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
Feb 2, 2026 • 59min
Goal Setting for 2026 | Ep 584
Listeners share ambitious financial goals for 2026 and practical tactics to reach them. The conversation spotlights local meetups as momentum builders and actionable frugal habits like meal planning. Specific tools and strategies for big purchases, savings challenges, tax moves, and part-time work options are highlighted. Community connections and focused goal-setting take center stage.
40 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 1min
The Detour is the Journey | Ep 583
They unpack small, tactical decisions that compound toward financial independence. Core FI math and expense audits get practical attention. Retirement account rules, 401(k) matching, and pre-tax vs Roth tradeoffs are covered. Tax strategy including marginal vs effective rates, 0% long-term capital gains, and tax-gain harvesting get highlighted. Optionality, stealth wealth, and learning detours round out the conversation.
47 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 5min
Incremental Gains | EP 582
Discover the intriguing concept of Incremental Gains and how small changes can lead to significant financial independence. Explore the idea of a Red X month for relaxation and reflection, and why appreciating the journey is vital. Learn about the advantages of opening a Roth IRA for kids and the impact of minimizing investment fees on long-term wealth. Plus, insights on automating finances and the benefits of consistent investing over market timing highlight crucial strategies for building a secure future.
65 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 6min
Are Roth Conversions Necessary? | Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney | Ep 581
Financial planners Sean Mullaney and Cody Garrett dive into the world of taxable Roth conversions. They clarify the differences between various Roth strategies and bust myths around retirement taxation. The duo discusses optimal conversion timing, emphasizing personal financial priorities over societal pressure. They share practical advice on managing taxes during retirement and reconsidering the necessity of conversions. Tune in for valuable insights on maximizing your retirement benefits and making informed financial choices.
43 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 59min
This Year Everything Changes | Ep 580
Get ready for a transformative year as the show becomes more interactive and community-driven. With Jonathan back as a co-host, listeners will explore how to define their personal financial independence number. Hear inspiring frugal wins and learn to calculate your FI number for meaningful financial action. Discover the importance of local meetups and how new tools can empower the community. Plus, cutting recurring costs can have a huge impact on your FI journey. It's all about shared discovery and collaboration!
39 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 53min
2025 Biggest Takeaways with Ginger | Ep 579
Reflecting on impactful past lessons, the hosts dive into how budgeting shapes financial independence. They emphasize aligning spending with life's stages and core values. The transformative power of community support is explored, along with the immediate impact of generosity. Insights on prioritizing health and relationships over material possessions shine through. Additionally, they challenge limiting beliefs around wealth and discuss the deeper connections fostered by vulnerability and small sacrifices.
14 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 56min
Year End Wins 2025 | Ep 578
In a heartwarming year-end celebration, community members share their transformative financial triumphs. Tales of maximizing retirement accounts and embracing minimalism highlight the journey to financial independence. Personal stories include quitting corporate jobs for family time and year-long travel adventures. Listeners reflect on the power of community support, resilience in hard times, and prioritizing health and happiness. With each victory, they encourage others to take action and design a life that truly aligns with their values.
68 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 10min
Health and Fitness Update Plus 'Are Organic Foods Worth It?' with Dr. Bobby Dubois | Ep 577
Dr. Bobby Dubois, a physician-scientist and host of the Live Long and Well podcast, joins to discuss the truth about organic foods. He reveals that while organic options often come with a price tag up to 50% higher, the health benefits are murky at best. Instead, he advocates for simply increasing fruit and vegetable intake to reduce cancer risks significantly. Brad Barrett shares his fitness journey and effective workout routines, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet over organic labels, making health and financial independence a shared goal.
55 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 58min
Raising FI‑Minded Kids: What Really Works | 15-Year-Old Rishi Vamdatt | Ep 576
Join 15-year-old Rishi Vamdatt, a teen personal finance educator and creator of Easy Peasy Finance, as he shares his journey into financial literacy. Rishi discusses effective strategies for teaching kids about money, including practical experiences and recognizing needs versus wants. He emphasizes the importance of early investing and compound growth. Additionally, Rishi offers insights on college alternatives and encourages teenagers to start investing now while balancing saving and intentional spending.
47 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 56min
Breaking the Golden Handcuffs with 5 Kids | Sunny Burns | Ep 575
Sunny Burns, a real estate investor and father, shares his inspiring journey to financial independence after leaving a $147K government job. He emphasizes the importance of teaching children about money through Roth IRAs and creative savings strategies. Sunny discusses the benefits of real estate investing and how his 11 rental properties generate significant cash flow. He also reveals travel hacks like funding family adventures through Airbnb and maximizing travel rewards, all while prioritizing family time and homeschooling.
