Choosefi | Financial Independence Podcast For The Stealth Wealth Community

In this episode: the "average" withdrawal, Karsten's strategy, Fritz's strategy, fixed withdrawal rates, the bucket strategy, and refilling. Preparing for retirement can look different for all on the journey to FI. All of our goals differ, but we are still in the mindset of positioning ourselves for the coming years. This week we are having a face-off between returning guests Karsten and Fritz, as they discuss their own receptive drawdown strategies, their advantages, and how you can best prepare yourself mentally and financially for your retirement. While a large part of preparing for retirement means saving, that does not mean you should be afraid to spend. Even in retirement, there are strategies that can allow you to not only spend comfortably within your means, but also spend confidently!  Fritz & Karsten: Fritz's Website: theretirementmanifesto.com Karsten's Website: earlyretirementnow.com Timestamps: 1:35 - Introcution 2:09 - Karsten's Strategy 6:05 - Fritz's Strategy 13:28 - Fixed Withd

In this episode: the 2.5 million dollar inversion, looking at the incentives, interest rates, your biggest asset, and potshots. When you begin your FI journey, you may feel like you must follow a certain path or plan in order to achieve your desired outcome. However, the longer you are this journey the more you realize that it is a personal one that requires adaptability when so many factors can affect your bottom line. This week we are back with Scott Trench from BiggerPockets as he shares his insights on investing and looking at your portfolio from an “outset” perspective, as well as touch on the shape of the real estate market. It is important to remember that there is a lot of push and pull on this journey, and it is not meant to be perfect. While you may have expectations for your portfolio and your long term plans, there will be times where you will have to make tradeoffs. Just as the markets change and may signal uncertainties to come, remember that flexibility while maintaining your long term goals wi

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

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 jou

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

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

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

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 s

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

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 S

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

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:

In this episode: slowing down, stoicism, finding something to neglect on purpose, focusing on the present, flow states, and actionable steps. Throughout the history of this podcast we have had many guests discuss books that have offered great advice and education to them on the Journey to FI, and with the large selection to choose from we can't think of a better time to start working down the list! On today’s episode we are joined by Josue and Ginger in our new series The Choose FI Book Club. This week, we’ll be sharing our thoughts and takeaways from the book "4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman, as well as share some opinions on the book from our listeners who shared their opinions with us! While many of us on the Journey to FI feel that this lifestyle can be very future-driven, it can be overwhelming to want to accomplish so much with only so much time. This book reminds us that time is finite, and you can’t spend it worrying about what you have or haven't yet accomplished. Instead

In this episode: the value of a door, the hour FIRE method, tax breaks, focusing on income, and return on hassle. Many of our listeners have tuned in to hear our guests discuss the real estate market, mortgages, and taxes as it relates to obtaining property. However, many of us on the road to FI may not realize how scaling the properties you own can actually act as a mutual fund-like portfolio. On this week’s episode we are joined by our new in-house real estate expert, author, and podcaster, Alan Corey. Alan sheds light towards what expanding your real estate portfolio can look like from from a larger standpoint, and how approaching investment from a spreadsheet rather than lifestyle point of view can ultimately offer greater returns in the long run. While we know many listeners may be apprehensive to consider investing in multiple or larger real estate properties, or how this may not seem like a feasible option, this episode is available to you to educate and offer the mental framework on how to approach re

In this episode: success on paper, building the life you want, therapy, craving progression, and what leads to change. When beginning and well into your FI journey, it may seem like reaching and achieving your end goal of financial independence will somehow leave you feeling happier and more fulfilled. However, reaching this end goal doesn’t automatically solve all your problems. On this week’s episode we are joined by founder of FindMoreBalance.com and host of "The Mental Wealth Show" Rich Jones to have a conversation about mental health, rebuilding mindset and behaviors, and importance of finding your network of support in life. The FI journey is a great one because it allows you to introduce changes into your life, and no matter how big or different the changes are, they are still significant! The best part of this journey is that it is a personal one, so try to remember that! While the end goal may be reaching a monetary number, it is also about rebuilding and progressing into the person you want to be in

In this episode; global funds, it's not doctrine, index funds, VTSAX, what is in index funds, and the opposite of active investing. If you've been in the FI community for a while now, you've probably at one point have heard of index Funds. However, whether you are familiar with this concept of investing, have invested in index funds, or are unfamiliar entirely, you may not necessarily know the mechanics and specifics of what certain types of index funds can actually do for you on your FI journey. This week we are rejoined by Alan and Katie Donegan, co-founders of The Rebel Finance School, to dive into the topic of index funds. Together, we discuss the differences between certain types of index funds, fee structures and returns, self-regulating funds, as well as break-down the benefits of what certain types of index funds can provide for you regardless of market and economic fluctuations! While we are not giving direct financial advice on what invest in, this week’s episode is meant as a resource to our listen

In this episode: VTSAX funds, bonds, cap-weighted funds, finding your ballasts, staying the course, and the simple path to wealth. This week, we are getting back to the basics! While many of you who have been in the FI community for a while now have definitely heard of JL Collins, those who are new should absolutely be prepared to absorb the wealth of information he provides every time he decides to grace our podcast! Listen along as he and Brad review the basic information that can put you on the simple path to wealth that so many in the FI community have walked! Believe it or not, creating wealth for yourself can be simple! JL Collins: Website: jlcollinsnh.com Book: The Simple Path to Wealth: Your road map to financial independence and a rich, free life Chautauqua: Get Information About Chautauqua Here! Timestamps: 1:46 - Introduction 2:40 - Back To Basics, What Is The Simple Path To Wealth 10:15 - Low-Cost Funds And High-Cost Funds 14:56 - Index Funds Are For Lazy People (Just Kidding!) 20:0

In this episode: finding mentors, the superpower of making less, traveling while making less, rental properties, and the one percent rule. For some who begin the FI journey, it's about doing all they can to reach that FI number, but for many people the journey to FI is about the people you meet and learn from along the way! On this week’s episode we are joined by longtime listener Kelly Cronin to discuss the importance of mentorship, her interesting take that gives a new meaning to traveling while working, and the importance of pursuing what drives you and leads to a life filled with with intentionality. In Kelly's case, a passion towards travel lead to a fascinating side-hustle that affords her the opportunity to make money while seeing the world, who knows where a passion could end up leading you? Kelly Cronin: Website: croninscastles.com Rental Property Class: Cronin's Castles STR Class Timestamps: 1:55 - Introduction 3:11 - Kelly's Early Financial Influence 6:45 - Finding Mentors 9:02 - The S

In this episode: w2 employment to self-employment, s-coporations vs self-employment, avoiding penalties, megas backdoor roths, retirement planning, and health insurance. Most of us are familiar with a W2 job, and there is a certain level of convenience that comes with working a W2 job as it relates to retirement planning and taxes. So much so that it can be daunting to want to embark out on your own journey and have to figure it all out on your own. This week we are re-joined by our “in-house tax expert” Sean Mullaney to discuss the tax and retirement sphere as it relates to being self-employed. While we are not offering advice, this week's episode is meant to act as a resource to listeners curious about the steps and unknowns that come with the self-employment territory. With the same excitement and motivations gained from getting to run your own business, those same motivations and excitements can still be applied to navigating your retirement and taxes once you remember that it is now within YOUR control! 

In this episode: taking action, travel rewards, career progression, the mission to net zero, and value propositions for college. Whether you were raised to live frugally or if the lessons and lifestyle of FI are just now being introduced into your life, the journey to FI is full of ebbs and flow, not only with your finances, but with the knowledge you pick up along the way. This week we are joined by Audrey to talk about her journey with FI, her path to intentionality, and to discuss the power of optimization. Everyone who begins the FI journey comes from a different place of financial literacy, and a lot of the times we may grow up following the “do’s and don’ts” of financial planning that we were raised with. However, you may be missing out on new ways to optimize your FI journey! The best part about FI is that it's a personal journey that allows you to learn new ways to plan, as well as new ways to reallocate your savings and spending in order to live your best life in the present and future!  Timestamps: