Monthly Archives: October 2025

Finding Community Through ChooseFI Local Groups

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Today I had the chance to meet with the ChooseFI Nebraska group to facilitate a conversation about the Pillars of FI, domestic slow travel, and how we can all intentionally design our ideal lives. I’ve always enjoyed connecting with other members of the FI community, and this group was no exception. Back when we lived in Texas, I loved my local ChooseFI meetups, and it’s been great to find a new community here in Omaha. Having a built-in group of like-minded people makes this early retirement experiment not just more sustainable, but also more enjoyable.  After all, FI is more fun with friends 🙂 

What Are ChooseFI Local Groups?

ChooseFI local groups are free, community-based meetups that connect people who are pursuing financial independence and a more intentional life. You can find one in almost every major city (and many smaller ones) around the world. They’re made up of people from every stage of the FI journey: some are just starting to budget, others are fully retired, and most are somewhere in between.

The best part? There’s no selling, no judgment, and no one-size-fits-all advice. Just real conversations about what’s working, what’s not, and how to design a life you don’t need to escape from.  The formats vary.  I have seen social meetups, watched people get “financially naked” for case studies, watched presentations on specific topics , but the common denominator is people working to improve their lives and helping others along the way.

If you’re interested in finding your local group, visit local.choosefi.com. You can search by state or city, join your local Facebook or Meetup page, and start connecting with people near you who share similar goals. Whether you’re looking for accountability, motivation, or just a few new friends who don’t think saving for the future and talking openly about money is weird, it’s a great place to start.

A Big Thanks to the Nebraska Crew

A huge thank-you to the ChooseFI Nebraska organizers for making me feel so welcome. The discussion we had around the Pillars of FI, lifestyle design, and the balance between work and freedom was a reminder of why this movement matters so much. I left inspired, encouraged, and grateful to have found a community that gets it.

For those who asked for a copy of my presentation, you can find the slides here

Your Turn:
 If you’ve ever wondered what FI looks like in real life (or just want to talk about financial freedom without putting your friends to sleep) you are welcome to reach out to me or just find your local ChooseFI group and show up. You might walk away with a new strategy, a few laughs, or even a friend who reminds you that you’re not crazy for wanting something different.

Financial Independence Resources

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I was talking with a friend today and realized it’s been a while since I updated my list of resources for teachers who want to learn more about personal finance and financial independence. Interestingly, when I looked at it, the list hasn’t changed much. That’s because the foundational ideas in FI are timeless.  Most of the newer content I’ve been exploring is either relatively niche (like All The Hacks) or so new that, while exciting, I’m not ready to recommend it yet (like Sean Mullaney and Cody Garrett’s new book on Tax Planning for early retirement).

Version 1.0.0

Luckily, for beginners, many of the best ideas are still right where they’ve always been—in a few classic blogs, podcasts, and books.

The Shockingly Simple Math of Early Retirement

If you read only one article on financial independence, make it The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement by Mr. Money Mustache. It’s a short but powerful read that shows how your retirement age depends almost entirely on two variables: how much you spend and how much you save. It’s a true “light bulb” piece for many people who suddenly realize how much control they have over their financial future.

The ChooseFI Podcast and Book

The ChooseFI podcast was my personal gateway into financial independence. Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa built an incredible archive of episodes on saving, investing, travel hacking, and designing a life you don’t need to retire from. If you’re new to the show, start at Episode 100 for a great introduction.

Not a podcast listener? They also wrote a book, ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence, which distills years of content into a structured, easy-to-follow guide.

The Dave Ramsey Approach

If you want something more traditional, Dave Ramsey’s system has helped millions of people pay off debt and build a financial foundation. His “Baby Steps” and “Debt Snowball” approach are simple, actionable, and great for people who need structure or motivation in the early stages of getting organized. I don’t agree with everything Ramsey teaches (his investment advice is a bit outdated and his politics are suspect), but his behavioral approach to debt payoff is effective for a lot of people.

The Simple Path to Wealth

Once you’re out of debt and ready to invest, JL Collins’ The Simple Path to Wealth is the best next step. It’s widely considered the “go-to” investing book in the FI community. Collins’ message is refreshingly simple: live below your means, invest in low-cost index funds, and stay the course. I used to keep extra copies of this book in my office to give to colleagues and to give to new graduates, because it really is that good.

Some Educator Specific Resources

Teachers have some unique financial advantages (and challenges) like pensions, 403(b)s, and the occasional “free lunch” salesman in the faculty lounge. These next few resources focus on that side of the journey:

TL;DR Financial Literacy Series
Educator Karl Fisch and a series of co-authors created short, accessible books tailored to teachers in different states. Each version explains how pensions and retirement systems work locally, and how educators can make the most of them. Obviously I haven’t read all of them, but my friend Ryan Cruz wrote the Texas edition, and I can highly recommend it.

403bwise.org
Retirement planning for teachers can be a minefield.  The 403bwise.org site was founded to help educators make sense of their retirement options and avoid predatory products. It’s packed with articles, calculators, and an active forum where teachers can ask questions. Their “Teach and Retire Rich” podcast is also excellent.

Financially Independent Teachers Podcast
Recently, I’ve been enjoying the Financially Independent Teachers podcast. It’s hosted by two North Carolina teachers who interview educators and personal finance experts about real-life challenges. They’ve also written a book that’s helpful for teachers trying to balance the realities of the classroom with long-term financial goals.

Final Thoughts

The financial independence movement has evolved a lot since I first discovered it, but the core ideas haven’t changed: spend less than you earn, invest wisely, avoid debt, and keep learning. The beauty of these resources is that they meet you wherever you are, whether you’re just getting started or refining your path toward early retirement.

I’d love to hear from you about what resources have shaped your own journey toward financial independence.  What should I add to my list?