The Journal

ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast

Jonathan Mendonsa & Brad Barrett | Choose FI Media, Inc

Careers, Business, Investing

4.8 • 5.2K Ratings

🗓️ 20 October 2017

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

JD Roth's return to blogging after years away proves personal finance isn't just about money—it's about the stories that make the numbers matter. His comeback to Get Rich Slowly sparked a conversation about why vulnerability and shared experience often teach more than any investment strategy ever could. Brad and Jonathan reflect on how Roth's original blog launched countless financial independence journeys, including their own. They explore the ripple effect of one person's willingness to document their struggles and wins, and how Dom Quartuccio's similar decision to return to writing demonstrates the ongoing power of personal narrative in the FI community. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:52] Frugal Wins [00:07:16] Recap of the Week's Episode [00:10:27] The Impact of JD Roth [00:18:17] Ownership Mindset [00:49:39] Closing Thoughts Key Insights The Genesis of Financial Blogging JD Roth's Get Rich Slowly influenced a generation of personal finance bloggers and served as the catalyst for many FI journeys. His decision to return to writing after stepping away demonstrates that personal stories retain their power regardless of timing. Vulnerability Creates Connection The hosts emphasize that authentic storytelling—including failures and struggles—creates deeper audience connections than polished success narratives. Sharing your real experience gives others permission to start their own journey. Taking Ownership Recognizing you control your life decisions is fundamental to financial independence. Identifying and actively working to overcome limiting beliefs separates those who achieve FI from those who remain stuck. Simplicity as Strategy Complex financial strategies can paralyze action. Brad notes the value of simple approaches like investing in VTSAX and maintaining a high savings rate—strategies accessible to more people and easier to execute consistently. Notable Quotes [00:10:27] "Your story matters. Share it with the world." [00:19:54] "Success requires dedication and hard work." [00:29:20] "Action is the key to success." [00:29:41] "Achieving financial success starts with taking action." [00:31:34] "Simplicity is a path to wealth." Action Steps [00:10:27] Document and share your financial journey with others in your community [00:18:17] Identify the limiting beliefs preventing you from taking action [00:31:34] Simplify your investment strategy to remove barriers to execution Resources Get Rich Slowly Blog | [00:09:00] ChooseFI Vault | [00:44:05] Key Terms FI — Financial Independence, having enough savings to live without traditional employment | [00:12:35] Frugal Win — A personal success in saving money or economizing effectively | [00:01:52] VTSAX — Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund, a low-cost investment option | [00:28:00] Related Episodes Episode 041: The High Cost of Living Path to FI | [00:05:43]

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to the ultimate crowd sourced personal financial. This is your Friday Roundup.
0:06.0	You're listening to Choose Applied Radio.
0:10.0	The blueprint for financial independence lives here.
0:21.0	If you're looking to unblocked as secrets to financial independence and early retirement,
0:26.0	you're in the right place.
0:28.0	Stay tuned and join a community of like-minded people who are getting off the answer.
0:33.0	And taking control of their lives in the pursuit of financial independence.
0:37.0	Choose FI, your home for financial independence online.
0:41.0	Congratulations guys, you have made it to the weekend and this is your Friday Roundup.
0:48.0	Honestly guys, for the first time fall is officially here. We're in Richmond, Virginia and it is cold outside.
0:53.0	I'm very excited to get a chance to do this episode today and to help me with this. I have my co-host Brad here with me today. How you doing buddy?
0:59.0	I am doing well. Yeah, you're right. It fall has arrived.
1:02.0	In full force. It's funny. It was I think 39 degrees last night, which is crazy. It was wonderful to sleep. I don't know about you Jonathan, but I love sleeping when it's cold outside.
1:09.0	So I've been looking forward to this day for quite some time.
1:12.0	Yeah, put the fan on man. It's ridiculous. Middle of December fans still on.
1:16.0	And I am wearing my Birkenstocks with socks, which basically just indicates that they're going to be in the same place.
1:21.0	I'm going to wear my socks. I'm going to wear my socks. I'm going to wear my socks. I'm going to wear my socks.
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