So Money with Farnoosh Torabi 1847: Rethinking FIRE, Quick Ways to Save with Brad Barrett, Founder of ChooseFI
Jul 2, 2025
In this discussion, Brad Barrett, co-founder of ChooseFI, explores fresh perspectives on the Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) movement. He advocates for a balance between saving and living, sharing small yet impactful ways to save thousands yearly. Brad reflects on insights gained during the pandemic, stressing personalized financial strategies over one-size-fits-all approaches. He also discusses the importance of aligning spending with values and finding fulfillment in both personal and professional pursuits.
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Redefining FIRE's Core Focus
- Brad Barrett highlights the shift in the FIRE movement from focusing on retiring early to embracing financial independence itself.
- He stresses that financial independence means freedom to define your own path, not just racing towards retirement.
Time With Kids Matters Most
- Brad reflects on how quickly time passes with children, emphasizing the value of maximizing time with them.
- This changes how he views financial independence, encouraging enjoying life alongside smart money choices.
Cut Phone Bills to Save Big
- Reduce monthly expenses by switching to cheaper cell phone plans like Mint Mobile or Republic Wireless.
- Cutting $100 a month from bills can reduce your financial independence number by around $30,000.
