Over-optimization vs 80/20

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

DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS:

🆕NEW PARTNER: Monarch Money

The modern way to manage money! Monarch will change the way you organize your financial life. Track, budget, plan, and do more with your money – together. Get 50% off the first year using this link and entering code: CATCHINGUP50

Alloy

The Alloy Market offers a seamless and efficient way to sell your gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, regardless of its condition. They are committed to transparency and fairness, ensuring you get the best possible value for your items. Use this special Link and enter code CUTOFI15 to get a $15 bonus when you sell items over $199 (limited time offer).

For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners

📩 Sign up for our newsletter (NEW!)

🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website

🔗Connect with us

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"

🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question

RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

🌐 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

⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

⚠️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.