Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast EverydayFI
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
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| BONUS TEASER: Why You Should Enjoy Paying Taxes | Ep. 104 | 05 Jun 2026 | 00:14:57 | |
Join my Patreon for ad free and exclusive bonus content Buy some merch - get t-shirts, mugs, stickers, totes, the works! Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing FI. Today is another bonus episode, and if you aren't already signed up for EverydayFI+, you'll only get to listen to the first 10 to 15 minutes. If you want to hear the entire episode, check out my Patreon at patreon.com/everydayfipodcast where you can sign up for ad free and bonus episodes. In today's episode I'm joined by my buddy Mitch — he's BACK! He's been off the show for a little while traveling for work and, ya know, actually having a life. But he's back today and I get to teach him all about taxes and what they actually pay for. He only got a small glimpse into what this topic was about so his reactions are basically real time, and you might be surprised by some of them! | |||
| BONUS TEASER: The "Perfect" Portfolio | 01 May 2026 | 00:14:58 | |
Join my Patreon for ad free and exclusive bonus content Buy some merch - get t-shirts, mugs, stickers, totes, the works! Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is another bonus episode, and if you aren't already signed up for EverydayFI+, you will only be hearing the first 10 to 15 minutes of this teaser. If you want to hear the entire episode, check out my Patreon at patreon.com/everydayfipodcast where you can sign up for ad free and bonus episodes. Today's bonus is another episode with David Robinson and we're going to talk about the "perfect" portfolio… Is there such a thing? Tune in! Episode links:
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| Tex's Winning Formula for Financial Independence - Part 2 | Ep. 94 | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:39:27 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. If you'd like to support the show check out my Patreon at patreon.com/everydayfi podcast for ad free and bonus content. Today is part 2 with "Tex", the anonymous guest who previously spoke about his struggle and his triumph over addiction. In this episode, Tex shares his journey towards financial independence and how various influences like Bogleheads, Mr. Money Mustache, and Clark Howard shaped his philosophy. Struggling with how to spend money wisely and balancing life priorities, Tex discusses how he used methods like careful car shopping and thoughtful school selection for his children. Despite his family's generational wealth, Tex's aim is to decelerate his career, appreciate the present, and make prudent decisions without succumbing to societal pressures. By aligning vision with execution, Tex focuses on practical steps that enhance his family life and financial stability. Tune in the hear the rest of Tex's story. Episode Links: | |||
| 4. Everyone should pursue FI, even if you love your job | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:24:52 | |
This episode of the EverydayFI podcast delves into the transformative power of financial independence, even for those who love their jobs. Host Meghan Combs explores the intersection of passion and financial freedom, showcasing why the pursuit of financial independence is essential for everyone's well-being. Contrary to popular belief, financial independence isn't just about retiring early or escaping a disliked job. It's about gaining control over your life, empowering yourself to pursue your passions wholeheartedly, and creating a secure future. Tune in to discover how taking control of your finances can lead to greater fulfillment, purpose, and freedom in all aspects of your life. Links: | |||
| 3. Justin H: "FI needs the RE" | 27 May 2024 | 00:58:06 | |
Today on the EverydayFI podcast your host Meghan Combs will be talking with Justin, an early retired ex-military professional who has some hot takes when it comes to financial advice. In this insightful conversation, Justin shares his personal journey towards achieving FIRE, the challenges he faced along the way, and the invaluable lessons he learned about money, lifestyle choices, and pursuing contentedness rather than happiness. Discover how Justin embraced frugality, smart investing, and strategic planning to build a robust financial foundation that allowed him to retire decades ahead of schedule. Through his unique perspective, Justin challenges the notion that your primary home is not an investment and the lack of RE in the FI movement. Join us as we explore the misconceptions surrounding early retirement, the psychological adjustments required for transitioning into this new phase of life, and the importance of community and friendship. Whether you're a seasoned FIRE enthusiast or simply curious about alternative paths to financial freedom, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to design a life on their own terms. Links from the show:
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| 2. Craig & Julia: "Everything you throw away is your money, is your time, is your life." | 20 May 2024 | 00:32:57 | |
Welcome to the EverydayFI podcast! Join host Meghan Combs as she dives into the lives of Craig and Julia who have expertly navigated the twists and turns of their financial independence journey. In this episode Craig, a retired university professional, and Julia, still actively working, share their insights, challenges, and triumphs as they pursue financial freedom together. Craig and Julia's story is one of dedication and determination. Having spent years working at a university, they understand the value of hard work. Now with Craig enjoying early retirement and Julia continuing her career, they are focused on achieving their financial goals and building a life of abundance and security through real estate investing and the stock market. Julia is set to retire any day now! But their journey isn't just about money—it's also about pursuing the kind of life you want to live and measuring your successes through living your values. Tune in to hear these new voices of FI. | |||
| 1. Welcome to the EverydayFI Podcast | 01 May 2024 | 00:11:44 | |
Welcome to episode one of the EverydayFI podcast! In this episode I'll dive into what this show will be about plus my own personal financial independence story. Here are the links to resources mentioned in the episode:
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| Breaking Free: How Tex Turned Addiction into Financial Success | Ep. 93 | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:38:50 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. If you'd like to support the show check out my Patreon at patreon.com/everydayfi podcast for ad free and bonus content. Before we get started, I want to let you know that this conversation touches on the sensitive topic of sobriety and addiction. I understand these subjects can be challenging, so if this is something that might be difficult for you, please feel free to take a break from this episode and return when you're ready. In today's episode, I speak with an anonymous guest, Tex, who shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming challenges and building a financially responsible life. Tex discusses constantly moving around in his childhood, coping with bullying as the always "new kid", and dealing with family trauma leading to his addiction. The turning point came when Tex, at age 29, sought help through a 12-step program. This episode explores how recovery and vulnerability transformed Tex's life, leading to healthier relationships, financial independence, and a strong sense of self-worth. This conversation shows that true financial success starts with inner emotional and psychological health. Episode Links: | |||
| Balancing FI when one spouse quits their paid job - Mitch & Meg | Ep. 92 | 09 Feb 2026 | 01:10:36 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In today's Mitch and Meg episode, we talk about balancing the FI lifestyle when one spouse decides to step away from paid work. Episode Links: | |||
| BONUS TEASER: 4 ways to access your retirement money early | Ep. 91 | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:16:10 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! Today's episode is a teaser for the new bonus content I'll be putting up on Patreon starting in February. In this episode I bring back my friend David Robinson, aspiring CFP, and we dive into the 4 different ways you can access your retirement money before age 59 1/2. To hear the full episode, sign up for EverydayFI+ on Patreon (you'll also get to skip the ads)! | |||
| Sam shares his secrets to financial freedom - Part 2 | Ep. 90 | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:47:19 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Sam and I kick off part 2 of his story talking about the moments that led him to the financial independence community. Sam shares how the realization of student loan debt initially propelled him towards FI, but the intense focus on hitting a high savings rate created tensions in his marriage and personal life as he struggled to find balance. The second half of Sam's story promises an insightful look into balancing life's demands while pursuing financial goals and explores actionable advice for better financial planning and personal fulfillment. Tune in to hear the rest of Sam's journey. Episode Links: | |||
| HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT! Ad free and bonus content is HERE! | Ep. 89 | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:03:18 | |
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It's official!! I've promised in several episodes that I'd be providing ad free and bonus content... Well, it's coming!! The first ad-free episode will drop Monday, February 2nd (you'll see the countdown in my Patreon posts) and the first BONUS episode will drop Friday, February 6th! So how do you access this content? It's super easy! I've created three tiers here in Patreon: Supporter, Ad Free, and EverydayFI+
You can find all tiers and prices here. Once you sign up, you can listen to ad free and/or bonus content in the Patreon app using your custom feed, or check out this article to listen in your favorite podcast player. Make sure to subscribe to EverydayFI so you know when new content drops! *Episodes prior to February 1, 2026 will still had ads due to the nature of EverydayFI's current hosting platform. | |||
| Grounded to Sky-High: Sam's Financial Independence Journey - Part 1 | Ep. 88 | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:42:04 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In today's episode, we delve into Sam's multifaceted career journey, from engineer to stay-at-home dad and finally pilot for a major airline. Sam candidly shares his challenges with financial dependence during his marriage, how a painful divorce led to his financial awakening, and his transition into the world of aviation. Sam also enlightens us about the cost differences and timelines between pursuing a medical degree and becoming a pilot. By sharing his story, Sam illuminates the financial vulnerability and lack of preparedness many face in adulthood. Despite life's unexpected turns, Sam shows us that financial independence is achievable with the right mindset and perseverance. Tune in to hear part one of Sam's story. Episode Links: | |||
| Balancing Relationships with Full Time Nomadism - Julie Rose | Ep. 87 | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:55:32 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today I'm diving into the life of full-time world traveler Julie, who you might remember from episodes 48 and 49. We'll discuss the trials and tribulations of maintaining relationships while living a nomadic lifestyle, including Julie's recent heartbreak and how she balances romantic and other relationships on the road. Stay tuned for some heartfelt insights and personal stories that you won't want to miss. Episode Links:
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| How to become a pinecone farmer - Eric L, Part 2 | Ep. 86 | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:45:57 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part two with my friend Eric and in this episode we chat about his journey to financial independence after retiring from the Marine Corps at 45. Eric shares how he found the FIRE movement, his experience learning about stocks, and his success investing in oil stocks before the 2008 financial crisis. Eric opens up about the struggles of finding a new identity and purpose post-retirement and the value of having multiple communities or 'tribes' to nurture different aspects of life. Eric also celebrates his recent accomplishment of completing his first fiction novel, emphasizing the importance of creativity and personal growth. Tune in to hear the second half of Eric's story after a word from some advertisers, who I do not choose and do not condone. Episode Links: | |||
| What's life afterwards? And other FI-curious questions. - Eric L, Part 1 | Ep. 85 | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:39:13 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part one with my friend Eric, whom I met at Camp FI Spain. You'll get to hear gripping tales of his time in the military as a United States Marine Corps combat helicopter pilot, including his special ops missions and deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. We also talk about the challenges of his late wife's battle with cancer, and how that led him to meet his new wife, Alise. Eric talks about how early retirement has opened a new chapter for him and Alise with travel and a focus on a peaceful life over the hustle and bustle. He also reflects on his family's approach to finances, the lessons he learned from his parents about money, and how his own financial journey evolved over time. Tune in to hear more of Eric's story! Episode Links:
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| Meghan on the Retire Often Podcast | Ep. 102 | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:38:21 | |
Hear Meghan's story of why she left corporate and the feelings she had immediately after "mini retiring." Join my Patreon for ad free and exclusive bonus content Buy some merch - get t-shirts, mugs, stickers, totes, the works! | |||
| Goodbye to all that... loving and leaving things behind - Mitch & Meg | Ep. 84 | 29 Dec 2025 | 01:05:02 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host Meghan Combs and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In today's Mitch and Meg episode, we talk about leaving things behind: careers, places, people… even the financial independence community. Tune in to hear what Mitch and I are leaving behind this year and make sure to listen til the end for a surprise from Meg... Episode Links: | |||
| The road to recovery: how sobriety and smart saving transformed Zack's life. | Ep 83 | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:49:28 | |
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Please note, this conversation touches on the sensitive topics of sobriety and suicide. These subjects can be challenging, so if this is something that might be difficult for you, please feel free to take a break from this episode and return when you're ready. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or struggling with substance abuse, support is available. You can reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or visit their website at www.988lifeline.org. Take care of yourself, and please listen at your own pace. ---------------------------- Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In this episode, I talk with my new friend, Zack, who shares his compelling story of growing up in Maine, struggling with alcoholism, and eventually finding his path to financial independence. Zack recounts how his college experiences led him to struggle with sobriety, but how his brother's death convinced him to seek rehab. We explore his career as a truck driver, his efforts in diversifying his skills, and his passion for learning to fly. Zack is newer to the FI space and discusses how he found the community, plus a current struggle he's dealing with now about selling his family home. Tune in to hear Zack's story! Episode Links: | |||
| What should I do now that the enhanced ACA tax credit is going away? | Ep. 82 | 15 Dec 2025 | 01:02:24 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today on the show I wanted to deviate from my typical interview setup to talk about an urgent matter coming at the end of the year. If you're not aware, the ACA (ie the Affordable Care Act) enhanced tax credits are going away December 31st 2025, which will impact millions of Americans and raise costs of healthcare pretty much immediately. I've brought on Sam Ferguson, a FIRE community member who knows quite a lot about the ACA and knows all the details on what's going on, and David Robinson, my go to aspiring-CFP friend who'll give us strategies on what to do when the enhanced tax credits disappear at the end of the year. Episode links:
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| CFP on the Biggest Issue Affecting the FI Community - Meg's Money Musings | Ep 81 | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:58:07 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans, I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today I'm talking with a financial expert and CFP, Ryan Derousseau, who actually has a lot of clients on the path to FI. I know, you must be shocked! But FI people need financial help too, and as you'll hear Ryan has seen a common pattern amongst these folks that doesn't bode well for the FIRE movement… Tune in to hear more! Episode links: | |||
| Health, Wealth, and Happiness: Larry M. - Part 2 | Ep 80 | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:51:16 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part two with Larry, and we start talking about the good stuff like his daily routines, the importance of good sleep, and the positive impact of quitting alcohol 18 months ago. Larry shares insights from his coaching practice, emphasizing the intersection of health, wealth, and happiness. We discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome, the shift from people-pleasing to genuinely helping others, and the importance of building personal standards rather than just setting goals. This episode is a fantastic dive into reframing life's challenges and ever changing nature. Episode Links:
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| "We have the power to choose how to interpret anything.": Larry M. - Part 1 | Ep 79 | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:52:57 | |
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Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part one with Larry, who shares his fascinating journey towards FI, blending his career in technology with his passion for outdoor adventures. We delve into his upbringing in a frugal household, his career transition to product management, and his discovery of the FI community during the pandemic. Larry outlines his strategies, like funding a brokerage account to bridge retirement funds, and emphasizes the importance of directing time and attention where desired. This episode offers valuable insights into balancing a fulfilling life while on the path to financial independence. | |||
| Talking to your parents about their retirement (yike) - Mitch & Meg's Money Musings | Ep. 78 | 17 Nov 2025 | 01:07:51 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to Everyday FI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early by talking with real humans, I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. I'm back with my buddy and co-host Mitch, with another Mitch and Meg's Money Musings episode, and today we're going to talk about how to talk to your parents about their retirement. Gulp… Tune in! Episode Links: Support the Show: | |||
| Why a Million Isn't the Magic Number - Jillian Johnsrud, Part 2 | Ep. 77 | 10 Nov 2025 | 01:02:45 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part two with Jillian Johnsrud, whose new book "Retire Often" gives you a step by step guide to take several mini-retirements over your lifetime. But today, we actually aren't talking much about her book. Jillian and I get personal and talk about how she arrived at financial independence, well before her blog, book, and coaching businesses had taken off. Episode Links:
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| Breaking Barriers in Mental Health and Money - JillIan Johnsrud, Part 1 | Ep. 76 | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:45:28 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part one with Jillian Johnsrud, whose new book "Retire Often" gives you a step by step guide to take several mini-retirements over your lifetime. But today, we actually aren't talking much about her book. Jillian and I get personal and talk about how she arrived at financial independence, well before her blog, book, and coaching businesses had taken off. Episode Links:
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| Live Coaching with David Robinson - Part 2 | Ep 75 | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:42:24 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans, I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today is the second half of Jess's live coaching session where David will reveal whether or not she can actually quit her toxic corporate job! Episode links:
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| BONUS TEASER: Why RMDs Don't Really Matter with CFP David Robinson | Ep. 101 | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:20:18 | |
Join my Patreon for ad free and exclusive bonus content Buy some merch - get t-shirts, mugs, stickers, totes, the works! Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Sign up to be on the show here Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is another bonus episode, and if you aren't already signed up for everyday five plus, you will only be hearing the first 15 to 20 minutes of this teaser. If you want to hear the entire episode, check out my Patreon at patreon.com/everydayfipodcast where you can sign up for EverydayFI+ and get ad free and bonus episodes. Today's bonus is another episode with David Robinson and we're going to talk about all things Roth. I know we're big proponents of Roth accounts in this community, but sometimes we can go a little too hard on the Roth to go out of our way to avoid paying taxes. First we'll focus on some average retirees, i.e. people who retire around the age of 65. Later in the episode, we'll tie it back to why not going all in on Roth matters for early retirement as well. Tune in! Episode links: | |||
| Live Coaching with David Robinson - Part 1 | Ep 74 | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:50:12 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans, I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today I actually have a really huge treat for you all. Normally I'd be recording a Meg's Money Musings episode, but instead I'm hosting a live coaching session with David Robinson and Jess. David will be looking over Jess's portfolio live on the show and will talk to her about retirement readiness. Jess is new to the FIRE movement and finds terminology and principles extremely daunting. Other than living frugally, what more could she be doing? How does the 4% rule work? How can she use calculators correctly if she wants to understand scenarios like Coast FI? Could compounding returns enable her to take a passion job in a couple years? This episode is broken into two parts because our conversation went for almost 2 hours, so tune in for the exciting answer to whether Jess can pull the plug and quit her job! Episode links: Support the Show: | |||
| "I have enough to do anything, but not nothing" - Lauren Part 2 | Ep 73 | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:34:09 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. We're back with part two of Lauren's inspiring FI story! In this episode, Lauren and I chat about the pivotal FIRE community figures who ignited her passion for financial independence. Despite initial skepticism, Lauren eventually saw the value in using FIRE's specific strategies to pay off her burdensome student loan debt and to help her reach her goals. She and I then talk about how she likes to focus on spending with intention for a balanced life and how she's able to explore new career paths in positive psychology, financial coaching, and marine science now that she's reached FI. Tune in to hear the rest of Lauren's FI journey. Episode links:
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| From Kitchens to Global Missions: Lauren P's Path to Freedom - Part 1 | Ep 72 | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:53:16 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. Today is part one with my friend Lauren, who shares her remarkable journey from culinary arts to making a global impact through international development. We delve into her educational journey, the impact of her early work experiences, and crucial advice for those aspiring to enter international affairs. We also touch on how her upbringing shaped her perspectives on money, independence, and the influence of familial dynamics on her financial habits. Finally, Lauren candidly shares her personal growth journey, highlighting the significant impact of cutting out alcohol and seeking personal development through coaching and self-reflection. Tune in to hear the first part of Lauren's FI story after a word from our sponsors. Support the Show: | |||
| Let's talk about burnout and why it sucks - Mitch & Meg's Money Musings | Ep. 71 | 29 Sep 2025 | 01:14:06 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to Everyday FI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early by talking with real humans, I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. I'm back with my buddy and co-host Mitch, with another Mitch and Meg's Money Musings episode, and today we're going to talk about the oh so fun and commonly felt concept of burnout. Tune in! Episode Links:
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| Lawyer by day, biker by heart: the unexpected path to wealth | Ep. 70 | 22 Sep 2025 | 01:05:25 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to show you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans you'll see how you can forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In today's episode, I am joined by an anonymous guest who shares her inspiring journey toward financial independence. Our guest talks about her background, including a diverse career path that led her ultimately to law. She discusses the challenges of running her own firm, her frugal upbringing, and how her experiences have shaped her financial philosophies. She also shares her passion for traveling, learning languages, and creating opportunities for young women in the legal field. Join us as we explore our guest's story. Episode Links:
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| Let's hear from an expert - Meg's Money Musings with Tim Smith, CFP | Ep 69 | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:48:43 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to Everyday FI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host Meghan Combs, and I know that you do not need a million dollar book deal or a famous blog to reach FI early by talking with real humans. I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today on Meg's Money Musings I'm doing something a little bit different. Normally I'm just here talking to myself, but I actually brought on a financial expert, Tim Smith, who is a CFP, wealth strategist and financial educator, and today we're going to talk about mindset shifts during different phases of FI. Things like how do you go from being a spender to a saver? How do you become a valuest spender? How do you mentally prepare for early retirement? All of these questions and more will be answered in today's episode with Tim. Support the Show: | |||
| Slow and curious FI - Rakesh M. | Ep 68 | 08 Sep 2025 | 01:10:26 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to show you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans you'll see how you can forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In today's episode, I am joined by Rakesh who shares his journey from growing up in India to building a life and career in the US within the tech industry. We explore his family's financial habits, influenced by his father's banking career, and Rakesh's own evolving understanding of money. We dive into his discovery of the financial independence movement in 2020, inspired by figures like Pete from Mr. Money Mustache and Carl from 1500 Days. Rakesh talks about the significant changes he has adopted, such as being more deliberate with savings and improving his and his family's health. We discuss the unique challenges he faces, including those related to his immigration status. We also highlight his love for running and his aspirations around financial independence. Finally, we touch on the importance of enjoying the journey, rather than just the destination, and the mental peace that financial security brings. Tune in to hear Rakesh's full story after a word from our sponsors Episode Links:
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| What's your threshold for DIY vs. just spending the money? - Mitch & Meg's Money Musings | Ep. 67 | 01 Sep 2025 | 01:03:58 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. I'm back with my buddy and co-host Mitch, with another Mitch and Meg's Money Musings episode, and today we're going to talk about what we are willing to spend money on and what we're not willing to spend money on. It'll be very interesting since Mitch and I have very different cost structures to our lives, so tune in! Support the Show: | |||
| "Do hard things, but don't do them alone." - Robin C. Part 2 | Ep. 66 | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:50:10 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and in this show I want to show you that you don't need a multi-million dollar book deal or famous podcast to reach financial independence early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today is part two with Robin. In this episode, Robin shares actionable advice on finding a good roommate based on her extensive personal experience, including the nuances of being both a roommate and a landlord. Our conversation shifts to Robin's journey towards financial independence, highlighting her involvement in the FI community through events like CampFI and Econome. Robin reflects on her current struggles and wins, emphasizing the importance of community, self-reflection, and intentional living. Tune in to hear part two of Robin's story after we hear from our sponsors. Episode Links:
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| Geodesic Dome to Nature Preschool: Robin's Unique FI Journey - Part 1 | Ep 65 | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:58:03 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and in this show I want to show you that you don't need a multi-million dollar book deal or famous podcast to reach financial independence early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today is part one with my friend Robin, who I met at CampFI in 2022. In this episode we share our experiences with carpooling to CampFI and the meaningful connections we made. Robin discusses her upbringing in an off-the-grid geodesic dome home in Virginia, her journey into early childhood education, and the inspiration behind launching an outdoor-focused nature preschool. Emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and community support, Robin shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey, highlights the value of intentional financial planning, and reflects on the lessons learned from her parents' approach to money. We engage in a heartfelt conversation about the significance of a stable home and the various paths to financial independence. Tune in to hear part one of Robin's story. Episode Links:
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| Episode 100!!! | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:37:03 | |
Join my Patreon for ad free and exclusive bonus content Buy some merch - get t-shirts, mugs, stickers, totes, the works! Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Sign up to be on the show here Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. If you'd like to support the show check out my Patreon at patreon.com/everydayfi podcast for ad free and bonus content. Today is EverydayFI's 100th episode!! Did you ever think we'd get here? Sometimes I didn't… There are so many things to reflect on, the stories we've heard, the evolution of the show, etc. Hear all this and plus what's changes are coming up next for the show. Tune in! | |||
| Why I'm Happier (And Richer) Off Social Media - Meg's Money Musings | Ep. 64 | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:40:51 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to show you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans you'll see how you can forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In today's Meg's Money Musings I talk about how I'm richer (and happier) off social media, my June red X month, and some updates for the podcast. Tune in after a word from our sponsors. Support the Show: | |||
| Work, life, FI balance - Part 2 with Amanda | Ep. 63 | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:31:02 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to show you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans you'll see how you can forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. We're back with part two of Amanda's story where we start by diving into how she has adjusted to life with her newborn son, including transitioning back to work and navigating the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance. Amanda discusses her desire for a part-time schedule to enhance her presence and enjoyment of these early years of parenthood. We also explore financial strategies including achieving liquidity, building emergency funds, and planning for a 'barista FIRE' lifestyle. Amanda talks about practical steps she and her wife are taking, like considering a nanny share, and the unexpected complexities of managing work-from-home life with a baby. Last up, we dive into Amanda's passion for writing and her recent accomplishment of self-publishing a collection of essays on transitional life moments. And make sure to stay til the very end, where Amanda shares a unique practice that has positively impacted her life. Tune in to hear Amanda's full story. Episode Links: Support the Show: | |||
| Career pivots, marriage, and kids: Amanda's FI Life | Ep. 62 | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:47:18 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to show you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans you'll see how you can forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In part one of today's episode I get to connect with Amanda, who discusses her life in the Shenandoah Valley, her marriage, and recent motherhood. She shares her path to financial independence, starting with paying off debt inspired by Dave Ramsey and then discovering the FI community through Choose FI. We explore Amanda's career pivot to data analytics, the role of a financial planner, and how having a child has shifted her FI goals to focus more on enjoying the present. Additionally, Amanda and I bond over our shared experiences of growing up feeling like we need to make ourselves smaller and the lifelong impact of that mindset. Tune in to hear Amanda's full story. Episode Links:
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| The one where Mitch interviews Meg - Mitch & Meg's Money Musings | Ep. 61 | 21 Jul 2025 | 01:16:29 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and in this show I want to show you that you don't need a multi-million dollar book deal or famous podcast to reach financial independence early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. Today on the show the turns have tabled, the chairs have swapped: Mitch interviews me! If you've been dying to hear my full story, or at least an unabridged version of it, tune in. Episode Links:
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| Freedom to Learn: The Path to FI & Multilingual Mastery - Ingrid T. Part 2 | Ep. 60 | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:44:24 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and in this show I want to show you that you don't need a multi-million dollar book deal or famous podcast to reach financial independence early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. We're back with part two of Ingrid's story. In this episode we dive into Ingrid's life and financial independence journey. Starting from early money memories and high school jobs, she talks through her development of a strong desire for independence. Ingrid's shares her thoughts on the significance of community, through both FIRE circles and language learning groups, and on privacy versus public sharing within the FIRE community. We again dive into travel stories, including touching on the value of group travel experiences. Towards the end Ingrid shares her practical life hack and her 'Hell Yeah or No' decision-making framework. Tune in to hear Ingrid's full story. Episode Links:
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| "Time is more important than money." - Ingrid T. Part 1 | Ep. 59 | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:42:26 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and in this show I want to show you that you don't need a multi-million dollar book deal or famous podcast to reach financial independence early. By talking with real humans I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom the everyday way. This episode is part one with Ingrid, a retired software engineer who has embraced a lifelong passion for language learning and travel. Ingrid shares her background of growing up in a bicultural family, her extensive language learning journey, and her transition to early retirement at 43. She offers valuable insights into the consistent effort required to attain fluency in multiple languages, the importance of passion and motivation, and the role of financial independence in allowing her to pursue her true interests. Ingrid also discusses her blogs, the changes in the blogging landscape, and her balanced lifestyle between traveling and maintaining a home base in the U.S. This inspiring conversation highlights how financial independence can provide the freedom to pursue one's passions and create a fulfilling life beyond the conventional career path. Tune in to hear Ingrid's full story. Episode Links:
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| The "middle class trap" fallacy - Mitch & Meg's Money Musings | Ep 58 | 30 Jun 2025 | 01:04:32 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, where we explore the lives of everyday people pursuing financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to show you that you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach FI early. By talking with real humans you'll see how you can forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. In today's episode of Mitch & Meg's Money Musings we pick apart the supposed "middle class trap" idea touted on the BiggerPockets Money podcast over the past 6+ months. We talk about whether or not this fallacy exists, if it does what's the "real" trap, and deconstruct the arguments sung by Scott Trench and Mindy Jensen. We also explore the response Brad from ChooseFI gave in his own BiggerPockets Money interview with them, plus our own reactions to the concept. Tune in! Episode Links:
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| We were on a BREAK! - June Red X Month | Ep 57 | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:02:37 | |
Thanks for listening to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives of everyday people on the path to financial indpendence so you can use their stories to forge your own path to financial freedom. I'm your host Meghan Combs and I'll be taking a break for the month of June! I'll catch you all back here July 7th with new episodes. | |||
| CampFI Spain with Suzy L. | Ep. 56 | 26 May 2025 | 01:02:24 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives of everyday people on the path to financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, a personal finance junky who loves to dive into people's journeys. By sharing these stories I'll show you in real ways how to forge your own path to financial freedom. In this episode I get to hang with my new friend Suzy while we're both at CampFI Spain! If you tune in on YouTube you'll see us chatting in person at my Airbnb. This is an amazing conversation about slow travel, family life, and all the in betweens of financial independence. Tune in now! Episode Links:
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| One year of EverydayFI! | Ep 55 | 19 May 2025 | 00:20:53 | |
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives of everyday people on the path to financial independence. I'm your host, Meghan Combs, a personal finance junky who loves to dive into people's journeys. By sharing these stories I'll show you in real ways how to forge your own path to financial freedom. It's been one whole year since I started the show! I launched my first few episodes at the beginning of May 2024 and have been going hard ever since. This episode is all about what I've learned, what I've changed, what I wish I'd done differently, and a request from my listeners (stay tuned to the end to hear it). I'll also tell you what's up next for the show in 2025 and 2026, so make sure to tune in and subscribe to the show. Episode Links: Support the Show: | |||
| Surprise FI - Jalynn J. | Ep. 99 | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:58:36 | |
Join my Patreon for ad free and exclusive bonus content Buy some merch - get t-shirts, mugs, stickers, totes, the works! Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Sign up to be on the show here Welcome to EverydayFI! I'm your host, Meghan Combs, and I'm here to say you don't need a million dollar book deal or famous blog to reach financial independence. By exploring the lives of everyday people pursuing FI I'll show you how to forge your own path to financial freedom, the everyday way. If you'd like to support the show check out my Patreon at patreon.com/everydayfi podcast for ad free and bonus content. In today's episode I get to chat with Jaylynn about his journey to FI… That ended up being a complete surprise to him! Tune in to hear his full story. Episode Links: | |||