Coast FIRE w/ $730k by 36 | Marko Zlatic of Whiteboard Finance (BEST OF MKM)

Coast FIRE w/ $730k by 36 | Marko Zlatic of Whiteboard Finance (BEST OF MKM)

Author: Andy Hill December 3, 2025 Duration: 22:58
Have you ever wondered what would change in your life if you finally reached the point where your investments could grow on autopilot even if you stopped contributing? What kind of freedom would that give your family? And what possibilities might open up if you did not have to hustle at 110 percent forever? In today’s episode, Marko Zlatic from Whiteboard Finance shares how he and his wife reached Coast FIRE in their mid-thirties with over $730,000 invested. Marco breaks down the exact moves that got them there, from early investing habits to their simple index fund strategy to building a life that blends ambition with balance. He also opens up about parenting, marriage, culture, and why he believes Coast Fire is the most realistic financial independence path for families. This Best of MKM episode earned more than 40,000 YouTube views when it first aired, and for good reason. It is transparent, motivating, and packed with actionable takeaways for anyone aiming to build wealth while still enjoying life today. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:35 Meet Marko Zlatic of Whiteboard Finance 2:09 Coast Fire Five 3:30 Retirement projections 3:58 Current expenses 4:15 How Marko started investing 5:11 When he shifted to index funds 6:20 Money dynamics in marriage 7:52 What is inside Marko’s portfolio 8:31 Pre tax, taxable and Roth strategy 9:42 529s and kids plans 11:35 His take on bonds 12:45 How Coast Fire changed his mindset 14:03 Why Coast Fire is perfect for parents 15:51 Balancing FIRE with living well 17:37 What excites Marko about the next 15 years 19:20 A life philosophy rooted in purpose 20:25 Where to find Marko online RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Net Worth with Empowerhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/empower Whiteboard Finance YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/whiteboardfinance Whiteboard Finance Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/whiteboardfinance HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Hill brings a refreshingly honest and practical voice to the often stressful conversation about money within a family. In Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families, Andy, an award-winning Family Finance Coach, moves beyond generic budgeting advice to tackle the real financial questions that parents and couples face every day. This isn't just about spreadsheets and interest rates; it's about aligning your finances with the life you actually want to live. You'll hear specific strategies for paying off debt, saving for college, investing for the future, and having those crucial money talks with your partner. The goal is to transform financial anxiety into purposeful action, creating not just stability but genuine freedom. Each episode of the podcast feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who understands that financial decisions are deeply personal and intertwined with family goals. Whether you're just starting out or well on your journey, the discussions here provide a roadmap for building security today and considering the legacy you might leave tomorrow. Tune in for relatable stories, actionable tips, and the encouragement needed to make meaningful progress with your money, all with your family's unique vision at the center.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families
Podcast Episodes
Investing Hacks That Save Thousands on Taxes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:42
Paying taxes is a reality of life. Let's just not overpay them! In this episode, I share how we're investing with tax efficiency in mind. Second, we’re back with our Coast FIRE Family segment. This month, we're featuring…
Millionaire Index Fund Investing Portfolios | Paul Merriman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:52
We all know investing in the stock market is a smart idea. When it comes to what to invest in, that's where the questions start to come up. Author and Financial Educator Paul Merriman shares how we can use index funds to…
How to Create a Money Date with Your Spouse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:10
The Money Date is the glue that holds your marriage and money life together! I share 10 steps to get your Money Date started today. Second, we’re back with our Net Worth Win segment. This month, we’re featuring Joshua We…
Recasting vs. Refinancing: Which Mortgage Option is Better? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:34
There are benefits to both recasting and refinancing a mortgage. Like all things in personal finance, the best option depends on your personal situation. To help you get a better handle on recasting vs. refinancing, list…
Federal Reserve Cut Interest Rates: Why Should I Care? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:30
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in 4 years. What does this big decision mean for families? Meghan Rabuse, the Family Finance Mom, joins the show again to help us answer this big question. Also,…
How to Invest Like a Stoic | Darius Foroux [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:24
Stoicism is all about living in the present. Not worrying about what may come or what you don't have. Author Darius Foroux is on a mission to show us how to invest, the stoic way. In today's episode, he shares the stoic…
Best Jobs for Teens Looking for Extra Money [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:43
My daughter will be a teenager soon! To help her (and your teens too) find their next gig, we put together our list of the top 10 best jobs for teens. Second, we’re back with our Fintech Spotlight segment. This month, we…
18 Summers and How to Make the Most of Them | Jim Sheils (BEST OF MKM) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:47
As parents, we only have 18 summers with our kids. After that, they are off to live their adult lives. These 18 summers are precious. In today’s “Best of Marriage Kids And Money” episode from 2019, Jim Sheils, Author and…