How would your life change if you reached Financial Independence and got to the point where working is optional? What actions can you take today to make that not just possible but probable. Jonathan & Brad explore the tactics that the FI community uses to reclaim decades of their lives. They discuss reducing expenses, crushing debt, tax optimization, building passive income streams through online businesses and real estate and how to travel the world for free. Every episode is packed with ac ...
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Brad Barrett | Choose FI Media Podcasts

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The FiiRE Framework With Paula Pant | Ep 568
1:23:56
1:23:56
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1:23:56Paula Pant introduces her innovative FI-I-R-E framework, which encompasses Financial Psychology, Increasing Your Income, Investing, Real Estate, and Entrepreneurship. The discussion emphasizes the critical role of financial psychology in shaping one’s financial decisions and behaviors. Paula's approach aims to inspire excitement about personal fina…
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Are We Taking the Wrong Risks? With Chris Hutchins | Ep 567
1:16:46
1:16:46
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1:16:46Brad interviews Chris Hutchins, host of the podcast All The Hacks. They dive deep into challenging the traditional mindset of financial independence (FI), exploring the balance between saving for the future and enjoying life experiences in the present. The discussion revolves around the potential pitfalls of overly conservative financial strategies…
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Risk Based Guardrails for Drawdown | Ep 566
1:25:11
1:25:11
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1:25:11Brad welcomes Aubrey Williams, a financial advisor and member of the ChooseFI community. They discuss innovative strategies for financial independence (FI), focusing on flexible withdrawal rates, dynamic spending adjustments using historical analysis, and how adopting a more adaptable mindset can potentially lead to earlier FI. Timestamps & Discuss…
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Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement | Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaney | Ep 565
1:06:30
1:06:30
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1:06:30Brad Barrett hosts Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney, co-authors of Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement, exploring essential tax strategies for the FI community. They address misconceptions about retirement taxes, the drawdown process, and effective tax rates, emphasizing the importance of informed planning to navigate financial independence …
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Financial Independence Basics with Jackie Cummings Koski | Ep 564
1:09:45
1:09:45
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1:09:45Jackie Cummings Koski returns to discuss the fundamental principles of financial independence (FI) and early retirement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding FI—financial independence lets individuals no longer depend on a paycheck, offering options and freedom in life. Jackie shares insights on creating habits, starting smal…
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Safe Withdrawal Rates, Drawdown Strategies, RMDs and 50 Year FI Timelines
57:25
57:25
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57:25ChooseFI unveils a new feature on the website that allows listeners to have their financial independence questions answered by experts. Featuring in-depth discussions with Karsten Jeske (Big Earn) and Fritz Gilbert, the episode explores the ramifications of potentially increasing the safe withdrawal rate and provides critical insights into retireme…
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Navigating Financial Conflicts in Relationships | Ep 562
1:00:27
1:00:27
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1:00:27Brad and Ginger discuss the importance of asset flexibility, community building, and health savings accounts (HSAs). The conversation emphasizes maximizing contributions to HSAs while addressing financial conflicts that arise within relationships. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction and Community Building (00:00:00) Ginger shares her growing efforts…
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Mini-Retirements: Test Driving Financial Independence | Ep 561
50:16
50:16
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50:16Brad Barrett welcomes Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often, as they delve into the transformative concept of mini retirements. Jillian shares her insights on how taking intentional breaks from work can enrich life experiences, enhance personal growth, and help individuals navigate transitions on their journey towards financial independence. Key…
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Living Off the 4% Rule | Marla Taner | Ep 560
1:00:21
1:00:21
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1:00:21Marla Taner shares her journey of living off the 4% rule since her retirement in 2013. She discusses the financial strategies that have supported her abundant lifestyle, the emotional aspects of transitioning into retirement, and the importance of reassessing fixed costs. Marla's insights provide inspiration for those seeking financial independence…
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Zero-Based Everything: FI, Travel, and the Art of Starting Fresh | Katie & Alan Donegan | Ep 559
1:20:16
1:20:16
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1:20:16Join Brad, Katie, and Alan in a candid conversation about financial independence, travel rewards, and lifestyle choices. They discuss the importance of zero-based thinking, share experiences as digital nomads, and challenge conventional views on net worth by introducing the concept of a "freedom fund." Timestamps: 00:03:48 - Zero-Based Thinking Dis…
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Designing an Intentional Life | Tim Ferriss | Ep 558
1:35:41
1:35:41
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1:35:41Tim Ferriss focusing on financial independence, the importance of mentorship, and the role of playful experimentation in living a fulfilling life. Discover insights on designing an intentional life and the values behind Tim's new game, COYOTE. Key Takeaways Experiential Learning & Game Selection Choose the right projects to engage in rather than ju…
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It's Big, But Is It Beautiful? Let's Talk About It... | Ep 557
1:00:18
1:00:18
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1:00:18Key changes in tax law related to the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill significantly impact the financial independence (FI) community. Notably, the extension of tax rates and the higher standard deduction provide more planning certainty for early retirees, allowing greater financial management under these new regulations. Brad & Sean Mullaney di…
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Mailbag: Bond Funds, Roth Conversions, Advanced FI Strategies, Solo 401k and Backdoor Roth
1:01:04
1:01:04
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1:01:04Brad and Rachael Camp tackle listener-submitted questions focusing on bonds, retirement strategies, pensions, and optimizing Roth IRA conversions. Rachael Camp, a Certified Financial Planner, sheds light on various financial independence (FI) strategies—discussing the impact of interest rate volatility on bond investments, the importance of tax pla…
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Are You Over-Optimizing? | Jesse Cramer | Ep 555
57:50
57:50
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57:50Effective financial planning resembles both a puzzle and a spider web, where each decision impacts interconnected aspects of one's financial life. Brad is joined by Jesse Cramer and explores the importance of resilience over perfection in financial planning, how minor choices can have significant implications, and the necessity of revisiting one's …
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From Poverty to Semi-Retired | Kristen Knapp | Ep 554
58:59
58:59
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58:59Kristen Knapp shares her journey from a childhood marked by poverty to achieving financial independence and transitioning to part-time work as a television meteorologist. She introduces her new venture, FI Friends Travel, a travel initiative that connects financial independence enthusiasts through meaningful, shared travel experiences. Kristen emph…
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Deep Dive: Putting the Middle-Class Trap to Bed | Ep 553
1:06:57
1:06:57
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1:06:57Cody Garrett, (CFP), joins Brad to discuss the pervasive myth of the middle-class trap in the financial independence (FI) community. Through four case studies, they illustrate how individuals often feel trapped financially due to psychological barriers rather than actual limitations. The conversation provides insights into turning retirement accoun…
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Unraveling Your Relationship with Money | Shannah Game | Ep 552
52:02
52:02
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52:02Brad chats with certified financial planner Shannah Game, who shares insights from her book Unraveling Your Relationship with Money. They discuss the emotional and psychological aspects of finance, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's money stories, setting intentional spending boundaries, and achieving financial independence beyond ju…
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Roundup: Buy vs. Rent, Mortgage Amortization, Minimalism and More | Ep 551
59:00
59:00
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59:00Lets dive into the emotional and practical considerations of paying off a mortgage early, explore the benefits and drawbacks, personal experiences, and broader financial implications of renting versus owning a home. Key Topics and Timestamps Introduction to Mortgage Conversations (00:00:00) Overview of the episode’s focus on mortgages, buying vs. r…
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Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Meghan & Ginger | Ep 550
46:51
46:51
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46:51Ginger interviews Meghan Combs, who shares her journey to financial independence after recently getting married. They discuss budgeting strategies, the significance of personal values in spending, and adapting financial goals amid life transitions. Meghan reflects on her net worth of $527,000 and the impact of automating savings, as well as her des…
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Deep Dive: Taxable Brokerage Accounts | Ep 549
52:04
52:04
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52:04Episode Summary: Taxable brokerage accounts are often overlooked but are essential for building wealth and achieving early retirement. Brad Barrett and Cody Garrett highlight their flexibility, tax advantages, and strategic value. Cody Garrett provides insights on how to effectively navigate these accounts, dismantling common misconceptions while s…
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In this episode of ChooseFI, Ryan Brennan, founder of the FI Service Corps, dives into his journey within the financial independence (FI) community and how he is merging it with the spirit of volunteering. The discussion explores Ryan's background as a recovering CPA, his transition into this new venture, and the pilot events that successfully comb…
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The Simple Path Revisited in 2025 With JL Collins | Ep 547
1:07:17
1:07:17
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1:07:17In this episode, JL Collins discusses the transformative principles of financial independence outlined in his renowned book, The Simple Path to Wealth. Collins emphasizes the simplicity of investing, the power of living below your means, and the crucial role of compounding returns in achieving financial freedom. The conversation also touches on the…
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Sleep Masterclass | Dr. Bobby Dubois | Ep 546
57:50
57:50
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57:50Dr. Bobby DuBois returns to discuss the essential role of sleep in achieving financial independence and enhancing overall health. He addresses the worrying trend of sleep deprivation among Americans and its significant consequences on heart health, weight management, and cognitive functionality. This episode is filled with evidence-based insights a…
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Tax Efficient Strategies for Early Retirement | Mailbag Episode | 545 | With Rachael Camp
53:56
53:56
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53:56In this mailbag episode, Brad and Rachael dive deep into strategies for efficiently withdrawing money from taxable brokerage and retirement accounts. With a focus on understanding the different tax treatments associated with these accounts, listeners gain crucial insights into managing tax liabilities for retirement. Key Takeaways Different Types o…
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Roundup With Ginger | Zero-Based Thinking: How to Rethink Your Life Choices
1:03:16
1:03:16
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1:03:16Join the conversation with the ChooseFI community on the brand NEW ChooseFI Members Site and participate in discussions about budgeting, travel rewards, and obviously all things financial independence! Register Your Free Account See the Group Discussion Ginger Mentioned in this Episode Hi, all! Ginger here. Brad and I discussed minimalism a bit, an…
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