WHY Pursue FI?: Our Personal Journeys | 9 to FI 046

Finding Your "Why" for Financial Independence: Security, Time, Health, and Giving BackJosh and Elliot open with a humorous aside about “newspapers,” then discuss a Choose FI podcast episode featuring Allen Hansen and Kristen Knapp that raised the question of why people pursue financial independence beyond the math. They share how early experiences shaped their motivations: Josh describes childhood money trauma, being teased for Walmart clothes, and later bankruptcy, foreclosure, and divorce, leading him to seek financial security and better money habits; Elliot recalls private-school comparisons with wealthier peers and wanting to ensure he had enough. Their “why” evolves to autonomy and buying time, being more present for kids (including the value of FU money), improving physical and mental health by escaping sedentary screen-based work, and helping others through volunteering and sharing lessons. They emphasize planning what FI life will look like, expecting change, and using intentional, flexible time-bucketing.00:00 Cold Open Banter02:10 Why Pursue FI04:05 Money Trauma Origins10:19 Autonomy And Time12:09 A Perfect Retired Day14:28 Parenting And FU Money16:47 Health Wellness Benefits22:06 Giving Back And Service29:16 Retire To Something36:07 Planning Time And Change40:30 Wrap Up And FarewellDo you have feedback or suggestions? We want to hear from you!Contact Elliot: [email protected] Josh: [email protected]’s other podcast: Stuck In BetaJosh’s YouTube channel: How To Fix It WorkshopAny of these products help the show. Thanks for your support!Mint Mobile - We both use ⁠Mint Mobile⁠ and save a ton on our phone plan: ⁠https://my.mintmobile.com/refer/aEWp5rL⁠Empower⁠ is Josh’s choice for Net Worth and BudgetingWanna create a podcast? We use ⁠Descript⁠Looking for a new credit card?  We’re big fans of ⁠Chase⁠⁠Buy Us a Coffee⁠ - One time donation or monthly, it’s up to youWant to save money on gas? Try ⁠Upside!⁠Books mentioned in this episode:Come find us and subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI