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
41 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.
109 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.
38 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.
22 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.
47 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 1h
Navigating Financial Conflicts in Relationships | Ep 562
Financial flexibility is crucial for independence, and the hosts discuss how various asset types can enhance strategies. They dive deep into the benefits of maximizing Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for tax-free healthcare growth. Communication is key in relationships to navigate financial conflicts, with tips on aligning goals and values. Personal stories about community building and family adventures add a relatable touch. Plus, there's a nod to using AI tools for productivity and health insights.
28 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 50min
Mini-Retirements: Test Driving Financial Independence | Ep 561
Jillian Johnsrud, author of 'Retire Often', advocates for the transformative power of mini-retirements—intentional breaks from work for personal growth. She discusses how embracing these breaks can enrich life, help manage fears of retirement, and ease the transition to full retirement. Jillian emphasizes the importance of enjoying life now while balancing immediate experiences with long-term goals. By focusing on a few meaningful activities, individuals can practice living beyond work, ultimately enhancing their journey towards financial independence.
34 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h
Living Off the 4% Rule | Marla Taner | Ep 560
Marla Taner, a retired financial guru, shares her inspiring journey of living off the 4% rule since 2013. She discusses the psychology behind transitioning from saving to enjoying retirement. Marla highlights the importance of maintaining a cash cushion for peace of mind during market fluctuations. She also emphasizes reassessing fixed expenses to create flexibility in budgeting. Plus, her travel rewards strategies reveal how financial independence can lead to enriching experiences. Tune in for actionable insights on achieving financial freedom!
