Why he wanted freedom over prestige

The Mad Fientist (Brandon Ganch) is an OG, pioneer, and giant in the Financial Independence (FI) movement! It took us a while to get him on the show, but he finally joins us for this very special holiday catch-up. Brandon is a software developer and strategically put those skills to work in creating the popular Mad Fientist blog & podcast. He's best known for deep dive experiments on tax optimization, early access to retirement funds, and other brilliant FI strategies.

Now a family man with a wife and two kids, Brandon rarely does interviews these days. But today you will get a rare glimpse into the ups and downs of his post-FI life. In this episode he candidly talks about:

1. What he thought about money growing up and as a young adult
2. His obsession with money and how it led to a period of depression while running the Mad Fientist blog and podcast
3. How he traded in his extreme frugality and self-deprivation for joyful spending using his "Wealth Machines" software that has been in development for years
4. Building his dream music studio and putting out a Billboard-charting album (Dead Pixel) and new EP (QED)
5. Becoming a dad and asking big questions about raising children who've never seen their parents go to work

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🌐 The Mad Fientist Blog

🎙️The Mad Fientist's Financial Independence Podcast

Wealth Machines Software (in beta)

🎼 Follow Brandon's Music on Spotify (1=2)

🎼 New Album (QED, 2025)

🎼 1st Album (Dead Pixel, 2021)

Get Rich Slowly- J.D. Roth

📘 Ramit Sethi – I Will Teach You to Be Rich

📕 Die with Zero by Bill Perkins

📗 The Wealth Ladder by Nick Maggiulli

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⚠️Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.