ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast

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625 | Zero-Based America (Part 1) | Aubrey Williams & the Donegans Nov 09, 2026

Show notes

Starting a financial life from scratch isn't just for expats—it's a lens through which anyone can examine whether their current accounts, insurance policies, and systems actually serve them or simply persist out of habit. When Alan and Katie Donegan decided to move from the UK to the US after winning the diversity visa lottery, they faced a rare opportunity: building an American financial life with $2.3 million to invest and zero existing accounts. Their challenge mirrors what happens when you leave a corporate job, relocate states, or simply wake up one day wondering why you're still banking where you opened your first checking account at age 16.

Key Topics Discussed

Introduction and Extraordinary Visa (00:00:00)
Brad introduces the Zero-Based America series. Alan and Katie explain their diversity visa win and EB-1A extraordinary ability visa, and why they're moving from the UK to the US.

Why America? Cultural Fit and Community (00:05:30)
Alan discusses not fitting UK culture and being drawn to American entrepreneurship and creativity. Katie shares excitement about stability, community, and having belongings again after seven years of nomadic life.

UK vs US Money Assumptions (00:12:00)
The group explores differences in investing culture, banking inertia, state taxes, and payment systems. Alan and Katie express confusion over checks, Venmo, and the alphabet soup of retirement accounts.

Zero-Based Thinking Defined (00:18:00)
Alan and Katie explain zero-based thinking: asking 'knowing what I know now, would I choose this again?' They frame the move as an opportunity to design their financial life intentionally from scratch.

Starting Point: Brokerage and Checking Accounts (00:23:00)
Aubrey recommends Fidelity for its ease of use, automatic money market settlement, and integrated accounts. Brad explains the two-step investing process and the importance of simplicity.

The Mechanics of Moving Money (00:35:00)
Discussion of wire transfers, paper checks, and international transfer services like WISE. The group acknowledges the need for expert advice on safely moving $2.3 million across borders.

Joint vs Individual Accounts (00:42:00)
Explanation of individual retirement accounts vs joint brokerage and checking accounts. Brad recommends joint accounts for simplicity and estate planning ease.

Credit Cards and Payment Systems (00:48:00)
Introduction to American credit card rewards, autopay setup, Venmo, Zelle, and ACH transfers. Alan and Katie express excitement about finally being able to travel hack.

Insurance: Auto, Renters, Umbrella (00:55:00)
Aubrey and Brad walk through auto insurance, renters insurance, and umbrella liability coverage. They recommend roughly $2 million umbrella to cover assets and discuss broker relationships.

Health Insurance Reality Check (01:03:00)
Brad delivers a frank assessment of US healthcare costs: expect $600-1000/month premiums for catastrophe coverage. He explains the ACA marketplace and reframes health insurance as budget necessity.

Life Insurance and Wrap-Up (01:12:00)
Brief discussion of term life insurance and why the Donegans likely don't need it. Brad closes by inviting community input and outlining the multi-part series ahead.

Notable Quotes

"The idea is for everyone, if you were starting from zero, how would you set it up today?" — Alan Donegan

"Simplicity really earns its stripes when you're already FI. You want to be out there living." — Aubrey Williams

"In my experience, stress mitigation is a really important part of my overall financial sanity." — Brad Barrett

"Health insurance in the US is just catastrophe insurance. If you get cancer or hit by a bus, you're not going to go bankrupt." — Brad Barrett

"Most of us, our lives have evolved by accident over decades. Zero-based thinking lets you redesign intentionally." — Brad Barrett

Key Takeaways

Ask yourself for every financial account: 'Knowing what I know now, would I choose this again?' If not, consider switching
Open a checking and brokerage account at one institution (Fidelity, Vanguard, or Schwab) to simplify your financial life
Set up autopay for all recurring bills and credit cards to reduce mental load and avoid late fees
Get quotes from multiple insurance companies for auto, renters/homeowners, and umbrella coverage before committing
Research ACA marketplace health insurance options in your state at least 60 days before you need coverage
Keep 1-3 months of expenses in your checking account for peace of mind and to avoid overdraft stress
Sign up for a travel rewards credit card and set up autopay to never miss a payment and start earning points
If moving large sums internationally, consult a cross-border tax specialist and transfer expert before executing
Review your current insurance coverage and consider consolidating auto and umbrella with one company for simplicity
Join your local ChooseFI group to discuss financial strategies with people in your area facing similar decisions

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624 | The Rules of College Have Changed | Brian Eufinger Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

The college your teenager attends today could be the difference between an eight-figure net worth by age 30 and six figures of crushing debt. One student turned down MIT for a full ride at Georgia Tech, used the savings to buy rental properties, and achieved financial independence before most people finish paying off their loans. That's the stakes—and the rules just changed.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00:00 Introduction and Landscape Changes
Brad Barrett introduces Brian Eufinger from Edison Prep to discuss sweeping changes in college admissions, financial aid, and why assumptions from even five years ago are now dangerously outdated.

00:03:45 The Test Optional Reversal
The pendulum has swung back hard. Seventy-five of the top 100 colleges now require or strongly prefer SAT/ACT scores, reversing the COVID-era test-optional trend. At Duke, 93% of admitted students submitted scores. For merit aid especially, testing matters more than ever.

00:06:30 Grade Inflation and Course Rigor
Grade inflation has reached absurd levels. The bottom 25% of UCLA admits held a 3.95 unweighted GPA. The average University of Georgia applicant now completes nine AP courses by graduation—up from 4-7 being exceptional just years ago. Taking rigorous courses (AP, IB, dual enrollment) isn't optional for competitive schools.

00:09:15 The UC System Math Crisis
A UCSD report revealed that 25% of students couldn't solve elementary problems like "6+3=7+?" Brian's seven-year-old daughters aced the same quiz. California professors are now demanding the return of mandatory testing because test-optional policies masked profound skill gaps.

00:15:20 Merit Aid Grids and Automatic Scholarships
Merit aid remains alive and well. Many universities publish automatic scholarship grids: if your GPA is X and test score is Y, you're guaranteed specific amounts. Check meritaidgrids.com for comprehensive lists. Schools are also expanding need-based aid for families earning under $200K-$250K.

00:18:40 Financial Aid for FI Families
The fine print matters. "Typical assets" language in aid offers refers to families with retirement accounts—not significant taxable investments or rental properties. Money in retirement accounts generally doesn't count against you. If you have substantial non-retirement assets, consult a fee-only financial planner about restructuring strategies.

00:22:10 Personal Finance Education Revolution
Mandatory personal finance education has exploded from 8 states in 2019 to 33 states today. The new AP Business and Personal Finance course combines entrepreneurship (Shark Tank-style) with money management skills like compound interest and budgeting.

00:26:50 Three Essential Financial Concepts
Brian identifies the most important money concepts for graduating seniors: compound interest (retirement accounts), side hustles (entrepreneurship), and understanding how one college decision ripples across decades of wealth building.

00:28:30 The MIT vs Georgia Tech Decision
Real example: a student declined MIT for a full ride at Georgia Tech, used the $140K savings to buy rental properties, and built an eight-figure net worth by age 30. One strategic choice, generational wealth impact.

00:30:15 Sticker Price vs Net Price
Private school sticker prices aren't what families actually pay. Deep endowments at schools like Vanderbilt, Washington University, or Emory often result in lower net costs than flagship public universities. Google "average net cost" for any school on your list.

00:33:00 College Closures and Financial Health
Colleges are closing at roughly one per week. Before enrolling, check Forbes or Wall Street Journal rankings that include financial health metrics and days-cash-on-hand reports. Your degree's value depends on the institution surviving through graduation and beyond.

00:35:40 SAT and ACT Testing Strategy
Start testing after completing Algebra 2 (typically sophomore year). The tests are now shorter but score ranges are more volatile. Plan to take the test 3-4 times. Most schools superscore (mix and match your best section scores), and there's no downside to multiple attempts.

00:38:20 Why Math is the Tail That Wags the Dog
Algebra 2 completion is the trigger for test readiness—you'll have 90%+ of the math you'll ever need. Waiting until junior year is dangerous because you'll only have 3-4 test windows before application deadlines. Map testing around sports seasons, spring break, and family commitments.

00:41:00 Essays and Recommendation Letters Changing
AI is forcing schools like Tulane, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and University of Miami to drop supplemental essays. Recommendation letters are becoming less trustworthy. The College Board is considering a mandatory essay on the SAT itself to restore authenticity.

00:44:30 The Value of Test Scores Beyond College
Employers like McKinsey, Bain, SpaceX, and Vista Equity Partners (Ken Griffin's firm) now ask for SAT/ACT scores during interviews. Test-taking is a life skill for CPA exams, CFA certification, and engineering licenses.

00:47:15 The Demographic Cliff
Birth rates dropped sharply after 2008. International student enrollment is declining. The strongest colleges are winning while weaker institutions close or merge. Roughly 2,850 of 3,000 U.S. colleges remain fairly accessible, but the top 50-150 are more competitive than ever.

00:50:00 Alumni Networks Matter
Brian shares the Wake Forest story: two parents laid off during the 2008 crisis found jobs within weeks through their alumni network. This undervalued factor can outweigh rankings when choosing between similar schools.

00:53:00 Closing Advice and Resources
Free mock tests are available at edisonprep.com/sophomore. Research automatic scholarships at meritaidgrids.com. Edison Prep offers tutoring in 33 states and 9 countries.

Notable Quotes

Brian Eufinger: "GPA starts from day one of high school. It's not just about SAT or ACT."

Brian Eufinger: "The bottom twenty-five percent of UCLA had a three point nine five unweighted. Does that mean that two Bs is the death penalty at UCLA?"

Brian Eufinger: "I will never make more money per hour ever than I did studying for this test in high school."

Brian Eufinger: "Don't assume that sticker price is what people pay."

Brian Eufinger: "You shouldn't be allowed to leave high school without knowing how to balance a checkbook."

Brad Barrett: "Roughly 2,850 of 3,000 U.S. colleges are fairly easy to get into. We need to reduce ambient stress for students."

Key Takeaways

Prioritize GPA from day one of ninth grade. Sign up for rigorous courses (AP, IB, dual enrollment) your child can handle. GPA cannot be revived later.
Start testing after Algebra 2. Visit edisonprep.com/sophomore for free mock SAT and ACT tests to establish a baseline, typically sophomore year.
Research merit aid grids. Use meritaidgrids.com to map GPA and test score targets to automatic scholarship amounts at schools on your list.
Google "average net cost." Sticker price is meaningless. Find out what families actually pay after aid and scholarships.
Restructure assets if needed. If you're a FI family with significant taxable investments or rental properties, consult a fee-only financial planner about maximizing aid eligibility.
Check college financial health. Subscribe to Forbes or Wall Street Journal rankings that include financial stability metrics before your child applies.
Plan 3-4 test attempts. Map SAT/ACT dates around your family calendar (sports, spring break, summer camps) to ensure multiple testing opportunities.
Push through AP exams. One stressful test day can save a semester of college tuition through earned credit hours.

Join the Community
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New to ChooseFI?
Start with our most popular episodes, hand-picked to give you the foundation of financial independence. Listen to the essentials.

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623 | 20 Things to Do Before You Retire | Fritz Gilbert Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

Most people treat retirement as a numbers game. Hit your target, claim victory, and coast into the sunset. But 85% of retirees crash into a wall of disorientation two years in—not because they ran out of money, but because they never planned for what comes after the paycheck stops: identity, purpose, structure, relationships. The spreadsheet can't solve those problems.

Key Topics

Make Your Numbers Real (3 Years Out) 00:05:30
Track every dollar for a full year to capture one-off expenses spreadsheets miss. Project retirement costs with granularity—model RV trips, healthcare scenarios, travel frequency. Build cash flow projections to age 95, not just to retirement day. The goal: eliminate guesswork and replace fear with data.

Start to Experiment (3 Years Out) 00:18:45
Test potential retirement activities now. Don't wait until you retire to discover what you actually enjoy versus what sounds good in theory. Experimentation builds identity beyond work before the structure disappears. Most retirees skip this step and pay the price in phase two disorientation.

Prepare for Withdrawals (2 Years Out) 00:28:20
The psychological shift from accumulation to spending is brutal after decades of saving. Build liquidity buckets to handle sequence of return risk. Develop a drawdown strategy that accounts for market volatility. Practice spending before you retire—buy the RV or boat while you still have paycheck confidence.

Schedule a Mini-Retirement and Build Your Dream (2 Years Out) 00:38:10
Take a week-long break with your partner to envision retirement together. Discuss "he time, she time, we time"—how much individual versus shared activity each person wants. Align expectations before conflicts arise. This conversation prevents the retirement disappointment that ends marriages.

Pursue Your Four C's (1 Year Out) 00:48:00
Dan Hallett's framework: Contribution (being needed), Creation (making things instead of consuming), Curiosity (exploring and learning), Connection (relationships). These four pillars replace what work provided beyond money. Retirees who nail the Four C's thrive; those who don't struggle.

Build a Life Outside of Work (1 Year Out) 00:55:30
Work gives you 60+ hours of weekly structure. When that disappears, what fills the void? Design your post-work life intentionally—hobbies, volunteering, learning, relationships. The transition only works if you've built something to transition to.

Fill Your Activity Jar (1 Year Out) 01:02:15
A practical exercise: each week, both partners write one retirement activity idea on an index card. After a year, you have 100 things to do in retirement. Planning is half the joy. The jar becomes a tangible reminder that retirement is abundance, not void.

Enjoy Crossing the Starting Line 01:08:40
Retirement isn't the finish line—it's the starting line. Savor your final month of work. Express gratitude to colleagues. View retirement as the beginning of your best years, not the end of your productive ones.

Notable Quotes

Fritz Gilbert: "Only five of the twenty steps are financially related. The other fifteen are about everything the spreadsheets cannot solve."

Fritz Gilbert: "Retirement isn't the finish line—it's the starting line."

Fritz Gilbert: "My two favorite words in retirement are curiosity and experiment."

Fritz Gilbert: "Both physical fitness and FI get you more years of freedom."

Fritz Gilbert: "Eighty-five percent of retirees go through phase two—loss and disorientation—because they haven't thought about replacing what work gave them beyond a paycheck."

Brad Barrett: "Much of FI success is psychological, not mathematical. Conservative estimate stacking often stems from fear rather than necessity."

Key Takeaways

Track a full year of spending three years before retirement to understand actual costs and project expenses accurately
Start experimenting with potential retirement activities now—don't wait until you retire to discover what you enjoy
Schedule a mini-retirement with your partner to envision your future life and discuss expectations around individual versus shared time
Develop a retirement withdrawal strategy two years out, including liquidity buckets and plans for sequence of return risk
Create an activity jar with your partner: each week, write one thing you want to do in retirement (100 total ideas over a year)
Write your personal "Ten Commandments of Retirement"—your North Star principles for how you want to live
Update your estate plan and move all personal items (contacts, files, subscriptions) off work systems before you retire
Purchase retirement toys (RV, boat, etc.) before retiring while you still have paycheck confidence and cushion for overspending

Resources and Links

Join the Community
Connect with thousands on the path to financial independence. Share wins, ask questions, and stay accountable. Join ChooseFI.

New to ChooseFI?
Start with our most popular episodes, hand-picked to give you the foundation of financial independence. Listen to the essentials.

Run Your Numbers
Find out when you could reach financial independence with our free calculators and planning tools. Try the FI Calculator.

Get the Weekly Roundup
The best FI content, deals, and community highlights delivered to your inbox every week. Subscribe free.

622 | Before Burnout Makes You Quit, Know About FMLA | Leah Kaylor, Alison & Em Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

When your Apple Watch alerts you that your heart rate is spiking while simply parking outside your workplace, your body is screaming a message you can't ignore. For high-achievers in the financial independence community, burnout often manifests physically before we acknowledge it mentally—and pushing through can cost far more than taking a strategic pause.

What Is FMLA and How Does It Protect Mental Health?

00:00:00 Introduction to FMLA and Mental Health
FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) provides up to twelve work weeks of job-protected leave during a twelve-month period while maintaining your health insurance. Unlike quitting or suffering in silence, it creates a legally protected pathway to address mental health challenges without torpedoing your career.

00:05:30 FMLA Basics: Eligibility and Benefits
To qualify, you must have worked for your employer for at least twelve months, logged 1,250 hours in that period, and work for a company with 50+ employees within a 75-mile radius. The leave is generally unpaid but can run concurrently with vacation time, sick leave, or short-term disability benefits.

00:12:00 Mental Health as a Qualifying Reason
Mental health conditions that interfere with essential job functions qualify for FMLA—and you don't need a formal diagnosis, years of treatment history, or prescription medication. Just documentation from a healthcare provider that mental health is impacting your work performance.

Continuous vs. Intermittent Leave

00:18:00 Leave Structure Options
Continuous leave means taking twelve weeks consecutively. Intermittent leave allows smaller blocks of time—perhaps working reduced hours, taking specific days off, or scheduling around therapy appointments. The structure should match what supports your recovery, not what seems least disruptive to your employer.

Real Stories: When FMLA Became Essential

00:25:00 Em's Story: From Concussion to Burnout Recovery
Em first used FMLA for a concussion, then later for severe burnout. The scariest part wasn't the paperwork—it was overcoming internalized fear of being judged as someone who "gave up." Having financial independence made the decision less terrifying, removing the panic of losing income while trying to heal.

00:40:00 Allison's Journey: High Blood Pressure and Mental Health
Allison's body manifested stress through elevated blood pressure and heart rate spikes—physical symptoms her primary care physician connected directly to mental health. Her doctor encouraged using accumulated sick time alongside FMLA to address the underlying burnout rather than just treating symptoms.

Navigating the Process

00:55:00 The Paperwork Process and What to Tell Your Employer
The FMLA application is roughly four pages. You share minimal information with your employer—no diagnosis required. Your healthcare provider simply certifies that a condition is interfering with essential job functions. The specifics remain between you and your medical team.

01:08:00 Addressing Common Fears: Job Loss and Retaliation
FMLA provides federal legal protection. You cannot be retaliated against for taking leave, and you're entitled to return to the same position or an equivalent role with equivalent pay and benefits. However, FMLA doesn't protect against company-wide layoffs or pre-existing performance issues unrelated to your leave.

01:20:00 Finding Care Providers and Resources
Many large employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)—typically five to six free counseling sessions per issue. Psychology Today's therapist finder helps locate providers, and fmlahelp.com provides comprehensive guidance on the entire FMLA process.

Life After Leave

01:32:00 Long-Term Benefits
Both Allison and Em reported sustained improvements: lower blood pressure, restored creativity, better work-life balance, improved parenting, and renewed engagement with their careers. Taking time away didn't derail their financial goals—it protected them.

01:45:00 Closing Thoughts and Action Steps
The FI community's financial margin uniquely positions members to use FMLA without the crushing stress of unpaid leave. Building savings isn't just about reaching a number—it's about having options when your health demands attention.

Notable Quotes

"Sometimes taking time away isn't abandoning your career. It may be what allows you to preserve it." — Brad Barrett

"If you don't have your health, you don't have anything at all." — Leah Kaylor

"The risk is less if you take time off and actually allow yourself to heal." — Em C

"Why do we have this money if not to take care of our health?" — Em C

"It's scary to take a career break. FMLA allowed me to consciously re-engage in the workforce and know that my job was gonna be protected." — Em C

Key Takeaways

Visit fmlahelp.com for detailed information about FMLA for mental health, including how to navigate conversations with your employer and complete the paperwork
Check your employer's HR website to understand your company's specific FMLA policies, including how they define the twelve-month period and whether leave runs concurrently with other benefits
Look into your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits—most large employers offer 5-6 free counseling sessions that can help address mental health concerns
Use Psychology Today's therapist finder to locate mental health providers specializing in work-related stress, burnout, or related issues
Start documenting your job accomplishments, performance reviews, and positive feedback in a "wins folder" to maintain a record independent of any potential leave
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician if you're experiencing physical symptoms of stress—high blood pressure, heart rate issues, sleep problems, concentration difficulties
Calculate how much unpaid leave you could afford by reviewing your emergency fund, sick time, vacation time, and short-term disability coverage
Review short-term disability insurance options and consider enrolling if available, as this can provide income during FMLA leave

Resources and Links

FMLA Help — Comprehensive guide to FMLA for mental health
Psychology Today Therapist Finder — Directory of mental health providers
Dr. Leah Kaylor's Practice — Licensed clinical psychologist specializing in FMLA guidance
"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk — Referenced book on how trauma and stress manifest physically
U.S. Department of Labor FMLA Information — Official federal resource
ChooseFI Episode 614 with Oz Chen — Related episode on career breaks
Jillian Johnsrud's podcast on mini-retirements — Related content on strategic career pauses
Camp FI — Community event where these conversations happen in person

Join the Community
Connect with thousands on the path to financial independence. Share wins, ask questions, and stay accountable. Join ChooseFI.

New to ChooseFI?
Start with our most popular episodes, hand-picked to give you the foundation of financial independence. Listen to the essentials.

Run Your Numbers
Find out when you could reach financial independence with our free calculators and planning tools. Try the FI Calculator.

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621 | The Math Says You're Fine. Why Don't You Feel Fine? | Cody Garrett Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

You've reached financial independence. The spreadsheet says you're ready. But you still can't pull the trigger on retirement—or spending. A couple with $10 million sits paralyzed, unable to retire despite every calculator saying they're fine. What's happening isn't a math problem. It's a psychology problem.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
Cody Garrett shares his journey from musician to CFP® and his deep dive into financial psychology, including CBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, and financial therapy—exploring why people who've reached FI still can't enjoy it.

00:08:30 The Paradoxical Pattern: Objective Reality vs. Subjective Identity
Case study of a couple with $10 million who feel paralyzed about retiring. Your financial reality can change much faster than your identity, and more information often makes the problem worse rather than better.

00:15:00 Five Sources of Information-Seeking Behavior
Why FI-minded people default to seeking better analysis, conservative assumptions, hiring authorities, optimization, and indefinite research when stuck—and when learning becomes postponement rather than progress.

00:24:00 What Creates Ambivalence: Seven Push-Pull Factors
Permission, control, identity, responsibility (the invisible balance sheet), protection, values and time (the values vacuum), and flexibility—how these factors create decision paralysis even when the numbers work.

00:35:00 The Invisible Balance Sheet and Open-Ended Obligations
Most people carry invisible obligations to family members that create endless anxiety. Cody asks: would the people you feel responsible for actually agree with your obligations? Brad reflects on responsibilities to his kids and parents.

00:45:00 Six Therapeutic Approaches That Actually Help
Values clarification, decisional balance, acceptance and willingness, behavioral experiments (exposure therapy), mechanical devices (systems and structures), and hiring support without outsourcing agency.

00:55:00 Live Decisional Balance Exercise: Buying vs. Renting
Brad and Cody work through a real decisional balance exercise exploring Brad's decision to rent versus buy after his divorce. Brad discovers how location and proximity to his daughters fits both options, challenging his initial mental model.

01:15:00 Behavioral Experiments and Progressive Exposure
How to design small experiments to build confidence through action rather than waiting for certainty. Examples include selling investments, withdrawing cash, and spending it to complete the psychological loop.

01:22:00 Mechanical Devices: The Retirement Paycheck
Creating a retirement paycheck system that mimics working paychecks makes spending easier and less dependent on willpower. Discussion of dedicated accounts and mental accounting made real.

01:28:00 Closing Thoughts and Resources
Resources available at measuretwicemoney.com/choosefi including values clarification and decisional balance worksheets.

Notable Quotes

"The behaviors that helped you become financially independent can eventually become the behaviors that prevent you from enjoying financial independence." — Cody Garrett

"How much money does your identity think you have?" — Cody Garrett

"Someone will spend your money. It's you, family and friends, charitable organizations, or the government." — Cody Garrett

"More information doesn't resolve those emotional goals of wanting to feel confident and secure and free moving into retirement." — Cody Garrett

"Confidence often comes after action rather than before it." — Brad Barrett

Key Takeaways

Download the values clarification exercise at measuretwicemoney.com/choosefi and complete it individually, then with your partner if applicable
Identify one open-ended obligation on your invisible balance sheet and define it in specific dollar terms or timeline
Design one small behavioral experiment to test a spending decision you've been avoiding, documenting your predictions beforehand
Set up a retirement paycheck system that mimics your working paycheck frequency to reduce friction around spending
Ask yourself: If I weren't anxious right now, what action would I take? Then take that action despite the discomfort

Resources and Links

Measure Twice Money ChooseFI Resources
Tax Planning to and Through Early Retirement (Book)
ChooseFI Episode 566: Risk-Based Guardrails in Drawdown with Aubrey Williams
Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Wealth Ladder by Nick Maggiuli
The Psychology of Money

Join the Community
Connect with thousands on the path to financial independence. Share wins, ask questions, and stay accountable. Join ChooseFI.

New to ChooseFI?
Start with our most popular episodes, hand-picked to give you the foundation of financial independence. Listen to the essentials.

Run Your Numbers
Find out when you could reach financial independence with our free calculators and planning tools. Try the FI Calculator.

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620 | Book Club: Happy Money — When Is Enough, Enough? | Jillian Johnsrud & Ginger Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Your FI number is a calculation. "Enough" is a feeling. They're not the same thing—and confusing them keeps people working years past their actual financial independence. Ginger and Jillian Johnsrud unpack this crucial distinction while discussing Ken Honda's Happy Money, a book that frustrated both of them yet yielded surprising insights.

Key Topics Discussed

Introduction and Book Overview (00:00:00)
Mixed reactions to Happy Money's structure and how to extract value from challenging reads.

Separating Money and Emotions (00:08:00)
Why spreadsheet numbers and emotional security don't move in tandem, illustrated through examples of wealthy clients paralyzed by spending anxiety.

The Concept of Enough (00:15:00)
How "enough" operates as an emotional state rather than a mathematical calculation, and why paying off debt creates profound shifts that incremental net worth increases don't.

Challenging Passages and Mindset (00:22:00)
Critical examination of the book's claims about energy and money manifestation, separating mindset work from wealth building.

Practical Applications and Mini Steps (00:30:00)
Testing freedom assumptions through mini retirements, flexible work arrangements, and small experiments before major life transitions.

Generosity, Morrow, and Creating Your Environment (00:42:00)
Positive takeaways including the concept of morrow (selflessness), generosity practices, and the "yellow smoke bomb" metaphor for shaping your desired environment.

Notable Quotes

"Freedom can't be bought with money. Even if you have all the money in the world, if your mind is not free you lose the real advantages of that wealth." — Ken Honda

"The numbers on the spreadsheet and how you feel about the numbers on the spreadsheet are two separate works." — Ginger

"If you were scared at eight hundred thousand, you're probably going to be pretty scared at nine hundred thousand." — Jillian Johnsrud

"Confidence and clarity come in doing, doing the thing." — Ginger

"You don't receive what you deserve. You receive what you accept." — Jillian Johnsrud

Key Takeaways

Identify one small experiment representing 10% of your retirement vision—flexible Fridays, breakfast out on Wednesdays, monthly long weekends—and try it now
Examine a money belief driving your current behavior: Where did it come from? How did it serve you? Does it still serve your next chapter?
Practice a small act of generosity or spending that feels slightly uncomfortable but is well within your means, building evidence that you'll be okay
Write down what "freedom" or "enough" actually means to you in concrete terms, beyond just a number
If nearing FI, stop adding to the spreadsheet for 3-6 months and focus exclusively on emotional and confidence work

Resources and Links

Retire Often by Jillian Johnsrud
Retire Often website
ChooseFI forums
Happy Money by Ken Honda
ChooseFI local groups
ChooseFI newsletter

Join the Community
Connect with thousands on the path to financial independence. Share wins, ask questions, and stay accountable. Join ChooseFI.

New to ChooseFI?
Start with our most popular episodes, hand-picked to give you the foundation of financial independence. Listen to the essentials.

Run Your Numbers
Find out when you could reach financial independence with our free calculators and planning tools. Try the FI Calculator.

Get the Weekly Roundup
The best FI content, deals, and community highlights delivered to your inbox every week. Subscribe free.

619 | The Student Loan Rulebook Was Rewritten | Travis Hornsby Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

The federal government just split student loan borrowers into two groups: those who borrowed before July 2026 keep access to income-driven repayment and forgiveness strategies, while everyone after gets strict caps, fewer options, and tax bills on forgiven debt. If you're on the wrong side of that line—or helping someone navigate it—the math on graduate school, Parent PLUS loans, and even retirement contributions just changed.

The July 2026 Dividing Line – 00:05:30

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created two distinct classes of borrowers. Pre-July 2026 borrowers retain access to Income-Based Repayment (IBR) with payments at 10-15% of discretionary income and forgiveness after 20-25 years. Post-July 2026 borrowers get the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) with 1-10% payments based on income but forgiveness only after 30 years. Anyone who takes out even one loan after the cutoff loses access to the old system entirely.

New Borrowing Limits – 00:12:00

Federal loans are now capped at approximately $65,000 total for undergraduates (via Parent PLUS), $20,500 per year for graduate students, and $50,000 per year for professional programs like medical, dental, and law school—with a $200,000 lifetime cap for professional degrees. These limits fundamentally change which graduate programs remain financially viable without substantial family wealth or private loans.

The Death of Parent PLUS Loans – 00:35:00

Parent PLUS loans have become a loan of last resort. They now carry roughly 9% interest rates, offer zero income-driven repayment options, and place all legal responsibility on parents alone. Students are morally but not legally obligated. For parents with good credit, private loans offer better rates and the option to cosign, putting responsibility on both parties.

Private Loans About to Surge – 01:10:00

With federal borrowing caps forcing graduate students to seek alternative funding, the private loan market is poised for massive growth. Rate spreads can reach 7 percentage points between best and worst offers. Students should establish credit history at least three years before grad school by opening a credit card early and rate shop aggressively across multiple lenders.

IBR vs RAP: Know Your Repayment Plan – 00:18:00

Pre-July 2026 borrowers can access IBR with payments capped at 10% or 15% of discretionary income and forgiveness after 20 years for undergrad debt or 25 years for graduate debt. Post-July 2026 borrowers get RAP, which starts at 1% of income for those earning under $15,000 and scales up to 10% for higher earners, with forgiveness only after 30 years. The difference in both payment structure and timeline is substantial.

The Tax Bomb Returns – 00:28:00

Forgiveness through income-driven repayment in the private sector is once again taxable as income starting in 2026, after being tax-free from 2021-2025 under the American Rescue Plan. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) remains tax-free. For someone who has $100,000 forgiven while earning $75,000, they could face a tax bill on $175,000 of income in the year of forgiveness.

PSLF and Current Litigation – 00:52:00

PSLF remains the strongest forgiveness option for qualifying public service and nonprofit employees, requiring 120 qualifying payments while working full-time. The PSLF Buyback program allows workers to purchase credit for months spent in forbearance or deferment. Current litigation primarily affects niche groups rather than broad populations, though ongoing challenges to Department of Education rules create uncertainty.

AGI Manipulation as Tax Strategy – 01:02:00

Since income-driven repayment calculates payments based on Adjusted Gross Income, maximizing pre-tax 401(k) contributions, HSA contributions, and other above-the-line deductions directly reduces required loan payments. For borrowers paying 24% federal tax + 5% state tax + 10% to student loans, that's a 39% effective marginal rate—making traditional pre-tax contributions far more valuable than Roth accounts until loans are paid off or forgiven.

College Negotiation Leverage – 00:42:00

Demographic decline and new federal borrowing limits have created unprecedented negotiating power for students. Non-elite schools facing enrollment pressure are offering substantial last-minute discounts—Syracuse gave uncommitted students $20,000 per year just to fill classes. Students should compare competing offers from similar institutions and negotiate aggressively, especially at schools outside the top tier where enrollment pressure is highest.

Notable Quotes

Travis Hornsby: "We're going from this borrow as much as you want, pay very little to a program of you can only borrow a set amount and it's capped."

Travis Hornsby: "If you're in a twenty-four percent federal bracket and you're in five percent state tax bracket, and then you're paying ten to student loans. That's forty percent."

Brad Barrett: "Everything is negotiable. It literally never hurts to ask."

Travis Hornsby: "The listeners that you guys have dramatically underestimate how wealthy they are going to be one day."

Brad Barrett: "The student loan system has effectively been rewritten. There is now a major dividing line between people who borrowed before July 2026 and those borrowing after it."

Key Takeaways

If you borrowed before July 2026 and are in SAVE forbearance, choose your repayment plan before being automatically placed on standard repayment
Open a credit card as an undergraduate to establish three years of credit history before grad school if you may need private loans
File a tax return immediately after graduating to lock in low-income year for income-driven repayment calculations and maximize interest subsidies
Max out pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions before Roth if you have student loans—your effective tax rate includes loan payments
Negotiate financial aid packages aggressively by comparing competing offers from similar schools, especially at non-elite institutions facing enrollment pressure
If you're a public servant affected by SAVE forbearance, consider applying for PSLF Buyback to convert forbearance months into qualifying payments
Shop multiple private lenders if borrowing for grad school—rate spreads can be as wide as 7 percentage points between best and worst offers

Resources

Student Loan Planner consultation services

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618 | You Learned How to Save. Now Learn How to Spend | Jesse Mecham Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Every dollar you save is just money you're planning to spend later—so why does no one talk about the skill of spending well? Jesse Mecham, founder of YNAB, couldn't justify buying a fifty-cent donut despite being objectively "good at money," and that moment of extreme frugality sparked a crisis that would reshape how he thinks about every financial decision.

Key Topics Discussed

What's Money For? 00:02:30
Jesse explains why the fundamental question "What is this money for?" is more important than any budgeting technique, and why "for investing" isn't a sufficient answer.

The Fifty Cent Donut Story 00:08:45
The pivotal moment when Jesse couldn't justify buying a donut despite financial stability, revealing how extreme frugality becomes suffocating and leads to a financial crisis of meaning.

The Evolution of YNAB 00:15:20
Twenty years from selling a spreadsheet for $9.95 to building a comprehensive budgeting philosophy, including key business decisions and inflection points.

The Skill of Spending 00:25:00
Why spending is actually the core skill with money, not saving, and how to develop intentionality around spending decisions through naming what money is for.

Breaking the Paycheck to Paycheck Cycle 00:35:15
The concept of asymmetric stress and how creating breathing room between earning and spending can eliminate the unnecessary financial anxiety that 80% of Americans carry.

What Is Enough? 00:42:30
Brad and Jesse explore the definition of "enough" from both minimalist and abundance perspectives, discussing health, safety, comfort, and the role of external possessions in happiness.

Extravagances and the Tuesday Project 00:48:00
Jesse shares his current extravagances including building a wood shop and creating outdoor sanctuaries, while Brad discusses his minimalist experiment and the concept of building a remarkable Tuesday.

Advice to Your Younger Self 00:58:00
Jesse reflects on what he would tell his 25-year-old self, praising his willingness to take risks while offering grace around parenting and being less judgmental about money decisions.

Processing Financial Worry 01:03:30
Jesse's process for responding to financial worry when it appears, even when you have enough, by returning to the fundamental question: what is this money for?

Notable Quotes

Jesse Mecham: "Saving money isn't inherently virtuous. It isn't, because ultimately every dollar you save is simply money you're planning to spend later."

Jesse Mecham: "When you're bad at money, inconveniences are emergencies. And when you're good at money, emergencies are inconveniences."

Brad Barrett: "It's for buying your freedom with every single one of those dollars."

Jesse Mecham: "The one thing money is meant to do at the end of the day is to be spent, and we're really bad at doing the one thing money is meant to do."

Brad Barrett: "Nothing good in life comes from the easy path. You have to have a little bit of effort, you have to have a little bit of hardship."

Key Takeaways

Ask yourself "What is this money for?" and label your savings with specific, meaningful purposes rather than generic categories
Create breathing room between earning and spending by saving enough to cover all bills if they landed on the same day
Design your ideal Tuesday—envision your perfect average day and identify what you can do to make it happen
Review your spending without judgment, looking for alignment with your values rather than simply trying to spend less
If you've reached financial independence, practice the skill of spending by naming specific ways you want to use your money
Eliminate asymmetric stress by building a financial buffer so inconveniences don't become emergencies
When financial worry appears, return to the fundamental question and review what your money is specifically for

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617 | The Hidden Assumption in Every Retirement Calculator Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Most retirement calculators assume your money needs to last until age 95. But if you're 55 years old today, average life expectancy is actually 79 for men and 82 for women. This single hidden assumption could mean the difference between retiring five years earlier or leaving millions unspent.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00:00 - Introduction: The Hidden Assumption
Brad introduces the concept that retirement calculators make an invisible assumption about longevity—typically planning to age 90-95—and explains why this matters for financial independence planning.

00:05:30 - Why Planning to 95 Is the Default
Dr Bobby Dubois and Aubrey Williams explain why financial advisors default to age 95, the fear of running out of money, and how this ignores the risk of over-saving and under-living.

00:12:00 - Layers of Financial Conservatism
Brad discusses multiple layers of conservative assumptions in retirement planning: lower returns, lower withdrawal rates, zero Social Security, and now longevity assumptions.

00:15:45 - Real Life Expectancy Numbers
Dr Bobby provides actuarial data showing average life expectancy from birth (71-76) versus age 55 (79-82), and the probability of reaching age 90.

00:21:00 - The Financial Impact of Longevity
Aubrey presents modeling showing how nest egg requirements change dramatically based on longevity assumptions—from $714K at age 79 to 41% higher at age 90.

00:28:30 - Dynamic Planning and Annual Updates
Discussion of how mortality-adjusted planning changes over time and why annual plan updates are essential rather than lock-and-load strategies.

00:35:00 - Tools to Estimate Your Longevity
Dr Bobby outlines practical methods: actuarial calculators, family history, cardiovascular risk calculators like the AHA Prevent tool, and genetic testing including APOE for dementia risk.

00:45:00 - Biological Age vs Chronological Age
Discussion of biological clock testing and why these tests aren't ready for prime time, despite heavy marketing in the longevity space.

00:50:00 - Extending Your Healthspan
Dr Bobby covers evidence-based interventions to reduce risk of heart disease and dementia: exercise, sleep, blood pressure control, weight management, and avoiding smoking.

00:58:00 - Wrap-up and Resources
Final thoughts on updating assumptions, where to find Dr Bobby and Aubrey, and invitation for community feedback on future analysis scenarios.

Notable Quotes

Brad Barrett: "Every financial calculator has to make assumptions... but there's one assumption that's almost never discussed, even though it might be the single biggest one in the entire model. How long does your money need to last?"

Dr Bobby Dubois: "The nest egg you need depends a lot on how long you're going to live. Imagine you're sixty-five and you're only going to live five years. Well, you don't need a whole lot of money. Imagine you're sixty-five and you're going to live to be one hundred five."

Aubrey Williams: "Planning to ninety-five does answer one question, but by far, it's not the only question we should be looking at... it completely ignores the opposite risk that we live a shorter life and either we've saved too much, worked too long or spent too little."

Dr Bobby Dubois: "If you are 60, what's the likelihood you'll live to be 90? For men, it's about a third, meaning two thirds won't. Women, it's about half might live to be 90."

Aubrey Williams: "If hitting FI at 65, you live to age 79, you need $714,000. But if you live to 90, 11 years longer, then that nest egg needs to be 41% higher."

Key Takeaways

Calculate your own life expectancy using actuarial tools from the Society of Actuaries rather than accepting calculator defaults of 90-95
Research your family history of longevity—genetics account for roughly 50% of how long you'll live, especially for those reaching 100+
Use the American Heart Association's Prevent calculator to assess your 10-year and 30-year cardiovascular disease risk
Consider genetic testing for APOE status to understand dementia risk, available through 23andMe, Function Health, or the Alzheimer's Organization for $100-130
Commit to annual retirement plan updates that adjust for your current age, health status, and market conditions rather than locking into one number forever
Review the 'layers of conservatism' in your plan: expected returns, withdrawal rates, Social Security assumptions, and now longevity expectations
Prioritize the high-impact health interventions: 7-8 hours of sleep, regular strength training, blood pressure control, maintaining healthy weight, and not smoking
Start strength training now to build 'muscle IRA'—you lose 1-2% muscle mass yearly after age 30-35, so build capacity early before inevitable decline
Reassess exercise risk as you age—consider lower-impact alternatives that reduce injury risk which carries higher recovery costs in later decades

Resources and Links

OpenPath Financial (Aubrey Williams)

Dr Bobby Live Long and Well Website

AHA Prevent Calculator

ChooseFI Episode 566: Risk-Based Guardrails in Drawdown

Sleep Masterclass with Dr Bobby Dubois

Dr Bobby Evidence Newsletter

Society of Actuaries Mortality Tables

Live Long and Well with Dr. Bobby Podcast

Function Health Genetic Testing

Alzheimer's Organization APOE Testing

23andMe Genetic Testing

Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention

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616 | How Should You Give Money to Your Kids? | 529s, UTMAs, Trump Accounts & More Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

Most parents rush to open 529 plans for newborns, convinced they're building their child's future. But here's what financial experts won't tell you: that decision might be destroying more value than it creates. The accounts marketed most aggressively to new parents often provide minimal benefit while eliminating the flexibility you'll actually need.

Topics Discussed

Introduction and Episode Framework (00:00:00)
Brad Barrett sets the stage with Sean Mullaney and Cody Garrett for a discussion on gifting to children, account options, and the critical importance of maintaining optionality in financial planning.

Motivations for Saving for Children (00:03:15)
Cody Garrett presents ChooseFI community research revealing four primary motivations: giving children more options, helping them avoid debt struggles, protecting from hardship, and developing healthy money habits.

Parental Financial Sufficiency First (00:10:30)
The oxygen mask principle—parents must secure their own financial stability before transferring wealth to children. Parental financial instability creates burden for adult children.

Three Objections to Early Transfers (00:15:45)
Sean Mullaney outlines three major objections: profile mismatch between parent and child needs, destruction of option value, and the superiority of the step-up in basis alternative at death.

Gift Tax and Estate Tax Framework (00:22:00)
Discussion of the annual gift tax exclusion ($19,000 per recipient), lifetime exclusion ($15 million), and how the step-up in basis works to eliminate capital gains tax at death.

529 Plans Deep Dive (00:28:30)
Cody Garrett explains 529 mechanics, qualified expenses, restricted use, and flexibility options. Sean Mullaney identifies optimal profiles: financially successful parents of teens, grandparents, or state tax benefit scenarios.

Trump Accounts Overview (00:42:15)
Sean Mullaney details the new Trump accounts: $1,000 government seed for 2025-2028 births, $5,000 annual contribution limit, domestic equity index requirement, and conversion to traditional IRA at age 18.

UTMA/UGMA Custodial Accounts (00:52:00)
Cody Garrett explains custodial brokerage accounts, the kiddie tax, asset transfer at age of majority, and alternative strategies using parent-owned accounts with identifiers for tracking.

Custodial Roth IRAs and Earned Income (01:02:30)
Discussion of Roth IRA contributions for children with earned income, the importance of legitimate work arrangements, and FAFSA implications of Roth withdrawals.

Summary and Order of Operations (01:08:45)
Cody Garrett summarizes the proper order: understand motivations first, assess sufficiency second, then explore mechanics. Start with the assumption of 'no' rather than optimizing toward 'yes.'

Notable Quotes

"The greatest financial gift you can give your child is your own financial stability." — Sean Mullaney

"We don't want the product to lead the plan." — Cody Garrett

"The best tax planning is both free and inevitable - the step up in basis at death." — Sean Mullaney

"Minor children have no need for financial assets and can't even use them. My toddler goddaughter can't go to the grocery store and buy groceries with one thousand dollars." — Sean Mullaney

"If you can have more options, you would always rather that than fewer, especially if the option that got you fewer options didn't really give you any significant benefit." — Brad Barrett

Key Takeaways

Assess your own financial sufficiency before considering any transfers to children—ensure your retirement is fully funded and you won't become a burden to adult children
If you have a child born between 2025-2028, open a Trump account to claim the $1,000 government seed contribution, even if you don't plan to fund it further
For children age 18+, verify account ownership transfer procedures at your brokerage if you hold UTMA/UGMA accounts—set up new logins and transfer procedures
Consider using parent-owned taxable brokerage accounts with naming identifiers (e.g., 'Child's Name Account') rather than custodial accounts to maintain flexibility and control
If residing in states with 529 deduction benefits (like South Carolina's unlimited deduction), evaluate a flow-through strategy: contribute to 529 in summer, withdraw for education expenses in fall
Review FAFSA implications before opening any child-owned accounts—child assets are assessed at 20% vs parent assets at 5.64% for financial aid calculations
For teenagers with earned income, consider funding their Roth IRA only if your family is already financially successful—don't create artificial employment arrangements solely for tax benefits

Resources and Links

Tax Planning to and Through Early Retirement by Sean Mullaney and Cody Garrett

Trump Accounts Official Information

FI Tax Guy - Sean Mullaney's blog

Cody Garrett LinkedIn Profile

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Real Stories: When FMLA Became Essential

Navigating the Process

Life After Leave

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The July 2026 Dividing Line – 00:05:30

New Borrowing Limits – 00:12:00

The Death of Parent PLUS Loans – 00:35:00

Private Loans About to Surge – 01:10:00

IBR vs RAP: Know Your Repayment Plan – 00:18:00

The Tax Bomb Returns – 00:28:00

PSLF and Current Litigation – 00:52:00

AGI Manipulation as Tax Strategy – 01:02:00

College Negotiation Leverage – 00:42:00

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