In this inspiring Solopreneur Life segment, Andy Hill sits down with Colin Graves—a former bank manager turned full-time freelance writer and editor. Colin shares how a toxic workplace pushed him to reevaluate his career and ultimately build a thriving solo business making over $150,000 per year.
Listeners will learn how Colin transitioned from a 9-to-5 job into solopreneurship, the steps he took to scale his business, and how he now enjoys a flexible lifestyle that prioritizes family, freedom, and fulfillment.
If you're a parent looking to escape the corporate grind and design a business on your own terms, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement.
EPISODE RESOURCES:
Sponsors + Partners + Deals
Colin Graves (website): https://colingraves.com
MKM RESOURCES:
MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today.
Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement.
Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free.
YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):
Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples
Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker
Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link
Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance
Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Life after corporate: Embracing flexibility
00:16 – Meet Colin Graves: From bank manager to solopreneur
01:40 – A toxic boss sparked the journey
03:22 – Starting with blogging and side hustles
05:20 – Defining a vision with his wife
06:30 – Turning freelance writing into a real business
08:45 – Putting in the hours and finding "comfortable torture"
10:18 – Landing multiple clients at FinCon
12:45 – Making the leap to full-time solopreneur
14:30 – Life after quitting the 9-to-5
16:30 – How freelance writers earn income
17:25 – Income breakdown: $150K/year as a solopreneur
18:20 – Time management and weekly hours
20:33 – Taking spontaneous family trips
22:00 – What new freelance writers can expect to earn
24:15 – Why $500/month from freelancing is powerful
26:07 – Favorite solopreneur tool: Wise
27:30 – Outsourcing help and using ChatGPT
30:27 – His biggest mistake: Getting too comfortable
32:50 – Life outside work: music, biking, and disc golf
34:23 – Rethinking retirement as a solopreneur
36:29 – How to connect with Colin and get coaching
HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:
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Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.
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CREDITS:
Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa
Editor: Johnny Sohl
Podcast Support: Nev Maraj
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