership

00:40 Meet the Hosts: Josh and Elliot

01:24 Halloween Fun and Family Talk

03:14 Shocking Car Payment Statistics

09:54 Call to Action: Support the Show

10:36 Personal Car Ownership Stories

26:30 Financial Strategies for Car Purchases

28:50 The Money Guy Show's Car Buying Rule

32:46 The Cost of Car Ownership

34:44 Interest Rates and Financing

37:28 Smart Spending Strategies

49:45 Leveraging Your Car for Income

54:39 Shifting Mindsets for Financial Freedom

57:09 Rapid Fire Questions

01:03:43 Closing Thoughts

Navigating Retirement and Housing Dilemmas: A Conversation on Financial StrategiesIn this episode, Josh and Elliot delve into personal financial challenges and decisions. Josh grapples with his wife Lori's reluctance to leave full-time work due to uncertainties about income replacement post-retirement. This kicks off a discussion on withdrawal strategies and asset management. Elliot shares his own dilemma about whether to move to a larger house, which is complicated by the high cost and the location his family enjoys. The episode further explores housing decisions as Josh considers downsizing to a more amenable town, but struggles with finding the right property. Both hosts commit to returning with detailed financial analyses, hoping these conversations will help others facing similar issues.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Purpose

00:35 Discussing Retirement and Financial Planning

03:22 Exploring Housing Dilemmas

05:41 Comparing Housing Options and Financial Implications

08:55 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Raising a FIRE-Conscious Family | 9toFI 013 | 9 to FI PodcastJoin hosts Josh and Elliot on the 9 to FI Podcast as they discuss strategies for raising a family with a mindset focused on Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE). They share personal experiences, including the concept of the 'Bank of Mom and Dad', emphasizing the value of teaching money management and values to children from different age groups. The conversation covers practical ways to cut costs, such as using libraries, buying secondhand, and leveraging credit card reward hacking for economical travel. They also delve into the significance of making intentional big purchases, the benefits of not always having the latest and greatest, and the importance of experiences over material items. Wrapping up with rapid-fire questions, they highlight key financial lessons and family splurges that reinforce the FIRE principles.00:00 Welcome to the 9 to FI Podcast00:11 Introducing the Concept of a FIRE Conscious Family01:34 The Bank of Mom and Dad: Teaching Financial Responsibility08:45 Balancing Extracurricular Activities and Financial Independence14:24 The Value of Secondhand Items22:44 Travel Hacking: Saving Money on Family Trips26:32 Big Purchases: Vehicles and Housing33:26 The Bond of Twins and House Hacking34:17 Minimalist Gift-Giving Strategies41:24 Library Hacks and Resourcefulness47:02 529 Plans and College Costs52:41 The True Cost of Raising Kids55:43 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

How Real Estate Fast-Tracked Financial Freedom | 9toFI 012 | 9 to FI PodcastIn this episode of 9 to FI, hosts Josh and Elliot delve into how building a portfolio of properties can accelerate the path to financial independence. Josh shares his personal journey, starting from his first fixer-upper in the early 2000s to a diversified portfolio that generates significant cash flow. Along the way, they discuss the skills needed for property renovation, the BRRRR strategy, and the challenges faced in real estate investing. Whether you're curious about getting started in real estate or looking to expand your investment knowledge, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-world experiences.00:00 Introduction to Real Estate and Financial Independence01:05 Josh's First Real Estate Experience02:18 Developing Handy Skills and Early Influences05:22 Transitioning to Real Estate Investment07:25 The Role of Mentorship and Networking18:42 First Property Purchase and Renovation25:39 Executing the BRRRR Strategy31:33 The Hustle Culture and Time Freedom33:33 Balancing Real Estate and Parenting34:34 Involving Kids in Real Estate37:03 Financial Strategies and Cash Flow42:44 The Challenges of Real Estate Investing45:11 The Big Renovation Project51:20 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Investors58:13 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

From Nervous Speakers to Confident Podcasters

In this episode, Elliot and Josh reflect on their podcast journey, particularly revisiting their very first episode, 'Intro to 9 to FI.' They discuss the feedback received and their initial challenges, then outline their personal and shared goals for the podcast. These goals include becoming better speakers, having deeper and more meaningful conversations, meeting new people, and impacting others' lives. This episode is a candid and unedited discussion about their aspirations and the future direction of the podcast.

00:00 Introduction and First Episode Recap

00:16 Reflecting on Feedback and Improvements

01:21 Setting Goals for the Podcast

01:56 Personal Development Goals

03:38 Deep Conversations and Feedback

04:56 Meeting New People and Overcoming Anxieties

06:16 Impacting Lives and Financial Independence

07:10 Preparing for Early Retirement

08:15 Learning New Skills and Marketing

09:31 Sustainability and Enjoying the Process

10:42 Conclusion and Call to Action

How to avoid Retirement Burnout | 9toFI 010 | 9 to FI PodcastElliot and Josh continue their deep dive into retirement planning on this episode of the 9 to FI Podcast. Reflecting on their meticulously planned retirement schedules, they share their real post-retirement experiences, highlighting the inevitable deviations and surprises. Josh opens up about the challenges of maintaining a perfect retirement day, dealing with cognitive overload, and the struggle to balance multiple interests and obligations. They explore the importance of flexibility, the evolution of personal schedules, and the universal human tendency to overcommit. Tune in to gain insights into navigating the unpredictable journey of early retirement, along with practical tips on managing activities and expectations.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:13 Recap of the Perfect Retirement Plan01:28 Josh's Perfect Day Vision03:34 Elliot's Perfect Day Vision06:10 Reality of Retirement: The First Week10:11 Adjusting the Plan: Overwhelm and Realizations15:24 Balancing Activities and Mental Health19:29 The Struggle of Saying No28:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Planning Your Perfect Post Work Life | 9toFI 009 | 9 to FI PodcastJoin Elliot and Josh as they delve deep into the concept of early retirement and the journey of financial independence. Josh shares his personal experiences and plans leading up to his transition to early retirement, emphasizing the importance of having a purpose and activities to retire to. The episode explores various exercises and strategies to prepare for a fulfilling retirement, addressing concerns about potential boredom and anxiety. They discuss the balance between decompression and productivity, stressing the value of intentional planning and regular self-reflection. Whether you're nearing retirement or just considering it, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for a smoother transition.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:08 Discussing Early Retirement Plans00:54 Concerns About Early Retirement01:47 Planning for Post-Retirement Life06:34 Creating a Retirement To-Do List09:19 Finding Purpose in Retirement12:06 Reflecting on Retirement Activities19:25 Adapting to Retirement Life26:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Crafting Community on the Road to FIJoin Josh and Elliot as they dive into their weekend activities and talk about the value of community. They recount experiences from fixing rental properties and attending children's soccer games, to meeting and learning about the Financial Independence (FI) community. The discussion touches on car repairs, kid's sports, and engaging with local FI meetups. Find out how Elliot and Josh fostered their FI communities before and after retirement, the challenges they faced, the benefits of being part of a cohesive group, and the importance of pushing out of one’s comfort zone to connect with like-minded individuals. This conversation not only highlights their personal journeys but also offers insights on how to build and sustain community ties in pursuit of financial independence.00:00 Opening Banter00:40 Car Troubles and DIY Fixes02:25 Kids' Soccer and Healthy Competition04:25 Introduction to Community Building05:07 Personal Community Stories08:36 Discovering Financial Independence13:32 Attending In-Person Events26:01 Post-FI Community Building34:33 Encouragement to Build Community36:07 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Retire Early or Enjoy Now?Welcome to the 9 to FI Podcast with Elliot and Josh! In this episode, we explore the evolution of the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement. Starting with 'Old School' FIRE principles, focused on extreme frugality and rapid wealth accumulation, we transition into the emerging 'New FIRE' concepts like Slow FI, Barista FI, and Fat FI. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of each approach, share personal journeys, and debate which method might be best for different lifestyles. We wrap up with some fun, quick-fire questions and encourage you to reflect on your own path to financial independence. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review!00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:11 Old School FIRE: The Original Playbook01:30 New Voices in the FIRE Community02:41 Balancing Old and New FIRE Concepts04:14 Personal Stories and Reflections08:29 Core Tenets of Old School FIRE10:12 Shifts in the FIRE Movement11:15 Perfect Day in Retirement24:47 Lightning Round: Fun FIRE Choices27:46 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Are You Saving or Just Being Cheap? | 9 to FI Podcast

Join Josh and Elliot in this episode of the 9 to FI Podcast as they delve into the often blurred line between frugality and being cheap. In a world where upgrading to the latest gadgets and luxurious cars is the norm, how do you define what's truly necessary versus what's merely extravagant? The hosts share personal anecdotes, discuss living intentionally with purchases, and address the stigma that surrounds frugal living. From scrutinizing phone plans and car choices to discussing the importance of intentional spending on food and experiences, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to making smart financial decisions without sacrificing quality of life. Don't miss their engaging debate and practical advice for navigating these common financial dilemmas!

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:10 Frugality vs. Cheapness: Setting the Stage

01:06 Defining Frugality and Cheapness

02:09 Personal Stories and Examples

09:25 Phone Plans and Upgrades

18:32 Car Choices and Social Perceptions

28:04 Justifying Frugality to Others

38:31 Challenges and Final Thoughts

How to finally get your partner on the same page about MoneyWelcome to the 9 to FI Podcast with hosts Elliot and Josh! In this episode, they dive into the topics of budgeting and the concept of 'money dates.' Elliot and Josh share personal experiences on how they and their partners manage finances and the evolution of their budgeting practices. They discuss the importance of budgeting for different life stages, strategies for making financial meetings enjoyable, and how communication plays a key role in financial planning. The hosts also touch on challenges of budgeting, setting financial goals, and the balance between strict budgeting and the anti-budget approach. This candid conversation is packed with valuable insights to help you and your partner achieve financial harmony.00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic01:11 The Importance of Budgeting04:28 Budgeting Strategies and Evolution08:27 Current Budgeting Systems14:54 Money Dates and Communication27:44 Conclusion and Next Steps