Montana Money Adventures and Life Simplification

ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast

Jonathan Mendonsa & Brad Barrett | Choose FI Media, Inc

Investing, Business, Careers

4.8 • 5.2K Ratings

🗓️ 16 July 2018

⏱️ 73 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

At age 32, Jillian Johnsrud had $55,000 in debt, earned under $50,000 a year, and was about to adopt three children into her already chaotic household. Instead of collapsing under the weight, she built a life that included paying off all debt, traveling to 27 countries, and achieving financial independence — all while raising five kids. Jillian's story isn't about perfect planning or overnight success; it's about what happens when you strip life down to what actually matters and refuse to let circumstances dictate your choices. Timestamps and Key Topics [00:00:40] Jillian's Background Journey from $55,000 in debt to financial independence by age 32 Early financial struggles and motivation to eliminate debt [00:03:00] Embracing Minimalism Minimalism as a survival tool during a chaotic family phase Making intentional choices amidst overwhelming circumstances [00:06:00] Challenges of Raising Five Kids Complexities and emotional toll of parenting multiple children Adopting three kids while managing existing family dynamics [00:27:00] Finding Financial Independence Paying off debt while traveling extensively and acquiring rental properties Aligning values with financial decisions through diligent budgeting [00:52:00] The Importance of Resilience Building grit by cross-training life to handle discomfort Learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable [01:02:00] Jillian's Hot Seat Questions Perspectives on blogging, financial journeys, and life advice Key Quotes "Living in poverty means your choices are made for you." [00:30:40] "Eliminate everything non-essential." [00:11:49] "I cross-trained my life to embrace discomfort for growth." [00:08:20] "Start somewhere; perfection isn't necessary." [01:07:20] Resources Montana Money Adventures Blog: montanamoneyadventures.com [01:01:20] Related Episodes Episode 013: Jillian's Financial Journey [00:35:00]

Transcript

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0:00.0	Your listening to Choose FI Radio.
0:09.6	The blueprint for financial independence lives here.
0:20.4	If you're looking to unblocked as 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 all fans to hear,
0:32.1	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, today on the show, we are going to be speaking with a favorite in the FI community.
0:55.2	Now no less than three guests over the last six months have asked us to reach out to
0:59.7	her and at the end of today's episode, I think it'll be very clear why today we're
1:03.8	speaking with Jillian, a Mama FI from Montana who has designed a life around intentional
1:07.8	living, financial independence and flexible income.
1:10.6	Her and her husband started with $55,000 in debt earned less than $50,000 a year and within
1:16.2	a decade and a half, they paid off all their debt, traveled to 27 countries, lived abroad
1:20.6	for four years, adopted four kids and had two biological kids, paid cash for their
1:25.0	first home and bought two rental properties that they fixed up themselves.
1:28.9	Her and her husband have dedicated themselves to a life of giving served on the boards of
1:32.7	non-profits, minored kids from tough situations and volunteered in all sorts of roles.
1:37.3	I'm incredibly excited about this episode and to help me with this, I have my co-spread
1:40.9	here with me today.
1:41.9	How you doing buddy?
1:42.9	I'm doing quite well, Jonathan.
	...

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