ChooseFI
Episodes
2025 Biggest Takeaways with Ginger | Ep 579
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this year-end reflection episode, Ginger and Brad share memorable insights from past interviews on budgeting, spending, and the importance of value...
Year End Wins 2025 | Ep 578
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This special year-end episode [2025] celebrates the inspiring achievements of the ChooseFI community, highlighting transformative experiences in the p...
Health and Fitness Update Plus 'Are Organic Foods Worth It?' with Dr. Bobby Dubois | Ep 577
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad Barrett shares updates on his health journey and effective workout principles, while Dr. Bobby discusses the costs and benefits of organic foods....
Raising FI‑Minded Kids: What Really Works | 15-Year-Old Rishi Vamdatt | Ep 576
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as Rishi, a remarkable 15-year-old personal finance enthusiast, shares his journey and insights on financial literacy for the next generation....
Breaking the Golden Handcuffs with 5 Kids | Sunny Burns | Ep 575
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this episode, Sunny Burns shares his journey to financial independence. After leaving a lucrative government job, he discusses the...
Top Five Regrets of the Dying (Book Club with Frank Vasquez and Ginger) | Ep 574
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Ginger and Frank as they dive into the impactful concept of regret, exploring insights from Bronnie Ware's The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. Di...
Cognitive Behavioral Tools for FI With Jasper Lee, PhD | Ep 573
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Show Notes Guest: Jasper Lee, PhD - Clinical Psychologist Episode Summary: In this episode, Jasper Lee discusses the psychological elements that imp...
Bias Towards Action: The Adventure List(s) | Ep 572
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Brad, Emily W, and Emily C delve into the importance of building meaningful friendships and adding adventure to life. They disc...
Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Maggie Tucker | ep 571
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Maggie Tucker shares her journey to financial independence at the age of 41, discussing her experiences with fear and anxiety about leaving a secure j...
State of the Stock Market 2025 Q&A with Brian Feroldi | Ep 570
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Feroldi discusses the current state of the stock market, providing insights on market valuations, personal investment strategies, and the impact...
Always Come Back to the Why | Alan and Katie Donegan | Ep 569
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad, Katie, and Alan Donegan discuss the significance of understanding the "why" behind pursuing financial independence (FI). They delve into their j...
The FiiRE Framework With Paula Pant | Ep 568
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paula Pant introduces her innovative FI-I-R-E framework, which encompasses Financial Psychology, Increasing Your Income, Investing, Real Estate, and E...
Are We Taking the Wrong Risks? With Chris Hutchins | Ep 567
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad interviews Chris Hutchins, host of the podcast All The Hacks. They dive deep into challenging the traditional mindset of financial indepen...
Risk Based Guardrails for Drawdown | Ep 566
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad welcomes Aubrey Williams, a financial advisor and member of the ChooseFI community. They discuss innovative strategies for financial independence...
Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement | Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaney | Ep 565
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad Barrett hosts Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney, co-authors of Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement, exploring essential tax strategies for...
Financial Independence Basics with Jackie Cummings Koski | Ep 564
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jackie Cummings Koski returns to discuss the fundamental principles of financial independence (FI) and early retirement. The conversation emphasizes t...
Safe Withdrawal Rates, Drawdown Strategies, RMDs and 50 Year FI Timelines
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ChooseFI unveils a new feature on the website that allows listeners to have their financial independence questions answered by experts. Featuring in-d...
Navigating Financial Conflicts in Relationships | Ep 562
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad and Ginger discuss the importance of asset flexibility, community building, and health savings accounts (HSAs). The conversation emphasizes maxim...
Mini-Retirements: Test Driving Financial Independence | Ep 561
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad Barrett welcomes Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often, as they delve into the transformative concept of mini retirements. Jillian shares her...
Living Off the 4% Rule | Marla Taner | Ep 560
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marla Taner shares her journey of living off the 4% rule since her retirement in 2013. She discusses the financial strategies that have supported her ...
Zero-Based Everything: FI, Travel, and the Art of Starting Fresh | Katie & Alan Donegan | Ep 559
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Brad, Katie, and Alan in a candid conversation about financial independence, travel rewards, and lifestyle choices. They discuss the importance o...
Designing an Intentional Life | Tim Ferriss | Ep 558
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Ferriss focusing on financial independence, the importance of mentorship, and the role of playful experimentation in living a fulfilling li...
It's Big, But Is It Beautiful? Let's Talk About It... | Ep 557
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Key changes in tax law related to the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill significantly impact the financial independence (FI) community. Notably, the...
Mailbag: Bond Funds, Roth Conversions, Advanced FI Strategies, Solo 401k and Backdoor Roth
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad and Rachael Camp tackle listener-submitted questions focusing on bonds, retirement strategies, pensions, and optimizing Roth IRA conversions. Rac...
Are You Over-Optimizing? | Jesse Cramer | Ep 555
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Effective financial planning resembles both a puzzle and a spider web, where each decision impacts interconnected aspects of one's financial life. Bra...
From Poverty to Semi-Retired | Kristen Knapp | Ep 554
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen Knapp shares her journey from a childhood marked by poverty to achieving financial independence and transitioning to part-time work as a telev...
Deep Dive: Putting the Middle-Class Trap to Bed | Ep 553
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cody Garrett, (CFP), joins Brad to discuss the pervasive myth of the middle-class trap in the financial independence (FI) community. Through four case...
Unraveling Your Relationship with Money | Shannah Game | Ep 552
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad chats with certified financial planner Shannah Game, who shares insights from her book Unraveling Your Relationship with Money. They discuss the...
Roundup: Buy vs. Rent, Mortgage Amortization, Minimalism and More | Ep 551
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lets dive into the emotional and practical considerations of paying off a mortgage early, explore the benefits and drawbacks, personal experiences, an...
Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Meghan & Ginger | Ep 550
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ginger interviews Meghan Combs, who shares her journey to financial independence after recently getting married. They discuss budgeting strategies, th...
Deep Dive: Taxable Brokerage Accounts | Ep 549
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: Taxable brokerage accounts are often overlooked but are essential for building wealth and achieving early retirement. Brad Barrett an...
FI Service Corps | Ryan Brennan | Ep 548
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of ChooseFI, Ryan Brennan, founder of the FI Service Corps, dives into his journey within the financial independence (FI) community an...
The Simple Path Revisited in 2025 With JL Collins | Ep 547
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JL Collins discusses the transformative principles of financial independence outlined in his renowned book, The Simple Path to Wealt...
Sleep Masterclass | Dr. Bobby Dubois | Ep 546
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Bobby DuBois returns to discuss the essential role of sleep in achieving financial independence and enhancing overall health. He addresses the wor...
Tax Efficient Strategies for Early Retirement | Mailbag Episode | 545 | With Rachael Camp
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this mailbag episode, Brad and Rachael dive deep into strategies for efficiently withdrawing money from taxable brokerage and retirement accounts. ...
Roundup With Ginger | Zero-Based Thinking: How to Rethink Your Life Choices
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join the conversation with the ChooseFI community on the brand NEW ChooseFI Members Site and participate in discussions about budgeting, travel rewar...
Is the Middle-Class Trap Something to Worry About? | Ep 543
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of ChooseFI, Brad Barrett is joined by Mindy from BiggerPockets Money and Chris from Can I Retire Yet? to explore the concept of the "...
Mastering Tax Strategies: How to Optimize Your Path to Financial Independence | Ep 542
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of ChooseFI, hosts Brad and Sean Mulaney dive deep into tax strategies crucial for financial independence, focusing on tax basketing, ...
Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Vicki Robin & Ginger | Ep 541
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Embracing Aging, Community, and Financial Independence Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of ChooseFI, host Ginger talks with Vicki Robin,...
Breaking the Mold: How Lexi Redefined Her Financial Goals with ChooseFI | Episode 540
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 13: Episode 279: Episode Summary: Lexi, a first-grade teacher from Las Vegas, shares her journey into personal finance, revealing how findin...
Rebelutionaries: Stages of FI | Katie & Alan Donegan | Episode 539
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad, Katie, and Alan Donegan discuss the groundbreaking financial independence-themed music album "Money Revolution." Through four key songs, they na...
Coast FI Masterclass | The Fioneers | Episode 538
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad dives into a CoastFI MasterClass with Jess, and Corey from The Fioneers —where saving for retirement becomes optional. ?? Jess and Corey, popul...
Navigating the Path to FI: Bill Powell's Blue Collar Journey from Debt to Empowerment
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Community member Bill Powell shares his inspiring journey from a blue-collar background riddled with credit card debt to achieving financial independe...
Getting Personal With Personal Finance | Ron & Ginger | Ep 536
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ron Babcock shares his multifaceted journey towards financial independence, combining his experiences as a TV editor, stand-up comedian, and family ma...
The Top 10 Ten Investing Mistakes We All Make | Cody Garrett | Ep 535
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad and Cody Garrett from Measure Twice Money dive into the ten most common mistakes that even savvy investors make. They cover essential topics f...
Inherited Account Deep Dive, Barista FI and Saving When Starting a Business | Rachael Camp | Ep 534
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode discusses financial independence strategies, including Barista FI and Coast FI, along with insights into inherited accounts post-Secure A...
Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Brad & Ginger | Ep 533
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ginger interviews Brad as they delve into the personal side of financial independence, focusing on the real struggles and triumphs behind the scenes o...
Wouldn't It Be Cool If ?? | Open the Aperture With Jonathan And Brad | Ep 532
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Introducing The 'Wouldn't It Be Cool If' Series Episode Summary: 2025 marks the start of an exciting new era for ChooseFI! In this episode, hosts Jon...
2025 State of the Stock Market | Brian Feroldi | Ep 531
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the latest insights on the stock market performance and investment strategies with friend of the show and frequent guest Brian Feroldi. This e...
The FI Case for Electric Vehicles | With Chris Terrell | Ep 530
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Terrell shares his personal journey with electric vehicles (EVs) and discusses the financial implications of owning one. Highlighting key incent...
Getting Personal With Personal Finance | Laura And Ginger | Ep 529
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Laura's shares how she transitioned from a high-stress academic career to retirement. Discover the challenges of job identity, financial planning disc...
The Purpose Code | Jordan Grumet | 528
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of ChooseFI, co-host Brad sits down with Jordan Grumet, author of The Purpose Code, to discuss the crucial differences between "big P...
Buy What You Love Without Going Broke | Frugal Friends | Ep 527
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Brad, Jen, and Jill as they navigate the intricate balance between frugality and financial independence. Explore creative alternatives for spendi...
2024 Year-End Celebration: Inspiring Wins from the ChooseFI Community | Ep 526
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our Favorite episode of the year, listeners share their remarkable financial wins and transformations throughout the year. These stories highlight the...
Travel Builds Connections and Unlocks Rewards | Ep 525
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brad shares insights from his life-changing trip to Asia and how it reshaped his perspectives on connection and gratitude. He highlights the importan...
Beyond Numbers at the Bali Retreat | Ep 524
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Brad Barrett and a panel of community members as they explore the transformative experiences at the FI Freedom Retreat . This episode dives int...
Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Katie Donegan & Ginger | Episode 523
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Katie Donegan shares her shift in perspective on the journey towards financial independence (FI), revealing the struggles she faced as a resistant par...
How Kyle and Jamie Got Back to Basics and Found Balance on the Path to FI
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kyle and Jamie Holmson paid off an astounding $123,000 in medical student loans in just three years—all while balancing a waitress's salary and a re...
Mailbag | Backdoor Roth IRA, 4% Rule & 401k Strategies for Retirement Planning | With Rachael Camp | 521
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Answering Listener Questions on asset allocation, retirement strategies, and the intricacies of real estate investing. With Brad Barrett and Rachael C...
Fit Rich Life | Justin David Carl | Episode 520
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Justin David Carl shares his remarkable journey from being $80,000 in debt and working in Hollywood nightlife to achieving financial independence and ...
Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Ginger & TJ | Episode 519
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
TJ shares his financial journey and experience reaching financial independence, focusing on intentional savings and the joy of family life. Early infl...
FI + Choose | Clint Murphy | Episode 518
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary Clint Murphy returns to ChooseFI, sharing his transformative journey labeled "FI and Choose," emphasizing the importance of choosin...
Understanding Capital Gains Tax Strategies | Cody Garrett | Ep 517
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maximize Your Wealth: Understanding Capital Gains Tax Strategies | With Cody Garrett This episode dives into the strategy of capital gains harvesting,...
Masterclass on Muscle Building | Dean Turner | Ep 516
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: building muscle for health, sacropenia, consistency and proper form, routines, and recovery. This episode is a deep dive into muscle...
515 | Cyber Security Update: Social Engineering & Pig Butchering
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: social engineering, pig butchering, cryptocurrency risks, scammer tactics, and avoiding being a victim. This week Brad speaks with c...
514 | The More I Tinker, The Worse it Gets | Jeremy Schneider
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: simplifying your financial life, Jeremy's journey, dividend versus reinvesting, and automation. This week we are joined by Jeremy Sc...
513 | Make Your Own Dividend | Mailbag with Rachael
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: getting started early with FI, the 4% rule, retirement accounts, real estate, and safe withdrawal rates. This episode is packed with...
512 | Getting Personal with Personal Finance | Ginger & Anne
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: downsizing, coastFI, redefining your goals, overcoming material attachments, and building community. This week Ginger is joined by c...
511 | Take the Next Step | Ginger Roundup
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: doing the hard things, travel rewards, the gap and the gain, health and wellness, and real estate. This week we are back with another...
510 | Real Estate 2024 Update | Scott Trench
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: the lock in effect, renting vs buying, househacking in 2024, interest rate, and real estate investment. In this episode, Scott Trench...
509 | Getting Personal with Personal Finance | Ginger & Kim
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: surpriseFI, minimalism, frugality, emotional and psychological aspects of FI, and alternative lifestyles. We often get a lot of grea...
508 | 5% SWR, Revealed Preferences, and the 3 Stories | Frank Vasquez
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: 5% safe withdrawal rate, the three stories, psychology and personal finance, and community. In this insightful episode of the ChooseF...
507 | Taking the Fear Out of Your Future | Ginger roundup
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: overcoming fears, the importance of community, community wins, reaching FI goals, and ripple effects. This week Brad is re-joined by...
506 | ProjectionLab | Kyle Nolan
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: entrepreneurship, side hustles, overcoming fear, community, sharing and maintaining passion projects. This week we are joined by Kyle...
505 | Mailbag: Getting Started with FI, Debt vs. Investing, Dividends, 4% Includes Taxes?, Roth 401k | Rachael Camp
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: debt and investing, the 4% rule, Roth 401k and traditional 401k, and total return investing. This week we are back with a listener M...
504 | Visualizing Your Domino Effect | Devon
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on ChooseFI, Brad welcomes Devon, a 22-year-old National Guard member and aspiring mechanical engineer, to discuss the power of intentionali...
503 | Deep Dive: Roth IRA Conversion Ladder
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: Roth IRA conversion ladder, starting with the end in mind, investing for growth or stability, and retirement planning. While we have ...
502 | Making FI Fun Again | Roundup
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: travel rewards, frugality, companion passes, international travel, intentional spending, and listener questions. This week Brad is re...
501 | It ALL worked. ALL of it. | Connie
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: travel rewards, IRA conversions, working with FAFSA, health insurance, and the FI journey. This week we are joined by community membe...
500 | Choose Financial Independence Today
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: FI numbers, financial independence, approaching problems differently, and adjusting spending to accommodate FI. This week join our h...
499 | Overcoming Limiting Beliefs | Jess - Fioneers
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: limiting beliefs, flipping the script, looking for evidence, empowering beliefs, and imposter syndrome. This week we are rejoined by ...
498 | The 6 Pillars of Health | Dr. Bobby Dubois
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, exercise, sleep, nutrition, mind body activities, social relationships, heat and cold exposure. This week we are joined by Dr. Bobby ...
497 | Your Social Security Questions Answered | Mike Piper
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: full retirement age, earnings, spousal benefits, survivor benefits, filing for benefits, and the earnings test. This week, Mike Piper...
496 | Mailbag: Roth vs. Trad, $35k Roth to 529, Combining Finances | Rachael Camp
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: roth versus traditional IRA, second generation FI, FI and newlyweds, and retirement planning optimization. This week we are diving ba...
495 | The Lazy Landlord | James Lowery
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: real estate, lazy landlording, attracting the right tenants, finding ideal situations, and traveling. This week we are joined by retu...
494 | Money is Your Best Form of Protest | Tori Dunlap
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: financial freedom, starting your own business, you can't sprint forever, buying vs renting, and investing. This week we are rejoined ...
493 | Design Your Extraordinary Life | Alan & Katie Donegan
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: doing everything but not at once, building your extraordinary life, optimizing your time, and what to do after FI. This week we are j...
492 | The RRTTLLU Investing Framework | Jesse Cramer
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: RRTTLU, actual risk, actual return, balancing portfolios, understanding your timeline, taxes, and legal situations. This week we are ...
491 | Answering Your Questions on How to Access Money Before 59.5 | Sean Mullaney
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: 72t, Roth 401k's, Roth IRA's, The Pro Rata Rule, PUQME, HSA's, Retirement and Education, and Roth Conversions. In one of our faster u...
490 | The Ultimate Random Show | Ginger
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: events, community, travel rewards, medidations, mini retirements, travel wins, and travel points. This week we are back with friend o...
489 | Freedom Before FIRE | Trip of a Lifestyle
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: connecting points, the power of FU money, the early retirement era, and enjoying the journey. This week we are joined by returning gu...
488 | The Courage to Take Action | EconoMe LIVE with Doc G
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: courage from community, what to do next, overwhelm, finding community, and the evolution of FI. Live from the EconoMe Conference in C...
487 | Military FI: Optimizing Your Financial Plan before Military Retirement | Daniel Kopp, CFP
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: survivor benefit plans, VA benefits, VSO's disability benefits, tax planning, healthcare, and blended retirement systems. This week w...
486 | The Wealthy Educator | Chris Travers
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: public service accounts, side hustles, making FI possible, frugality, giving yourself freedom, and side hustles. This week we are joi...
485 | Mailbag: Spending Down to Zero, High Fee 401k, Mini Retirements | Rachael Camp
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: spending down to zero, the ratcheting rule, the guardrails approach, high fee 401k's, and mini-retirements. This week we are diving b...
484 | A Family Journey From Debt to Early Retirement in a Decade | Joel and Emily Allen
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: wants vs needs, side hustles, tax planning, college hacking, travel rewards, mindset, and living your values. This week we are joine...
483 | Effective Giving for the FI Community | Rebecca Herbst & Jack Lewars
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: building a giving framework, the giving pledge, compound impact, donor advised funds, and different ways to give. Is it better to giv...
482 | Update: Are Remote Tech Careers Still Relevant in 2024? | Bradley Rice
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: salesforce, lifestyle design, testimonials and verification, the hidden job market, and talentstacking. Once again joined by friend ...
481 | Mailbag: Long-Term Care, Aging Parents and their Finances | Danielle Miura
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: caregiving and FI, retirement planning, reverse mortgages, long-term care, and long-term care insurance. This week we are joined by D...
480 | Update: Healthiest Year Ever | Dean Turner
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: optimized exercise, recovering, machine use, increasing your healthspan, and long-term thinking. This week we are joined by Brad's fr...