Safe Withdrawal Rates, Drawdown Strategies, RMDs and 50 Year FI Timelines
Release Date: 09/08/2025
2025 Biggest Takeaways with Ginger | Ep 579
ChooseFI
In this year-end reflection episode, Ginger and Brad share memorable insights from past interviews on budgeting, spending, and the importance of values in financial decisions. They discuss how taking action can lead to financial independence, the impact of community, and the transformative power of generosity. This episode encourages listeners to implement strategies that align with their personal values and relationships for achieving true wealth beyond financial metrics. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro to the Episode 00:01:47 - Reflecting on Memorable Interviews 00:03:41 - The...
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Year End Wins 2025 | Ep 578
ChooseFI
This special year-end episode [2025] celebrates the inspiring achievements of the ChooseFI community, highlighting transformative experiences in the pursuit of financial independence. Listeners share personal victories, including maximizing retirement contributions, career changes, and embracing minimalist lifestyles. The episode emphasizes the importance of community support, taking action, and designing a life that aligns with one's values. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00:00 Introduction Welcome to the ChooseFI community, emphasizing financial independence. ...
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Health and Fitness Update Plus 'Are Organic Foods Worth It?' with Dr. Bobby Dubois | Ep 577
ChooseFI
Brad Barrett shares updates on his health journey and effective workout principles, while Dr. Bobby discusses the costs and benefits of organic foods. The conversation encourages listeners to reconsider their food choices and encourages an increase in fruit and vegetable intake over focusing solely on organic options. Brad’s muscle-building routine coupled with nutritional insights sets the stage for prioritizing health alongside financial independence. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00:00 - Introduction Introduction to the episode theme focusing on health and nutrition. 00:01:13 -...
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Raising FI‑Minded Kids: What Really Works | 15-Year-Old Rishi Vamdatt | Ep 576
ChooseFI
Join us as Rishi, a remarkable 15-year-old personal finance enthusiast, shares his journey and insights on financial literacy for the next generation. Rishi discusses key strategies for teaching kids about personal finance, including practical experience, understanding needs versus wants, and early investing through index funds. His insights aim to empower both parents and teenagers to engage in meaningful conversations about money, fostering a pathway to financial independence. Key Topics Discussed Rishi's early interest in finance and investments [02:27] Strategies for teaching kids about...
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Breaking the Golden Handcuffs with 5 Kids | Sunny Burns | Ep 575
ChooseFI
Episode Summary: In this episode, Sunny Burns shares his journey to financial independence. After leaving a lucrative government job, he discusses the strategic choices that led to his success in real estate, alternative income streams, and how he's living a fulfilled life with his family of seven. Sunny emphasizes the importance of financial education for children and gives practical strategies for similar aspirants. Key Topics & Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction Brad introduces Sunny Burns, bringing listeners up to speed on his prior appearances and his financial journey's...
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Top Five Regrets of the Dying (Book Club with Frank Vasquez and Ginger) | Ep 574
ChooseFI
Join Ginger and Frank as they dive into the impactful concept of regret, exploring insights from Bronnie Ware's The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. Discover how these regrets can shape a life of fulfillment and happiness, and learn how to embrace self-expression and relationships to achieve true satisfaction. Episode Summary: In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of regret and its role in shaping meaningful lives. Inspired by Bronnie Ware's work, they discuss the common regrets of those at the end of their lives and provide insights on living authentically, nurturing...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineChooseFI unveils a new feature on the website that allows listeners to have their financial independence questions answered by experts. Featuring in-depth discussions with Karsten Jeske (Big Earn) and Fritz Gilbert, the episode explores the ramifications of potentially increasing the safe withdrawal rate and provides critical insights into retirement strategies, including cash flow considerations like Social Security and required minimum distributions (RMDs).
Key Topics Discussed:
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Introduction to New Features (00:00:00)
- Introduction of a Q&A functionality on the ChooseFI website for community engagement.
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Listener Questions Segment (00:00:36)
- Introduction to the expert answers provided by Karsten and Fritz.
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Discussion on Safe Withdrawal Rates (00:05:26)
- Explanation of the traditional 4% rule and its significance.
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Karsten's Perspective on the 5.5% Rate (00:07:45)
- Critique of Bill Bangan’s proposed increase in the safe withdrawal rate and why it may be misleading.
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Nuances of Early Retirement (00:34:25)
- Insights on adjusting retirement strategies when planning for longer horizons, emphasizing the time value of money.
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Fritz on RMDs and Safe Withdrawal Rate (00:36:16)
- Explanation of how RMDs impact withdrawal strategies, highlighting that RMDs apply only to pre-tax accounts.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Adjust SWR to account for extended Retirement horizons
- Incorporate potential income sources such as Social Security into your retirement planning. (00:35:01)
- Carefully consider your asset allocation to manage risks related to early retirement (e.g., sequence of return risk). (00:48:06)
Key Quotes:
- "The proposed 5.5% withdrawal rate is misleading and overly optimistic." (00:09:21) - Karsten Jeske
- "A safe withdrawal rate must not fall below 3.25% for financial security." (00:35:41) - Karsten Jeske
- "Plan for additional income sources like Social Security in retirement." (00:35:01) - Karsten Jeske
- "RMDs do not dictate your total spending in retirement." (00:39:00) - Fritz Gilbert
- "Behavioral finance warns against the pitfalls of emotional investing." (00:51:16) - Brad Barrett
Timestamps:
- 00:02 - Invitation to submit questions at choosefi.com/feedback.
- 00:05 - Introduction of Karsten Jeske and Fritz Gilbert.
- 00:09 - Discussion on the safe withdrawal rate controversy.
- 00:35 - Required minimum distributions explained.
- 00:49 - Dynamic withdrawal strategies overview.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you view the proposed increase in safe withdrawal rates?
- What strategies are you incorporating to prepare for early retirement?
- In what ways can Social Security impact your withdrawal strategy?
- How do you reconcile RMDs with your personal withdrawal goals?
Related Resources:
- Early Retirement Now Blog: Insights into safe withdrawal rates.
- Retirement Manifesto: A guide to successful retirement strategies