ChooseFI

In this episode: success after FI, finding purpose, owning your time, investing in health, and spiritual pursuits. While reaching your FI number and subsequently retiring is an amazing achievement in itself, what are you supposed to do with yourself after getting there? Well, figuring that out is also a big step you are going to have to take on your FI journey. This week, we are once again joined by Chris Terrell to discuss the ways you can fill your time after achieving FI, and how to identify what gives you purpose in your post-work life. Earning back your time is only half the battle, putting that time to good use is up to you and you only! Timestamps: 1:20 – Introduction 3:02 – Success After FI 9:01 – What Do You Want To Do In Retirement? 16:06 – Finding Purpose 22:02 – Prioritizing Important Relationships 27:46 – The Benefits Of Owning Your Time 31:28 – Investing In Your Health 41:24 – Spiritual Pursuits and Volunteer Work 47:09 – Unstructured Time, Calendar Tyranny, and Work? 56:59 – Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: FI Frugal Hobbies | Chris Terrell | ChooseFI Ep 429 The Happy Philosopher | The Happiest Man In The Room | ChooseFI Ep 49 Financial Samurai The Tail End Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and Resources: Earn $1,000 in cashback with ChooseFI’s 3-card credit card strategy Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Keep learning or start a new side hustle with one of our educational courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: the pain of paying, anchoring, relative value, sunk costs, response to stimulus, and opportunity cost. On this installment of the Book Club, we are joined by Clint Murphy and Ginger to discuss some of our favorite takeaways from Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler's "Dollars and Sense: How We Misthink Money and How to Spend Smarter," We often mention on this podcast the importance of actionable steps you must be willing to take while on the journey to FI, and this book is chalk-full of actionable tips and examples that could possibly be applied to many areas of your life, not just personal finance. While we know that personal finance is not unilateral and there are no correct steps and decisions that ensure success for everyone, we believe this book can help you better understand the decision making processes that goes into taking actionable steps on your FI journey!  Book Club Selection: "Dollars and Sense: How We Misthink Money and How to Spend Smarter" by Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler Timestamps: 1:21 - Introduction 4:20 - Reducing The Pain Of Paying 11:42 - Anchoring 19:01 - Opportunity Cost and Saying No 25:40 - Relative Value 30:20 - Why We Don't Understand Fairness and Value 38:49 - Sunk Costs 46:31 - Overvaluing What Your Already Have 50:07 - Spreading The Gap Between Stimulus and Response 57:21 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: The Growth Guide Podcast Clint's Twitter: @IAmClintMurphy FI is Fun The Great Man Within "Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life" by Bill Perkins "Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions" by Dan Ariely Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and Resources: Earn $1,000 in cashback with ChooseFI's 3-card credit card strategy Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Keep learning or start a new side hustle with one of our educational courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

This week we are re-joined by friend of the podcast, Travis Hornsby, to discuss some critical updates and deadlines pertaining to student loan forgiveness. While the thought of paying off student loans can feel daunting, there may actually be some ways to mitigate the stress entirely! Though this episode may not pertain to your situation specifically, we believe it can act as a resource for some you may know, or others on this journey who are looking to potentially have their loans forgiven. Travis Hornsby: Website: StudentLoanPlanner.com (link to discounted consult) Timestamps: 1:14 - Introduction/Where Are We Today? 9:45 - Irreversible Decisions 11:55 - The PSLF and IDR Waiver 17:34 - $300 vs $1500 a month 23:30 - Searching and Patience, What Are The Action Steps? 31:33 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: The Student Loan Reset | The Student Loan Planner | ChooseFI Ep 391 Federal Student Aid Book a Consult with The Student Loan Planner (Discount through this link!) Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and Resources: Earn $1,000 in cashback with ChooseFI's 3-card credit card strategy Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Keep learning or start a new side hustle with one of our educational courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: getting comfortable investing, the vision boards, salary negotiations, and the skill of spending Whether it's wanting to pay off your debts or get yourself set up for your future, there are many motivations for wanting to begin the path towards FI. This week we are joined by listener and fan of the podcast Rakesh to discuss how his journey to FI has been over the last 3 years, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We often stress on the podcast the importance of bold moves and taking action as an important step to achieving FI, and Rakesh is the embodiment of just that! Everyone on this journey starts from a different place, just as everyone’s long term goals differ, but don’t allow yourself to be bogged down by the little hiccups that come with this journey. By pushing ahead and being mindful of your short and long term goals, you may find yourself stepping out of your comfort zone towards the life you want to be living!  Timestamps: 1:15 - Introduction 4:50 - The Evolution Of The FI Journey 12:52 - Getting Comfortable Investing 22:09 - The Vision Board 30:39 - The Skill Of Spending And Future Planning 37:13 - Low Cost Of Living Areas 43:05 - Salary Negotiating And Job Transitioning 53:11 - The Impact Of Staying Put 56:06 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Finding Your Locus of Control | Stereo Live Q&A | ChooseFI Ep 305 How to Negotiate Your Salary Without Burning Bridges | Financial Mechanic | ChooseFI Ep 211 Negotiate Your Salary With Tori Dunlap | ChooseFI Ep 147 "Financial Feminist" By Tori Dunlap Community Building With Mr. Money Mustache And Mr. 1500 | ChooseFI Ep 131 JL Collins "Why Does The Stock Market Go Up?: Everything You Should Have Been Taught About Investing In School, But Weren't" by Brian Feroldi Alignment & Adjustments | Scott & Taylor Rieckens | ChooseFI Ep 403 Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and Resources: Earn $1,000 in cashback with ChooseFI's 3-card credit card strategy Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Keep learning or start a new side hustle with one of our educational courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

Oftentimes on our show, we talk to people on the FI journey with “regular” 9-5 jobs, and other times we talk to those who have achieved their FI goal and are able to retire from their careers. However, we rarely talk about money management and FI when it comes to those working in service industries, such as serving and bartending. This week we are joined by author Barbara Sloan to discuss taking control of your finances while in a variable income job, the importance of an emergency fund, and the attainability of retirement accounts and health insurance while in these types of industries. While it may seem unattainable to budget and financially plan for the long term when your income is non-fixed, you shouldn’t count yourself out from this journey! Creating your dream life is possible for all, with the right systems in place to ensure it, that is an option possible for those in all career types. Barbara Sloan: Website: tippedfinance.com Book: "Tipped: The life changing guide to financial freedom for waitresses, bartenders, strippers, and all other service industry professionals" Timestamps: 1:03 - Introduction 2:54 - Sub Minimum Wage And Tipping 14:03 - The Importance Of Tracking 21:06 - Tips, Taxes, and Social Security 35:28 - Strategies For Health Insurance 41:18 - Lifestyle Design/The Financial System 48:44 - Emergency Funds 54:27 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and Resources: Earn $1,000 in cashback with ChooseFI's 3-card credit card strategy Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Keep learning or start a new side hustle with one of our educational courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

There can be points on the journey to FI where you feel that you may not be able to accomplish your goals, or even take advantage of some of the hacks we talk about on the show. But sometimes all it requires is for you not to limit yourself and just think outside the box. This week we are re-joined by friend of the podcast Ginger to discuss how the transtheoretical model of change can apply to those on the path to FI, as well as read your emails and answer some of your questions on this installment of Round-Up. Oftentimes, we forget how flexible and capable of change we really are, and its life's curveballs that make this journey different for everyone. While setbacks can put you off from pursuing your goals, or make you feel as if you don’t belong on this path, they shouldn’t deter you from attacking your goals.  When you can accept that changing and adapting does not equal failure, you not only open yourself up to new options and possibilities, but exceed your own expectations while on the path to FI! Timestamps: 0:48 - Introduction/Economy Conference 9:43 - Travel Wins 21:23 - Ancillary Travel Rewards Benefits 26:20 - Bold Move Update And The Transtheoretical Model of Change 40:58 - Determining Your FI Number 51:22 - The FI Pre-College Approach 58:11 - Savings Account Interest Rates And Community Win 63:11 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Fees, Frugality, and 401K Fears | ChooseFI Ep 428 Find Your Local ChooseFI Group CampFI Chautauqua FI Freedom Retreat Learning to Leave | Diania Merriam | ChooseFI Ep 416 Catching Up To FI Bob Sharpe YouTube ChooseFI Travel Rewards Top Recommended Credit Card Offers From Our Partners Todoist Dominick Quartuccio How To Test Out of College While You’re Still In High School | Millionaire Educator | ChooseFI Ep 238 The $100K Glorified Sleepaway Camp | Millionaire Educator | Ep 386 CIT Bank FI Is Fun Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and Resources: Earn $1,000 in cashback with ChooseFI's 3-card credit card strategy Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Keep learning or start a new side hustle with one of our educational courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: the power of outside, overcoming adversity, the value of streaks, building momentum, and van life. As we’ve discussed many times on our show, creating and maintaining habits are an important part of the FI journey. Not only does it require you to prioritize what you value, but it can lead to success in many areas of your life. However, while we talk about the success that habits can lead to, sometimes we overlook that starting a habit can be stressful or overwhelming. This week we are joined by Gregg from Outside365 to discuss what your life can look like when you align with your habits, and the momentum and value that can be found when you start to prioritize your habits a little bit each day. While it may seem overwhelming at times to start something new, whether it’s saving more and spending less, or even just picking up a new hobby, you may find that the more you do it, the easier it comes! Remember, while you may feel a sense of urgency to instill habits in your life, remember to be patient, and take it a day at a time!  Outside 365 Website: outside365.blog Timestamps: 1:13 – Introduction 7:51 – The Power of Outside 12:53 – Overcoming Adversity 17:02 – Building Momentum 22:46 – Truly Being In Nature 28:52 – Plausible Outside Experiences 33:25 – The Value of Streaks 37:20 – Van Life 47:37 – Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Subscribe to The FI Weekly! “The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative” by Florence Williams “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals” by Oliver Burkeman “Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention–and How to Think Deeply Again” by Johann Hari Huberman Lab Podcast Dave and Matt Vans More Helpful Links and Resources: Earn $1,000 in cashback with ChooseFI’s 3-card credit card strategy Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Keep learning or start a new side hustle with one of our educational courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: tackling the big issues, the everywhere effect, change and discomfort, and getting the most from what you have. On this Podcast in recent months, we have made a point to highlight the fact that FI isn't about deprivation. While we do think making a few cuts in some areas is a good thing, we believe in that idea because it acts as a means to an end, with the endpoint being living the most fulfilling life available to you. So how is it possible deprive ourselves in a manner that doesn't leave us feeling deprived? Well, we have to skill up out our spending abilities.! This week we have Mr. Money Mustache on the podcast to discuss the skill of spending and how to approach utilizing your resources to ensure your own happiness and wellbeing. Make cuts in your life where there us a lack of purpose so you can level up areas of importance and passion! Mr. Money Mustache: Website: mrmoneymustache.com Timestamps:  0:51 - Introdcution 4:15 - The Power Of Spending With Less Income 9:24 - Tackling The Big Issues First 17:06 - Change and Discomfort 19:55 - The Everywhere Effect 28:06 - The Power Of Community 31:45 - Getting The Most From What You Have 40:23 - Cost VS Comfort, Wheres The Line? 45:34 - Early Cutting Is Essential 50:53 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Mr. Money Mustache on Life After FI: The Truth About Retiring Early in Your 30s The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement How to Go from Middle-Class to Kickass Outside365 The California Effect Afford Anything With Paula Pant FIRE Dating "Die With Zero" By Bill Perkins Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and Resources: Earn $1,000 in cashback with ChooseFI's 3-card credit card strategy Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Keep learning or start a new side hustle with one of our educational courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: forming habits, fulfilling goals, routines, the importance of health, restriction without deprivation, and working on life. While beginning your FI journey means having goals and taking necessary steps to achieve them, it may seem like you have to approach your life with discipline and absolute structure when it comes to money matters. While setting yourself up for success on this journey does mean creating different habits in regards to spending or investing, these habits should never seem absolute or deprive you from enjoying your life. This week we are joined by the Mad Fi-entist to discuss the evolution and the necessary changes he has made while on the journey to FI, and the beauty found with having a routine and creating meaningful habits. FI is a journey that requires you to experiment and change as the journey progresses. Not only will you learn about yourself on this journey, but you will pick up and exchange old habits for new ones that better suit the life you want to be living. Remember that while discipline is necessary for this journey, that does not mean you can’t evolve and change up your routine for the better!  The Mad Fientist: Website: madfientist.com Podcast: Financial Independence Podcast Album: Find The Album Here! Twitter: @madfientist Timestamps: 0:57 - Introduction 3:25 - Fulfilling Goals And Forming Habits 10:16 - Routine 15:25 - The Importance of Health 23:01 - The Evolution Of FI For Us 31:34 - The Skill Of Spending 40:15 - Working On Life 52:17 - Restriction Without Total Deprivation 61:35 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: "Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career" by Scott Young and James Clear "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear Money With Katie "Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life By Bill Perkins Mint Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and Resources: Earn $1,000 in cashback with ChooseFI's 3-card credit card strategy Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Keep learning or start a new side hustle with one of our educational courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: early financial conversations, what you truly value, house hacking, and the psychology of FI. It can be scary to have to acknowledge the reality of your financial situation, especially if you feel you do not have the financial literacy to proceed with confidence. However, setbacks and failures can often be blessings in disguise. This week we are joined by The FI Couple to discuss the importance of perseverance and flexibility in the face of uncertainty, as well as the strength that can come from a united front. The journey to FI is deeply nuanced, and never perfect. While you may find yourself wanting to make your journey as optimal and expedited as you can, we know that life sometimes happens and your journey can be far from perfect. However, sometimes when we find ourselves at “rock bottom” and it seems like everything in our world is against us. Rather than feel defeated, allow the setbacks to act as momentum to charge ahead as you re-align and re-adjust!  The FI Couple: Website: theficouple.com Socials: @theficouple Timestamps: 0:49 - Introduction/The Early Days 2:05 - Early Financial Conversations 11:03 - Discovering What You Truly Value 21:28 - Bouncing Back After A Layoff 26:06 - Entrepreneurship 30:10 - House Hacking 38:34 - The Off Market/Solving Problems 43:13 - The Single Family Home/The Psychology Of FI 48:29 - The Season Of Hustle 51:56 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Dominick Quartuccio Scott Trench Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and Resources: Earn $1,000 in cashback with ChooseFI's 3-card credit card strategy Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Keep learning or start a new side hustle with one of our educational courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance