072 | Bitcoin, should you Buy it? Myles Wakeham tells us how he discovered Bitcoin, how and why cryptocurrencies have to value, and gives us a nuanced perspective of where cryptocurrency might go in the future. How did Myles, a software developer, come to invest in Bitcoin? Myles spent years figuring ways to pay his Bangladeshi software developer, until mid 2011, when his contractor discovered Bitcoin as a more effective method of payment. There's much more to this story - and to learn about cryptocurrencies, so check out the extensive list of notes at http://ChooseFI.com/072

071R | Brad and Jonathan compare their college experiences to Chris Hutchins’ from the Monday episode, they discuss the importance of owning your own FI decisions, and we get updates from several members of the ChooseFI community. Brad considers starting a blog for his daughter as second-generation FI. Review of Chris Hutchins’ episode last Monday. Brad compares his experience of packing meals ahead for vacation to Chris’ grandparents growing up. What is value of cultivating relationships, and how did Brad find success in that? What would Jonathan do differently if he was going to redo college? How can students optimize the expense of college? What was the benefit of Jonathan attending community college for two years prior to completing his degree at Virginia Tech? Take an inventory of your all your skills, to market yourself for future opportunities. Chris got his early start(s) because he made a significant effort to stand out among his peers. How can you stand out when looking for opportunities? How do Brad and Jonathan explain their somewhat abnormal financial choices, in pursuit of financial independence? Don’t be ashamed of your decisions – you need to feel comfortable with your choices. Scott, a writer at Simply Finance, emails to say that listening to the ChooseFI podcast helped him clarify his beliefs and decisions about personal finance. What is the worldview that matches up with pursuit of financial independence? How are Brad and Jonathan processing Chris’ idea of creating memorable moments? What problems did Chris seek to solve with his Grove financial planning business? Jared, blogger at Fifth Wheel Physical Therapy, introduced Jonathan to M1 Finance. What is M1 Finance, and what does it offer its customers? M1 Finance allows customers to purchase fractional shares, and at a certain point offers loans backed by your own investments. Voicemail from Tim, who is chipping away at his student debt, working toward his family’s FI number, and shares a little about his investment habits. People get to “enough” long before they get to “rich”. Another voicemail from a 29-year-old military man named Luke, who asked for house-hacking ideas a few months back via the ChooseFI Facebook, and reports back now that he opted to live in a renovated, vintage camper trailer. An encouraging review from Arthur, who is making life changes in pursuit of FI. Links: Bigger Pockets Scott’s Blog: Simpli [FI] nances Fifth Wheel Physical Therapist M1 Finance The Simple Path to Wealth Design Your Future Freelance to Freedom ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

071 | Chris Hutchins, founder/CEO of Grove, a new, optimized financial planning company based in San Francisco, talks about how a life and career of entrepreneurship led him to the FI community, and his current business venture. And, how his new company meets the needs of the average person better than a traditional financial planner. What you'll hear in this episode: Is Chris a risk taker or financial conservative? How did Chris find his way into the financial planning and optimization world? Was Chris an entrepreneur growing up? Chris got his career started through relationships built in college – how can building relationships help open doors? Passion for entrepreneurship led Chris to make a move from New York to Silicon Valley. Although most people in the Silicon Valley have tech-related qualifications, Chris found his foothold in business development. How did Chris land his first job in the Silicon Valley? What steps did Chris take to earn an income after he was laid off in 2008? Did Chris’ wife buy into his ideas of financial optimization, and how has that developed within their relationship? What are the drawbacks or negative sides of frugal and financial optimization in a high-cost environment? How does Chris create a “memorable moment” each month? Chris found himself as a source of financial consultation for his friends, and his current business idea grew from there. The world of financial planning, in its current state, is focused on the already wealthy, and the exchange of information between planners and customers is both inefficient and confusing. How does Grove change the process of financial planning, and how does the software help Grove work more efficiently? Grove costs $600 a year – significantly less than a traditional financial planner. What services does Grove provide its customers? Financial goals are really just sums of money that someone wants to set aside, no matter the purpose. Why should someone in the FI community consider using Grove’s services? How do Grove advisors function a bit like personal trainers? On a personal level, how is Grove a different venture for Chris, different from some of his previous companies? Would Chris take an offer to buy Grove?   Resources mentioned in this episode: Grove Mr Money Mustache Mad Fientist Memeorandum Chris Hutchins: What Credit Card Should Be in Your Wallet

070R | Updates from Brad and Jonathan, review of Vickie Robin’s episode, discussion of how ChooseFI aims to handle politics, and more updates from the ChooseFI community. Highlights: Brad is moving houses, making good community a priority in his family’s life CampFi MidAtlantic this weekend is Virginia this weekend, but there’s two more this year: Aug. 3-6 in Joshua Tree, Calif., Sept 7-10 in Little Rock, Ark. More info here: CampFi Jonathan started Skinny Waste, Fat Wallet. First episode is up on YouTube at www.choosefi.tv Review of Vickie Robin’s episode ...and more can be found at https://ChooseFI.com/070R   ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

070 | Author and FI pioneer Vicki Robin discusses the cultural development of overconsumption, how much is enough, and what else, besides good investments, contributes to successful financial independence? Vicki’s story began when she invested in long-term bonds at a young age, achieving modest financial independence very quickly Vicki and her partner, Joe Dominguez, hosted seminars about financial independence beginning in the 1980s, donating the proceeds. What is the difference between making a living, and making a “dime”? How did the culture of over-consumption develop during the past century? Once the average person spends 20 years preparing for adulthood, and another third of your life sleeping, how much time do we really have for living? What is the idea of the Real Hourly Wage, and how could it impact the way we spend money? Why might we need to be “deprogrammed” from consumption? What is the Fulfillment Curve and what is the difference between a “cheap thrill” and real satisfaction? How does consumerism develop throughout life, and does it stem from dissatisfaction? How much is enough? Once people have “enough”, happiness actually comes from giving, not getting. How is Real Hourly Wage calculated? What needs and identities are neglected when we overspend our hours and consciousness on our jobs? How do people confuse work, jobs, and income? Finding passive income helps to separate jobs from income. What does Vicki enjoy about finding community with the world of FI? Community is currency – money isn’t the only element of becoming independent. How do meaningful relationships developing into situations of Mutual Aid, and how does that impact a person’s living costs? As a leader in the FI community for about 30 years, what does Vicki think it will take to create lasting, cultural changes? In order to change the way the world consumes, personal change is necessary, but not sufficient. How does universal health care impact FI in the US? Will FI become mainstream? Talking about our relationship with money in a first step toward creating lasting change Sharing: Half the cost and twice the fun. Links to things mentioned in the show: Book on Amazon: Your Money or Your Life Book on Amazon: Dying for a Paycheck Website: Millennial Money

069R | We discuss why and how of starting a blog or website. What you’ll hear on today’s show: Review of Monday’s episode How Michelle lives her lifestyle by choice Why it’s a great idea to start a blog The key when creating content Why now is the best time to get started How affiliate marketing works The 4 things you need to start your blog The total cost of starting up Why it takes years to be successful How building this skill set opens doors iTunes and book giveaway Links from the show: Hosting platforms: Bigscoots, Siteground Themes: Generate Press, Elementor Email list providers: Mailchimp, ConvertKit ChooseFI Youtube Channel ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

069 | Michelle has a very successful blog, Making Sense of Cents. She shares her lifestyle as a digital nomad and how she currently manages not just her blog, but her whole life living full-time in an RV. What you’ll hear on today’s show: Interview with Michelle from Making Sense of Cents Michelle’s backstory The success of her personal finance blog How long it took for her blog to take off How she got involved in the community When she first started making money and how Why she feels she attracts an audience Her secret sauce to blogging Her content strategy The different inflection points along her blogging journey Different blogging goals What inspired her to become a digital nomad Tips for people who want to get started with RVing How she deals with her work life balance Using Pinterest as a marketing vehicle The different social media platforms she’s tried out Her personal FI journey Her course: Make Sense of Affiliate Marketing Hotseat questions  Links from the show: Michelle’s blog: Making Sense of Cents App: Gasbuddy Heath and Alyssa RV Mobile Internet Michelle’s course: Make Sense of Affiliate Marketing Think Save Retire Cait Flanders Our Next Life Financial.com Why Would You Make $100,000+ a Month and Live in an RV? ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!   If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

068R | The next steps after Dave Ramsey’s Peace University, the importance of being present and food budget hacks. What you’ll hear on today’s show: Review of Monday’s episode Brad’s life improvement thanks to FI How to use Dave Ramsey’s lessons Question from Chris about Dave Ramsey What the next steps after the Peace University look like Why and how credit cards can be useful Jill talks about being nervous going back to credit cards Michelle says the episode 68 is great to send to Dave Ramsey fans The great advantages of working on a budget as a couple Comment from Nick about paying off a mortgage How FI is not about deprivation The importance of being present Voicemail from Louisa on a food budget hack The video series on different food hacks Voicemail from Ashley on her frugal win of the year College hack on graduate assistantships An article on the dangers of robo advisers Voicemail from Jesse about optimizing cashbacks iTunes and book giveaway Links from the show: Dave Ramsey’s Peace University ChooseFI travel reward credit cards Blog: Reaching for Balance Food hack video series Beware of Robo Advisors Bearing Low Fees ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

068 | Bringing your spouse on with FI, the benefits of paying off your mortgage early and how to follow Dave Ramsey’s steps Highlights from the show include: Andy’s blog and podcast How he brought his wife on board with FI The monthly budget party Benefits of paying off a mortgage early Following Dave Ramsey’s steps ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

067R | Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, hacks to save money on everyday electronics and using donor advised funds to optimize tax payments. What you’ll hear on today’s show: Jonathan optimizing his house insurance Comment from Katie on using diamonds on engagement rings Examples of velvet ropes The importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable Sara shares a DIY success Voicemail from Daniel about saving money on everyday electronics Jaclyn share’s her success from a salary decrease Voicemail from Steven on using donor advised funds to avoid capital gains tax Alan saves money by timing the cash flows Kevin talks about creating a better version of health insurance iTunes review and book giveaway Links from the show: Book: Predictably Irrational How we make meaningful and tax efficient charitable donations by The Frugalwoods The donor advised fund: A smarter way to give by Physician on FIRE ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

067 | David and Helene talk about consumerism, getting out of one’s comfort zone and the importance of simplicity. What you’ll hear on today’s show: Discussion with David and Helene How consumerism makes us buy more Controlling impulses How Helene constantly gets out of her comfort zone Mental hacks for self control Hedonic adaptation Complexity vs simplicity David’s thoughts after blogging for 9 years The importance of focusing on what lights you up Hotseat questions Links from the show: David’s blog: Raptitude Helene’s blog: Free to Pursue Helene’s blog post: Diamonds - Nothing but a Brilliant Illusion JL Collins David blog posts: The Art of the Hard Part Go Deeper not Wider The Frugal Fringe Humans are not Broken Seth Godin 10 Reasons You Should Never Get a Job Happy Money by Elizabeth Dunn David on Twitter Helene on Twitter ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

066R | Understanding emergency funds, investing in your house and some college and library hacks. What you’ll hear on today’s show: Review of Monday’s episode Different scenarios for using emergency funds Where to put your emergency fund Jennifer asks a question about needing the fund in 2-3 years The different options to optimize your emergency fund Voicemail from Paul on whether a house is an investment Voicemail from Melissa on Mrs Frugalwoods’ journey with make-up Voicemail from Captain DIY on college hacking with trade schools Chris pays off $100,000 in debt Jessie has a great library hack iTunes review and book giveaway Links from the show: ChooseFI events Paul’s podcast series: Your Home is NOT an Investment! Unless... Captain DIY articles ChooseFI debt month  ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

066 | Big Ern reveals his identity, explains the different risks when retiring and why a home is a good investment. Highlights from the show include: Big Ern’s identity reveal His blog on retirement The anxieties of retiring early Emergency funds The benefits of home ownership ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

065R | College hacks, a great credit card debt hack and the importance of not wasting your privileges. What you’ll hear in today’s show: Voicemail from Chris about replacing broken items Review of Monday’s episode with Mrs Frugalwoods Why you shouldn’t waste your advantages Voicemail from Steve about educational programs The student debt loan movement happening in March Voicemail from Noah about a college hack Voicemail from Millionaire Educator on another college hack Nicholas’ hack on optimizing credit card debt Voicemail from Kelly about tax liability vs withholding Apple Podcasts review and book giveaway   Links from the show Contact ChooseFI: [email protected] The College Investor March Student Debt Challenge The Millionaire Educator ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

065 | Mrs Frugalwoods talks on her book and blog, frugality as a lifestyle and the great benefits of being frugal. Highlights from the show include: Mrs Frugalwoods’ book and blog Her relationship with money Changing her lifestyle to frugality The benefits of living frugal The amazing influence of frugality on her family For more information, visit the show notes at http://ChooseFI.com/065

064R | Chautauqua plans, board game recommendations and a discussion on optimizing travel rewards Highlights from the show include: Warren Buffett’s Annual Letter to Shareholders takeaways Chautauqua plans Board game recommendations Travel rewards discussion Crowdsourcing geo-arbitrage ——————- For more information, visit the show notes at http://ChooseFI.com/064R

064 | Chautauqua organizers join us on a call to share what the event is about, the great community that attend Chautauqua, and plans for its future. Highlights from the show include: How Chautauqua got started The structure of the event and what a typical day looks like The amazing community Examples of the exceptional people who attend What the future plans look like For more information, visit the show notes at http://ChooseFI.com/064

063R | How to create your own luck, the glidepath to success and some life lessons from Brad. Highlights from the show include: What luck and opportunity really mean Having high expectations from life Brad’s definition of creating luck Life lessons from Brad to his daughters For more information, visit the show notes at http://ChooseFI.com/063R

063 | An interview with Scott Trench from Bigger Pockets on the creation of good luck, his background and journey to FI and using house hacks to reach wealth. This episode covers: 1) Scott’s book and background 2) His definition of luck 3) The stages of wealth creation with real estate 4) Becoming a life long learner 5) The core message of FI and the community ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

062R | We review Monday’s episode with Travis on the Playing with FIRE documentary, a voicemail about the new tax law and a discussion about tracking business expenses.   On today’s show we cover: Documentary Playing with FIRE Some great ways to practice gratitude with children How film is a great way to market an idea How the community of FI can change the world Review of Monday’s episode with Travis How Scott and Travis met Voicemail from Scott on scrutinizing his own choices and how he’s grateful to have the FI community Voicemail from Terry on starting up a local FI group in his town Jonathan asks Brad how to track business expenses Detailed voicemail from Shane on the new tax law iTunes reviews   Links from the show: Buy nothing Facebook Groups Playing with FIRE documentary Episode 37 with Scott Episode 62 with Travis Chautauqua tickets To start up a local group email: [email protected] The ChooseFI local groups Shane Mason For more information, visit the show notes at http://ChooseFI.com/062R

062 | Travis Shakespeare is creating the Playing with FIRE documentary. He talks about discovering FI, how FI has the power to change the world, and how one misinterpretation caused him to reach FI much sooner than he should have. On today’s show we cover: Interview with Travis Shakespeare His approach to creating the Playing with FIRE documentary What drew him to the media industry The power of story How he wants to the documentary to create a call to action How he discovered FI The FI community as a subculture and how it’s like an experiment Why the documentary will get FI closer to a mainstream audience How FI has the power to change the world How Travis came about creating the documentary Hotseat questions Links from the show: Playing with FIRE documentary Mr Money Mustache Get Rich Slowly Early Retirement Extreme book Millionaire Next Door Episode 57: Playing with FIRE Documentary Rockstar Finance Eater Blog The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement Sealfit Yoga ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

061R | We recap Monday’s episode with Cory Mascara about mindfulness with FI, a voicemail about a medical tourism hack and a method to teach your kids money management at a young age. This episode covers: An episode soon to come with Danielle and Laura Review of Monday’s episode The importance of controlling only what you can control A voicemail about second generation FIRE A voicemail about a medical tourism hack ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

061 | Mindfulness Coach Cory Muscara shares his background as a monk, how mindfulness links with FI and the process of meditation. This episode covers: Cory’s background meditating for 6 months
 How he got through with it and the lessons learnt
 How he discovered FI and how it links to mindfulness
 Figuring out what comes after FI
 How people can get started with meditation ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

060R | We roundup Monday’s episode about medical tourism with a discussion on more hacks, having more power over your job and the importance of the talent stack. This episode covers: Jonathan’s new morning routine The impact of medical tourism and how we can use it The talent stack Voicemails on life hacks and the power of the FI community ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

060 | Myles Wakeham shares the little-known advantages of medical tourism, how he covers his medical bills and his personal journey to FI. This episode covers: Myles’ personal journey to FI How he discovered medical tourism The huge benefits of traveling abroad for medical treatment His investments in Bitcoin How he plans for adverse events ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

059R | A review of Vincent Pugliese's interview, the satisfaction of DIY projects, and voicemails about financial coaching and international teaching. On today’s show we cover: Doing more ChooseFI Richmond meetups The limiting beliefs of not wanting to learn The satisfaction that comes from DIY The importance of a legacy binder A review of Monday’s episode How Vincent is all about relationships How his outlook of life completely changed with two inflection points Why FI not only improves yourself but also your family What living on the other side of FI looks like Why the range of choices at FI keep you busy The Skinny Waist Fat Wallet Challenge Voicemail from Kelsa about the ChooseFi community and how she helps people with financial coaching Voicemail from Nicholas and Jack about creating a partnership to buy rental properties Voicemail from Rosemarie on her secret life hack as an international teacher Announcements Apple Podcasts review and book giveaway   Links from the show ChooseFI local groups Episode 09: Travel Rewards - Sweet Redemption Fidsafe Mutual Assurance Todoist App Episode 044: Brandon Pierce - Into the Wind ChooseFI Facebook group Kelsa’s podcast: The Saver and The Spender Juan from Finance Clever The Carson Podcast Coach Carson ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page 3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place) As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

059 | Vincent Pugliese shares his journey to reaching FI after changing his mindset towards life and starting a business. This episode covers: Vincent’s backstory How he changed his thought process How his resilience got him opportunities The journey of starting his business The importance of patience and persistence How he reached FI Why he homeschools his kids and what he teaches them ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

058R | A review of the CampFI episode as well as a discussion on pensions and some thoughts on the value of CFPs. This episode covers: The community of CampFI 
Frugal wins and fails 
Voicemail about pensions 
How Grumpus communicates with his audience
 The value of CFPs
   ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

058 | A roundtable discussion with two CFPs, Kyle Mast and Danny Kenny, on what financial planning looks like in practice, the importance of talking to a CFP and managing different types of risk. On today’s episode we cover:   Roundtable Q&A with two Certified Financial Planners Kyle and Danny’s backstory How they learned about FI Why you should use the services of a CFP How they act as an educator and therapist between spouses What financial planning looks like in practice The different CFP models Why everyone should talk to a CFP How to find a CFP Why it is important that your CFP is a fiduciary and how to make sure The changes with the new tax bill The steps between the accumulation and drawdown phase Biggest mistakes clients make How to get both spouses on the same page The importance of keeping records How to deal with people who panic Risk management outside of investments Why it’s worth getting long term disability insurance When should someone consider index funds Importance of mixing US and international investments Hotseat questions   Links from the show: CPF Board Napfa XY Planning Network Becoming Minimalist The Secret to Achieving your Dreams Danny’s info LinkedIn SBSB Company Kyle’s info Clarity Financial Letters to Randon ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page 3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place) As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

057R | A roundtable discussion at CampFI including talks on the military, the flexibility of the FI plan and reaching FI before your partner.   On today’s episode we cover: Everyone’s at a different FI stage in the community Doug Nordman talks about the military and FI How Doug manages his time Natalie talks about the importance of keeping the FI plan flexible JD Roth’s 2018 challenge and his view on the FI community The huge wealth of knowledge and feeling of being in a tribe at Camp FI The factor of a successful individual: resilience Cody explains how to we could teach FI to teens John’s dilemma on reaching FI before his wife JD Roth explains how he manages being the only one in FI as a couple The power of making your own job by threatening to quit How Camp FI and the community help deal with irrational fears How the tribe inspires people to spread the message   Links from the show: CampFI Doug Nordman’s blog: The Military Guide Physician on FIRE Get Rich Slowly Arsenal Discs 1500 Days to Freedom For more information, visit the show notes at https://choosefi.com/057R

057 | Grumpus Maximus shares his military background, his blog about understanding pensions, and his path to FI. In this episode we cover Interview with Grumpus Maximus about pensions and the military Where the name Grumpus Maximus comes from The Golden Albatross Grumpus Maximus’ backstory How he discovered the FI movement How he wanted to quit the military but would then lose all the benefits His relationship with Mrs Grumpus about money How to manage your finances as a couple What FI looks like now How Grumpus got through the mental breakdown His top resources for learning about FI How to understand the pension How the retirement system is changing for the younger generation Grumpus presented FI to his colleagues in the military Hot Seat questions Links from the show Grumpus Maximus’ blog What is a Golden Albatross? The Pension Series Worth vs worth it Mr Money Mustache Jim Collins Retirement Planning: How to Calculate your Gap number Can I retire yet? Blog FIRECalc and Flexible Retirement Planner Grumpus Maximus Facebook Page and Facebook Group  

056R | We review Monday’s "Side Hustle Coaching Series Part 1" with some talk on the workings behind ChooseFI, as well as several voicemails on travel and career hacking.   In today’s episode we cover:   Review of Monday’s episode How these coaching calls are like Reality Internet Taking those lessons and applying them to your personal life How the ChooseFI business works The process of scaling a business Yolanda’s Facebook comment on not buying stuff she doesn’t need How the community has great role models that motivate others Calculating your net worth Brad’s frugal hack and huge frugal win Voicemail from Peerless Money Mentor on using HSA funds to hit the minimal spend limits Travel hacking with the Southwest Companion Pass Voicemail from Hillary about getting a degree in Finance for a career path to FI Comment from Claudia about her business model for the classes she teaches Voicemail from Scott about his hack when packing a bag for travel iTunes review and book giveaway   Links from the show: Monday’s episode: Popup Business Part 1 Clothingshoponline.com Liberty HealthShare Peerless Money Mentor: How I failed at investing my HSA funds Episode 9: How to Travel the World for Free SouthWest Companion Pass Freshbooks ChooseFI Travel Hacks ChooseFI Card Ratings   ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page 3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place) As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

056 | A slightly different episode as it consists of a coaching call between Alan Donegan from the PopUp Business school and Tallis, who wishes to grow her business and make it profitable. In this episode we cover: • First episode the year: coaching call • Call between Alan Donegan and Tallis on her new business idea • Alan will walk her through ideas to grow her business • Tallis’ business: dance classes for people with Parkinson’s disease • Reasons why dance classes work • Defining who are the customers • Defining who would fund the business • Planning out Tallis’ business model • Alan’s advice to find funding using examples • How to use reports as a pitch for funding • Alan’s tips: finding social value, building an email list, scaling the system • How to show that the business idea works • The importance in adding value to people who fund the business • Where to start with PR • The branding process • The importance of having a website • How ChooseFI will check in every so often • Why and how Talis will start the business frugally • The importance of being very clear who your customer is and how you can help them • How FI helps us become entrepreneurs
 Alan’s key questions: • Who’s the customer? • Who’s going to fund your business? • What proof do you have that your business works? • What makes your business different to other similar ones? • Don’t sell workshops to people without money • Sell to people who have the same desire to fix the problem as you • How can you give back to the institution/company funding you? • Use a report/survey as data to support your business • What social good does your business achieve? • How could you measure whether the idea works? • Build credibility by involving other people’s stories • Build a list of contacts of your possible customers • How will you brand your business? • How can you minimize the cost? • Are you clear on who your customer is and how you’re helping them?
 Links from the show: • Episode 30: The Unspoken Lever of FI • Alan Donegan from the PopUp Business School
   ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

055R | A review of ChooseFI’s 2017 on the great progress of the community, several voicemails on FI successes and plans for 2018 This episode covers: • How far the ChooseFI community has come • Eric’s great successes on his path to FI • How everyone in the community is helping each other out • The idea of building the community offline • Colby’s college hack to graduating debt free • How FI is about living a life of intention • Huge thank you to everyone __________________ Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community! :) If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://choosefi.com/itunes  2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page 3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place) As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

055 | Live from Fincon 2017 in Dallas Texas, it's ChooseFI! Hey there everyone, We recorded a special minisode that we wanted to share with you today. For those of you that found us this year and have been following us on this journey over the last 12 months. Thank you :) We recorded this at the #Amazing FINCON in Dallas that we attended at the end of October, the conference was an epic experience and they gave us the opportunity to record a short 20 minute episode using a VW Bug (in the featured image for this episode). It was a cool experience all the way around and we thought you might get a kick out of hearing it. Important We are collecting your feedback for an end of the year episode. If you found the FI community through ChooseFI or you have been in the FI community but this year you have finally taken action. We would love to share your progress with the larger FI community. If you want to share the progress that you have made over the last 12 months leave us a voicemail by the end of monday or early tuesday morning and we will play it on the show. To leave us a voicemail go to our home page at choosefi.com and click on the voicemail button https://www.choosefi.com/voicemail. The FIRE is spreading my friends and we will see you next time as we continue to go down the road less traveled!

Fritz from The Retirement Manifesto joins Jonathan to cover the topic of risk tolerance and capacity, Jonathan taking action to make ChooseFI happen, voicemails about college hacking, and ESI Money taking over Rockstar Finance. This episode covers: Review of Monday’s episode with Fritz The financial love letter How ChooseFI is now happening in real time The different risk tolerances in the FIRE community Sam from the Facebook group: Jonathan’s risk by quitting his job How the risk capacity varies from person to person Why Jonathan has a high risk capacity The more you start doing what you love, the more opportunities you get Dylan and Kimberly ask Fritz a question about the drone and prepping for emergencies Voicemail from Accidental FIRE about Fritz living in a cabin Richmond’s asks for advice for college graduates Jessie’s college hack on getting a graduate degree Ben asking about the power of clep testing Francis’ career hack as a sales rep Monday’s big event: J Money handing over the Rockstar Finance reins to ESI Money Felisa’s voicemail on why not to buy and hold company stock The end of year checklist and how Christine was able to cut taxes iTunes review and book giveaway   Links from the show The Retirement Manifesto Legacy Binders by J Money Episode 43: Drawdown strategy Am I a Prepper? No, just prepared by Fritz CLEP Testing Facebook Thread ESI Money Career advice, Career results and Millionaire Interviews by ESI Money Rockstar Finance Episode 18: Capital Gains, Losses and the Roth Conversion Ladder ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page 3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place) As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

054 | Jonathan has a BIG announcement. We also discuss the power dynamics behind FI and the financial transition of quitting a job. This episode covers: Jonathan announces quitting his job Why Jonathan is in a good situation to make this decision The position of power in being FI The financial steps of transitioning out of a job Why you should deal with FU money responsibly   ——————- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  🙂 If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page 3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place) As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

053R | We discuss the importance of building trust and creating a tribe as well as how to use your talent stack for business. In today’s episode we cover: Another side hustle: narrating books Review of Monday’s episode with Bobby from Millennial Money Man How blogging is a way to give back to the community Why you just need true fans to be successful Having a good audience starts with adding value and building trust How the key to making money blogging is solving your audience’s problem Why having a tribe is essential for success How Brad’s limiting belief affected him Jonathan will write an article on Chipotle as an example to solving a problem How using your talent stack will help you online as well as offline How travel rewards are a pillar of FI Feedback from Mindy with the idea of an end of year checklist Facebook thread on ways to optimize tax payments and planning Voicemail from Chris about small life hacks for post FI people Voicemail from Lindsay about generating a second income stream J & A ask a question about distributing savings between real estate and retirement accounts and Coach Carson weighs in. iTunes review and book giveaway Links from the show: Monday’s episode: Do You Want to be Rich? A Thousand True fans with Kevin Kelly Tax Caster: Income tax calculator SmartAsset: Calculating taxes in each state How to avoid Underpayment Penalties SkillShare: Online classes Facebook post on End of Year To-do List Bigger Pockets Podcast Coach Carson’s Real Estate Course

053 | This episode was an interview with Bobby from Millennial Money Man on attacking debt, becoming a full-time blogger, methods to teach finance in schools and how to scale side hustles.     In today’s episode we cover: Bobby’s story starting as a high school music director Him quitting his job to be a full-time blogger How he paid off his student loans His mentor teaching him the basics of managing money The lightbulb moment which brought him to start Millennial Money Man Bobby’s rule on talking about money with friends and family How he hasn’t changed even though he has more money The FI lifestyle Being a valuist Questioning the traditional narrative that everyone has to go to college At which age should kids start learning about personal finance How the world would change if everyone knew more about finance Bobby’s method to get kids interested in finance Bobby’s initial idea to do teaching seminars in schools How he decided to quit his job Getting started with side hustles Advice for new bloggers: using your blog as a portfolio Scaling your blog/side-hustle

052R | We review Monday’s episode featuring Todd Tresidder discussing the different ways to reach FI through different asset classes, goals for 2018 and how to invest in yourself to create a happier life. What we cover: Recap of Monday’s episode with Todd: our most commented podcast How Todd makes us rethink FI and the way his mind works Why things are not as simple as the FI community make it out to be What other assets there are apart from index funds The 2 ways of getting into the entrepreneur game How FI is not a lottery ticket, the work to be put in. Why starting a business does not mean reaching FI How to choose which asset class is your path to FI How Brad’s bad experience in real estate makes him nervous about starting again 2018 goals: taking the next step with real estate The importance of not being dogmatic and broadening horizons Feedback from Trent on real estate, stocks and bonds How real estate can be a good plan for retirement Big Ern’s thoughts on Monday’s episode Active asset allocation: can it work for FI? Why investing in yourself will always make you win Christian’s voicemail on his 2018 goals The 80/20 analysis: why reaching level 2 understanding doesn’t have to be necessary How we’re now learning more about FI with our audience, not just teaching A voicemail from Jason about his big change: FIPE (Financial Independence Partial Retirement) iTunes review and book giveaway   Links from the show:   Monday’s episode: FIRE State of the Union Coach Carson’s episode: House Hacking Guide Mr Money Mustache Millennial Money Man Coach Carson’s new investing course: Real Estate Start School Sign up to our email list to send feedback Big Ern’s website: Early Retirement Now The Choose FI t-shirts Subscribe on iTunes ------------------- Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  :) If you want to support us, here are some easy ways: 1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes 2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page 3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place) As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"

052 | Todd Tresidder from Financial Mentor comes on the show to share his perspective on the traditional way FI is taught ( FIRE State of the Union)  and where it could be improved. We discuss the unique characteristics of all three asset classes and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Create a framework for your wealth plan and understand the importance of risk management. In Today’s Podcast we cover: An in-depth conversation with Todd Tresidder from the Financial Mentor on the State of the FIRE Union The math behind financial independence and how traditional FI-thought is about lowering expenses and investing in low-cost passive index funds Todd believes there’s more to the situation than commonly believed Todd does not want to optimize relentlessly based on price What is Todd’s definition of Fat FIRE? There are multiple paths to FI such as pursuing the business and real estate asset classes to get you to FI quicker in Todd’s opinion Where does Risk Management come into play? Risk management also needs to be discussed in the FI community A nuanced, dynamic, “Level 2” understanding Finding the right plan for different people and different situations The point of FI is happiness What Todd values: Experiences not stuff, and buying conveniences How Todd disconnects when he is on vacation with his family Todd has focused on all three asset classes in his life and background info on his history Todd is always focused on risk vs. reward at different points in time Todd’s on the ground view of the housing bubble as an apartment owner Paper assets do not lead to a “predictable” return As an investor you always want to look for the “obvious thing nobody else is looking at.” Todd’s discussion of inflation Todd doesn’t predict the future, but he manages risk Manage the downside and risk management. Buffett quote on not losing money What situation would it make sense for someone to invest in index funds, real estate, business, etc.? Everyone needs their own plan for wealth building The business asset class – inventing equity out of ‘thin air’ The downside characteristics of each of the three asset classes 

051R | In this podcast we do a recap of episode 51 with Mrs Money Monster discussing the importance of getting past limiting beliefs as well as how to use the community to your benefit and take action in pursuing FI. In Today’s Podcast we cover: Recap of Monday’s episode with Mrs Money Monster. The importance of getting past those limiting beliefs Why we should learn to embrace the growth mindset, to always be willing to learn The value of having mentors Why FI is acknowledging that I am more than the sum of my stuff Having more control over your finances means making retirement optional Choose FI local groups are growing, making the Camp FI and FI Festival possible Voicemail from Lori about educational IRAs answered by Ed Mills from the Millionaire Educator Voicemail from Michelle about her journey to FI. All about taking action and keep working towards your goals. Matthew’s post from the Facebook Choose FI group: how one person changed his life by introducing him to FI Voicemail from Haidi about her preparing for retirement. By choosing to be half retired she will always continue learning. How to work out the wonderful problem of having so much choice when it comes to financial freedom. Voicemail from Lance after attending Alan’s Popup Business School and who wants to give back to the community. Teaser of Monday’s episode: Challenging our beliefs iTunes review and Book Giveaway Links from the show: The Choose FI T-shirts Our Facebook Group All our Choose FI groups About the FI Festival Ed Mills from The Millionaire Educator Radical Personal Finance Episode 106: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Education Account House Hacking with Coach Carson Bright Future Scholarship Episode 30 with Alan: Starting a business without going into debt Contribute to our show by sending us an email

051 | In today's podcast we discuss the Roller Coaster Path to FI with Lisa from Mad Money Monster, including a new term she coined: F.I.O.R In Today’s Podcast we cover: A conversation with Lisa from Mad Money Monster on the ‘Roller Coaster Path to FI’ Lisa grew up in a trailer, but in a great school district on the ‘right side of the tracks’ She only recently started telling people she grew up in a trailer as it impacted her self esteem She graduated from high school and didn’t plan to go to college as she didn’t think she was “smart enough” One meeting with an engineer at her first job let her to community college where she “secretly” applied The limiting beliefs and lack of a mentor behind her not even contemplating college How her friend’s parents told her to not even start college as she “wasn’t going to finish” Lisa’s belief that she is coachable as a major life talent She graduated with a scientific degree from a four year university and had $25,000 of student loan debt Her employer paid for 100% of her master’s degree She then started saving significantly into her 401k, etc., but got into a bad relationship with a big spender She was still saving into her 401k, but her significant other’s bad habits rubbed off on her They spent $60,000 on a pool in their backyard and had friends over every weekend She had “cyclical credit card debt” that she paid off and then racked up again and then kept cycling What was holding her back from leaving the relationship? She didn’t want to move “backwards” in her life How she left the relationship and unchained herself financially This was a defining character moment for her and let her believe she could do anything She then bought a property at the height of the real estate bubble in 2007 and moved her parents out of the trailer and into this home Though she could have lived “with her parents” at her house, she decided to move out into an apartment and stopped contributing to her retirement accounts How meeting Mr. Mad Money Monster was what put her on the path to Financial Independence They put an offer on a house they couldn’t comfortably afford and after the inspection came back negatively, they actually backed out and changed course They quickly found the FI community after that inflection point They paid off all their debt and maxed out retirement accounts Their savings rate is between 50% and 70% and they are well on their way to Financial Independence Financial Independence Optional Retirement 

050R | The Impact of FI, A New FI Curriculum being piloted in a university, and holiday hacks just in time for Christmas. In today’s Friday Roundup we talk a bit about Thanksgiving and how to work on being thankful for all we have (yes it’s about your family). We also look back on our previous episode with Mr Groovy about moving out of an expensive living area to reach FI faster and the value of a local FI community (the FIRE really is spreading).  We received some really inspiring messages which we share on today’s episode to show you the power FI has to transform an entire life. And of course, we finished off with some great Christmas hacks for the holidays! What we cover: 1. The Importance of Community There are ChooseFI communities all over the world now (62 and counting!) and it’s an enormous network. This means more and more people have communities with similar mindsets and goals just at their doorsteps. Imagine the opportunities when visiting another city and making contact with those other FI communities? The huge amount of knowledge shared? Our goal is to have these communities in every single city, so we can all help each other out to reach FI. If you feel there isn’t enough of a community in your own city, reach out to us on Facebook to become an admin of the Facebook page. There is a team in each area to help you out and we share the best practices to support the local groups 2. Circle Back to the Ongoing Buy vs Rent Debate Through the feedback voicemail from Charles we revisit the episode on buying vs renting and the fact that it doesn’t cover many of the aspects of home ownership. It was a good episode, but there was no counterpoint. Whether you want to buy or rent a house really depends on your situation and takes into account many different lifestyle factors. The most important is to look at it from an objective point of view: don’t just buy a house because that’s what you’ve been told all your life, buy it because it works for your situation. Do the math and analyze the situation. In honor of this huge and important debate, we pledge to do another proper episode where we have a proper sit down, do the math and have an in depth discussion. 3. The Impact of FI Thanks to everyone for sending those inspiring and in-depth voicemails in. Wendy, our first voicemailer, explains that FI is also about removing the parts that make you unhappy, removing the alligators and working towards what will improve your life and your future. Cassandra shares her goal to pay off $260,000 in debt and reach FI! This journey has changed her outlook and perspective on finance and entrepreneurship Phil rediscovered a zest for life by grabbing hold of Financial Independence he shares his 9 year plan to reach FI and what he plans on doing after FI Laurie shares her lightbulb moment, and how this podcast lifted the mental fog that kept her from appreciating the soundness of her husband's financial plan This truly goes to show the HUGE impact reaching Financial Independence can have over your life. We need to spread this message and we need to take action now. Start small. Start this week. And in 10 years you will have reached a state of independence you did not know was possible. This episode will inspire you to keep working towards FI and to build a community of like-minded individuals. One of our stated goals is to see a FI curriculum at the K-12 and collegiate level and Zack is piloting the first ever college level course at the University of Iowa Links Episode 50: Domestic GeoArbitrage Facebook Group: ChooseFI ChooseFI: Local Groups Episode 16: House Hacking with Coach Carson Episode 48: The Happy Philosopher Episode 9: Travel Hacks

050 | In this podcast we discuss domestic geographic arbitrage with Mr. Groovy from Freedom is Groovy. In Today’s Podcast we cover: A conversation with Mr. Groovy from Freedom is Groovy to discuss domestic geographic arbitrage How Brad made a similar decision to Mr. Groovy to move from Long Island to a lower cost of living area How Mr. Groovy was a “financial moron” until he was in his 40s until Mrs. Groovy found Dave Ramsey What did their financial lives look like before finding Dave Ramsey and the concept of an emergency fund How creating a budget and putting it on paper was a game changer for them What changes did they make after creating a budget? Their debt situation: They had about $30,000 in consumer debt How they created a “transition fund” to help them move off of Long Island to a lower cost of living area They managed to pay off debt and save $80,000 in cash for this transition fund by 2008 Their families were supportive of their move off of Long Island The peculiarities of living on Long Island and getting off the island How Mr. Groovy’s cost of living shaped up on Long Island and how the property tax burden is significant there What other costs are smaller when moving out of a high cost of living area besides mortgage and property taxes? How the Groovy family bought a $70,000 condo in Long Beach in 1997 and sold it for $340,000 in 2006 They decided to move to North Carolina and happened upon Charlotte where they ultimately purchased They bought a condo for $88,000 in cash in Charlotte and banked nearly $250,000 from the sale of their home Their dollar cost averaging strategy to enter the stock market How Mr. Money Mustache’s article The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement change their outlook on life In 2014 they were basically at the 25x expenses definition of Financial Independence Even though the housing situation helped them significantly, they still would have hit FI by moving to a lower cost of living area just because of lowered expenses Takeaways and advice from the geographic arbitrage decision How Mr. Groovy’s family wound up following him to Charlotte How Brad’s brother did both US and international geographic arbitrage Did Mr. Groovy and Brad have “freak out moments” after making the move? 

049R | In the Friday Roundup we discuss our big takeaway from Episode 49: The Aggregation of Marginal Gains. Plus, upcoming plans for the ChooseFI website, a FI Festival and local meetups. In Today’s Podcast we cover: A review of Episode 49 with Alan Donegan and Barney from The Escape Artist The growth of the FI community throughout the US and now the world Jonathan just returned from his 2 week trip to South Africa with his family How did Jonathan fare with his use of electronics on his trip? Jonathan used travel rewards points to book his flights for free and he stayed with family so his entire trip was free Brad’s upcoming travel for summer 2018 to Europe where he used travel rewards points and then his trip to Santiago, Chile for 2019 The power of the Aggregation of Marginal Gains and how important it is for the FI journey How small examples can make a huge difference over time We were voted the #1 most popular Personal Finance Podcast at Rockstar Finance The benefits of fasting and why Jonathan does multi-day fasts The spreading of the FI message throughout the UK and how we’ve seen a significant number of people in our ChooseFI community The important of local groups and how we’re going to do everything we can to facilitate local ChooseFI groups throughout the US How we can all benefit from local meetup groups of like-minded people How the FIRE really is spreading and how we want to help grow the community A future FI Festival as a large-scale FI meetup event The Hall of FI idea that Jonathan wants to see as a featured component of a FI Festival People connect with stories and that’s what makes a successful blog and podcast We are looking for writers to tell their stories at the ChooseFI website as full contributors to the site Announcement: Joel from FI 180 is our first ChooseFI blogger Voicemail from Joel announcing that he left his job! Upcoming episodes on ChooseFI Itunes reviews and book giveaways Links from the show: PopUp Business School The Escape Artist The Aggregation of Marginal Gains Rockstar Finance: The Most Popular Financial Podcasts Winning Personal Finance Local ChooseFI Facebook groups Playing With FIRE documentary

049| We discuss The UK Path to FI with Barney of The Escape Artist and Alan Donegan of PopUp Business School, plus much more in the way of life optimization hacks from both Alan and Barney.    In Today’s Podcast we cover: An interview with Barney from The Escape Artist and Alan Donegan from PopUp Business School Voicemail from Sarah from the UK with questions about reaching FI outside the US Barney started the website after he put his notice in at work once he reached FI How Barney found the financial independence community Barney’s story on what his financial upbringing was like and how his parents had financial issues because of a large mortgage payment How the ‘keeping up with the Jones’s’ is alive and well in the UK Alan’s family doesn’t understand why they don’t spend more money and why they don’t work in the traditional sense Is there a FI community in the UK? There is a London Facebook group, but not a thriving community in the UK The different options of choosing a job you love versus one that pays a lot of money and you don’t necessary enjoy Creativity and how Barney “underestimated what was possible” for him when he had the time It’s a lot easier to be creative both when you have a “safety harness” but also if you “burn the boats” Debt is a form of handcuffs that keeps you in your current life The differences between the US and the UK: Starting with housing Property ownership is a significant part of the culture in the UK Barney’s thoughts on what he would have done differently with real estate had he started today Seeing a business opportunity in Barney’s idea to live in someone else’s home Health care in the UK and how it is more favorable for those pursuing FI Investing options in the UK and how it differs from the US Discussion of taxation on retirement funds and marginal tax brackets Differences in the cultural understanding of pursuing personal freedom through financial independence The program on FI on tv in the UK that Barney appeared on and the negative reaction and press Alan and Barney’s advice for those pursuing FI in the UK [skipto time=1:05:00]skip to[/skipto] Hot Seat Questions How incremental improvements can make a big difference in life, sports and financial independence Reading books as Barney’s favorite life hack Focus on self-improvement and doing something different and tackling fears Links from the show: The Escape Artist PopUp Business School Alan on Twitter Monevator blog in the UK Mr. Money Mustache JL Collins NH Halifax (for your ISA in the UK) The Share Centre (ISA in the UK) James Altucher An Interview With The Man on The Escape Artist Are Diamonds Really a Girl’s Best Friend on The Escape Artist The Aggregation of Marginal Gains on The Escape Artist This Coach Improved Every Tiny Thing by 1 Percent and Here’s What Happened Life Changing Books List on The Escape Artist FITV: The Top 10 TV Shows of Financial Independence Financial Independence and the Zombie Apocalypse Books Mentioned in the Show: Your Money or Your Life The Millionaire Next Door Invest in Yourself Walden

048R | In this podcast we recap Episode 48 with Jeff from The Happy Philosopher plus a life hack update from Brad and a question on how to present the FI concept to others. In Today’s Podcast we cover: Recap of Episode 48 with Jeff from The Happy Philosopher Jonathan and Brad’s recap of the Fincon conference How Brad and Jonathan brainstormed the future of ChooseFI at Fincon How the FI community is growing significantly at Fincon and how people were coming up to us saying they were listening How much value we can get from FI-centric events going forward, such as Camp FI How taking action is essential with the pursuit of happiness Happiness through subtraction and the process and mindset necessary Removing news and television from your life as well as sports How Jeff cultivated happiness in his life by “adding kittens” Finding the little moments that add value to your life How important gratitude is in life and how Jeff introduced that to us Decluttering and how it impacts Brad psychologically Jonathan’s experiment with his three closets of clothes and how little he actually wears Karen’s feedback on how to document your donations for clothing and such How essential it is keep organized and how you should do it along the way Brad’s life hack using unroll.me to organize all his subscription emails Email from Paul who is facing a challenge to introduce FI to his children Jonathan’s thoughts on how to present FI to someone else The information we have available in our ChooseFI Vault on how to present FI to others Email from Jennifer on a Bloomberg article that shows how even if you invested at the worst time in 2007 that your money would have doubled since then Itunes review and book giveaway Links from the show: The Happy Philosopher Fincon Conference JK Wedding Dance on Youtube How to Be The Happiest Person in the Room Camel Camel Camel Unroll.me The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement How to Go From Middle Class to Kickass Bloomberg article: You Just Doubled Your Money If You Invested at the 2007 Market Peak