071R | Brad and Jonathan compare their college experiences to Chris Hutchins’ from the Monday episode, they discuss the importance of owning your own FI decisions, and we get updates from several members of the ChooseFI community. Brad considers starting a blog for his daughter as second-generation FI. Review of Chris Hutchins’ episode last Monday. Brad compares his experience of packing meals ahead for vacation to Chris’ grandparents growing up. What is value of cultivating relationships, and how did Brad find success in that? What would Jonathan do differently if he was going to redo college? How can students optimize the expense of college? What was the benefit of Jonathan attending community college for two years prior to completing his degree at Virginia Tech? Take an inventory of your all your skills, to market yourself for future opportunities. Chris got his early start(s) because he made a significant effort to stand out among his peers. How can you stand out when looking for opportunities? How do Brad and Jonathan explain their somewhat abnormal financial choices, in pursuit of financial independence? Don’t be ashamed of your decisions – you need to feel comfortable with your choices. Scott, a writer at Simply Finance, emails to say that listening to the ChooseFI podcast helped him clarify his beliefs and decisions about personal finance. What is the worldview that matches up with pursuit of financial independence? How are Brad and Jonathan processing Chris’ idea of creating memorable moments? What problems did Chris seek to solve with his Grove financial planning business? Jared, blogger at Fifth Wheel Physical Therapy, introduced Jonathan to M1 Finance. What is M1 Finance, and what does it offer its customers? M1 Finance allows customers to purchase fractional shares, and at a certain point offers loans backed by your own investments. Voicemail from Tim, who is chipping away at his student debt, working toward his family’s FI number, and shares a little about his investment habits. People get to “enough” long before they get to “rich”. Another voicemail from a 29-year-old military man named Luke, who asked for house-hacking ideas a few months back via the ChooseFI Facebook, and reports back now that he opted to live in a renovated, vintage camper trailer. An encouraging review from Arthur, who is making life changes in pursuit of FI. Links: Bigger Pockets Scott’s Blog: Simpli [FI] nances Fifth Wheel Physical Therapist M1 Finance The Simple Path to Wealth Design Your Future Freelance to Freedom ——————-   Thank you for being a part of the ChooseFI community!  ? If you want to support us, here are some easy ways:   1) Leave an iTunes review: http://www.choosefi.com/itunes   2) Use our page to sign up for travel credit cards   Note: We may receive a commission if you are approved for cards on this page   3) Most importantly, find your friends, coworkers, and family members who may be open to this message and tell them about the podcast! (Episode 21 is a great starting place)   As Jonathan would say, "The FIRE is spreading my friends!"