Today on episode 25 let’s give a hot stew welcome to climber and all-around curious guy, Erich Purpur. Erich works in the university system in Virginia, finding time in the margins to climb up to V10 and 5.13c. Recently, Erich is beginning to envision a potential life of financial independence.

But achieving financial independence may only be the beginning of the next journey.

Erich originally caught my attention because of his insightful line of questioning. He had a few investing questions to be sure, but what captivated me was his deeper questions about “why.”

Why do we bother to save this much money?

How do we come to common ground on money mindsets between our families, friends, and romantic partners?

Why do men and women feel differently on the concept of early retirement?

After all, most of us now know that simply building wealth is far from a sure path to contentment. While I wouldn’t consider this a reader case study per se, a conversation with Erich felt like a representative sample of many of the broader themes of this lifestyle choice.

And on that note, this certainly was a conversation. While I’m accustomed to sitting back and asking all the questions, Erich turned this one around on me. In the end, this felt like a fun fireside chat. I really enjoyed the informal nature of this one.

 

Topics Discussed with Erich PurpurMotivations for the pursuit of financial independenceShifting a natural tendency towards saving to a plan of investingAddressing different money mindsets in romantic relationshipsThe beauty of “paying yourself first”Early retirement mindset differences between men and womenThe dilemma between early retirement and part-time, or passion-based workThe incredible value of being a simple personHow to live our best life without full financial independence (it’s a spectrum!)The FIRE movement as SCANDALOUS!

 

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Get in Touch with Erich Purpur

Erich on Instagram

 

Other Financial Independence Blogs Mentioned

Mr. Money Mustache

The Mad Fientist

Other recommended resources here

 

Previous Episodes Mentioned

EP 5: Diana Crabtree Green: Pay Yourself First

 

Related Clipping Chains Posts

Six Important Reasons Not to Retire Early

Contentment: The Greenest Grass of Them All

BREAKING: I (Sort Of) Quit My Job

The Fallacy of Happiness and Meaningful Work

But I Don’t Want to Be Frugal

Tracking Your Spending: The Ultimate Task

Help! My Significant Other is Terrible With Money!

Automation: The Dirty Little Secret to Spending Less

Value Spending: How to Really Save Money

The Simple Systems to Kicking Monetary Ass

Five Ways to Recession-Proof Your Life

Seven Lessons From Two Years of Financial Freedom

Shades of Grey: How to Enjoy Life and Have Money

Why Trying to Quit My Job (Sort of) Made It Better

A list of all posts can be found here.

 

Books

A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (William B. Irvine)