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FI Minded: Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing ItAchieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It Author: Justin Peters
Want to achieve Financial Independence (FI) without missing out on life? FI Minded is the podcast for anyone seeking financial freedom, time freedom, and a work-optional lifestyle all while enjoying the journey along the way. Whether youre at the beginning of your FI journey or already deep into Coast FI or Slow FI, this show gives you practical strategies and insights to reach early retirement and design a life that aligns with your values, purpose, and fulfillment. Popular topics include: - FI Optimization Strategies: Actionable advice to reach Financial Independence faster without unnecessary stress. - Work Optional & Lifestyle Design: How to transition from the corporate grind and build a life of freedom, flexibility, and intentional living. - Time Freedom & Coast FI: Making the most of your time while still planning for the future, including mini-retirements, travel, and other ways to enjoy your life now. - Post-FI Identity & Purpose: What to do once youve achieved FI, and how to create meaning beyond money. - Burnout & Balance: Avoid the pitfalls of over-optimization and learn to balance saving for the future with mental health and happiness. If you want to reach financial independence, design a life thats purposeful and fun, and avoid burnout along the way, FI Minded is your guide to building a sustainable, fulfilling, and free life. Some of our past guests include Carl Jensen (1500 Days), Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club), Nick Loper (Side Hustle Show), Andrew Giancola (The Personal Finance Podcast), Jordan Grumet (Earn & Invest), Rachael Camp (Work Optional), Jillian Johnsrud (Retire Often), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy), Jill Sirianni (Frugal Friends), Jackie Cummings-Koski (Catching Up to FI), Joel Larsgaard (How to Money), Cody Garrett (Measure Twice), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), Jess (The Fioneers), Chris Hutchins (All The Hacks), Diania Merriam (EconoMe), and many more inspiring voices in the FI space. Language: en Genres: Business, Education, How To, Investing Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Why Roth Contributions Are Overrated for Financial Independence | E191 Cody Garrett
Episode 191
Wednesday, 11 March, 2026
For years, I assumed Roth contributions were the smarter move. Pay the taxes now, enjoy tax-free growth later, and never worry about future tax hikes. It felt simple and responsible. But during my highest-earning years, that mindset was quietly slowing down my progress toward financial independence.Financial planner and tax expert Cody Garrett explains why Traditional contributions often outperform Roth for people pursuing FI. The key insight: during retirement, it’s not your income that drives taxes, it’s your spending. That shift changes everything about how tax planning should work for early retirees and those working toward financial independence.In this conversation, we break down the three major reasons Traditional contributions often win, why retirees benefit from a surprisingly friendly tax code, and how locking yourself into Roth contributions too early can limit your future flexibility. You’ll also learn how strategic tax planning can help you reach your FI number faster and create more options once you stop working.Key Takeaways:Lower today’s tax bill during peak earning yearsOptimize tax brackets and avoid costly phase-outsRetirement taxes depend on spending, not incomePreserve flexibility to convert to Roth laterAvoid overpaying taxes during high-income yearsUse Traditional savings to accelerate your FI timelineTake advantage of the retiree-friendly tax codeOther Episodes You’ll Love:50/30/20 Budget: Does This Popular Guideline Actually Work for FI Seekers? | E1843 Hidden Traps That Make FIRE Feel Empty | E182 Jordan GrumetOptimal Tax Strategies for Your Early Retirement | E180 Cody Garrett & Sean MullaneyGuest Summary:Cody Garrett is a financial planner, tax specialist, and the founder of Measure Twice Financial. A former professional musician turned financial advisor, Cody specializes in tax planning strategies for people pursuing financial independence and early retirement. His work focuses on helping high earners optimize tax strategies during their working years while creating flexible withdrawal strategies for retirement.Book: Tax Planning To and Through Early RetirementWebsiteConnect With JustinEmail me at Justin@FIMinded.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.Support FI MindedWant to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.
