Kristen Knapp grew up in poverty, hit a $0 net worth at 35, and thought she'd never retire. Now she's traveling the world part-time and leading group trips for the FI community. Her path didn't follow the typical script — no high-powered tech job, no frugal-from-birth origin story — just a relentless refusal to repeat her parents' financial struggles and a willingness to figure it out as she went. Kristen shares her journey from childhood poverty to part-time work as a television meteorologist, and introduces FI Friends Travel, a new initiative connecting financial independence enthusiasts through shared travel experiences. She offers practical insights on building thriving local FI communities, the confidence that comes from flexing your FI muscles, and how meaningful travel deepens relationships within the FI space. Timestamped Highlights [00:00:00] Introduction to Kristen and FI Friends Travel Overview of Kristen's story and her new travel venture. [00:02:17] Building Community through FI Kristen discusses the magic of gathering like-minded individuals and the importance of community within the FI space. [00:11:49] The Journey to Financial Independence Kristen shares her background growing up in poverty and her determination to break the cycle through education and financial literacy. [00:37:50] Flexibility and Financial Independence For the first time in her adult life, Kristen feels like she's finally flexing her FI muscles. Achieving financial independence allows for flexibility in work and life choices, and she shares her transition to part-time work and the confidence it brings. [00:41:39] Launch of FI Friends Travel Introduction to FI Friends Travel, its purpose, and how it connects FI community members through travel. [00:52:14] Travel Tips from FI Friends Travel Kristen offers practical travel tips learned from her experiences, emphasizing the importance of cash, logistics, and planning. Key Takeaways Community Is Vital Kristen highlights the importance of establishing and maintaining local FI groups. Consistency in scheduling events encourages participation and connection. Commit to a regular meeting schedule for your local FI group. [00:07:32] Travel Rewards and Experiences Traveling enhances personal growth and connections within the FI community. Kristen encourages listeners to seek and share meaningful travel experiences. Engage with the FI community and explore travel opportunities with like-minded individuals. [00:42:04] Educate and Inspire Kristen emphasizes the importance of educating younger generations on financial literacy and personal finance to foster better financial habits. Share insights on saving and investing with your peers and younger coworkers. [00:25:29] Key Quotes "There's magic when you get five people together—everyone becomes friends instantly." [00:03:13] "For the first time in my adult life, I feel like I'm finally flexing my FI muscles." [00:37:50] "Breaking new ground shows that possibilities are endless!" [00:40:41] Related Resources FI Friends Travel: https://fifriendstravel.com/ - Explore travel opportunities tailored for the FI community. [00:55:19] --- Episode page: https://choosefi.com/yt/37/554 Top Recommended Cards: https://choosefi.com/yt/37/AdsV6Rt Join our free community: https://choosefi.com/yt/37/mtcpJLR New to ChooseFI? Start here: https://choosefi.com/yt/37/mAIW9xP Web: https://www.choosefi.com Podcast: https://www.choosefi.com/listen