If you're on the path to financial independence, you know every dollar adds up. An extra $1,000 a year might not sound like much, but early in your FI journey, that kind of savings can seriously accelerate your timeline. And if you’re already FI, trimming $1,000 in expenses lowers your FIRE number and helps your nest egg last longer.

The best part? I’m not asking you to start a side hustle or cut out your favorite purchases.

Instead, we’re talking about saving money by wasting less, specifically, food waste.

Yes, that’s right. The average American throws out over 200 pounds of food a year. For a family of four, that’s about $3,200 straight into the trash. Think wilted spinach, moldy bread, and forgotten leftovers. Any of this sound familiar?

Here’s the good news: with a little planning and a few habit shifts, you can cut that waste dramatically and keep more money in your pocket without sacrificing lifestyle.

Today’s guest, Bryan Suddith, took this challenge seriously. Over the last five years, he’s tracked every bit of food that ended up in his trash. And the total? Less than $100. For a family of four.

We’ll share practical tips for meal planning, a framework for eating through your groceries, his favorite go-to food-waste saving meal (which surprised me), and even how to avoid food waste after hosting a party.

If you’re ready to trim your grocery bill and stretch your FI dollars further without really sacrificing anything, then you’re going to like this episode.

Key Takeaways:

• The impact of tracking your food waste
• How to avoid aspirational grocery purchases
• Which groceries to prioritize eating first
• Creative ways to turn soon-to-expire food into tasty meals
• A go-to food-waste-saving meal everyone will enjoy
• How to cut down on food waste after hosting a party
• What to know about food waste legislation

More of Bryan:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryansuddith/

More of FI Minded:

Email Justin at Justin@FIMinded.com

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

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/

My first big trip abroad was in 2015. I had just graduated from college the week before and wanted to do something fun. So my girlfriend and I flew to Europe and visited Prague, Paris, and Barcelona. It was a blast, and it left a lasting impression. Since then, I’ve traveled to 10 more countries.

Lately, I’ve been getting more comfortable with international travel, and I’m starting to feel the itch to push beyond my comfort zone. Up to this point, most of my trips have been to first-world countries, major metropolitan cities, and usually with a group of friends or my partner.

But I’ll be honest, I’m a little nervous to push the boundary. That’s why I invited Jon Otero on the podcast to help me break through those fears and build the confidence to travel more adventurously.

Jon is the definition of an adventurous traveler. He has visited 35 countries and all 50 U.S. states, and he has done some incredible things, such as riding a camel in Egypt, scuba diving to sunken ships, and paratriking in Peru. His fearless approach to travel is seriously so inspiring, and I’m hoping to tap into a little of that mindset myself.

In this episode, we talk about everything from navigating language barriers and understanding cultural differences to safety tips, solo travel, and ideas for your next adventure.

Before we jump in, I want to say this: adventurous travel is defined by you. If you’ve never left the country before, going anywhere new might feel like a big leap, and that’s awesome. Even exploring a new part of the U.S. can feel adventurous if you’ve never been out of your home state. Don’t let social media or someone else’s definition shape what a great trip looks like. Go at your own pace, and most importantly, have fun.

Let’s get into it. I hope you enjoy my conversation with the adventurous traveler and host of The Globetrotters Podcast…Jon Otero.

Key Takeaways:

• How to navigate language barriers when you don’t speak the local language
• Tips for learning cultural customs before your trip
• Staying aware without being overly paranoid while traveling
• Making solo travel fun (and not lonely)
• How to pick your next travel destination
• Underrated countries that deserve a spot on your list

More of Jon:

Listen to the Globetrotters Podcast: https://www.gtspodcast.com/

More of FI Minded:

Email Justin at Justin@FIMinded.com

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