Episode 175

full
Published on:

30th Jul 2025

Shifting Away from a “Save-Only” Mindset | E175 Matt & Yana - CoastFI Couple

Today, we dive into some of the biggest questions our community has about money, relationships, and raising kids on the path to financial independence.

Matt and Yana from CoastFI Couple share their honest experience with shifting from a strict save-only mindset to learning how to enjoy their money after reaching Coast FI.

We talk about how even couples who agree on big-picture goals can still face daily money disagreements — and the tools and conversations that help keep things on track.

Plus, we explore how to teach kids healthy money values without passing on anxiety or scarcity.

Whether you’re struggling to spend guilt-free or want to raise money-smart kids, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement.

If you have a question you'd like me to answer on a future episode, just shoot me an email at justin@fiminded.com.

Key Takeaways:

  • It’s totally normal to struggle with spending after years of saving.
  • Start with small upgrades to ease into enjoying your money.
  • You and your partner can be aligned overall and still clash on daily spending.
  • Using tools and talking openly can help you avoid constant money arguments.
  • You can teach your kids to be smart with money without making them anxious.
  • Modeling a balanced approach helps your kids build confidence around money.

More of Matt & Yana:

YouTube: ​​https://www.youtube.com/@CoastFICouple

Qube Money: https://qubemoney.com/ (Use code COAST for a free trial)


More of FI Minded:

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for FI Minded - Financial Independence Without the Extremes

About the Podcast

FI Minded - Financial Independence Without the Extremes
Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It
Pursuing financial freedom, a work-optional lifestyle, or early retirement often leads to the same questions: “one more year,” “do I have enough?” “what does life actually look like after this?”

FI Minded helps you think like someone who’s already financially independent so you can make smarter decisions about how you work, spend, and live.

From Coast FI and Slow FI to lifestyle design, career transitions, healthcare, and self-employment, each episode explores the real decisions behind building a flexible, work-optional life…without burnout, over-optimization, or missing out along the way.

We cover:
* Smarter ways to reach financial independence (without burnout)
* Designing a flexible, work-optional lifestyle
* Coast FI, Slow FI, and enjoying your time along the way
* What life actually looks like after FI (and how to prepare for it)
* The tradeoffs behind big money decisions

Make progress toward financial independence while actually living your life.

Some of our past guests include Carl Jensen (1500 Days), Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club), Nick Loper (Side Hustle Show), Andrew Giancola (The Personal Finance Podcast), Jordan Grumet (Earn & Invest), Rachael Camp (Work Optional), Jillian Johnsrud (Retire Often), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy), Jill Sirianni (Frugal Friends), Jackie Cummings-Koski (Catching Up to FI), Joel Larsgaard (How to Money), Cody Garrett (Measure Twice), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), Jess (The Fioneers), Chris Hutchins (All The Hacks), Diania Merriam (EconoMe), Andy Hill (Marriage Kids Money), Fritz Gilbert (Retirement Manifesto), and and others helping you rethink how to approach financial independence.
Support This Show