

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

Feb 20, 2023 • 59min
425 | Turning the Tables on Brad
In this episode: the value of time, what are you optimizing for, bold moves, increasing your kid's odds for success, and balancing deprivation. Because we have put so many leaders, members, and experts in our community on the hot seat here at ChooseFI, we figured it was finally time we played fair and put Brad on the hot seat himself! With the assistance of Aaron Lee, a longtime listener, friend, and host of "The Next Generation Leader Podcast," we ask Brad all the burning questions related to his FI journey. If you've ever been curious how Brad discovered FI, what led Brad to begin his FI journey, or what lessons Brad learned along the way, listen along as we re-live the path that helped form this amazing community! Aaron Lee: Website: newgenerationleader.com Podcast: The New Generation Leader Podcast Timestamps: 1:10 - Introduction 3:12 - The Value of Time 8:18 - Balancing Deprivation And The Burden Of FI 11:31 - Brad's Snowball Starter 16:13 - Brad's Childhood FI Vision 22:31 - What Are You Optimizing For? 28:45 - Helping Your Kids Increase Their Odds For Success 40:27 - All Of Us Are Working On Something 46:08 - Brads Bold Move Update 54:40 - What Else Fascinates Brad? 59:29 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: Year End Wins 2022 | ChooseFI Ep 417 "Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life" by Bill Perkins The Peter Attia Drive, Episode #237 ‒ Optimizing life for maximum fulfillment | Bill Perkins All The Hacks | Die With Zero: Net Fulfillment Over Net Worth The Tail End "David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants" by Malcolm Gladwell Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Letters Your Bold Move for 2023 | Dominick Quartuccio | Ep 419 Limitless Peter Attia & Beth Lewis on Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) 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

Feb 13, 2023 • 54min
424 | The Power of FI | Deanna
In this episode: budgeting, the power of FI, different funds, living in the present, and the power to make your choices. No matter your background or the hardships you've endured, you should never rule yourself out for success! Ruminating over your past mistakes can make you feel undeserving of the life you want, but those same mistakes can actually serve as motivation to propel you further on your journey! This week we are joined by returning guest Deanna to discuss how her FI journey has progressed in the last 4 years, the freedom and power she gained from budgeting, and an update on her journey of overcoming adversity. Just because you feel you've hit a rock bottom doesn't mean this journey isn't for you. A large part of FI is making mistakes, learning, and changing. An even larger part of this journey is learning to forgive yourself and others and continue on! For those who do not think they are capable of achieving FI because of their past, let Deanna and this episode serve as an example of what this journey can look like when you act with forgiveness and intentionality! Timestamps: 1:35 - Introduction 2:16 - Deanna's Backstory 6:26 - Dave Ramsey and Budgeting 14:16 - The Emergency Fund 17:30 - Different Funds For Different Things 23:35 - The Power of FI 27:12 - It's Not All Unicorns And Rainbows 30:28 - Broken Vessels Made Whole 34:42 - Chronic Stress and Living In The Present 43:36 - Deanna Today 48:10 - The Freedom To Make Your Own Decisions 51:54 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: From Addiction To FI | Ms. Fiology | ChooseFI Ep. 106 "The Simple Path to Wealth: Your road map to financial independence and a rich, free life" by J.L. Collins and Mr. Money Mustache The Emergency Fund…Is it a Bad Idea? | Big ERN The Reveal | ChooseFI Ep. 66 "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. "Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School" by John Medina "Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness" by Frederic Luskin The Art of Forgiveness Todoist 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

5 snips
Feb 6, 2023 • 1h 17min
423 | What Are You Optimizing For? | Chris Hutchins
In this episode: what sparks goals, what are you optimizing you, valuing your time, and money prioritization. Sometimes on the journey to FI, we ask ourselves the following; do I really need to spend money on this? Do I really have the time and resources for that? These questions may be easy to dismiss by saying no in order to stay on track with your financial goals, but by dismissing them, you could be missing out on something that is beneficial to your personal journey! This week we are joined by friend of the podcast, Chris Hutchins, to talk about the hacks for optimizing your life, the differences between cheapness and frugality, and the importance of valuing your time and what it can lead to. Saving money is an important part of achieving FI, but you should never feel so restricted that you miss out on investing your time and money in things that bring joy and value into your life. While saving is important, it's okay to spend money. Whether it's on a trip or investing in something new, there are ways to make it work without feeling guilt or shame. Prioritizing and valuing your time can introduce new experiences and provide happiness as well as perspective while on this journey! Chris Hutchins: Website: allthehacks.com Podcast: All The Hacks Timestamps: 2:27 - Introductions 6:12 - Full Time Podcasting 11:44 - What Sparks Our Goals 18:35 - What Are You Optimizing For? 23:36 - Managing Your Own Money 31:28 - Money Prioritization 39:03 - Valuing Time 50:53 - Real Estate Investing And Complexity 58:23 - The Once A Year Review 65:28 - Prioritizing Health 75:23 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: feedback@choosefi.com Die With Zero: Net Fulfillment Over Net Worth | All The Hacks Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Increase Productivity and Live the Life You Want | All The Hacks Playing With FIRE The Drive With Peter Attia Your Bold Move for 2023 | Dominick Quartuccio | ChooseFI Ep 419 Top Ways to Make This Year Amazing and Seven Simple Questions for Your Annual Review | All The Hacks My First Million Using an Investing Checklist to Improve your Portfolio | All The Hacks Paprika Delete Me Kubera Fancy Hands Eat Healthy and Save Money with the Laura Barrett Cookbook The 1% Rule in Real Estate: Is This a Realistic Way to Evaluate Rentals? House FIRE | ChooseFI Ep 414 Rocket Money Todoist Trustworthy Peter Attia DNS Huberman Lab Podcast Optimizing Your Health: Diagnostic Tests, Choosing a Doctor, Sleep, Longevity, Inflammation and More | All The Hacks 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

Jan 30, 2023 • 1h 11min
422 | Lessons From a Young Entrepreneur
In this episode: taking the unconventional path, the price of time, early entrepreneurship, talent stacking, and the pursuit of learning. At least once in most of our FI journeys, we have pondered what our life would look like if we started earlier. Maybe you have even wondered what value could've been gained if you had started in your teenage years. Well, for some context into the possibilities decision that could provide, we decided to have 17 year old listener Devin on the podcast to discuss what life can look like when you go against the cultural norm of going to college, and instead opting for an entrepreneurial and FI friendly lifestyle. Oftentimes we mention that there are rewards that come with stepping out of your comfort zone, and the same can be said for going against the societal norm and carving out your own path! For our younger audience who may be interested in getting started with their FI journey, let this episode be a useful resource and reassurance that this journey can begin no matter your age! Timestamps: 1:55 - Introduction 5:28 - Taking The Unconventional Path 11:58 - The Cost Of Time 16:36 - Early Entrepreneurship 30:45 - Building The Talent Stack And Real Estate Investing 36:56 - The Pursuit Of Learning 45:18 - Saving And Investing 51:53 - Early Retirement Planning 69:49 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: Raising Voyagers TalentStacker House Hacking With Coach Carson | ChooseFI Ep 16 My First Million Podcast Dominick Quartuccio M1 Finance Review 2022: Commission-Free Automated Investing For Everyone "Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life" by Bill Perkins How And Why To Set Up A Roth IRA Conversion Ladder | ChooseFI Go Curry Cracker | Capital Gains, Losses and The Roth Conversion Ladder | ChooseFI Ep 18 "Why Does The Stock Market Go Up?: Everything You Should Have Been Taught About Investing In School, But Weren't" by Brian Feroldi 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

Jan 23, 2023 • 44min
421 | Secure Act 2.0 Deep Dive | Sean Mullaney
In this episode: taxes, the secure act 2.0, the best news, roths, 529's, catch-up contributions, and the new options you have. On December 29th 2022, Joe Biden signed into law the Secure 2.0 Act. As this law may have ramifications on your retirement tax planning, to stay ahead of the curve we decided to have The FI Tax Guy Sean Mullaney back on the show to discuss what this law is and ways one may be able to approach and utilize it going forward with there retirement planning. While laws and regulations may change, staying prepared and aware can keep us worry free as we prepare for the tail end of our FI journey! The discussion is intended to be for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Sean Mullaney: Website: fitaxguy.com Book: "Solo 401k: The Solopreneur's Retirement Account" Twitter: @SeanMoneyandTax Timestamps: 1:25 - Introduction 2:55 - The Most Important Change and The Best News 14:19 - More Roth Options 27:05 - The Backdoor Roths And Catch-Up Contributions 31:46 - New Options For 529's 42:27 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: Secure 2.0 and The FI Community 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

37 snips
Jan 16, 2023 • 1h 17min
420 | Mindful FIRE | Adam Coelho
In this episode: mindfulness, removing judgement, thoughts creating reality, envisioning, awareness, and the hot seat. Oftentimes on our show we like to remind listeners that achieving FI isn't an end all be all to one's problems, and that reaching financial independence doesn't automatically equate to happiness. An important part of the journey is the work you do inward along the way, and this week we are tackling what that can look like. This week we are joined by coach and host of Mindful Fire podcast, Adam Coelho, to discuss the important link between mindfulness and FI, and the power our brains have to envision the life we want, and put dreams into action. Taking the time to be aware of how you're thinking and feeling can be an effective tool. It will not only keep you centered, but allow for you to be open to experiences you might not have thought were achievable. So whether you are familiar with mindfulness practices or are curious where to begin, allow this episode to serve as a resource to begin or strengthen your practice! Adam Coelho: Podcast: mindfulfire.org MindfulFIRE.org/choosefi : Adam's Free Guide with takeaways, a short guided meditation and Adam's envisioning guide Timestamps: 1:56 - Introduction 4:33 -The Definition Of Mindfulness/Removing Judgement 12:08 - Your Thoughts Create Your Reality 19:08 - Gateways To Meditation/Awareness 27:56 - The Science Of Mindfulness 35:50 - Envisioning 40:25 - It's Not Out There, It's In Here 49:27 - Mindfulness And FI 52:44 - Adam's Google Story 58:21 - Adam Takes The Hot Seat 76:06 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: Headspace Yoga Nidra Atomic Habits | James Clear | ChooseFI Ep. 157 "Atomic Habits" by James Clear Calm Insight Timer Playing With FIRE Documentary "Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body" by Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson "Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention, Invest 12 Minutes a Day" by Amishi P Jha Mark Divine All The Hacks "Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life" by Bill Perkins Alchemized Life| Jordan Harbinger: How to Build a Podcast | Episode 19 "The Predicting Brain" by Regina Pally 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

7 snips
Jan 9, 2023 • 1h 3min
419 | Your Bold Move for 2023 | Dominick Quartuccio
In this episode: bold moves, building bold moves, dreams, themes, uncomfortable awareness, and finding energy. For most people, a new year can signify new goals that we hope to accomplish. Regardless of where you are on the FI journey, the new year ushers in a time for change and welcomes the opportunity to learn and grow! In this episode we are re-joined by Dominick Quartuccio to discuss navigating new beginnings and designing your "Bold Move" as we enter the new year. Instead of having a new year's resolution which may remind you of what you didn't accomplish the year before, try making a bold move that can act as a quantifiable metric for designing the life you want to live! The journey to FI is filled with ebbs and flows, and with that comes lessons that allow you to grow and learn as you find your way towards the life you want to live! Dominick Quartuccio: Website: thegreatmanwithin.com Course: The Bold Move Masterclass: Use Code CHOOSEFI For 50% Off Podcast: The Great Man Within Book: "Design Your Future: 3 Simple Steps to Stop Drifting and Start Living" Timestamps: 1:21 - Introduction 7:20 - Quiet Desperation And Community 14:32 - The Bold Move 22:28 - Building A Bold Move 30:32 - Increasing Your Luck Surface Area And What Gives You Energy 33:50 - Finding Your Theme And Dream 39:28 - Uncomfortable Awareness And The Turbulence Of Life 47:19 - What You Want Will Reveal Itself, Eventually 56:27 - Using Bold Moves To Identify Dreams 59:04 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: Find Your Local ChooseFI Group "The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich" by Tim Ferriss "Outwitting the Devil: The Secrets to Freedom and Success" by Napoleon Hill "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life" by Mark Manson "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl "Never Eat Alone, Expanded and Updated: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time" by Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz John Olsen YouTube 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

8 snips
Jan 2, 2023 • 58min
418 | Investing Lessons Learned in 2022 | Brian Feroldi
In this episode: the federal reserve, interest rates, buying the hype, the problems with effortless earning, and narrative follows price. It's suffice to say this past year has been one of distinct changes from a financial perspective, with investment techniques and former practices no longer working the same as they did two years ago. However, there is much to be learned and a lot to be gained as we move forward into 2023. This week we are re-joined by a friend of the show Brian Feroldi to discuss his observations on the market changes, and lessons he learned over the course of 2022. Settle into the new year and tune in as we share our thoughts on the macro impact of the federal reserve, psychology of investing, inflation and interest as it relates to different kinds of assets, and so much more! Brian Feroldi: Website: brianferoldi.com Twitter: @brianferoldi Course: Financial Statements Explained Simply Book: "Why Does The Stock Market Go Up?: Everything You Should Have Been Taught About Investing In School, But Weren't" By Brian Feroldi Timestamps: 1:46 - Introduction 6:51 - The Federal Reserve/Interest Rates 15:03 - Inflation Is Still Here 17:21 - Beware Of Effortless Money 24:14 - The State Of Crypto/Buying The Hype 33:48 - Is Cash Still Trash? 36:13 - Bonds Are Worth Consideration 39:25 - Growth Stock Troubles 46:31 - Narrative Follows Price 52:56 - Your Risk Level Is Revealed 56:09 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: The Motley Fool The Simple Path to Wealth | JL Collins | ChooseFI Ep 411 Early Retirement Now The Role Of Bonds In A Portfolio | ChooseFI Ep 194 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

Dec 26, 2022 • 57min
417 | Year End Wins 2022
Happy Holidays! As the year's end approaches, it's only natural to look back and think of all that you've accomplished. Whether you just began your FI journey this year or are well on your way, recognizing the improvements you've made throughout the year is essential and worth celebrating! This episode is our 6th annual year-end wins episode, and we are re-joined by MK Williams to listen and read submissions from our listeners and celebrate the progress of our audience through different stages of their FI journeys! This episode is meant to not only inspire but remind us how personal this journey is, and remind you to take some time and reflect on the progress you have made this year. Celebrate the wins of your own, no matter how big or small! Timestamps: 1:27 - Introductions 3:43 - Adrianna's Wins 6:00 - David's Wins And The Post-It Note 9:48 - Will and Abby's Wins And Retirement Accounts 13:45 - Melissa Devon, and Brittany's Wins, Traveling And Saving 16:40 - Dominic and Leila's Wins, Stacking Accounts And Side Hustles 20:35 - Erica's Wins And Leveling Up In Life 24:11 - Justin's Wins And Financial Wellbeing 27:41 - Kristen's Wins And Paying Off The Mortgage 30:38 - Tommy's Wins And Changing Careers 33:24 - Wes And Sarah's Wins, Erasing Debt And Job Upgrades 35:50 - Lindsey's Wins, Travel Rewards And 2-Player Mode 38:18 - Tom and Danielle's Wins, Taking Action And Paying Off Student Loans 40:00 - Kelly's Wins, Budgetting And Communities 42:41 - Yvette's Wins And Making FI Do-Able 44:42 - Dennis' Wins And From Student Loan's To Disney World 47:00 - Valerie's Wins And Dumbfounding The Experts 48:56 - Dilyara's Wins And Crushing Early Stage FI 51:19 - Lauren's Wins And Doing The Legwork 56:28 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: "Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required" by Bryce Leung and Kristy Shen From Pandemic Layoff to $100k+ | A Salesforce Success Story | ChooseFI Ep 297 Step-By-Step Guide to a (Nearly) Free Disney Vacation (2022) 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

4 snips
Dec 19, 2022 • 1h 9min
416 | Learning to Leave | Diania Merriam
In this episode: using your resources to create change, your employer is your customer, identifying discrimination, and abundance mindsets. For some on the journey to FI, it may seem like you must at all cost continuously strive to meet your monetary goal as quickly as possible. However, staying in toxic and unfulfilling work environments to hold the course with your goal is not what this journey is about. This week we are re-joined by Diania Merriam to have an intimate conversation about leaving a toxic work environment, navigating internalized beliefs, and the power and control gained while on the journey to FI. The greatest part of this journey is not only the earning and having more financial resources, but rather learning that your money is a tool you can use to reclaim your time! Remember, striving for FI is never about deprivation or devaluing yourself, nor does it mean tolerating poor treatment in order to stay on track! Diania Merriam: Website: EconoME Conference (Promo Code "CHOOSEFI") Podcast: Optimal Finance Daily Timestamps: 2:00 - Introduction 4:25 - The Resignation 15:46 - Identifying Discrimination 25:07 - Culture Shifts And Subtleties 30:10 - Using Your Resources To Create Change 33:12 - Allowing Your Money To Protect You And Coast FI 40:28 - Operating From An Abundance Mindset 48:57 - Your Employer Is Your Customer 54:20 - Shifting From Saving To Covering Expenses 62:30 - EconoME Conference 66:56 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: What I've Learned From One Year Of "Fun-Employment" - Diania Merriam The Reality Of Leaving A Toxic Work Enviornment - Diania Merrian Accountability | Diania Merriam | ChooseFI Ep 150 Myths and Misconceptions | Diania Merriam | ChooseFI Ep 306 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


