The Top 10 Ten Investing Mistakes We All Make | Cody Garrett | Ep 535
Release Date: 02/24/2025
Mailbag: Bond Funds, Roth Conversions, Advanced FI Strategies, Solo 401k and Backdoor Roth
ChooseFI
Brad 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 planning during retirement, and navigating unexpected inheritances. Timestamps and Key Topics 00:01:10 - Introduction to Bonds 00:03:15 - Bonds vs. Bond Funds 00:24:07 - Pension Strategies 00:27:29 - Roth IRA Conversions...
info_outline
Are You Over-Optimizing? | Jesse Cramer | Ep 555
ChooseFI
Effective 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 financial situation as life circumstances change. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction to Financial Planning Financial planning is likened to solving a puzzle intertwined with a spider web, emphasizing the interconnected nature of financial...
info_outline
From Poverty to Semi-Retired | Kristen Knapp | Ep 554
ChooseFI
Kristen 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 emphasizes the power of community in the FI space, and her insights offer actionable advice on fostering connections, exploring travel rewards, and maintaining financial literacy. Timestamped Highlights: 00:02:17 Building Community through FI ...
info_outline
Deep Dive: Putting the Middle-Class Trap to Bed | Ep 553
ChooseFI
Cody 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 accounts into income and emphasizes the importance of clarity in financial planning. Key Takeaways: The concept of the middle-class trap is primarily a psychological barrier rather than a reality. Financial independence can be achieved through better...
info_outline
Unraveling Your Relationship with Money | Shannah Game | Ep 552
ChooseFI
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%...
info_outline
Roundup: Buy vs. Rent, Mortgage Amortization, Minimalism and More | Ep 551
ChooseFI
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...
info_outline
Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Meghan & Ginger | Ep 550
ChooseFI
Ginger 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 desire for meaningful experiences over excessive frugality. As the host of the Everyday FI Podcast she encourages listeners to embrace flexibility in their financial identities. Key Takeaways Wedding Budgets: Meghan shares her strategy to keep her...
info_outline
Deep Dive: Taxable Brokerage Accounts | Ep 549
ChooseFI
Episode 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 sharing actionable strategies. Key Takeaways: Understanding the definition and benefits of taxable brokerage accounts. The flexibility of contributions and investment options. Tax optimization strategies, including long-term capital gains and tax...
info_outline
FI Service Corps | Ryan Brennan | Ep 548
ChooseFI
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 combined community service with social bonding. Key Takeaways Financial independence can intertwine with community service to create meaningful experiences. A supportive community is essential for financial independence and personal fulfillment....
info_outline
The Simple Path Revisited in 2025 With JL Collins | Ep 547
ChooseFI
In 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 newly revised edition of the book, addressing updated data and emergent financial topics, including cryptocurrency, all while maintaining the core philosophy that has empowered millions. Key Takeaways: Financial Freedom's Core: Understanding...
info_outlineBrad and Cody Garrett from Measure Twice Money dive into the ten most common mistakes that even savvy investors make. They cover essential topics from asset location to maximizing health savings accounts (HSAs), emphasizing a holistic approach to financial wellness.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the impact of asset location on tax liabilities.
- Importance of auto reinvestment for maximizing investment growth.
- Weighing the hassle versus savings in financial decision-making.
- Strategies for maximizing charitable contributions tax-efficiently.
- The significance of holistic wellness in financial planning.
Timestamps & Key Points:
-
Asset Location
- Understanding asset location and its effect on tax liabilities.
- Choosing the right types of investments for taxable vs. tax-advantaged accounts.
-
Investing Contributions
- Importance of logging into your accounts to avoid cash sitting uninvested.
- Enable auto reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
-
Return on Hassle
- Evaluate whether the savings from switching accounts justify the hassle involved.
-
Charitable Giving
- Donate appreciated securities rather than cash to avoid capital gains tax.
- Utilize donor advised funds for strategic charitable giving.
-
Family Giving
- Discuss the timing of financial support for adult children, focusing on "oops money" vs. "ooh money."
-
Maximizing HSA Contributions
- Ensure contributions match the latest limits; check both individual and employer contributions.
-
Understanding IRMAA
- Awareness of IRMAA’s impact on Medicare premiums and its effects in retirement.
-
Early Retirement Concerns
- Don’t let health insurance costs dictate retirement timing; explore ACA options.
-
Retirement Order of Operations
- Develop a strategy for tax-optimized withdrawal from investment accounts.
-
Holistic Wellness
- Balance financial planning with mental health, relationships, and physical wellness.
Action Items:
- Review asset location to minimize tax liabilities. (Timestamp: 00:01:50)
- Enable auto reinvestment for dividends in your brokerage account. (Timestamp: 00:17:57)
- Consider the hassle vs. savings when chasing high-yield accounts. (Timestamp: 00:20:29)
- Maximize HSA contributions according to the current limits. (Timestamp: 00:39:20)
- Explore charitable donations via appreciated securities instead of cash. (Timestamp: 00:25:27)
Related Resources:
- Measure Twice Money: measuretwicemoney.com/ChooseFI (Resources related to financial planning)
- Advice Only Network: adviceonlynetwork.com (Find fee-only financial advisors)
- Nectarine: hellonectarine.com (Affordable financial advice)