Episodes

  • Freedom Before FIRE | Trip of a Lifestyle

    Freedom Before FIRE | Trip of a Lifestyle
    Apr 29 2024
    In this episode: connecting points, the power of FU money, the early retirement era, and enjoying the journey. This week we are joined by returning guests, Steven and Lauren Keys from Trip of a Lifestyle, to update us on their FI journey and “early retirement era,” as well as discuss the importance of finding the courage and freedom to make radical lifestyle changes in the present. We all know that money can open up new opportunities in your life, whether it’s having the flexibility to leave your job for a better one or even relocating to a dream country, but most of us forget that these opportunities can be achieved sooner than you think! The journey to FI is about taking actionable steps to build and achieve the life you want, and you don’t have to wait until you’re fully retired to do it! While you’re starting to save and spend less, remember that you’re getting closer and closer to your goal, but even still that it’s not a poor decision to spend money on things that are important to you and can improve your life! New ChooseFI shirts are now available here! Trip of a Lifestyle: Website: tripofalifestyle.comInstagram: @tripofalifestyleCrambetter: crambetter.com Timestamps: 0:46 – Introduction3:12 – Connecting Points6:39 – Taking Money Out of the Equation13:14 – The Power of FU Money23:39 – Getting to The Early Retirement Era33:27 – Investing44:59 – Paying Yourself Last?48:39 – Enjoying the Journey/Setting Yourself up for Success58:13 – Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Trip of a Lifestyle to All US National Parks | ChooseFI Ep 226 We Took a 3-Month Vacation and Came Home $26,000 Richer How We Saved $100k in 2 Years on Teacher Salaries We Vacationed Our Way to $1 Million by Age 33 (and You Can Too)Inside the Investment Portfolio of Early RetireesPay Yourself Last: Why You Don’t Need A BudgetSubscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and FI Resources: Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit CardsEmpower: Free Dashboard to Track Your FinancesCIT Bank Platinum Savings AccountM1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancingCashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back RewardsTravel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and pointsEmergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)Get a cheaper phone plan with Mint Mobile
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    59 mins
  • 488 | The Courage to Take Action | EconoMe LIVE with Doc G

    488 | The Courage to Take Action | EconoMe LIVE with Doc G
    Apr 22 2024
    In this episode: courage from community, what to do next, overwhelm, finding community, and the evolution of FI. Live from the EconoMe Conference in Cincinati Ohio, Brad is joined by Jordan "Doc G" Grumet and a room full of passionate members of our community to discuss finding the courage to take action in your FI journey. While we understand money can be a north-star for many early in your venture towards FI, what happens once money is no longer the root of your goals? Where do you shift your focus to next? Well, sometimes finding answers to these questions is a little easier when you have help from some of your friends. Listen along as Jordan, Brad and our community speculate on their ideas for what their next steps are. Doc G: Website: earnandinvest.comPodcast: The Earn and Invest Podcast Timestamps: 0:41 - Introduction1:41 - Courage From Community7:40 - Roger and What To Do Next?20:31 - Allison and Finding Community30:15 - What/Where is the Overwhelm34:49 - The Evolution of FI/Being The Change You Want To See41:11 - Reconciling With Social Responsibilities44:34 - Charitable Giving47:21 - Interacting Outside of The Community51:55 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Retire OftenFI Freedom RetreatMr Money MustacheCampFIFinCon "Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life" by Bill PerkinsJosh OvermeyerEconoMeAlan DoneganFind Your Local ChooseFI Group Effective Giving for the FI Community | Rebecca Herbst & Jack Lewars | ChooseFI Ep 483Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and FI Resources: Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit CardsEmpower: Free Dashboard to Track Your FinancesCIT Bank Platinum Savings AccountM1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancingCashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back RewardsTravel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and pointsEmergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)Get a cheaper phone plan with Mint Mobile
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    54 mins
  • 487 | Military FI: Optimizing Your Financial Plan before Military Retirement | Daniel Kopp, CFP

    487 | Military FI: Optimizing Your Financial Plan before Military Retirement | Daniel Kopp, CFP
    Apr 15 2024
    In this episode: survivor benefit plans, VA benefits, VSO's disability benefits, tax planning, healthcare, and blended retirement systems. This week we are joined by Daniel Kopp, founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning, to outline ways you can best prepare for military retirement. Together we cover pensions, navigating the Survivor Benefit Plan and additional benefits, healthcare and disability resources, as well as other financial decisions you can consider as you begin to transition out of the military. When dealing with any kind of retirement planning, taking actionable steps to prepare and get a plan in place for you and your family is essential. While everyone's circumstances may be different as they transition out of the military, there are many resources available and benefit programs you are entitled to before and after you leave duty! Daniel Kopp, CFP Website: wisestewardshipfp.comPodcast: Military to Financial Planner Timestamps: 1:26 – Introduction2:32 – Approaching Military Retirement/Blended Retirement System9:38 – Military Benefits/Healthcare15:36 – VA Benefits/Term Life Insurance22:12 – Disability Benefits/VSO’s30:17 – Survivor Benefit Plans43:13 – SBP Contingencies and Child Coverage50:41 – Tax Planning56:26 – Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Blended RetirementVA education benefits for survivors and dependentsEverything About The Military’s Survivor Benefit PlanSBP Financial Analysis ToolsDaniel Kopp Estate Planning for Military Families | Military Money Manual Podcast Episode 83Accredited VSO Representatives Transition Planning from a Military Career on the Path to FI | ChooseFI Ep 296 “Military in Transition’s Guide to The Survivor Benefit Plan: Navigating the SBP” by Forrest Baumhover How VA Disability Compensation Affects Military Retirement Pay Income Tax and Rental Properties When You’re in the MilitaryMFAAChooseFI US MilitarySubscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and FI Resources: Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit CardsEmpower: Free Dashboard to Track Your FinancesCIT Bank Platinum Savings AccountM1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancingCashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back RewardsTravel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and pointsEmergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)Get a cheaper phone plan with Mint Mobile
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    59 mins
  • 486 | The Wealthy Educator | Chris Travers

    486 | The Wealthy Educator | Chris Travers
    Apr 8 2024
    In this episode: public service accounts, side hustles, making FI possible, frugality, giving yourself freedom, and side hustles. This week we are joined by Chris Travers, a New York City public school teacher and FI community member, to discuss his journey from being a natural saver to becoming a savvy investor, talk advantages and disadvantages of some of the retirement accounts provided to teachers, as well as discuss some ways he has been able to grow his net worth in the last 10 years. Frugality is a term that often comes up while on the FI path, and finding a balance of saving and spending is crucial to reaching your financial goals. Remember that where you decide to save and spend and how you do so will evolve throughout your FI journey! While it can be hard to cut costs of the things you enjoy in the present, being willing to cut out what you don’t need can set you up for success in the future! Chris Travers: Book: “TL;DR: Financial Literacy for New York City Public School Teachers: Optimizing Financial Decisions Based On Your TRSNYC Benefits” by Christopher Tavers and Karl FischInstagram: @thewealthyeducator Timestamps: 0:54 – Introduction6:47 – Public Service Accounts11:38 – Diving Into FI15:08 – Side Hustles/Making FI Possible22:17 – Renting vs Buying26:43 – Frugality and Loosening the Purse Strings32:25 – Giving Yourself Freedom37:53 – Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Join ChooseFI’s Facebook Group! “The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko “Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!” by Robert Kiyosaki “Smart Couples Finish Rich, Revised and Updated: 9 Steps to Creating a Rich Future for You and Your Partner” by David BachThe Unfair (FI) Advantage Of Teachers | 457b | ChooseFI Ep 13The Happy BodyMillennial Revolution Karl FischSubscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and FI Resources: Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit CardsEmpower: Free Dashboard to Track Your FinancesCIT Bank Platinum Savings AccountM1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancingCashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back RewardsTravel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and pointsEmergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)Get a cheaper phone plan with Mint Mobile
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    41 mins
  • 485 | Mailbag: Spending Down to Zero, High Fee 401k, Mini Retirements | Rachael Camp

    485 | Mailbag: Spending Down to Zero, High Fee 401k, Mini Retirements | Rachael Camp
    Apr 1 2024
    In this episode: spending down to zero, the ratcheting rule, the guardrails approach, high fee 401k's, and mini-retirements. This week we are diving back into the listener mailbag with Rachael Camp to address the pressing questions our community has! Whether it's curiosity towards the concept of dying with zero, determining whether it is a good time to take a mini-retirement, or working with high-fee 401k's, Brad and Rachael tackle it all! Listen along as YOU the community dictate the conversation with your hot button FI questions! Rachael Camp: Website: www.rachaelcampwealth.comTwitter: @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 & SIPC, 2704 S. Goyer Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. 765-453-9600. Camp Wealth is not affiliated with the CFD companies. Timestamps: 0:55 – Introduction1:38 – Spending Down to Zero10:15 – The Ratcheting Rule and The Guard Rails Approach20:38 – Flexible Spending Strategy27:01 – Does Everything Need to be Optimized?31:15 – High Fee 401k’s41:48 – Mini Retirement Considerations49:54 – Roth IRA Contributions and Faze Out Limits55:57 – Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: “Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life” by Bill Perkins “Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts” by Annie Duke The Ratcheting Safe Withdrawal Rate – A More Dominant Version Of The 4% Rule? The guardrails approach is a flexible retirement withdrawal strategy: Here’s how it worksEarly Retirement NowThe Problem with the 4% Rule (and Why You Could Retire Even Sooner)The Roth IRA Conversion Ladder | A Case Study | ChooseFI Ep 17RRoth IRA Conversion Ladder Case Study | ChooseFI Ep 163RRetire Often Mini-Retirements to Accelerate Your Path to FI | Jillian Johnsrud | ChooseFI Ep 451Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and FI Resources: Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit CardsEmpower: Free Dashboard to Track Your FinancesCIT Bank Platinum Savings AccountM1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancingCashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back RewardsTravel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and pointsEmergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)Get a cheaper phone plan with Mint Mobile
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    57 mins
  • 484 | A Family Journey From Debt to Early Retirement in a Decade | Joel and Emily Allen

    484 | A Family Journey From Debt to Early Retirement in a Decade | Joel and Emily Allen
    Mar 25 2024

    In this episode: wants vs needs, side hustles, tax planning, college hacking, travel rewards, mindset, and living your values.

    This week we are joined by Joel and Emily Allen, a married couple with children based out of Iowa who truly embody what the FI movement is all about! Not only have they seized control of their life and finances, but have also managed to start a successful side hustle, provide incredible resources to the community around them, travel the world, and so much more! While the FI movement is about financially freeing yourself and your family, it is also important to remember why we want that freedom. Not stressing about money is just one piece of a fulfilling life, once you have that freedom, take advantage of it like the Allen’s have!

    Timestamps:
    • 1:25 – Introduction/The FI Mindset
    • 9:02 – Budgeting/Wants and Needs
    • 14:59 – Side Hustles
    • 21:02 – Financial Literacy to FI
    • 23:29 – Tax Planning/Travel Rewards
    • 29:11 – College Hacking
    • 42:05 – Living Your Values and Taking Time Off
    • 48:39 – The Importance of Knowing the Rules
    • 53:48 – Traveling Like a Pro
    • 69:25 – Conclusion
    Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:
    • Dave Ramsey
    • Travel Rewards | ChooseFI
    • Preparing for the Cost of College | Brian Eufinger | ChooseFI Ep 460
    • The 10 Pillars Of FI
    • Modern States
    • The $100K Glorified Sleepaway Camp | Millionaire Educator | ChooseFI Ep 386
    • All the Hacks
    • Subscribe to The FI Weekly!
    More Helpful Links and FI Resources:
    • Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit Cards
    • Empower: Free Dashboard to Track Your Finances
    • CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account
    • M1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancing
    • CashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back Rewards
    • Travel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and points
    • Emergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)
    • Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)
    • Get a cheaper phone plan with Mint Mobile
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 483 | Effective Giving for the FI Community | Rebecca Herbst & Jack Lewars

    483 | Effective Giving for the FI Community | Rebecca Herbst & Jack Lewars
    Mar 18 2024
    In this episode: building a giving framework, the giving pledge, compound impact, donor advised funds, and different ways to give. Is it better to give to charity in a lump sum versus incrementally? What are the tax implications of donating? What are the benefits of using donor advised funds? This week we answer these questions and more with the help of Rebecca Herbst and Jack Lewars as we discuss charitable donations and effective giving while on the FI journey. A large part of FI is taking actionable steps to improve your life, but this journey also opens up opportunities to improve the life of others. While navigating donations while on the path to FI can seem tricky because we are so focused on attaining our FI numbers, there are still many ways you can give back and make a difference. Creating the habit of effective giving can help you leave an impact on yourself and the world at large! There are many resources available that can help calculate what you can give while remaining on the FI track, as well as help you see how your donations are making a difference! Rebecca Herbst & Jack Lewars: Yield and Spread: yieldandspread.orgRebecca’s Coaching Program: Coaching for do-gooders1 For The World: 1fortheworld.orgJack’s LinkedIn: Jack Lewars Timestamps: 1:37 – Introduction4:24 – The Giving Pledge11:59 – Building A Framework And Effective Giving23:20 – Should You Get To FI Before You Give?33:12 – Compound Impact39:48 – Feedback From Giving And Fun Funds51:08 – Different Ways To Give61:09 – Donating Appreciated Stocks66:59 – Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Join Your Local ChooseFI Group“The Life You Can Save: How to do your part to end world poverty” by Peter SingerSchool of Hard Knocks “Practical Ethics” by Peter SingerGiveWell The Life You Can Save“Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life” by Bill Perkins Yield & Spread’s DAF Series “Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Help Others, Do Work that Matters, and Make Smarter Choices about Giving Back” by William MacAskillSubscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and FI Resources: Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit CardsEmpower: Free Dashboard to Track Your FinancesCIT Bank Platinum Savings AccountM1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancingCashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back RewardsTravel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and pointsEmergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 482 | Update: Are Remote Tech Careers Still Relevant in 2024? | Bradley Rice

    482 | Update: Are Remote Tech Careers Still Relevant in 2024? | Bradley Rice
    Mar 15 2024

    In this episode: salesforce, lifestyle design, testimonials and verification, the hidden job market, and talentstacking.

    Once again joined by friend of the show Bradley Rice, the owner and creator of TalentStacker, to update us on the value of SalesForce and career pivoting in 2024. While on the FI journey, you are actively creating the life you want to live. For many that means transitioning out of their life-long careers and opting for ones that offer something different and more accustomed to the life you’re creating. Learning a new skill or starting a side hustle can be the first step to finding that new career, and finding a program that works for you should offer more than just a certification, but assist you in finding new opportunities and a community that supports you!

    Bradley Rice:
    • Website: talentstacker.com
    • Facebook: Salesforce for Everyone
    • Salesforce 5 Day Challenge: Take the FREE 5-Day Challenge
    • Podcast: Salesforce for Everyone
    Timestamps:
    • 1:38 – Introduction
    • 4:17 – Work, Lifestyle Design, and Talentstacking
    • 10:15 – Testimonials, Doing Your Research, and Verification
    • 14:55 – The Hidden Job Market
    • 19:36 – Entering a Salesforce Career with Talentstacker
    • 26:39 – Salesforce Security
    • 32:25 – Conclusion
    Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:
    • The Hidden Job Market | ChooseFI Ep 379
    • CampFI
    • Making The Case For Part Time With Bradley Rice | ChooseFI Ep 117
    • Trailhead
    • Subscribe to The FI Weekly!
    More Helpful Links and FI Resources:
    • Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit Cards
    • Empower: Free Dashboard to Track Your Finances
    • CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account
    • M1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancing
    • CashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back Rewards
    • Travel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and points
    • Emergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)
    • Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)
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    34 mins