About this episode
070 | Author and FI pioneer Vicki Robin discusses the cultural development of overconsumption, how much is enough, and what else, besides good investments, contributes to successful financial independence? Vicki's story began when she invested in long-term bonds at a young age, achieving modest financial independence very quickly Vicki and her partner, Joe Dominguez, hosted seminars about financial independence beginning in the 1980s, donating the proceeds. What is the difference between making a living, and making a "dime"? How did the culture of over-consumption develop during the past century? Once the average person spends 20 years preparing for adulthood, and another third of your life sleeping, how much time do we really have for living? What is the idea of the Real Hourly Wage, and how could it impact the way we spend money? Why might we need to be "deprogrammed" from consumption? What is the Fulfillment Curve and what is the difference between a "cheap thrill" and real satisfaction? How does consumerism develop throughout life, and does it stem from dissatisfaction? How much is enough? Once people have "enough", happiness actually comes from giving, not getting. How is Real Hourly Wage calculated? What needs and identities are neglected when we overspend our hours and consciousness on our jobs? How do people confuse work, jobs, and income? Finding passive income helps to separate jobs from income. What does Vicki enjoy about finding community with the world of FI? Community is currency – money isn't the only element of becoming independent. How do meaningful relationships developing into situations of Mutual Aid, and how does that impact a person's living costs? As a leader in the FI community for about 30 years, what does Vicki think it will take to create lasting, cultural changes? In order to change the way the world consumes, personal change is necessary, but not sufficient. How does universal health care impact FI in the US? Will FI become mainstream? Talking about our relationship with money in a first step toward creating lasting change Sharing: Half the cost and twice the fun. Links to things mentioned in the show: Book on Amazon: Your Money or Your Life Book on Amazon: Dying for a Paycheck Website: Millennial Money