Introducing The 'Wouldn't It Be Cool If' Series Episode Summary: 2025 marks the start of an exciting new era for ChooseFI ! In this episode, hosts Jonathan and Brad dive into the journey to financial independence—what it means, how to define your FI number , and why taking control of your finances is crucial. Plus, we’re evolving! This year, we’re harnessing the power of community to crowdsource the best personal finance strategies— with your help . Tune in and be part of the movement shaping th...
Feb 03, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Explore the latest insights on the stock market performance and investment strategies with friend of the show and frequent guest Brian Feroldi. This episode dives deep into the trends that shaped 2024 and what to expect in 2025, discussing everything from the significance of the S&P 500 to long-term investing principles and the impact of emerging technologies on market growth. Key Topics Discussed: 00:00:44 Review of 2024 Market Performance S&P 500 Gains: The S&P 500 saw a 25% increase in 2024, ...
Jan 27, 2025•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chris Terrell shares his personal journey with electric vehicles (EVs) and discusses the financial implications of owning one. Highlighting key incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act and the benefits of home charging, the conversation delves into the affordability, practicality, and simplicity of EV ownership, providing insights for financial independence enthusiasts contemplating the switch to electric. Chapters 00:01:08 Introduction Host Brad and guest Chris Terrell discuss the transition...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Laura's shares how she transitioned from a high-stress academic career to retirement. Discover the challenges of job identity, financial planning discussions with family, and the mental preparations for life after work. Laura’s career as an associate professor in genetics involved heavy grant writing and significant stress, particularly as a parent. The pandemic and her husband's early retirement influenced her decision to consider early retirement. Conversations about financial independence oft...
Jan 13, 2025•55 min•Ep 529•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of ChooseFI, co-host Brad sits down with Jordan Grumet, author of The Purpose Code , to discuss the crucial differences between "big P" purpose and "little p" purpose. They explore how identifying small, meaningful activities can bring joy and fulfillment to life. Jordan elaborates on turning regrets and childhood joys into "purpose anchors" and emphasizes actionable strategies to create a life filled with purpose through clarity, agency, and incremental changes. Key Topics Discu...
Jan 06, 2025•49 min•Ep 528•Transcript available on Metacast Join Brad, Jen, and Jill as they navigate the intricate balance between frugality and financial independence. Explore creative alternatives for spending less, and the importance of aligning your finances with your core values. Key Topics Discussed Introduction to Frugality (00:00:00) Overview of the tension between overspending and frugality. Importance of values in financial decisions. The Extremes of Spending (00:02:00) The trend of swinging between extremes in spending and income earning. Fin...
Dec 30, 2024•58 min•Ep 527•Transcript available on Metacast Our Favorite episode of the year, listeners share their remarkable financial wins and transformations throughout the year. These stories highlight the power of financial independence (FI) and showcase actionable steps taken by individuals and families on their journeys. Timestamped Key Topics: 00:00:25 Celebration of Listener Wins Jonathan and Brad express excitement about sharing audience achievements over the year. 00:02:44 Defining Financial Independence (FI) FI is described as a deliberate j...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Brad shares insights from his life-changing trip to Asia and how it reshaped his perspectives on connection and gratitude. He highlights the importance of direct human interactions and how travel exposes the beauty of our shared humanity. Ginger emphasizes the value of taking risks to build relationships and the significance of continuous learning. Additionally, they discuss the upcoming changes at ChooseFI, including the ability to interact with experts and community engagement through question...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep 525•Transcript available on Metacast Join Brad Barrett and a panel of community members as they explore the transformative experiences at the FI Freedom Retreat . This episode dives into the importance of community connection, personal growth, and designing a balanced life centered around financial independence. Highlighted stories emphasize overcoming fears, embracing sabbaticals, and discovering that the journey to financial independence involves much more than numbers. Key Takeaways: Importance of Community: Financial independen...
Dec 09, 2024•51 min•Ep 524•Transcript available on Metacast Katie Donegan shares her shift in perspective on the journey towards financial independence (FI), revealing the struggles she faced as a resistant partner and her eventual embrace of the FI lifestyle. She touches on the significance of personal development, overcoming internal blocks, the impact of comparison, and perfectionism on happiness. The conversation explores maintaining balance between work and leisure while finding purpose and practical advice for navigating financial independence. Key...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 523•Transcript available on Metacast Kyle and Jamie Holmson paid off an astounding $123,000 in medical student loans in just three years—all while balancing a waitress’s salary and a resident’s income. Their journey highlights the importance of adopting simple, practical financial strategies while prioritizing essential relationships, health, and enjoyable experiences. Debt Repayment Journey 00:01:45 Paid off $123,000 in medical student loans in just three years! Kyle and Jamie’s strategy included living below their means and aggre...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 522•Transcript available on Metacast Answering Listener Questions on asset allocation, retirement strategies, and the intricacies of real estate investing. With Brad Barrett and Rachael Camp. Whether you are pondering upon the backdoor Roth IRA strategy or seeking clarity on managing funds without a 401k, this episode is for you! Public Service Announcement : Importance of filing the Beneficial Ownership Information form for legal entities by December 31st 00:01:21 . Mailbag Questions : How to Invest Without a 401k : Options includ...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 521•Transcript available on Metacast Justin David Carl shares his remarkable journey from being $80,000 in debt and working in Hollywood nightlife to achieving financial independence and impressive fitness goals. He discusses key principles that guided his transformation, including the importance of environment, community, accountability, tracking metrics, and embracing a growth mindset. Key Topics and Takeaways 00:02:44 Justin's Awakening Moment Discovering financial independence through Mr. Money Mustache and ChooseFI. Justin sha...
Nov 11, 2024•59 min•Ep 520•Transcript available on Metacast TJ shares his financial journey and experience reaching financial independence, focusing on intentional savings and the joy of family life. Early influences and educational backgrounds shaped his approach to finance, leading to a strategic path that included tracking net worth and undertaking regular financial meetings with his wife. The episode dives into the challenges they faced, especially when dealing with unexpected medical circumstances and highlights the delicate balance between enjoying...
Nov 04, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode Summary Clint Murphy returns to ChooseFI, sharing his transformative journey labeled "FI and Choose," emphasizing the importance of choosing a lifestyle that values personal growth and meaningful connections. The hosts discuss their experiences at financial independence events, highlighting how these gatherings foster deep conversations that extend beyond finances. They explore the contrast between accumulating wealth and Pursuing a simpler, more intentional life filled with enriching ex...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 518•Transcript available on Metacast Maximize Your Wealth: Understanding Capital Gains Tax Strategies | With Cody Garrett This episode dives into the strategy of capital gains harvesting , explaining how it can help individuals minimize taxes on investments and potentially realize tax-free income. We break down how this approach fits into financial independence planning, including key comparisons between capital gains and ordinary income, real-life scenarios, and important health insurance considerations for early retirement. What ...
Oct 21, 2024•51 min•Ep 517•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: building muscle for health, sacropenia, consistency and proper form, routines, and recovery. This episode is a deep dive into muscle-building strategies, with actionable advice for beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts alike. Brad and Dean Turner share practical tips on workout programming, nutrition, and recovery, making it a perfect masterclass for anyone looking to improve their health and strength. Dean Turner: Website: deanturnertraining.com Twitter: @DeanTTraining ...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep 516•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: social engineering, pig butchering, cryptocurrency risks, scammer tactics, and avoiding being a victim. This week Brad speaks with cyber security expert Tom who will be giving some updates on the landscape of cybersecurity, what targeted scams look like, as well as some actionable steps you can take to avoid these scams. Though it may seem that cybersecurity attacks are ever-evolving and may be harder and harder to avoid, there are ways to make yourself less vulnerable to attack...
Oct 11, 2024•37 min•Ep 515•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: simplifying your financial life, Jeremy’s journey, dividend versus reinvesting, and automation. This week we are joined by Jeremy Schneider of Personal Finance Club and co-founder of Nectarine, where we will be discussing the beginnings of his personal investment journey and what that looks like now, striving for simplicity while adding value to your life, as well as discuss the ins and outs of his platform Nectarine. Part of the journey to FI is about finding hacks and ways to ...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 514•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: getting started early with FI, the 4% rule, retirement accounts, real estate, and safe withdrawal rates. This episode is packed with actionable information that can help with maximizing your financial future, from house hacking to Roth conversions, and strategies for living off your investments. Brad and Rachael dive into real-world listener questions to help you navigate your FI journey with confidence. Rachael Camp offers advisory Services through Creative Financial Designs, I...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep 513•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: downsizing, coastFI, redefining your goals, overcoming material attachments, and building community. This week Ginger is joined by community member Anne, to discuss her process of downsizing and navigating the physical and emotional attachments we associate with objects, places and people. Additionally, the pair discuss the importance of taking mini-retirements, cultivating gratitude, as well as share some podcasts and books that have helped them on their journey. We often say F...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 512•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: doing the hard things, travel rewards, the gap and the gain, health and wellness, and real estate. This week we are back with another listener Mail Bag featuring Ginger. Listen along as we cover a range of topics from recents trips we’ve taken, facing and overcoming challenges, The Gap and the Gain, taxes in retirement and a realistic outlook on how much you’ll be paying, the rule of 72, as well as shout out some of your FI wins! So much to cover and much more to learn in this w...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr•Ep 511•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: the lock in effect, renting vs buying, househacking in 2024, interest rate, and real estate investment. In this episode, Scott Trench of BiggerPockets shares invaluable insights into the 2024 real estate market, breaking down everything from housing supply to interest rates, syndications, and investment strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just curious about real estate, this episode provides a window into the current state of real estate investing the FI way! 🔑 Ke...
Sep 16, 2024•55 min•Ep 510•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: surpriseFI, minimalism, frugality, emotional and psychological aspects of FI, and alternative lifestyles. We often get a lot of great ideas and questions from the FI community, and what better way to answer some as well as inspire than bring in one of our own to discuss their journey! In this special Friday episode, Ginger is joined by member of the FI community, Kim, to discuss how she found herself on her “surpriseFI” journey. Together, the pair talks about balancing frugality...
Sep 13, 2024•43 min•Ep 509•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: 5% safe withdrawal rate, the three stories, psychology and personal finance, and community. In this insightful episode of the ChooseFI Podcast, Brad chats with Frank Vasquez, a well-known figure in the financial independence community and the voice behind Risk Parity Radio. They delve into Frank’s journey from a career in law to becoming a personal finance expert, and explore topics like the 5% safe withdrawal rate, revealed preferences, and Frank’s three defining life stories. ...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 508•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: overcoming fears, the importance of community, community wins, reaching FI goals, and ripple effects. This week Brad is re-joined by Ginger for another installment of the round-up, where we will be discussing topics such as new 529 plans, the importance of making connections within your community, and actionable steps for overcoming anxieties while on your FI journey! Additionally, it wouldn’t be a round-up episode without as well as shouting out some frugal wins from our wonder...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 507•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: entrepreneurship, side hustles, overcoming fear, community, sharing and maintaining passion projects. This week we are joined by Kyle Nolan, creator and founder of ProjectionLab, where we will be discussing how he left his 9 to 5 to pursue a passion project, some of the challenges and realizations he’s faced while creating his software, as well as the importance of investing in your interests regardless of the risk or self-doubt you may feel. The journey to FI offers many things...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 506•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: debt and investing, the 4% rule, Roth 401k and traditional 401k, and total return investing. This week we are back with a listener Mail Bag featuring returning guest Rachael Camp! Together, we will be answering questions and giving our feedback on nuanced topics asked by the community! Listen along for discussions about the 4 percent rule, how taxes are factored into your FI number, investing in dividends, paying down debt versus investing, and finally a shortlist of actionable ...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep 505•Transcript available on Metacast This week on ChooseFI, Brad welcomes Devon, a 22-year-old National Guard member and aspiring mechanical engineer, to discuss the power of intentionality and personal finance! Together, Brad and Devon explore how small, deliberate actions can create a domino effect in shaping one's financial future. Devon shares his journey from joining the National Guard at 17 to discovering financial independence through ChooseFI, and how his disciplined approach to life has led him to save for his first home, ...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep 504•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: Roth IRA conversion ladder, starting with the end in mind, investing for growth or stability, and retirement planning. While we have covered Roth IRA Conversion Ladders on ChooseFI before, we have never in the past taken such a deep dive into the subject like we do in this week's episode! Once again, we are joined by friend of the show Cody Garrett from Measure Twice Money, as we cover a high-level-FI approach to the Roth IRA conversion ladder and ways one could approach propell...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep 503•Transcript available on Metacast 
