Is Online Business Still Worth It in 2026?

Captain FI sits down with Matt Raad from the eBusiness Institute to answer the big question on every digital entrepreneur's mind: has AI killed the online business model, or is it creating more opportunity than ever?

Matt shares why it's now a buyer's market for websites, how savvy investors are picking up undervalued "diamonds in the rough" for as little as $5,000–$50,000, and why the old passive income playbook has evolved into something more active — but potentially far more rewarding. They cover what's working in 2026 (community-driven sites, lead gen, course businesses, search everywhere optimization), what's dead (mass AI-generated content blogs), and how AI tools like Gemini and Claude are changing the way online businesses are researched, built, and grown.

Captain FI also shares a personal update — including selling off parts of his portfolio, reviving his email list, and doubling down on the assets that matter most. Plus, Matt makes the case for why online business remains one of the fastest paths to financial independence, especially for millennials navigating a tough economic climate.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical, no-fluff advice on how to build real cash flow online in the age of AI.

For Episode 68 of the Captain FI Podcast we are changing things up a bit and hosting a podcast Takeover!

I co-host a LIVE episode of the Catching up to FI podcast with Jackie Cumings Koski, recorded during the third annual FI Freedom Retreat in Bali hosted by Amy Minkley.

This is an awesome episode with lots of powerful stories and life lessons across a wide variety of FI experience - from relatively new starters, to experienced retirees!

On board today is Michael Quan, author of the book The FirePlanner, and the man behind the popular Financially Alert blog and the Breakthrough Millionaire Podcast. Michael reached FIRE in his early thirties and It was actually only after he sold his IT company to a larger provider and inadvertently found himself back in a nine-to-five corporate job that he decided he was going to pull the pin and FIRE at age 36, which is pretty impressive.

Post FIRE, these days, Michael is a stay-at-home dad in sunny San Diego. He loves raising his kids, spending time with his wife, and in his downtime, writing, podcasting, and financially coachinghis students and readers.

Michael's latest project has been setting upand running a real estate investor mastermind group, which he does a couple of times a month.

I really enjoyed my chat with Michael and he had heaps of awesome suggestions for learning resources and inspiration too!