ChooseFI
691 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4.8K ratingsHow would your life change if you reached Financial Independence and got to the point where working is optional? What actions can you take today to make that not just possible but probable. Jonathan & Brad explore the tactics that the FI community uses to reclaim decades of their lives. They discuss reducing expenses, crushing debt, tax optimization, building passive income streams through online businesses and real estate and how to travel the world for free. Every episode is packed with actionable tips and no topic is too big or small as long as it speeds up the process of reaching financial independence.
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Episodes
100 | Welcome to the FI community
November 05, 2018 06:00 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MB100 | Brad and Jonathan look back at the ChooseFI’s growth during the past 100 episodes and hit the highlights of financial independence for new community members and recap their own financial independence journeys. Jonathan considers himself a reluctant frugalist, but the idea of not having to work won him over. Brad and his wife were natural savers, but chose to move from Long Island, NY, so that they could save more and work toward financial independence. If you want to take back...
099R | Market Fluctuations | Stick to Your Plan
November 02, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.1 MB099R | Brad and Jonathan review Monday’s episode about generous giving and resource stewardship, then catch up on voicemails and updates from the community about dental school, fall activity ideas, and the recent dip in the stock market. Jonathan recaps his recent family vacation and travel to FI Chautauqua Greece. Chautauqua was most importantly about community. Jonathan saved nearly $1,200 on a bill for his son’s broken leg just by asking for an adjusted cash-pay price. The Pl...
099 | Generous Giving on the Path to FI | Michael Peterson
October 29, 2018 05:00 - 57 minutes - 40.1 MB099 | Michael Peterson, owner of a bacon-themed concession stand in California, talks about downsizing his family expenses, spending 8 months of the year managing a non-profit in El Salvador, and why generous giving is important to him. For more information, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/099 ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosef...
098R | A Cautionary Tale in HyperDebt
October 26, 2018 05:00 - 57 minutes - 40.3 MB098R | An exciting conversation with Jared about his path to FI as a traveling physical therapist and his current 5-month trip abroad, as well as a voicemail about healthcare planning and a review of Monday’s episode. For more information, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/098R
098 | HyperDebt | The Debtist
October 22, 2018 05:00 - 55 minutes - 38.7 MB098 | Samantha Keith, author of The Debtist blog, explains what it means to have more than half a million dollars of student debt, and how she plans to pay it off in less than 10 years. For more information, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/098
097R | The Good Dad Project
October 19, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 45 MB097R | A conversation with Larry Hagner from The Good Dad Project updating Brad on the recent financial changes he’s made in pursuit of more financial independence and his family’s budgeting strategies, as well as highlight’s from Monday’s episode from The White Coat Investor. For more information, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/097R
097 | The White Coat Investor | Origin Story
October 15, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 46.1 MB097 | Dr. James Dahle, founder of The White Coat Investor, talks about getting his start as a doctor and a blogger, setting up inheritance funds for his children, thinking through his investing strategies, and the motivation that keeps him working on the White Coat Investor. For more information, visit the show notes at https://choosefi.com/097
096R | The Money Matriarch of the World & the Godfather of FI | Suze Orman & JLCollinsNH
October 12, 2018 04:30 - 57 minutes - 40.3 MB096R | An in-depth conversation with JL Collins about a recent controversial interview given by Suze Orman, and clarification of what concepts are truly at the heart of the financial independence movement. Frugal wins of the week from Brad & Jonathan: garbage pickup and cell phone batteries. What questions did Dominick Q, from Monday’s episode, ask that were most impactful for Jonathan? Jonathan explains how he uses a planner at night to set himself up for success the next day. Wha...
096 | Drift | Dominick Quartuccio
October 08, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 53.2 MB096 | Dominick Quartuccio defines life ‘drift’, advises Brad & Jonathan on how to take inventory of their habits, and evaluates the role technology plays in helping or hindering progress toward our goals. For more information, visit the show notes at https://choosefi.com/096
095R | Call to Action
October 05, 2018 05:00 - 46 minutes - 32.5 MB095R | Brad and Jonathan get an update about the “Playing with FIRE” documentary, they recap FinCon 2018, and review feedback from the community about Monday’s episode with the Military Dollar. For more information on this episode, visit the show notes at choosefi.com/095r ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page...
095 | A Military Path to FI | Military Dollar
October 01, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MB095 | The author of the Military Dollar joins Brad and Jonathan to discuss the various ways that service members can optimize their finances and choose financial independence, including retirement plans, financial planning, health care benefits and the GI Bill. Working in the military can set someone up to retire after 20 years with a pension and the ability to pursue whatever interests them. Why do many young members of the military actually have financial problems? Has Military Do...
094R | Transitioning to Entrepreneurship | A Case Study in Estimated Taxes
September 28, 2018 05:00 - 53 minutes - 37.5 MB094R | The logistics of estimating and paying taxes as an entrepreneur, Brad’s frugal win of the week, and emails from the ChooseFI community. Brad and Jonathan are at FinCon in Orlando, Fl. Brad describes his family’s frugal win of the week at Old Navy. Review of the tax implications of winning a non-cash prize. How do some entrepreneurs put themselves in a position to fail because of taxes? Case study: how to make estimated tax payments as a new entrepreneur. Brad wants to pay t...
094 | Solo 401K vs SEP with Waffles on Wednesday
September 24, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 52 MB094 | Mr. and Mrs. Waffles on Wednesday (WoW) talk about winning on a TV game show, starting their own business, learning the tax code to maximize 401K contributions, and volunteering internationally. How did Ray win on the Price is Right, and what did he win? What were the tax implications of his winning? How was Ray’s experience at the IRS building in Los Angeles? Why did Jonathan receive a tax penalty last year, and how did he respond? How did Mr. and Mrs. Waffles on Wednesday de...
093R | Other Mountains to Climb | With Joe Saul-Sehy from Stacking Benjamins
September 21, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 48.3 MB093R | Brad, Jonathan and Joe Saul-Sehy, from Stacking Benjamins, talk about what is rewarding to your soul, give feedback to a ChooseFI community member who’s considering selling his business, and recap Harry, the Ride Share Guy’s strategies for become the center of a niche. Hurricane Florence’s path didn’t go near Brad and Jonathan, but there were tornadoes. FU money is better than FI money. Meet up in Florida during the week of FinCon 2018. How did Harry (from Monday’s episode)...
093 | Look at the Problem Differently | The RideShare Guy
September 17, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 49.7 MB093 | Harry Campbell, The Rideshare Guy, talks about what it takes to be a successful Lyft and Uber driver, the strategies he used to start his blog, and how he transitioned from aerospace engineering to full-time blogging. For more information, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/093 ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes ...
092R | It's not the Idea, it's the Process
September 14, 2018 05:00 - 52 minutes - 36.9 MB092R | Plans for ChooseFI to support education, the value of a life resume, travel rewards tips for active duty military, and hurricane preparation. For more information, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/092R
092 | Will Boland | CarLotz and Entrepreneur Case Study
September 10, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 50.8 MB092 | CarLotz co-founder Will Boland talks about making the leap from investment banking to entrepreneurship, the challenges and benefits of leading a growing company, and what it means to build a life resume. How did Will become an entrepreneur? What was the inspiration for CarLotz? What experience during his work in investment banking gave Will the motivation to become an owner/manager? Will is 2nd generation FI. What did his journey look like? How did Will present and convince hi...
091R | Real Estate Inside an IRA
September 07, 2018 05:00 - 59 minutes - 41.9 MB091R | An overview of how to own a house with an IRA, Jonathan attempts to optimize his recipes and shopping list, a list of the top 5 ChooseFI episodes and a travel rewards win. ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved ...
091 | Rich Carey Real Estate | Building a Rental Real Estate Snowball Machine without Debt
September 03, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 54.2 MB091 | Rich Carey, officer in the U.S. Air Force, talks about learning to live frugally, buying his first townhouse, and building his real estate empire from one to 20 houses in Montgomery, AL. ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you...
090R | Longest Vacation Ever
August 31, 2018 05:00 - 51 minutes - 36.2 MB090R | Brad gets back from vacation, Jonathan talks about bringing vegetarianism into his diet, and voicemails from the community highlighting CLEP tests and a 401k win. Brad is back from a month-long vacation in the U.K. Is this Brad’s first experience with “slow travel”? Where will Brad’s family go next? If you can optimize small things, they add up. Brad joined a ChooseFI meet up in London, with Barney from The Escape Artist and Ken from The Humble Penny. Is there a more effici...
090 | Vegan Path to FI
August 27, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 50.8 MB090 | James and Steven pull back the curtain on veganism, talking about the health, lifestyle and financial benefits of veganism, alongside the practical details of how to actually make it work. ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if y...
089R | Let Me Check With My Accountant
August 24, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 44 MB089R | An introduction to the Family Bank and what ChooseFI’s accountant-on-call thinks about it, as well as how to navigate rental car insurance, and what soft skills are crucial to a career in retail? ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commiss...
089 | Retail Path to FI with College Investor
August 20, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MB089 | Robert, from The College Investor, talks about his lucrative job as a Target store manager, building his blog into a highly profitable side hustle, his relationship with frugality, and the keys to success in a retail interview. For more information, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/089
088R | What Have You Built?
August 17, 2018 05:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB088R | Cities that are the best for pursuing financial independence, how to hack your career, ideas for building a side hustle and how to assess the return on your college investment. For more information, including resources, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/088R ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our...
088 | Career Hacking the Tech Industry | Millennial Boss
August 13, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MB088 | Millennial Boss and FIRE Drill podcaster, J talks about becoming a creator, career hacking, and salary negotiation, alongside of pursuing FI, side hustles, and a growing podcast. ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this pag...
087R | Autonomy Mastery Purpose
August 10, 2018 05:00 - 48 minutes - 34.3 MB087R | How to teach children lessons that set them up for success, discussion about using duel-enrollment and university co-ops to optimize college, and a strategy for cash flow balance transferring. For more information, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/087R
087 | Education Through Innovation | Don Wettrick
August 06, 2018 05:00 - 56 minutes - 39.2 MB087 | Don Wettrick, CEO and co-founder of StartEdUp Innovation program, and a current high school teach, talks about the cultivating innovation and creativity in the classroom, harnessing a learner’s internal motivation, and giving students opportunities to solve problems they’re passionate about. Why and how did Don create an Innovation course at his school, and ultimately the StartEdUp Innovation program? What was challenging about getting his students involved during the early stag...
086R | Pretirement | Roger Whitney
August 03, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MB086R | A live-recorded conversation with Roger Whitney, the Retirement Answer Man, from Podcast Movement, questions for a potential accountant, and takeaways from Monday’s live case study with Allison Goddard. Brad is departing for a month-long family vacation to the U.K. What is “global entry” and how/why did Brad get it before his trip? Jonathan had a chance to meet up with Allison., from Episode 86. If money was no longer an option, what would change for Brad and Jonathan? Br...
086 | A Live Case Study with Physician on FIRE and Allison Goddard
July 30, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 52.3 MB086 | Allison Goddard, a dermatologist from Chattanooga, Tenn., chats with ChooseFI and Physician on FIRE to review her journey through medical school and receive advice to clarify the next steps in her path toward financial independence. ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards ...
085R | Sidehustle Coaching Series Part 3 | Learn to Pitch and Lean into the Uncomfortable Pause
July 27, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MB085R | Catch up with Alan and Tallis as they zero in on the key elements of a successful pitch, and the importance of uncomfortable silence, as well as a home improvement update from Jonathan and review of Monday’s episode with author M.K. Williams. What you'll hear in this episode: Jonathan reports a wallpaper challenge/ DIY fail in his kitchen. Recommendation: use drywall mud to fix blemishes in drywall after removing wall paper. What home-improvement projects are worth hiring out? ...
085 | From Passion to Profit | M.K. Williams
July 23, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 46.8 MB085 | Science-fiction author M.K. Williams talks about her journey toward financial independence, the decisions she’s made along the way, and self-publishing her first three novels. For more information, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/085 ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel...
084R | Mindset of FI
July 20, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.1 MB084R | The essential steps to a FI mindset, travel rewards updates from Brad, voicemails from the community, and highlights from Monday’s episode with Jillian with Montana Money Matters. —————— Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you are ap...
084 | Montana Money Adventures
July 16, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 51 MB084 | Jillian, from Montana Money Adventures, talks about simplifying her life while raising five children, valuing grit and resilience, taking risk, and the value of financial independence. What you'll hear in today's episode: What does Jillian mean by “big family minimalism”, and why did she consider it a survival tool? How did Jillian decide to adopt several children? What role do grit resilience play in her story, and how does that play out in her life? How does Jillian manage t...
083R | The Hobby Checkbox
July 13, 2018 05:00 - 54 minutes - 38.1 MB083R | A checklist to optimize your hobbies, a highlight on the San Diego local group, and messages from the ChooseFI community: All of this while we recap Monday's episode with Cody Berman. For more information, visit the show notes at https://ChooseFI.com/083R
083 | A Second Generation FI Case Study | Cody Berman
July 09, 2018 05:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MB083 | 22-year-old recent college graduate and second generation FI, Cody Berman, talks about embracing frugality, saving and investing in his youth, optimizing a path through college, and getting his Disc Golf business off the ground. ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards ...
082R | The Paradox of Choice
July 06, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 45 MB082R | Discussion of Brad and Jonathan’s purchasing habits, messages from the ChooseFI community, benefits and drawbacks of roboadviors, and a summary of capital gains harvesting. Jonathan gives a review of some travel hacks on a recent trip to Chattanooga, TN. Capital One Venture Card allows users to redeem miles for nearly any travel cost. PSA: bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate if you’re traveling. Review of Monday’s episode with Dani and Laura, Jonathan and Brad’s wife...
082 | A Wife's Perspective | Laura Barrett and Dani Mendonsa
July 02, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 49.2 MB082 | Brad and Jonathan’s wives, Laura and Dani (respectively), talk about their introduction to FI, combining finances, budgeting with children, and maintaining balance. How did Dani and Laura approach saving before meeting Jonathan? How did Laura’s parents change careers to improve their financial status? How was growing up in Zimbabwe different from a typical American upbringing? What did saving money mean to Dani when she started working? How did Dani respond to Jonathan’s initi...
081R | The Fear of Letting Go
June 29, 2018 05:00 - 58 minutes - 40.7 MB081R | Strategies for decluttering and living with less (reflecting on Cait Flander's interview with us on Monday), life hacks from the community, and a winner for the free ticket to CampFI in Joshua Tree! The ChooseFI community is growing and gaining national attention. How This Couple Saved $1 Million in 11 Years and Became Financially Independent Before 40 Nine Money Podcasts You Should Be Listening To Local Groups are really effective in some parts of the ChooseFI community. Jon...
081 | The Year of Less | Cait Flanders
June 25, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MB081 | Cait Flanders, author of “The Year of Less”, talks about building $30k of consumer debt, challenging herself to go two years without shopping, and learning how to be comfortable in her own skin without the distractions of consumerism. For more information, visit the show notes at http://ChooseFI.com/081
080R | A Case for Survivor Compost and 2nd Generation FI.output
June 22, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MB080R | Conversation about teaching your children to save and invest, healthcare options, and an argument in favor of home gardening and composting. Brad contemplates applying for “Survivor”. Review of Monday’s episode with Khai from AlabaMalaysia. How does Jonathan use the idea of “anchoring” in his own life: setting big goals so that even if he misses, good things still happen? Brad and Jonathan talk about how they would set little, achievable goals, to reach a larger, long-term goal...
080 | FI is an Amazing Race | AlabaMalaysia
June 18, 2018 05:00 - 55 minutes - 38.7 MB080 | Khai Shing, a former contestant on The Amazing Race, and blogger at ALABA+MA+LAYSIA, talks about balancing her pursuit of FI while finding ways to travel, worldwide, at discount prices. Did Khai start with global travel, or with The Amazing Race? Took about 3 months from applying to The Amazing Race with her twin brother, to being selected for the show - traveling all over China. Khai grew up in Malaysia, and plans to return there for retirement, once she achieves FI. How did Kh...
079R | Personal Brand
June 15, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MB079R | Highlights of Monday’s episode with Tim & Amy Rutherford, discussion about healthcare, additional podcast recommendations, and voicemails from the ChooseFI community. For more information, visit the show notes at http://ChooseFI.com/079R
079 | Embracing Retirement | Amy and Tim Rutherford
June 11, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 42 MB079 | Tim & Amy Rutherford talk about early retirement, living with lower expenses and a busier schedule of fun, free activities, and what life changes they made to get there. How did Amy and Tim meet and what were their spending habits at the time? What did “frugal” look like for Amy and Tim initially? With enough money in the bank, cutting their spending gave them an opportunity to retire almost as soon as they became aware of financial independence. Managing spending is equally a...
078R | College Hacking Toolbox
June 08, 2018 05:00 - 59 minutes - 41.8 MB078R | Lots going on in this episode with a recap of Episode 78 with Travis Hornsby about Student Loan Debt Repayment Options. But also, Brad sold his house and Jonathan has become a “rockstar” at selling things on Craigslist. For more information, visit the show notes at http://ChooseFI.com/078R
078 | Student Loan Debt Repayment | Travis Hornsby
June 04, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 50 MB078 | Travis Hornsby, founder of StudentLoanPlanner.com, talks early retirement, traveling Europe, and developing a passion for helping people crawl out of student loan debt. What you'll hear on today's show: Why did Travis attempt retirement at 25? If you’re unhappy before reaching FI, will you be happy afterward? Where did Travis’ frugal tendencies come from? How did Travis get paid to go to college? Do many universities offer full scholarships, and where should students find th...
77R | Side Hustle Coaching Series Part 2 | Alan & Tallis
June 01, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 56.5 MB077R | An second part to the conversation between ChooseFi community member Tallis, who teaches dance classes in retirement facilities, and Pop-Up Business School founder Alan Donegan, to help get Tallis’ side hustle off the ground. Precursors to this episode: Episode 30 and Episode 56. Tallis gives an update on her side hustle to-do list. Client feedback: the questions you ask impact the results you’ll get. What is the best way to sell Tallis’ dance classes to the retirement faciliti...
077 | Advanced Travel Rewards From 3rd Generation FI | Marla Taner
May 28, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MB077 | Experienced travel hacker and world traveler Marla Taner shares story of reaching financial independence, and her best tips for getting to Hawaii, Costa Rica and the Caribbean with minimal expenses, using credit cards points and air miles. ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit c...
076R | Race or Journey?
May 25, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MB076R | Brad and Jonathan brainstorm ways to implement local adventure into their own lives and the lives of the ChooseFI community. Also, achat about high school reunions, local libraries, and a few clarifications about 401k contributions. Jonathan's 26-year-old sister just hit an 85% savings rate. Living at home can be super helpful to the recent college graduate, or young person entering the workforce. Getting to $100k net worth is the hardest part: after that, compounded interest sta...
076 | Planned Spontaneity | Mrs Adventure Rich
May 21, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MB076 | Mrs. Adventure Rich talks about making the choice to live an adventurous life, her family’s pursuit of financial independence, and finding a balance between maximizing financial opportunities and living a happy, fulfilling, high quality of life. ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! 🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel cr...
075R | Mainstream Adoption
May 18, 2018 05:00 - 50 minutes - 35.2 MB075R | “Personal finance is becoming financial independence.” Financial independence doesn’t necessarily mean retiring early; it means allocating your resources in the way you see fit. This is just a taste of what we discuss in this recap from Monday's interview with Brian Feroldi from The Motley Fool. Jonathan talks about blowing his budget on breakfast at the cold bar in Wegman’s, while Brad thinks that grocery shopping at Wegman’s is the same cost as Walmart. Brad talks about meeting...