ChooseFI ChooseFI

In this episode: lessons from failure, curiosity, mastering the small things, skilling up, and the value of time.

The return of Johnathan! Yes Jonathan is returning to the show to catch up on the work he’s been doing behind the scenes over the last year and a half, the value of freeing up your time, skill spending, and the importance of focusing on the little things while keeping the bigger picture in mind. Whether it’s when you’re just starting your FI journey or if it’s in other areas of your life, failure and mistakes can be inevitable. However, they should never keep you from trying to build and create the life you are working towards! One of the key lessons taught in FI is to change your mindset from one of scarcity to one of growth, and part of that challenge means identifying failures and taking action to learn from them. While you are working towards your own “big picture” on this journey, don’t forget to focus on the smaller things. Not only will it allow you to pay closer attention to what you are doing right and wrong, but it makes it easier for you to pivot and reevaluate when necessary! This journey is not just about reaching that final goal, but about using the knowledge and lessons learned along the way to make life a little bit freer and a little bit easier!

Timestamps:
0:22 - Introduction 1:26 - Update From Jonathan/Lessons From Failure 8:53 - The Curious Mindset 17:57 - Failing Forward and The Small Things 27:42 - The Importance of Skilling Up in Today's World 36:30 - Your Most Valuable Non-Renewable Resource 44:11 - Paying Off The Mortgage/Donor Advised Funds 59:19 - Conclusion
Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Beginning of a New Era | ChooseFI Ep 392 “Art & Fear: Observations On The Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking” by David Bayles Creating Your Entrepreneurial Flywheel | Nathan Barry | ChooseFI Ep 455 CIT Bank Review: High Interest Rate Options Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and FI Resources: Earn $1,050 or more with these 3 Cash Back Cards Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Find a new side hustle with one of our Educational Courses Commission-free investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: the make whole mindset, budgeting, grace and space, automation, and splitting it before you get it.
This week we are re-joined by Tiffany Aliche better known as "The Budgetnista” to discuss her new book "Made Whole: The Practical Guide to Reaching Your Financial Goals" which details her 10 step system towards financial wholeness, the ease of automating payments, the importance of accountability partners, as well as designing separate accounts to reflect your needs. It can be intimidating to begin addressing your finances and planning your financial future, but your past mistakes or lack of knowledge should never be the thing holding you back from beginning your FI journey. Building a financial foundation for yourself doesn’t happen overnight. Everyday it requires you to make the necessary changes and instill new habits that get you closer and closer to your goals. And while personal finance is personal, there is no reason to go through it alone. No matter your background or what stage of life you begin FI, there is a large community of people on this journey that will embrace and celebrate the smaller milestones just as much as the bigger ones!
Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche:

Website: thebudgetnista.com Get You Copy of Tiffany's New Book Coming Out on November 21st 2023: "Made Whole: The Practical Guide to Reaching Your Financial Goals" Tiffany's Last Book: "Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole"
Timestamps:

1:00 - Introduction 2:06 - The Make Whole Mindset 8:19 - Automation 18:34 - Grace and Space For Learning 28:29 - Split It Before You Get It 37:43 - Splitting Your Saving Accounts 44:41 - Emergency Savings/Personal Finance is Personal 54:28 - Conclusion
Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:

Get Good With Money | Tiffany Aliche the Budgetnista | ChooseFI Ep 310 From Financial Imperfection to America’s Favorite Budget Expert | Tiffany Aliche | ChooseFI Ep 240 The Great Man Within The Emergency Fund…Is it a Bad Idea? | Big ERN The Reveal | ChooseFI Ep. 66 CIT Bank Review: High Interest Rate Options Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and FI Resources: Earn $1,050 or more with these 3 Cash Back Cards Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Find a new side hustle with one of our Educational Courses Commission-free investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: frugality, value based spending, honoring your season, identity, budgets, financial goals, and minimalism.
When you think of the word frugal what comes to mind? To some it can mean spending on what you absolutely need and leaving little wiggle room for anything else, but to others frugality is not just a restrictive budget but a superpower! This week we are joined by Jen and Jill of the Frugal Friends podcast to discuss the intersectionality of frugality and the FI journey, as well as finding the balance between budgeting to invest in the future you want without depriving yourself in the present. Mindfulness and paying attention to the things you spend money on is an important part of the FI journey, but it is just as important to be mindful of the things that bring value and joy into your life. While budgeting and reducing your spending can help you reach the FI finish line a bit quicker, it should never be at the expense of cutting out the things in your life that are fulfilling! Implementing frugal habits and finding a budget that works and changes with your life can be an incredible tool while on the path to FI, because not only does it open up opportunities to invest monetarily, but also invest in yourself and the life you want to live! 
Frugal Friends:

Website: www.frugalfriendspodcast.com Podcast: The Frugal Friends Podcast Newsletter: The Friend Letter
Timestamps:
1:11 - Introduction 3:24 - Balancing Frugality 12:38 - Frugality, FI, and How They Fit Together 17:21 - Budgeting and Value Based Spending 26:43 - Honoring Your Season 29:22 - Financial Goals and Identity 36:50 - Examining Budgets and Sinking Funds 42:53 - The Intersection of Frugality and Minimalism 49:37 - Prioritizing Value Based Spending 53:44 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:

Why Everyone Needs Dave Ramsey and Why You Should Ignore Him | ChooseFI Ep. 5 Leave Us A Review Subscribe to The FI Weekly!
More Helpful Links and FI Resources: Earn $1,050 or more with these 3 Cash Back Cards Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Find a new side hustle with one of our Educational Courses Commission-free investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: the power of pursuit, FU money, index investing, investing the difference, and the simple path to wealth.
This week we are joined by the godfather of the FI movement himself JL Collins to discuss the themes of his new book "Pathfinders: Extraordinary Stories of People Like You on the Quest for Financial Independence―And How to Join Them." While there is no perfect blueprint to mastering your money, there can be confidence and motivation to be found in the stories of others who have been in your position regardless of what part of the path to FI you are on! Though this journey requires you to have to take action and make necessary financial changes, it is never about complexity and deprivation. But rather, this journey is about recognizing the freedoms gained while pursuing FI, not just when you reach your FI goal! The moment you begin to simplify your path to wealth, you will find yourself becoming a stronger and happier individual!
JL Collins:

Check Out JL's New Book "Pathfinders: Extraordinary Stories of People Like You on the Quest for Financial Independence―And How to Join Them" Website: jlcollinsnh.com Other Book: "The Simple Path to Wealth: Your road map to financial independence and a rich, free life"
Timestamps:

1:25 - Introduction 4:27 - The Power Of Pursuit And FI 13:48 - Buying Your Freedom 22:34 - There's No Secret To Money 30:35 - The Power Of Index Investing 43:29 - Spend Less, Avoid Debt, And Invest The Difference 51:27 - Following The Simple Path To Wealth 56:26 - Conclusion
Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:

"Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required" by Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung 10 Reasons People Invest in Hedge Funds A Wealth Of Common Sense 32 Things to Know about Following The Simple Path to Wealth Time Machine and the Future Returns for Stocks Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and FI Resources:
Earn $1,050 or more with these 3 Cash Back Cards Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Find a new side hustle with one of our Educational Courses Commission-free investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: community, building fun into your life, college planning, fear, following threads, and travel rewards.
This week we are rejoined by Ginger for another installment of the Round-Up, where we catch up and discuss our favorite takeaways from this past month’s episodes. From learning how to best prepare your child for the college application process, to the importance of introspection to pinpoint and work with your fears, and finally to re-framing your fearing relationship with money. It’s been a great month with content full of information that all listeners can relate to, no matter what part of the FI journey they are in!
Timestamps:

0:37 - Introduction 3:23 - Community 12:45 - Building Fun Into Your Life 17:51 - Usage Of Travel Rewards 29:51 - College Planning 37:18 - Following the Threads, Fear, And Money 49:32 - Retirement Investing/The Mailbag 57:00 - Conclusion
Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:

FI is Fun FinCon The Great Man Within EconoME Conference (Coupon Code "choosefi" for 10% Off!) CampFI FI Freedom Retreats Find Your Local ChooseFI Group "The Inheritance Games" By Jennifer Lynn Barnes "The Blade Itself" by Joe Abercrombie Mailbag: Cover Your Expenses | Rachael Camp | ChooseFI Ep 457 Preparing for the Cost of College | Brian Eufinger | ChooseFI Ep 460 A Healthy State of Panic | Farnoosh Torabi | ChooseFI Ep 458 Follow the Thread | Cory Muscara | ChooseFI Ep 459 Subscribe to The FI Weekly!
More Helpful Links and FI Resources:

Earn $1,050 or More With These 3 Cash Back Cards Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Find a new side hustle with one of our Educational Courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

In this episode: financial aid, college planning, standardized tests, tests optional, need meeting, and preparation.
This week we are re-joined by Brian Eufinger to discuss ways to best prepare your children for college admissions, navigating the new changes to FAFSA and the CSS profile, and how you can maximize when prepping for your child’s higher education. While college prep can be stressful for students, from maintaining their GPA to taking multiple standardized tests, it can be just as stressful for parents to figure out financial aid and how to best set up their child for success before and after graduation. However, knowing the factors to consider early on and having the knowledge in advance can make this process far less daunting! While stressful as it may be, remember that there are many different resources available to you and your child that give you the knowledge that may alleviate the pressures that come with college prep and financial aid! 
Brian Eufinger:

Free diagnostic mock SAT and ACT tests (each weekend): www.edisonprep.com/mocks/ Free information sessions on college admissions (6-7x / year, including one on 11/14 @ 7pm EST): www.edisonprep.com/infosession/ How to self-prep for the SAT/ACT: www.gettestbright.com/self-prep-for-the-sat-act/ Edison Prep Bios: www.edisonprep.com/bio/
Timestamps:

1:06 - Introduction 4:53 - The Impact of Merit Aid 11:49 - When, Where, and How to Think About Standardized Tests 18:33 - The Intersection of The School, Price, Opportunity, and Comfort 25:20 - Standardized Tests and The Reality of Preparation 31:08 - Tests (Not) Optional 37:32 - Governmental Forms and Financial Aid 46:43 - The Variance of Need Meeting and Aid Changes 51:13 - Preparation and Knowledge With College Planning 55:23 - Non-Academic Path to Savings 58:14 - Conclusion
Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:

Demystify College Scholarships | Brian Eufinger | Edison Prep | ChooseFI Ep 114 Hacking The FAFSA | Brian Eufinger And Seonwoo Lee | ChooseFI Ep. 154 Major Financial Aid Changes Coming: What Families Need to Know FAFSA Changes Are Coming: What You Need To Know Big J’s Very Brief Guide to the FAFSA and CSS Profile How the FAFSA Simplification Can Impact Your Financial Aid Summary of Changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA The $100K Glorified Sleepaway Camp | Millionaire Educator | ChooseFI Ep 386 Subscribe to The FI Weekly!
More Helpful Links and FI Resources:

Earn $1,050 or More With These 3 Cash Back Cards Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Find a new side hustle with one of our Educational Courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance