Episodes

  • French FI - Guess Who's Moving to France

    French FI - Guess Who's Moving to France
    Mar 2 2026

    Josh on Early Retirement Real Estate Turnover + Elliot’s Plan to Move His Family to France in 2026Josh shares how a tenant turnover and light rehab has felt like a part-time job in early retirement, especially due to multiple commutes into the city, and explains they’re not rushing the turnaround while handling painting and minor repairs themselves. He also discusses tracking hours toward IRS real estate professional status (750 hours) and gives an update that Lori is gradually reducing work hours by taking partial days off, with plans to take a full day off next week. Elliot then discusses his family’s decision to relocate to France in September 2026 so their three children can enroll in French public school, and describes using a paid course/checklist to project-manage the move. He explains that his wife and kids have EU citizenship (Italy) and that he plans to use a familial visa, and outlines why France: favorable US–France tax treaty treatment as he understands it, cultural and lifestyle reasons, language immersion, reputed public education, milder weather in southwestern France, and access to healthcare. Elliot notes they will likely rent first, describes key cost-of-living considerations including higher fuel/transport costs, and says the hardest part so far has been choosing a location among many municipalities, with an upcoming March trip to decide. He outlines plans to keep their US house as a long-term rental while selling most possessions, and contrasts furnished vs. unfurnished rentals in France. Elliot shares excitement about potentially transitioning into full FIRE and feeling burned out at work, nervousness about language and building community away from family, and discusses possible work options including remote work or alternative roles at his global company, while acknowledging fluency and higher taxes as constraints for local jobs. They talk about the move as a multi-year plan, potential reasons it could be derailed (major family events), what success could look like in five years (family fluent in French, different school schedule, frequent breaks enabling travel), and how the kids are adjusting—initial resistance from their daughter but growing excitement, including using a language-learning app called Study Cat and beginning to downsize belongings.00:00 Retirement Balance Check00:47 Real Estate Isn’t Passive03:06 Turnover Rehab Tradeoffs04:12 Tax Status and Time Tracking05:43 Lori Eases Into Part Time06:57 Moving to France Reveal07:54 Project Managing the Move09:37 Checklist and Visa Path13:42 Why France Taxes Culture18:59 Cost of Living Reality Check23:19 Renting First and Countryside Life25:04 City Convenience Tradeoffs25:51 Paris Dream vs Countryside Reality27:22 Choosing Where to Live29:04 House Plans and Downsizing30:35 Renting Furnished in France31:36 Excited and Nervous34:50 Work Options and Visas38:49 Long Term Commitment40:15 What Could Derail It42:19 Five Year Success Vision44:45 How the Kids Feel46:39 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

    Do you have feedback or suggestions? We want to hear from you!

    Contact Elliot: Elliot@ninetofipod.com

    Contact Josh: Josh@ninetofipod.com

    Any 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://fbuy.me/vgAmz⁠

    ⁠Empower⁠ is Josh’s choice for Net Worth and Budgeting

    Wanna create a podcast? We use ⁠Descript⁠

    Looking for a new credit card? We’re big fans of ⁠Chase⁠

    ⁠Buy Us a Coffee⁠ - One time donation or monthly, it’s up to you

    Want to save money on gas? Try ⁠Upside!⁠

    Books mentioned in this episode:


    Come find us and subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Au revoir, America? - Bonus Episode - 9 to FI

    Au revoir, America? - Bonus Episode - 9 to FI
    Feb 27 2026

    Considering a Move to Europe for FI: Italian Passports, Geoarbitrage, and Escaping Rising US CostsThe conversation centers on a family’s renewed consideration of relocating from the US to Europe. Elliot describes a prior relocation request that was approved and then reversed at the last minute, and explains that with a new boss they may ask again this year, noting the worst outcome is being told no. They discuss the appeal of geoarbitrage—keeping a US salary while living in a lower-cost EU country—and emphasize giving their children cultural exposure and an easier window to learn a new language while young, potentially enrolling them in local schools.Healthcare and future college costs are highlighted as major uncertainties in a US-based FI plan, with Elliot suggesting these concerns are often mitigated in the EU. Josh shares a recent example of Affordable Care Act insurance subsidy changes making coverage far more expensive for a 20-year-old dependent. They reference anecdotal research showing a family in France potentially living on around $50,000 annually—about half of their current expenses—and discuss income differences between the US and Europe, with US median salary figures cited around $77,000 versus mid-$40,000s in France. The discussion also explores optionality for the children’s education, including the ability to return to the US for college, and briefly addresses work logistics such as a 6–7 hour time zone difference between the US and parts of Europe.00:00 Considering EU Relocation02:09 Work Approval and Geoarbitrage03:08 Why Move Now for Kids04:01 US Politics and Safety Concerns05:00 Healthcare Costs Wakeup Call06:35 FI Benefits in Europe08:01 How Much Cheaper Abroad10:18 Geoarbitrage and Salary Gaps12:06 Kids Education and Optionality13:11 Next Steps and Time Zones14:25 Wrapping Up

    Do you have feedback or suggestions? We want to hear from you!

    Contact Elliot: Elliot@ninetofipod.com

    Contact Josh: Josh@ninetofipod.com

    Any 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://fbuy.me/vgAmz⁠

    ⁠Empower⁠ is Josh’s choice for Net Worth and Budgeting

    Wanna create a podcast? We use ⁠Descript⁠

    Looking for a new credit card? We’re big fans of ⁠Chase⁠

    ⁠Buy Us a Coffee⁠ - One time donation or monthly, it’s up to you

    Want to save money on gas? Try ⁠Upside!⁠

    Books mentioned in this episode:


    Come find us and subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • The Great Transition - From FTE to RE | 9 to FI 031 | 9 to FI Podcast

    The Great Transition - From FTE to RE | 9 to FI 031 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Feb 23 2026
    Do you have feedback or suggestions? We want to hear from you!Contact Elliot: Elliot@ninetofipod.comContact Josh: Josh@ninetofipod.comThe Great Transition: How to Move from Full-Time Work to Early Retirement Without One-More-Year SyndromeElliot and Josh discuss the under-covered topic of transitioning from full-time employment into early retirement. Josh recounts how he ended up at a company he hadn’t heard of, worked there for 25 years, and viewed work primarily as a means to provide benefits and income rather than an identity. They share tactics for excelling while protecting time—prioritizing what a boss says matters most, pushing back on low-value meetings, managing deadlines, and avoiding burnout by not immediately turning in work early—which Josh says helped him become highly efficient and even led to two back-to-back promotions. The conversation then shifts to retirement logistics and psychology: Josh gave 14 months’ notice to a new manager, explains why he wasn’t worried about being let go, and contrasts Elliot’s experience of being quickly escorted out of a sensitive cybersecurity role (though paid out for his notice). They address “one more year syndrome,” with Josh describing how he delayed retirement for milestones like paying off the house and getting their youngest through high school, and how setting a firm retirement date tied to his 25-year anniversary helped commit him to leaving. Josh emphasizes preparing for retirement by testing hobbies and routines before quitting, asking what a perfect day looks like, and ensuring activities are scalable and fulfilling; he admits to pre-retirement anxiety about running out of things to do despite having many interests. They also discuss the social friction of being retired—how people ask “what do you do?”—and how the FI community provides more authentic conversations than broader work-centered culture. Josh shares a recent doctor visit where the doctor was surprised by his retirement and Josh framed his activities as managing rental properties. They close by encouraging listeners to flip the “I’ll be bored” script, use current interests (including social media algorithms) as clues for passions, and start experimenting with how to spend time if money were not a constraint.00:00 Kicking Off: From ‘Being Vertical’ to Early Retirement Talk00:29 Why the ‘Retirement Transition’ Is the Missing FIRE Conversation02:43 Josh’s Career Origin Story: Falling Into a 25-Year Job04:33 Work as a Means to an End: Not Living to Work07:43 Cracking the Corporate Code: Priorities, Saying No, and Time Defense15:54 Cruise Control & Side Hustles During the Workday (Rentals + Woodworking)20:01 Giving Notice: Why Josh Told His Boss 14 Months Early21:36 Risk of Getting Shown the Door + Beating ‘One More Year’ Syndrome28:30 Coordinating Retirement Timing & Hitting Key Milestones29:10 The ‘One More Year’ Trap: Layering Conservatism in FIRE Plans32:23 Two Sides of the Decision: Money Confidence vs. Time Purpose36:44 Designing Your Perfect Day: Test-Driving Retirement Before the Ripcord39:37 ‘What Do You Do?’: Identity, Productivity, and Being Authentic After FIRE45:51 Why Community Matters (and When FIRE Media Becomes Consumption)51:33 Closing Advice: Flip the Script on Boredom & Reverse-Engineer Your DayAny 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://fbuy.me/vgAmz⁠⁠Empower⁠ 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
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Craft Your Legacy - Reverse Obituary | 9 to FI 030 | 9 to FI Podcast

    Craft Your Legacy - Reverse Obituary | 9 to FI 030 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Feb 16 2026

    Navigating Life's Inevitable: Reverse Obituaries, Financial Planning, and Living Fully

    In this episode, Josh and Elliot discuss the impact of Snow Apocalypse 2026 and delve into the concept of a 'reverse obituary,' inspired by Warren Buffet's idea of planning life with the end in mind. They highlight the importance of financial preparedness and estate planning, emphasizing actions like creating wills, trusts, and TODs. Personal anecdotes about preparing for the inevitable and ensuring smooth transitions for loved ones are shared. Additionally, they touch on balancing life and work within the FIRE community, advocating for thoughtful life planning and making the most of the present.

    00:00 Introduction and Snow Apocalypse 2026

    00:50 The Concept of a Reverse Obituary

    01:50 Personal Stories and Financial Preparedness

    05:45 Balancing Life and Work

    10:55 Reflecting on Life Goals

    22:15 Practical Steps for Financial Planning

    26:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Do you have feedback or suggestions? We want to hear from you!

    Contact Elliot: Elliot@ninetofipod.com

    Contact Josh: Josh@ninetofipod.com

    Any 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://fbuy.me/vgAmz⁠

    ⁠Empower⁠ is Josh’s choice for Net Worth and Budgeting

    Wanna create a podcast? We use ⁠Descript⁠

    Looking for a new credit card? We’re big fans of ⁠Chase⁠

    ⁠Buy Us a Coffee⁠ - One time donation or monthly, it’s up to you

    Want to save money on gas? Try ⁠Upside!⁠

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    The Art Of Spending Money: https://amzn.to/45SnKOp

    Come find us and subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Missing Work and Improving Health | 9 to FI 029 | 9 to FI Podcast

    Missing Work and Improving Health | 9 to FI 029 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Feb 9 2026

    Navigating Early Retirement: Reflections and Plans

    In this episode of 'Nine to FI,' hosts Josh and Elliot discuss the ups and downs of early retirement. Josh shares his experiences since retiring at 48, including the surprising challenges of maintaining a routine and staying healthy. The duo also reflects on 'Blue Monday' and its impact on mental health. They talk about their plans for the future, including potential travel to France and Glacier National Park. The conversation covers the perks and drawbacks of leaving the corporate world, with a focus on social connections and the sense of stability provided by a steady paycheck. Both hosts reveal their personal goals and struggles, aiming to inspire listeners who are considering early retirement.

    00:00 Introduction to Nine to FI Podcast

    00:39 Discussing Blue Monday and Personal Updates

    01:49 Planning Summer Adventures

    06:23 Reflecting on Full-Time Employment

    17:10 Maintaining Relationships Post-Retirement

    29:13 Health and Fitness Goals

    41:57 Conclusion and Listener Engagement


    Do you have feedback or suggestions? We want to hear from you!

    Contact Elliot: Elliot@ninetofipod.com

    Contact Josh: Josh@ninetofipod.com

    Any 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://fbuy.me/vgAmz⁠

    ⁠Empower⁠ is Josh’s choice for Net Worth and Budgeting

    Wanna create a podcast? We use ⁠Descript⁠

    Looking for a new credit card? We’re big fans of ⁠Chase⁠

    ⁠Buy Us a Coffee⁠ - One time donation or monthly, it’s up to you

    Want to save money on gas? Try ⁠Upside!⁠

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    Come find us and subscribe on ⁠YouTube⁠: ⁠http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI⁠
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Setting Up and Helping Out Kids | 9 to FI 028 | 9 to FI Podcast

    Setting Up and Helping Out Kids | 9 to FI 028 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Feb 2 2026

    Balancing Financial Support: Navigating Family Investments in Children's Futures


    In this episode, hosts Josh and Elliot discuss varying approaches to financially supporting children from high school through to adulthood. They explore concepts such as purchasing first cars, college funding, and financial independence, drawing on their own experiences as well as the evolving landscape of education and employment. They also touch on the importance of balancing support with encouraging self-reliance, and consider the potential benefits of providing financial assistance at pivotal life milestones like weddings and buying a first home. The conversation is framed within the broader context of creating a stable, supportive family environment while fostering independence and financial responsibility.

    00:00 Introduction: Supporting Children Financially

    00:26 Hosts' Personal Updates and Reflections

    04:10 High School Years: Car Purchases and Responsibilities

    17:00 College Support: Plans and Perspectives

    31:06 Post-College Independence and Financial Responsibility

    34:15 Weddings and Financial Gifts

    39:57 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

    Any 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://fbuy.me/vgAmz⁠

    ⁠Empower⁠ is Josh’s choice for Net Worth and Budgeting

    Wanna create a podcast? We use ⁠Descript⁠

    Looking for a new credit card? We’re big fans of ⁠Chase⁠

    ⁠Buy Us a Coffee⁠ - One time donation or monthly, it’s up to you

    Want to save money on gas? Try ⁠Upside!⁠

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    Come find us and subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI

    We want to hear from you!

    Contact Elliot: Elliot@ninetofipod.com

    Contact Josh: Josh@ninetofipod.com
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • 2025 Expenses - Sharing Our Real Numbers | 9 to FI 027 | 9 to FI Podcast

    2025 Expenses - Sharing Our Real Numbers | 9 to FI 027 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Jan 26 2026

    Year-End Financial Review: Analyzing Spending Habits and Optimizing SavingsIn this episode of Nine to FI, Josh and Elliot delve into their year-end financial reviews, discussing Josh's early retirement journey and Elliot's steps towards the same goal. The hosts share their insights on managing finances post-retirement, including a detailed analysis of their spending categories such as travel, groceries, dining out, and utilities. Josh explains their approach to utilizing owner distributions from rental properties to cover expenses, while Elliot reflects on using various financial tools and spreadsheets to track savings and manage investments. Both emphasize the importance of scrutinizing expenses to identify possible areas for optimization and share strategies for continuous financial improvement. The episode wraps up with plans to revisit this detailed financial review in the future to keep refining their budgeting processes.00:00 Introduction to Nine to FI Podcast00:39 Casual Catch-Up and Weather Talk01:52 Year-End Financial Review04:59 Detailed Breakdown of Expenses11:06 Comparing Annual Spending14:39 Tools and Methods for Financial Tracking22:26 RSUs and Future Financial Planning23:26 Josh's Financial Estimates and Projections25:07 Analyzing Credit Card Spending25:56 Grocery and Household Expenses27:13 Travel Expenditures Breakdown28:42 Dining Out Costs34:16 Bills and Utilities Overview34:52 Cutting Down on Subscriptions36:29 Entertainment and Shopping36:55 Automotive and Home Improvement40:47 Income and Cash Flow Management45:16 Optimizing Business Expenses46:35 Conclusion and Future Plans

    Any 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://fbuy.me/vgAmz⁠

    ⁠Empower⁠ is Josh’s choice for Net Worth and Budgeting

    Wanna create a podcast? We use ⁠Descript⁠

    Looking for a new credit card? We’re big fans of ⁠Chase⁠

    ⁠Buy Us a Coffee⁠ - One time donation or monthly, it’s up to you

    Want to save money on gas? Try ⁠Upside!⁠

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    Come find us and subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI

    We want to hear from you!

    Contact Elliot: Elliot@ninetofipod.com

    Contact Josh: Josh@ninetofipod.com
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Time To Leave The FIRE Community | 9 to FI 026 | 9 to FI Podcast

    Time To Leave The FIRE Community | 9 to FI 026 | 9 to FI Podcast
    Jan 19 2026

    Navigating the Journey Beyond Financial IndependenceIn this episode of the 'Nine to FI' podcast, hosts Josh and Elliot discuss an article from the Mad Fientist about leaving the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement. They explore the nuanced stages of pursuing financial independence and the shift in focus from aggressive saving to enjoying financial freedom. The conversation highlights the challenges of maintaining the FIRE mentality post-retirement, the evolution of personal priorities, and the importance of balancing community engagement with other life interests. The hosts also reflect on their own experiences and share insights for both newcomers and seasoned members of the FIRE community.00:00 Introduction to Nine to FI Podcast00:45 Discussing the Mad Fientist Article03:04 Reactions to the Article's Bold Statements05:42 Personal Experiences with the FIRE Community10:40 Balancing FIRE and Personal Life16:12 Challenges of Maintaining FIRE Habits18:47 Reflections on FIRE and Future Directions37:33 Closing Thoughts and Listener Appreciation


    Any 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://fbuy.me/vgAmz⁠

    ⁠Empower⁠ is Josh’s choice for Net Worth and Budgeting

    Wanna create a podcast? We use ⁠Descript⁠

    Looking for a new credit card? We’re big fans of ⁠Chase⁠

    ⁠Buy Us a Coffee⁠ - One time donation or monthly, it’s up to you

    Want to save money on gas? Try ⁠Upside!⁠

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    Come find us and subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI

    We want to hear from you!

    Contact Elliot: Elliot@ninetofipod.com

    Contact Josh: Josh@ninetofipod.com
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins