Are we really ready to walk away from Two Sides of FI? In this candid conversation, Jason and Eric reflect on more than four years of recording together, what the project has meant, and whether it still fits into their lives. They talk openly about the rewards of community and connection, the challenges of generating new topics, and the weight of obligations in retirement. Is this the end, or just a pause?
Show Notes
Jason wrote a blog post to accompany this episode. This was written a few weeks after this episode was recorded and edited. It is meant to be read after viewing the video.
Essential Background:
- Are you new to the show? To find out where our FIRE paths began along with more on our backgrounds, you’ll want to watch our first three episodes: “Our Financial Past and our FIRE Present – Two Sides of FI“, “Two Careers, Two Paths to Financial Independence“, and “Financially Independent. Retire Early? Let’s Discuss!“
- We’ve released a number of milestones-related episodes, charting our FIRE journeys, a number of which are among our most popular content. These are a great way to get caught up on our backgrounds. Here’s the list of all of them.
- Eric’s path to 90% passive income is truly impressive, and enabled his ability to achieve FI. To learn what his approach was like and to benefit from the many lessons he learned, check out Passive Income = A Path to Financial Independence (Part 1) and Lessons Learned in 7 Years Earning Passive Income – A Path to FI (Part 2). You won’t want to miss the show notes for these given all the valuable content Eric has linked here.
- In addition to our regular episodes, we released a series of “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) videos. In chronological order: 2021‘s Answering Your Financial Independence Questions was the first time we reached out to our audience for their input. We celebrated episode 50 in 2022 with You Asked, We Answered. FIRE Q&A. Additionally, Jason hosted a solo AMA in 2023 called Ask an Early Retiree Anything! Live Q&A with Jason from Two Sides of FI. Finally, in 2025 we released Life After FIRE: Your Toughest Questions, Answered, to celebrate our 100th episode. You won’t want to miss the extensive lists of links in each of the show notes for these as they reference key financial and lifestyle content for both Eric and Jason.
Have you checked out the Two Sides of FI Discord server? If you’re not familiar, this is an instant messaging social network. Ours is meant to be a community for viewers of our show, as well as a space to discuss all things relation to FIRE. It’s totally open, free of charge, and is anonymous as you’d like. This makes it a safe space to talk about financial topics you might otherwise be sensitive about sharing. Come check it out and see if it fits your interests! There are both desktop and mobile apps available.
Did you know Jason resumed blogging? To be notified of his future posts, please consider subscribing here. He’s also archived his old blog, which documents the first two years after he retired from his career, which started even before Two Sides of FI began. Get more information on those archived posts here.
- Links + Resources
- Eric’s business: 30X40 Design Workshop
- Jason’s blog: the next phase is now
- Eric’s YouTube Channel
- Our podcast