In this episode Mark broadcasts from the cruise ship Silver Nova off the coast of Australia.  Mark addresses the critical steps to take if you or someone you know is laid off. Topics include understanding severance packages, health insurance options like COBRA, applying for unemployment benefits, managing emergency funds, consolidating retirement accounts, and reassessing financial priorities.  Mark emphasizes focusing on controllable aspects and maintaining a positive outlook during...

This episode takes place at the FI Freedom Retreat in Bali, Indonesia. Speakers Alan & Katie Donegan and Rachel Richards (Money Honey Rachel) share insights aligning personal identity with life vision.  Discussions include the impact of self-perception on achieving goals, the benefits of financial freedom during life's challenges, and practical exercises to align one's identity with desired life outcomes.  The episode encourages listeners to explore their identity, envision their...

In this week's episode Mark broadcasts from Bali, Indonesia, sharing his travel experiences and providing a comprehensive guide on organizing international trips both financially and logistically.  He discusses using platforms like Booking.com for lodgings, redeeming points for flights and accommodations, and the benefits of eSIMs for cell phone usage. Mark also covers the importance of VPNs, Apple Pay for secure transactions, forwarding calls to Google Voice, and effective methods to...

In this episode Mark broadcasts one last time from Crested Butte, Colorado, before embarking on a two-month journey to Bali, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. This episode focuses on essential aspects of estate planning, such as the importance of wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives and possibly a trust.  Mark shares personal experiences, including updating his estate plan after significant life events, and offers valuable insights into managing estates and guardianship....

In this episode of Mark dives into the ‘Fun Bucket' strategy with Kevin Sebesta, exploring how retirees can transition from a saving to a spending mindset. Originally discussed on the Forget About Money podcast hosted by David Baughier, the concept involves allocating funds specifically for enjoyable activities to facilitate guilt-free spending.  The episode covers practical steps to implement the Fun Bucket, balancing financial security with personal enjoyment, and the long-term benefits...

In this episode Mark responds to a listener's email about how to teach financial literacy to high school students and children. Mark emphasizes the importance of simplifying finance concepts, highlighting his motto: 'Make Some, Save and Invest, Live on the Rest.'  He recounts personal stories to illustrate industriousness, saving, investing, and conscious spending as vital components of financial freedom. He also encourages involving children in financial conversations and shares...

In this episode, Mark and special guest Kevin Sebesta discuss retirement planning strategies after attending a Rock Retirement Club event in Grapevine, Texas.  The discussion emphasizes the concept of secure retirement income as an alternative to the 4% rule commonly discussed in the FI/RE (Financial Independence/Retire Early) community.  Key topics include the importance of secure income sources like social security, pensions, and annuities to cover essential retirement costs, the...

In this episode Mark delves into the recent decision by the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates by 50 basis points. Mark discusses the broader implications these changes could have on the economy, inflation, and various interest rates.  From the complexities of the yield curve to what it means for savings accounts and mortgage rates, Mark offers a comprehensive breakdown to help listeners understand these financial dynamics.  If you would like your question answered on the show,...

Mark hosts this week’s episode from Crested Butte, Colorado, discussing his recent travels, moving preparations, and the intricacies of tax planning.  After a brief hiatus due to a European trip, Mark shares personal stories and financial wisdom, touching on the importance of annual tax planning, the complexities of selling a home, and strategies to optimize tax deductions and avoiding estimated tax penalties.  He also offers a glimpse into his upcoming travels and the potential impact...

In this unique episode Mark records from a cruise ship while reflecting on his memorable experiences from his trip to Santorini 38 years ago and again today. He shares the concept of 'memory dividends,' how revisiting significant moments can create compounded joy, and how his daughter and friends are now part of these treasured memories. Mark also recounts some humorous and thrilling anecdotes from his original trip.  He also shares clever money-related joke to emphasize creative...

This episode delves into 'The Big Purge,' detailing Mark's journey of downsizing and decluttering his possessions. He reflects on how excess stuff can weigh you down and shares strategies and inspirations for letting go, including insightful recommendations from minimalist influencers. Mark also recounts his own practical experiences and emotional challenges with decluttering. Learn about the benefits of minimizing your stuff, how to manage a big move on your own, and the positive impact...

In this episode Mark is joined by his daughter Katie and her good friend Jessica to discuss the intricacies of first-time home buying. They delve into the current housing market, the advantages and disadvantages of renting versus buying, and personal anecdotes about homeownership.  Jessica shares her journey as a recent college graduate contemplating buying her first home, and exploring concepts such as house hacking, renovations and rental property options. This episode aims to educate...

In this episode Mark updates listeners on his personal housing situation and discusses the recent challenge accessing his Charles Schwab account amid market volatility and emphasizes the importance of understanding market volatility.  He discusses a recent Wall Street Journal article and Vanguard research highlighting common mistakes that cost retirement savers billions. Mark further explores IRA rollover rules under the SECURE Act and clarifies the complexities around required minimum...

In this episode Mark shares personal news about selling his home and planning a move to Longmont, Colorado, the epicenter of the FI/RE community.  He responds to listener emails covering financial questions, including the order of contributions to Roth vs. Traditional retirement accounts, the benefits of various life insurance policies, and how to approach employee benefits enrollment.  If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected]...

Join host Mark Trautman and co-host Kevin Sebesta for a special live recording from CampFI Rocky Mountain Week 2 in Colorado Springs.  Explore attendee questions on taxes, investing, retirement and financial independence with insights from Sean Mullaney, the FI Tax Guy, and Travis Hughes of Downshift Financial. If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to [email protected] and put “podcast question” in the subject line. Episode...

In this engaging episode recorded live from CampFI Rocky Mountain Week 1, Mark alongside Doug Cunnington and Carl Jensen from the Mile High FI podcast, address audience questions on financial independence ranging from humorous to serious topics.  Featuring special guests Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), Travis Hughes (of Downshift Financial), and Mindy Jensen (BiggerPockets Money & Mindy on Money podcasts), the panel explores various subjects including financial case studies, Roth...

In this episode recorded at CampFI Rocky Mountain, Mark speaks with Emma von Weise about her personal finance journey.  Emma recounts her early interest in money, starting work at age 14, and her strategic approach to college and career decisions. She shares how she was able to minimize college costs by leveraging community college credits and participating in ROTC.  They discuss Emma’s career path to becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). She also provides insights on balancing...

In this episode Mark introduces the concept of the 'Fun Bucket' as a tool to facilitate guilt-free spending to overcome the psychological challenges of shifting from a saver mindset after reaching Financial Independence.  Additionally, he discusses the utility of Donor-Advised Funds for charitable giving, explaining how they can maximize tax benefits and make charitable contributions easier and more fulfilling. He compares the features of donor-advised funds from Fidelity, Charles Schwab,...

In this episode Mark addresses questions from listeners in a special ‘Monthly Mailbag' show.  He explores Ryan’s suggestion of renaming the middle phase of financial freedom the ‘Mindful Middle.’ Mark also tackles listener questions regarding receiving a lump sum pension or annuity, helping parents with retirement planning, how to use a brokerage account and his favorite retirement planning podcasts. If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to...

In this episode Mark discusses a strategy for automating your finances. Using his personal experience, he explains how setting up systems for automatic deposits, payments, and savings can help achieve financial goals and provide for a stress-free financial future.  He delves into the specifics of using a core cash management account and provides a step-by-step automatic cash flow process for both working individuals and retirees. Mark emphasizes the importance of monitoring financial...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Kristen Knapp at CampFI Mid Atlantic 2024 to discuss financial independence, in-person FI events, semi-retirement, and travel aspirations.  They delve into Kristen's TV meteorologist career, experiences at various FI events, benefits of the community, and her plans for transitioning to part-time work and potentially living abroad in Spain. The episode highlights personal stories, practical advice on transitioning to a semi-retired life, and the...

In this episode Mark discusses three phases of Financial Freedom: Financial Enlightenment, Financial Liberation, and Financial Independence.  Mark shares insights from conversations at recent financial events and episodes of the podcast, emphasizing the importance of financial education, strategic planning, and intentional living. Listeners will learn about evolving concepts within the FI/RE community, exploring the benefits of 'Coast FI' and 'Slow FI' encouraging a balanced approach to...

In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience at CampFI Mid-Atlantic in Virginia, Mark is joined by co-host Megan Combs of the Everyday FI podcast and guests Chris, Samantha, and Keith. Chris shares his transformative sabbatical in New Zealand, while Samantha recalls her meaningful trip to Southeast Asia, both emphasizing the benefits of slow and mindful paths to Financial Independence.  The show highlights the importance of community support, the joys and challenges of...

In this episode Mark focuses on the important topic of paying off credit card debt, explaining the detrimental effects of carrying high-interest debt and explores strategies for debt repayment.  He discusses the differences between the snowball and avalanche methods for tackling debt, and emphasizes the importance of paying off credit cards in full every month to avoid escalating interest. Mark also touches on various debt consolidation options and why they might not be the best...