I recently dived into Choose FI: A Blueprint for Financial Independence, and I must say, it was an enlightening read for anyone looking to structure their approach to finances more thoughtfully. As someone who is keen on personal finance and continuously learning about financial independence, I was drawn to this title because of its promise to break down complex financial concepts into manageable, actionable steps.
The book distills the essence of the Choose FI podcast, allowing readers—not just listeners—to engage with the ideas of financial independence in a welcoming and digestible way. The authors, Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa of the podcast, along with Chris Mamula, bring their collective expertise to share how they made simple yet impactful choices to reclaim their time and priorities, allowing for a life focused on passions rather than money. This aligns perfectly with the book’s description where it suggests that we need a blueprint to build our financial house—something that resonated with me as I often feel lost in the sea of financial advice floating around today.
One of the major strengths of this book lies in its structured approach, divided into four sections: getting started, spending less, earning more, and investing better. Each chapter culminates with actionable "Steps," making it easy to implement the lessons learned. I particularly appreciated a review that noted how the general explanations and these actionable steps help piece the entire financial independence picture together effectively. This kind of framework is exactly what I needed, and it indeed helped clarify many lingering questions I had about personal finance.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. While many readers praised its engaging style and the depth of its content, I found that some information may feel redundant to those who are already familiar with financial independence concepts, especially listeners of the Choose FI podcast. A reviewer pointed out that while the book serves as a solid guide for newcomers, it may not provide much new information for those already steeped in the FI community. I can understand that perspective, as there were moments I felt like I was revisiting territory I had already covered in the podcasts.
Additionally, another drawback that became clear through my reading was the potential for some ideas to feel too extreme or impractical. For instance, I found myself questioning certain frugality tips, such as renting out rooms in one’s house. For some, this advice might seem feasible, but for others, like myself, it raised concerns about sacrificing personal space and privacy. I believe the inclusion of diverse financial philosophies could have enriched the dialogue and accommodated varied lifestyles.
On the flip side, the book is filled with relatable stories that help solidify the principles being discussed. One of my favorite aspects was how it encouraged readers to define their values and align them with spending. Many of the reviews echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how the authors convey the idea that financial independence is not merely about saving and investing, but about leading a fulfilled life tied to one’s deeper desires and goals.
Ultimately, Choose FI: A Blueprint for Financial Independence met my expectations in many ways. It provided a solid introduction to financial independence, laid out in a way that feels approachable and actionable. While it might not break new ground for seasoned FI enthusiasts, it beautifully encapsulates various relevant principles and motivational anecdotes that can inspire anyone on their financial journey.
If you’re someone who wants to reclaim your time and prioritize what truly matters, I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a fantastic starting point. Whether you’re a novice just diving into financial planning or someone looking to reevaluate your approach to your finances, I believe it will leave you with thought-provoking insights and a clearer direction on your path to financial independence.