loader from loading.io

Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Meghan & Ginger | Ep 550

ChooseFI

Release Date: 06/09/2025

Cognitive Behavioral Tools for FI With Jasper Lee, PhD | Ep 573 show art Cognitive Behavioral Tools for FI With Jasper Lee, PhD | Ep 573

ChooseFI

Show Notes Guest: Jasper Lee, PhD - Clinical Psychologist Episode Summary: In this episode, Jasper Lee discusses the psychological elements that impact the journey to financial independence (FI). He provides actionable insights on dealing with emotions and behaviors that influence financial decisions, emphasizing cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation as key strategies. Key Takeaways Psychology in FI: 90-95% of the FI journey is psychological, with the remaining being about the mechanics of money. Understanding Money Scripts: Early lessons about money shape...

info_outline
Bias Towards Action: The Adventure List(s) | Ep 572 show art Bias Towards Action: The Adventure List(s) | Ep 572

ChooseFI

In this episode, hosts Brad, Emily W, and Emily C delve into the importance of building meaningful friendships and adding adventure to life. They discuss the concept of an "adventure list," embracing vulnerability, and the creativity that can stem from constraints. The conversation encourages listeners to engage in various levels of travel experiences, stepping out of their comfort zones to enrich their lives. Key Topics Discussed Introduction to the Episode 00:00:00 Meet the Emilys 00:01:05 The Concept of Friendship in FI 00:02:40 The depth and sincerity of friendships formed...

info_outline
Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Maggie Tucker | ep 571 show art Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Maggie Tucker | ep 571

ChooseFI

Maggie Tucker shares her journey to financial independence at the age of 41, discussing her experiences with fear and anxiety about leaving a secure job. Her insights on the importance of community, transparency in financial matters, and travel with children highlight how to embrace a fulfilling life beyond conventional measures of success. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00:00 Podcast Intro 00:01:38 Maggie's Financial Journey Maggie reflects on her upbringing and financial habits. 00:07:02 Overcoming Financial Fears Maggie discusses her fears about running out of...

info_outline
State of the Stock Market 2025 Q&A with Brian Feroldi | Ep 570 show art State of the Stock Market 2025 Q&A with Brian Feroldi | Ep 570

ChooseFI

Brian Feroldi discusses the current state of the stock market, providing insights on market valuations, personal investment strategies, and the impact of artificial intelligence on stock analysis. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainability in stock market growth, potential investment pitfalls, and the benefits of leveraging AI tools for detailed analyses. Key Topics & Timestamps Introduction to the State of the Stock Market (00:01:01) Overview of stock market performance in 2025, with S&P 500 recording over 15% growth year-to-date. Current Market Valuation...

info_outline
Always Come Back to the Why | Alan and Katie Donegan | Ep 569 show art Always Come Back to the Why | Alan and Katie Donegan | Ep 569

ChooseFI

Brad, Katie, and Alan Donegan discuss the significance of understanding the "why" behind pursuing financial independence (FI). They delve into their journey, emphasizing the importance of community, intentional spending, and lifestyle design. Listeners are encouraged to confront their fears of rejection when building friendships and to embrace vulnerability for meaningful connections. The Donegans advocate for tracking spending to align financial choices with personal values, reshaping the narrative around saving into one focusing on buying freedom. Chapters: Introduction to the Donegans’...

info_outline
The FiiRE Framework With Paula Pant  | Ep 568 show art The FiiRE Framework With Paula Pant | Ep 568

ChooseFI

Paula 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 finance by promising financial independence and work optionality, challenging traditional views on spending and earning. The episode is filled with practical insights and actionable strategies for enhancing financial mindset and exploring...

info_outline
Are We Taking the Wrong Risks? With Chris Hutchins | Ep 567 show art Are We Taking the Wrong Risks? With Chris Hutchins | Ep 567

ChooseFI

Brad 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 and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing valuable life experiences while ensuring future financial security. Conservative Goals Discussion (00:01:12) Chris shares his reflections on why many in the FI community may prioritize...

info_outline
Risk Based Guardrails for Drawdown | Ep 566 show art Risk Based Guardrails for Drawdown | Ep 566

ChooseFI

Brad 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 & Discussion Topics: 00:00:00 Intro to Financial Independence Overview of the FI journey and the community's philosophy. 00:03:00 Aubrey's Background Aubrey shares his journey from a corporate career to becoming a financial advisor,...

info_outline
Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement | Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaney | Ep 565 show art Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement | Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaney | Ep 565

ChooseFI

Brad 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 smoothly. Key Takeaways: Understanding the complexities of drawdown strategies is essential for early retirement planning. Fear surrounding retirement taxes can often be mitigated through knowledge and strategic planning. Most retirees benefit...

info_outline
Financial Independence Basics with Jackie Cummings Koski | Ep 564 show art Financial Independence Basics with Jackie Cummings Koski | Ep 564

ChooseFI

Jackie 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 small with savings, and the invaluable impact of community on one's financial journey. Strategies such as evaluating expenses and adopting an action-focused mindset are crucial. The duo explores essential concepts like the 4% rule, the significance of...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

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 wedding expenses under $10,000 by limiting the guest list and choosing affordable venues.
  • Net Worth Insights: Her current net worth is $527,000, attributed to both her and her husband’s financial strategies and property investments.
  • Automate Savings: Automating savings directly from her paycheck has been key to consistency in her financial journey.
  • Money Fluid Identity: Meghan promotes the concept of being “money fluid” rather than strictly identifying as frugal or a spender, allowing for adaptability in financial decisions.
  • Planning for Parenthood: The high costs of starting a family, including IVF, can shift financial priorities and goals.

Timestamps

  • 00:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest, Meghan Combs.
  • 00:01:06 - Conversation begins with Meghan about her recent wedding.
  • 00:05:32 - Discussion on net worth and financial plans post-marriage.
  • 00:08:42 - Mentioning how life changes affect financial independence goals.
  • 00:32:53 - Emphasizing the importance of adopting a fluid money identity.
  • 00:40:28 - Highlighting the benefits of automating savings.

Major Topics Discussed

  1. Wedding Planning
    Meghan shares her experience planning a budget-friendly wedding and the importance of limiting the guest list for cost control.

    • Key Insight: Keep your guest list tight to stay under budget. (00:03:45)
  2. Current Financial Position
    Reflecting on her net worth and how her recent marriage has impacted it.

    • Key Insight: It's okay for your FI number to evolve. (00:08:46)
  3. Saving Strategies
    Meghan's most effective budgeting strategy is automating her savings and critically assessing her purchases based on personal values.

    • Key Insight: Automate savings directly from your paycheck. (00:40:28)
  4. Personal Financial Identity
    The discussion shifts to how financial identities can constrain decision-making and the benefits of maintaining flexibility.

    • Key Insight: Adopt a money fluid identity. (00:32:53)
  5. Impact of Major Life Changes
    Addressing the costs involved with starting a family and unexpected expenses that can influence financial priorities.

    • Key Insight: Life changes can shift priorities and expectations regarding financial independence. (00:08:42)

Actionable Takeaways

  • Automate your savings directly from your paycheck to ensure consistency. (00:40:28)
  • Reflect on your values when making significant purchases for financial success. (00:41:15)
  • Keep your wedding guest list tight to control costs. (00:03:45)

Discussion Questions

  • What are your thoughts on the importance of keeping a tight guest list for events? (00:03:45)
  • How has your net worth impacted your financial goals? (00:05:32)
  • Discuss the effectiveness of automating savings in your financial planning. (00:40:28)