CoastFI Couple: Money, Relationships & Financial Independence

Our CoastFI Leap: Quitting a Good Job on Purpose

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Yana finally did it — she quit her corporate job.

But this isn't your typical "I hate my boss, I'm out" story. She actually liked her job, her team, and her manager. So why walk away?

In this episode, Matt sits down with Yana just six weeks after her last day to unpack the emotional journey of leaving a good job behind for Coast FI. They talk about the anxiety and second-guessing leading up to her two weeks' notice, strategically timing the exit around PTO and healthcare benefits, and the unexpected challenge of adjusting to life without a 9-to-5.

Yana opens up about burnout, while Matt shares the guilt he felt enjoying greater time freedom while his partner was still grinding — and why decompression after leaving work takes longer than you might expect.

They also dig into the financial side: transitioning from accumulation to decumulation, how budgeting with Qube Money gives them confidence to actually spend, and how Yana's New Year's resolution to pet 100 cats somehow turned into "Cat FI" — her post-corporate side gig pet-sitting cats exclusively.

Whether you're approaching Coast FI yourself or just starting the journey, this is a candid look at what it actually feels like to trade a steady paycheck for more time, freedom... and apparently a whole lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow CoastFI Couple wherever you listen, and share this episode with someone who's wondering what life beyond the 9-to-5 could look like.

TOOLS WE LOVE & USE

Budgeting: Qube Money

Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard

Coast FIRE Calculator: BackofNapkin.co

HSA Expense Tracking: HSA Expense Tracker

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple
Contact us: info@coastficouple.com

DISCLAIMER:
Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our opinions are our own. CoastFI Couple is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FinancialIndependenceRetireEarly #FIRECommunity #PersonalFinance #CouplesFinance ...

One Year Into CoastFI: Role Reversals, Slowing Down, and Finding Joy Beyond the Numbers

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

It’s been one full year since we hit CoastFI—and we’re recording this episode from the woods, camping and reflecting on everything that’s happened since Matt stepped away from the 9-to-5 grind. In this candid conversation, we open up about the emotional shifts, role reversals, and lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Matt shares the transition into being a stay-at-home dad and the unexpected physical and emotional toll, while Yana discusses stepping up as the primary income earner. We also dig into the psychological impact of stopping aggressive savings and learning to accept slower portfolio growth—without spiraling into fear.

Plus, we chat about some big highlights from the year: being interviewed on other podcasts, speaking at events, and connecting with fellow FIRE-minded folks. We share new tools we love, talk about creativity, connection, and what we’re dreaming about for retirement now that we’ve tasted the CoastFI lifestyle.

If you're wondering what life actually looks like after reaching CoastFI, this episode is for you.

TOOLS WE LOVE AND USE:

Budgeting: Qube Money (https://bit.ly/Coast_Qube) — This is the tool that simplifies everything for us and gives us full control of our money. You will love it. Use the code “COAST” to get 2-months off the Premium or Family plan when you create an account.

Coast FIRE Calculator: BackofNapkin.co (https://bit.ly/backofnapikin_CoastFI) — Our new favorite tool for determining when you can stop saving for retirement.

Net Worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard (https://bit.ly/4eI9CZs)

HSA Expense Tracker: (https://bit.ly/HSATracker) — We document our healthcare expenses so we can tap our HSA at any time without penalty. Here is the tool we use.

CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://coastficouple.com
Instagram: @coastficouple (https://bit.ly/4dIzhB1)
Contact us: info@coastficouple.com

DISCLAIMER:
Heads up, friends! This show might include affiliate links or partnerships where we earn a little something—whether it’s cash, commissions, or cool products. Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours and not influenced, reviewed, or approved by advertisers. Remember, we’re here to entertain and share our journey, not to give professional advice. For the serious stuff, consult a pro!

#CoastFIRE #CoastFI #FIREMovement #FIRELifestyle #FinancialIndependence #LifeAfterFI #BudgetingApp #QubeMoney #WheelOfHappiness #FIRECommunity #CoastFIYearOne #PersonalFinance #MoneyTalks

Love, Money, and FIRE: How Money Trauma Impacts Couples on the Journey to Financial Independence

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of CoastFI Couple, we explore the emotional side of financial independence and how unresolved money trauma can impact couples on their journey to FIRE. Whether it’s fear of spending, hoarding, or guilt over financial success, money trauma can create hidden obstacles that derail your financial plans. We’ll discuss how couples can recognize these emotional blocks, communicate effectively about money, and align their financial goals while healing past wounds.

We’re joined by Shannah Game, host of Everyone's Talkin' Money podcast, Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Certified Trauma of Money Specialist. Shannah shares her expertise on money trauma and offers insights from her new book, Unraveling Your Relationship with Money. Together, we discuss how couples can address money trauma in their relationships and create a financial plan that nurtures both their financial and emotional well-being.

If you're a couple looking to strengthen both your finances and your relationship while working toward FIRE, this episode is for you! Tune in for practical strategies to heal money trauma and work toward financial freedom together.

For more on healing your relationship with money, check out Shannah Game’s new book, Unraveling Your Relationship with Money here: https://amzn.to/418QwqZ

Connect with Shannah:

Instagram: @shannahgame
LinkedIn: Shannah Compton
Website: www.everyonestalkinmoney.com

How Qube Money Revolutionized Our Budgeting: A Deep Dive

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to CoastFI Couple! In today’s episode, Yana and Matt dive into the stress-free way they manage money together—without spreadsheets, end-of-month surprises, or budgeting guilt.

They share how Qube Money, a revolutionary budgeting app linked to a card, transformed their finances by giving them real-time control, effortless automation, and complete peace of mind. Learn how they set up Spending, Bill, and Goal Qubes to prevent overspending, eliminate reconciliation headaches, and stop fraud before it happens—all while keeping budgeting simple and guilt-free for both spouses.

Plus, hear real-life stories of how Qube Money has helped them save smarter, avoid sneaky vendor charges, and make big financial decisions with confidence.

If you’ve ever struggled to stick to a budget or wished for an easier way to manage money as a couple, this episode is for you!

Timestamped overview:

00:00 Building an Anxiety-Free Budget
01:04 Intro and Qube Money
01:56 You Automate Savings—Why Not Automate Your Spending?
03:21 Why Living from a Spreadsheet Didn’t Work
05:00 The Right Tool to Make It to FIRE
07:20 Not Having Control of Your Expenses Slows You Down and Increases Stress
08:24 Increasing Your Savings Rate Is Easier When You Have the Right Tool
09:36 YNAB vs. Qube Money—From a Couple’s Point of View
13:15 How Qube Money Works
19:00 How We Incorporated Qube Money Into Our Financial Plan
19:55 Our Stress-Free Money Tree
22:56 Using Goal Qubes for Travel and Stress-Free Christmas Planning
24:56 Date Nights—Now Automatically Prioritized
26:24 Make Spending Guilt-Free—Even for Tightwads!
27:15 Stop Stressing About Money—Go Live Your Life!
28:10 A Good Budget Should Do 3 Things
30:55 Why Qube Money Gave Us the Confidence to CoastFI
33:01 Unrivaled Fraud Prevention… With a Debit Card!
36:16 Our Spending Qubes—What We See and Use Every Day
39:36 Quitting a Job and Using Qube to Stay on Track
41:36 How to Hack Your Bills (Meal Plans and Gym Memberships)
47:35 Our Goal Qubes and HSA Tracking
51:20 Concluding Thoughts and Final Advice

Money Matters in Marriage: Building Trust and Tackling Debt Together | Skyler and Rebecca Fleming

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to the CoastFI Couple Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Skyler and Rebecca Fleming, a married couple of four years and proud DINKWADS (dual income, no kids - with a dog!), to explore how they’ve built a strong financial partnership through open and intentional communication.

Skyler, a money coach and host of Money Talk with Skyler Fleming, brings his passion for finance, while Rebecca, a family medicine Physician Assistant, offers her thoughtful perspective. Fun fact: their first date included talking about money and even pulling out spreadsheets!

We dive into how family financial habits and experiences shaped their relationship with money and how they’ve learned to communicate effectively to build a future together. From balancing emotional and mathematical approaches to money, to using monthly budget meetings and tackling debt as a team, Skyler and Rebecca offer actionable tips for couples looking to strengthen trust and financial harmony in their relationships.

Join us for this fun conversation about growing together, navigating finances, and creating a strong foundation as a couple.

Connect with guests Skyler and Rebecca Fleming:
Website: moneytalkwithskylerfleming.com
Social Media: @moneytalk.skylerfleming
YouTube: Money Talk with Skyler Fleming

HSA Hacks for Couples: A Game-Changer in Retirement Planning

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to CoastFI Couple! In today’s episode, we’re tackling a powerful (but often overlooked) financial tool: the Health Savings Account (HSA). Did you know that a whopping 92% of people using HSAs are leaving free money on the table? That’s a ton of untapped potential just waiting to be unlocked! Join hosts Yana and Matt as they break down how to fully take advantage of these accounts to supercharge both your healthcare spending and retirement savings.

We’ll dive into the triple tax advantages of HSAs, explain how they stack up against Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and share some savvy strategies for maximizing your HSA contributions. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or you're guiding adult children, this episode is packed with actionable tips for everyone! We’ll also talk about the perks of paying out-of-pocket to let your HSA grow tax-free, the importance of logging medical expenses, and why tracking your receipts is key to unlocking the full potential of your HSA.

So, buckle up and get ready for a fun, informative ride toward financial independence with the CoastFI Couple!

Empowering Women in Finance: First Steps, Community & Values-Aligned Investing | Janine Firpo | 10

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the CoastFI Couple Podcast, we sit down with Janine Firpo, author, Forbes 50 Over 50 Awardee, and co-founder of Invest for Better, to discuss the transformative power of financial literacy and values-aligned investing. Janine shares her personal journey, from breaking barriers in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for empowering women in finance.

We explore practical steps for taking control of your financial future, building a supportive money community, and aligning your investments with your values. Janine also provides insights into teaching financial literacy to the next generation, debunking myths about ethical investing, and overcoming common challenges women face when it comes to managing and growing their wealth.

Whether you're new to investing or looking to align your financial life with your beliefs, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories to help you take the first step toward financial freedom.

Resources Mentioned:
- Learn more about Janine Firpo: LinkedIn
- Explore Invest for Better (membership is free starting Jan 2025!): LinkedIn; Instagram
- Read Janine’s Work: Activate Your Money

Tune in now to discover how you can empower yourself and others through mindful money management and purposeful investing!

Raising Money-Savvy Teens: How Parents Can Prepare for College and Beyond | Colleen Salchow | 009

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to CoastFI Couple! In today’s episode, we dive deep into the complexities of teaching financial literacy to teenagers in an increasingly cashless world. Colleen Salkow, an accredited financial counselor, military spouse, and mother, joins us to share her wealth of knowledge and experiences. We tackle the challenges of integrating traditional money management methods with modern financial automation, explore the benefits and pitfalls of cashless payments, and discuss practical strategies for educating kids about finances.

From the benefits of writing down expenses by hand to navigating the ins and outs of 529 educational savings plans, Colleen provides invaluable insights on ensuring your kids grow up financially savvy. We also touch on the important role of early financial conversations around college costs, scholarship planning, and the reality of student loans. Plus, you'll hear how families handle chores and allowances to instill financial responsibility and the importance of prioritizing personal financial security.

Whether you're a parent trying to teach your kids the value of money or someone interested in financial independence, this episode offers a treasure trove of practical advice, relatable stories, and expert guidance. So grab a cup of coffee (or wine), settle in, and let’s get started on this crucial conversation about money, family, and future planning!

Connect with our guest, Colleen Salchow:
Instagram: @salchowcoaching
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/colleensalchow/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/salchowcoaching
Website: www.salchowcoaching.com

The Staircase to Financial Independence - CoastFI, BaristaFI, and Beyond to FatFI!

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to CoastFI Couple! In today's episode, Yana and Matt walk up the "Fire Staircase" — a step-by-step journey through the various stages of financial independence, from CoastFI all the way to Fat Fire.

Listen in as Yana and Matt break down each "flavor" of FIRE, discussing their unique characteristics, benefits, and the transitions between them.

Whether you're just starting on your financial independence path or looking to deepen your understanding of advanced FI concepts, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

Plus, hear about Matt's recent experience at FinCon and the vibrant community of financial enthusiasts he connected with.

Ready to explore the roadmap to financial freedom and beyond? Let's get started!

Resources and Tools:

Coast FIRE Calculator: BackofNapkin.co — Our new favorite tool for determining when you can stop saving for retirement.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:15 CoastFI: The First Taste of Freedom!
3:43 Barista FI: Coffee, Healthcare, and a Larger Cup of Financial Freedom!
7:21 LeanFI: Creative Living with Minimalism!
9:15 Crisis-Proof Your Finances: Bonds, Savings, and Flexibility!
14:00 FIRE, Chubby FIRE, and “FI Folk” Winning the Financial Game!
16:15 FatFIRE: The High-Life of Financial Independence!
18:43 The Heart of FIRE: Gratitude Over Consumerism!

The Waterfall Strategy: Which Financial Buckets to Fill First on Your FI Journey (Ep.07)

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, Yana and Matt dive into the essential steps of financial planning, breaking down the critical "order of operations" when it comes to managing savings and investments on your path to Financial Independence. Which bucket should you fill first? From building a strong emergency fund and taking full advantage of employer retirement contributions, to navigating the complexities of HSAs and Roth IRAs, we outline each step.

We also explore strategies for automating your retirement savings and making the most of low-cost index funds to grow your wealth efficiently. Plus, Matt shares his personal journey, offering insights into common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid along the way.

Join us for an episode packed with actionable advice, expert tips, and valuable resources to help you and your partner work together toward achieving Financial Independence. It’s time to take control of your financial future—one bucket at a time!

05:19 Take company match; it's essentially free money.
06:56 Find low expense ratio index funds, ideally 0.04% or less.
12:24 HSA: Best retirement account, triple tax advantages.
17:55 Max out Roth IRA; invest funds wisely.
22:26 Few Americans maximize 401(k) contributions; prioritize them.
28:36 Prioritize retirement savings over 529 college savings to ensure financial security and avoid burdening children.
32:04 Building Bridge 4 is a long, boring slog. Community is essential.

Let’s get serious - Panic Attacks, Burnout, and Building Balance Ep.06

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

We're excited to have you with us for Episode 6, "Panic Attacks, Burnout, and Building Balance". Today, we're getting personal as Matt share’s his experience with job-related burnout and the severe impact it had on his mental health, including anxiety and panic attacks.

We'll discuss how these challenges affected our journey to financial independence, the tough decisions we had to make, and how we chose to prioritize our health and family during some incredibly stressful times. Plus, we'll touch on the importance of work-life balance, setting clear boundaries, and maintaining open communication in relationships.

So whether you're dealing with burnout yourself, looking for ways to improve your work-life balance, or interested in how to navigate the severe emotional aspects of providing for a family through panic attacks, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

And remember, while we share our personal experiences, we always recommend seeking professional advice for your unique situation. Let's di

Tools we love and use:

For Family Budgeting: Qube Money (https://bit.ly/Coast_Qube)

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator (https://walletburst.com/tools/coast-fire-calc/)

For Net worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard (https://www.empower.com/personal-investors/financial-tools)

Follow us:
Website: https://coastficouple.com

Instagram: https://bit.ly/4dIzhB1

Connect with us:
info@coastficouple.com

Finding your Why - seriously, where the heck is it? Ep. 5

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to CoastFi Couple!

In today's episode, Yana and Matt dive deep into the essential topic of "finding your why" when it comes to financial independence.

They'll share their personal journey of identifying and evolving their motivations for pursuing CoastFI, highlighting the importance of goal-setting and healthy communication in building a strong financial foundation.

They'll also touch on the significance of involving your partner in financial discussions, celebrating goalposts along the way, and the invaluable role of community in this journey. Stick around for some insightful anecdotes, practical tips, and their uniquely "fun" FI fact about financial stress and relationships.

Whether you're just starting out on your FI journey or looking to fine-tune your strategy, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help you and your partner work towards financial freedom together.

Tune in now!

The 4% Rule - A Monte Cristo Sandwich Ep. 4

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to the CoastFI Couple Podcast!

In today’s episode, we're diving into one of the cornerstone concepts of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community—the 4% rule.

Join hosts Matt and Yana as they break down what the 4% rule is, how it serves as a projection strategy for retirement withdrawals, and why it's so popular among those aiming for financial independence.

You'll learn about its origins, how it can be adjusted for both traditional and early retirement, and the significance of low-cost index funds like the S&P 500.

Plus, they'll provide practical examples and discuss the intriguing nuances of the rule, including its application in real-life scenarios and how it relates to CoastFI.

Tune in for an insightful and fun discussion that’s sure to enlighten your path to financial freedom!

Obstacles to FIRE: Eating those Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches Ep. 3

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to CoastFI Couple, the podcast where we explore financial independence and the art of effective money communication between partners. We’re excited to dive into episode 3, overcoming “Obstacles to Financial Independence."

In today's episode, we're sharing some of our personal experiences and mindset shifts on our journey to CoastFI. We'll reflect on how we balanced our goals and frugality to create a harmonious financial plan.

We'll touch on the role therapy played in enhancing our overall communication, how educational resources like podcasts helped us, and the importance of starting early and staying consistent with savings. We'll also tackle common objections, like the notion that achieving financial independence is "too hard," and debunk the myth that you need a high salary to pursue Financial Independence.

Whether you're a seasoned FIRE enthusiast or just starting to explore, there's something here for everyone.

Let's get started!

Tools we love and use:

For Family Budgeting: Qube Money (https://bit.ly/Coast_Qube)

For Daydreaming: Wallet Burst CoastFI Calculator (https://walletburst.com/tools/coast-fire-calc/)

For Net worth Tracking: Empower Personal Dashboard (https://www.empower.com/personal-investors/financial-tools)

Follow us:
Website: https://coastficouple.com

Instagram: https://bit.ly/4dIzhB1

Connect with us:
info@coastficouple.com

Tools to Climb: Budgeting as a Couple hits Different Ep.2

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Today Yana & Matt delve into the intertwining worlds of financial independence and healthy money communication in relationships. In Episode 2, we're excited to share our insights on budgeting and financial tools that have revolutionized our journey toward CoastFI.

We'll explore how the Qube Money app has become a game-changer for us by simplifying and gamifying budgeting. Yana will share her initial hesitations and eventual love for its real-time control and flexibility.

We'll also discuss the importance of monitoring net worth using the Empower app, and how a hands-off approach to tracking assets and liabilities can lead to stress-free financial management. Plus, we'll touch on our personal budgeting strategies, from setting aside fun funds to making budgeting a date night activity.

Join us as we reflect on our transition from traditional budgeting methods to newer, more engaging tools, and discuss how these practices have strengthened not only our finances but also our relationship. Whether you're curious about financial independence, on the path to CoastFI, or looking to improve money talks with your partner, this episode promises valuable insights and practical strategies to guide you toward financial freedom. Tune in for witty, fun, and insightful conversations between this husband and wife duo!

00:00 Budgeting starts with identifying current spending habits.
08:45 Use Empower app to understand your spending habits.
10:34 Empower consolidates financial views for simplicity.
15:12 Qubes Money enhances budgeting flexibility and control, gamifying spending.
16:27 Qube Money app simplifies budgeting automatically.
19:40 Consistency and celebration balance the financial journey.
25:42 Budgeting supports enjoyable, prioritized, and fulfilling living.
27:01 Saving today ensures comfort in retirement tomorrow.
28:04 Don’t drink all the water at once.

Our Powers Combined: From Burnout to CoastFI Ep. 1

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Coast Fi Couple Podcast!

Join your hosts, Matt and Yana, as they embark on a journey to demystify financial independence and share their personal experiences navigating the path to CoastFI.

In this episode, Matt and Yana introduce themselves and their journey towards financial independence.

They'll break down what CoastFI means, share how they discovered and embraced it, and explain the importance of building healthy communication about money within relationships.

Get ready for insightful conversations, practical financial strategies, and a behind-the-scenes look at how this dynamic couple manages their finances together.

Whether you're new to the concept of financial independence or looking for ways to discuss money more effectively with your partner, this podcast is your go-to resource.

Tune in every other week for inspiring stories and useful tips on your path to financial freedom.

Welcome to The CoastFI Couple Podcast!

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the CoastFI Couple Podcast!

Join hosts Matt and Yana as they introduce you to the world of financial independence and the unique path of CoastFI.

In the upcoming episodes, you’ll dive deep into strategic financial insights, actionable steps to build wealth, and ways to cultivate open, healthy money conversations with your partner and family.

Whether you're just getting started or are already on your FI journey, expect personal stories, practical tips, and engaging discussions on how to live a more balanced, relaxed CoastFI lifestyle.

Matt and Yana will also touch on teaching financial independence to your kids and keeping finances stress-free.

Packed with wit, warmth, and valuable first-hand knowledge, this podcast will empower you to achieve financial freedom at your own pace.

Let’s get started on this journey together!