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Investing

Maxed Out Your Roth IRA, 401(k), and HSA? Do This

Already maxed out your Roth IRA, 401(k), and HSA? Kelley wants to know what strategies can help her invest smarter and reach Financial Independence faster—beyond the basics. We bre...

Cody Garrett, CFP® · Jun 8, 2025 · 1 min read

Dark Side of Value

Blog

Articles, recipes, and reviews on financial independence.

What’s the Right Way to Calculate Net Worth?

Should You Hold Bonds in a Taxable or Tax-Deferred Account?

Cody Garrett, CFP® · Jun 1, 2025 · 1 min read

The Value Matrix: A Case Study in Spending Alignment

The Value Matrix: A Case Study in Spending Alignment

Average 401k Balance by Age — How Your Savings Stack Up (And What You Actually Need for FI)

Average 401k Balance by Age — How Your Savings Stack Up (And What You Actually Need for FI)

Jul 24, 2026 · 1 min read

How Much Should I Have in My 401k? FI-Adjusted Benchmarks by Age

Jul 23, 2026 · 1 min read

Explore by Topic

My Top Two Instant Pot Soup Recipes For Fall

Spending Smarter

Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Chicken

The Necessity for Identity Capital

The Necessity for Identity Capital

VTSAX vs VTI: Which Vanguard Fund Should You Choose?

VTSAX vs VTI: Expense Ratios, Structure & Which to Buy

Retirement Planning: Achieving FI on an Average Salary

Retirement Planning: Achieving FI on an Average Salary

Roth IRA 5-Year Rule Explained (2026 Guide)

Roth IRA 5-Year Rule Explained (2026 Guide)

Estate Planning

What's a Trust Fund? Demystifying Trust Funds for the FI Community

Trust funds are not just for the ultra-wealthy. Learn what a trust fund is, how different types work, what they cost to set up, and when creating one...

Jonathan Mendonsa · Jul 22, 2026 · 1 min read

Best Investment Apps for Financial Independence

Compare the best investment apps side by side — fees, account minimums, features, and which platforms align with a financial independence strategy.

Jonathan Mendonsa · Jul 21, 2026 · 1 min read

Net Worth Percentile by Age — Where You Stand and Why It Doesn't Matter for FI

FI Fundamentals

Net Worth Percentile by Age — Where You Stand and Why It Doesn't Matter for FI

Find your net worth percentile by age using Federal Reserve data. See where you rank nationally and learn why your FI number matters more than your pe...

Jonathan Mendonsa · Jul 20, 2026 · 1 min read

The weekly FI playbook

Actionable strategies, community wins, and podcast highlights delivered every Tuesday.

Income Limit for Roth IRA — 2026 Thresholds, Phase-Outs, and the Backdoor Strategy Every FI Seeker Needs

Jul 16, 2026 · 1 min read

Trump Accounts Are Here: A Head Start on FI for Your Kids

Jul 14, 2026 · 1 min read

The RAP Plan Is Here: What It Means for Your FI Timeline

Jul 13, 2026 · 1 min read

How to Track Expenses: The Complete Guide to Knowing Where Every Dollar Goes

Article

Financial Independence

How to Track Expenses: The Complete Guide to Knowing Where Every Dollar Goes

Track every dollar in 30 days. Compare four methods side by side, find the best tools, and see what 471 ChooseFI communi...

Jonathan Mendonsa · Jul 9, 2026 · 1 min read

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