The FI Journey: It's ABOUT MORE Than MONEY!! with Vicki Robin

Join us in a profound exploration of the Financial Independence journey, guided by insights from Vicki Robin. In this video, we delve into the deeper meaning of FI, discussing how it's not just about reaching financial goals, but also about finding purpose, identity, and a sense of community.
Key Points:
An in-depth look at how the FI journey parallels the hero's journey, using it as a framework to understand the stages of financial independence.
Reflections on how financial independence impacts one's sense of self and place in the world.
Insights into how the FI community evolves beyond financial goals to embrace wider social and existential questions.
Vicki Robin's perspective on the intersection of financial independence with personal development and societal issues.
Want to learn more about the FIRE movement and how you can achieve financial independence? Watch the documentary Playing with FIRE today!
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*Links above include affiliate commission or referrals. Sometimes I receive compensation from partnering websites, products and services at no cost to you. Thank you for your support! The video is accurate as of the posting date but may not be accurate in the future. DISCLAIMER: I am not a financial adviser. These videos are for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am sharing what I've learned in an effort to inspire you. Please seek professional help when needed.

[@tinlizziestudios4344]

"To be conscious in this little slice of eternity" how perfect.

[@vincef7487]

5:17 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽‼️ 👍🏽‼️

[@jalvarez111]

I am 45 and reached FI when I was 41. Sometimes I have a difficult time explaining to people what I do. I have investment properties that do not require me to "work" every day and also receive a military pension with healthcare. I have more than I need financially. I may log in to the computer or make phone calls once or twice every two weeks, I go to the gym every day and also cook for my wife and I amongst other things. Some people (mostly men) always ask what do I do all day. LOL I am married and my wife has 5 years before receiving a pension. How do you guys explain FI, that we own our time and that we do not participate in the "rat race" without sounding arrogant? GREAT VIDEO AND PHILOSOPHIES!

[@PlayingwithFIREco]

It can be difficult to live counter culturally, there are no silver bullets for discussing this lifestyle to others. We take it by a case by case basis, always trying to meet people where they are.

[@hugocordeiro6051]

Explain you're 'retired'... people get that... having money without sweating 14 hours every day... living the life... freedom... You will sound arrogant only to narrow minded people that learned to base their self worth in their effort, without ever realising that value can be effortless. intelligent people will ask you with admiration how you built that... because they'll also want to reach that goal in life.

[@011angelfire]

The “what do you do?” question is so ingrained in many cultures that no one thinks anything of it. I found out too late in life that when you are at a party with people who are well-off financially, you never ask “what do you do?” as an icebreaker. The answer to that question may very well be: “not much.” I have watched people become visibly uncomfortable at this question. It usually a hint that they are either unemployed, or they are FI. (Hopefully the latter.) 😅

[@Yabadabado1234]

Almost the exact same spot myself with my wife and I at similar ages. I have fun with it now... I tell them I retired, they instantly think I made 10 million or something crazy and ask me how. They are always fishing for some crazy sexy story I simply tell them I just saved as much as I could to not have to work anymore. 😮 That's it. They all look confounded and I secretly hope it inspires at least one of them.

[@demri123]

Just tell them you work from home. Day trading or something

[@DownHomeMoney]

Vicki and Joe changed my life when this book came out in the 80s. Super grateful for their life changing book Your Money or Your Life! Being Financially Free is EPIC and so worth the delayed gratification. It took us 13 years and we have had 20 years of Financial Freedom!

[@slazinski]

The book came out in '92 but yeah, it's a good one.

[@DownHomeMoney]

@@slazinski thank you. sorry it's been a minute. lol

[@christophdenner8878]

I read the book only in 2016 at age 39 and it still changed my life. Being close to FIRE now, I almost can't believe it.

[@jocamiah]

As Jocko Willink says, “Discipline equals freedom.” And I would say freedom requires discipline. So financial freedom requires having discipline. Being disciplined means you have to lead. And leaders know that the team or humanity winning together is the goal of leadership and not just the leader winning.

[@wildfoodietours6702]

Beautifully presented by the one and only Vicki Robin. I love how articulate and graceful she is.

[@PlayingwithFIREco]

I could listen to her for hours

[@PlayingwithFIREco]

Vicki Robin is out of this WORLD and we don't deserve her. Please enjoy this unique take on the FIRE journey! And if you love it, please share!

[@vtheb1299]

she's actually exactly from this world. Reminds me of my grandpa. She's from the real people, the others are from the matrix!

[@marisamartinez6573]

This reminds me of the book The 4-Hour Workweek. He talks about that sense of lost purpose/identity on your first “mini retirement” just like this. Good luck to you all on your FI journey!

[@chelsea2690]

I'm working on FI but I encourage people to not wait - start helping NOW. A lot of FI people have major skills that non-profits could really benefit from you sharing with them. (e.g. I do graphic design for a local humane society.) Do what you can to help a cause you care about (local is ideal) and become a part of your community now. I hope this will make my transition to FI easier because my goal now is to dedicate myself to this and more causes - but at least I've started! Don't wait for FI to start finding what you can give back to your community.

[@yubokumin3362]

Vicki Robin is an underrated treasure. She has so much valuable insight into life that goes beyond the scope of FI.

[@SebastienAguilar]

"It's not about me anymore, it's about how can I help" - it's like Vicki Robin is reading my mind. #fiforimpact

[@AtypicalDriver]

Her book was amazing. But the real question that you have to have an answer to before starting on this path is -- what will I do with all this time? And I think a good way to start answering that is thinking about what you would do everyday if nobody was paying you for it? Many people call this a hobby, i call it a purpose.

[@Dollsteak69]

Work isn't work when you don't need the money. Way ahead of the debt curve by the time I was 31. I traveled for a year in a 95 olds. Came home and asked What am I gonna do? I started remodeling the house at the time. Started part time in my former industry. No more than 30hrs a week. It's been fun. 20 years later I'm seeing I may step out all together and low brow RV life for awhile. She touches on a lot of good thoughts. I see so many miserable in life. We're not here for long. Be healthy. Be well!

[@AtypicalDriver]

@@Wuestenwiesel I agree, we aren't meant to do the same thing all day everyday -- like you said, that is boring! But rather than think of the hammer as having a purpose to hit nails, maybe think of the hammer as having the purpose to build things? (A more broad, general purpose.) Maybe some days it's building furniture, some days it's building a house, some days it's building a toy, some days it's building software... ok well a hammer may not do that last one but the point is if you think about your purpose as building things rather than hammering nails then there is more room for variety but still being true to what makes you happy.

[@-whackd]

I've never had a problem finding interesting things to do. I always thought even a thousand years wouldn't be enough life.

[@dallasstorey]

Hits home on so many levels - good luck everyone with all your individual journeys towards whatever freedom means to you...

[@katrinagay7283]

This was EVERYTHING 💝 She is so right, and I love how she said said "As we pass through the world, the world passes through us" Definitely motivated me to make sure I leave this place a little better than it was while I lived...💯💕 Thank you for this interview.... 🤜🤛😉

[@AlexaMorales]

I loved that quote too

[@OrganicFreedom]

I felt the same way too!💕

[@isipwater]

Vicki changed the direction of my life. I am so grateful for her work.

[@digitaldivvy]

This is SO deep, that I’m getting goose bumps

[@mike569112]

I needed this. It feels really good to know other people go through the lack of direction after FI.

[@Captain_FI]

Just watched the documentary with Mum and now she’s hooked on these KZbin vids! Vicki is her favourite

[@TheAvidGardenerNM]

I am truly grateful to receive the wisdom you shared in this video. Thank you Vicki!

[@13elementbey]

"Your work -- who you are is a non-stop self-expression" This is an awesome clip! Full of genuine and real wisdom! Thank you, I'm glad I heard this :)

[@adam872]

This was a fantastic video and gets to the heart of the philosophical aspects of financial independence. Speaking only for myself, the whole reason I've chased FI so hard is because I want to give myself as many options as possible. The pursuit of money isn't an end in itself, just a means to an end. One of my favourite musicians ever, Neil Peart, in the years before his untimely death said something in an interview that really resonated with me: "what's the most excellent thing I can do today?". THAT is where I want to get to.

[@jnsa9454]

Vicki's wisdom in this FI heroic journey is sooo valuable and necessary.

[@emilyquinlan7126]

Wow! I love hearing this side/these results of the fire movement. To reach financial independence is a privilege. To have more time and energy to ask bigger questions is a privilege. Maybe we can make the world a better place, one loving action at a time.

[@margaretshields5313]

Love this. I’m a long time fan of Vickie and appreciate her truth bombs. Bring her on again!

[@r.l.2791]

I come back to this video a couple times a year to ground myself in Vicki's incredible counsel. It helps me (re)focus on my greater mission. There are too many quotes to mention but suffices to say that I think her message of contribution hits the nail on the head. FI is only the beginning of a larger lifelong journey...

[@PlayingwithFIREco]

LOVE this, so do I.

[@lisajenkins6194]

I wish I could give this more than 1 thumbs up. She raises the real questions in life, whether we want to grapple with them now or not. More like this, please!

[@kerrylow6894]

Love this. The journey to FI is the key. The closer we get the more peace I feel and the more I use my time to notice nature and help others find their niche and be happy.

[@KElmerTinkersAcademy]

This was wonderful. I needed to hear it. Thanks for sharing.

[@pongop]

Very interesting perspective and application of Hero's Journey idea and social justice awareness to the FIRE conversation. Very cool!

[@karlbe8414]

I so needed to hear you say this! Thank you. I need to endeavor to think beyond my monetary goal.

[@MegaSpacemanSpliff]

I found myself wanting towards this life path already at a very young age. Now in my thirties I can say that each step I've taken has helped to get me to here, now. I think having a primary focus on developing internally while I was a young man--rather than being focused on external success, money or material things--was extraordinarily helpful for me in the long run. With so much of the inner battle already won, the external realm is coming together nicely now. It's all about priorities. And, your time is the most precious thing you will ever have so deploy it consciously and joyfully as much as you can, even during mundane, everyday tasks. Vicki Robin's discussion on the human journey--and the greater implications beyond merely achieving FI--is undoubtedly marvelous and well-spoken. Thank you.

[@vishnu2766]

Very few people are knowledgeable and lovely at the same time. Vicki is one of them. Your money or your life changed my life.

[@iamkerenlouise]

Brilliantly insightful.Her nuggets of wisdom are priceless.

[@BenjaminRowlandTV]

Thanks for sharing this video. She has so many great insights.

[@OrganicFreedom]

Beautifully said! FI is definitely a tool that helps you pursue your interests and live your purpose of life. I wasn’t able to do those things through my work. I’m newly FIREd and excited about this new chapter!

[@OrganicFreedom]

@@kellyengland Thank you!

[@tomblakemoremusic]

I would argue that setting your own house in order and helping those close to you, does more wider good than you can ever know, I would say the third quadrant is actually achieved in the second.

[@educatedwanderer9293]

I'm a critical care nurse with 30 years of experience. I've also reached FI and can retire any time between now and traditional retirement age. It has occurred to me that I will have to find a way to help serve once I retire or I will have to rethink my role or lack of one at that point. I have decided to cut my hours gradually as I approach retirement until I fully retire. I'm waiting for my two sons to finish college which will take about four years. It looks like I'll retire at age 58.

[@Anonyme67]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@tetsukouehira2320]

I love everything what you say. I need to listen to it one more time. It is deep. I love the expression " a slice of eternity " I am on my way of FI. It is great to hear how your view to the world has changed.

[@friendsonfire4333]

Wow. There's so much amazingness in her words and this video... I need to watch it a few more times to really digest it. Words of wisdom!

[@utahrockz3305]

Thank you for the great insights!

[@TomSimak]

Such beautiful words of wisdom!

[@michellehurtado6965]

Genius. Incredibly inspiring. Thank you, Vicki.

[@fannyramirez9380]

Love love love this msg!

[@trillkelly]

This was beautiful. Wonderfully said

[@Hustle_And_Grow23]

Guys you are a huge inspiration for me! I recently started my own KZbin channel on side hustles and finances, and I keep coming back to your videos for inspiration! Keep up the great work on the excellent content!

[@PlayingwithFIREco]

🔥🔥🔥

[@damansarajaya88]

As i close in on achieving FIRE, this is a very timely and insightful sharing of redefining our life after achieving FI. Deep thoughts indeed. Well said that FI is the accumulation of sufficient wealth to generate passive income to live life and FI itself is not life. Currently life is so focused on achieving FIRE, it defines habits and influence lifestyle. But upon achieving FIRE, i have to redefine what my life means. Ok need to look into this =)

[@salesforcegiulia]

Wow! This is an amazing view of what it matters in life: contributing to someone from a place of love. FI just help to achieve that. I really enjoyed this interview!

[@moneytalkswithjonathanthom4150]

Why most people struggle with Identity- job is doing someone else's agenda. Work runs at rhythm of your purpose...

[@vrindajadhav6991]

Ah explained so well. It was as if my thoughts were being spoken aloud.

[@JourneysTravels]

Really enjoy this video!

[@bitdomains]

The knowledge in this video is just astonishing

[@TirsaTalks]

beautiful video 🙏🏾🦋

[@heyyyitshewan4816]

Ahhhh that was sooo good!!

[@carlosrodriguezfuentes6921]

Wise words by Vicki Robin. I learnt something today! 😄

[@MrsGarcia84]

I am not only passing through this world,the world is passing through me.wow. never heard that concept before.powerful.

[@IntentionalCreativityCoach]

Omg I lovvveeddd this. Self expression! Intentionally Creative living. Grounded and spiritual, ancient and future in one.

[@PlayingwithFIREco]

🤌

[@juanrijo571]

This woman is brilliant

[@sunilkamesh]

@vicki ...What you absolutely brilliantly explained is philosophically covered in the ancient Indian philisophy of Advaita Vedanta....to be concscious in this little slice of eternity...

[@EllaSHeath]

Beautiful, Vicki! and not discussed enough.

[@TheRetirementality]

This was great. I guess I'm in the third quadrant. She is a real philosopher. I'm going to look her up and consume some more of her content.

[@OrganicFreedom]

Me too! I’m excited to read her book!

[@jaustin2737]

My interpretation- FI should only be a way to fast track the ascent up Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and reach self-actualization while we are still young (with self-actualization usually being a lifestyle that brings us into a deeper connection with community).

[@adam872]

Yes, agreed. That's what I took away from the video too.

[@thefrugalinvestor9596]

Wow. Just wow. How spiritually and socially wise this lady is I have no words. Thank you so much for this gem. What a great person. This is what humans are actually a social creatures for all of the species not just own self.

[@emilyjames8871]

So deep.... I was totally dumbfounded.

[@superduper9357]

From what I have seen most people who undertake the FI journey are generally quite cerebral and above average IQ. They see FI as an opportunity to analyse life and existence.

[@zhouadwina918]

i retired at 33 to start my path of Financial Independence and it looks really good

[@axl2531]

Vicki is achieving self actualization and I want to get there but need to sustain FI first.

[@elementsofthesolows4936]

You don't need to reach FI to achieve self actualization. Did Jesus need to reach FI before taking on the sins of this world for all of mankind? I think FI is great, I am still working towards it, but like Vicki is saying FI just gives you more time to explore meaning and purpose it doesn't deliver it. We can still find meaning and purpose in life even if our net worth is negative. FI is about finances is not a tool for salvation.

[@jmc8076]

“Create your own infrastructure.” - Anton Kreil (from his doc video 10 secrets)

[@annajones9701]

What infrastructure?

[@Earthium]

I keep saying I can't wait for my life to start. The opportunity starts once I reach financial independence. I want to learn how to read, not just reading reports for work but read for enjoyment, I want to design and develop videogames, I want to build houses. I want to build tools and equipment, I want to see if I can design equipment to sequence DNA and sequence my own DNA. I want to know what i'm made of, not just in a philosophical sense, but in a physical material sense. I just don't have the time to dedicate myself when I dedicate 10 hours a day to work, 8 sleeping, and the last 6 just for normal upkeep just to maintain myself and my environment. I've tried doing the things I want, but a few hours per week isn't enough. I've found far more value researching FI, understanding what to invest in to cut down on costs. It's reduced the amount of time i'll be in the workforce from a regular 40-50 years down to 10-15 years.

[@minnowx7099]

I totally agree that working towards financial independence Is important but don’t stop living in the meantime. I run a monthly bookclub with friends to encourage myself to read at least one book a month. I started learning the cello as an adult and carve out time in my evening to practice and have lessons. I play words with friends with (real life) friends online on the bus on the way to work. I have a more than full time job, a partner and two teenagers at home - it can be done - the future is wonderful but don’t sacrifice your now.

[@ellaraykondrat]

The irony is that working your ass off to achieve fi impedes your ability to grapple with these deeper questions that you have time to confront once you reach fi.

[@turtley8883]

Perhaps but having the discipline to stick with a plan to achieve FI and maintain those good habits is a huge part of the journey. Without this journey you may not even reach the mental state she is taking about.

[@kerrylow6894]

If you can choose work that is more aligned to your values the work part flows more in tune with you and then the journey is more of a cool ride. Also people who are happier in work and their relationships tend to spend less as they don't need a "break" from work as its a natural part of who hey are. Takes time and effort to find it though.

[@trevor6607]

Wise

[@toddyeo1549]

Financial Independence (FI) is the meaning.

[@Mu_the_Maori]

I jus wanna work a 40 hour week this is my goal and I'm going to need discipline to do it.. it'll give me more options in life

[@BrendanEvan]

Sage wisdom here

[@imveryhungry112]

I want to FI at 47 so I can open a huge animal sanctuary. Where animals without a home can come live. I know it sounds crazy but thats what I want to do.

[@SedA2027]

🧡🧡🧡

[@P.I.P.E.L.I.N.E_Podcast]

Notification squad!

[@annajones9701]

Forget that I need get to FI first

[@zdreamin]

I simply need one kind human being to help me know where to put some money to make passive income. Thanks Vicky, I'm a long time fan!

[@zdreamin]

@Kelly I have, but i will again. Have money i need to put somewhere in fidelity. at 60. actually had a fidelity "advisor" trying to get me into annuity :(

[@qmakesithappen]

I'm huge on ETFs (VTI specifically) it's similar to an index fund but trades like a stock. It's super diversified and extremely low cost. Idk your age or discretionary income but I think that's a safe place to start. Look into a Roth IRA and take advantage of your 401k/employer match if you have one. Good luck 🙏🏽

[@Andrew.baltazar]

As we pass through the world, the world passes through us. She goes on to try to verbalise this sense of vast interconnectedness, and how we become a reflection of the world, in the same way we are a reflection of where we were raised. I think the reason why this is important to her, and the FI community is because a lot of us just wants to stop the hamster wheel/rat race, and JUST BE. But there is no stopping, not while we are alive. You can't escape the system, not completely. Even if you lock yourself in your room, you will continue to become a reflection your environment - even if that is just being cold and pale like the walls of your man cave. You cannot isolate yourself from reality. Every second of living is consequential. So you may aswell do some good while you are here.

[@PlayingwithFIREco]

Well said!

[@gonniethomassen5096]

🫶❤️

[@donmilo4733]

What is FI

[@jmc8076]

@12:10 it’s exactly what A.I. and robotics doing now and will continue to increasingly from lowest occupations up. Central bank/IMF plan is form of UBI thru their own digital currency tied to behavior similar to China’s social credit score system. It’s happening now with bailout/stimulus pyts in many countries incl US and most are opting out of work and happily living off govt which has consequences incl giving up personal freedoms/powers and autonomy over time. Unless they see that now it will be too late.

[@b__w_4565]

cardano is what we want mate! not some centralized garbage coin! lol

[@echtnietjaifi]

This kinda sounds like buddhism

[@jellybean1252]

What is FI??

[@toddyeo1549]

Financial Independence =FI

[@thomasdarling2553]

So this is why all the self made millionaires adopt Buddhism

[@samace8979]

Is this Buddha?

[@Jfhelwig]

Ayn Rand wasn't opposed to charity. Entitlement and voluntary charity are two very different things.

[@oceanwonders]

Fair point.