This Year Everything Changes | Ep 580
ChooseFI
Jonathan Mendonsa has appeared on several ChooseFI episodes over the past few years, but 2026 marks a major evolution of the show. ChooseFI is being reimagined as a more interactive, more collaborative, and more deeply community-driven experience. As part of this next chapter, Jonathan officially returns to the show as Brad’s frequent co-host, helping lead a truly crowdsourced platform where the community plays an active role in shaping the conversation around financial independence. Together, Brad, Jonathan, and the ChooseFI community are building a space focused on shared...
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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...
info_outlineJonathan Mendonsa has appeared on several ChooseFI episodes over the past few years, but 2026 marks a major evolution of the show.
ChooseFI is being reimagined as a more interactive, more collaborative, and more deeply community-driven experience. As part of this next chapter, Jonathan officially returns to the show as Brad’s frequent co-host, helping lead a truly crowdsourced platform where the community plays an active role in shaping the conversation around financial independence.
Together, Brad, Jonathan, and the ChooseFI community are building a space focused on shared discovery — the first critical step on the path to financial independence.
This episode highlights how listeners can define their personal FI number, learn from real experiences within the community, and turn insight into meaningful action.
ChooseFI’s community-driven approach continues to empower individuals to learn from one another, explore what financial independence means for them, and move forward with confidence.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
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Introduction (00:00:00)
- Welcome to a transformative year for ChooseFI.
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2026 Goals (00:00:51)
- Brad and Jonathan reflect on the changes occurring in their lives and the FI community.
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Frugal Wins of The Week (00:20:31)
- Tips for celebrating small financial victories.
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Understanding Your Financial Independence Number (00:25:38)
- Explanation of how to calculate your FI number based on annual expenses.
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Community Engagement and Tools (00:30:12)
- Introduction of the new community app and its features for supporting members on their FI journey.
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Closing Remarks (00:58:17)
- A call to action for listeners to get involved in the community and share their journeys.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Conduct a net worth statement for 2025 (00:36:54).
- Join the community app to connect with fellow FI enthusiasts (00:49:35).
- Participate in an expense audit to gain insights into your spending habits (00:56:20).
Key Insights:
- Community Development: Building a supportive network is essential for financial growth (00:08:06).
- Frugality Defined: Frugality is about valuing what truly matters in life, not deprivation (00:40:47).
- Impact of Budgeting: Cutting just $100 from your budget can reduce your FI target by $30,000 (00:42:10).
Quotes:
- "While everything changes, some truths remain constant." (00:12:16)
- "Building a thriving ecosystem for financial independence together." (00:14:13)
- "Your frugal wins can inspire others. Share your journey!" (00:20:31)
FAQs:
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What is financial independence?
Financial independence (FI) refers to having sufficient wealth to live without actively working for basic needs (00:25:54). -
How can I reduce my budget effectively?
Conduct an expense audit to identify unnecessary costs and focus on essential spending (00:56:20). -
What are frugal wins?
Small victories in saving money that inspire and motivate others within the community (00:20:31).
Related Resources:
Discussion Questions:
- What actions can you take in 2026 to enhance your financial independence journey? (00:12:20)
- How do you define frugality and its importance in your life? (00:40:47)
- Discuss the role of community in achieving financial goals. Why is it beneficial? (00:08:06)