Ryan Brennan, the founder of the FI Service Corps, shares his inspiring journey from CPA to community service advocate. He discusses the importance of intertwining financial independence with volunteering, highlighting how service can enhance personal fulfillment. Ryan emphasizes the success of a pilot event that fostered connections within the FI community and his vision for future service trips. He also explores the enriching experiences gained from blending personal finance goals with volunteer work, ultimately creating a more engaged and supportive community.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Ryan's Unexpected Mini Retirement
Ryan Brennan left his W-2 CPA job in September 2023 without reaching full FI.
He didn't plan to retire completely but has been away from traditional work for over 18 months.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Building a Financial Runway
Ryan built a financial runway by investing in real estate while working as a CPA.
This runway gave him confidence to step away from paycheck work for his mini retirement.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Mindset Shift for Drawing Funds
Shift mindset from saving to drawing to make mini retirements feel comfortable.
Reflect on past rewarding experiences to ease transitions into drawing funds for FI.
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What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money - That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not
C.P.A. Sharon L. Lechter
Robert Kiyosaki
The book tells the story of Robert Kiyosaki's two fathers: his 'poor dad,' a highly educated but fiscally poor man, and his 'rich dad,' the father of his best friend who was a successful entrepreneur. It emphasizes the importance of financial education, distinguishing between assets and liabilities, and building wealth through investing in assets such as real estate and businesses. Kiyosaki argues that a good education and a secure job are not guarantees for financial success and provides practical lessons on how to make money work for you rather than working for money[1][3][5].
In this episode of ChooseFI, Ryan Brennan, founder of the FI Service Corps, dives into his journey within the financial independence (FI) community and how he is merging it with the spirit of volunteering. The discussion explores Ryan's background as a recovering CPA, his transition into this new venture, and the pilot events that successfully combined community service with social bonding.
Key Takeaways
Financial independence can intertwine with community service to create meaningful experiences.
A supportive community is essential for financial independence and personal fulfillment.
Organizing local service events can facilitate connections and promote engagement within the FI community.
The pilot event in December 2024 demonstrated the importance of bonding while volunteering, paving the way for future events.
Timestamps and Highlights
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Episode
00:01:22 - Ryan's Journey from CPA to FI
Transition from CPA to focusing on community and service.
00:02:56 - Financial Runway
Importance of financial planning and having a runway to support lifestyle changes.
00:07:31 - Volunteering during Mini Retirements
Discusses the interplay of financial independence and taking time off to volunteer.
00:15:04 - Connecting Financial Independence with Service
Ideas for blending personal finance goals with service projects.
00:37:27 - The December 2024 Pilot Event
Overview of the inaugural service trip and its success.
00:46:58 - Future Plans for FI Service Corps
Opportunities for ongoing involvement and expansion of service events.
Key Quotes
“The community is eager for connection and opportunities to give back.” (00:01:23)
“My financial runway allowed me to comfortably transition away from traditional work.” (00:02:56)
“Mindset shifts are crucial on the path to financial independence.” (00:06:12)
“Community engagement enhances the experience of financial independence.” (00:30:50)
Actionable Takeaways
Create a Financial Runway: Plan your finances to support potential lifestyle changes or time off work. (00:02:56)
Combine Interests with Service: Reflect on how your personal finance goals can facilitate giving back to the community. (00:21:08)
In what ways can financial independence be linked to volunteering? (00:21:08)
How can local groups create impactful service events? (00:30:54)
Action Items
Sign Up for the Mailing List: Join the FI Service Corps mailing list at FIServiceCorps.org for updates on events. (00:49:37)
Organize a Local FI Meetup: Consider creating a service-oriented event within your local FI community. (00:27:21)
Conclusion
Ryan Brennan's commitment to merging financial independence with communal service reflects a growing trend in the FI community to find purpose beyond numbers. The discussions emphasize that financial journeys can lead to enriching experiences while giving back, making the pursuit of FI not just a personal endeavor but a collective mission.
For more information and to get involved, visit FI Service Corps.
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