Brandon, a married thirty-something software developer living in Scotland, is about to quit his job.
Unlike most of his peers, Brandon won’t look for another job. He never needs to work again. He’s retiring in his thirties.
He didn’t catch a lucky break. He doesn’t have a seven-figure startup. Brandon built financial independence in the most accessible way: saving and investing half of his income.
He wears sweaters instead of cranking up the heat. He sticks with index funds. He books airfare with frequent-flyer miles.
In this episode, Brandon — also known as the Mad Fientist — shares a decade-plus of accumulated tips for saving, investing, and reaching financial independence.
Roy Lagro @ Band of Savers
Wow! Lots of strategies and ideas to look into with this one. I almost feel like I’m having an information overload that’s putting me into a paralysis and don’t even know where to start. I loved the insights on the HSA strategies since my company finally started offering us one this year so I jumped in feet first but hadn’t really though about all of the optimization strategies to use down the road. Thanks Brandon, J., and Paula.
Paula
Thanks Roy! I’m glad you like it!
When I hit information overload // analysis paralysis, I break out of it by just saying, “alright, pick ONE thing and work on that.” I figure doing one thing is better than trying to do everything (and as a result, doing nothing!)
And if you just one thing per month … that’s a dozen things a year! 🙂
Mad Fientist
Thank you both so much for having me!
It’s a huge honor being your first guest and if you guys were this good at interviewing having never done it before, I can’t even imagine how big this show is going to get 🙂
J. Money
Mad Fientist is Sexy .com
Sukhi
This was an eye-opening, music to the ears kind of session!! I had a HSA from employer but dropped it because of high premium. This podcast really explained not only why it is important to have a HSA now ( especially when an employer offers it) but also the ways one can benefit from it beyond paying medical bills.
You guys should also speak in “finance and accounting” classes at higher education institutions. Kids need to know and learn about financial freedom sooner than later!
Thanks for sharing!!
J. Money
Funny you should mention that – I just wrote about what I’d teach in such a case 😉
http://www.budgetsaresexy.com/2016/01/better-way-teach-financial-education-schools/
Steve Stewart
Brandon: I’m laughing right now. My wife & I both work from home. She just left for an appointment and I turned the thermostat down. It’s good to be in such great company – even from afar 🙂
Mad Fientist
Haha, nice! Go make yourself a hot cup of tea and sit there and think about all the money you’re saving 🙂
Dave
Good for you!
The White Coat Investor
HSA contributions are only FICA-free if your employer makes the contribution through payroll. The self-employed get hosed.
debojit
Every time i start anything with just money in mind I fail.
Mirabela Ticu
Paula, I am binging on your podcast, love them so much and learing a ton. Question for you: Can you explain again what you do once the HSA money funds? You take it and invest it? My company offers HSA and I am electing it now for next year and would like to prepare for it. Thanks again for all the lessons you teach!