In this episode of the Fit Rich Life Podcast, I'm joined for a third time by my friend, mentor, and bestselling author JL Collins, author of The Simple Path to Wealth.

When I first discovered JL's work in 2017, it fundamentally changed my financial life. In our previous conversations, we covered FU money, index investing, financial independence, bonds, market downturns, and staying the course. But this conversation explores new territory — including JL's recent shift toward adding international stocks to his portfolio.

We talk about why JL, after decades of primarily investing in U.S. index funds, has added VT, Vanguard's Total World Stock ETF, and what that means for investors who currently hold VTI, VTSAX, or the S&P 500. JL explains why this is not a dramatic change, why he still believes the most important decision is to invest in low-cost, broad-based index funds, and why investors should avoid creating unnecessary tax consequences just to make minor portfolio adjustments.

We also discuss market crashes, all-time highs, trading traps, stock picking, the danger of trying to predict the market, and why the stock market will always do whatever it needs to do to embarrass the maximum number of people. JL shares one of his own painful investing mistakes from the 1987 crash and why staying the course requires courage, humility, and a long-term perspective.

From there, we dive into financial independence, "one more year syndrome," and the difference between retiring from work you dislike and creating a life filled with autonomy, creativity, and meaningful contribution. JL shares why he prefers the term financial independence over FIRE, why retirement is often misunderstood, and why a flexible, low-cost lifestyle can create far more freedom than chasing a bigger portfolio number.

Finally, JL offers personal reflections on health, fitness, aging, and why it's never too late — or too early — to begin building a stronger, freer, and more intentional life.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that wealth is not about prediction, perfection, or complexity. It's about owning your freedom, staying the course, and building a life you actually want to live.

Topics covered include:

JL Collins adding international stocks to his portfolio
VT vs. VTI vs. VTSAX vs. the S&P 500
How to think about portfolio changes without triggering taxes
Why market crashes are a normal part of long-term investing
The danger of trading, stock picking, and chasing hot sectors
What to do if you sold during a downturn
One more year syndrome and financial independence
Why retirement is really about autonomy
How FU money gives you options before full FI
Lessons on health, fitness, aging, and living boldly

Resources Mentioned:

The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins: https://amzn.to/4xuIdoN
The Simple Path to Wealth Workbook: https://amzn.to/4ov8qiI
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund / ETF: VTSAX / VTI
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF: VT
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF: VXUS
Quit Like a Millionaire by Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung: https://a.co/d/0j1g0k8a
Parent Like a Millionaire Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung: https://a.co/d/0d8BqdnC
Same as Ever by Morgan Housel: https://a.co/d/06pMELu2

Connect with JL Collins:

Web: https://jlcollinsnh.com/
X: https://x.com/JLCollinsNH

Get a FREE copy of my Money Guide: https://mwob.fitrichlife.com/

Full Show Notes w/ Links to resources: www.fitrichlife.com/podcast/

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