Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Not So Big Life Design: The Architecture of Wealth | Sarah Susanka | 220
Description
What if the smartest move on your road to FI isn't buying a bigger house, but shrinking the footprint, clearing the clutter, and finally designing a life that actually fits? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Susanka, the architect behind the bestselling "Not So Big House" movement. We talk about what happens when you stop building for appearances and start building for how you really live. Sarah shares how growing up in England, then landing in car-centric suburban Los Angeles made her question why Americans kept buying "hamburger bun but no hamburger" houses full of unused rooms.
This episode covers:
- Sarah Susanka's origin story and how suburbia pushed her toward architecture
- The difference between building bigger and building better
- Why unused rooms are the housing version of lifestyle bloat - How right-sizing a home parallels right-sizing a life
- The design power of light, ceiling height, flow, and multi-use space
- How small architectural moves can create huge changes in mood and function
- Why old thought patterns can clutter a life just like unused rooms clutter a house
- The connection between beauty, sustainability, and building things that last
- How Bill used Sarah's ideas in his own home design and life redesign
- Why intentional design matters even more for late starters making a reset spaces.
.
=== SUPPORT THE SHOW ===
🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website
☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"
🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question
.
===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===
F.I.R.E. For Dummies
Did you know that co-host Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP®, AFC® is also author of "F.I.R.E. For Dummies"? This is the perfect guide for anyone looking to move from the basics of their finances to reaching F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and enjoying the time freedom it creates. Even if you feel behind on your finances, the steps in this book will help you catch up sooner than you ever imagined.
- Learn from someone who actually achieved F.I.R.E. in her 40s even after getting a late start
- Covers everything from basics to advanced strategies in one guide
- Practical solutions for early retirement obstacles like health insurance and early withdrawal penalties
👉🏽 https://a.co/d/01umGgeh (currently 40% off on Amazon)
For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners
.
RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Not So Big Design Principles for House & Life with Sarah Susanka