ChooseFI
ChooseFI
How would your life change if you reached Financial Independence and got to the point where working is optional? What actions can you take today to make that not just possible but probable. Jonathan & Brad explore the tactics that the FI community uses to reclaim decades of their lives. They discuss reducing expenses, crushing debt, tax optimization, building passive income streams through online businesses and real estate and how to travel the world for free. Every episode is packed with actionable tips and no topic is too big or small as long as it speeds up the process of reaching financial independence.
Episodes
Mentioned books
34 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 10min
Bias Towards Action: The Adventure List(s) | Ep 572
In this engaging discussion, guests Emily C and Emily W share their adventures and insights on building connections through travel. Emily C, a seasoned equestrian, offers stories about solo travel and mini-retirements after shedding life constraints. Emily W, a passionate traveler and community organizer, introduces the adventure-list framework, promoting incremental exploration. Together, they emphasize the beauty of vulnerability in friendships and how engaging in various travel levels can enrich life, encouraging listeners to embrace new experiences.
59 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 5min
Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Maggie Tucker | ep 571
Maggie Tucker, the creative mind behind the Inside Out Money podcast, achieved financial independence by 41. In this discussion, she shares her journey of overcoming fears related to leaving a secure job and redefining her identity beyond work. Maggie emphasizes quantifying financial fears to manage anxiety and champions the importance of travel as a way to connect with family. She also offers insights on aligning travel with kids’ interests and how these experiences enrich their lives.
97 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 4min
State of the Stock Market 2025 Q&A with Brian Feroldi | Ep 570
In this discussion, financial commentator Brian Feroldi shares insights on the stock market's state in 2025 and the S&P 500's promising growth. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable investment strategies, like holding 30% cash in high valuation periods. Feroldi also explores how AI enhances stock analysis, revealing that clear directives yield impressive results. He addresses listener questions on individual stocks versus index funds and the value of fee-only financial advisors, offering sound advice for both new and seasoned investors.
43 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 27min
Always Come Back to the Why | Alan and Katie Donegan | Ep 569
Alan Donegan, founder of Rebel Finance School, and his wife Katie, a co-founder, share their insights on achieving financial independence with intention. They discuss the significance of understanding your 'why' and how it drives meaningful spending. Tips for making adult friendships and overcoming social fears feature prominently. The Donegans highlight the importance of monthly finance meetings to align goals and values, while advocating for geo-arbitrage as a strategy for lifestyle design. They inspire listeners to embrace change and experiment with life for richer experiences.
46 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 24min
The FiiRE Framework With Paula Pant | Ep 568
Paula Pant, host of the Afford Anything podcast and real estate investor, introduces her FiiRE framework, focusing on Financial Psychology, Income Growth, Investing, Real Estate, and Entrepreneurship. She delves into how understanding your money mindset can revolutionize financial decisions. Paula emphasizes increasing income through side hustles and effective negotiation techniques. She also discusses investing in index funds and making informed real estate choices, inspiring listeners to cultivate a proactive approach to financial independence.
122 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 17min
Are We Taking the Wrong Risks? With Chris Hutchins | Ep 567
Chris Hutchins, host of All The Hacks and a savvy deal-maker, discusses rethinking the approach to financial independence. He questions if the emphasis on safety and certainty is causing people to miss out on valuable life experiences. The conversation explores the limitations of the 4% rule, balancing work with family time, and the benefits of investing in memorable experiences. Chris also shares practical travel hacks and how to prioritize joy over frugality, ultimately advocating for a richer, more fulfilling present.
43 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 25min
Risk Based Guardrails for Drawdown | Ep 566
Aubrey Williams, a financial advisor and founder of Open Path Financial, shares insights tailored for the FI community, focusing on neurodiverse clients. He discusses the shortcomings of the traditional 4% withdrawal rule, advocating for personalized, historical analyses instead. Aubrey introduces innovative 'risk-based guardrails' that allow for dynamic spending adjustments based on portfolio performance, promoting financial confidence. They also explore how community engagement and flexible spending can empower individuals to reach financial independence sooner.
38 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement | Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaney | Ep 565
Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney, co-authors of Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement, bring their expertise to the table. They explore the complexities of tax strategies for early retirement, offering step-by-step guidance on drawdown processes and effective tax rates. They dispel common fears about retirement taxes, revealing how most retirees end up paying less than expected. Additionally, they break down the ins and outs of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), explaining their impact and how to navigate them successfully.
59 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 10min
Financial Independence Basics with Jackie Cummings Koski | Ep 564
Jackie Cummings Koski, a certified financial planner and co-host of the Catching Up to Fi podcast, shares her insights on achieving financial independence. She emphasizes the importance of understanding FI, starting small with savings, and leveraging community support. The discussion highlights the power of the 4% rule and compound interest, while also tackling strategies for evaluating expenses. Jackie encourages listeners to take manageable steps towards financial liberation, reminding them that small changes can lead to significant benefits over time.
25 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 57min
Safe Withdrawal Rates, Drawdown Strategies, RMDs and 50 Year FI Timelines
In this discussion, Karsten Jeske, known as Big Earn, a Ph.D. in economics and withdrawal rate expert, teams up with Fritz Gilbert, author and retirement strategist. They dive into the controversial shift from the traditional 4% safe withdrawal rate to a proposed 5.5%, scrutinizing its implications. The duo emphasizes the importance of adjusting retirement strategies based on longevity and highlights critical factors like Social Security and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) that can impact financial independence.
