Reaching FIWOOT with Dividends - Mark from My Own Advisor

We’re joined by Mark from My Own Advisor, who has been investing since his twenties and is now preparing for semi-retirement through a lifestyle he calls FIWOOT: Financial Independence, Work On Own Terms.

We discuss saving, investing, building a flexible life, and how a hybrid investing strategy can provide both income and growth.

Get ready for inspiration, strategy, and practical advice!

You’ll Learn

The Power of Paying Yourself First
Mark’s journey began with The Wealthy Barber, a classic personal finance book. He credits its message—pay yourself first—as the foundation of his financial independence.

His best tips include automating savings and treating your future self like a bill to be paid. Even small, consistent contributions can lead to significant results over time.

A Hybrid Investing Strategy
Mark uses a blend of dividend-paying stocks and low-cost ETFs.

His approach gives him the stability of dividends and the growth potential of broader markets. ETFs are used primarily for long-term growth and international diversification, while hand-picked Canadian stocks provide dependable income.

What Makes a Stock Worthy of His Portfolio
To earn a spot in his portfolio, a stock must show:

A competitive advantage (a “moat“)
Strong earnings growth
Modest payout ratios
High free cash flow
Meaningful dividend growth

Mark doesn’t chase yield but prefers reliable, growing companies—especially in Canada, where he prefers to unbundle ETFs and choose stocks directly.

Avoiding Duplication in a Portfolio
Mark is careful not to duplicate holdings between his ETFs and individual stocks.

He has reduced overlap by limiting U.S. individual stocks to global ETFs, creating a streamlined portfolio without redundancy.

Embracing the FIWOOT Lifestyle
Rather than fully retire, Mark is transitioning to Financial Independence, Work On Own Terms.

His plan is to work part-time doing meaningful projects (like writing, podcasting, consulting, and maybe even working at a golf course!) while enjoying more flexibility and time outdoors.

For Mark, FIWOOT is about life-work balance, not just early retirement.

Who FIWOOT Is For
According to Mark, people best suited for FIWOOT are:

Self-motivated
Financially literate
Comfortable with a DIY mindset or entrepreneurial spirit.
He also emphasizes the value of shared goals—Mark and his wife are pursuing this lifestyle together.

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