We Failed at Early Retirement, But We're Trying it Again | MHFI 332 episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 11, 2026 · 1H 15M

We Failed at Early Retirement, But We're Trying it Again | MHFI 332

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

Doug chats with Natalie & Bill about reaching Financial Independence, attempting early retirement, and how a lack of post-work identity & structured hobbies led them both back to the workforce.  They discuss what they learned along the way and how returning to work confirmed that they’re now financially & mentally ready to stop for good. 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 Chris Voss, “Never Split the Difference” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Mr. Money Mustache Mr. Money Mustache, “News Flash: Your Debt is an Emergency!!” EconoMe Conference 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 1:36 Preparing for a European trip 8:25 Discovering FIRE 13:05 Frugality vs. spending 18:46 Becoming debt-free & saving 23:20 Career burnout 29:46 Returning from Europe 36:56 Bill’s exit plan 41:09 Natalie’s exit plan 48:40 EconoMe takeaways 55:31 Rekindling hobbies & volunteering 59:43 FIRE confirmation 1:08:39 Soundcheck – Border collies

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We Failed at Early Retirement, But We're Trying it Again | MHFI 332

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