On The Cusp Of Early Retirement: I Leave My W-2 In 4 Months | MHFI 286 episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 23, 2025 · 57 MIN

On The Cusp Of Early Retirement: I Leave My W-2 In 4 Months | MHFI 286

from Mile High FI Podcast · host Doug Cunnington, Mr. Money Mustache, & Carl Jensen

Doug chats with Brad Finley who is on the cusp of early retirement.  Brad discusses the decision to leave his W-2 job, steps he’s taking to prepare for the transition, the emotional journey that accompanies such a significant life change, and his plans to maintain a balanced & fulfilling lifestyle post-retirement.  Brad also shares his transformative experience at the Hoffman Process and how it helped him work through personal issues and redefine his identity beyond his career. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Brad Finley Instagram EconoMe Conference Diania Merriam on MHFI episode 199 Hoffman Process Thomas Stanley & William Danko, “Millionaire Next Door” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Jillian Johnsrud, Retire Often VICE, “The Superhuman World of Wim Hof: The Iceman” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: [email protected] 0:00 Introduction 1:29 Brad’s journey to early retirement 7:30 Discovering the FIRE movement 12:54 Identity crisis & keeping busy 19:03 Stand-up comedy 22:46 The Hoffman Process 27:42 Planning for life after retirement 34:39 Finding structure & hobbies 41:33 Building social connections 46:35 Identity & journaling 52:40 Soundcheck – National parks

Doug chats with Brad Finley who is on the cusp of early retirement.  Brad discusses the decision to leave his W-2 job, steps he’s taking to prepare for the transition, the emotional journey that accompanies such a significant life change, and his plans to maintain a balanced & fulfilling lifestyle post-retirement.  Brad also shares his transformative experience at the Hoffman Process and how it helped him work through personal issues and redefine his identity beyond his career. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Brad Finley Instagram EconoMe Conference Diania Merriam on MHFI episode 199 Hoffman Process Thomas Stanley & William Danko, “Millionaire Next Door” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Jillian Johnsrud, Retire Often VICE, “The Superhuman World of Wim Hof: The Iceman” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: [email protected] 0:00 Introduction 1:29 Brad’s journey to early retirement 7:30 Discovering the FIRE movement 12:54 Identity crisis & keeping busy 19:03 Stand-up comedy 22:46 The Hoffman Process 27:42 Planning for life after retirement 34:39 Finding structure & hobbies 41:33 Building social connections 46:35 Identity & journaling 52:40 Soundcheck – National parks

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On The Cusp Of Early Retirement: I Leave My W-2 In 4 Months | MHFI 286

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This episode is 57 minutes long.

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This episode was published on September 23, 2025.

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Doug chats with Brad Finley who is on the cusp of early retirement.  Brad discusses the decision to leave his W-2 job, steps he’s taking to prepare for the transition, the emotional journey that accompanies such a significant life change, and his...

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