Choosefi | Financial Independence Podcast For The Stealth Wealth Community

In this episode: community, structuring FI events, unstructured time, the energy in the room, and vulnerability. We all know that the online FI community can help you along the journey in a variety of ways, but the abundance and ease of access to that community can lead to us forgetting the impact live FI events can have on your life. Our Guests Stephen, Amy, and Diania from CampFI, FI Freedom Retreats, and The EconoMe Conference respectively can attest to the power of in-person communities as they are the ones who work so hard to put them together! Together with Brad, the foursome talk about the different benefits that can come as a result of joining these conferences, and how “the energy in the room” can help you find value and take in information in ways you never thought possible! Amy, Diania, and Stephen: Stephen (CampFI): campfi.org Diania (EconoMe Conference): economeconference.com (10% off using code "choosefi") Amy (FI Freedom Retreat): fifreedomretreats.com Timestamps: 1:04 – Knowing Versus D

In this episode: finding a sustainable path to FI, adjusting your lifestyle, guac levels, mindset, and finding what you want. Jamila Souffrant makes her long awaited return to the podcast to discuss building a sustainable path to FI, the importance of readjusting, financial freedom versus financial independence, as well as other topics detailed in her new book "Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness." While you may begin your FI journey with a set plan in mind, that doesn’t mean the actions you take along the trail of your journey won't serve you at different stages. On this journey, you should never feel like you are depriving or overindulging, but rather finding a balance that works for you and brings you happiness in the present. Remember, reaching your FI goal should never be at the cost of your happiness, and while making necessary changes is part of FI, you shouldn’t be sacrificing your happiness in order to reach your goal quicker.  Being mindful and w

In this episode: lessons from failure, curiosity, mastering the small things, skilling up, and the value of time. The return of Johnathan! Yes Jonathan is returning to the show to catch up on the work he’s been doing behind the scenes over the last year and a half, the value of freeing up your time, skill spending, and the importance of focusing on the little things while keeping the bigger picture in mind. Whether it’s when you’re just starting your FI journey or if it’s in other areas of your life, failure and mistakes can be inevitable. However, they should never keep you from trying to build and create the life you are working towards! One of the key lessons taught in FI is to change your mindset from one of scarcity to one of growth, and part of that challenge means identifying failures and taking action to learn from them. While you are working towards your own “big picture” on this journey, don’t forget to focus on the smaller things. Not only will it allow you to pay closer attention to what you are

In this episode: the make whole mindset, budgeting, grace and space, automation, and splitting it before you get it. This week we are re-joined by Tiffany Aliche better known as "The Budgetnista” to discuss her new book "Made Whole: The Practical Guide to Reaching Your Financial Goals" which details her 10 step system towards financial wholeness, the ease of automating payments, the importance of accountability partners, as well as designing separate accounts to reflect your needs. It can be intimidating to begin addressing your finances and planning your financial future, but your past mistakes or lack of knowledge should never be the thing holding you back from beginning your FI journey. Building a financial foundation for yourself doesn’t happen overnight. Everyday it requires you to make the necessary changes and instill new habits that get you closer and closer to your goals. And while personal finance is personal, there is no reason to go through it alone. No matter your background or what stage of life

In this episode: frugality, value based spending, honoring your season, identity, budgets, financial goals, and minimalism. When you think of the word frugal what comes to mind? To some it can mean spending on what you absolutely need and leaving little wiggle room for anything else, but to others frugality is not just a restrictive budget but a superpower! This week we are joined by Jen and Jill of the Frugal Friends podcast to discuss the intersectionality of frugality and the FI journey, as well as finding the balance between budgeting to invest in the future you want without depriving yourself in the present. Mindfulness and paying attention to the things you spend money on is an important part of the FI journey, but it is just as important to be mindful of the things that bring value and joy into your life. While budgeting and reducing your spending can help you reach the FI finish line a bit quicker, it should never be at the expense of cutting out the things in your life that are fulfilling! Implementi

In this episode: the power of pursuit, FU money, index investing, investing the difference, and the simple path to wealth. This week we are joined by the godfather of the FI movement himself JL Collins to discuss the themes of his new book "Pathfinders: Extraordinary Stories of People Like You on the Quest for Financial Independence―And How to Join Them." While there is no perfect blueprint to mastering your money, there can be confidence and motivation to be found in the stories of others who have been in your position regardless of what part of the path to FI you are on! Though this journey requires you to have to take action and make necessary financial changes, it is never about complexity and deprivation. But rather, this journey is about recognizing the freedoms gained while pursuing FI, not just when you reach your FI goal! The moment you begin to simplify your path to wealth, you will find yourself becoming a stronger and happier individual! JL Collins: Check Out JL's New Book "Pathfinders: Extraord

In this episode: community, building fun into your life, college planning, fear, following threads, and travel rewards. This week we are rejoined by Ginger for another installment of the Round-Up, where we catch up and discuss our favorite takeaways from this past month’s episodes. From learning how to best prepare your child for the college application process, to the importance of introspection to pinpoint and work with your fears, and finally to re-framing your fearing relationship with money. It’s been a great month with content full of information that all listeners can relate to, no matter what part of the FI journey they are in! Timestamps: 0:37 - Introduction 3:23 - Community 12:45 - Building Fun Into Your Life 17:51 - Usage Of Travel Rewards 29:51 - College Planning 37:18 - Following the Threads, Fear, And Money 49:32 - Retirement Investing/The Mailbag 57:00 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: FI is Fun FinCon The Great Man Within EconoME Conference (Coupon Code "choo

In this episode: financial aid, college planning, standardized tests, tests optional, need meeting, and preparation. This week we are re-joined by Brian Eufinger to discuss ways to best prepare your children for college admissions, navigating the new changes to FAFSA and the CSS profile, and how you can maximize when prepping for your child’s higher education. While college prep can be stressful for students, from maintaining their GPA to taking multiple standardized tests, it can be just as stressful for parents to figure out financial aid and how to best set up their child for success before and after graduation. However, knowing the factors to consider early on and having the knowledge in advance can make this process far less daunting! While stressful as it may be, remember that there are many different resources available to you and your child that give you the knowledge that may alleviate the pressures that come with college prep and financial aid!  Brian Eufinger: Free diagnostic mock SAT and ACT tes

In this episode: spiritual bypassing, curiosity, fear, wellbeing, inflection points, and what the body stores. This we are re-joined by Cory Muscara to discuss the benefits of practicing mindfulness while embarking on the FI journey, the concept of spiritual bypassing, and the positive benefits that come from being present. An important part of the FI journey is learning to take actionable steps to better your life, and a large part of this requires introspection and honest reflection of where you are in your life. Through the practice of meditation and setting intentions, it may allow you to recognize patterns that harm you or keep you from enjoying life in the present. While working through triggers or anxieties can be uncomfortable, mindful practices can be the vehicle to move you from discomfort to a place of control and confidence in your life. So while you may be putting all your mental energy into reaching your FI goal, remember that getting to the finish line is not what this journey is about, but rat

In this episode: fear, anxiety, FOMO, talking about money, endings, self development, exposure, and the fear of loneliness. This week we are joined by Farnoosh Tarabi where we will be discussing the topic of fear and anxiety, reinterpreting FOMO, and how to recognize and use your fears and anxieties to work with you in order to reach your financial goals. While we can sometimes interpret our own fear as a weakness, many times these fears and anxieties can be a secret weapon, ones that motivate us and usher in necessary change that can make a difference in the path that we are on. In some cases, it can be a fear of missing out on opportunities. Other times it can be a fear of endings. But no matter the fears, learning to recognize the underlying feelings and meanings can ultimately help you on the path to FI! Remember, an important part of this journey requires introspection, and while it may be uncomfortable to sit with your fears and anxieties, working with them, rather than against them may just be the supe

In this episode: the 4% rule, second generation FI, retirement saving, 529's, 401k's, and is it too late for FI? This week we joined by Rachael Camp of Camp Wealth for another installment of Mail Bag, where we will be answering some questions sent in by our listeners. Together, we cover topics surrounding the 4 percent rule, starting the FI journey “late”, the importance of tax diversity in your retirement accounts, and the potential benefits and drawbacks to 529 plans. On the path to FI, the community this journey brings can be the best resource, and answering any questions you may have is our way to ensure you’re well on your way to FI, as well as help others in the community who may be navigating similar scenarios! Rachael Camp: Website: rachaelcampwealth.com Twitter: @camp_wealth Please note: Rachael Camp offers advisory Services through Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser, and Securities are offered through cfd Investments, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA

In this episode: the importance of starting, everything is negotiable, talentstacking, building your flywheel, and Ginger! As September comes to a close, it’s once again time for another Roundup episode! This week we are rejoined by Ginger, where we will be revisiting the topics of our September episodes and discussing our favorite takeaways and the talking points that stood out to us. From the importance of perseverance on your path to FI and embracing the community this journey brings, and negotiating salary with confidence, to finally skill stacking and the teaching opportunities it may bring for you and others! So lets look back on what FI can look like from the different points of view of our past month’s guests, and move into October better informed and better prepared!  Timestamps: 0:35 - Introduction 2:02 - Taxes And After-Tax Brokerage Accounts 9:55 - The Importance Of Starting/Community 19:52 - Decision Making Strategy/Focusing On The Future 23:53 - Everything Is Negotiable/Being Prepared And

In this episode: it's not easy it's simple, the flywheel, being consistent, skilling up, the gift of time, and what money can provide. This week we are joined by founder and creator of ConvertKit, Nathan Barry to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how the fundamentals of FI helped drive him to create and build a successful business. We often discuss the importance of skill stacking when on the journey to FI, but we sometimes forget to touch on the trial and error that comes with learning and creating something new for yourself. While you can’t expect to start something new and be faced with little to no challenges, this leaves more opportunities for personal growth and important lessons! So whether it’s learning a new side hustle or starting a business, it’s important to remember that you may not always know how to do something perfect when you begin. You should not count yourself out or give up when you don’t see instant results, but rather reach out to new communities and take the lessons in stride! Th

In this episode: salary negotiation, knowing your worth, doing your own research, anchoring, and facing job offers. We often talk about the importance of shifting out of a scarcity mindset towards an abundant one, and this can mean leaving a job for a new one, or even asking for a higher wage. But how do you overcome the guilty feelings that can arise when wanting to level up? This week we are re-joined by the Financial Mechanic to discuss the art and steps to successful salary negotiating, from doing your research to collaboratively working with hiring managers, and learning to handle the discomfort and self doubt that can come when asking for more. While negotiating can make you feel uncomfortable or even intimidated, it’s important to remind yourself that asking for what you want does not mean you are begging. Rather, it means you know your worth and are advocating for yourself and your future! Though it takes practice, learning how to confidently negotiate can make a difference in your present but make al

In this episode: the importance of community, finding financial literacy, pulling the levers of FI, and the hot seat. We’ve heard incredible stories of FI from many of our listeners, but this week we are lucky to hear from someone who overcame so much in order to achieve the life she always wanted. This week we are joined by one of our listeners Teresa, where we discuss her incredible story of navigating and overcoming debt as a single mother to building a strong foundation of financial literacy and knowledge for herself and her daughters! Some of us on the path to FI may not have grown up surrounded by great financial models, and maybe some of our listeners may feel overwhelmed with the new tips and knowledge that FI brings, but please remember that feeling unprepared is no reason to count yourself out on this journey! Your past failures or mistakes shouldn’t hold you back from building the life you want and the life you deserve, but rather they should motivate you to learn and grow into the best future vers

In this episode: spending for value, mastering your finances, what nourishes you, limiting beliefs, and getting the best out of yourself. The end of August is rapidly approaching which means it is time for another round-up episode. To close out the month this time we are joined by Katie Gatti from "Money with Katie" to discuss all the lessons we picked up from the last month of ChooseFI! Whether it's planning a mini-retirement, designing what your want your life to look like, or forming your identity statements, our wonderful August guests have provided some amazing blueprints for you to start becoming the best version of yourself. So now that the summer is ending, it seems like a great time to take action on what we have learned together! Katie Gatti: Website: moneywithkatie.com Podcast: The Money With Katie Show Timestamps: 1:11 - Introduction 4:34 - Spending For What You Value 9:59 - Getting The Best Out Of Yourself 14:26 - Claiming The Life You Want 24:59 - Mastering Your Financials First 33:

In this episode: mini-retirements, building fun into your life, structuring and planning mini-retirements, negotiating, and gaining momentum. When pursuing your FI goal, it can feel like you are on a set trajectory, and picking up new habits or hobbies can seem overwhelming because you don’t have the time to focus on them. However, you should never feel held back from starting something new! This week we are joined by Jillian Johnsrud to define and discuss the mini-retirement strategy, and how taking a break to recover, relax, and re-strategize can propel you towards your FI goals! Sometimes the thought of taking a break can seem scary, or even the thought of relaxing can be more stressful than it's meant to be. But, taking the time and space away from your usual structure can allow you the space and bandwidth to pursue other avenues that you are passionate about! While the thought of a mini-retirement can leave you feeling unstructured from your usual 9-5, it can usher in more time for hobbies, side hustles,

In this episode: changing your mindset, starting FI at 50, the pros and cons of starting late, and facing your faults. We always say on this show that FI is for everyone, but our guests Becky Heptig and Bill Yount really embody this message. As hosts of the "Catching Up to FI" podcast, Becky and Bill are a fantastic resource for those who have found FI later in life and still would like to give it a go despite the delayed start! While FI looks different for everyone and can be influenced by when you start, we agree with Bill and Becky in saying becoming intentional with your finances is always a positive decision, no matter when you do it in life. Although your path may look different from those who started earlier, you would still be taking steps to better your life inside and around your finances. Perfection isn't the goal, improvement is what we strive for, and a positive step is still a step in the right direction! Becky Heptig & Bill Yount: Website: catchinguptofi.com Podcast: Catching Up to FI F

In this episode: determining your FI goals, real estate investing, land investing, liquidity, and proof of concept. Whether you are new to FI or have achieved it, you have probably noticed a big change not only in how you live your life, but how you perceive yourself. You may be more intentional and strive to make changes in all areas of your life, not just financial ones. This week we are joined by our friend JT Olmstead to discuss the ins and outs of land investing, as well as talk about the importance of  having the right mentality to accomplish your goals and become the best version of yourself. While on the journey to FI, you may feel momentum and motivation to keep pushing towards your FI number, but oftentimes the journey doesn’t end when you get to the finish line. A large part of this journey is learning from failures, changing your goals, and changing your plans as you change!  Though your plans and goals may not always be accomplished the way you think, having the right mindset throughout this jour

As this month comes to a close, we think it’s only fitting to reflect on what July’s incredible guests have had to say, and what new knowledge and perspectives they’ve brought to the table. This week we are back with Ginger and introducing a more structured Round-Up, where we will be revisiting topics from this past month's episodes and discussing our favorite moments and takeaways. While the subjects of this month's episodes have varied from spending for happiness to understanding Roth conversions, there is still more to learn and unpack before moving onto August!  Timestamps: 1:44 - Introduction 2:17 - Listener Updates/Travel Rewards 7:08 - Spending for Happiness 18:35 - Saving Addiction 22:01 - The Fundamental Truths of Investing 31:12 - The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor 41:11 - Roth Conversions/Breaking Up with Your Financial Advisor 49:50 - Purposefully Not Optimizing 55:58 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: The Invisible Nature of Spending | Ginger Roundup | Choos