Catching Up to FI

He's Back! Peek Inside The Mad Fientist's Post-FI Life & His Struggle to Spend | Brandon Ganch | 185

10 snips
Dec 21, 2025
Guest
Brandon Ganch (The Mad Fientist)
Brandon Ganch, known as The Mad Fientist, is a pioneer in the Financial Independence movement and a talented musician. In this candid conversation, he shares his journey from extreme frugality and isolation to joyful spending and building a dream music studio. Brandon discusses the mental health challenges he faced while hyper-saving, how fatherhood reshaped his priorities, and the importance of experience over material wealth. He reveals insights into his Wealth Machines software, designed to encourage spending on meaningful experiences.
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ANECDOTE

Isolation From Extreme Saving

  • Brandon describes saving 80%+ in Vermont and becoming isolated, which led to depression and cutting out social life.
  • His wife prompted a move back to Scotland that snapped him out of extreme frugality and improved mental health.
INSIGHT

Scale Small Costs Against Net Worth

  • Brandon realized small expenses are insignificant compared to his current net worth and stopped obsessing over pennies.
  • He mentally scales past prices by comparing past spending to present net worth to reframe decisions.
ADVICE

Choose Simplicity Over Small Hacks

  • Simplify finances by accepting some lost optimization (e.g., consolidate retirement accounts) to reduce hassle.
  • Prioritize life simplicity over marginal tax or savings gains once FI is reached.
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