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/

Some money moves sound smart…until you actually try them.

This is Part 2 of our special series where six personal finance experts share strategies that sound smart but rarely are. In this episode, you’ll hear from:

• Larry McMahon (Uncontrollable Me) on why doing everything yourself can be a costly mistake
• Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy) on when Traditional 401(k) contributions might not be the best choice
• Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club) on why whole life insurance is rarely the financial win it's pitched to be

Missed Part 1? No problem - each episode stands alone, but you’ll want to go back and queue it up next.

Key Takeaways:

• DIY-ing everything can limit your growth and lead to costly errors
• Traditional 401(k) contributions aren’t always the most tax-efficient route
• Whole life insurance rarely lives up to the hype
• Even experienced money nerds make mistakes—and learn from them

More of Our Guests:

Check out Larry’s coaching practice at https://www.uncontrollable.me/.

Watch Sean’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SeanMullaneyVideos.

Follow Jeremy’s Instagram account at

More of FI Minded:

Email Justin at Justin@FIMinded.com

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

Disclaimer

The content shared by Sean Mullaney in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice for any specific individual. Neither this podcast nor its host endorses Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc., or any of the services they offer.

Some financial strategies sound really smart…until they aren’t.

In part one of this special two-part series, we’re diving into real stories from personal finance pros who once made money moves that seemed like great ideas... but turned out to be anything but.

You’ll hear honest reflections from:

• Diana Merriam (EconoMe) on the allure, and pitfalls, of credit card churning
• Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors) on rethinking Roth conversions
• Joel Larsgaard (How to Money) on why 529 plans aren’t always the no-brainer they seem

I’ll also share my own story of trusting the wrong financial “expert” and how it led me to open a whole life insurance policy I didn’t need.

We’ve all made money moves we later questioned. This episode is here to help you learn from them and avoid making the same ones.

Key Takeaways:

• Whole life insurance isn’t the wealth builder it’s often sold as.
• Credit card churning can be more trouble than it’s worth.
• Roth conversions aren’t always a smart tax move.
• 529 plans can limit financial flexibility.
• Even smart-sounding strategies deserve a second look.
• Mistakes are part of the journey - learn and keep going.

More of Our Guests:

Check out Diana’s EconoMe Conference at https://economeconference.com/

Listen to Jesse’s podcast Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors at https://bestinterest.blog/personal-finance-for-long-term-investors/

Listen to Matt’s podcast How to Money at https://www.howtomoney.com/

More of FI Minded:

Email Justin at Justin@FIMinded.com

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