FIRE Takes

We have been hit with the dog days of summer so on this episode I've located some stories that a lot of you have missed from our less downloaded episodes I thought were pretty good. We'll be back with all new stuff in 2 weeks!

👫 1. Split Finances with a Lean FIRE Partner

A woman moved in with her long-term partner, who has lean-fired on $35k/year in a high-cost-of-living area. Now earning $80k herself, she struggles with subsidizing his lifestyle while he avoids contributing equitably—financially or with time. The couple grapples with mismatched expec...

Welcome back to Fire Takes! In this episode, Gwen and Tim dig into three hot stories that explore the emotional and financial tensions of modern life.

First, we discuss a post from someone who finally hit six figures but feels more broke than ever—why does more money sometimes bring more anxiety? We break down the psychological weight of lifestyle inflation, middle-class expectations, and that constant sense of financial unease, even when you're technically doing great.

Next, we dive into a Reddit relationship standoff: a woman receives a fully paid luxury car from an ex, an...

In this episode of Fire Takes, Tim and Gwen dive into a trio of Reddit stories that are as bizarre as they are juicy. First up, a man pays his girlfriend 56% of his salary to be a live-in “employee” — and now that they’ve broken up, he wonders if he still owes her severance. Next, a delayed inheritance sparks a family feud over inflation, fairness, and entitlement. Finally, a woman selling her home wonders if she owes her boyfriend a cut — even though he was just paying rent. It’s a whole lotta weirdness, and your favorite co-hosts have a whole lott...

Separate bank accounts in marriage: dealbreaker or smart strategy? What happens when a million-dollar FIRE plan goes up in smoke? And how do you shake the financial anxieties of a tough childhood? Tim and Gwen dissect these burning internet finance questions with their unfiltered opinions.

Also, since we couldn't stop talking about Monarch and they didn't pay us at least use this link if you are going to use it https://firetakespod.com/monarch

Ghosting, foodie calls, and financial incompatibility—this week we unpack a petty opera ticket saga, a FIRE-fueled career move, skewed middle-class perceptions, and a breakup over instant gratification. Real talk on dating, money, and adulting with your favorite FIRE couple.🔥

Episode Summary:

http://firetakespod.com/ep16-ghosted-after-dinner-and-the-opera/

As we said, during the episode a link to the Charlotte Dobre youtube channel since we got a story from her subreddit.

https://www.youtube.com/@CharlotteDobre/videos

This week on Fire Takes, Tim and Gwen dive into a jam-packed episode full of FIRE insights, relationship dynamics, and real-world financial dilemmas straight from Reddit.

🧠 ChooseFI Reflection (2:00–9:30) We unpack the “Middle Class Trap” from ChooseFI’s episode with Mindy and Scott—how high fixed costs and low liquidity can keep even high earners feeling stuck. Plus, our own take on what it really means to feel “wealthy” on the FIRE journey.

💬 Reddit Relationship Talk (9:30–21:00) A woman wonders if she’s financially abusing her husband by reminding him they’re a single-income household. We explore the fine line between boun...

In this fiery episode, we dissect the internet’s most relatable money dramas:

Plus, Gwen and Tim riff on millen...

🏡 Post-Econome Reflections + Financial Red Flags You CAN'T Ignore | Fire Takes Podcast Ep. 13

Tim and Gwen are back from Econome with spicy takes, marital wisdom, and financial horror stories! In this episode:

🔥 Our Econome Takeaways

🚩 Financial Infidelity Nightmare A bride-to-be discovers her fiancé’s $40k secret debt (AGAIN). We debate:

In this episode of Fire Takes Podcast, Gwen and Tim dive into the emotional rollercoaster of financial independence, from navigating tricky relationship dynamics to overcoming the fear of spending. They explore stories like the woman footing the bill for her boyfriend, the investor who feels his market gains could vanish overnight, and the high-net-worth individual struggling to splurge on a business class ticket. Along the way, they share their own experiences with intentional spending, the joy of spa days, and the dangers of comparison. Plus, they discuss the emotional impact of market volatility—and how to celebrate milestones (like su...

We do some takes on our own situation and ask for listener feedback in addition to some stories of bad girlfriends with financial twists, Episode summary linked below.

https://firetakespod.com/ep-11-bad-girlfriends/

In this episode, Tim and Gwen dive into the world of "Bum FI"—what happens when people achieve financial independence and retire early, only to embrace a life of leisure (or laziness, depending on who you ask). From video games and THC edibles to societal judgment and spousal tension, this episode explores the challenges and controversies of living the "bum" lifestyle post-FIRE.

Episode Summary:

https://firetakespod.com/ep10-pillow-fighting-championships-and-thc-edibles-we-explore-bum-fi/

From budgeting with ADHD to sweating small expenses, Gwen and Tim tackle Reddit stories about money struggles, FIRE misalignment in relationships, and dating as a financially independent woman. They share laughs, personal insights, and FIRE takes on life’s financial quirks.

https://firetakespod.com/

Episode notes:

https://firetakespod.com/ep9-adhd-budgets-84-cab-rides-and-fire-couples-money-love-and-the-mess-in-between/

We discover the audacity people can have demanding money from the people in their lives. Come join us in our trip through the wardrobe.

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More about this Episode:

https://firetakespod.com/episode-8-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-audacity/

This week we are out of town for the holiday but didn't want to leave you completely without our lovely voices. I am reposting, nay reemphasizing my interview with the lovely Gwen. If you already heard it, I apologize and we will catch you in a couple weeks. Thanks, Tim.

Get more from us at https://firetakespod.com

We join Chuck Jaffe on the Money Life podcast to take a question from one of her listeners and Chuck gives his take right along with us.

Our Full Episode with Chuck

https://moneylifeshow.libsyn.com/channel-capitals-roberts-says-rate-cut-cycle-may-be-slower-than-expected

Find more about us at https://firetakespod.com

These three couples all have money issues threatening to doom the relationship. Find out if Tim and Gwen have the right perspective to fix them or at least help you avoid getting into the same spot. Also we learn a little about cryptozoology..

More from us at:

https:firetakepod.com

Talk about this episode:

https://firetakespod.com/ep5-drop-bears-and-other-things-that-ruin-relationships/

Three Redditors seek help with love and money talking income disclosure, FIRE plans, and unexpected nest eggs. Gwen and Tim dole out what they got, FIRE takes.

A couple tries to make it work when one partner has adopted Lean FIRE and the other keeps working. Well, I say "couple trying to make it work" but this is Reddit so we know its really just one person yelling into the void.

Two couples that should probably talk to each other and one person that wants validation to fix their old car inspires a new set of takes from Gwen and Tim.

A demanding bride to be, a guy with an unexpected largess and a not so great financial advisor all inspire takes from Gwen and Tim.

For an introduction/Episode Zero bonus we turn the focus of our Takes on Gwen herself and her pursuit of FIRE in her twenties. We also discuss a story from Reddit from someone with a similar story who was in the process of reaching some similar conclusions.