Shows
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast595 | Value Matrix Case Study Series: Part 2 — Required BloatMost people trying to slash their budget hunt for obvious waste—daily lattes, unused subscriptions, impulse purchases. But what happens when you've already cut the fat and your highest expenses are the ones you can't seem to touch: the mortgage, the car payment, the daycare bill? That's required bloat, and it's quietly inflating your FI number by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Key Topics Discussed
Introduction to Value Matrix Case Studies (00:00:00)
Jonathan recaps the series and introduces three value matrix case studies, following up from episode 592.
Case 1: Required Bloat (00:03:00)
Exploring a co...
2026-04-2056 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast592 | Value Matrix Case Study Series: Part 1 — Leaky BudgetEpisode Show Notes
Episode Summary
In this episode, Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett introduce the Value Matrix, a tool that maps spending to life satisfaction. They analyze four real spending profiles to show how different approaches can affect financial independence. Learn how aligning expenses with personal values can transform your financial journey.
Key Topics Discussed
Introduction to the Value Matrix
Overview of four diverse spending profiles
Expansion of Choose FI community groups
Analysis of a leaky budget case study
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Value Matrix
00:03:00 - Case Studies Overview
00:10:00...
2026-03-3051 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast532 | Opening the Aperture: Dreaming Big About Financial IndependenceTen years ago, Jonathan walked away from his corporate accounting job with no clear path forward. Today, he's reflecting on the decade that followed—one shaped entirely by pursuing financial independence and the options it created.
Brad and Jonathan kick off 2025 with a new "Wouldn't It Be Cool If" (WIBSF) series, starting with the most fundamental question: what could your life look like if financial independence were actually on the table? They revisit the core mechanics of FI—how to calculate your number, why small expense cuts have outsized impact, and why taking ownership of your finances is n...
2025-02-0245 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastJonathan Returns: Upside Down Economics and the Priceless Value of a Great QuestionMost financial advice says to pay off your mortgage as fast as possible. But if you're earning 5% in a high-yield savings account and your mortgage rate is under 3%, you might be throwing away thousands of dollars every year by rushing to be debt-free. Brad and Jonathan Mendonsa reunite to tackle this counterintuitive math, along with listener questions on donor-advised funds, cultivating a growth mindset, and why failing daily might be the best thing you can do for your future.
Personal Updates [00:00:21]
Brad and Jonathan share personal stories about family and growth.
Understanding Failure [00:06:29]
2023-11-2759 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast392 | Jonathan's Farewell: Reflections on Six Years of ChooseFINearly six years of podcasting doesn't just end — it evolves into something new. As Jonathan Mendonsa prepares to step back from hosting ChooseFI, he and Brad Barrett use this episode to reflect on the journey that helped shape the modern financial independence movement. Rather than a retrospective, this becomes a blueprint for anyone still finding their path to FI.
The conversation cuts to the core of what makes financial independence work: clarity of purpose. Jonathan and Brad discuss why your "why" of FI must be crystal clear, how the community has expanded what's possible, and the multiple pa...
2022-08-2851 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastThe Language of BusinessMost people think financial statements are just for accountants and Wall Street analysts. They're wrong. If you work in a corporation, run a business, manage your own investments, or care about your personal balance sheet, this fundamental skill separates those who advance from those who plateau.
Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett sit down with Brian Quartuccio to demystify the three core financial statements: the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Brian shares how mastering these documents transformed his career trajectory and explains why this knowledge matters whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, evaluating stock picks...
2022-08-0851 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast385 | Time is Your Ultimate LuxuryMost people work tirelessly for money, but what if you're trading the one thing you can never get back? Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett break down why time—not wealth—is your most valuable asset, and how strategic financial decisions can help you reclaim it.
[00:00:00] Introduction and Theme of the Episode
Time as a luxury and its role in financial independence.
[00:01:00] Discussion of Financial Independence
Financial independence isn't just about wealth; it's about living a meaningful life.
[00:02:00] The Importance of Time
Time as a non-renewable resource that should be valued.
2022-07-1155 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast381 | How Much Should You Spend on Housing?ChooseFI Podcast Show Notes: Common Sense Spending Guidelines for Housing in Uncertain Times
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett discuss effective strategies for managing housing costs while pursuing financial independence. The conversation emphasizes practical advice on mortgage payments, understanding interest rates, and avoiding unnecessary fees. The hosts share personal anecdotes, highlight the 28% rule for mortgage spending, and introduce a flexible guideline suggesting spending 25-35% of after-tax income on housing.
Key Topics Discussed:
[00:00:00] Podcast Intro
Introduction to Housing Guidelines
Discussion on the importance of understanding housing costs in relation to...
2022-06-121h 09
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast368 | Goal Setting for Financial Independence Part 1Most people assume "decluttering" means throwing out old clothes. Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa argue it's actually your ticket to financial independence — and the first step has nothing to do with your closet.
Clarity and goal setting are essential for achieving financial independence. The episode explores decluttering, de-noising, and de-stressing to foster a clearer mindset. Brad and Jonathan discuss the importance of long-term thinking through various metaphors, notably planting trees for future benefits. They emphasize the dangers of distractions such as social media, arguing that winning trivial arguments online adds unnecessary stress. Instead, focusing on relationships that up...
2022-03-1442 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast343 | Overcoming Financial Criticism and Building WealthYou've spent months—maybe years—preparing for that next big step. You've read the books, taken the courses, mapped out the plan. But somehow, you still haven't started. Dominick Quartuccio shares insights from 'Fire the Haters' on why preparation often masks procrastination, and how to finally take action despite imposter syndrome and fear.
Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa explore the challenges of transitioning from traditional careers to entrepreneurial paths, focusing on the distinction between valid preparation and procrastination. The conversation covers the role of community support, setting clear boundaries, and recognizing that personal growth matters more than conv...
2021-09-1947 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast341 | Smart Spending: When Splurges Are Worth ItSpending $50 more on the right Airbnb location can transform an entire vacation—but most people in the FI community would never consider it. Jonathan and Brad share their experiences from Red X month, a dedicated period where they completely disconnected from work to focus on family and personal priorities. They challenge the scarcity mindset that often dominates personal finance discussions and explore how strategic splurges—from better-located accommodations to services that free up mental energy—can dramatically enhance life quality without derailing financial goals.
Key Topics Discussed
Red X Month [00:01:36]
Taking a full month off to...
2021-09-0655 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastExperiments in FI: Inflation, Gardening, and Revocable Living TrustsJonathan thought he'd save money growing his own vegetables. After tallying up garden boxes, soil, and tools, his homegrown zucchini might be the most expensive produce he's ever eaten. Brad and Jonathan explore this and other listener questions in today's mashup episode, from tracking inflation's real impact on your budget to protecting your family's wealth through estate planning.
Experiments in Financial Independence
Jonathan shares his gardening experiment, breaking down initial investments and unexpected costs versus yields.
00:01:41: Gardening might not bring immediate ROI, but lessons learned are invaluable
Understanding Inflation
Brad and Jonathan discuss...
2021-07-1956 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast332 | How to Use Your Tax Return as a Financial Planning ToolMost people treat their tax refund like hitting the lottery—exciting, but they never stop to question why the government had their money in the first place. Sean Mullaney walks Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett through what your tax return actually reveals about your finances and where you might be leaving money on the table. The conversation covers capital gains distributions that silently erode returns, the strategic use of HSAs beyond basic medical expenses, and how adjusted gross income determines eligibility for benefits many assume they can't access. Rather than viewing tax season as a compliance chore, the episode re...
2021-07-041h 00
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast325 | Teaching Kids About Money: Credibility, Boundaries, and AllowancesYour kids won't remember another Netflix binge — they'll remember the Saturday you taught them to ride bikes, made pancakes together, or built a backyard fort. Jonathan and Brad tackle an overlooked truth about family life: the most memorable moments rarely cost money, and the financial habits you model now will echo for decades.
The conversation spans the importance of prioritizing quality time with family, recognizing value in everyday experiences rather than expensive outings, and the significance of communication and credibility in parenting. Jonathan and Brad share personal anecdotes about family time and lessons learned from managing children's al...
2021-05-2848 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast320 | How Work Stress Impacts Financial Independence GoalsThe pandemic forced millions to confront a question they'd been avoiding: Why am I doing this? For many high earners on the path to financial independence, the answer suddenly became uncomfortably vague.
Jonathan and Brad explore how the past year's workplace upheaval has exposed cracks in traditional career thinking—and created rare opportunities to renegotiate the terms of work itself. They examine "one more year syndrome," the tendency to defer personal fulfillment for one more bonus, one more promotion, one more safety margin. Using the Mexican fisherman parable, they contrast the MBA's vision of success (scale the fi...
2021-05-1043 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastAll The Hacks | Chris HutchinsMost people stop hunting for life hacks when kids arrive—Chris Hutchins doubled down by launching an entire podcast about them. The "All The Hacks" founder joins Brad and Jonathan to share the optimization strategies that save time, money, and mental energy in the chaos of daily life.
Key Topics & Timestamps
[00:01:19] The Importance of Life Hacks
Jonathan shares how discovering life hacks can streamline life, emphasizing the significance of optimizing daily activities.
[00:02:30] Discussion with Chris Hutchins
Chris introduces his podcast, "All The Hacks," and shares his journey of collecting life hacks to...
2021-04-291h 15
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast313 | Portfolio Diversification: Are You Really Protected?Ray Dalio calls holding just 15 uncorrelated assets "the Holy Grail of investing" — yet most portfolios contain hundreds of correlated bets masquerading as diversification. Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett team up with Frank Vasquez from Risk Parity Radio to examine whether your portfolio is actually diversified or simply different. They explore the real purpose behind diversification, the mechanics of asset correlation, and how to construct portfolios that can sustain higher withdrawal rates through better risk management.
Key Topics Discussed
Introduction to Risk Parity and Diversification [00:00:00]
Concept of diversification and its true importance.
Ray Da...
2021-04-161h 07
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast301 | Money and Relationships Part 2: Communication and CompromiseYour partner says you can't afford to retire early—but they're still spending $200 on brunch every weekend. Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett continue their relationships and money series with Jillian Johnsrud, tackling the financial conflicts that strain even the strongest partnerships. Through listener voicemails, they unpack how to handle parental financial support as an adult, combine finances as newlyweds without losing autonomy, and have productive money conversations that don't end in arguments.
15:37 - Asia's Situation: Parental Support in Graduate School
Asia discusses her engagement and financial dependence on her parents while in graduate school. Jillian br...
2021-03-0550 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast299 | What's Stopping You from Reaching Financial Independence?Most people know they should invest, but they freeze when staring at $6,000 in savings, unsure whether to pay down debt, bulk up emergency funds, or finally open that brokerage account. Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa tackle this exact paralysis in a live interactive format, fielding real-time questions from listeners navigating their own barriers to financial independence. From understanding risk tolerance to accessing retirement accounts early, they cut through the noise to focus on what actually moves the needle.
Key Topics
Barriers to Financial Independence
[00:01:06] Identify what's stopping you from reaching FI and address those...
2021-02-261h 16
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast263 | Accountability and Decision-MakingMost people who lose weight gain it back within months—yet Jonathan has kept 25 pounds off for half a year. The difference wasn't a diet plan or workout program. It was accountability.
Jonathan explains how regular check-ins with friends and family created a framework that sustained his progress long after initial motivation faded. He and Brad connect this to Annie Duke's work on decision quality, showing how the same principles apply whether you're managing your health or your finances. By aiming for 1% daily improvements and identifying triggers that derail progress, small consistent actions compound into lasting change....
2020-10-2346 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast236 | The Intersection of Fitness and Financial IndependenceThe skills that build wealth are the same skills that build health. Both require replacing unconscious bad habits with intentional good ones, both reward long-term thinking over quick fixes, and both demand you recognize the triggers that derail you. Brad and Jonathan share how their financial independence journeys reshaped their approach to fitness—and why momentum in one area creates momentum in the other.
Key Topics Discussed
Introduction to Fitness and Financial Independence [00:00:00]
How fitness parallels financial independence.
Personal Transformations [00:01:00]
Jonathan and Brad's personal journeys, focusing on how self-improvement in finance led to...
2020-07-2249 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast231 | Budget Meal Planning and Creative Cooking TipsMost people think casseroles are just a way to disguise food you're trying to get rid of. Brad and Jonathan flip that assumption, showing how a simple framework—protein, starch, vegetable, binder—turns random leftovers into intentional meals that cut grocery bills and food waste. They cover the leftover casserole challenge, adapting 529 plans when college isn't a given, teaching kids networking skills early, and why acquiring marketable skills matters more than chasing degrees.
Key Topics
Leftovers and Casseroles: Brad and Jonathan challenge the stigma around leftover casseroles, encouraging listeners to use kitchen staples creatively and mini...
2020-07-1050 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast225 | The Power of The StaycationYou can vacation without leaving town — and it might change how you spend money forever. Jonathan and Brad explore the unexpected power of staycations during the pandemic, revealing how to uncover hidden value in your own backyard while stretching travel rewards further than you thought possible.
Introduction to Staycation [00:00:00]
Staycations as a way to enjoy local attractions while supporting the community during the pandemic.
Discussion on Anniversary Staycation [00:01:00]
Jonathan shares his experience using Chase Ultimate Rewards points for a staycation at a Marriott hotel to celebrate his anniversary.
Engaging with Local Businesses [00:06:00]
Encouragement to...
2020-06-2648 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastIntroducing Our FI Households!! Part 2Eight real households are reshaping their financial futures in wildly different ways — and you're invited to watch it unfold in real time. Brad and Jonathan introduce the second group of families in the FI Household Series, each tackling unique challenges on the path to financial independence.
The hosts emphasize that financial independence isn't about hitting a magic savings number — it's about creating options and optimizing life around what matters most. When you've reached FI, work becomes entirely optional rather than mandatory. This episode showcases four more households at different life stages, from couples just starting their aggressive savi...
2020-06-2437 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast216 | How to Make Financial Independence More InclusiveFinancial independence was never supposed to have barriers based on race — yet it does.
Chris Browning, host of Popcorn Finance, joins Brad and Jonathan to discuss the uncomfortable but essential conversation about how systemic racism shows up in employment, lending, and the financial independence community itself. Chris shares his experiences navigating FI as a black man, explaining why "being non-racist" isn't enough and what it means to actively create a more inclusive movement. The hosts explore the discomfort people of color often feel in predominantly white spaces, the importance of representation, and specific ways listeners can support Bl...
2020-06-0544 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast2020 Health ChallengeBrad's six-year-old daughter just nailed 30 consecutive jump-rope double unders on video—a CrossFit move so technically demanding that most adults never master it. That measurable proof of progress, captured in real-time, becomes the lens through which Brad and Jonathan unpack the mechanics of mastery in this mailbag roundup. They use the jump rope metaphor to explore how repeated failure, goal-setting, and community feedback accelerate growth in both fitness and finance, then pivot to listener questions on tax loss harvesting, corrections from previous episodes, and the power of creating environments where taking action becomes the norm.
Timestamps and Ke...
2020-05-1539 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast201 | Rule of 55: Early Retirement Withdrawal StrategyMost people assume their 401k is locked until 59½, but the Rule of 55 allows penalty-free withdrawals nearly five years earlier—and hardly anyone knows it exists.
Brad and Jonathan break down this IRS provision, which lets you tap retirement funds if you leave your job during or after the year you turn 55. The catch? It only applies to your current employer's 401k or 403b, not old accounts. They explain who qualifies, what the restrictions are, and how this lesser-known rule can reshape your early retirement timeline.
The episode also features Jillian from Everyday Courage, who talks abo...
2020-04-3058 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastIntroducing Casual WednesdaysYou've already switched to grocery delivery, haven't you? Or maybe you're still white-knuckling it through crowded aisles, wrestling over the last can of beans. Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett compare notes on how lockdown grocery runs forced them to rethink shopping habits entirely — and discovered that delivery services like Instacart and Walmart pickup didn't just save time, they accidentally fixed their budgets by eliminating impulse buys. Beyond the grocery cart, they explore whether pandemic-era remote work flexibility is worth fighting for long-term, and close with a quick win: how to check if the government owes you money through unclaimed pr...
2020-04-2227 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast191 | K-12 Financial Literacy CurriculumMost financial education reaches students when they're already drowning in student loans. By then, the damage is done. A team of educators just flipped that model on its head—starting financial independence concepts in pre-K, years before those critical money decisions get made.
Jonathan Mendonsa, alongside educators Danielle Mendoza, Rob Beeland, and Mandy Burt, introduce a K-12 financial literacy curriculum that spans from pre-K through high school. The curriculum covers essential financial concepts using a backward design approach, ensuring lessons are accessible to teachers without a finance background. With resources provided at no cost, the team reflects on...
2020-04-1231 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast189 | Investor Policy StatementMost people panic when the market drops. But what if the problem isn't the market—it's your lack of a written plan? Jonathan and Brad explore the investor policy statement: a personal rulebook for staying rational when your portfolio is bleeding red. Jonathan lays out his own statement in full detail—his $1.5 million target, his 100% equity allocation, his rationale for a hefty emergency fund—and Brad pushes back, revealing his own more conservative stance.
[00:00:00] Introduction to Investor Policy Statement
Why drafting your own investor policy statement matters—especially when you've been kicked back on your heels.
[0...
2020-04-0837 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast187 | Distance Learning and Education CostsDuring the pandemic's first wave, teachers faced an impossible trifecta: redesign their entire curriculum for screens, keep students engaged through a computer, and somehow address kids' basic needs from six feet away—or six miles. Mandy, an Illinois educator, walked into this storm and found that her most carefully crafted lesson plans meant nothing if her students were hungry or scared. Brad and Jonathan sit down with her to unpack how distance learning exposed the fragile partnership between schools and families, and why the answer might be simpler than anyone expected.
The discussion centers around the new ch...
2020-04-0738 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastAdapting To The New NormalThe first 60 minutes of your day might be the only thing you can actually control right now. While everything outside feels uncertain, Brad and Jonathan explore how protecting your morning routine and limiting your news intake can shift you from reactive anxiety to intentional calm—even when you're struggling with sleepless nights and contradictory emotions.
Brad and Jonathan address the mental health challenges of navigating unprecedented uncertainty. Brad openly shares his struggle with anxiety resurfacing despite years of personal development work, experiencing sleepless nights while simultaneously feeling grateful for family time. The conversation offers practical strategies for ma...
2020-04-0340 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastIs The FIRE Movement Over?Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck—until a crisis hits and forces them to finally ask the questions they should have been asking all along. Financial independence isn't retreating in tough times; it's gaining new urgency. The movement was born from the 2008 recession, and as Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa make clear, those who built resilience during the good years now have options while others scramble.
The conversation explores why preparation during prosperity matters, how diversifying income streams creates security, and what we can learn from Joanna Penn's journey building multiple revenue sources after her own financial se...
2020-04-0130 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastHow to Pivot Your Business During Economic UncertaintyYour spouse cutting your hair could save hundreds annually — and during economic uncertainty, small pivots like this compound into real financial resilience. Jonathan and Brad explore how businesses and individuals are adapting their models, from gyms offering virtual classes to music teachers moving lessons online. They break down practical ways to reduce core expenses like insurance and home maintenance, then shift to community action — blood donations and mask contributions — as collective responses to immediate needs.
Introduction [00:00:00]
Overview of financial resilience and adapting to current challenges.
Personal Updates [00:00:08]
Jonathan and Brad share person...
2020-03-2624 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastLook Out For Your Community During This Uncertain TimeWhen the economy hits hard, your local gym, coffee shop, or restaurant feels it first — and your financial position determines whether you can be part of the solution or just another casualty. Brad and Jonathan explore how building financial resilience creates the capacity to support communities during crises without jeopardizing your own stability.
Protecting ourselves and our communities during economic downturns requires a mindset rooted in financial resilience and generosity of spirit. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, such as restaurants and gyms, during challenging times. Practical examples include purchasing gift cards, prepaying for me...
2020-03-1916 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastPrepared, Not ScaredMarket crashes don't respect retirement timelines. Purple Life's story proves it — she hit her financial independence number on Monday, ready to retire, then watched the market tank days later. Does she abandon the plan, delay retirement, or press forward?
This mashup tackles the single question every aspiring early retiree dreads: what happens when your number arrives during a downturn? Brad and Jonathan unpack the "fine number" concept, the 4% rule under stress, and why a high savings rate is your best insurance policy. Listeners share real wins from the community, from creative tax strategies to emergency fund resilience, pr...
2020-03-0556 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastPrioritizing Your PrioritiesMost people think more hours equal more productivity. Jonathan discovered he had it backward.
Jonathan and Brad reflect on how reading Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky forced a complete overhaul of their schedules—not to squeeze in more work, but to reclaim time for what matters. The conversation covers multiple listener questions on qualified dividends, tax filing, and RIP Medical Debt, but the core thread is intentionality: challenging the default behaviors that let work expand endlessly, setting non-negotiable family time, and reassessing how technology fragments focus. Both hosts share concrete changes they've made—from morn...
2020-02-2752 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast168 | Time Management and Productivity for Financial IndependenceThe average person checks their phone 150 times per day — yet most can't name what they accomplished yesterday. Jonathan Mendonsa experienced this firsthand: buried in busyness, he didn't have time to read a book about productivity until a flight delay forced his hand. He finished Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zaratsky before landing, and immediately started reshaping his days.
Brad Barrett and Jonathan break down the book's four-step framework — Highlight, Laser, Energize, Reflect — designed to help you reclaim attention from "infinity pools" (endless content feeds) and redirect it toward what matters. Jonathan shares how choosing one daily...
2020-02-231h 16
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastIt's A Small World After AllA $5,000 hospital bill landed in Jonathan's mailbox, but instead of panic—or acceptance—he made one phone call and saved thousands. This episode tackles the listener challenges and voicemails that show financial independence in action: from donating plasma for $400 a month to negotiating medical debt to understanding military benefits most service members miss.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
[00:01:02] Experiments in Financial Independence
The $1,000 challenge: raising money through side hustles and selling things
Andrew and Zach test internet money-making claims in real life
[00:02:21] Plasma Donation Experience
Andrew details donating plasma for extra cash
Potential earnings and...
2020-02-1345 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastFrom Solopreneur To EntrepreneurMost people plan their year down to the quarterly target, yet couldn't tell you where they'll be in a decade. Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett flip that script, examining why we systematically overestimate annual achievements while underestimating what ten years of consistent effort can deliver.
Key Topics Discussed
Introduction and Reflections on the Decade [00:00:00]
Personal memories tied to past decades and entering 2020.
Overestimating Short-Term Goals [00:06:43]
Setting realistic long-term financial goals versus unrealistic yearly targets.
Crowdsourcing Solutions [00:11:34]
Engaging community insights for financial decision-making.
Intentional Action and Skill Development [00:22:14]
Developing skills...
2019-12-2754 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastNavigating Health InsuranceMedical debt doesn't just drain bank accounts—it devours peace of mind. One unexpected hospital visit can unravel years of careful planning, leaving families paralyzed by bills they don't understand and can't afford. This episode examines the mechanics behind medical debt through real stories, including Dominick Quartuccio's experience navigating thousands in charges after his child's birth. Jonathan Mendonsa and Dominick break down practical strategies for negotiating bills, understanding insurance plans, and supporting RIP Medical Data's mission to purchase and forgive debt for those drowning in healthcare expenses.
Key Topics
Understanding Medical Debt [00:00:56]
How medical de...
2019-11-1453 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastFit Waist Fat WalletMost people assume their first attempt will be close to perfect—whether it's a workout plan, a diet, or even a website layout. The truth? You're almost certainly wrong. Brad Barrett learned this the hard way in online marketing: tiny tweaks to wording or design could double conversion rates overnight. Now he and Jonathan Mendonsa are applying that same split testing mindset to something far more personal—your health, fitness, and nutrition habits.
In this episode, Jonathan, Brad, and guest MK explore how making one small change at a time and measuring the results can transform your appr...
2019-11-0156 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastGoals vs SystemsMost people drift through their finances paycheck to paycheck, aware something's off but never stopping to diagnose the problem. Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett break down the unsexy but essential first step: tracking where your money actually goes. Beyond spreadsheets and apps, they explore how identity statements and systems—not willpower—reshape your relationship with money. The episode balances tactical advice (building a net worth statement, evaluating purchases) with mindset shifts that turn budgeting from punishment into possibility.
Timestamps and Major Topics
[00:00:00] Introduction to FI 101: Overview of tracking spending as a foundational step to financial independence.
[00:00:58] The...
2019-10-2558 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastWhole Life InsuranceLaura's 80-cent shopping spree—turning $133 worth of clothing into pocket change—proves that mastering discount stacking isn't just theory. Jonathan Mendonsa and Dominick Quartuccio break down her strategy and then pivot to exposing why whole life insurance rarely serves your best interests, comparing it to the straightforward value of term policies. The conversation covers strategic shopping tactics, insurance product complexity, and paths to self-insurance through financial independence.
Key Topics Discussed
[00:01:21] Laura's Shopping Strategies
A listener, Laura, bought $133 worth of clothing for only 80 cents by stacking discounts and rewards.
Important shopping tactics incl...
2019-10-1755 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastGuard Rails and Dumpster FiresOne listener's simple question to their employer eliminated a two-hour daily commute and saved thousands in childcare costs. At FinCon this year, Brad and Jonathan watched the FI community grow from a dozen early adopters to over 500 people swapping stories about how they redesigned their lives around what matters most.
This Friday Roundup spans multiple listener wins and tactical advice. The core theme: negotiation changes everything. One story details a successful remote work request that transformed family time, while Danny Kenny weighs in on optimizing rental property income and asset allocation. The hosts also announce the new...
2019-09-1354 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastThe Real Cost Of A Financial AdvisorOne student applied for scholarships even after landing a full ride — and banked thousands extra. Brad and Jonathan unpack that surprising strategy alongside a broader conversation about how financial independence is reshaping traditional personal finance advice. They reflect on Nick True's episode from Mapped Out Money, where topics ranged from designing a life on your own terms to the shifting role of financial planners in a FI-aware world. This mashup also covers smart ways to fund education without debt, the frameworks that make money decisions easier, and why persistence in scholarship hunting pays off more than most people realize....
2019-08-1645 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastSilver Spoon Or SkillsWhat if paying your kid to work for you could slash your tax bill and set them up for life? Brad and Jonathan break down a little-known strategy that lets parents reduce taxable income, skip payroll taxes, and teach their children entrepreneurship—all at once. The episode also covers listener voicemails, sustainable tech experiments, and the long-term wealth power of a Roth IRA started in childhood.
Timestamps & Key Topics
[00:01:00] Solar Panel Insights
Jonathan shares the installation of his solar panels and discusses the benefits of producing energy at home.
[00:05:00] Battery-Powered Lawn Equipment
2019-07-1948 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastShould You Invest Or Pay Off Your Mortgage?Paying down your mortgage early feels responsible—but what if it's mathematically wrong?
Brad and Jonathan tackle the question that splits the FI community in half: should you aggressively pay off your home loan or invest that extra cash in something like VTSAX? Listener Ariel joins with a detailed spreadsheet analysis comparing real-world numbers, and the results may surprise anyone who sees a mortgage as "bad debt." They also explore practical budgeting tools and how reframing your financial questions can open doors you didn't know existed.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction to Mortgage Discussion
2019-06-281h 03
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastInsurance, A FrameworkFinancial independence isn't really about hitting a number on a spreadsheet. Jonathan's move to a new neighborhood sparked an unexpected realization: the warmth of a borrowed cup of sugar matters more than perfectly optimized asset allocation. He and Brad explore how individual actions ripple outward to shape entire communities—and why the FI movement has quietly evolved beyond frugality into something richer. The second half shifts gears with Jennifer Fitzgerald from Policy Genius, who untangles the insurance knots most people ignore until it's too late.
Key Topics
Introduction to Community Building [00:00:41]
The importance of co...
2019-06-201h 01
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastBuilding a Brick in Your WallMost people think compounding means exponential wealth growth. But you might be using the term wrong—and that's costing you clarity on how your money actually grows.
Brad and Jonathan tackle listener questions on everything from the mechanics of compounding interest versus stock appreciation, to the line between frugality and cheapness, to why embracing hard challenges is the real secret to a fulfilling life. They share personal stories about building community, developing a growth mindset, and taking small daily actions—"placing one brick in your wall"—toward financial independence. If you've ever wondered whether your understanding of these...
2019-06-1454 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastSimplifying The Ultimate Buy And Hold Strategy With M1 FinanceSwitching investment strategies mid-course destroys more wealth than choosing the wrong portfolio from day one. Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett unpack Paul Merriman's ultimate buy-and-hold strategy and reveal why the community surrounding financial independence matters as much as the money itself—especially after attending the world premiere of the "Playing With Fire" documentary in San Diego.
Brad recaps the premiere, where 250 community members turned a screening into a celebration of financial independence. The energy of watching with others who share your goals transformed the experience, reinforcing a key principle: this journey works better with others alongside you....
2019-06-0747 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastExpand Your Zone Of AwarenessMLMs promise wealth through recruitment, but 99% of participants lose money. Jonathan and Brad share their recent experiences with these predatory schemes and explain why the business model is fundamentally broken—you're not selling products, you're selling the dream of selling products to others.
Brad's radar went off when an old colleague sent a vague email about a "business venture opportunity." Jonathan faced a similar pitch at lunch the same week. Both recognized the telltale signs: evasive answers, recruitment-focused compensation, and products that can't compete on their own merits.
The hosts break down why MLMs fail mo...
2019-05-2459 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastWhat Is An AnnuityYour recent annuity purchase might have just locked you into fees that could cost you tens of thousands over your lifetime—but you're not alone in missing the fine print. Gene wrote to Brad and Jonathan after buying an annuity, uncertain if she made the right call. This episode unpacks her specific situation and reveals when annuities actually make sense versus when they're just expensive insurance products in disguise.
Brad and Jonathan tackle Gene's question head-on, with help from Big Earn of Early Retirement Now. They break down immediate versus deferred annuities, longevity risk, and the often-hidden co...
2019-05-101h 02
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastOptimize Your Online Grocery ShoppingYour spouse might be planning your surprise party three months early because she knows you're too detail-oriented to fool otherwise. Jonathan's wife Laura pulled off the impossible — a genuine surprise for someone who notices everything — by celebrating his 40th birthday two and a half months ahead of schedule. This episode covers that celebration plus a practical deep-dive into grocery shopping hacks, comparing Instacart versus Kroger's ClickList, and listener stories about optimizing food budgets.
Celebrating Jonathan's Unbirthday [00:01:48]
Jonathan shares the story of his surprise unbirthday party, planned months early to avoid detection. Laura orchestrated the event know...
2019-05-0351 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastHail Mary FIAttending a documentary screening can feel like watching someone else's highlight reel — until you realize the people on screen made the exact same mistakes you did. Brad and Jonathan tackle a roundup spanning the upcoming "Plane with Fire" documentary rollout, community feedback on Julian and Kirsten's relatable journey, and a listener's question about starting financial independence at 60.
[00:00:00] Introduction and Announcements
Updates on "Plane with Fire" documentary and Jonathan's personal anecdote about his son's birthday.
[00:02:49] Updates on 'Plane with Fire' Documentary
Feedback from early viewers of the documentary. Plans for community screenings st...
2019-04-1949 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastLearn More About Dividend InvestingCongratulations — you just found the single most efficient way to drain your portfolio before you even touch the principal. Brad and Jonathan tackle the dividend-investing obsession head-on, sorting through the promises and pitfalls with guest Brian Karsten. If you think dividends are passive income on autopilot, this episode will recalibrate your assumptions.
Brad shares news about expecting a second child before turning to the core discussion: dividends as a retirement strategy. The hosts explain what dividends are — cash payments from a company to shareholders — and why they're not the guaranteed income stream many investors assume.
[00:00:41] Introd...
2019-04-121h 04
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastPosition Of StrengthMedical bills negotiable? Most people accept the first number they see—and quietly overpay by thousands. Brad and Jonathan tackle listener questions on negotiation tactics, career pivoting, reading lists that actually change behavior, and why technology might be stealing more from you than screen time suggests.
[00:00:05] Introduction and Reading Lists
Jonathan shares his 2019 reading lineup, anchored by "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, "Deep Work," and "Ted Talks." The discussion extends to Carol Dweck's "Mindset," which topped his 2018 list, and David Goggins' "Can't Hurt Me." The hosts explore the concept of a weekly no-technology day—a comp...
2019-03-2254 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastPlanned ObsolescenceMost consumer products aren't built to last — they're built to break so you'll buy again. That's planned obsolescence, and Jonathan opens this mashup episode with a personal frustration: replacing every toilet mechanism in his house for the second year running. From there, he and Brad tackle a mix of listener stories and questions that all circle the same idea: small, structural decisions compound into massive long-term wealth (or waste). Ryan shares how a government shutdown turned into unexpected clarity about his career and priorities. Jill reveals the clever way she got her skeptical spouse on board with FI — not thro...
2019-02-0155 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastChange The InputMost people think getting out of debt requires a major windfall or years of sacrifice. Cody wiped out $83,000 in consumer debt in just two years by changing one thing: he stopped making excuses and took ownership of his spending. Jonathan and Brad unpack lessons from a recent Camp FI gathering, where Cody shared his transformation from paycheck-to-paycheck living to debt freedom. The episode also features Nick's case for hostels as a travel hack and Quinn's experience with plant-based eating as a grocery budget game-changer.
Key Topics Discussed
[00:00:00] Introduction and Welcome
Jonathan and Brad introduce...
2019-01-1858 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastSide Hustle Coaching Series Part 4Relying on a single paycheck might feel safe, but what if that stability is actually your biggest financial risk? Jonathan and Brad share how treating entrepreneurship as a series of experiments—not high-stakes gambles—can unlock income streams you didn't know you needed. Through stories of failed projects and unexpected wins, they make the case that your next side hustle doesn't need to be brilliant; it just needs to start.
Finding the perfect side hustle doesn't require flawlessness; action is key. Jonathan and Brad share personal experiences that highlight the importance of trial and error, leading to valu...
2018-11-1651 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast100 | Welcome To The FI CommunityMost people think saving a little more or cutting back on lattes will eventually lead to financial freedom. Jonathan and Brad break down why that mindset misses the point entirely — and how shifting focus to your savings rate, not your spending habits, can compress decades of work into years.
Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett reflect on their journeys toward financial independence and the growth of the ChooseFI community. They share how intentional choices, community support, and understanding key concepts like savings rates and the 4% rule can help listeners take control of their financial futures.
Key Ta...
2018-11-0549 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastThe Money Matriarch of the World & the Godfather of FI | Suze Orman & JLCollinsNHMost financial gurus tell you to save millions before retiring. Suze Orman says you need $10 million. But what if the entire premise is wrong?
Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa sit down with Jim Collins to dissect Orman's recent comments on the FIRE movement. This isn't just a celebrity takedown — it's a fundamental clash between fear-based planning and living intentionally within your means.
Chapters
[00:19:30] Introduction to Jim Collins
Jim Collins discusses the relevance and benefits of the FI movement.
[00:22:23] Susie Orman's Key Argument
Critique of Orman's insistence on unrealistic benchmarks fo...
2018-10-1257 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastCall To ActionService members collectively leave hundreds of thousands of dollars in unclaimed benefits on the table over their careers—not because they don't qualify, but because nobody told them. Brad and Jonathan field listener responses to their Military Dollar interview, digging into voicemails, feedback, and an urgent push for the Playing with Fire documentary Kickstarter.
Fresh off FinCon (where they hosted a 200+ person meetup), the hosts unpack how listeners David and Rick used financial independence principles to reshape their military careers. The recurring theme: mentorship and early financial education create a ripple effect. The conversation covers the blended re...
2018-10-0546 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastIt's Not The Idea, It's The ProcessA random FI community member connects with another enthusiast while fleeing Hurricane Florence — but that chance encounter wasn't random at all. Jonathan and Brad tackle listener voicemails covering hurricane prep, the struggle teachers face funding their own classrooms, hidden credit card perks for active military, and why your next side project might be the real path to financial independence.
[00:01:02] Hurricane Preparedness
Jonathan and Brad discuss how they're preparing for Hurricane Florence
Community fears vs. practical preparations
Importance of local support networks during crises
[00:06:29] Community Insights
A Facebook post demonstrates community support during the hurricane
"Th...
2018-09-1452 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastMindset of FIMost people think playing golf regularly requires a country club membership and a six-figure income. One ChooseFI caller proved that wrong—he plays 100+ rounds per year on a modest budget. Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett explore the caller's system for enjoying golf without breaking the bank, then apply the same strategic thinking to car ownership decisions. The conversation reveals how a simple "hobby checklist" can help evaluate whether leisure activities align with financial goals, and why analyzing the true costs of major purchases matters more than monthly payment amounts.
Key Topics
[00:03:08] Car Ownership Economics
Tr...
2018-07-201h 04
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastThe Paradox of ChoiceWhen Jonathan and Brad's wives agreed to come on the podcast, the hosts had no idea they were in for a borderline marriage-threatening recording session. Laura and Dani delivered unfiltered takes on how their husbands' pursuit of financial independence affects daily family life, revealing tensions, compromises, and unexpected wisdom about balancing frugality with actually living.
This Friday Roundup covers listener questions on everything from travel rewards strategies to capital gains harvesting, plus loan payoff victories and side hustles for stay-at-home parents.
Key Takeaways
Travel Rewards Experience
[00:03:20] Jonathan shares his first experience using...
2018-07-061h 04
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastCollege Hacking ToolboxMost college students don't realize billions in scholarship dollars go unclaimed every year—a missed opportunity that could dramatically reduce or eliminate their debt before it even starts. This Friday Roundup dissects last week's conversation with Travis Hornsby, the student loan planner, applying his strategies to real listener scenarios involving six-figure debt loads and government forgiveness programs.
Decluttering & Selling Items
[00:02:28]
Jonathan shares his success selling items on Craigslist. Tips include pricing competitively, using quality images, and writing effective ad copy to move inventory quickly.
Financial Literacy for Kids
[00:14:05]
Teaching ch...
2018-06-0859 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastRace or JourneyYour sister hit an 85% savings rate by living at home after college — proof that unconventional housing choices can supercharge your path to financial independence. This mashup episode revisits the Adventure Rich interview and tackles listener questions on everything from library hacks to house hacking strategies. Jonathan and Brad dig into practical ways to build wealth through local adventures, free educational resources, and leveraging family dynamics, while listeners share their own creative approaches to maximizing savings.
Key Takeaways
Living with Parents as a Savings Strategy
[00:01:40] Jonathan's sister achieved an 85% savings rate by living at home po...
2018-05-251h 00
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastMainstream AdoptionMost people in the financial independence community swear by index funds—but what if picking individual stocks isn't the foolish gamble it's often made out to be? Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett tackle this tension head-on, revisiting their conversation with Brian Feraldi on the unique advantages individual investors can have. While the hosts remain index fund advocates, they use listener feedback to explore where stock picking might make sense, the steep learning curve it demands, and why the FI community's consensus still leans toward broad-market simplicity. The episode also touches on the upcoming Playing with Fire documentary and its po...
2018-05-1850 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastThe Five Most Important Financial Conversations You Need To Have With Your ChildA common assumption is that you need a big paycheck to build wealth—but what if the secret isn't earning more, but protecting what you already make? Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett tackle this in a mashup covering Bitcoin's real-world usability, HSA tax hacks, and the 50% savings rule for college students.
Bitcoin: Investment or Speculation?
Bitcoin's volatility and limited use in everyday transactions—like paying for groceries—make it a speculative play rather than a reliable store of value (00:09:19). The hosts stress the importance of distinguishing long-term investment strategy from short-term speculation, especially in a market where...
2018-04-271h 01
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastShould I Buy Bitcoin | Myles WakehamMost people think Bitcoin is just a speculative gamble, but Myles Wakeham was solving real payment problems with it long before anyone cared about the price. Wakeham, an early Bitcoin adopter, came to the technology not to get rich, but to work around broken banking systems while traveling internationally. His hands-on experience using Bitcoin as an actual currency — not just an asset to trade — offers a perspective rarely heard in the crypto hype cycle. Alongside Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett, Wakeham explores the tension between Bitcoin's original utility and its current reputation as a volatile investment, and what that mean...
2018-04-221h 23
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastHow to Start a BlogMichelle's RV lifestyle proves you can achieve financial freedom on far less than you think—without sacrificing experiences or happiness. Jonathan and Brad unpack the Monday episode with Michelle from Making Sense of Sense, then share the complete technical roadmap for launching your own blog. Whether you're building skills for career growth or exploring a passion project, they cover domain registration, hosting choices, WordPress setup, and why starting an email list early matters more than you realize.
Key Topics and Timestamps
[00:01:08] Listener Experiences and Weekend Reflection
Brad shares his family trip to Roanoke, Virginia, di...
2018-04-0651 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastFinding Your SuperpowerMost homeowners accept yearly insurance rate hikes without question — but Jonathan just proved that passivity costs real money. After his homeowner's insurance crept up to $90/month, he took action and discovered a local option that delivered significant savings. This Friday roundup unpacks community wins like Jonathan's insurance breakthrough, listener Sarah's DIY triumph, and Stephen's strategy for using donor advised funds to sidestep capital gains tax while maximizing charitable impact. Plus, feedback on daily habit optimization and practical tech hacks that squeeze more value from everyday decisions.
Key Topics Discussed:
Jonathan's Homeowner's Insurance Success [00:01:12]
Jonathan se...
2018-03-2355 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastBoard GamesThat $12.99 subscription you forgot about? By the time you remember it exists, you've already funded someone's monthly coffee budget. Hosts Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett field listener feedback on everything from sneaky recurring charges to maximizing travel rewards, proving that financial independence isn't built on one big decision—it's built on dozens of small ones you actually notice.
Key Topics
Expense Tracking [00:04:17]: Managing subscriptions and tracking recurring expenses to prevent budget inflation.
Lifestyle Creep [00:04:17]: How small spending increases compound into significant financial drains over time.
Travel Rewards [00:43:06]: Maximizing the Southwest Companion Pa...
2018-03-0259 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastChange the WorldWhat if your neighbors became your economic lifeline—without spending a dollar? Jonathan's wife discovered this through Buy Nothing groups, where she routinely receives free items from strangers down the street. The experience didn't just save money; it rewired her family's relationship with gratitude and connection.
This episode examines how community initiatives reshape the financial independence journey. Buy Nothing groups illustrate resource sharing without monetary transactions, creating networks of reciprocity that strengthen local bonds. Jonathan recounts volunteering with his children to package meals, an activity that deepened their perspective on privilege while building family cohesion.
Th...
2018-02-161h 04
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastBandwidthYou're leaving money on the table every time you treat a partner's passion like a hobby instead of a business. Jonathan discovered this when he converted a spare closet into his wife's professional voiceover studio — but it took meeting with a voice coach to unlock what financial independence really enables: the freedom to pursue meaningful work without the pressure of immediate profit.
This Friday Roundup covers listener questions and updates spanning multiple facets of FI life — from building supportive environments for side hustles to the mental frameworks that make discipline feel less like restriction and more like free...
2018-02-0951 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastHealthCare Vs Health InsuranceWhat would your life look like if you reclaimed two focused hours every morning? Jonathan tested this by escaping to the library before his day officially began—and the results speak for themselves.
Jonathan and Brad explore how a structured morning routine can amplify productivity and why the library might be your secret weapon for distraction-free work. The conversation shifts to the "Skinny Waist Fat Wallet Challenge," a community initiative that tackles health and financial goals simultaneously. They also examine medical tourism as a practical strategy for navigating healthcare costs without sacrificing quality.
Key Takeaways
2018-02-0155 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast055 | Live From Fincon 2017 Dallas TXCommunity matters more than you think. Within six months of launching ChooseFI, Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa watched their Facebook group balloon past 5,000 members — people actively reshaping their financial lives by swapping strategies, celebrating wins, and holding each other accountable.
Recording live at FinCon 2017, Brad and Jonathan unpack what fueled that explosive growth and why collective momentum matters as much as individual tactics. They explore how the Friday Roundup transformed passive listeners into active participants, the compounding effect of marginal gains, and why first-generation FI seekers set the stage for generational wealth. The episode also spotlights the ro...
2017-12-2521 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast054 | Fully Funded Lifestyle ChangeMost pharmacy managers don't quit stable six-figure jobs without a backup plan—Jonathan just did, and he's walking you through exactly why the numbers made sense.
Jonathan announces his transition to pursuing ChooseFI full-time, stepping away from his pharmacy manager position. Supported by co-host Brad, they explore the decision-making process involved in leaving a traditional job for entrepreneurship. The discussion covers the impact of financial discipline—cutting expenses and building savings—which has afforded Jonathan this opportunity. They reflect on how significant savings provide options and flexibility, the anxiety tied to such life changes, and the importance of ope...
2017-12-1844 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastEnd of Year ChecklistCan starting a side hustle really replace a stable income? Bobby from Millennial Money Man walked away from his day job when his blog earned just $2. This roundup episode unpacks that leap—and the community-building principles that made it work.
Brad and Jonathan reflect on Bobby's interview, focusing on how he built trust within a niche audience before monetizing. They cover the core mechanics of creating value through blogging, online courses, and content that solves specific problems. The discussion also touches on personal updates, including Jonathan's wife narrating her first audiobook, and a listener voicemail about year-end fi...
2017-12-151h 01
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastFI FestivalSmall decisions—skipping one subscription, optimizing one flight—can quietly stack into 50–75% savings rates while everyone else stays broke. Brad and Jonathan tackle listener questions on how to scale these "marginal gains," why the global FI movement needs local voices (especially in the UK, Australia, and Canada), and how Jonathan used travel rewards to fund his family's South Africa trip almost entirely on points.
Key Topics
Global Interest in FI
The financial independence movement is gaining traction in the UK, Australia, and Canada
Localized communities provide tailored information and support specific to each country's tax, r...
2017-11-1750 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastSelectively HardcoreMost people chase early retirement to escape work—Tanya from Our Next Life flipped the script and made headlines for it. Her story blew up not because she saved aggressively or optimized her portfolio, but because she asked a question most retirement planners ignore: What am I retiring to? Brad and Jonathan unpack that question in this Friday Roundup, reflecting on Tanya's interview and their excitement heading into FinCon. They discuss why the math of financial independence is the easy part, and why figuring out what you actually want from life is the real challenge. The conversation also covers tr...
2017-10-2749 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastJD Roth | Get Rich SlowlyWalking away from $35,000 in consumer debt changed J.D. Roth's life—and shaped an entire movement. The founder of Get Rich Slowly returns to discuss his evolution from broke blogger to financial independence pioneer, revealing the six stages of financial freedom most people don't know they're progressing through.
Key Topics Discussed:
Introduction of J.D. Roth
[00:00:00]
Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett introduce J.D. Roth, recognizing his significant contributions to the financial independence community, including his Lifetime Achievement Award at the first Plutus Awards.
J.D.'s Background and Story
[00:05:36]
2017-10-151h 01
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastMega Backdoor Roth | Should I Ever Consider Using the Roth?Most people planning retirement obsess over the accumulation phase—but what happens when you actually reach your number and need to start spending it? Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett tackle the shift from wealth accumulation to wealth preservation, where having a robust drawdown strategy becomes just as critical as the portfolio you built.
Key Topics Covered
Community Feedback – Drawdown Strategies [00:06:20]
A drawdown strategy outlines how to withdraw funds from investments in retirement while minimizing taxes and maintaining financial security. A well-planned approach helps manage retirement funds effectively without taking unnecessary risks.
Inflation Risk...
2017-10-061h 08
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastFirewalkerThe hosts of a podcast with millions of downloads just admitted they were "stressed out" recording an episode about finding your purpose in financial independence. That vulnerability alone signals why Monday's deep-dive struck a nerve with listeners—and why today's roundup digs into the reactions, including one person who finally got their spouse on board after years of resistance.
Brad and Jonathan unpack community feedback on articulating your "why" for pursuing FI, sharing how listeners used the framework to explain unconventional money choices to skeptical family members. Brad revisits his strategy for dodging decision fatigue through predictable ro...
2017-09-0159 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastThe 4% Rule | Friday RoundupMost early retirees obsess over how much they need to retire—but the real danger isn't your portfolio size, it's when the market tanks. Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa break down sequence of return risk, the often-overlooked factor that can make or break your retirement in the first five years. Building on their conversation with Big Earn, they explore why market downturns can be a saver's best friend but an early retiree's worst nightmare, and what you can do about it. This episode covers listener questions on withdrawal strategies, bond allocation timing, and the flexibility required to weather worst-case sc...
2017-08-101h 00
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastWhat's Your Risk Tolerance | The Friday RoundupMost investors panic when the market drops 20%. Brad and Jonathan argue you should celebrate. This episode tackles the counterintuitive truth that market crashes can supercharge your path to financial independence — if you're young and still accumulating.
Brad and Jonathan unpack the psychology of investing through market volatility, exploring why downturns are opportunities rather than disasters for accumulation-phase investors. They break down how buying shares at lower prices during crashes can maximize long-term returns, and why consistent contributions to broad-based index funds like VTSX matter more than trying to time the market.
Key Topics
Un...
2017-08-041h 12
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast034 | Stock Market Investing: The Simple Path to Wealth Part 2The stock market's most painful truth? You're guaranteed to watch your portfolio crater — the only question is whether you'll panic or profit from it. Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett sit down with JL Collins to confront the psychological battlefield of investing, drawing hard lessons from the Great Depression, the 2008 collapse, and every crash in between.
Lessons from Historical Market Crashes [00:01:12]
Analysis of past crises including the Great Depression and 2008 financial meltdown
The dangers of margin trading and aggressive investing during market highs
Investment Strategies During Different Life Stages [00:34:38]
100% stock investments during wealth-building phase using in...
2017-07-311h 01
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastThe Friday RoundupOne listener question could reshape your entire approach to family travel—and it starts with challenging the assumption that meaningful vacations require significant spending.
Brad and Jonathan tackle listener questions spanning travel rewards strategies, slow travel benefits, and reframing holiday spending. The conversation opens with Brad's upcoming road trip through New York State, using it as a springboard to discuss how slowing down while traveling creates richer experiences and deeper family connections.
[00:01:09] Family Trip Discussion:
Jonathan details plans for a family road trip through New York State
Discussion of slow travel benefits: deeper local en...
2017-07-1459 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastFriday Roundup | Paul Case Study Part 3Nearly half of high earners who chase the wrong salary increases leave millions on the table during their working years—but most don't realize it until it's too late.
Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett reflect on their conversation with ESI Money, exploring how 5% to 6% annual raises versus the standard 2% to 3% can translate into millions of dollars over a career—a figure most people never calculate. The hosts examine the compounding effect of income growth, not just investment returns, and why starting salary matters as much as savings rate.
The discussion moves into career strategy, questioning when...
2017-05-191h 01
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastThe Friday Roundup | Introducing our First Crowd Sourced Case Study & FI planA single listener voicemail tackled three major money leaks — housing, transportation, and discretionary spending — cutting their budget by over $20,000 a year. Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa open this week's Friday Roundup to the community, sorting through dozens of emails and voicemails from listeners sharing their wins, struggles, and life hacks on the path to financial independence.
This episode highlights the importance of community engagement in pursuing financial independence. Brad and Jonathan discuss feedback from listeners, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the ChooseFI platform. They reflect on the practical lifestyle choices that can lead to substantial savings, from hous...
2017-04-2850 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastIndex Investing | How to buy VTSAXWhat if everything you thought you knew about building wealth was holding you back from taking the simplest, most effective action? Jonathan and Brad dissect Jim Collins' stock series—the blueprint that reshaped how the FI community approaches index investing. Fresh off the birth of his child, Jonathan confronts the urgency of setting up financial plans that will outlast him, while Brad brings clarity to strategies that turn passive investing into generational wealth.
[00:00:00] Introduction and Personal Updates
Jonathan's new baby and the urgency for family financial planning
[00:02:30] Jim Collins and Index Investing
Jim Collins' st...
2017-04-2052 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast019 | Stock Market Investing: The Simple Path to Wealth Part 1Most investors think they need an advisor, perfect timing, and complex strategies to build wealth. Jim Collins just destroyed all three myths.
Jim Collins' Stock Series has become the investing bible for the financial independence community. Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa sit down with Collins to explore why VTSAX—Vanguard's Total Stock Market Index Fund—outperforms most professional investors, how to silence the panic during market crashes, and why the simplest strategy often wins. Collins explains the psychology behind investor mistakes, shares his framework for accepting volatility, and offers practical steps for automating your path to wealth.
2017-04-171h 31
ChooseFI | Financial Independence PodcastFriends of the LibraryYour biggest financial win might not be in your portfolio — it's in your housing. A 25-year-old paying $200/month in rent (or nothing at all) while building equity sounds impossible, but it's exactly what house hacking makes possible. Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa tackle listener questions on everything from the fundamentals that actually matter in FI to how a single unconventional real estate decision can reshape your entire financial trajectory.
Key Topics
The Importance of House Hacking [00:02:27]
House hacking involves purchasing a multi-unit property and renting out additional units to cover the mortgage. This st...
2017-03-311h 18
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast011 | Welcome To The Hot SeatMost people think getting your financial life together means grinding until 65 and hoping you saved enough. Brad and Jonathan flip that script: you can control your life by your 30s if you stop repeating the same expensive mistakes everyone else makes.
In this episode, they launch the Hot Seat segment — a new format designed to skip the typical guest background rehash and instead dive into the most cutting-edge articles and ideas from upcoming FI heavy-hitters like Mad Fientist, Millennial Revolution, Chad Carson, and Mr. 1500. The goal: extract insights you won't hear on other podcasts.
They al...
2017-02-1931 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast010 | Skinny Waist, Fat Wallet (How To Lose 30 Lbs In 3 months)Getting lean doesn't require a gym membership, a personal trainer, or even much money at all—but it does demand the same ruthless intentionality you'd apply to your budget.
Brad and Jonathan tackle the overlap between fitness and financial independence, sharing their personal accountability goals and the life hacks they're using to get healthier without overspending. Jonathan's racing to lose 30 pounds before his son arrives, while both hosts challenge the conventional wisdom that health requires a fat wallet.
Chapters
[00:02:20] Setting Fitness Goals
Jonathan aims to lose 30 pounds before the birth of his so...
2017-02-121h 16
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast009 | Travel Rewards: How To Travel The World For Almost Free (The Easy Way)Travel can be one of life’s richest experiences—but also one of the most expensive. For many families, the high cost of flights, hotels, and car rentals makes it feel out of reach. But what if you could turn your everyday spending into free flights and luxury stays? Through the power of travel rewards, you can do exactly that.
This guide will walk you through the travel rewards strategy used by thousands, including ChooseFI’s Jonathan Mendonsa, who turned $6,000 flights to Zimbabwe into a $200 out-of-pocket cost. Whether you dream of Costa Rica, Hawaii, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip t...
2017-02-051h 01
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast004 | Paying Off $168K in Student Loan Debt: Jonathan's Origin StoryThe median pharmacy graduate carries a six-figure loan balance — but what if I told you the real cost is double that number? Between taxes on higher earnings and interest accumulation, a $168,000 student loan requires generating over $300,000 in gross income just to break even. Brad Barrett graduated pharmacy school in 2013 facing exactly that math. Rather than accepting decades on the hamster wheel, he and Jonathan Mendonsa dissect the hidden opportunity costs of educational debt and the psychological weight of being underwater before your career even begins.
Key Topics Discussed
[00:01:10] Introduction to Student Debt
Brad's $168,000 ph...
2016-12-2628 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast003 | Why Investment Fees Are Evil and How to Avoid ThemYou've been told to buy and hold, but here's the truth: sitting still could cost you over a million dollars. Brad and Jonathan break down how investment fees — the ones you probably didn't even know you were paying — quietly drain hundreds of thousands from your retirement.
Understanding and minimizing investment fees is critical for building long-term wealth. The discussion reveals that many investors unknowingly participate in high-cost mutual funds or hire financial advisors who underperform compared to low-cost index funds. By using a VTSAX investment strategy, investors can potentially compound their returns significantly over 40 years. Brad and Jona...
2016-12-2217 min
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast001 | Get Started On The Path to Financial IndependenceMost people think financial independence means working until 65 and hoping for the best. Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa started this podcast to prove the opposite: with the right strategies, you can make work optional in your best years, not just your golden ones.
In this kickoff episode, Brad and Jonathan lay out the simple equation that unlocks financial freedom: what you earn minus what you spend. They explain why chasing the traditional American dream often leads to being broke at retirement, and how small, consistent changes can build a life where work becomes a choice, not a...
2016-12-1722 min