Episode Summary:
2025 marks the start of an exciting new era for ChooseFI! In this episode, hosts Jonathan and Brad dive into the journey to financial independence—what it means, how to define your FI number, and why taking control of your finances is crucial. Plus, we’re evolving! This year, we’re harnessing the power of community to crowdsource the best personal finance strategies—with your help. Tune in and be part of the movement shaping the future of ChooseFI!

ChooseFI Platform

🟢 Launching the ‘Wouldn’t It Be Cool If’ (WIBCIF) Series (00:00:00)

• A fresh approach to exploring financial independence through new ideas and possibilities.

🟢 Personal Journeys in Financial Independence (00:01:00)

• Jonathan & Brad reflect on how FI and entrepreneurship have transformed their lives over the past decade.

🟢 Why Options Matter in Financial Independence (00:04:00)

• More financial options = more freedom. The importance of actively shaping your financial future.

🟢 How to Calculate Your Financial Independence Number (00:20:28)

• The simple FI formula: Annual expenses × 25 = FI number.
• How managing expenses can dramatically adjust your FI target.

🟢 Community Engagement & Crowdsourcing FI Strategies (00:40:14)

• The power of collective knowledge: How you can contribute to and benefit from the FI community.

✅ Find Your FI Number (00:32:24)

• Assess your annual expenses and multiply by 25 for a rough FI estimate.

✅ Cut Expenses & Lower Your FI Number (00:17:17)

• Every $100 you cut in monthly expenses reduces your FI number by $30,000. Small changes make a big impact!

✅ Reimagine Your Future (00:04:34)

• What would your life look like if financial independence was within reach? Start visualizing it now.

💡 More Options = Fewer Regrets (00:05:10)

• Expanding your choices creates more freedom and opportunities.

💡 FI is for the Middle Class (00:06:57)

• A disciplined approach to savings and investing makes financial independence achievable.

💡 The Small Stuff Adds Up (00:17:55)

• Tiny tweaks in spending habits can lead to massive long-term gains.

⏩ 00:00:00 – new series launch
⏩ 00:01:00 – Hosts reflect on their FI journeys
⏩ 00:04:00 – The power of having more options
⏩ 00:16:56 – The importance of actively managing personal finances
⏩ 00:20:28 – How to calculate your FI number
⏩ 00:40:14 – Crowdsourcing FI strategies & community engagement

❓ What does financial independence mean to you? (00:05:00)
❓ Do your current expenses align with your long-term goals? (00:32:00)
❓ What’s one small financial change you can make today? (00:17:00)

🔗 👉 Ready to Take Action?
Join the conversation & create your account on the ChooseFI Community Platform today!

🎙 Listen now and be part of the movement redefining financial independence. 🚀

Chris Terrell shares his personal journey with electric vehicles (EVs) and discusses the financial implications of owning one. Highlighting key incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act and the benefits of home charging, the conversation delves into the affordability, practicality, and simplicity of EV ownership, providing insights for financial independence enthusiasts contemplating the switch to electric.

• 00:01:08 Introduction
  Host Brad and guest Chris Terrell discuss the transition from gas vehicles to electric vehicles, emphasizing the financial independence perspective.

• 00:03:45 Benefits of EVs
  Chris highlights the increasing affordability of EVs, the practicality of home charging, and the advantages of a growing used car market.

• 00:22:33 The Impact of Inflation Reduction Act
  Chris explains the significance of the Inflation Reduction Act and how it provides substantial tax credits for new and used EV purchases.

• 00:40:21 Cost Comparison: EV vs. Gas
  In-depth analysis of the total cost of ownership, showcasing the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.

• 00:51:31 Charging Options
  Discussion on the various charging methods for EVs, including level one and level two charging, and their impact on daily use.

• EV Affordability: The market for EVs has become more accessible; prices are declining with incentives, making EVs a viable option for many.
• Inflation Reduction Act: Offers up to $7,500 in rebates for new EVs and $4,000 for qualifying used EVs, significantly reducing upfront costs.
• Home Charging Benefits: Charging at home can lead to savings of approximately $8,000 on fuel costs over time compared to traditional gas vehicles.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: EVs generally require less maintenance, resulting in lower expected repairs and upkeep versus gas-powered vehicles.
• Used EV Market Growth: With the depreciation of EVs, many used models are available at prices significantly lower than new models, sometimes under $25,000, making them eligible for the $4,000 tax credit.

• Consider an EV: If you can charge at home, an EV can be a smart choice financially.
• Look for Used EVs: Take advantage of the growing used electric vehicle market and potential tax credits to save on purchase price.
• Calculate Savings: Before making a decision, calculate potential savings on fuel and maintenance based on your driving habits.

Laura's shares how she transitioned from a high-stress academic career to retirement. Discover the challenges of job identity, financial planning discussions with family, and the mental preparations for life after work.

• Laura’s career as an associate professor in genetics involved heavy grant writing and significant stress, particularly as a parent.
• The pandemic and her husband's early retirement influenced her decision to consider early retirement.
• Conversations about financial independence often spark reflections on personal values and identity.
• Preparing for retirement requires confronting not just financial readiness, but emotional adjustments as well.
• Resources and tools like 'The Simple Path to Wealth' and 'Quit Like a Millionaire' served as guides in her transition.

Timestamps & Topics Discussed:

Laura is 51, an associate professor in genetics, married, with two sons in college.

• 00:04:22 The Stress of Academia

  • The pressures of running a lab funded by grants; the stress impacts both her work and family life.

• 00:08:28 Time Flexibility vs. Time Freedom

  • Balancing demanding work with family responsibilities and feelings of inadequacy in both roles.

• 00:10:23 Deciding to Retire Early

  • Laura’s husband Eric influences her thoughts about early retirement, compounded by COVID-19 challenges.

• 00:21:56 Future Uncertainty

  • Questions about identity post-retirement and grappling with the loss of career-defined self-worth.

• 00:26:39 Embracing Uncertainty

  • Discussions about accepting risks without guaranteed outcomes.

• 00:40:08 Financial Considerations and Planning

  • Conversations on college savings for children, family financial responsibilities, and their shared journey to determine their FI number.

• “Balancing motherhood and a demanding career left me feeling inadequate in both roles.”
• “While my job offered time flexibility, it was a constant struggle to balance work with family needs.”
• “Contemplating my identity post-retirement raises questions about who I will become next.”
• “Embracing uncertainty is part of the journey toward financial independence.”
• “Living life abundantly is more fulfilling than accumulating wealth alone.”

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" purpose and "little p" purpose. They explore how identifying small, meaningful activities can bring joy and fulfillment to life. Jordan elaborates on turning regrets and childhood joys into "purpose anchors" and emphasizes actionable strategies to create a life filled with purpose through clarity, agency, and incremental changes.

• Introduction to Jordan Grumet and The Purpose Code (00:00:00)

  • Brad introduces Jordan and discusses the significance of his upcoming book.

• Understanding Little P Purpose vs. Big P Purpose (00:01:43)

  • Big P purpose is goal-oriented and often feels like a scarcity mindset, whereas little p purpose is about engaging in activities that bring joy without the pressure of specific goals.
  • Little p purpose focuses on enjoyment and engagement rather than large achievements; every step counts.

• The Role of Meaning in Happiness (00:03:28)

  • Discussing how happiness is derived from both meaning (derived from the past) and purpose (driving present actions).

• Identifying Purpose Anchors (00:17:02)

  • Jordan explains the importance of purpose anchors, small activities that light you up, and provides strategies to identify them.

• Practical Strategies for Creating Purpose (00:16:37)

  • Steps to create a meaningful life around little p purpose, emphasizing actionable changes.

• Creating Your Own Purpose (00:16:37)

  • "Purpose is not found; it's created." Focus on engagement in joyous activities.

• Life Review and Reflection (00:18:06)

  • Use regrets as insights to identify what truly matters to you.

• Engagement and Action (00:30:20)

  • The importance of scheduling time for activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

• Community and Connection (00:38:01)

  • Engaging in pursuits that light you up can lead to creating meaningful connections with others.

• Identify Your Purpose Anchors (00:17:32)

  • Reflect on activities that spark joy or interest and incorporate them into your routine.

• Reframe Past Regrets (00:18:30)

  • Utilize narrative therapy techniques to change your perspective on past experiences.

• Make a Weekly Joy List (00:36:06)

  • Create a list of activities that bring you happiness and prioritize them in your life.

• "You create your purpose, don't just find it." (00:16:37)
• "Little p purpose can create big impacts." (00:36:26)
• "To have a good death, live a good life." (00:35:17)
• "Choose to be in a good mood; it shapes your life." (00:06:00)

• The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy by Jordan Grumet - Link to Book

Join Brad, Jen, and Jill as they navigate the intricate balance between frugality and financial independence. Explore creative alternatives for spending less, and the importance of aligning your finances with your core values.

1. Introduction to Frugality (00:00:00)

   • Overview of the tension between overspending and frugality.
   • Importance of values in financial decisions.

2. The Extremes of Spending (00:02:00)

   • The trend of swinging between extremes in spending and income earning.
   • Finding a "radical middle."

3. 30-Day No Spend Challenge (00:08:20)

   • Definition and benefits of a no spend challenge.
   • Reducing decision fatigue and promoting creativity.

4. Understanding Dopamine (00:11:00)

   • How dopamine affects spending habits.
   • The link between dopamine and impulse purchases.

5. The Four F's of Fulfilling Life (00:35:14)

   • Family, friends, faith, and fulfilling work as guiding values.
   • Prioritizing financial decisions around these values.

6. Actionable Takeaways (00:49:30)

   • Practical steps to begin applying the concepts discussed in the episode.

• Embrace Life as an Experiment:

  • Life is a series of experiments; learn from each experience and evaluate your spending habits.

• Conduct a 90-Day Transaction Inventory (00:25:41):

  • Review your last 90 days of spending to identify patterns and impulsive behaviors.

• Start a 30-Day No Spend Challenge (00:10:13):

  • Focus on understanding your desires and needs without spending money on non-essential items.

• Define Your Four F's (00:35:14):

  • Identify and prioritize family, friends, faith, and fulfilling work in your financial planning.

• Engage in Creative Alternatives to Shopping:

  • Find different activities that fulfill emotional needs without spending money.

• "Hold the tension between frugality and income earning to find your radical middle." (00:05:13)
• "It's about wanting different, not less." (00:34:21)
• "Life is a series of experiments—learn about yourself with each one." (00:56:06)
• "Happiness is an internal journey—not dictated by our environment." (00:48:59)
• "Connect your finances to your core values for meaningful spending." (00:37:14)

• Commit to a 30-day no spend challenge starting next month.
• Create a list of your four F's to guide spending decisions.
• Conduct a 90-day transaction inventory to understand impulse spending triggers.

• Buy What You Love Without Going Broke (00:56:12)
• Dopamine Nation by Anne Lemke (00:11:00)
• Adam Sandler SNL Skit (00:48:59)

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Frugality
• 00:02:00 - The Extremes of Spending
• 00:08:20 - 30-Day No Spend Challenge
• 00:11:00 - Understanding Dopamine
• 00:35:14 - The Four F's of Fulfilling Life

Our Favorite episode of the year, listeners share their remarkable financial wins and transformations throughout the year. These stories highlight the power of financial independence (FI) and showcase actionable steps taken by individuals and families on their journeys.

Timestamped Key Topics:

• 00:00:25 Celebration of Listener Wins

  • Jonathan and Brad express excitement about sharing audience achievements over the year.

• 00:02:44 Defining Financial Independence (FI)

  • FI is described as a deliberate journey towards achieving financial freedom.

• 00:18:16 Justin's Nomadic Journey

  • Full-time nomadic living after becoming debt-free and embracing minimalism.
  • Key Insight: Prioritizing meaningful experiences over material possessions.

• 00:23:29 Heather's Second-Generation FI

  • Financial planning for their newborn, including establishing a stock account and 529 plan.
  • Key Insight: Early financial education can set up children for future success.

• 00:25:02 Mike's Family Resilience

  • Overcoming medical challenges by managing finances effectively, including successful cash flow management.
  • Key Insight: Financial resilience allows families to navigate unexpected life events without jeopardizing their stability.

• 00:31:10 Crystal's Maxed Accounts

  • Achieving maximum contributions in retirement accounts and leveraging travel rewards for vacations.
  • Key Insight: Small changes in financial habits can dramatically improve long-term wealth accumulation.

• 00:56:59 Rick and Kelly's Transformation

  • Discovering FI later in life and actively working to improve their financial situation.
  • Key Insight: It's never too late to take control of your finances and retire earlier than expected.

• 01:04:36 Jake's Entrepreneurial Leap

  • Quitting a job to pursue entrepreneurship, finding clarity on his goals and values through FI principles.
  • Key Insight: Understanding what you truly want in life can guide major career choices

Brad shares insights from his life-changing trip to Asia and how it reshaped his perspectives on connection and gratitude. He highlights the importance of direct human interactions and how travel exposes the beauty of our shared humanity. Ginger emphasizes the value of taking risks to build relationships and the significance of continuous learning. Additionally, they discuss the upcoming changes at ChooseFI, including the ability to interact with experts and community engagement through questions. They also touch on upcoming changes with Southwest flights and the importance of utilizing travel rewards effectively.

• 00:00:55 - Brad’s Trip to Asia

  • Discussion of Brad's transformative 23-24 day trip and the importance of taking a “mini retirement.”

• 00:05:53 - The Importance of Connection

  • Key insight: "Connection is the key to a fulfilling life."
  • Travel reveals shared humanity and fosters real connections.

• 00:08:07 - Travel as Personal Growth

  • Importance of stepping outside comfort zones and embracing risks for growth.
  • Discussion on solo travel and unexpected friendships formed during the trip.

• 00:20:02 - Community and Financial Independence

  • Ginger shares how being part of a community can enhance the financial independence journey.

• 00:27:12 - Upcoming Changes in ChooseFI

  • Introduction of community engagement and expert interaction.

• 00:31:10 - Southwest Flight Changes

  • Changes coming to Southwest, including assigned seating starting in 2026.

• 00:49:00 - Public Service Announcement

  • Reminder to file the beneficial ownership information report by December 31st.

• 01:07:11 - Listener Feedback

  • Discussion of listener input regarding accessing retirement accounts and Sean Mulaney’s follow-up insights.

• Embrace risks for greater rewards in connection and life. (00:09:07)
• Intentionality shapes success; be deliberate in your actions. (00:24:39)
• Stay engaged; automation shouldn't make you complacent. (01:02:47)
• Recognize the importance of real human connections in everyday life. (00:05:53)
• Use travel to gain new perspectives and enrich your life. (00:08:36)
• Implement automation in personal finance to lower stress. (00:58:03)

• Daniel Kahneman's 'Thinking, Fast and Slow'
  Book Link (00:15:54)
• Scott Adams' 'How to Fail at Nearly Everything and Still Win Big'
  Book Link (00:12:05)