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...
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Goal Setting for 2026 | Ep 584
<p >Embark on a transformative journey towards financial independence with the ChooseFI community, Listeners have come together to share their aspirations and support each other in achieving financial freedom.</p> <p >From innovative approaches to car shopping using tools like TrueCar, to actionable tips for effective saving strategies and frugal living. this episode is packed with insights to motivate you towards smarter financial decisions.</p> <h1 >Key Tactical Takeaways</h1> Engage Locally: Create or join local FI community events to foster connections and support. Utilize TrueCar: Leverage the TrueCar platform to compare prices and negotiate car purchases effectively, potentially saving th...
The Detour is the Journey | Ep 583
<p>Brad and Jonathan continue unpacking *incremental gains* — the small, tactical decisions that compound into financial independence. This conversation moves quickly through **core FI math, expense optimization, retirement accounts, and tax strategy**, showing how flexibility, optionality, and understanding the rules of the game can radically change your long-term outcomes.</p> <p> </p> Retirement Accounts: The Rules That Matter 401(k): Always Take the Match Employer match = free money Declining it = turning down part of your salary Pre-Tax Accounts Are Often Better for FI Account Benefit Traditional 401(k) Lowers taxable income today Traditional IRA Tax deduction now 457(b) Penalty-free access after separation <p...
Incremental Gains | EP 582
<p >Jonathan and Brad explore the infinite possibilities within the financial independence community by discussing the concept of Incremental Gains.</p> <h3 >Key Topics Discussed</h3> <p >Introduction to Incremental Gains (00:00:00)</p> An overview of the episode's aim to introduce innovative ideas within the financial independence community. <p >What is a Red X Month? (00:02:05)</p> A red X month is a designated period for relaxation and reflection, allowing individuals to step back from their regular commitments. <p >Mindset and Incremental Gains (00:05:05)</p> Importance of having the right mindset in achieving financial independence. <p >Importance of Time and Journey (00:07:21)</p> The host...
Are Roth Conversions Necessary? | Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney | Ep 581
<p >Brad hosts Sean Mullaney and Cody Garrett to dive deep into the topic of taxable Roth conversions, including key distinctions between various Roth strategies. The discussion emphasizes the strategic nature of these conversions during retirement, common misconceptions, and the importance of prioritizing personal financial success over societal pressures. Listeners will gain practical insights into tax management and gain clarity on when and if to pursue Roth conversions in their financial plans.</p> <p >Disclaimer: Sean's discussions on the ChooseFI podcast and articles and messages published on ChooseFI.com are intended for general educational purposes and are not tax, legal...
This Year Everything Changes | Ep 580
<p >Jonathan Mendonsa has appeared on several ChooseFI episodes over the past few years, but 2026 marks a major evolution of the show.</p> <p >ChooseFI is being reimagined as a more interactive, more collaborative, and more deeply community-driven experience. As part of this next chapter, Jonathan officially returns to the show as Brad's frequent co-host, helping lead a truly crowdsourced platform where the community plays an active role in shaping the conversation around financial independence.</p> <p >Together, Brad, Jonathan, and the ChooseFI community are building a space focused on shared discovery — the first critical step on the path to fi...
2025 Biggest Takeaways with Ginger | Ep 579
<p >In this year-end reflection episode, Ginger and Brad share memorable insights from past interviews on budgeting, spending, and the importance of values in financial decisions. They discuss how taking action can lead to financial independence, the impact of community, and the transformative power of generosity. This episode encourages listeners to implement strategies that align with their personal values and relationships for achieving true wealth beyond financial metrics.</p> Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro to the Episode 00:01:47 - Reflecting on Memorable Interviews 00:03:41 - The Importance of Budgeting 00:05:20 - Seasons of Life and Spending 00:09:16 - Community Impact 00:10:52 - Generosity and Giving 00:12:31 - Mindset...
Year End Wins 2025 | Ep 578
<p >This special year-end episode [2025] celebrates the inspiring achievements of the ChooseFI community, highlighting transformative experiences in the pursuit of financial independence. Listeners share personal victories, including maximizing retirement contributions, career changes, and embracing minimalist lifestyles. The episode emphasizes the importance of community support, taking action, and designing a life that aligns with one's values.</p> <p >Timestamps & Key Topics:</p> <p > 00:00:00 Introduction</p> Welcome to the ChooseFI community, emphasizing financial independence. <p > 00:01:00 Community Wins</p> Discussion on inspiring wins shared by community members. <p > 00:18:00 Individual Stories and Wins</p> Members share their personal financial achievements, including reading financial literacy...
Health and Fitness Update Plus 'Are Organic Foods Worth It?' with Dr. Bobby Dubois | Ep 577
<p >Brad Barrett shares updates on his health journey and effective workout principles, while Dr. Bobby discusses the costs and benefits of organic foods. The conversation encourages listeners to reconsider their food choices and encourages an increase in fruit and vegetable intake over focusing solely on organic options. Brad's muscle-building routine coupled with nutritional insights sets the stage for prioritizing health alongside financial independence.</p> <p >Timestamps & Key Topics:</p> <p >00:00:00 - Introduction</p> Introduction to the episode theme focusing on health and nutrition. <p >00:01:13 - Brad's Health Journey Update</p> Overview of Brad's personal health journey and commitment to...
Raising FI‑Minded Kids: What Really Works | 15-Year-Old Rishi Vamdatt | Ep 576
<p >Join us as Rishi, a remarkable 15-year-old personal finance enthusiast, shares his journey and insights on financial literacy for the next generation. Rishi discusses key strategies for teaching kids about personal finance, including practical experience, understanding needs versus wants, and early investing through index funds. His insights aim to empower both parents and teenagers to engage in meaningful conversations about money, fostering a pathway to financial independence.</p> Key Topics Discussed Rishi's early interest in finance and investments [02:27] Strategies for teaching kids about personal finance [11:56] The importance of balancing saving and spending [30:15] Benefits of early investing and compound growth [25:42...
Breaking the Golden Handcuffs with 5 Kids | Sunny Burns
Episode Summary: <p >In this episode, Sunny Burns shares his journey to financial independence. After leaving a lucrative government job, he discusses the strategic choices that led to his success in real estate, alternative income streams, and how he's living a fulfilled life with his family of seven. Sunny emphasizes the importance of financial education for children and gives practical strategies for similar aspirants.</p> Key Topics & Timestamps: <p > 00:00:00 Introduction</p> Brad introduces Sunny Burns, bringing listeners up to speed on his prior appearances and his financial journey's highlights. <p > 00:01:31 Sunny's Journey to FI</p> Sunny discusses his transition from...
