• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

PF Geeks

Save money. Make Money. Take control of your finances.

  • About us
  • Blog
  • Ultimate Guides
  • Save Money on Food
  • Budget like a Pro
  • Personal Development
    • Think Smarter About Money
    • Marriage & Money
    • Books: Reading Reports

ChooseFI: The Best Podcast Duo Spreading the FIRE

December 11, 2017 by PFGeeks 38 Comments

best podcast

 

Have you ever stumbled across your favorite early retirement blogger and your mind blown? One blog post and and you’re off to the races.

Chasing the dream.

You start off just wanting to cut back and make some adjustments. 

Before you know it, nothing matters except reaching the Holy Grail…

Financial Independence.

You’ve set Financial Independence on the altar, willing to sacrifice nearly everything to get there.

Expensive coffee? No thanks.

Eating out? Only idiots do that.

The thought of buying Christmas gifts causes you to go on an internal rant about the consumerism in American culture. You mock the crowds waiting in line for the newest iPhone.

There’s only one way to become financially independent…

Live like a monk. Avoid all social outings. Turn every purchase into a cost-benefit analysis and throw every single penny into VTSAX.

Save at least 50% of your income, pray the markets continue their bull-run, and spend every Friday night tinkering your spreadsheets, reviewing your strategy, and reading Early Retirement Now so that you can have the most optimal withdrawal rate strategy when you retire 10 years from now.

Sound familiar? I’ve heard it all. Heck, in many ways I’m talking about myself.

Turning the Corner

I love the hardcore nature of the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) community. I appreciate the intensity. I think it takes a certain personality to be willing to work hard, sacrifice luxuries, all for much delayed satisfaction.

I’m part of nearly a dozen Facebook groups that are geared towards budgeting, saving, and financial independence. I love the community and have become immersed over this past year.

One thing I’ve noticed over the past six months is this…

The hardcore nature of FIRE makes it hard to draw others in. For many, the intensity is a turn-off, and often these are the people who need our advice the most.

My wife is one of those people.

Those of us in the community want to help people manage their finances, learn how to budget, get out of debt, avoid making financial mistakes, and generally live a more fulfilling, more free life.

But too often it comes across like this: “YOU’RE AN IDIOT! Why would you ever get a car loan?! Pay cash only!”

This week she said, “Hey, I think I might leave the _________ Facebook group. They’re too intense for me. I mean, is it such a bad thing that I like luxuries and don’t want to give up everything I enjoy?”

I completely understood where she was coming from.

Fortunately for people like her and thousands of others, there is a community of people ready to help.

A community of people committed to helping each other along the journey to Financial Independence. 

Meet ChooseFI: The Best Podcast Duo Spreading the FIRE

ChooseFI is a podcast and blog founded by Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa that is changing the lives of thousands of people, one episode at a time.

After launching in the beginning of 2017 the podcast has rapidly grown into one of the most-listened to and the best podcast on personal finance in the country!

In 2017 the were voted by RockstarFinance bloggers as the best podcast covering Financial Independence AND they were runner-ups for new podcast of the year at FinCon. These are both huge wins for them!

I stumbled across ChooseFI about 6 months ago when the podcast had around 20 episodes and the Facebook group was just launched. Since then, Jonathan and Brad have continued to deliver amazing episodes and the community has grown right along.

Each of the four bloggers quoted below are actively involved in the ChooseFI Facebook group and have great things to say about the podcast and community! 


Anissa Watkins, Blogger at Moetips

Anissa Watkins“The FI community has changed my way of thinking about how I manage my finances. I’ve reduced unnecessary costs in certain spending categories to allocate those funds towards retirement. When I post questions in the group for discussion, I get immediate responses and actionable steps! I love the community engagement and the comradery. The hosts provide valuable information every Monday and Friday and they interview knowledgeable guests. I’m honored to be an admin for the Baltimore local group!”


What Makes Up the ChooseFI Community

There are three major components that make up the community of ChooseFI.

1. Podcast

The podcast airs every Monday and Friday. Monday introduces a new topic or idea and Friday brings in the community’s feedback and ideas. With over 100 episodes, there is plenty of binge-worthy material!

They’ve interviewed some seriously amazing guests and some of the most well-known people in the Financial Independence community.

Favorite Episodes

  • 009 | Travel Rewards
  • 21 | The Pillars of FI
  • 019 | JL Collins Index Fund Investing
  • 019R | Index Investing
  • 022 | The True Cost of Car Ownership
  • 007 | Crushing the Grocery Bill

More Advanced Listening

  • 017R | The Roth Conversion Ladder
  • 034R | How to Determine your Risk Tolerance
  • 035 | Sequence of Returns
  • 035R | The 4% Rule Explained

With all of these awesome episodes and guests, there’s no wonder why they’re considered by many to be the best podcast in personal finance!


Fritz Gilbert, blogger at The Retirement Manifesto 

Retirement Manifesto“Jonathan and Brad are absolutely CRUSHING IT with this podcast!  They’ve struck the perfect balance between “content” and “Community”, and their numbers speak for themselves. Check out those ratings, have you ever seen so many “5’s”?  There’s a reason!  Give them a listen, you won’t regret it!”


2. Facebook Group

About 6 months after launching the podcast, Brad and Jonathan felt the need to form a place for their listeners and the greater FI population to come together to grow, share ideas, and ask for personalized advice.

What began less than two years ago has become one of the hottest and fastest growing communities within the early retirement space.

ChooseFI Facebook

There’s no doubt that it can be tough to bring up finances with friends and family. Fortunately the ChooseFI Facebook group is a place where you can ask questions about becoming debt-free, optimizing your investments, cutting costs, or even sharing tips on how to budget with a spouse or partner.

About two weeks ago, they launched over 70 facebook local groups designed to foster real life relationships with those in the FIRE community and to share tips and hacks for local areas.

Join a Local group today!


Robert Farrington, Founder of The College Investor

The College Investor“I love the engagement of the community on Facebook. It’s awesome to see a question and then like 10 responses almost immediately. While I don’t always agree with everything, it’s great to see such a strong community.”


3. ChooseFI Vault

What happens when you get 7,000+ FI-seeking people together?

Everyday people begin to share the advice, strategies, and ideas that are helping them reach financial independence. I’ve seen people share everything from their favorite recipes to complex budget templates and net worth trackers.

A few months back, Brad and Jonathan realized that they were sitting on a goldmine of advice and found a way to organize it all.

They launched the ChooseFI Vault. A simple folder in Google drive where people could submit their own DIY resources and guides to help others.

In the Vault you can find:

  • Net Worth Templates
  • Bank of Budget Friendly Recipes
  • Budget Templates
  • Private Mortgage Insurance Removal Calculator
  • Loan Amortization Table

To get access, go here: https://www.choosefi.com/vault/

What Sets ChooseFI Apart

1. Community Focused

Truly what sets them apart is that this whole podcast and community isn’t even about them.

They are obsessively focused on making everything they do about the community they are trying to foster and build. They aren’t trying to promote their own name, become “larger than life” and they never take on any kind of celebrity-status.

Even as the podcast has grown to be one of the most listened to in the country, they have stayed down-to-earth. Two guys passionate about helping others reach financial independence.

If anything, they’ve become more humble during the exponential growth of the podcast.

How refreshing does that sound?

In an online community of bloggers and podcasters who all seem to be projecting themselves as the experts, the two guys changing the community have found a different approach–“help thousands of people reach their financial goals.”

2. Flexible Approach to Financial Independence

Because of their humility and eagerness to learn, they are much more open to different approaches. They realize that personal finance is exactly that–personal.

“We are not dogmatic here about any single approach to Financial Independence but want to foster conversation that allows all of us to reach our goal of financial independence faster. The path this community chooses to follow to reach FI will be incredibly diverse but the conversation is guaranteed to be fascinating.

Our only dogma is that you Take Action.”


Airmen, Anonymous Blogger at Military Dollar

Military Dollar“The great thing about Brad and Jonathan is they’ve been able to capture the imagination of thousands of people with a message that, to many people, seems “nuts” (even though it’s not!).  I’m in my mid-thirties and have been walking this path mostly by myself for over a decade, because even though I found plenty of other FIRE people online, they were either much older than me or too hardcore. It’s great to see the FIRE spreading and the community building!”


The Fire is Spreading: Join the Movement Today

If you’re looking for an awesome group of people to learn from and grow with, join the ChooseFI community today. Don’t just dip your toes in the water. Jump on in.

Here are 3 quick ways to do that:

  1. Join the Main Group
  2. Join a Local Group
  3. Listen to the Best Podcast out there! 

Lastly, would you do me a huge favor?

Click one of the share buttons to the left so that others like you can find a community where they can learn, ask questions, and be part of a group of like-minded people. OR send it to someone you know who wants help with their finances. 

Become part of the movement today.

150 Proven Ways to Save Money

Get the 14,000 word PDF of ways to cut expenses and skyrocket your savings!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

No Spam. Guaranteed. Powered by ConvertKit

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fritz @ TheRetirementManifesto says

    December 12, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    PF, great post to a couple of great guys. It’s exciting to see how the ChooseFI “platform” has EXPLODED. They’ve clearly hit a nerve, and they’re creating a true phenomenon! This is the most exciting growth story I’ve witnessed in my 2 1/2 years of blogging, and for good reason.

    Great podcast, great community. Thanks for giving them the shoutout they so rightly deserve!

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 14, 2017 at 3:35 am

      Fritz! Thank you for contributing and commenting.There’s no question Brad and Jonathan are on a wild growth path. Can’t imagine to see where they end up a year from now.

      Reply
  2. Mrs. Mad Money Monster says

    December 12, 2017 at 11:57 pm

    I was fortunate enough to stumble upon the Choose FI podcast earlier this year. I was smitten from the first episode and knew they had a magical formula.

    Two thumbs up here! Looking forward to more informative and entertaining episodes in 2018!

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 14, 2017 at 3:36 am

      Thanks for commenting MMMM! They are killing it with their podcast. I’m glad you’re a fan! PS. Tried to find y’all today on Pinterest and didn’t have any luck. You on there?

      Reply
  3. Stop Ironing Shirts says

    December 13, 2017 at 1:04 am

    I found ChooseFI pretty early and have been enjoying it ever since. The Facebook group is getting overwhelming but we had our first local meetup last weekend. What an awesome experience to be around people who had no idea others like them existed. I haven’t been willing to disclose the blog yet, but look forward to. Awkward but slightly liberating to talk Money in person!

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 14, 2017 at 3:37 am

      I get where you’re coming from. Honestly, I think one of their biggest challenges this next year will be maintaining the value of the Facebook group as they continue to grow. Most of the groups I’m a part of that have grown past the 5k mark tend to regress at a certain point.

      Reply
  4. [email protected] says

    December 13, 2017 at 11:17 pm

    You nailed it with this post. It’s spot on. ChooseFI is the must listen Personal Finance podcast. I found it around the same time as you. Have listened to every episode and really just can’t get enough. Every time I hear these guys I get smarter. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 14, 2017 at 3:38 am

      Appreciate the comments Jason! I’m still catching up on some of the recent episodes. You have a favorite?

      Reply
  5. Claudia says

    December 14, 2017 at 2:04 am

    Hey! Great job on the shoutout to our favorite podcast. This podcast is a life changer in many many ways. I Wish more people were open to the concepts.

    Your writing is great too!

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 14, 2017 at 3:38 am

      Appreciate the kind words Claudia! Glad you love the podcast. Are you in the Facebook group?

      Reply
  6. Melanie says

    December 14, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    Great post! ChooseFI sounds very intriguing and I will have to give the podcasts a listen.

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 14, 2017 at 6:44 pm

      Hi Melanie, you absolutely should! Especially if you are into saving money and trying to make sure you’re making the best investment decisions possible. Thankfully, the hosts do a great job keeping it fun and entertaining.

      Reply
  7. Charlie says

    December 14, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    I love this! Sounds like a really interesting podcast, I am super into listening to I will definitely have to check this one out!

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 14, 2017 at 6:44 pm

      Great! Thanks for commenting Charlie. I’d love to hear what you think once you get around to listening. I linked a bunch of my favorite episodes in the post.

      Reply
  8. Angie D Hills says

    December 15, 2017 at 3:11 pm

    This is new to me and I’d love more about and to connect with a community like this! Thanks for sharing all of the information and I’ll be checking into it myself!

    Reply
    • Anissa says

      December 15, 2017 at 10:41 pm

      Absolutely! The community is very engaging!

      Reply
  9. zoi says

    December 15, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    That really seems interesting, I will have to check those podcasts out! 🙂

    Reply
    • Anissa says

      December 15, 2017 at 10:40 pm

      Yes ! You will absolutely love it! Very informative and insightful. Im learning a lot about retirement and investing..

      Reply
  10. Nicoleta says

    December 15, 2017 at 9:29 pm

    The podcast sounds Good, I think I might give it a try. I’ve always been concerned with saving and I feel like I’m doing a good job, but I could always find ways of improving.

    Reply
    • Anissa says

      December 16, 2017 at 2:09 pm

      This community will definitely help you reach your goals!

      Reply
  11. Libbh says

    December 15, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    Great post, I’m not really a podcast listener if i’m honest but It was a great post to read 😊

    Reply
  12. Dee Jackson says

    December 15, 2017 at 10:05 pm

    This sounds like an awesome podcast. Need to check it out asap

    Reply
  13. Stacy says

    December 16, 2017 at 8:01 am

    Very interesting post. I will be sure to look up the podcast to see how I can refine my budgeting strategy

    Reply
  14. Angela Maria says

    December 16, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    can’t say I’ve heard about this podcast series but I am so tuning in. At 25 I am a lot more aware of the importance of saving for retirement and having financial independence. Great post!

    Reply
  15. Nashwa says

    December 16, 2017 at 6:30 pm

    Great info. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  16. regina malloy says

    December 16, 2017 at 6:54 pm

    sounds like a podcast i should be checking out! thanks for the info

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 16, 2017 at 7:51 pm

      Definitely! Come back and let me know when you do! Also, thanks for sharing on Twitter!

      Reply
  17. elena torres says

    December 16, 2017 at 8:58 pm

    financial independence is really something I think many of us seek. I know for me thats a very large part of why I am trying to recreate my own brand. You mentioned a lot of useful things and the podcasts sound very interesting. I saved them for later!

    Reply
  18. Lois says

    December 18, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    I will definitely listen to the FI Podcast, lots of information I agree with.

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 18, 2017 at 5:44 pm

      Thanks for commenting Lois! Glad you found it helpful.

      Reply
  19. Ashley says

    December 18, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    I am definitely a long way from retirement but it is never too early to get your finances in check! I just recently started my blog, about 4 months ago, and other than that my boyfriend is the income for the household. Would love to check out this podcast though!

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 18, 2017 at 5:45 pm

      It is definitely never too early! Best time to start planning is today. And the earlier you start, the shorter your path to retirement will be. I’ll be checking out your blog for sure. Let me know when you start listening to their podcast!

      Reply
  20. Sohaiba says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:38 pm

    Looks like an interesting podcast. Will definitely give it a listen.

    Reply
    • PFGeeks says

      December 18, 2017 at 10:38 pm

      Do it! Once you get through a few episodes, come back and let me know which was your favorite!

      Reply
  21. Kathryn Van Prooyen says

    December 19, 2017 at 1:01 am

    What a very informative post. I not a real podcast listener but this one sounds really good. Going to have to check it out. Thanks so much for sharing.!

    Reply
  22. Mrs. Adventure Rich says

    December 19, 2017 at 11:56 am

    I love ChooseFI… such a great podcast and community!

    Reply
  23. Xyz from Our Financial Path says

    December 20, 2017 at 2:06 am

    Found the the ChooseFI podcast on episode 1 and always enjoyed their topics. Great guys.

    Reply
  24. Prerna Garg Agarwal says

    December 20, 2017 at 7:47 am

    This podcast seems really helpful. I am glad I found your website and got to know about ChooseFi!

    – http://www.allshethings.com

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

150 Proven Ways to Save Money

Get the 14,000 word PDF of ways to cut expenses and skyrocket your savings!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

No Spam. Guaranteed. Powered by ConvertKit

Archives

  • October 2020 (1)
  • August 2020 (1)
  • May 2020 (1)
  • February 2020 (2)
  • January 2020 (1)
  • December 2019 (1)
  • June 2019 (1)
  • April 2019 (1)
  • March 2019 (3)
  • January 2019 (6)
  • December 2018 (2)
  • November 2018 (3)
  • October 2018 (5)
  • May 2018 (3)
  • April 2018 (2)
  • January 2018 (2)
  • December 2017 (3)
  • November 2017 (6)
  • October 2017 (4)

Most Popular Posts

Ways to Save Money

150 Proven Ways to Save Money

cheap meal prep recipes

50 Cheap Meal Prep Recipes (all less than $2 per serving)

Financial Resiliency

3 Tiers of Financial Resiliency: How to Create a Shock-proof Life

Footer

  • Welcome to PFGeeks
  • Affiliate Disclosure
Visit the Top Financial Blogs

Recent Articles

  • The Great Big “Save Money on Groceries” 12 Week Challenge
  • 6 Financial Steps to Take When You Start Your First Full-Time Job
  • Where to Invest Your Money as Newlyweds

Categories

  • Books: Reading Reports
  • Budget like a Pro
  • Faith and Finance
  • Investing
  • Marriage & Money
  • Monthly Best of
  • Most Popular
  • Personal Development
  • Save Money on Food
  • Think Smarter About Money
  • Ultimate Guides
  • Uncategorized

Search

Disclaimer

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates

Copyright © 2021 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in