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ChooseFI

ChooseFI

By: ChooseFI
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 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 actionable tips and no topic is too big or small as long as it speeds up the process of reaching financial independence.© 2019-2023 Choose FI. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage derived from the information provided. Career Success Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Deep Dive: Putting the Middle-Class Trap to Bed | Ep 553

    Deep Dive: Putting the Middle-Class Trap to Bed | Ep 553
    Jun 30 2025
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Unraveling Your Relationship with Money | Shannah Game | Ep 552

    Unraveling Your Relationship with Money | Shannah Game | Ep 552
    Jun 23 2025
    Brad 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 just numbers and logic. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction to Shannah Game (00:00:48) Shannah is a CFP and author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money. The Emotional Side of Finance (00:01:35) Personal finance is 90% psychology and emotion.Shannah discusses her own journey and revelations about money. Understanding Money Trauma (00:06:48) Money trauma can affect anyone, not just those from impoverished backgrounds.Discussing childhood experiences and their impact on adult financial behaviors. Strategies for Intentional Spending (00:12:15) Implement the 24-hour rule before purchases to reduce impulsive spending.Create space between stimulus and response to make intentional financial choices. Creating Your Financial Rules (00:16:40) The concept of setting personal financial boundaries and making your own rules.Importance of tailoring financial strategies to individual needs. Personal Growth and Self-trust (00:36:17) Fostering a growth mindset to combat feelings of being "bad with money."Emphasizing the importance of self-trust in financial decision-making. Key Insights: Money as Joy, Not Struggle (00:06:00) Money should enhance life rather than be a source of stress. Conscious Spending (00:10:07) Create space to reflect before making purchases. Set Your Own Financial Rules (00:16:40) Empower yourself to establish personal financial guidelines that resonate with your values. Our Brains and Money (00:18:39) Recognizing how cognitive processes can sabotage financial well-being. Actionable Takeaways: Apply a 24-hour cooling-off period before making purchases to minimize impulsive spending. (Timestamp: 00:11:22)Use highlighters to categorize your spending and uncover hidden patterns affecting your financial decisions. (Timestamp: 00:29:23) FAQs: What are some strategies to manage emotional spending? Implement a 24-hour waiting period before purchases. (00:10:58) How can I uncover my money stories? Reflect on spending patterns in a relaxed environment to identify emotional triggers. (00:29:23) Why is it important to address money trauma? It helps break negative cycles, fostering a healthier financial relationship. (00:07:53) Discussion Questions to Consider: What are your earliest memories related to money, and how do they shape your current beliefs? (00:08:15)How can you create a healthier emotional relationship with money? (00:39:17) Related Resources: Unraveling Your Relationship with Money - Book Link (00:41:01) Follow Shannah Game: Website & Podcast: EveryonesTalkingMoney.comInstagram: @ShannahGame Examine your financial beliefs deeply and review the actionable steps to cultivate a healthier relationship with money, paving the way toward financial independence.
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    52 mins
  • 551 | Roundup: Buy vs. Rent, Mortgage Amortization, Minimalism and More

    551 | Roundup: Buy vs. Rent, Mortgage Amortization, Minimalism and More
    Jun 16 2025

    Lets 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. renting, and personal finance strategies.

    • Emotional Factors in Paying Off Mortgages (00:01:30)

      • Ginger shares her excitement about paying off her mortgage early and reflects on the emotional journey behind that decision.
      • Key Quote: "Your peace of mind from paying off your mortgage is a huge win." (00:03:10)

    • Amortization and Mortgage Strategies (00:08:00)

      • Discussion about choosing between 15-year vs. 30-year mortgages and strategies on optimizing payments.
      • Action Item: Use an amortization calculator to improve understanding of mortgage payments. (00:12:00)

    • Choosing Between Buying and Renting (00:21:00)

      • Exploration of the pros and cons of renting compared to owning, highlighting personal flexibility.
      • Key Quote: "Customize your financial journey according to your personal needs and goals." (00:18:18)

    • Simplifying Life through Financial Independence (00:25:00)

      • Talk about minimalism and how it impacts choices around owning or renting.
      • Action Item: Evaluate whether renting allows you more freedom and flexibility in your life. (00:25:59)

    • The Role of Travel Rewards (00:37:00)

      • Importance of managing spending while maximizing benefits from travel rewards programs.
      • Key Quote: "Consider preloading gift cards to manage your travel rewards spending." (00:43:57)

    • Conclusion and Key Takeaways (00:49:00)

      • Final thoughts focused on empowerment in financial decisions and seeking small improvements in life.

    Key Insights

    • Emotional well-being is crucial. Choosing to pay off a mortgage should factor in personal comfort, as financial decisions often intertwine with emotions.
    • Flexibility vs. Certainty: A 30-year mortgage can provide flexibility, allowing individuals to make extra payments while having lower base payments.
    • Renting offers freedom: For some, renting can lead to a sense of liberation and a less complicated financial life.
    • Travel rewards must be managed wisely: Spending to achieve travel rewards should be monitored to avoid unnecessary overspending.

    Actionable Takeaways

    • Consider your emotional readiness when deciding to pay off your mortgage early. (00:03:10)
    • Evaluate whether renting allows you more freedom and flexibility in your life. (00:25:59)
    • Use amortization calculators to understand your mortgage better. (00:12:00)

    Discussion Questions

    • How does paying off a mortgage early affect emotional well-being? (00:03:10)
    • What benefits do you see in renting versus owning a home? (00:25:59)
    • How can you incorporate simplicity in your financial life? (00:49:24)

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    59 mins
All stars
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Jonathan does an amazing job cultivating insight from his guests. He actively listens to understand and asks clarifying questions. I love listening and learning on my FI journey!

Relatable, educational, fun!

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There's so many nuggets I'm glad I now know! Here's to the future! Thank y'all!

A fantastic perspective adjuster!

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starting from the beginning years later i love the topics and how down to earth they are. I know they are way beyond this point now. hope that doesn't get to their head. but awesome so farr

love these guys and the subject

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So far this podcast has been life changing. I have learned so much about reducing debt, increasing income and so much more.

Excellent information

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