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ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast

041 | Pursuing FI in a High Cost of Living Area

ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast

Jonathan Mendonsa & Brad Barrett | Choose FI Media, Inc

Business, Investing, Careers

4.8 β€’ 5.2K Ratings

πŸ—“οΈ 18 September 2017

⏱️ 70 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Starting later doesn't mean you're behind β€” it means you skip the years of trial and error. Paige and Sam prove that financial independence works in high-cost areas and on modest incomes, even when conventional wisdom says otherwise. Paige challenged the hosts after they accepted the limiting belief that FI isn't achievable in expensive cities. Living in a high-cost area on $30,000 while earning the same amount, she's on track for FI by 2025 through roommates, maxed retirement accounts, and ruthless prioritization. Sam took a different route with intermittent retirement β€” working periodically while keeping expenses low β€” demonstrating that FI doesn't require a single path or perfect execution. Their stories dismantle common excuses: wrong city, wrong income, wrong timing. Both emphasize that the math works regardless of circumstances, and that creative solutions exist when you're willing to make unconventional choices. Chapters 00:02:54 - Paige's Story Paige discusses her late start to FI, financial challenges including student loans, and strategies for success in a high-cost area. "Living within means can provide a sense of freedom." [00:07:08] 00:10:06 - Sam's Approach to FI Sam shares his experience with intermittent retirement and the role of low living expenses in his journey. "Understanding the math is key to achieving FI." [00:08:24] 00:30:44 - Overcoming Limiting Beliefs Discussion on limiting beliefs surrounding financial independence and the importance of setting priorities. "Setting priorities is crucial for overcoming financial barriers." [00:31:19] 00:58:28 - Hot Seat Questions Quick-fire questions revealing individual philosophies, challenges, and practical tips related to personal finance. Key Takeaways Maximize Contributions: Always try to max out your retirement accounts to enhance savings. [00:09:51] Cut Expenses: Evaluate major spending categories, especially housing and transportation. [00:32:25] Automated Savings: Set up automatic transfers to ensure consistent contributions to your financial goals. [01:05:24] Resources Mr. Money Mustache [00:12:23] The Mad Scientist Blog [00:59:05] Terminology FI: Financial Independence β€” having sufficient wealth to live without working actively for basic necessities. Burn Rate: The rate at which a person spends money in relation to their income. [00:22:53] Roth IRA: An individual retirement account allowing you to set aside after-tax income up to a specified amount each year. [00:09:02] β–Ά Listen Next: Ep. 043 β€” Retirement Drawdown Strategy: How to Spend Your Savings | Essential Listening

Transcript

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0:00.0

Your listening to Choose Appi Radio.

0:09.6

The blueprint for financial independence lives here.

0:20.4

If you're looking to unlock the secrets to financial independence and early retirement,

0:25.4

you're in the right place.

0:27.2

Stay tuned and join a community of like-minded people who are getting off the answer

0:31.6

here and taking control of their lives in the pursuit of financial independence.

0:36.3

Choose FI, your home for financial independence online.

0:42.8

Alright, so today we have a very special episode that we're incredibly excited to get

0:55.6

to present to you guys.

0:56.6

And really, it goes along with this idea that this process of achieving FI is a journey.

1:01.6

It's a story.

1:02.6

And frankly, Brad and I don't always know where it's going to go.

1:05.5

And so we had the episode several weeks ago with Scott Rickens, who's doing the documentary

1:09.2

playing with fire.

1:10.2

And in that episode, we somewhat brazenly accepted the fact that you can't achieve

1:14.4

FI in a high cost of living area.

1:16.8

And Paige, who's in our community actually reached out to us almost the next day to say,

1:21.6

guys, that is a limiting belief and you just let it slide.

1:24.7

You didn't question it.

1:26.0

And I'm calling you out on it.

1:27.5

And Paige lives in a high cost of living area.

1:30.6

And she was a late start to FI and she's just rocking this goal.

...

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