Choosefi | Financial Independence Podcast For The Stealth Wealth Community

In this episode: financial advisor breakups, I bonds, the 4% rule, second generation FI, Roth IRAs, and the listener mailbag. Breakups are hard, but breaking up with financial advisor can be harder given the minutia that is often involved in doing so. It's good to have friends to lean on in times like this, which is exactly why we have the FI Tax Guy himself Sean Mullaney with us to help! Listen along as he and Brad dip back into the listener mailbag this week and discuss a plethora of topics submitted by YOU the listener! Sean Mullaney: Website: fitaxguy.com Sean's Roth IRA Blog Post: How I Learned To Stop Worrying About The Roth IRA 5 Year Rules Timestamps: 0:43 - Introduction/Breaking Up With Your Financial Advisor 15:13 - The Taxable Nature of Financial Breakups 22:11 - I Bonds 29:12 - The 4% Rule and Age 35:40 - Second Generation FI and Accounts 43:48 - Early Roth IRA Conversions 48:18 - Roth IRA's and 5 Year Rules 57:24 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Early Retir

In this episode: designing your life, real estate investing, pain points, working backward, and finding your sweet spot. This week we are rejoined by friend of the podcast Chad Carson to discuss his new book "The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor: How to Reach Financial Freedom with Fewer Rental Properties," as well as cover some strategies he’s picked up during his real estate investing journey. While investing in real estate can be a full time job, for many listeners it can also be seen as a way to generate additional income. Although getting started can seem a little daunting, Chad offers excellent insights on how to confidently begin real estate investing and stay motivated towards having your investments align with your personal goals and desired life! Chad Carson: Get 10% off Chad's book coming out on July 20th, "The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor: How to Reach Financial Freedom with Fewer Rental Properties," with the promo-code "choosefi" Timestamps: 1:02 - Introduction 4:34 - Designing

In this episode: investing, losing money hurts, pessimism, optimism, index funds, psychology, history, and building wealth. Whether you're a confident investor or weary of playing the market, there is still a lot to be learned when it comes to your investments. This week we are re-joined by friend of the podcast Brian Feroldi to discuss important truths and takeaways he’s learned as a decades-long investor, from navigating the psychology and history of the market, to focusing on longevity and simplicity rather than getting rich quick. When listening to this episode, remember that playing the market doesn’t have to be a complicated game, and no one should feel un-equipped to invest! Just be sure to understand that investing will never be a perfect journey, and preparing yourself for low points may help you make better decisions in the long run! Brian Feroldi: Website: brianferoldi.com Twitter: @brianferoldi Book: “Why Does The Stock Market Go Up?: Everything You Should Have Been Taught About Investing In S

In this episode: the phases of FI, your spending framework, dying with zero, changing your anchor points, and the value of time. This podcast offers insight to what the path to FI can look like for listeners, and while we usually speak broadly to our listeners who are all at different stages of FI, it’s important to look back, as well as look forward to see how this journey has changed for us. This week we are joined by Carl Jensen and Doug Cunnington of Mile High FI to talk about the evolution of the FI movement from when we all began this journey, as well as reflect and discuss the trends and important takeaways of where we see the FI movement going. While finding your own balance is important in all parts of life, finding balance while on the FI journey is just as important! Learning to become intentional with your spending is also important. It can be extremely beneficial to your life to learn healthier ways to spend rather than deprive yourself of some of the most important items or experiences that bri

In this episode: travel rewards, credit cards, the true cost of buying a car, health, retirement, and community wins. This week we are re-joined by Ginger for another Round-Up episode where we will briefly discuss travel rewards, updates on Ginger’s credit card journey, the value of implementing new habits, and also dip into the listener mailbag! Over the course of this podcast we often discuss the importance of taking action and making changes in your life to not only achieve FI but also improve your life overall. While we know changes don’t happen overnight, (just as no one can reach their FI goal overnight) it’s important to remember that sometimes the best thing you can do is take action little by little. Sometimes this means budgeting, and other times it can mean breaking free from an unhealthy frugal mindset in order improve your quality of life! Whatever the changes you wish to make or habits you want to create are, remember it's never too late to begin!  Timestamps: 0:10 - Introduction 0:29 - Trav

In this episode: the travelers triangle, booking early, flexibility, planning, hotels, and knowing you are getting a deal. This week Suzy joins us for a new installment of travel rewards tips, where we will be diving deeper into how you can optimize your savings and travel points to get the most out of your travels. While the subject matter we are tackling today may be more useful to listeners who have already acquired the necessary credit cards and travel points, there is still a lot of helpful information you can use when planning your next trip! So whether that's learning to book early and play around with the sites mentioned on today's episode, or allowing flexibility to mitigate the stress of traveling, this episode is here to act as an additional resource to those learning to take advantage of what their travel points can offer. Timestamps:  1:24 - Introduction 6:09 - The Travelers Triangle 12:31 - Booking Ahead Of Time 23:28 - Tools For Travel Rewards 33:14 - Flexibility And Planning 45:10 - FI

In this episode: the continuum of FI, skilling up, chasing true value, the power of connection, and second generation FI. This week we are rejoined by friend of the podcast Bo Loy to talk about finding value on the FI journey, drowning out the "noise,"  and the importance of not depriving yourself of happiness in order to reach your FI goal. While the journey to FI does require you to make financial changes and pick up new habits that can launch you towards financial independence, the purpose of this journey is never to deprive or restrict yourself in order to reach your goal. No matter when you begin this journey, the goal in mind should be taking steps in order to improve your life both financially AND mentally. Not sacrificing the things that bring value to it! There's a lot to learn on the path to FI, but it’s important to remember that what you are working towards is more than just a number, it's personal happiness, fulfillment, and more!  Timestamps: 0:58 - Introduction 4:37 - The Continuum of FI 1

In this episode: money against mindset, fear setting, FI events, gap years, slow travel, and living intentionally. Everyone’s relationship with money is different, just as everyones path to FI looks different, but how do you unlearn behaviors that could be holding you back? This week we are joined by Amy Minkley to discuss how finding FI changed her life while abroad, as well as the the importance of unlearning and breaking free of internalized stress when it comes to money. A large part of the FI journey is implementing new habits and the lessons you pick up along the way. However, an even larger and sometimes harder part of this journey requires you to be introspective and take an honest look at your relationship with money. While you can’t go back and change the past, the beauty of FI is that you learn to make changes to ensure the future you want! No matter what your background, the path to FI is one that benefits everyone, because it not only gives you control of your life, but allows for independence to

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 Resou

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 Timestamp

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!) Subs

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 F

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 waitr

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! Times

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 pat

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 Th

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. Re

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: thefic

In this episode: finding your why, creating space, deprivation, board games, lesson learning, and decision making. Whether you’re years into your FI journey or just beginning, evaluating your finances and spending, you may feel like you have to make some cuts into your favorite hobbies in order to reach your goal quicker. However, deprivation and cutting out the things that bring enjoyment into your life should never be the only option. This week we are joined by friend of the podcast Chris Terell to talk frugal hobbies, new experiences, and the parallels between strategies in board games and the strategies employed while on the journey to FI. While trying to optimize your experiences may mean changing hobbies and evolving, while doing so you may find new enjoyment, new communities, and values that come with these changes. Not everyone may have the same approach to a game, just as not everyone will have the same approach to achieving FI, but as long as you remember that being open to changes will allow you to

In this episode: personal investments, 401k contributions, FI is for everyone, travel rewards, task management, and taxes. On what is considered a very personal journey, how do you handle changes that feel like setbacks? Whether its spending more when you feel you should be saving, or re-evaluating goals based on what needs immediate attention, do you feel equipped to handle it with confidence? This week we are having a weekly roundup, and are re-joined by Ginger to not only answer listener’s questions, but discuss travel rewards, retirement accounts, and breaking away from the ultra frugal caricature often depicted alongside FI. While saving is an important factor on this journey, the main purpose of FI is to learn and live your life with intention as it relates to your money, goals, and values. Remember that it’s okay if some of your goals and values will change along the way! Allowing yourself to be flexible as it relates to external factors, like market volatility and your investments, will give you more